the next of the Womans blood should succeed the Scots gave their Daughters in Marriage to them But the Brittons who inhabited the South parts of the Island suspecting that this affinity between the Scots and the Picts might tend to their prejudice sent Ambassadors to the Picts perswading them to break with the Scots by this means the Scots suffered extreamly many of their People who dwelt among the Picts being surprized and cut off in Compensation of which they cut off as many of the Picts as they could catch thus they for a long time wasted one anothers Country with continual Incursions at last they resolved to put it to the hazard of a General Battle The Scots assembling in Argyle consulted what was fit to be done and considering that they had not only to do with the Picts but with the Brittons also therefore it was agreed to send Ambassadors to Ireland to have the Advice and Assistance of their old Friends and Progenitors in this Affair and finding that by having many supreme Captains Sedition and Division increased amongst them they resolve to elect one to have the supreem Government over the rest Their Ambassadors arriving in Ireland and representing their condition to Ferchard King of Scots he was much concerned at the wrongs done them therefore he sent his Son Fergus a wise and valiant Prince accompanied with many gallant Soldiers sending with him also the fatal Marble Chair for his incouragement Upon his arrival he called a Councel in Argyle where having made an elegant Oration he was by Unanimous Consent elected King of the Scots 1. Thus Fergus the first King of Scots was Crowned in the fatal Marble Chair which he brought with him from Ireland in the year from the Creation 3641. before the coming of Christ 330. about the beginning of the fourth Monarchy when Alexander the Great vanquished Darius the last Persian Monarch Soon after the Picts assisted by the Brittons invaded the Country against them the King most valiantly took the Field with his fierce Scots when the two Armies approached one another the Brittons stood off in Battle Array resolving that when the Scots and Picts had sufficiently weakened one another in Battle to break in upon them and destroy them both this by a Fugitive Britton was discovered to Fergus whereupon he desired an interview with the King of Picts wherein representing the eminent hazard that both of them were in by the Treachery of the Brittons after mature Deliberation it was determined that they both should convert their Arms against the Brittons this resolution was most pleasing no doubt to the Picts Wives to see their Husbands and their Fathers agreed The Brittons seeing this disappointment of their hopes break upon the Picts pillaging and spoiling at their Pleasure which when Fergus heard of he went against them and with the Assistance of the Picts he totally routed them killing their King his Name was Coil with many of his Nobles Upon this Victory the Nobles and Subjects agreed that Fergus and his Posterity should inherit the Crown of Scotland for ever whereupon Charters and Evidences were granted to them ratifying the same The Kingdom of Scotland being thus confirmed to Fergus and his Successors he with Advice and Consent of his Councel divided the whole Land then inhabited by the Scots among his Nobles and Captains making many Laws to repress Vice and Disorders Not long after he was chosen Arbitrator to determine some high Controversies amongst his Friends in Ireland whereupon he went thither accompanied with many of his Nobles and setled all their Debates But returning home he was by a tempestuous Storm driven upon a Rock in the Sea where he and all the Nobles in his Company perished this Rock is called after his Name Carrib-Fergus Thus dyed this brave and valiant Prince in the five and twentieth Year of his Raign to the unspeakable Grief and loss of his Subjects 2. Fergus being dead left two Sons behind him Ferlegus and Atainus neither of which were capable presently to manage the Government because of their tender years Whereupon a Convention was holden by the Nobles for electing of a King wherein some were for choosing one of the late Kings Children alledging that they were bound by Oath to continue the Crown in Fergus his Succession others aggravated the Danger both at home and abroad under the Government of a Child At length after a long Debate it was enacted that when it happened their King should dye the Heirs begotten of his Body being Children the nearest of the Royal Blood being the best qualified for doing of Justice should succeed and possess the Crown for his time and after his Death the former Kings Son to succeed without any impediment if he is found fit for Government This Law was in Force till the Reign of King Malcom the third Thus by this Law Feritharis Brother to Fergus the late King was chosen who begun his Reign in the Year of the World 3666. before the coming of Christ 305 Years from the beginning of the Reign of Scotland 26. Feritharis Reigned fifteen years with such Equity and Modesty that his Subjects found him an excellent King and his Nephews an excellent Tutor but at length Ferlegus having an itching after the Government and having got some loose young Men upon his side went to his Uncle and boldly demanded the Kingdom from him alledging that he enjoyed it only by way of trust during his Minority Feritharis upon this called a Convention of the Nobles where he willingly offered to resign the Kingdom in Favours of his Nephew but they being sensible how happy they had hitherto lived under his Government and knowing that the other was of a rude untractable disposition by no means would hear of it soon after there was a Conspiracy discovered against the Kings Person managed by Ferlegus and some others Whereupon he was presently arraigned and found Guilty but his Fathers memory his Uncles desire to the Parliament prevailed to have him pardoned and committed only to the keeping of some who were commanded to take special notice of all his Actions but he found a way to deceive his Keepers and make his escape he first fled to the Picts then to the Brittons where he spent the rest of his days in great Misery within a Month after Feritharis dyed not without Suspicion of being poysoned by some of his Nephews Accomplices which so inraged the Nation against him that his very Memory was hateful 3. Mainus Fergus his second Son succeeded in the Year of the World 3680. before Christ 291. After the beginning of the Reign forty one He was a noble Prince and a severe Justitiary he renewed the old League with Crinus King of Picts he dyed peaceably the 29th Year of his Reign 4. His Son Dornadill succeeded him in the Government in the Year of the World 3079. before Christ 262. after the beginning of the Reign seventy he followed his Fathers Foot-steps in Equity and Justice but was more
there was so cruel a Battle fought that Night drawing on both Parties retired but the Scots and Picts understanding that the Brittons had left the Field they returned to their Camp where they found great spoil which they divided by Law of Arms and returned home Victors where Ewenus spent the rest of his days in Peace he dyed the nineteenth of his Reign and was buried in Dunstaffage 13. Durstius his two Sons who were the nearest of the Royal Line after Evenus his Death began to contend for the Crown in the mean time Gillus base Son to Evenus having got together some Villains for his purpose suppresseth them both and Murthers them then sets himself upon the Throne A. M. 3802. before Christ 79. after the Reign 252. But not thinking himself secure so long as any of Durstius his Posterity were extant resolved to take off his three Nephews who were in the Isle of Man the eldest two he caught in his Snare and killed but the third was conveyed away by his Nurse in the Night time and carryed to Argyle where she kept him for some years in a Cave for fear of the Tyrant who was at last killed in Battel in Ireland whether he had fled by Caldebus the Captain of the Brigrands the second year of his Reign 14. Evenus the second King Finnans Nephew succeeded in the Government A. M. 3894. before Christ 77. years a good Institutor he confirmed the Peace with the Picts having married Gethus the third King of Picts his Daughter he afterward overcame Belus King of Orkney in Battle who finding no way to escape killed himself He also built Innerlosher and Innerness he dyed in the seventeenth year of his Reign 15. Ederus Durstius his Brothers Son succeeded in the Year of the World 3911. before Christ 60. after the Reign 271. Bredus of the Isles Cousin to Gillus the Tyrant brake in upon the Country the King went presently against him and overthrew him and his followers and burnt their Ships he afterward assisted the Brittons against Julius Caesar in England where by his means a Glorious Victory was obtained he dyed in Peace the forty eight year of his Reign and was buried in Dunstaffage 16. To him succeeded Evenus the third his Son A. M. 3959. before Christ 12. This man came to such a height of Luxury that not being content that he took an hundred noble Women to be his Concubines he made an Act that every Man should keep as many Wives as he pleased so that he had an Estate to maintain them and another that the King should have the first Nights enjoyment of a Noble mans Lady allowing the Noble men the same priviledge from their Inferiors He was afterward taken in Battle and imprisoned where he was killed by a young Child the seventh year of his Reign 17. Mettallan's Nephew to Ederus succeedeed A. M. 3966. before Christ 4. after the Reign 326. A King universally beloved because that in his time there was universal Peace abroad and Tranquility at Home but yet he could not reduce his Nobles from the Riotous habit that they acquired in his Predecessors time he dyed Peaceably the thirty ninth year of his Reign 18. To him succeeded Garratacus his Sisters Son A. M. 4005. A. D. 35. He first composed some Tumults that were in the Isles upon the late Kings Death then assisted his Neighbours against the Romans Some report that in his time Orkney was conquered by Claudius the Emperor and the King and Queen of it sent in Triumph to Rome After many bloody Battles fought with the Romans he at last was desired by Vespasian to submit to them and he should be reputed a Friend to the Senate and enjoy great Honours to which he answered that the Kingdom of Scotland was as free to him as the Kingdom of the Romans was to Caesar he dyed Peaceably the twentieth year of his Reign 19. To him succeeded his Brother Corbred A. M. 4025. after Christ 55. after the Reign 385. The Islanders who almost in every Interregnum stirred up Sedition hoping for a Change therein divers expeditions quite subdued by him He suppressed Thieves going frequently from place to place doing Justice he dyed in the tenth year of his Reign and was buried in Dunstaffage 20. Corbred's Son being a Child the Parliament chused Dardan Nephew Metellan A. M. 4042. after Christ 72. there were great hopes had of him at first but within three years he degenerated and became an odious Tyrant murthering and destroying all the wisest and best of his Councellors and to compleat his Villainies hired a Ruffian to murther Corbred's two Sons who were in the Isle of Man but the Traitor being taken just ready to perpetrate the Villany was forced to discover the whole Plot Whereupon the Nobles Unanimously resolved to revenge the Treason but the King absconding himself and his Forces being defeated by the Nobles was at last taken and his Head struck off the fourth year of his Reign 21. Corbred the second Surnamed Galdus cometh next to the Throne after Christ 76. A Couragious and warlike Prince in his days the Romans had greatly inlarged their Borders for having quite routed the Brittons they went as far North as the River Tay and had probably gone further had not that Valiant warrier Agricola been called home by Domitian who envied his Success he was no sooner gone but Corbred came with an Army and made a great slaughter among the Romans pursuing them from one place to another till at length they were glad to beg their Peace which was granted upon very Honourable terms Corbred having spent the rest of his days in Peace dyed the thirty fifth year of his Reign and was buried in Dunstaffage 22. Luctacus succeeded his Father Corbred Anno Dom. 110. A most Flagitious man given to all kinds of Lewdness and Cruelty which his Nobles perceiving at a Convention of the States began to reprove him for his Wickness and Tyranny He being inraged at this commanded some of them to be put to Death but instead of being obeyed they fell upon him and his Complices and killed them the third year of his Reign he was buried in Dunstaffage 23. To him succeeded Mogald Corbred the second Sisters Son A. D. 113. the beginning of his Reign was fortunate for he Governed most Prudently and Successfully He discharged the Romans from approaching the Confines of his Kingdom and defended the Picts from them he defeated Lucus with his Romans in Westmorland and obtained a great Victory In his time Adrian the Emperor came into Brittain where he built Adrians Wall from the mouth of Tyne to the Flood of Esk fourscore miles in length he was killed in the thirty third year of his Reign 24. Conar succeeded his Father Mogald A. D. 149. Who became a cruei Tyrant and was suspected to have had a hand in Conspiring his Fathers Death he did greatly dilapidate the Rents of the Crown by his Extravagancies being forced to call a Parliament he
means of one Caransius a Roman who was afterward King of Britain they made peace King Crathelinth passed the rest of his days in peace and dyed the 24 year of his Reign he was buried in Dunstaffage 35. To him succeeded his Cousin German Fincormach A. D. 301. A Prince both Pious and Valiant he Joyned with the Britains against the Romans and after a most Bloody battel routed them pursuing them as far as Yorke Having procured Peace abroad he wholly applyed himself to the utter extirpating of Idolatry In his days fell out the ninth Persecution under Aurelius and the tenth under Dioclesian which gave occasion to many Christians from divers parts of the Empire now a second time to flee to Scotland for refuge as they had done once before under Domitian Among those Fugitives who fled thither for shelter from the general Massacre were many excellent men in Piety and Learning whom the King not only did kindly receive but also imployed to assist him and his council in the further setling of Christianity in his Dominion and in the total Extirpation of Idolatry out of it which was so much the harder work because of the Druides the principal false Prophets and Idolatrous Priests of those days who not only by their subtil Hypocrisy and sence pleasing Divine service but also by a cunning forcast having drawn into their hands the hearing and determining of Civel affairs had so gained upon the spirits of the Poor and Simple people that they could not imagine how to be without them and live The resolute care and labour of this gracious King and his Council together with the help of these Pious and Learned men prevailed at last utterly to overthrow and abolish the Groves with the Alters under the Oaks and all Idol service and to Establish the pure worship of God in all places of his Dominions filling the Rooms of these false Prophets with Godly and Learned teachers among the people which was done in all places throughout the Kingdom but especially in the Islands which those Pious men took for their particular abode as being most fit for a retired life and namely in the Isle of Man the King caused a Church to be built to the honour of our Saviour these Holy men were for their labouring so much in Gods worship called Colidei or Culdees This good King dyed in peace the 47 year of his Reign and was buried in Dunstaffage 36. Romach brothers Son to Crathelinth after a hot debate by the assistance of the Picts possessed himself of the Throne A. D. 348. But proving a cruel Tyrant he was killed by his Nobles the 3 d year of his Reign in his time Christianity began in Ireland 37. Augustian Another of Crathelinth's Brothers sons succeeded A.D. 351. a Valiant and peaceable King The late Kings associates not thinking themselves secure fled to the Picts whom they instigated to make War upon the Scots in revenge of Romacks death Augustian hearing of their purpose sent to Hertanus the King of the Picts acquainting him how dangerous a War betwixt them at that time might prove The Romans and Britains being so apt to take advantage of them when they are low but all would not do whereupon he went against them with his Forces and quite Defeated them killing many of their Nobles Afterward they renewed their strength and came to the Wood of Camelon where the King of Scots with his Army lay where they fought a most bloody battel on both sides both the Kings were killed with many of their Nobles in the third year of his Reign He was buried in Dunstaffage without Succession 38. Fethelmack The youngest of Crathelinths Brothers Sons Succeeded A. D. 354. A Valiant Prince he scarcely Reigned two years when having raised an Army he went against the Picts and gave them a most fatal overthrow killing their King in Battel he was afterward Trayterously murthered in his bed by two perfidious Picts who insinuated themselves into his favour with the assistance of an Harper the groans of the dying King being over heard by his Servants they came rushing into the Room where they took the Villains in the very Act of their cruelty who were afterward tormented to death At this time St Andrews Church was built by the King of the Picts at the request of St Rewell he dyed the third year of his Reign and was buried in Dunstaffage 39. To him Succeeded Ewin the first Son to Fincormach A. D. 357. A Valiant Just and good King In his time the Romans resolving to be Masters of the whole Island and to destroy both Scots and Picts first Communicate to the Picts their purpose to Eradicat the Scots and that if they would be assistant therein they should enjoy all their Lands holding it of the Romans They as a base ungratefull people accepted the proffer So that the Scots had now to do with Romans Britains and Picts In the first Battel the Romans and the others were worsted but soon after the Romans renewing their strength with all their Adherents Eugen or Ewen upon the other hand convened all that could bear arms in his Dominions knowing they were to fight for no less then their Country and Liberty They engaged at the River Dun the Battel was most bloody with doubtful success for a while but at last the Scots being over powered with fresh supplies from the Romans were forced to fly leaving the King and his Brother with fifty thousand of their men dead in the Field They fled some to the Isles some to Ireland and Scandia they attempted several times to recover their Countrey but in Vain till at length the King of Picts dying the Roman Legat charged them that they should choose no other King but live under the Roman Government and by Roman laws when they saw this they became some what sensible of their folly and treachery to their best neighbours resolving at length to call them home and Joyne forces them that the one might recover their Country the other their Liberty 40. Echadius the Kings Brother upon the late fatal defeat finding there was no shelter for him in his Country departed with his Son Hutha and his Grandson Fergus to Scandia there they were kindly entertained In process of time Echadius and Hutha dying Fergus became a most Valiant man gained great fame in France and Pannonia To him the Picts sent Embassadors inviting him home promised there assistance toward the recovering of his Country which he readily accepted of and having arrived with a few Danes and Goths in his company the Scots likewise gathering to him he soon regained his Kingdom being Victorious against the Romans in many Battels at last he was killed in Battel by the Romans the sixteenth year of his Raigne and was buried in Icolmkill which was the burial place for the Kings till King Malhiscom Kanmors days having left the Kingdom almost in as bad case as he found it 41. To him Succeeded his son Eugenius the second A.
to account but were disswaded by one Colmar a Religious Monk who told them that Gods hand would soon be upon him which accordingly fell out For being at Hunting he was Bitten by a Wolfe which caused a dangerous Feavour of which he dyed declaring his sorrow for his former Life the eighteenth year of his Reign 55. To him Succeeded Malduin Donald the fourths Son A. D. 664. A wise and Religious Prince the Argyle and Lenox men much infested the Country by their Animosities between themselves the Leaders of the Sedition he put to death at this time the Plague had over spread all Europe whereof infinite multitudes dyed every where but the Scots and Picts were preserved from it This good King was strangled by his Queen upon suspicion of Adultery the twentyth year of his Reign She and her Servants were the next day burnt alive 56. Ewin The first Malduins Brothers Son Succeeded A. D. 684. Edfried King of Northumberland Invaded Scotland having the assistance of the Picts but they deserting him he was routed and ten Thousand of his men killed The next year Edfried Invaded the Picts they pretending to fly drew him upon an Ambush where he and all his Army were cut off The Scots and Britains also entering Northumberland so afflicted that King that he was never able to recover his losses Ewin dyed the fourth year of his Reign 57. Ewin the sixth Ferchard the seconds Son Succeeded A. D. 688. A Religious and Learned King he had neither certain Peace nor certain War with his Neighbours He dyed the ninth year of his Reign It is said that in his time it rained Blood for seven days over all Britan that also the Milk Butter and Cheese was turned into Blood 58. Amberkelleth Succeeded A. D. 697. At first he appeared a Sober Prince but he soon put of the Mask turning to all kinds of wickedness he was killed by the Shot of an Arrow in the night time the second year of his Reign 59 To him Succeeded Ewin the seventh his Brother A. D. 699. He made peace with the King of Picts and Marryed his Daughter who within a year after being with Child was Murthered in her Bed instead of the King by two Brothers of Athols who had Conspired the Kings death He was a good and Religious King he dyed the sixteenth year of his Reign 60. Ewin A little before his death recommended to the Nobles Mordach Amberkeleths Son who was chosen A. D. 715. An Excellent Prince he procured Peace over all Britain he repaired many decayed Churches and built the Monastery of Whitehorne He dyed the sixteenth year of his Reign 61. To him Succeeded Etfin Ewin the sevenths Son A. D. 730. A Religious King and severe Justitiar being aged after that he had Reigned 30 years he elected four Regents viz. the Thanes of Argyle Athole Gallaway and Murray to govern his Subjects but their Government was greivous He dyed the thirty first year of his Reign 62. Ewin the Eighth Mordachs Son Succeeded A. D. 761. His first work was to put to death Donald Lord of the Isles and the Earle of Galloway for their cruelty in the Late Kings latter days But he himself afterward degenerating into all Vices was killed by his Nobles the third year of his Reign 63. Fergus the third Etfins Son Succeeded A. D. 764. He Married Ethiolia Daughter to the King of Picts who having several times admonished him of his adulteries at last with the help of some of his familiar Servants strangled him and being accused thereupon confessed the fact and presently stabbed her self to the Heart with a Dagger The King was buried in Icolmkill the third year of his Reign 64. Solwath Ewin the Eighths Son Succeeded A. D. 767 A Valiant Prince He was much troubled with the Gout of which Donald a Bane Captain of the Isles taking advantage proclaimed himself King of the Isles breaking also in upon the Continent made great Havock but at length was by Duchal Captain of Argyle and Duchal Captain of Athol beset in a Wood where their was no way to Escape their he and all his followers were cut to pieces This good King dyed of the Gout the twentith year of his Reign 65. Acaius Etfins Son Succeeded A.D. 787. He made a new peace with the English and Picts finding that the Irish intended to make war against him because of a slaughter that was committed in Kintire upon some Irish Robbers yet he sent Ambassadors to Ireland shewing how little ground they had to denounce war and how little it would tend to their Honour to revenge the quarrel of a pack of Thieves but they not giving ear to his peaceable message presently Rigged out a Fleet which was not two Nights at Sea when it was utterly ruined by a storme which made the Irish now supplicate for a peace upon any terms which the King readily granted He soon after made a League with Charles the great King of France and Emperor of Germany which continues inviolated to this day For the corroboration of which Achaius sent his Brother William with Forty thousand Valiant warriours to assist the aforesaid Charles in his Wars against the Infidels where he purchased great Fame being commonly called by the Princes of France The Knight without Reproach Before this time also some Learned Men passed from Scotland unto France among which Johannes Scotus who was Charles's Tutor was singular for his Learning who together with Clemens another of his Country men Founded the University of Paris Achaius Marryed Fergusian Sister to Hungus King of the Picts who bore to him one Son called Alpine who afterward Succeeded to be King of Scotland and Heir to the King of Picts King Achaius dyed the thirty second year of his Reign 66. To him Succeeded Congal his Cousin German A. D. 819. He Governed peaceably for five years 67. Dongal Salvatius's Son Succeeded A. D. 824. who having settled the peace at home sent his Embassadors to the Picts demanding the right of Succession in the name of Alpin Son to King Achaius being there own King dyed without Succession which they refusing to do Dongal denounced war against them but he Unfortunatly Perished in a Boat as he was passing over the river of Spey in the seventh year of his Reign 68. Alpin Acaius's Son succeeded A-D. 831. A Valiant Prince he led the Army which was raised by Dongall against the Picts to assert his Title to their Crown wherein a most bloody Battel he with his own hand slew Feredech their King then they Elected Brudus his Son who was killed the first year of his Reign in a Tumult raised by his Subjects His Brother Kenneth succeeded to him who coming with an Army against the Scots rent off his Coat of Armour and fled to the Mountains where he was shamefully killed by a Country man not knowing who he was whereupon the Picts Elected Brudus a fierce and valiant Prince to be their King who sent his Ambassadors to Alpine desiring
purpose for soon after she signed a Warrant for a Mandate fitted for the Great Seal for her Execution which was performed upon Wednesday the 8th of February 1586. Queen Elizabeth immediately after Writes a Letter full of Apologies and fair promises to King James yet notwithstanding in great discontent he calls home his Ambassadours from the Court of England The States of Scotland urge him to a revenge The King of Spain also and the Pope promise him great assistance if he would undertake it but he thought fit to delay for a time which made England the more suspitious of his Designs Wherefore an Ambassadour was sent to him earnestly desiring him to take off his adherence from Forreign Friendship assuring him that his Mothers fate would be no prejudice to his right of Succession which was a powerful Argument with him The next Year the Kings Marriage with the King of Denmarks Daughter was agreed upon In the mean time the Popish Lords such as Huntly Cranford and Aâ—rol make a Rebellion in the North to suppress which the King himself went in Person at his coming the Rebels disperse the Headers of them submitted to the Kings Mercy and are commited close Prisoners and not long after Tryed and found Guilty but the Sentence was delayed to an indefinite time which at last turned to a Pardon The King hearing that his Marriage was consumated at Denmark by Proxie and the Queen at Sea was soon after surprised with the News that her Navy was beat into Norway by a Storm He presently resolves to go thither and meet Her which he does very privately leaving the Government of the Kingdom to his Council Within five dayes he arrives at Norway where he was solemnly Marryed the next Sunday From thence he went with his Queen to Visit the Queen Mother of Denmark where they staid till April following Then having sent for Shipping to return they Landed at Leith the 20 th day of May Anno Dom. 1590. and a little after the Queen was solemnly Crowned at Holy-Rood-House Though the King made severe Laws against Feuds yet were they not quite suppressed for by reason of a quarrel between the Earles of Huntly and Murray the North broke very loose as did the Kers also in the South but they were soon suppressed till Bothwel afterward being Imprisoned for consulting with Witches to take away the Kings Life and having escaped made an attempt upon the Kings Lodgings and was repulsed being suspected to have been with Murray the Earl of Huntly procures a Warrant to take him and coming to Dunnibirsle where Murray was firing the House Murray attempting to make his Escape was Barbarously Murdered Bothwel having so often been disappointed of his designes at last having got some of the Lords on his side he came in by the Postern-gate under disguise of attending my Lady Athole with another of his Companions armed to the very Bed-Chamber where he forced the King to grant him a Pardon which was the next day repealed in Council and Bothwel and his Associates forced to fly Anno Dom. 1593. The Queen was delivered of her first Born in Sterliâ—g where he was Christned in the Chappel Roval by the Name of Henry Frederick Two Years after Princess Elizabeth was born at Edenburgh The King resolving to bring the Church of Scotland to a Conformity in Government and Ceremonies did occasion much confusion for the Ministers strong opposed having also a great part of the Nobility on their side The Popish Lords and others unable to stand out any longer submitted to the Censure of the Church The next Year a Parliament is called wherein the King will have some of the Ministers sit as representing the Church being Church Affairs as well as Affairs of State are handled there Anno Dom. 1599. John Earl of Goury and his Brother Alexander attempt to kill the King at Perth but both of them dyed in the attempt and had all their Lands seized for the Kings use In commemoration of which the 5th of August is annually celebrated The 26 th of February 1600. Prince Charles was born at Domfermling which afterward was King of Great Britain c. The Jesuits having no hope of Toleration in Scotland all their Politicks having failed them they went the old way to work One Moubray at the Court of Spaiâ— undertook to kill King James but as he was upon his way to London he was discovered by an Italian who accused him of his intended Murther whereupon they were both taken and sent to Scotland Moubray was committed to the Castle where having found a way to break the Iron Grates of the Prison window thought to have let himself down by a Rope which proving too short he fell from the precipice and dashed out his braines upon a Rock Queen Elizabeths health beginning to decay by reason of her age and the great troubles she had undergone removes from London to Richmond where she daily became weaker and weaker The Lord Admiral Lord Keeper and Secretary Cecil came from the Council to know her pleasure concerning her Successor She answered My Throne is for a King none othâ—â— shall Succeed me Cecil asked her What King She said What other King than my Kinsman the King of Scots Then after some time not stirring she leasurely turned her head about and dyed the Seventyeth year of her Age the 24th of March 1602. Her eyes being shut the same day the Lords Spiritual and Temporal being Assembled proclaimed her death and declared King James her Successor Presently Posting Letters to him acquainting him with the Queens Death and being a Body without a Head humbly desiring his Majesty to hasten to them how soon and in what manner he pleaseth The King having communicated these Letters to his Privy-Council returns them his acknowledgment of their dutifull Affection The King sets out for England ordering the Queen to follow Twenty days after the Princes Henry Charles and Princess Elizabeth at further Pleasure He was most magnificently Entertained all the way having a Gallant train of Scottish Noblemen and other Gentlemen to convey him to Berwick where he was most magnificently received by the English and accompanied with Shouts and Acclamations of Joy by all ranks in his Journey through England till he came to London His first Reception was in the Charter-House where he stayed four days having confered the Honour of Knighthood upon 80 Gentlemen On St. Jameses's day the King and Queen were Crowned at Westminster in the Fatal Marble Chair Secretary Elphingston was within a few years after accused by the King for Writing Letters to the Pope in his Name which he confessed and was thereupon committed but soon after pardoned The King was not allowed to enjoy the pleasure of his new Title with Peace for soon after followed the Treason of the Lord Cobham and Gray with Sir Walter Rawley and others for which some of the number being condemned to dye and brought to the very Block obtained a Pardon His Majesty took
sent to bring home the Queen he was no sooner gone then his Interest at Court began to fall for a Parliament being called the Lord Boyd and his Brother Sir Alexander are summoned to appear thereupon he distrusting this Case fled to England but his Brother was taken and Arraigned the Earl of Arran also though absent is declared a Rebel The Queen arriving with her fleet arriving in the Ferth My Lady Arran went aboard in disguise and informed her Husband of the calamity of his House perswaded him to do for himself whereupon he hoisted Sails and returned with his Lady to Denmark The King sendeth Letters full of promises and threatnings to move his sister to return to Scotland which when she did she was constrained to be divorced from her Husband and to Marry James Lord Hamilton not long after the Earl of Arran dyed in great misery at Antwerp Queen Margaret the third year after her Marriage brought forth a Son who was named James the King of Denmark to Congratulate the happy delivery of his Daughter released all his claims to the Isles of Orkney and Sherland but in the midst of this calm a cloud begins to overcast the Kings Splendor for his Brothers being Princes of unquiet and restless spirits they set themselves altogether to study Novelties and to bring him into contempt with his Subjects to this end they had drawn away many of the young Nobility and Gentry to follow them The King was Naturally Superstitious giving much head to divinations which gave also his Brothers occasion to vilifie him and incense his people against him yea the Earl of Marre became so Insolent that in the Kings own presence he began to raile against the Government of the state and Court which the King highly resenting caused to Imprison him where he fell in a high Fever whereof he dyed The Duke of Albany imputed the death of his Brother to the Court party but while he was keeping his Cabals in order to an Insurrection he was surprised and Imprisoned in the Castle of Edenburgh out of which he soon after made his escape to France thence he came to England and began to tamper with King Edward revealing to him the weakness of the Kingdom of Scotland and how easily it might be subdued the Nobility not respecting the King but much affecting a change in the Government which by his assistance might easily be effected he promised also to settle a corespondence with the Nobles of Scotland which he did then that they might get their design wrought gives way for the breaking loose of the Borders fierce incursions are made by the English upon Scotland and by the Scots upon the English and the discontented Nobility blame the King for all thereupon pretending the necessity of the times and the danger the Kingdom was in they entered into a Bond of association after which they enter the Kings bed chamber where they seized some of his Servants in his presence and put them to death as incendiaries in the state About this time the Duke of Gloucester set forward toward Scotland with two and twenty thousand men finding Berwick two strong for him he marches directly to Edenburgh there by publick writings at the Market places he gave out high demands all which King James being shut up in Edenburgh Castle answered with silence the disatisfied Lords having obtained what they chiefly aimed at wished the English at home again therefore they desire a peace with them which the Duke of Gloucester granted upon condition that all his demands were satisfied one of which was to reinstall the Duke of Albany which after much debate was granted and he with his Army returned home The Duke of Albany having recovered his Estate and Honours his first work was to restore the King to his Prerogatives reconciling him to his discontented Lords but he himself stood not long in his favour for by the advice of some of his Enemies about the King a Plot is resolved upon to bring the Duke within compass of Law which he being aware of fled to England to present to King Edward and the Duke of Gloucester his grievancies in his absence he is convinced of many points of Treason whereupon he and the Lord Crightton his Associate are both forfeited which when he heard he presently caused to give up the Castle of Dunbar whereof he was Lieutenant to King Edward who immediately put a Garison in it Not long after the said King Edward dyed and his Brother Richard Duke of Gloucester Succeeded The Duke of Albany obtains five hundred Horse from King Richard with which he came with the old Earl of Douglass to Lochmabban to surprise a Fair which was held there whereupon the Laird of Johnston who was warden dispatched Posts about for supply of men with which he Encountred the Duke here it is most Couragously fought on both sides but at last the English are quite routed the Duke hardly by swiftness of his Horse escaped but the Earl of Dowglass is taken and brought in Triumph to Edenburgh where the King adjudged him to perpetual confinement soon after followed a Truce with England for three years but before the time was expired Henry Earl of Richmond came with some Companies out of France of which that Famous warriour Bernard Stewart Lord Albany Brother to the Lord Darnly had the leading which by the resort of his Country men turned into an Army and Rencountred Richard at Bosworth where he was killed and Henry Proclaimed King of England King James taking advantage of this change besieged Dunbar which was soon surrendred upon Articles After this King Henry sent Embassadors to King James to agree if possible upon a lasting and firm Peace between the two Crowns at length after some difficulty they agree upon a Truce for seven years The King having settled a Peace with England betakes himself to the Exercise of Religion having founded a Colledge for divine Service in the Castle of Sterling he endeavoured to annex the Priory of Goldingham to it The Priors of this Convent having for many years been of the Name of Humealedged that they were wronged of their Right First they began to Petition but finding this uneffectual they began to associate with their Neighbours giving it out that the King was a meer Tyrant not to be trusted by which means many of the Hearts of the Subjects were alienated from the King The King understanding how things stood he made choice of a Guard to defend his Person resolving to live beyond the River Ferth of which when the Lords of the Insurrection were certified they surprize the Castle Dunbar and tumultuously over-run the Countries besouth the Ferth Thus coming to Lithgow they resolved to make the Duke of Rothesay the Kings own Son their Head whom having corrupted his Keepers with Bribes they constrained to go with them But the King loosing neither Courage nor Councel passeth the Ferth near Blackness with his Forces before his arrival at this place
his Ambassage was That the two Kings must have an interview at York this so startled the Church-men fearing that his Uncle might infect the King with the Opinions of the new Reformers that they opposed it with all their might Yet the King and his Council proposed that the Meeting might be at New-Castle which the Lord Howard would in no wise hear of but departed in a chafe King James having so many great Matches in his offer now resolves to accept of some one or other wherefore Sailing from Kirkaldie in ten days he arrived at Diep in Normandy and from thence to Vandosme where the Lady Mary of Burbon was but upon some considerations he setled not his Affections upon her though a great Beauty but went to Paris where he fell in Love with Magdalen Daughter to King Francis with her he was Married in the Church of Nostradam with great Solemnity and soon after Returned with her to Scotland but to his great Grief she Dyed within a few Months after and was Buried at Holyrood-House Not long after the King desirous of Succession sendeth David Beaton and the Lord Maxwel to France to propose Marriage in his Name to Mary of Lorrain In the mean time two Plots against his Life are discovered at Court one by John Eldest Son to the Lord Forbes who thereupon was put to Death yet the King was much Grieved afterward finding great probability that he was accused through Malice The other was Jane Doughlass with her Husband Archbald Campbel of Keepneeth who in the thoughts of many were as groundlesly Accused as the first yet both were found Guilty and Dyed for it The King's Marriage with the foresaid Lady being Concluded they are Married by Proxie and she Arrived in Scotland A. D. 1538. Soon after the Queen Dowager Dyed at Methwen and was Buried in the Charter-House of Perth Now began the Kingdom to be divided in Matters of Religion the Reformation breaking in upon them which perplexed the King exceedingly not knowing what course to take His Council was against violent Courses to be followed but the Prelates who had most his Ear gave him a quite contrary Advice after which most vigorous Inquisitions are established and Punishments denounced against all such as departed from Popery whereupon some are Burnt alive others Banished and many Imprisoned amongst which was that famous Poet and Historian Master George Buchanan who whilst his Keepers Slept escaped by a Window of the Prison the Muses holding the Rope The King of England having by this time so Irritated the Pope that he was Excommunicated sendeth again to his Nephew King James desiring an Interview at York the Nobility were clearly for it but the Church-men fearing their Bacon was as much against it pretending the hazard that his Person and Kingdom would be lyable to After long reasoning upon both sides it was agreed That the King should not altogether refuse to meet his Uncle but adhere to the first offer proposed to his Ambassador concerning this Interview which the King of England rather than his Sute should take no effect accepts But an Incursion which hapened upon the Borders made him that he lost all heart to the Interview hereupon he sendeth many Letters excusing his stay also representing his many Grievances and Wrongs thus were the Seeds of Discord again sown amongst them The reformed Religion by this time begins to be professed by many for the curbing of which the Prelates presents Sir James Hamilton natural Son to the Earl of Arran to be Supream Judge of the Inquisition which turned to his own Ruine for while he is vigorously Persecuting all such as were suspected of the reformed Religion having many in Jayles and multitudes in Scrolls to bring within the Labyrinth of a Process the Supream Providence Arresteth himself For having a Process against James Hamilton Sheriff of Lithgow his own Couzen the said James Accuses him of High Treason for which notwithstanding all that the Prelates could do in his Favour he was Tryed Condemned and put to Death Not long after divers of the Nobility became to Favor the Protestant Religion which so perplexed the King that he knew not what to do he became very sullen and retired that he would scarce suffer his own Domesticks to come near to add to his perplexity as he lay in the Palace of Lithgow in the midst of the Night he leaped out of his Bed and called for Lights commandeth his Servants to search for Thomas Scot his Justice Clerk who he said stood by his Bed-side loaden with great Weights cursing the time that ever he Served him for by too much Obedience to him he was by the Justice of God condemned to everlasting Torments Soon after News came That the said Thomas Scot Dyed at Edenburgh much about the same Hour of the Night Another Instance of the same nature was Sir James Hamilton a little after his Death seemed to the King to have appeared to him in a gastly manner with a Sword in his hand with which he thought he cut off both his Arms advertising him he would come again shortly and be more fully revenged The next day after the Vision word came that both his Sons were departed this Life almost in one hour King Henry finding himself disappointed by his Nephew of their Meeting and understanding the Church-men to have been the occasion of it maketh Prizes of all the Scottish Ships that his Fleet could meet with by Sea and Incursions with his garrisoned Souldiers by Land King James directeth James Lermonth of Darsie to his Uncle to give sufficient Reasons for his not meeting him at New-Castle and to demand Restitution of his Ships King Henry not only refuseth to restore the Ships but also delaying the Answer of the Scottish Ambassador to gain time sendeth Sir Robert Bâ—wes seconded with the Earl of Angus and Sir George Douglass in hasty manner to invade Scotland These to the number of Three Thousand Burn and Destroy all before them till at last the Earl of Huntly with some Borderers meeting them at a Place called Valldanrigg quite routed them Killed many and took some Prisoners The next Summer King Henry sent the Earl of Norfolk towards Scotland with an Army of Forty Thousand Men accompanied with a great many of the English Nobility King James advertised of their coming Mustered an Army of Thirty Thousand Men on Falla-moor to Oppose them When the Duke of Norfolk understood that he was resolved to give him Battel choosing rather to make an honourable Retreat than give a doubtful Charge he retireth off the Scottish ground Whereupon King James encouraged his Nobility and Army to follow them and revenge old Quarrels The Nobles answered That to defend their Prince and Country they would hazzard their Lives or whatever was dear to them If the Enemy had stayed upon Scottish Ground they would either make them retire or Dung the Field with their Carcasses But to Invade England they did not think their Quarrel just
pressed mightily for Money alledging that his Revenues was not answerable to his Charges but his Nobles answered his demands in another manner then he expected for they presently degraded and imprisoned him Ardgad Captain of Argyle made Governor He dyed in Prison the fourteenth year of his Reign and was buried in Dunstaffage 25. After him Ethod the first Sisters Son to Mogad began to Reign A. D. 163. He highly applauded Ardgad his Government keeping him still in great Trust with himself He sent him to the Isles to allay some Tumults that were beginning to stir which he did as he thought effectually but he was not long gone then they became worse than before wherefore the King sent him thither again where he was unfortunately killed this so inraged the King that he went thither himself in Person and made them soundly smoke for their Insolency Having composed his Affairs at home and abroad he began to give himself to ease but soon after he was killed in his Chamber by an Irish Harper whom he kept to make Musick to him the thirty third year of his Reign 26. Ethod having no Sons ripe for the Government his Brother Satrael succeeded him A. D. 199. He was so cruel that he made it his Work to cut off all the antient Nobility but was at length stabbed by one of his Courtiers the fourth year of his Reign and was buried in Dunstaffage 27. His Brother Donald the first succeeded him A. D. 199. A Prince famous for Princely Endowments but especially in that he was the first King that imbraced Christianity in Scotland and gave it his Royal Sanction tho' for several years before his time the Gospel had it's Professors tho' not publickly owned he with the Concurrence of his Nobles made what Reformation he could yet could he not during his Life get the People weaned from their old Heathenish Superstitions In his time Sevesus the Emperor came into Brittain with a Prodigious Army intending no less than to Conquer the whole Island The Scots and Picts at his coming betake them to the Hills and draws him after them but his Army suffered grievously having as one Writes lost 50000. Men in that expedition at length they came to a Peace with him after which he built a great Wall reaching from Forth to Clyde Peace being concluded abroad Donald returned home and passed the rest of his days in Peace he dyed the eighteenth year of his Reign and was buried in Dunstaffage 28. Ethodius the second Son to Ethodius the first succeeded Donald A. D. 216. A man of a foolish and cross Temper unfit to Govern that fierce People but his Nobles managed the Government prudently he at last was killed in a Tumult made by his Domesticks the sixteenth year of his Reign and was buried in Dunstaffage 29. His Son Athircus is made King A. D. 231. At first he gave great grounds of hope that he should prove an accomplished Prince but it proved quite contrary he turned extreamly profligate prostituting Noble mens Daughters to his Companions Upon which account one Hotholocus a Noble man conspired against him which he perceiving that there was no way to escape killed himself the twelfth year of his Reign 30. Athircus being Dead Hatholocus procured himself to be chosen King A. D. 242. A cruel and lascivious Tyrant being acquainted that Ethircus his Children were with the Picts he called the chief of the Nobility whom he knew to have been Athircus his Friends pretending he wanted their Advice in some matters of State whent he had got them convened in one place he caused them to be thrown in Prison and soon after executed Whereupon their Friends rebelled and the King going about to gather an Army to subdue them was killed by one of his Courtiers the eleventh year of his Reign 31. Hathalocus being thus dead Athircus his children are called home and Findochus the eldest of them set upon the Throne A. D. 253. a wise and valiant Prince his first Expedition was against Donald of the Isles who under pretence of revenging the late Kings death had raised an Army him he subdued forcing him to flee to his Ships where being hotly pursued he got into a small Boat which being over loaden immediately sunk and he perished yet his Son whose name was Donald keept up the quarrel against him Hindoch went with an Army entering the Islands wasted them so that they were left almost quite desolate Donald finding his weakness betakes him to treacherous courses and striking in with Carance the Kings brother they instigated two Ruffians to Murther him both which were tormented to death The 11 th year of his Reign he was buried in Dunstaffage 32. To him succeeded his youngest Brother Donald the 2 d A. D. 264. An excellent Prince while he was preparing to reveng his Brothers death he heard that Donald of the Isles had made an inroad upon Murray not in the quality of a Robber but of a King Where upon commanding the strength of the Kingdom to follow him he went against him with those forces he had in readiness which Donald hearing of took such tedious marches that he was close upon the Kings Camp before any was a ware which obliged the King to fight but the inequality of their number was such that the King was defeated most of his men killed himself being wounded with several of his Nobles were taken He dyed the third day after partly of his wounds and partly of Melancholy the first year of his Reign he was buried in Dunstaffage 33 Donald Lord of the Isles usurped the Crown A. D. 265. excercising much cruelty none dared to oppose him having so many of the Nobility his prisoners whom he threatned upon every provocation to kill At length Crathelinth Son to King Findochus who having lurked long with his Nurse and was believed to be dead having gathered a few subtil men together went directly to Donalds Court who dissembling both his name and quality became in a short time very intimate with him but when he found his opportunity he put an end to the Tyrants days the 12 th year of his Reign conveying himself and his followers away undiscovered There was all this time a sore Persecution of the Christians under the Emperor Decius 34. Crathelinth was set upon his Fathers Throne A. D. 277. A Valiant and religious King He first caused all the late Tyrants Race to be Razed to the foundation for preventing the mischief might follow he also purged the Land of Superstitions planting the true Christian Religion This King having peace on all sides he addicted himself much to hunting one day as he was at his sport one of the Picts stole away a Dog in which he greatly delighted but the keeper of the Kings dogs being informed where he was kept went to take him and striving to take him by force was killed in the place which was the beginning of a sad war that lasted a long time but at last by
D. 420. A Valiant and Victorious Prince he managed the Government by the help of the Valiant Grame whose father was banished out of Scotland with Ethod Brother to King Eugenius the first who married a Virgin of the Blood Royal of Denmark She brought forth a daughter to him which was married to Fergus the second Eugenius his Father this Grame being the Kings Grandfather was mighty helpful to him against the Romans for he pulled down the wall of Abercorn built by the Romans called afterward Grames Dick as also Adrians Wall over against the Irish Seas By his help the Kings of Scots and Picts past with Fire and Sword through all the bounds between Tyne and Humber here they fought a most bloody Battel in which there were 15000. Britains killed together with most of their Princes and Nobles but few of the Scots by which means they totally expelled the Romans out of Britain and brought the Britains under Contribution reserving also to themselves the whole Land lying between Tyne and Humber This Prince dyed the one and thirtyth year of his Reign having the seventh year delivered his Country from the Romish Yoke 496 years after that Julius Caesar brought them first under Tribute 42. To him his Brother Dongard Succeeded A. D. 451 A Prince fitted both for war and peace in his time the Pelagian Heresie infested the Church for curing of which Celestine Bishop of Rome sent one Paladius into Scotland he is said to have been the first who Instituted Bishops there for untill that time the Church was governed by Monks this King dyed the fifth year of his Reign 43. Constantine the first Succeeded to Dongard A. D. 457. A man full of bad qualities cruel to his Subjects but fearful of his Enemies given up also to all kind of Lasciviousness the Picts seeing his unworthiness broke with him his Subjects also were at the very nick of Rebellion He was slain in the two and twentyth year of his Reign by a Noble man of the Isles whose Daughter he had defloured 44. To him Succeeded Congall the first A. D. 479. His first work was to reduce his Subjects from the sottish and base customs to which his Father had inured them The Britains seeing him inclin'd to peace perswaded Aurelius Ambrosius to demand restitution of Westmorland from him which he denying to do they draw to Arms on both sides but being better advised they again agreed that things should stand as Constantine left them During the Reign of Congall he had Wars with the Saxons but no great action In his time lived those two famous Prophets Merlin and Gildas He dyed the two and twentyth year of his Reign 45. His Brother Govan Succeeded him A. D. 501. who governed the Kingdom with great discretion In his time arrived in Britain Occa and Passentius the Sons of Hengist with an Army of German Souldiers against whom came King Ambrose and fought and routed them but with small reason to boast of his Victory for he lost the prime of his Nobility in that ingagement he thereupon sent for the King of Scots and Picts to come to his assistance finding himself so much weakened Occa being advertised thereof sent his Brother Passentius to Germany for assistance who by contrary winds being driven upon the coast of Ireland gathered a considerable number of Souldiers of fortune and returned home In the mean time Ambrosius was Poysoned by Occaes means to him Succeeded the Valiant King Arthur who by assistance of the Scots and Picts obtained several great Victories against the Saxons Govan having made peace with all his Neighbours returned home He dyed the thirty fourth year of his Reign not without suspicion of Treacherie in which Donald Captain of Athlo had no small hand 46. Eugenius or Ewen the third Congallus the firsts Son Succeeded A. D. 535. a wise and prudent Prince he consulted with some of his Nobles about revenging the late Kings death but found by their Coldness and Unconcernedness in the matter ground of suspicion that they themselves were not Inocent of it which made him dread their designes against Himself Yet he managed the Government so wisely that he dyed in Peace the twenty third year of his Reign 47. To him Succeeded Congal the second his Brother A.D. 558. A Prince of a very strict Life contending even with the Monks themselves for Piety he made many excellent Laws relating to Churches and Churchmen In his time lived these two Famous Men S. Colm and S. Mungo He dyed in peace the eleventh year of his Reign 48. Kinnatill Succeeded his Brother Congall A. D. 569. At which time Aidan Govans Son come to Scotland who being ntroduced to the King by S. Colm was Graciously received with assurance that he should be the man who should Succeed to the Crown He dyed in peace the first year of his Reign 49. Aidan Accordingly Succeeds A. D. 570. Soon after a Conspiracy being discovered which some of his servants intended against his Person the Conspirators fled to the Picts who refusing to deliver them up to Justice when demanded he quite broke with them and Confederated with the Britains against them and the Saxons routing them in several Battels about this time his good Friend S. Colm dyed to his great grief Soon after Augustine the Monk came into Britain being sent by Pope Gregory who created much trouble by his innovations in matters of Religion This Prince dyed in peace the thirty fifth year of his Reign 50. Kenneth the first Congalls second Son Succeeded A. D. 605. We have nothing Recorded of him worth noting He dyed in peace the first year of his Reign 51. Ewen The fourth Aidans second Son Succeeded A. D 606. He was Educated by S. Colm but slighted his Injunctions in one thing for that he preferred War to peace his hand was heavy upon the Rebellious and Stubborn but yet a modest Conqueror he dyed in peace the fifteenth year of his Reign 52. To him Succeeded his Son Ferchard the first A. D. 621. A Vitious Tyrant which his Nobility not being able to endure called him to an account but he refusing to submit was compelled having laid before him how injurious he had been to his Country and what an Enemy to Religion abetting the Pelagian Heresie with many such things they degraded him and put him in Prison where soon after he killed himself 53. To him Succeeded his Son Donald the fourth A. D. 632. He studied nothing more then to preserve and advance the Christian Faith at home and among his Neighbours he sent some Learned Divines to Northumberland to restore the Christian Faith which was much decayed He perished as some write in Lochtay being there at fishing the fourteenth year of his Reign but others affirm he dyed in his Bed 54. His Brother Ferchard the second Succeeded A. D. 646. A wicked Tyrant Impious toward God and cruel towards Man having strangled his Wife and Deflowred his Daughters his Nobles resolved to call him
Peace Alpine answered that he would make no Peace untill the Crown of the Picts were set upon his Head as the Right inheritour of it Brudus upon this raised a great Army and came over the Bridge of Dunkell marching to Augus where Alpin with his Army did lye The night before the Battel he devised a cunning Stratagem for having a great many Women in his Army he caused them to stand in Battel Array with linnen Shirts above their cloaths ordaining some Horse-men to Command them he drew them into a Wood Commanding none of them to appear till the Armies had joyned Battel King Alpin upon the Picts approach presently led out his Men and joyned Battel with them then the aforesaid reserve began to move from their Ambush The Scots seeing them apprehended them to be a fresh Army of Picts whereupon they immediately fled In this Battel King Alpine himself was taken and beheaded the third year of his Reign 69. To him his Son Keneth the second succeeded A. D. 834. Now the Picts fully resolve to banish the Scots quite out of their Country for which purpose they procure help from England But when they were at their full strength they divided amongst themselves to such a height that Brudus was forced to disband his Army he soon after dyed for Grief Donsken his Brother succeeded who made it his work to keep Peace on all hands But Keneth after three years uncertain Peace being desirous at any rate to revenge his Fathers Death and to recover the Crown which by right did belong to him Convened his Nobles and consulted with them concerning the matter but finding them not inclined to it he invites them all to a great Feast which he had prepared of purpose where they were Royally entertained within his Pallace untill dark Night after they had Liberally feasted they were conveyed to several apartments within the Palace and when deep sleep had seized upon them the King caused some Men that he had ready for that end to pass to their several Beds clad with Fish-skins which did cast a dazling light in the dark each man having a Hunting Horn in his hand through which he spake The Nobles being amazed at this sight were desired by them not to be terrified for that they were Angels sent from God to the Princes and Nobles of Scotland to cause them to obey the Kings Order it being very Just and Right and that they needed not to fear the Success for they should be Victorious Their Speeches being ended they in an instant vanished This mightily astonished the Nobles not knowing what to make on 't It was no sooner Day light than they got up and enquired one for another and having convened all together every Man began to declare what appeared to him which made them all presently conclude that it was no Fancy but a real Vision The King also assured them that the same Vision appeared to him at the same hour Hereupon they Unanimously consented that all who were able for Fighting should meet the King upon a day appointed which they did as the Picts did also upon the other hand they fought most Valiantly on both sides but the Picts were routed in one and quite ruined in another Battel their King and all his Nobles being killed And their City Camelon after a long siege utterly destroyed and razed and the Picts Men Women and Children put to the Sword after they had Reigned in Albion 1181 years King Keneth brought the fatal Chair from Argyle to Scone adding the Picts Dominions to his own he dyed the twentieth year of his Reign 70. Donald the fifth Keneth the seconds Brother succeeded having his Territories enlarged from the Orcades to Adrians Wall He was a vicious and luxurious Prince which gave the Fugitive Picts some ground to Hope that they might recover their Lands whereupon they requested Osbred and Ella two great Princes in England to restore them promising to pay Homage to them they accepted the offer invading Scotland with great Forces where they were miserably routed in a pitch'd Battle King Donald proud of this Victory pursued them to the Water of Tweed with his Army there he found two Ships laden with Wine which he parted among his Souldiers they not being much used to such Liquor drank of it till they were not able to stir Of which when King Osbred was advertised he came suddenly upon them and killed 2000 of them took the King himself and carried him about in Derision Osbred pursuing this Victory conquered great Lands in Scotland So that Sterling-bridge was made the march between the Scots and the English This Osbred Coyned money in Sterling Castle which was as some think the first beginning of Sterling money King Donald being ransomed was soon after taken by his Nobles and put in Prison where he desperately killed himself the fifth year of his Reign 71. To him succeeded Constantine the second who was Crowned in Scone A. D. 859. Soon after Hunger and Hubba with a great Fleet of Danes Landed in Fife to shun whose Cruelty many religious Persons with Adrian their Bishop fled into the Isle of May where they were all Cruelly put to Death by the unmerciful Danes Constantine with his Army met them at the River of Levin where he overthrew them pursuing them toward Caryl where their Ships lay but the Scots being proud of this Victory became too secure Whereupon the Danes rallied upon them where followed a terrible Battel at last the Scots were defeated the King being taken and dragged to a Cave was basely murdered the fifteenth year of his Reign 72. To him succeeded Ethus his Son Surnamed the Swift A.D. 874. His wickedness and Cruelty came to so great a heigth that his Nobles were forced to imprison him where within three days he dyed of Melancholly the second year of his Reign 73. Gregory the Great Dungalls Son succeeded A. D. 876. A Prince of a Kingly Spirit he made a Law that all â—ings hereafter should at their Coronation swear to defend the Christian Faith His first expedition was into Fife against the Picts and Danes which were left there when Hungar went into Enâ—land them he expelled not only out of Fife but also out of Lothian and the Mers Coming to Berwick the Danes durst not venture to Fight him but leaving a Garrison in the Town retired to Northumberland to gather more Forces But Gregory in the Night time being Guided by some English-men entred the City and put all the Danes to the Sword thence he went to Northumberland there he utterly routed the rest of them which gave him occasion to inlarge his Dominions with Northumberland Cumberland and Westmorland after which he entered in a League with the King of England wherein his right to the foresaid Lands was ratified His next expedition was against the Irish who had Landed in Galloway and committed great Insolencies but at his coming they retired back to their own Country He with a great Army followed them
where at his Landing he overthrew Brennius and Cornellius who were Guardians to the young King of Ireland with their Nobles taking several Forts and Castles at last he laid Seige to Dublin where their young King was which after some resistance yeilded The King returning Conqueror from Ireland dyed the eighteenth year of his Reign by him the City of Aberdeen was built 74. Donald the sixth Constantine the seconds Son succeeded A. D. 894. He was a Religious and good King fit for either War or Peace he had some Ingagments with the Danes and sent Assistance to the King of England against them toward the latter part of his days he was troubled with Intestine broils for the Murrays and Rosses invading one another committed great Insolencies to quench this Fire the King came upon them with a great Army and taking the Leaders of the Faction put them to Death for an Example to others He dyed the eleventh year of his Reign 75. To him succeeded Constantine the third Ethus's Son A. D. 905. A Valiant but unfortunate Prince the perfidious Danes having broken their League with him joyned with the English but within four years they met with such measures as made them glad to return to the Scots Whereupon followed a hot and cruel War wherein Constantine found himself so unsuccessful that he resigned his Crown and betook himself to a Monastery where he dyed the fortieth year of his Reign 76. Malcolm the first Donald the sixths Son succeeded A. D. 943. A valiant Prince and severe Justitiar A Peace being made with England wherein Cumberland and Westmorland were annexed to the Crown of Scotland to be holden in Fee of the Kings of England this Prince passed the rest of his days in executing of Justice which he did with such strictness that some Villains in Murray-Land conspired against him where he was Traiterously killed the ninth year of his Reign 77. Indulf Constantine the thirds Son succeeded A. D. 952. A brave Warrior the Danes Landing in the North with a huge Army he went against them there in a pitch'd Battel he routed them but dyed himself in the Battel the ninth year of his Reign 78. To him succeeded Duff Malcolm the first 's Son A. D. 961. A Prince who much studied the Peace of his Country he went about his Northern Circuits where he kept his Courts severely punishing Malefactors coming at last to the Castle of Forress suspecting no harm was Traiterously murdered by the Captain and his Wife who were afterwards apprehended and put to a cruel Death 79. To him succeeded Culen Indulfs Son A. D. 966. Who having revenged the late Kings Death soon after became a most Flagitious and wicked Prince deflowring his own Daughters and Sisters He was killed by Rodard a Noble man at Meffen this Daughter he had deflowred the fourth year of his Reign 80. Keneth the third Duffs Brother succeeded A. D. 970. The beginning of his Reign was good executing of Justice severely finding his Nobles averse to deliver up ther Friends and Vassals who troubled the Peace to Justice he called a Convention of the States at Scone where having Clandestinely conveyed some Men in Arms where the Nobles were convened made them all Prisoners telling them that so it would be untill they did give up those Rebels to Justice they finding themselves thus hooked sent to their Friends to perform the Terms of their Liberation thus in a short time he had five hundred notable Thieves delivered up them he caused to be every one hanged upon Gibbets close by the Castle of Berth The Danes with a great Fleet of Ships Landing in Angus destroyed all before them till they came to Berth where the King and his Army ran-countered with them there followed a most bloody Battel the Scots beginning to give Ground were made to Rally by the means of one Hay and his two Sons who hearing as they were at Plowing not far from the Field that the Scots fled came each of them with a Club in his hand and renewed the Battel putting the Danes to flight there they were all cut off the King amply rewarded him giving him so much of the best Land in Scotland as a Faulcon off a Mans hand flew over which was six miles in length and four in breadth this was the Original of the Noble and Ancient Surname of Hay But that which darkned all this Noble Kings Acts was his causing Malcolm Prince of Scotland to be Poisoned making a Law that the Eldest Son or Nephew of the deceased Prince of what age soever he be shall succeed to the Crown with divers others Laws of the like Nature At last coming to the Castle of Felercarne the Lady Grof had the Kings Image in Brass in the midst of the House with a Golden Apple in his hand the King upon the Ladies desire pulling the Apple out of the Images hand was shot through the Body with an Engine that was made in it for the purpose He dyed the twenty fourth year of his Reign 81. To him succeeded Constantine the fourth Surnamed the Balde A. D. 994. He came to the Crown by Usurpation he was killed in Battel at Cramond in Lonthian the second year of his Reign 82. Grimus Duffs Son Usurped the Crown A.D. 996. Malcolm whose Right it was sent to the Nobles acquainting them how far he was wronged which Grimus hearing of caused the Messengers to be cast into Prison which was like to have been the beginning of a War yet they were seemingly agreed for that time by one Horthadus a Bishop but not long after his Vices being intolerable Malcolm was brought home from England who killed him in Battel the eighteenth year of his Reign 83. Malcolm succeeded to the Crown A. D. 1004. A Noble and Valiant Prince in his time Sweno King of the Danes being banished his Country and coming to Scotland was converted to Christianity and supplyed with Men for reducing his Kingdom yet to his great loss he soon after made War against Malcolm who utterly routed his Army several times This Prince was killed by a Conspiracy of some of his Nobles in the Castle of Glames the thirtieth year of his Reign the Conspirators flying in the Night chanced to pass over the Pool of Forfar upon the Ice where the Ice breaking they all miserably perished 84. Duncan the first Malcolm the seconds Grand-son by his Daughter Beatrix succeeded A. D. 1034. He was thought to be of too indulgent a Spirit for Governing that fierce and untractable People Bancho of whom are descended the Ancient and Royal name of Stewarts was in his time Thane or Earl of Lochaber He was Traiterously murdered by his Cousin Makbeth the sixth year of his Reign 85. To him succeeded Mackbeth Malcolm the seconds Daughters Son A. D. 1040. Altho' he came to the Crown by Treachery and Blood-shed yet he Governed for a time pretty moderately but at last brake out into all kind of Tyranny and Cruelty forcing his Nobles
convened his Nobles intending to determine the right of Inheritances which some had unlawfully kept in these unsettled times this begat a Conspiracy which being detected a meeting was held at Perth there by their own Papers many were Convicted and Executed but some Pardoned In the mean time a Legat came from Rome armed with all the Thunderbolts of that See to threaten the Scots into a Peace with England but missing of his Errand the Scots followed him with an Army and marched as far as Stainmore Edward in revenge raiseth a most powerfull Army Robert therefore considering that his force would not be in case to resist so great a Power caused all the cattel to be carryed unto the Avious retreats of the Hills that they might not be serviceable to the Enemy whereupon the English for want of Victuals were forced to retire Bruce pursues them as far as Yorke there he obtained a great Victory About this time the family of the Hamiltons took their rise one of them killing an English Gentleman fled to Robert for Protection who gave him lands which retain the name to this day Bruce now having subdued his enemies begins to compose himself to the cares of Peace and by Act of Parliament settles the Crown upon his Son though a Child and in case of his decease to Robert Stewart his Grand-child by his Daughter soon after Thomas Randolph and James Dowglas were sent with a flying party of horse into England from whence they returned without any considerable action saving only that Dowglas with two hundred horse beat up the English quarters cutting two ropes of the Kings Tent with his Sword and made a good retreat Bruce finding himself wasted with Age retyred to the Abby of Kilross leaving these three Counsels behind him First not to let one man Solely command the Ebudae Secondly never to put all their strength at one Hazard with the English Thirdly never to make long Truces with them Thus he dyed leaving Charge with the Valiant Dowglas to go to Jerusalem whither himself designed an Expedition which the Dowglas performing he afterward Joyned with the Christian Princes against the Turks and Saracens where he obtained several great Victories He purposing to return home was driven by a Tempest upon the Coast of Spain where he joyned with the King of Aragon against the Saracens and obtained great Victories at last he was killed by an Ambushment that was laid for him of purpose thus ended the Noble and Valiant Dowglas one of the most renowned warriours that lived in his days It is said that he was thirteen times Victorious against the Turkes and Sarazens and fiftie seven times against the English In the preceeding age there was a Gate in Dansick called the Dowglas port in memory of this Dowglas King Robert dyed at Cardross the twenty fourth year of his Reign and was buried in Dumfermling 98 To him Succeeded his Son David Bruce A. D. 1330. Being seven years of age Thomas Randal who was continued Governour kept the country in entire peace and prosperity which King Edward hearing of hired a Monk to kill Randal by poyson the Monk giving out that he had great skill in curing the Stone where with the Government was sore troubled came to be in favour with him which gave him opportunity to perpetrate his Villany how ever the Poyson did not take effect at first but the Monk returned home and told King Edward that he had done his business who immediately raising a great Army came to the border of which the Governour being advertised presently marched against him himself not being able to ride nor go was carryed in a litter when King Edward heard that the Governour was there in person he sent an Herald under pretence of seeking peace whom the Governour received with a very austere countenance when Edward was by the Herald certified of the truth of his being alive he returned home and burnt the Monk alive The Governour returning home dyed at Musselbrough after his death the Earle of March and the Earle of Marr were chosen Governours in which they were scarce warm when news was brought that Edward Balliol was seen in the Fryth with a formidable Fleet his Army consisted of both English and Scotch the Earle of Stafford with divers other English men of note were with him the Governours raised two great Armies to oppose the Balliol he came near the water of Hone where he pitched his Tents the Earle of Marr also encamped within view of him but he slighting the smallness of their number took little care of himself the Balliol in the night time passed the water of Erne having intelligence of the Ford by a stake set up for that purpose and entering the Earle of Marrs Camp killed him in his Bed with many other Noble men and Gentlemen namely the Earle of Carrick Sir William Hay Constable of Scotland Alexander Frazier also Robert Keith Lord Marshal Balliol past immediately and beseiged Perth and soon overcame it The Earle of March being encamped at Ochterarder and hearing of the Earle of Marrs death and the taking the Town of Perth marched thither and beseiged it but after he had filled the Ditches and put himself in a case to make an assault he most shamefully left it thereupon 99. Balliol usurped the Crown at Scone A. D. 1332. coming from thence to Perth they that adhered to David Bruce beseiged him and his party upon the other hand his adherents wasted and destroyed the beseigers country Perth being well fortified was by the King committed to the Earle of Fiffe as Governour of it but the Sons of them who were killed with the Earle of Marr at Duplin beseiged and took it committing the Governour to the Castle of Killdrummie Andrew Murry of Tullibardin was Executed for fastning the stake in the Ford of the River Erne whereby Balliol and the Englishmen were directed the Night wherein they Surprised the Earle of Marre Therefore John Kandal Earle of Murry and the Earle of Galloway gathered a great Army and came against Balliol and quite routed him killing many of his Nobles and taking many Prisoners the Kingdom being thus divided the one part for Balliol the other for Bruce the King of England thinking it a fit time for him to make a full Conquest of Scotland raised a great Army and beseiged Berwick mean while Archibald Dowglass raised an Army and entring the Borders Burnt all before him to divert the King of England from the Seige King Edward advertised of this sent a Messenger to Sir Alexander Setonn who was Governour telling him that if he did not presently render he would hang his two Sons whom he had in his hands which he refusing to do the two Young Gentlemen were presently hanged then the Governour came with an Army to Northumberland where a most Bloody battel was fought on Halidown-hill and the Governour himself with many Nobles killed thereupon Berwick was rendered and Edward Balliol Established King who sought by
all means to have gotten Robert Stewart in his hands for he knew that next to King David his Title was best to the Crown Soon after King Edward prepared an Army both by Sea and Land to enter into Scotland but the most part of his Ships Perished in Forth The King returning with Balliol into England left Cumin Earle of Athol Governour who seized upon all the Lands pertaining to Robert Stewart and his Friends but Robert Stewart took the Castle of Dunne and killed all the Englishmen therein at this time the Earle of Murray came from France who together with Robert reduced much of the Country to the obedience of King David chasing the Governour and his Followers to the Mountains but the English entred with a great Army and though a great part of their Army was routed took Perth but their Fleet being harrast at Sea were forced to retreat and the rather in design of a French War but some of the Nobles still standing out the English landed in Murray and reduced all and leaving Balliol returned home the next year the English beseiged Dunbar and sent in two Parties under Talbot and Monford who were both routed yet the seige continued at last they were forced to raise the seige also having received great loss by the Valour of Robert Stewart Murray in the mean time dying Stewart was created Viceroy till Davids returne who having the first year gained some Victories did the next year take Perth Sterling and the Castle of Edenburgh the Scots gaining all their ground except Berwick In the year 1336. David resolves upon an expedition into England though much disswaded by his council Making John Randolph General himself going disguised Soon after a peace for two years was treated of which David would not accept without the consent of France whereupon marching as far as the County of Durham had his Army quite routed and himself taken Prisoner his Kingdom also in a manner Depopulated with the Plague by this time John of France was also made Prisoner in England the Scots after eleven years Captivity ransomed their King who at his returne punished some of those who had deserted him at Durham and endeavoured to remove the Succession of the Crown from Robert Stewart to whom he was some years after reconciled he spent the last five years of his Reign in composing Domestick feuds Queen Jane daughter to Edward the second of England dying he Marryed Margaret Logy Daughter to Sir John Logy then he purposed to have past to Jerusalem having provided all necessarys for his Voyage but he fell sick of a Feavour in the Castle of Edinburgh whereof he dyed in the fortyth year of his Reign without Succession and was buried in Holyrood-house 100. Robert Stewart the first King of that Name succeeded his mothers Brother A. D. 1378. A Valiant and worthy Prince he Married Eupham Daughter to the Earl of Ross who bare to him David Earl of Strathern Walter Earl of Athol Alexander Earl of Marr with several Daughters After her Death he marries Elizabeth Moor his own Concubine the better to Legitimate Children he had by her he honoured them with Titles and declared them his Successors two years after an Attempt is made upon Berwick and Sir John Lilbourn and 〈…〉 grave Captains of it taken 〈…〉 After this the Earl of Douglass came with twenty thousand Men to the Fair of Pennire within England spoiling all the Goods there but carried away the Pestilence with him whereof many dyed To revenge this the English came with a great Army over Solway destroying all before them mean while the Scots gathered together about five hundred Men. and lay in Ambush till the English returned back then with a sudden noise and Clamour as they passed by they set upon them forcing them back till many were drowned in Solway Not long after Edward King of England dyed whereupon the Duke of Lancaster came into Scotland intreating to have a Peace for three years which Peace being expired My Lord of Galloway laid siege to the Castle of Lochmaban and made himself Master of it defeating a strong party of English who were coming from Carlyle to it's relief King Richard fearing of it sent the Baron of Gray-stock with a Body of Men to fortifie Roxburgh who being within a mile of it he was taken by the Earl of March and carried to Dunbar the same year the strengths of Teviotdale were by the Earl of Douglas recovered out of the English hands soon after which he dyed His Son James succeeding to him went by the Kings Order with an Army into England whence he was presently after Counter-manded home where he found the Admiral of France with two hundred and forty Ships well Man'd come to their Assistance with them they passed into England and took the Castles of Warkford and Corwal And laying siege to Roxburgh and Carlyle the Scots and French could not agree in whose Names the strengths should be kept if they were won which brought the business to nothing Whereupon King Richard in revenge enters Scotland with a great Army and marching through the Mers and Louthian did much hurt But the Earls of Fife Douglas and Galloway followed him into England and secretly passing the Water of Solway came to Cokermouth where in three days time they spoiled the whole Country about and returned safely with great Booty In the year 1388. The King past again into England with an Army at which time the Irish taking their advantage entered Galloway destroying all before them Whereupon William the Lord of Galloways Son pursued them to Ireland and burnt the Town of Carlingfoord and finding sixty Ships in several Harbors loaded fifteen of them with the spoil of the Town and burnt the rest Returning home he spoiled the Isles of Man The next year the King of England sent an Army into Scotland which did much hurt in the Mers revenging this affront King Robert sent two Armies into England the one under the Command of the Earl of Fife entred Cumberland the other led by the Earls of Douglass and March entred Northumberland the two Armies met within two miles of Newcastle The Earl of Douglass chose out ten thousand Men to besiege Newcastle wherein was the Earl of Northumberland with his two Sons Henry Hotspur and Ralph Henry Challenged the Earl of Douglass to fight with him which Douglass accepted off so being mounted upon two starely Horses they assaulted one another desperately at last Douglass beat Peircy out of his Saddle but he was presently rescued and brought into the Town Immediately Douglass assaulted the Town but it was so well defended by the English that he was forced to retire and encamp at Otterburn whither Henry Peircy immediately followed there they fought a bloody Battel until the darkness of the Night parted them but when the Moon began to appear they joyned again with more Fierceness than before Victory inclining sometime to one side and sometimes to another till at last Patrick
Hepburn came with fresh Men to the Scots Whereupon the English retreated leaving eighteen hundred of their Men dead in the place and a hundred and forty taken Prisoners among which were the two Peircies above mentioned But the Valiant Earl of Douglass dyed in this Battel being thrice run through the Body and Mortally wounded in his Head which was a greater loss and Grief to his Nation then the gain of this Victory could ballance The next year a Parliament was called at Perth wherein Robert Earl of Fife the Kings second Son was elected Governor the King himself by reason of his great Age not being able to Govern He was a Valiant Victorious and fortunate Prince in all his Wars for his Governours and Captains returned always with Victory He was very constant and a great Iustitiar hearing patiently the Complaints of the Poor causing all wrongs to be redressed He dyed peaceably in the Castle of Dun-Donald the seventy fifth year of his Age and the nineteenth year of his Reign The same year John his eldest Son was called to succeed who thinking that Name ominous to Kings and there wanted not Examples as of him of England and him of France and thinking something of the Felicity of the two former Roberts was Crowned by the Name of 101. Robert the third A. D. 1390. He was more remarkable for his Peaceableness and Modesty then for any other Vertue the first seven years of his Reign were past in Peace by reason of his Truce with England but not without some fierce Fiends among his Subjects especially the Clankays and Clanchattes the King seeing the Difficulty of reducing them made this Proposition to them that three hundred of each side should try it by Dint of Sword before the King the Conquered to be pardoned and the Conqueror advanced this being agreed to a place was appointed upon the North-side of Perth but when the Clans presented themselves there was one of one side missing whom then his party could not supply A Trades-man steps out and for half a French Crown and promise of Maintenance during his Life filled up the Company The first was furious but none behaved himself more furiously then the other Mercenary Champion who was the greatest cause of the Victory for of his side their remained ten grievously wounded the other party had but one left who not being wounded yet being unable to sustain the stroak of the other threw himself in the Tay and escaped with his Life By this means the fiercest of the two Clans being cut off the remainder being Headless were quiet Two years after the King in Parliament made his two Sons Dukes which was the first time that Title was known in Scotland Next year Richard the second of England being forced to resign Henry the fourth succeeded in the beginning of his Reign tho' the Truce was not expired yet the Seeds of War began to bud upon this occasion George Earl of March betrothed his eldest Daughter to David the Kings eldest Son Archibald Earl of Douglass incensed at this got a Vote of Parliament to revoke this Marriage and giving a greater sum of Money got a Marriage confirmed in Parliament betwixt David and Mary his Daughter The Earl of March nettled at this demands Redress but not being heard he leaves the Court and with his Family and Friends goes into England to the Lord Percy who with his Assistance did much hurt to the Lands of the Douglasses the Scots declare the Earl of March an Enemy and sends to demand him of the English which they refusing several Incursions happened upon both sides till at length Piercy was defeated by the Douglass's at Lynton-bridge At this time David Earl of Cravford and the Lord Welles in England ingaged to run certain Courses on Horse-back with sharp Spears for Life and Death upon London-bridge which they performed most gallantly The People Perceiving the Earl of Cravford to sit so stifly cryed the Scotch man was lock'd in his Saddle he hearing this leapt out of the Saddle upon the Ground and presently mounted again to the great wonder of the Beholders The second time they run without any hurt but the third time the Lord Welles was beat out of his Saddle and sorely hurt with the fall By this time the Queen dying her Son David who for his Extravagancies was by her means kept under restraint broke out into his former disorders and committed all kind of Rapine and wickedness complaint being brought to his Father he committed him to his brother Robert this Design was to root out all that Off-Spring the business was so ordered as that the young man was shut up in Faulkland Castle to be starved which yet was for a while delayed one Woman thrusting in some Oaten Cakes at a Chink and another giving him Milk out of her Breasts through a Trunk but both these being discovered the Youth being forced to tear his own Flesh dyed of a multiplyed Death which Murder being whispered to the King he was so abused by the false Representations of his Brother that Grief and Imprecations was all the relief that he had left him and being now retired sickly to Boot Castle and unable to punish him The King therefore Solicitous to preserve James his youngest Son is resolved to send him to Charles the sixth of France And having taking shipping at the Bassas he passed by the Promontory of Flambrough and whether he was forced by a Tempest or that he was Sea-sick he was forced to Land there he was taken by the English and detained Prisoner notwithstanding the eight years Truce and tho' it came to be debated at the Councel Table yet his Detention was carried in the Affirmative But the News so struck his aged Father that he had almost presently dyed but being carried to his Chamber with voluntary abstinence and Sorrow He dyed within three days the sixteenth year of his Reign and was buried in Pasley Upon this the Parliament confirm Robert for Governour about four years after Donald of the Isles enters Ross as his pretended Inheritance with ten thousand Men which he easily subdued thence he went to Murray and Mastered it also and so went on to Aberdeen to stop this Torrent Alexander Earl of Marr followed by most of the Nobility met him at Harlaw where they joyned in so bloody a Battel and lost so many noble and considerable Persons that tho' Night parted them neither could pretend to the Victory to this year the University of S. Andrews owes it's Rise The English being taken up with a War with France nothing considerable was acted between them and the Scots for ten years after at which time Robert the Governour dyes and Murdoch his Son a very unfit Person was put in his place who suffered his Sons to come to that petulancy that they were not only offensive to the People but with all disobedient to their Father who having a brave Faulcon which his Son Walter had often begged but in vain he
snatched it out of his Fathers hand and wrung off her Neck for which his Father being angry Well says he Since I cannot Govern thee I will bring one shall Govern us both And from that day he ceased not to further the Redemption of the King he Governed four years 102. But the Nobles weary under this form of Government the Governour being also irritated by the Misdemeanor of his Children all Unanimously determine without longer delays to work the deliverance of their Native Prince James fourth of England which at length was effected Anno. Dom. 1424. Having Ransomed him for the sum of forty hundred thousand Marks He married Jane Daughter to the Duke of Somerset Son to John of Gaunt who bare to him two Sons Alexander who dyed shortly after and James the second who succeeded to him The King having passed the Solemnities of Hasterat Edenburgh He with his Queen came to Perth and from thence to Scone where he was Crowned in the twenty seventh year of his Age after he held a Parliament at Perth where the Tax was laid on to pay the sum promised to England for his Ransome from thence he went back to Edenburgh where he called such as were Concerned with the Crown Rents together he understood by their Accounts that the most and best part of the Crown Lands were alienated and wasted by the late Governour and his Sons whereat he was exceedingly incensed yet that time he smothered and put a fair Countenance upon his Passion But soon after pregnant Accusations were brought in against some of the Nobility especially the Governours Friends upon which some of them were made Prisoners which occasioned much discontent and Jealousie on both sides yet the King securing the Body of this Estate on his side resolved to go on and having Arrested the Governour with two of his Sons and several others his Friends they were all committed to several Prisons Whereupon James the Governours youngest Son in a desperate rage accompanied with a number of Out-laws came to Dumbarton and set on Fire and killed John Stewart the Kings Uncle with thirty others This Insolency of the Son quite diverted the Kings Clemency from his Father and Brethren Whereupon he calleth a Parliament at Sterling where the Governour with his two Sons and his Father-in-Law the Duke of Lenox were Arraigned and Condemned and soon after Executed this highly perplexed some other Lords and Gentlemen who were Prisoners at the same time fearing that they should also meet with the same measures yet the King like a wise Physitian being not willing to take away more Blood than he thought would take away the Disease of the Body in a short time set them all at Liberty The Wars continuing between France and England the French sent an Ambassador to renew the ancient League with Scotland But his main business was to carry on a match between Lewis the Daulphine tho' then very young and Margaret Daughter to King James this match the English neglected but afterward most earnestly sued for it The South parts of the Kingdom being brought under Obedience the King resolved to have the North follow their Example for which end he went thither himself in Person to keep his Courts When he came there he found things in a strange Condition all going by strength of hand the stronger overthrowing the weaker The King not knowing well how to go about the taming of these rude Villains seemed to give small Faith to what he heard of them allowing such of them as seemed to come and see him a great deal of seeming Favour till at length he got forty of their Chiefs all at once within the Castle of Innerness whom he presently surprized making them close Prisoners Within a few days after the King was convinced of this wickedness Alexander Macrory and John Macherter were hanged John Campbel for murthering John of the Isles was beheaded The Earl of Ross being taken in this Trap was brought by the King to Perth where he was accused of Oppression and other things yet the King pardoned him and freely dismist him taking his Oath of Fidelity But as soon as he went home he gathered together a Rabble of Out-laws who came towards Innerness burnt both Town and Castle to the Ground Whereupon the King himself went with his Forces against him at whose approach all the Rebels fled Alexander thus abandoned of his Forces fled to the Isles but finding that he was way-laid on all hands and had no way left him to escape he came disguised to Edenburgh Whereupon Yesterday the King being at Church he came wrapped in a mourning Garment and fell down at his Feet beging his Life which at the Queens request was granted but to keep him from any more mischief the Earl of August was appointed to take him into Custody within Tanutallon Castle Donald Balloth Cousin-german to the Earle of Ross raised a great number of outlaws and invaded Lochaber and in a Bloody Battel overthrew the Earles of Marr and Caithness at Innerlochy the news coming to the King he came with a great Army to Dunstaffage which when the Clans heard of they tendred their Submission to the King promising to break Balloth and his party which the King accepted of Balloth fled to Ireland where he was taken and his head chopt off and sent to King James Notwithstanding of the many Acts of Justice that were done upon these disorderly outlaws yet nothing frighted one Macdonald who was Famous for all sorts of Villanies among other Cruelties he is said to have nailed Horseshoes to the Soles of a Widdow because that she swore to delate him to the King being taken with twelve of his associates and brought to Perth the King caused them to be shooed in the same manner as he had served the woman draging him about for a Spectacle to the people for three days then all of them were put to death In this year A. D. 1430. the first of June was a terrible Eclipse of the Sun at three of the clock in the afternoon the day turning black for the space of half an hour as though it had been night which was afterward called by the common people The black Hour The King having setled the Country begins to look to his own affairs and having advisedly perused all evidences and Charters belonging to the Crown he recalls all such Lands as had been either alienated from it or wrongfully usurped about this time there came Ambassadors from the King of Denmark requiring of King James a Yearly Tribute due to him as King of Norway for the western Isles the Ambassador was honourably entertained and the old League renewed with Denmark soon after the French Kings Ambassadors came to have Margaret already betrothed to Lewis the Dauphin delivered to them and conveyed to France where they found the Lord Scroop earnestly dealing with the King that he must bestow his daughter upon King Henry the sixth of England promising that if he would agree thereto
the Earls of Montross Gleancan Lords Maxwel Ruthwen with others being advertised by Letters came to him they of the Association having the Prince with them to add Authority to their Quarrel Gathered from all Quarters the two Armies being in readiness to decide their Quarrel by Battel the Earl of Athole the Kings Uncle so travelled between the Lords of either Party that the King had a Suspension of Arms agreed on The Earl rendring himself a pledge for the Accomplishment of the Kings part of the Reconcilement to Lord Hails Thus the King lost a good opportunity the like of which was never again in his offer for the Lords notwithstanding that was agreed upon continued very troublesome to the Country the Town of Edenburgh is pestered with Troops of armed Men. The King warned of his danger fortifies the Castle of Edenburgh for his defence then he sent to the Lords to understand their Intentions and what they meant they finding their offences flew higher than hope of pardon could reach answered that nothing could secure them nor the Kingdom until he had divested himself of all the Government of the Kingdom and resigned the Crown in Favour of his Son But he resolving to hazard all rather then condescend to this was advised by some of his Friends to retire to the Castle of Sterling where his Forces might have more easie Access to him but this proved a a fatal advice for coming thither the Treacherous Constable denyed him entrance in the mean time News came to him that the Confederates were within six miles of him at Falkirk The King to make a Vertue of necessity resoves to put all upon the hazard of a Battel the Confederates were incamped near the Torwood The King set forward with his Army upon the other side of the Torwood Both drew up in a plain field near Bannock-burn and engaged most desperately The first Charge is valiantly given and Lance meeting with Lance the Vant-Guard of the Lords began to yield ground But the next Charge being given by Anandale Men the middle of the Kings Army is beat back to the main Battel notwithstanding of which it is fought a while with great obstinacy on both sides until the Standard Royal was beaten down then began the Kings Army to bow the Horsemen obeying no Orders begun to turn their backs In this rout and Confusion of Horse and Foot the King seeking to retire towards the River Ferth by the fall of his Horse in leaping a Ditch being sore bruised was carried by such who knew him not to a Well at Bannock-burn where he was killed in cold Blood by Borthwick a Priest with some others the twenty ninth year of his Reign and was buried at Kambush-Kenneth 105. To him succeeded his Son James the fourth who was Crowned at Edenburgh A. D. 1489. Being about sixteen years of age a noble and Couragious Prince and Godly the beginning of his Government was most uneasie the Death of the late King being yet recent his followers resolve to have it revenged In the North Alexander Lord Forbs displayed the Bloody shirt of the murthered King upon a Lance in Aberdeen and other places of the North inviting the Country as by an Herald to the revenge of his Murther In the West the Earl of Lennox hath the same resolution also the Earl of Marshad Lords Goodore and Lyle with the Confederates in other parts of the Kingdom But the Lord Drumond routed the Earl of Lennox at Telliemoss and also Sir Andrew Wood obtained a considerable Victory over the English who pretended to revenge the late Kings death at the mouth of Ferth The Rumor of these Victories so amazed Forbs and his Confederates that they laid down their Arms and put themselves into the Kings mercy and were all received into Favour The Lords rejoyced greatly that they had brought things to this pass but the King gave no sign of Joy yea upon the contrary to give a Testimony to the World of the Agony of his mind for the Death of his Father and that Remorse and Anguish he suffered for the Faults of those who brought him to the Field against him he girded himself with an Iron Chain to which every third year thereafter he added some Rings and weight so long as he lived and though this might threaten no good to some yet they pass it by not daring to Attempt ought against the common Peace Amidst this Grief and Sorrow of the Kings Andrew Forman Secretary to Alexander the sixth Bishop of Rome arrived in Scotland with Instructions to the Clergy in a Letter from his Master to the King and Nobles exhorting them to the mutual Duties of their Stations after this some Head-strong Nobility dying the Country enjoyed a great calm of Peace the Seeds of Dissention seeming to be quite taken away But the Borders keeping up their old fewds by new Accessions make daily Incursions one upon another which came at last to open Hostility Whereupon King James enters England and spoils all the North parts and returns home without any considerable Action not long after Ambassadors came from England desiring a Peace which is granted and the Commissioners for both sides met at Edenburgh where many Articles and conditions of the peace were hotly disputed one of the Englishe's demands was an Interview between the two Kings at Newcastle which being referred to King James his own arbitrement he answered that he meant to treat of a Peace but not to go a Begging for it Much being said at last they conclude upon a Peace for some Months following after which followed a match between King James of Scotland with Lady Margaret the King of Englands Eldest Daughter which was consummated at Edenburgh King Henry bringeth his Daughter as far as Cokebiston in the way and then resigning her to the Earl of Northumberland who with a great train of Lords and Ladys brought her to Edenburgh to the King her Husband where they for some days were taken up with nothing but Banqueting masks and Tilting with such other exercises by this means the King wasted his Treasures greatly then some of them set their wits awork to squeeze the Subjects for Money which occasioned great murmurings among the Poor A. D. 1507. James Prince of Scotland and the Isles was born at Holy-Rood-house the one and twentyth of January but he soon after dyed at Sterling the year following the Queen brought forth another Son named Arthur but he dyed also in the Castle of Edenburgh Then she brought forth her third Son at Linlithgow who Succeeded to the Crown and was named James About the same time Bernard Stewart came to Scotland intreating that King James would make War with King Henry of England to keep him from molesting France which at last he obtained then began they to go to their old work of making incursions one upon another till at last it breaks out to an open War Whilst King James staied at Linlithgow attending the gathering of an Army now ready
that the Town and Castle of Berwick should be delivered into the hands of the Scots with all the Lands lying between Tweed and the Redcross in in Richmondshire the French Ambassadors also proffered great and tempting things withal puting the King in mind how true they have been to him for so many years since the first making of the League The King and his Council after mature deliberation declare they will not break the Ancient League with France whereupon the English Ambassadors turned from Prayers to Threatnings and being denied friendship denounced War But the King no wise moved hereat presently prepared his Ships and with a company of able and skilful Mariners set his Daughter to Sea and having escaped the English Fleet that waited for her safely arrived at the Rochel A. D. 1430. The English to revenge this supposed afront invades Scotland both by Sea and Land against their forces commanded by Henry Piercy of Northumberland went James Dowglass Earle of Angus with several Gentlemen their numbers were much about one the lists of their meeting was Popperden Adam Hepburn of Hales and Alexander Elphinston led the Vanguard of the Scots Sir Richard Piercy and Sir John Ogle of the English Sir Alexander Ramsey of Dalehouse and Henry Clidsdale kept the Rears no sooner came they within distance of Joyning but the sounds of Drums and Trumpets was out noised by the shouts of the Assailants Guns being about this time invented were here first practised between the Scots and English in an open field then the fight with equal order had been long maintained on both sides now the Scots then the English yielding ground many of the Commanders at length began to fall most of the English then was the Piercy at once constrained to be both Commander and Souldier but all would not do at last Victory declared her self altogether for the Scots two hundred Gentlemen and Common Souldiers of the Scots were slain here Of the English dyed Sir Henry Cliddsdale Sir John Ogle Sir Richard Piercy with fifteen hundred Gentlemen and Common Souldiers and four hundred taken prisoners of which forty were Knights King James resolving to prosecute this War raised an army and cometh to Roxburgh beseigeth the Castle defended by Sir Ralph Gray But when he came so near his designe that they within were driven to terms to Surrender The Queen in great hast cometh to the Camp representing to her Husband a Conspiracy which if not suddenly prevented would indanger his person and Crown this put the King in great astonishment not knowing what to do at last after many doubtful resolutions and conflicts in his thoughts raiseth the seige disbandeth the Army and accompanied with some chosen bands of his most assured friends Perplexed Pensive and Sad returned to Perth staied in the Convent of the Dominicans indeavouring so secretly as was possible to find out the Conspiracy but his close practising was not unknown to the Conspirators which made them hasten the mischief before tryal or remedy could be thought upon The Conspirators were Robert Graham Robert Stewart Nephew to Waller Earle of Athole and one of the Kings sworn Domesticks but he who gave motion to all was the Earle of Athole he himself the Kings Fatthers Brother this quarrel was no less then a pretended Title to the Crown and being animated by the Oracle of a Southsayer who assured him that he would be Crowned in a solemn Assembly before his death never doubted of success These having associated unto them the most audacious whom hope of preferment might intice Thus Graham and Stewart which were accomplices guided with resolution and guarded with the darkness of the Night came to the Black-fryers of Perth and having the way made open to them entred the Gallery before the Kings chamber door where they attended some of their Confederates who should have stole away the bar by which means they might enter the chamber but before their coming the occasion was put in their hands for Walter Streater one of the Kings Cup bearers came forth of the Chamber and finding armed men rushing rudely to force their entry with a loud voice gave the alarum of Treason while they were working his death a Maid of Honour got to the Door and essayed to shut it but the bar which should have made it fast was gone she thrust in her Arm in the place of it but that easily broken the conspirators rush into the Chamber and slaying all such of the waiters as made defence they at last stroke down the King whom while the Queen by interposing her body sought to save she received two wounds and he with twenty eight most toward the heart was left dead The report of this Murther being spread abroad wrought incredible Sorrow and Grief in the Hearts of his Subjects of all sorts the Nobles of their own accord and motion Assembled to Edenburgh and directed Troops of Armed men through all the quarters of the Kingdom to aprehend the Murtherers such diligence was used that within forty days all were taken and put to Ignominious Deaths the common sort of the Conspirators were hanged upon Gibbits the punishment of Athol was continued for three days the first day he was Stript naked to his shirt and by a Crane fixed in a Cart often hoisted aloft and thus dragged along the great street of the Town on the second day he was mounted upon a Pillar in the Market-place and crowned with a Diadem of burning Iron with this Inscription the King of all Traytors thus was his Oracle accomplished the third day he was laid naked upon a Scaffold his belly ript his Heart and Bowels taken out and thrown in a Fire before his eyes lastly his Head was cut of and fixed in the most Eminent place of the Town his Body sent in quarters to the most populous Cities of the Kingdom to remain a Trophy of Justice His Nephew was not altogether so vigorously handled being only hanged and quartered But it being notorious that Graham had imbrewed his hands in the Kings Blood a Gallows being raised in a Cave he had his Right hand nailed to it and as he was dragged along the Streets Executioners with burning Pincers tearing the most Fleshy part of his Carcass being thus torn and flayed his Heart and Intrals were thrown into a Fire his Head set up and his Quarters sent among the Towns to satisfie the wrath and sorrow of the injured People Being asked during his Torture how he durst embrew his hand in his Princes blood he made answer that having Heaven and Hell before him he dared leap from Heaven into Hell an answer worthy for such a Villain Dueas Sylvius then Legat in Scoltand from the Pope having seen this sudden and Terrible revenge being a Witness of the Execution Said he could not tell whether he should give them greater Commendations that revenged the Kings Death or brand them with a sharper Condemnation that distained themselves with so Hainous a parricide Thus dyed this
Noble and Wise Prince in the thirteenth year of his Reign He was buried in the Charter-house of Perth which he himself had founded 103. The three Estates of the Kingdom set the Crown upon the Head of James the second at Holy-rood-house while yet a Child in the sixth year of his Age A. D. 1437. The Government is intrusted to Alexander Levingston of Calander and the Custody of the Kings Person to Sir William Crichtoun Whereupon Archibald Earl of Douglass grudging that these Honours had been conferred upon Men far below himself retired home and gave Orders that none of his Vassals should acknowledge the present Government also he used all means to weaken the hands of the Chancellor and Governour sowing by his Instruments the Seeds of Division between them which accordingly answered Expectation they begin to cross and Counter-act one another which made them at length that neither of them was obeyed the Country having usurped a Licencious Liberty doing what he thought best The Queen seeing things thus mis-managed betwixt them and finding that the Chancellor was mostly to blame she at last resolves to change the Game of State To effect her design she came to Edenburgh and with fair Speeches prevailed with the Chancellor to let her enter the Castle and delight her self some days in the Company of her Son after some days staying where having fixed every thing for her purpose she puts the King into a Trunck as if he had been some Fardel of her Apparel and conveys him by water to Sterling presently after Proclamations are made against the Chancellor and he Commanded to render the Castle which he refusing to do he is presently besieged But the two Rulers being better advised considering that Douglass waited to see them undo one another come to an agreement Much about this time the Queen Dowager married James Stewart's Son to the Lord of Lorn the Governour fearing what might follow upon the Novation committed them both to the Castle of Sterling then the Queen began to repent her of her former Courtesies to the Governour resolving once more to Face about which the Chancellor observing lays hold upon the Opportunity and strikes in with her presently they contrived how to take the Prince out of the Governours hands which they after effected thus the King being one Morning hunting in the Park the Governour being at Perth the Chancellor coming to him by the Queens assistance prevails with him to go to Edenburgh and take the Government upon himself which when the Governour hears of he very calmly came to Edenburgh where the Chancellor and he becometh Friends The great Confusions that were in the Country did necessitate the the calling of a Parliament where many grievous Complaints were brought against several Oppressors and among the rest William Earl of Douglass Son to Archibald was represented as the Source whence the Miseries of the Country sprang The Parliament resolve to proceed against him by way of Rigour but the Governor and the Chancellor advise them rather to write a fair Letter to him and invite him by fair means to come in and submit which was accordingly done and wrought so effectually upon him that he resolves presently to obey hoping thereby to get himself set up He upon his arrival was together with his Brother David and Sir Malcolm Flyming of Cummerald with great Ceremony conducted by the Governour to the Castle of Edenburgh where the King was at this Table he was set to Dine this so elevated his Heart that he Blessed himself with the Expectation of other Favours But amidst these Entertainments behold the Instability of Fortune near the end of the Banquet the Head of a Bull which was the sign of present Death in those days is set down before him At which sudden Spectacle he leapt from the Table all agast but he is presently seized upon by armed Men who led him to the outer Court of the Castle and notwithstanding the Tears and Crys of the young King that they might spare his Life he together with his Brother and Flyming had their Heads cut off This Act left Grief and Terror in the Hearts of the People who ever after hated the Actors of the Tragedy The Kings Nonage being now near expired he takes the Government upon himself and finding the two Rulers being so long settled in the Government not to be Ambitious and Head-strong he resolves to entertain another Faction more powerful than they So setting his thoughts upon William Earl of Douglass Son to the Baron of Abercon him he received into Favour This sudden change of Court moved the two Rulers to withdraw after which they were both removed from their Offices and at last summoned before the King to answer such things as they should be Legally accused of They finding that there was a design upon them did not appear Whereupon they were both forfeited This produced great Confusion in the State all being divided into Factions and Parties Whereupon followed much Effusion of Blood especially between the Layndsays and the Ogletives Douglass to keep himself high did much abett these Broils making his own use of them yet not long after the Chancellor notwithstanding Douglass's power and Policy is restored to his Fortune and Dignity The King being setled upon the Throne married Mary Daughter to the Duke of Gnilders soon after the Peace with England expired and the Borders of both Kingdoms break and mutually invade each other which issued in a Truce for seven yeers But this Truce stood not long both Nations being equally inclined to break it Whereupon after several Incursions on both sides at last they came to a Battel The Scots were Commanded by the Earl of Ormond the English by the Earl of Northumberland Magnus Red-beard a man trained from his Youth in the Wars of France who is said to have required no more for his Service to the Crown of England then that by his own Valour he must Conquer of Scotland Here it is valiantly fought for a long time with doubtful Victory till at length Magnus being killed it inclined to the Scots the loss of the English was great many brave Men being killed and taken Prisoners upon their side but the Scots lost few of any Note except Cragy Wallace This Battel brought on a Truce for three years This Victory no sooner was obtained and thereby Peace abroad but presently they fall out at home this Douglass being always the first mover of strife But now finding himself over-powered by Adversaries both at Court and in the Country he leaveth the Kingdom and goeth to Rome he was not long gone but by the means of his Enemies he is cited to appear before the Council upon several days together with his Brother and Vassals to answer such things as should be objected against them and upon not appearing are all denounced Rebels the Earl of Douglass hearing of this unexpected News at Rome takes a Journey and comes to the Borders of Scotland whence he sent