every Repose and shall cause the Strangers to pay more than the custom is and that way shall save our own charges And accordingly the next day they went to put it in execution but I could not forbear laughing in my mind having understood so much French as to know what they were aiming at wherewith I acquainted the young Spaniard and so we were upon our guard yet the two Scotch men would not consent that I should pay for my self hoping that way to beguile the Bishop but the Spaniard and I wrote up every days accompt By the way riding thorough a Wood the two French men lighted off their Horses and drew out their Swords having appointed other two to meet them But beholding our countenance and seeing that we were making for our defence they made a Sport of it alledging that they had done it to try if we would be afraid in case we should be assaulted by the way But these two Rogues that met us left us at the next Lodging and when we came to Paris the two Scotch men never obtained payment of the Bishop for that they had disbursed because of their intended fraud We were 13 days in riding betwixt Brest and Paris where we arrived in the Moneth of April Within a Moneth after our arrival at Paris the Bishop of Valence was sent to Rome and because he took Post he left me behind him having Tabled me in a very good Ordinary and agreed with Masters to teach me the French Tongue and to Dance Fence and play upon the Lute I know not why he did not present me to the Queen as he had engaged albeit afterward he said that he was minded to make me his Heir The cause why he was at this time sent to Rome was this Pope Paul the Third had exchanged some Lands belonging to the Church for Parma and Placentia two Towns appertaining formerly to the Dutchy of Milan and gave them to his Son Piere Luis Farnes who married his eldest Son Octavio to the Bastard Daughter of the Emperour Charles the Fifth The said Piere Luis being murthered for his detestable Vices the next Pope Julius pretended to bring again the said two Towns to the Church in stead of the Church Lands that had been exchanged for them compelling the Duke Octavio finding himself unable to withstand the Popes forces to put the said Towns into the King of France his custody for he was in as great fear of the Emperour his Father-in-Law who had gotten possession of the Dukedom of Millan And for that effect he sent his Brother the Duke of Casters to France to whom King Henry of France gave his Bastard Daughter in marriage The King of France being as earnest to have an Estate in Italy as the Emperour was to hinder him from it by reason of Millan and Naples to which the King claimed a right though the Emperour had them in possession Therefore so soon as he did see the French Garrison within the Town of Parma he took part with the Pope Which made the K. of France endeavour to make a Peace with K. Edward VI. of England by the means of the Duke of Northumberland who had a strict Friendship with France having a hidden mark of his own that he shot at as his Proceedings afterward declared The Peace with England being concluded that King Edward should marry Elizabeth Eldest Daughter to Henry the Second of France and that he should give his consent that the Queen of Scotland who was betrothed to him should be married with Francis Dauphin of France in which Peace Scotland was also comprehended The Bishop of Valence was sent to Rome to endeavour to obliege the Pope to desert the Emperour but he returned without obtaining success in his Expedition which was the cause that the dealing betwixt the King of France and Oneel in Ireland ceased And in the mean time the King of France emits a Proclamation forbidding his Subjects to send to Rome for any Bulls or Confirmation of Benefices which together with the agreement with England put the Pope in great fear that France would become Protestants in despight as Henry the Eighth had lately done before He was the more confirmed in this opinion because an Army was shortly after made ready to pass into Germany to the aid of the Protestant Princes where King Henry himself did in person lead thousand men For then many of the Germans were become Protestants occasioned at first by the insolent avarice of the Pope and the shameless proceedings of his selling of Pardons and by the zeal and boldness of Martin Luther who being persecuted was maintained and assisted by the good Duke Frederick of Saxony the Landgrave of Hesse and other Princes of the Empire Whereupon the Emperour Charles the Fifth took occasion under pretext of maintaining the Catholick Roman Religion to pretend to bring the Empire and all the Dominions thereof as Patrimony to him and his posterity And therefore abandoned his Son-in-Law the Duke Octavio to the Popes discretion for to obtain the greater assistance from him against the Germans Which design the Emperor had once brought near to pass For after that he had vanquished the Protestants in Battle and taken Prisoner Duke John Frederick he passed thorough the most part of the Provinces and Free Towns of Dutchland and took from them their Liberties placing Officers at his pleasure and receiving from them of Gifts and Ransoms Sixteen hundred thousand Crowns and Five hundred Piece of Artillery Yet he doubted the Landgrave who was a valiant Prince and chanced to be absent from the said Battle therefore he dealt with Duke Maurice Godson to the said Landgrave to persuade his Godfather to come in under assurance and promise which the Emperour broke retaining the said Landgrave captive upon the subtlety of a Syllable This Duke Maurice was Cousin to the Captive Duke of Saxony and had obtained the Electorat of Saxony which the Emperour took from his Cousin and gave to him Whereupon he as a fine Courtier assisted the Emperour helping him greatly in his Victories against his Country and Friends for his own promotion But when the Landgrave called him Shelm Pultroon Traitor and deceiver of him whose Daughter he had married he made earnest suit to the Emperour for the Liberty of his Godfather though in vain The Emperour alledging no promise to have been broken to the said Landgrave causing the Letter of Promise and Pacification to be read in his presence in the Dutch Tongue wherein was a written word which admitted of two divers interpretations to wit this word Enig was interpreted by the Emperour Perpetual and by the Landgrave and Duke Maurice it was taken for Null or Nane But they could not help themselves for the Landgrave was two years so straitly kept by the Spaniards that oft in the night they held a light Candle to his face to be assured that he was sleeping and vexed him so that through despight he would spit in their faces
their houses that his Majesty sâ—ould not think himself any way deprived of his liberty by them for hey had got some intelligence of his inward grief for his taking and retaining Whereupon his Majesty takes occasion to appoint a Convention to be holden in St. Andrews for some English Affairs after the returning of Mr. John Colvil and Colonel Steward who both had been sent thither and had not agreed well concerning their Commission having brought back again different answers To the which Convention his Majesty by Missives invited some of the Nobility but he called none of the Lords thereto who had lately left him supposing that perceiving themselves so far slighted they would not come unwritten for and that way he thought he might slip himself out of their hands and retain about him such Lords as he had written for to wit The Earls of Arguile Huntly Montrose Crauford Rothess and the Earl of March who was an indweller in St. Andrews for the time and the Earl of Gaury of whom he judged himself assured though for some respects he would not imploy him till afterwards lest the rest of his associates should alledge that he had left them unhandsomly For the said Earl had repented him that he had suffered himself to be drawn in by Drumwhasel to join with the rest after that he had received sure information that the Duke of Lennox had not laid for his slaughter as was alledged Therefore he repented his folly and offered at all occasions to help to set him at liberty So his Majesty thinking himself assured of all these Noblemen the day appointed for the Convention drawing near it pleased him to send Colonel Stuart to my house shewing me that his Majesty having somewhat to do of great concernment he had directed him unto me as to one of his most faithful Servants of whose fidelity and foresight he had formerly had sufficient proof by the true warning I had made him before the alteration As a sworn Gentleman of his Chamber he desired that I would help him to his liberty which he was determined to attain at his being at St. Andrews whither he was resolved to go shortly to a Convention to which he desired my assistance and advice his Majesty being minded as he said to follow my counsel so long as he lived willing me not to refuse any service that his Majesty would demand of me at meeting This Commission was to me very unpleasant for I had taken my leave of the Court as being wearied with the many alterations I had seen both at home and in forreign Courts having got great trouble and damage to my self for other mens causes Therefore I had determined to be no more concerned in publick affairs but to lead a quiet contemplative life the rest of my days This desire of my Prince and Master was like to put me from this resolution In this perplexity I had recourse by humble prayer to God so to direct my actings as they might tend to his glory and to the weal of my Prince and Country And thereafter according to my dutiful obedience I went unto his Majesty When I came to him at Falkland he told me of his resolution lamenting his hard state and mishandling by his own Subjects and what displeasure he had taken and that he was thought but a Beast by all neighbour Princes for suffering so many indignities I again discoursed unto his Majesty about the common estate of all Countries during their Prince's minority the Nobility striving for state and for the chief handling whereby to advance themselves and their friends As did the House of Guise during the young age of King Francis the Second The Prince of Conde during the Reign of King Charles the Second of France and also the King of Navarr Likewise the Dukes of Somerset and Northumberland during the youth of King Edward the sixth of England And as well in the Queen his Mothers time as in his own time some aiming to advance their own affairs some to defend and maintain their own Estate engaged in divers enterprises and strifes none of the parties bearing any evil will to his Majesty but every one being in love with him and desiring to be nearest to his person And albeit some of them be oft-times transported either by ambition greediness or vengeance to out-shoot themselves and forget their duty yet Princes who are wise and come to perfect age have ever found it their interest to pardon and oversee all such faults as have been committed at such times by too great a number of Subjects Now when Charles the Ninth agreed with the Prince of Conde all his former offences were reckoned for good Service And as your Majesty hath done in agreeing with so many of your Nobility as were in fear that the Duke of Lennox and Earl of ArraÅ„ would wrong both them and the Country as they did alledge Now Sir if your Majesty shall slip from them they will think their Estate in greater danger then ever not from your self but from some of their unfriends who may fall in again about you And albeit they be presently absent they have both a guard and some of their friends presently about your Majesty and so they will not fail to keep the Convention and be as soon at St. Andrews as the other Lords whom your Majesty hath invited by Letters For it stands them upon their lives and fortunes to be still chief about your Majesty Therefore saving your Majesties own pleasure I judge you presently in a far better and safer condition then you will be by abandoning them in case you get it not well effected wherein there will be found greater difficulty then your Majesty hath yet deeply considered as the importance of the case requires All their dissuasions had no force to stay his Majesty from his former deliberation as having taken up a great displeasure and a Princely courage either to liberate himself fully or dye in the attempt But for to follow the example of other wise Princes as he had begun himself to allow for good service the enterpise called the Read of Ruthven so he resolved that being at liberty he would make a general act of Oblivion for all by-gone faults and errours committed by his Nobility and Subjects during his minority and from that time forth to be as a Father to the Country and a just and equal Prince to all his Subjects that no Man's Life no Man's Land Goods nor Office should be taken from them That as the fittest and most effectual way for setling Peace in the Country he would give satisfaction to the Church in their desires That he would keep about his Person the most vertuous and discreet of his Nobility and Gentry who could be found His Majesty ingaged also to me to be secret constant and counselable For the better management then of his Majstey's design it was thought expedient that he should be in St. Andrews some few days before the Convention
Heresies and that it was fit that timously he should prevent the spreading thereof seeing the same would contribute much for his advantage while he might enrich himself by their Estates the names of whom they gave up in a sheet of Paper Which the King put in his Pocket thinking it a very profitable Proposition and therefore with all diligence to be executed The Laird of Grange had been lately made Treasurer and was in great favour with the King He had not yet discovered himself to be a Favourer of the Evangel but the King esteemed him true and desirous to advance his profit and very secret therefore he thought fit to make him privy to this profitable Overture He shewed unto him the written Roll of the Noblemen and Barons names who were given up to be burnt for Heresie telling him what great advantage he would make thereby Whereat the Laird of Grange began to smile and the King to enquire whereat he did laugh The Treasurer desired liberty from his Majesty to tell him the truth Whereat the King drew out his Sword saying merrily to him I shall slay thee if thou speak against my profit Then he put up his Sword commanding him to shew him what reasons he could alledge against the Prelats Proposition The Treasurer declared what troubles his Majesty had been tossed in during his Minority for the Government first between the Queen his Mother and the Lords then betwixt divers Factions of the Lords How that he had been couped from hand to hand sometimes kept against his will as Captive sometimes besieged sometimes brought to battle against his will by the Duglasses to fight against the Earl of Lenox and his best Friends who were slain coming to relieve him the Prelates being Partners for their ambition sometimes with one Faction sometimes with another And how that they could never agree among themselves nor let his Majesty take rest until the Duke of Albany was chosen Governour and brought out of France who had enough to do also For he would have fain done pleasure to France and raised a great many Scotchmen to enter into England who were making Wars in France but he got a rebuke when he when he was at the Border for they would march no further Alledging that the King was but young and Sister Son to King Henry That they saw no reason to enter into War with England to endanger their King and Country to serve France being the King his Father had to no purpose lost his life in their quarrel having entered into England with an Army against his good Brother whereby the whole Country was endangered After that this Duke retired himself your Majesty took the Government in your own hands at the Age of 13 years Yet they clapped again about you and kept you two years as captive And now you are but lately come to your liberty and your Country is not yet so well setled as were needful Albeit your Majesty hath done very much in so short space as to settle the Highland Islands and the Borders It were a dangerous thing if your Nobility should get intelligence that such greedy Fetches should be put in your head under pretext of Heresie to spoil them of their Lives Lands and Goods Wherein you may endanger your own Estate at the instance of these whose Estates are in peril who would hazard you and yours to save their own The Prelates I mean who fear that your Majesty at the example of the King of England of Denmark and several Princes of the Empire will make the like reformation among them Therefore they have no will of your familiarity with the King of England nor that your Estate should be so setled that your Majesty might put order to the abuses of the Kirk Did not one of your Predecessors called S. David give the most part of the Patrimony of the Crown to the Kirk erecting the same into Bishopricks and rich Abbacies Whereby your Majesty is presently so poor and the Prelates so rich so prodigal so proud that they will suffer nothing to be done without them And are also so sworn to the Pope of Rome when they get their Benefices confirmed that they ought not to be credited in any thing that toucheth the Popes Profit or Preferment The Venetians the wisest people in Europe will not suffer any Prelate albeit he be a born man of the Town to abide or stand in their Council-house when they are at Council because they know them to be so strictly sworn to the Pope Then he declared the gross abuses of the Roman Kirk and the ungodly lives of the Scots Prelates which the King and whole Country might see Therefore saith he if your Majesty would be well and be rich you may justly take home again to the profit of the Crown all vacan Benefices by little and little as they may fall by decease of every Prelate He told his Majesty anent his promise to the Ambassador of England there would come great trouble and Wars if it were not kept For King Henry VIII was a couragious Prince and high conceited and appeared to have for the Time an upright meaning his occasions pressing him thereto Having so great turns in hand and so many enemies without succession saving the foresaid Daughter Being corpulent and fat there was small hopes of his having any heirs That therefore it was his interest to be in a good understanding with him being his eldest Sisters Son nearest of blood and ablest to maintain and unite the whole Isle of Britain As for the retaining King James I. in England that was a far different case it was not the like time he was not the Kings Sisters Son nor his apparent heir And what hard success the King his Father had for making War against the King of England his good Brother was too manifestly felt by the whole Subjects And little better to be looked for in case a new unnecessary War be made for your Majesties staying away from the intended Meeting at York The King took such delight in this language that he determined to follow the advice given therein And at his first meeting with the Prelates who had then very great rule in the Country he could not contain himself any longer when they came hoping to see their Plots put in execution After many sore reproofs that they should have advised him to use such cruelty upon so many Noble men and Barons to the peril of his own Estate Wherefore said he gave my Predecessors so many Lands and Rents to the Kirk Was it to maintain Haulks Dogs and Whores to a number of idle Priests The King of England burns the King of Denmark beheads you I shall stick you with this Whingar And therewith he drew out his Dagger and they fled from his presence in great fear The King resolved fully to keep his promise with his Uncle the King of England thinking it both his honour and advancement so to do The Prelates of
to the Governour and Queen mother Sister to the Duke of Guise And when the said Ambassadour was to return to France it pleased the Queen mother to send me with him to be placed Page of Honor to the Queen her Daughter I being then 14 years of Age. But the said Bishop went first to Ireland commanded thereto by theK his Masters Letter to know more particularly the motions and likelihood of the Offers made by Oneel Odoneel Odocart and Callock willing to shake off the Yoke of England and become subject to the King of France providing that he would procure the Popes gift of Ireland and then send to their help 2000 Hacbutiers 200 Light Horsemen and 4 Cannon We shipped for Ireland in the Moneth of January and were stormsted by the way in a little Isle called Sandisle before Kintire where we were compelled to tarry 17. days by reason of the Storm Thence we hoised Sail toward Ireland but the Storm was yet so extreamly violent that with great danger of the Ship and our lives we entered in at the mouth of Loghfeul in Ireland upon Shrove-tuesday in the year 1545. for the Skipper and Mariners had lost all hopes of safety having left their Anchors behind them the night before Ere we landed we sent one George Paris who had been sent to Scotland by the great Oneel and his Associates who landed at the house of a Gentleman who had married Odocarts Daughter dwelling at the side of a Lake who came to our Ship and welcomed us and convoyed us to his house where we rested that night The next morning Odocart came there and convoyed us to his house which was a great dark Tower where we had cold chear as Herring and Bisket for it was Lent There finding two English Gray Friars who had fled out of England for King Edward VI. was yet alive the said Friars perceiving the Bishop to look very kindly to Odocarts Daughter who fled from him continually they brought to him a Woman who spoke English to lie with him Which Harlot being keept quietly in his Chamber found a little Glass within a Case standing in a window for the Coffers were all wet with the Sea Waves that fell into the Ship during the Storm She believing it had been ordained to be eaten because it had an odoriferous smell therefore she licked it clean out which put the Bishop into such a rage that he cried out for impatience discovering his harlotry and his choler in such sort as the Friars fled and the Woman followed But the Irish men and his own Servants did laugh at the matter for it was a Viol of the most pretious Balm that grew in Egypt which Solyman the Great Turk had given in a Present to the said Bishop after he had been two years Ambassador for the King of France in Turkey and was esteemed worth 2000 Crowns In the time that we remained at Odocarts house his young daughter who fled from the Bishop came and sought me where-ever I was and brought a Priest with her who could speak English and offered if I would marry her to go with me where-ever I pleased I gave her thanks but told her that I was but young and had no Estate and was bound for France Now the Ambassadour met in a secret part with Oneel and his Associates and heard their Offers and Overtures And the Patriarch of Ireland did meet him there who was a Scotchman born called Wachop and was blind of both his eyes and yet had been divers times at Rome by Post. He did great honour to the Ambassadour and conveyed him to see S. Patricks Purgatory which is like an old Coal-pit which had taken fire by reason of the smoke that came out of the hole From Odocarts house we went to a dwelling place of the Bishop of Roy not far from the narrow Firth that runs thorough Loghfeul to the Sea The said Irish Bishop had been also at Rome and there we rested other three weeks waiting for a Highland Bark which James Machonel should have sent from Kintire with his Brother Angus to carry us back to Dunbarton Which being come for us we parted to a Castle which the said Machonel had in Ireland and from that we imbarked and rested a night in the Isle of Jura and the next night in the Isle of Bute But by the way we lost our Rudder and were in great danger when we came to Kiltire Iames Maconel did treat us honourably and told the Bishop that he was the welcomer for my sake because he had been kindly used by my Father when he was warded in the Castle of Dumbar during the time that my Father was Captain thereof of whom he made an honourable report to the Bishop Which occasioned him the more kindly to notice me After he had caused us to be landed at Dumbarton we went streight to Sterling where after eight days the Ambassadour took leave of the Queen and went again to Dumbarton where there were two French Ships that had brought Silver to Scotland to pay the French Souldiers in Service there ready to receive us So sailing by the Isle of Man along the South Coast of Ireland we landed at Conquet in Brittany eight days after our Embarking not without some danger by the way both from English Ships and a great Storm so that once at Midnight the Mariners cried that we were all lost At Brest in Britany the Bishop took Post toward the Court of France which was in Paris for the time And because I was young and he supposed I was not able to endure the toil of riding Post he directed two Scottish Gentlemen whose Fathers he had been acquainted with in Scotland to be careful of me by the way And we bought three little Nags to ride to Paris He desired the two Brothers to let me want for nothing by the way which he would recompense at the next meeting He left with me as much money as would buy a Horse and bear my expense upon the Road to Paris Now we three enquired after other company and found other three young men the one a French man the other a Brittain and the third a Spaniard who were to ride the same way We were all six lodged in one Chamber at the first Inn we did quarter at in which were three Beds the two French men had one Bed the two Scots another the Spaniard and my self the third I over-heard the two Scotch men discoursing together that they were directed by the Bishop to let me want for nothing therefore says the one to the other we will pay for his Ordinary all the way and shall accompt twice as much to his Master as we disburse when we come to Paris and so shall gain our own expence The two French men not thinking that any of us understood that Language were saying to themselves These Strangers are all young and know not the Fashion of the Hostlaries therefore we shall reckon with the Host at
Secretary Anbapin For the King of Spain were the Duke of Alva Prince of Orange and Cardinal Granvel for Queen Mary of England were Commissioners William Bishop of Ely and Doctor Wotton The Commissioners made peace betwixt France Spain England and Scotland The Constable was much for the Peace the Cardinal of Lorrain desired the continuance of the Wars For by the Peace the Constable would get leave to come home to guide the King and Court again as he had formerly done By the continuance of the Wars he would remain still Prisoner leaving the Government of the King and Court of France to the Cardinal and the Duke of Guise his Brother Spain that was victorious took advantage of their strife and emulation France and England lost by the said Peace The King inclined most to the Constables Counsel England appeared desirous that Calis should be restored believing that the King of Spain would not agree till they had satisfaction of their demands Yet they were frustrate of their expectations At length perceiving the two great Kings careless of their satisfaction they appeared content with a scornful mean albeit it was not cast in by the Cardinal of Lorrain to wit that Calis should be restored to them at the end of eight years or else five hundred thousand Crowns And for payment of the said sum in case the said Town was not rendred unto them at the end of the time specified that in the mean time they should have three great men of France to be kept as Pledges for the restitution of the said Town Now the English Commissioners knew that nothing of this would be kept nevertheless they appeared content finding themselves abandoned by Spain So the Peace being concluded Spain obtained all their desires the Constable obtained liberty the Cardinal of Lorrain could not mend himself no more than the English Commissioners However the said Cardinal took this advantage of the said Peace that the first Article of the Peace obliged all of them to leave their partialities and join together to suppress the great number of Hereticks who were so increased through all their Dominions that it was thought hard enough to the Pope the Emperour the Kings of Spain and France together with the Queen of Scotland to reduce them again to the Catholick Faith The said Cardinal proposed to himself another advantage wherewith to recompense his losses for he thought at the end of eight years when England would look either to get Calice restored again to them or else the sum above specified he would cause his Sisters daughter the Queen of Scotland to be proclaimed righteous Queen of England and alledge that Queen Elizabeth was but a Bastard And that way he thought not onely Calice but all England should appertain to the Queen of Scotland As for the Pledges he resolved such men should be chosen that France would make little account of After the concluding of this Peace Ambassadors were sent to Flanders and England The Cardinal of Lorrain out of France to take the King of Spains Oath and to swear for the King of France his observation thereof The Secretary Dardois also was sent out of France to do the like in the name of the Dauphin of France and the Queen of Scotland his Spouse giving them this new stile In the name of Francis and Mary King and Queen of Scotland England and Ireland Dauphin and Dauphinois of Viennois Whereat the Duke D' Alva and Cardinal Granvel smiled saying this will breed some business ere it be long The Cardinal of Lorrain shortly after caused to be renewed all the Queen of Scotlands silver Vessels and engraved thereon the Arms of England The Marshal Montmorancy my Masters eldest Son was sent to England to swear the Peace and to take the Queen of Englands Oath So soon as Sir Nicholas Throgmorton understood of this new Stile and Arms usurped by the Queen of Scotland to which he said she had no right he being Ambassador from the Queen of England to France complained thereof to the King and Council of France though he got but Dutch excuses alledging that in Dutchland all the Princes Brothers Cousins or Children are stiled Princes or Dukes of that same House The Constable advised the King to Commission me to swear the Peace in Scotland But the Cardinal of Lorrain alledged Mounsieur Bettancourt Master of the Houshold to the Queen Regent was meeter because the Instructions tended to declare unto the Queen Regent how that the first and principal Article of the Peace was that the Pope the Emperour the Kings of Spain and France should join together to reduce again the most part of Europe to the Roman Catholick Religion and to pursue and punish with Fire and Sword all Hereticks who would not condescend to the same desiring the Queen Regent to do the same in Scotland and to begin in time before the Heresie should spread any further which was already too far spread by her gentle forbearance as had been reported to the King of France Praying her diligently to take course therein without fear or respect of persons seeing that no Country of it self was able to withstand the whole Forces of so many confederate Catholick great Princes It is above declared that all those Prelats who had great Rule and Authority for the time had assisted the Queen Regent in breaking the Contract of marriage with England and transporting the young Queen to France But the Archbishop of St. Andrews began to think that in case the young Queen died without succession to her body that the Earl of Arran his Nephew might the easilier be Crowned the Governour his Father being already in possession was against the transporting the Crown matrimonial to France And he having for the time the guiding bâ—â—h of the Governour his Brother and of the Country drew easily the most part of the Clergy upon his side Whereupon the Queen Dowager was compelled to address her self to a contrary faction to be the more in a capacity of compassing her design to wit to the Nobility and Barons who were become Professors of the Reformed Re ligion conniving at their secret Preaching for further ingratiating her self with them whereby the Protestants so increased that the most part of the Country became Professors of the Reformed Religion And such as had upon that accompt been formerly banished as upon account of the slaughter of the Cardinal were called home to fortifie the Faction that most furthered her designs In the mean time the Bishop of St. Andrews fell sick so that he lost his Speech and was given over for dead The Queen Dowager looks upon this as a fit opportunity of wresting the Government out of the Lord Hamiltons hands having the concurrence of the Lords that were Protestants and their dependents who were not a little incensed at the said Governour because he had been so influenced by his Brother as by his Council to endeavour the ruine of their Religion And the ways they took
death of that gallant Warriour though I could not conjecture for the time what could move him By frequent conference with him I suspected that he would be an Enemy to the marriage of his Brother with our Queen but to get some further tryal thereof I requested my companion Monsieur Zuliger to drink himself merry with some of his Secretaries and then to cast in the purpose of the marriage of our Queen with Duke Charles whether or no it was desired or relished by the Emperour The said Secretary shew'd him plainly that he was against any such preferment to his Brother whereby he might become King both of Scotland and England by reason of an Essay that the Emperour Charles the Fifth had made once to divide his Dominions among the three Sons of Ferdinand his Brother failing Heirs of King Philip his Son who then had but one Son Don Carlo sickly and of a tender weak complexion whom he afterwards himself killed secretly in Prison suspecting him to be of the Reformed Religion and to keep intelligence with the Princes of Flanders who professed the same And Maximilian hoped to succeed to the whole failing Heirs of the said King Philip as having married the said Philip's Sister and having by her many Children of his own whom he rather desired to be preferred then his own Brother For in case the Arch-duke Charles had been made King of Scotland and England he thought thereby he would have the fitter occasion of usurping the Low Countrys upon the pretext of some old right Having understood this I would wait no longer but pressed daily for my dispatch that I might return to my Lord Elector And the Emperour again used great intreaties to oblige me to stay with him promising to advance me if I would enter into his service but finding no inclination in me to comply with his desire therein he at length willed me to stay with him but half a year But I humbly excused my self pretending that I behoved to be shortly in Scotland which moved him the more earnesty to desire me to stay with him which because I would not grant to do I found he was discontent One night late after Supper he parted in a Boat towards the Town of Lintz and sent his Secretary unto me excusing himself that he did not meet with me before parting seeing an urgent occasion called for his speedy departure and seeing I was to return to Scotland he had written a Letter to the Queen in my favour which the Secretary delivered unto me I told the Secretary that I had not yet seen Italy and that I was purposed first to visit Rome Venice Florence and the most remarkable Cities there e're I returned to Scotland upon which account at first I refused the said Letter but he answered there was no danger how long it was undelivered seeing there was no thing therein contained but what concerned my self The Town of Ausbrugh being the nearest Port of Germany to Venice I agreed with Monsieur Euliger to return toward my Lord Elector and thence I took my Journey toward Venice and Rome And came back through all the fairest Cities of Italy and through Switzerland to Heidlberg where the Prince Elector kept his Court. I have above declared how that the Duke of Guise was slain by Poltrot at the Siege of Orleance It was after the battel of Drues in the which both the chieftains were taken The Prince of Conde for those of the Religion and the Constable for the King The Queen Mother incontinently made the Peace far against the mind of Madam de Guise who earnestly requested her not to make the Peace so suddenly left it should be thought that the Duke of Guise had only had hand in the Wars But nevertheless the Queen Mother went forward with the Peace changing the Prince of Conde for the Constable making them both good instruments of the agreement The Peace being made the Queen Mother began to think upon a Wife for her Son King Charles For that effect she sent unto the Prince Palatine a Secretary called Monsieur Wyllot shewing unto him that the King her Son was very desirous to marry Maximilian's Eldest Daughter intreating him as a trusty friend to propose the matter as of his own head as a steadable Alliance conducing for the weal of the Empire and to send her the picture of the Princess which she thought fit to be done upon some considerations before she would proceed more publickly Which affair he went about most diligently and he was pleased to send me with the answer and picture with a congratulation of the late made Peace At my coming to the Court of France which was at Paris for the time the Constable would needs be my convoy to the young King and Queen Mother who had a misliking of the said Constable for the time because he had brought in the Admiral to Paris against her will who was accused to have promised reward unto the foresaid Poltrot to kill the Duke of Guise The Admiral again desired to come before the Privy Council to purge himself offering to undergo his tryal But the Queen Mother desired not these animosities among the great Men to be removed but rather wished that their hatred might continue and their contentions increase as having laid her Plot to secure her own greatness by the means of their strife as was after manifestly seen For during their divisions the Duke of Guise King of Navarr Prince of Conde the Constable the Marshal de St. Andre with the most notable great Men of France were all slain and because the said Admiral escaped during the Wars the Peace was made for the third time and under the covert of marriage of the young King of Navarr who was afterward King of France the said Admiral was barbarously murdered with all that remained of the worthiest Noblemen and Captains of France But to return to the purpose the Constable and Admiral were at Court at that time against the Queen Mother's will where the Admiral was declared innocent of the Duke of Guise his slaughter And at that time the Constable determined to abide at Court and to maintain himself in his Office of great Master by the authority of his great Office of the Constablry assisted by the force of his friends For he sufficiently understood the Queen Mother's Italian tricks therefore to win credit he presented me to the young King and sate down upon a Stool by him and the Queen his Mother and held his Bonnet upon his Head taking upon him the full authority of his great Office to the Queen Mother's great discontent whereat she was so impatient that she turned away her face when I was declaring my Commission after the delivery of my Letters of Credence to the King and her which the King was very glad to hear being thereby put in hope that the marriage would take effect He was so desirous to see the picture of that young Princess that he cut the
her heart and mind in that affair to be directed by the Almighty God But this herein her Majesty considereth that to seek out such a Husband as is sought for by your friends in the Emperours Linage will certainly procure at last some misunderstanding and give apparent occasion of dissolving the Concord that is now betwixt the two Nations and an interruption of such a course as otherwise might be taken to further and advance such a Title as your Highness hath to succeed to her Majesty to the Crown of England if she should depart without issue of her Body Then he useth some unfit perswasions and menaces threat'ning that some in England were going about with practices to set forward their pretended right to her Majesties prejudice which she by her discreet behaviour and conformity to his Mistresses pleasure might prevent by moving her thereby not only to proceed in the inquisition after your Majesties right and with her power to further the same but also to hinder that which appears to be to the contrary And now if your Majesty would know what kind of marriage would best content her and her Realm such a one as would breed no jealousie nor trouble betwixt your Majesties and your Countries as did the the marriage with the French King But rather it is to be wished that there might be found out some Nobleman of great birth in England who might be agreeable to you with whom her Majesty would more readily and more easily declare that she inclines that failing of Children of her own Body you might succeed to her Crown otherwise I do plainly tell you that my Soveraign can promise nothing in that matter tending to your satisfaction These were Mr. Randolph's first instructions and propositions unto the Queen concerning her marriage with the Arch-duke Charles But he had a secret Commission to my Lord of Murray and Secretary Lidingtoun to propose my Lord Robert Dudley and he desired me also to set forward his marriage with the Queen as meetest of all other By this kind of procedure it was apparent that the Queen of England did not relish this proposal of marriage of the Arch-duke Charles to our Queen She gave a farther and more clear demonstration thereof a little after by sending the Earl of Sussex to the Emperour's Court as well to congratulate his Coronation as indirectly to draw on the marriage of the Arch-duke Charles with her self And she was put in hope that it would take effect Yet this design was not so secretly managed but our Queen was thereof advertised by some of her friends in England And from hence arose inward griefs and grudges between the two Queens which within a little time bursted forth occasion thereof being given by the Queen of England For in a familiar Letter to our Queen she appeared therein to give her as formerly a friendly advice which our Queen thought but double dealing remembring as well her late disswading answer from the marriage of the Arch-duke Charles as her late practises in the Emperours Court The Queen of England's Letter was written at the desire of some of the House of Hamiltoun For after that Mr. Randolph had spoken as is above mentioned against the marriage of the Queen with the Arch-duke Charles and had alledged that some Noblemen in England would be fitter matches for her he proceeded so far with my Lord of Murray and Secretary Lidingtoun as to say What would you think of my Lord Robert Dudly for your Queen But finding small account to be made of him he advertised the Queen his Mistress thereof Whereupon liberty was granted to Matthew Earl of Lennox who dwelt then in England to go to Scotland as desirous to see the Queen and take course in some of his own affairs Now his Eldest Son my Lord Darnly was a lusty young Prince and apparently was one of the two that the Queen of England had told me she had in her head to offer unto our Queen as born within the Realm of England But to return unto the Letter written by the Queen of England unto our Queen she would appear therein to be very careful for the Queen her Sisters quiet Estate and Government desiring her to take heed that in shewing pleasure to the Earl of Lennox she did not displease the House of Hamiltoun seeing thereby trouble and strife might arise in her Country Sundry other such purposes she had which at some time would not have been taken in ill part but now all advices given by the Queen of England were misconstructed partly because of her being instrumental in hindring the marriage with Prince Charles and partly because David Rixio lately admitted to be her French Secretary was not very skilful in inditing French Letters which she did write over again with her own hand The answer then that our Queen did write unto the said Letter declared some suspicions and anger to have been taken and these she manifested in some harsh expressions which were constructed by the Queen of England as a violation of their former familiarity and Sisterly correspondence which had been ever kept up since the Queens return out of France Whereupon ensued so great a coldness that they left of for a considerable time from writing each to other as they had formerly done weekly by Post. So that the Queen resolved to send me to England to renew their outward friendship for in their hearts from that time forth there was nothing but jealousies and suspicions The Queen my Mistress thought that if their discord continued it would cut off all correspondence between her and her friends in England and that Queen had no inclination for War but by all means possible desired to shun trouble or any occasion of expences the King of Spain and she being already entered into controversie For he judged her a foinenter of the troubles in Flanders and the Low Countries and not without reason For she thought her self abandoned by the King of Spain at the late Peace made at Cambray and her chief Councellers thought it convenient for the interest of England that Factions should be nourished in France Flanders Scotland and Spain At my home-coming to Scotland I found the Queen's Majesty at St Johnstoun in the Year of God 1564 the fifth day of May. I was very favourably received by the Queens Majesty and presented unto her Letters from the Emperour Maximilian the Elector Palatine the Duke of Lorrain and Cardinal of Lorrain and Duke of Aumale all in my favours After that I had at length informed her that I found Maximilian was against the marriage of his Brother Charles she likewise understanding the Queen of Englands part therein as is above specified she altogether laid aside any further thoughts of the marriage with the Arch-duke Charles And whereas she had once resolved to have sent me to Germany she takes another resolution intending that I should be sent to England Though I was not yet resolved in setling my self
your travel For first they will never meet together and next there will never be any thing else but dissembling and secret hatred for a while and at length Captivity and utter wrack to our Queen from England My Brother answered he liked not to hear of such devilish news nor yet would he in any sort credit them as being false ungodly and unlawful for Christians to meddle with Bassintoun answered good Mr. Melvil entertain not that harsh opinion of me I am a Christian of your own Religion and fear God and purposeth never to cast my self on any of the unlawful Arts that you mean but so far as Melancthon who was a godly Theologue hath declared lawful and written concerning the natural Sciences which are lawful and daily read in divers Christian Universities in the which as in all other Arts God gives to some less and to others clearer knowledge by the which knowledge I have attained to understand that at length the Kingdom of England shall of right fall to the Crown of Scotland and that at this instant there are some born who shall brook Lands and Heritages in England But alas it will cost many their Lives and many bloody Battels will be fought e're things be settled or take effect and by my knowledge says he the Spaniards will be helpers and will take a part to themselves for their labour which they will be loath to leave again After that the Queens Majesty had demitted the Government when she was Captive in Lockleven in such manner as is rehearsed my Lord of Murray being the first of the Regents of whom I have said something already I intend now to follow forth and shew a part of his proceedings and to begin where I left at her Majesties retreat to England After the Battel of Langside the Regent went through the Country and took up the Escheats and Houses of those who had assisted at the said Battel and caused to cast down divers of their houses distributing their Lands to his Servants and dependers The Council of England being crafty and in special the Secretary Cicil they knew what kind of Men had most credit about him for the time and thereupon took occasion to deal with the least honest most ambitious and covetous of that number and Society who had joined and banded themselves together to assist each other whereby to advance themselves and to disgrace all such true and honest men as had assisted and helped him in all his former troubles This sort of Men were soon perswaded and corrupted to move the Regent to pass unto England and accuse their native Queen before the Queen and Council of England to the great dishonour of their Country and Prince For the Queen of England who had no just cause to retain our Queen who had fled to England in hope of getting shelter and the assistance which had been so oft promised her both before and after her Captivity in Lockleven was very desirous to have some colour and pretext whereby she might make answer to the Ambassadours of sundry Princes who reproached her for her unkindly and unprincely proceedings therein Because the most part of those who had the Regent's Ear were gained to this opinion and the number few who were of a contrary mind he went forward to England accompanied with the Earl of Mortoun the Lord Lindsay the Laird of Lockleven the Bishop of Orkny the Abbot of Dumfarmling Mr. James Macgil Mr. Henry Balnears Mr. George Buchanan the Laird of Pittarrow George Duglas Bishop of Murray Mr. John Wood the Regent's Secretary a great Ring-leader Mr. Nicholas Elphinstoun Secretary Lidingtoun Alexander Hay Alexander Hume of North-Berwick the Laird of Cleesh with divers other Barons and Gentlemen who went there to see the fashion some to wait upon the Regent and Lords and some who could not get the Regent disswaded from this extream folly at home went with him to England to see if by any assistance of such as were friends there to the Union of the Isle and to the Title of Scotland he might be stayed from that accusation For those who were the Queens Lords who came there to defend the Queens part had no credit nor familiarity with the chief faction in England concerning the Title nor durst open their minds but to such as by long acquaintance they were well assured of their honesty and secrecy The names of the Queens Lords were the Lord Herreis the Lord Boid the Lord Fleeming the Lord Livingstoun the Bishop of Ross and some others with my Brother Sir Robert who attended to do all the good he could The Duke of Norfolk the Earl of Sussex and several other Councellors were sent down to York to hear the Regent's Accusation and to be as Judges between the King and Queen's Lords The first day of meeting the Duke of Norfolk required that the Regent should make Homage in the King's Name to the Crown of England thinking he had some ground to demand the same seeing the said Regent there to plead his Cause before the Councel of England Whereat the Regent grew red and knew not what to answer but Secretary Lidingtoun took up the Speech and said That in restoring again to Scotland the Lands of Huntingtuon Cumberland and Northumberland with such other Lands as Scotland did of old possess in England that Homage should gladly be made for the said Lands but as to the Crown and Kingdom of Scotland it was freer than England had been lately when it payed St. Peter ' s Penny to the Poor It appeared still that the Duke drave off time with us as having no inclination to enter upon the terrors of Accusation What was in his head appeared afterward but he was long in a suspence with whom to deal For he thought as he afterward said he neither did see honest men nor wise men At last he resolved to enter in Conference with Secretary Lidingtoun to whom he said That before that time he had ever esteem'd him a Wise man until that now he came before Strangers to accuse the Queen his Mistress as if England were Iudge over the Princes of Scotland How could we find in our hearts to dishonour our Kings Mother or how could we answer afterward for what we were doing seeing it tended to hazard the King her Sons Right to England intending to bring his Mothers honesty in question It had been rather the Duty of you his Subjects sayes he to cover her Imperfections if she had any remitting unto God and Time to punish and put Order thereto who is the Only Iudge over Princes Lidingtoun as he might well do purged himself and declared he came there to endeavour to stop the said Accusation which the Laird of Grange and divers others had endeavoured to do in vain before the Regent's coming out of Scotland And that now he would be glad of any help to hinder that shameful deliberation of the Regents pushed thereto by a company of greedy rash and careless
Councellors the most part of them his Enviers and secret Enemies praying the Duke not to conceive such an Evil Opinion of him but requesting him to draw the Regent apart and enter with him upon those Terms which afterward the Regent would shew him and he should amplifie and set it out the best he could The Duke asked if the Regent would keep secret and being thereof assured by Lidingtoun the next day he took occasion to enter into discourse with the Regent about their first Friendship and Familiarity contracted at Lieth during the Siege and helping to put the Frenchmen out of Scotland Then after that the Regent had promised Secrecy and assured him that their first Friendship should stand till the end of his Life the Duke began to declare how that he would be a Faithful Subject to the Queen his Mistress so long as she lived but that she was too careless what might come after her about the well and quiet of her Country tho it was the Interest of the Kingdom of England more to notice the same by determining the Succession to prevent Troubles that might otherwise ensue That tho they had divers times essayed to do something therein at every Parliament but that their Queen had thereat evidenced a great discontent and hindred the same shewing thereby that she cared not what Blood was shed after her for the Right and Title of the Crown of England which consists only in the Persons of the Queen and King of Scotland her Son which had been put out of doubt e're then if matters had not fallen out so unhappily at home and yet he and other Noblemen of England as Fathers of the Country were minded to be careful thereof watching their opportunity But that they wondred what could move him to come there and accuse his Queen for albeit she had done or suffered harm to be done to the King her Husband yet there was respect to be had to the Prince her Son upon whom he and many in England had fixed their Eyes as Mr. Melvil who had been late Ambassadour there could testifie He therefore wished that the Queen should not be accused nor dishonoured for the King her Sons cause and for respect to the Right they both had to succeed to the Crown of England And further the Duke said I am sent to hear your Accusation but neither will I nor the Queen my Mistress give out any Sentence upon your Accusation And that you may understand the verity of this Point more clearly you shall do well the next time that I require you before the Councel to give in your Accusation in Writing to demand again my Mistress's Seal and Hand-Writing before you show your folly that in case you Accuse she shall immediately Convict and give out her Sentence according to your Probation otherwise that you will not open your Pack Which if her Majestie shall refuse to grant unto you which undoubtedly she will do then assure your self that my Information is true and take occasion hereupon to stay from further accusation The Regent took very well with this Advice of the Dukes and kept it secret from all his Company save Secretary Lidingtoun and me to whom that same Night he imparted it shewing us his inclination to follow the same in which Resolution we confirmed him At the next meeting with the Council when the Duke demanded the Accusation to be given in the Regent asked for his Security the Queen of Englands Seal and Hand-Writing as was before advised of which the rest of his Faction gave Lidingtoun the full blame because it drew on a delay until the Post was sent to the Court and returned the Queens answer Being come it was told that she was a true Princess her Word and Promise would be abundantly sufficient The Secretary Cicil and Mr. John Wood Secretary to the Regent thought strange of this manner of procedure therefore it was advised to desire the Lords on both sides to go from York toward the Court that the matter might thereto be treated where the Queen was able to give more ready Answers and Replies In the mean time the Regent finding the Information the Duke of Norfolk gave him concerning the Queen of Englands Answer to be true he entred further into Communication with him and in presence of Lidingtoun it was agreed betwixt them as followeth That he in no wayes should accuse the Queen That the Duke should obtain to him the Queens Favour with a confirmation of the Regency The Duke and He were to be as sworn Brothers of one Religion shooting continually at one mark with the mutual intelligence of one anothers minds the one to Rule Scotland the other to Rule England to the Glory of God and well of both the Countries and their Princes so that Posterity should report them the happiest two Instruments that ever were bred in Brittain The Duke was then the greatest Subject in Europe not being a free Prince For he ruled the Queen and all those who were most familiar with her He also ruled the Councel and ruled two Factions in England both Protestants and Papists with the City of London and whole Commons The Great Men who were Papists were all his near Kinsmen whom he entertained with great Wisdom and Discretion the Protestants had such proof of his Godly Life and Conversation that they loved him intirely The Regent being arrived at the Court of England which was for the time at Hampton-Court he was daily pressed to give in his accusation especially by those who were about him when all thought strange that he was so slow in doing thereof until they were advertised by one of the Lords of the Queens Faction of all that had past betwixt the Regent and the Duke of Norfolk For the Duke by a secret hand had advertised our Queen and she again shewed it to one of her most Familiars who advertised the Earl of Mortoun thereof He took this very ill that the Regent had done this without acquainting him or any of his Society of his design But e're he or any of his Company would seem to understand any thing of the matter they laid their heads together and caused Mr. John Wood to inform Secretary Cicill of all that had past desiring him to press forward the Accusation wherein of himself he was abundantly earnest They again left nothing undone for their part to effectuate the same putting him in hope that the Queen would give him her Hand-Writing and Seal that she should convict the Queen in case he accused her Others of the finest of them persuaded him that she would never give her hand-writing or Seal for that end putting him to a strait to see what he would do in case he obtained his desire Mr. John Wood said That it was fit to carry in all the Writs to the Councel and he would keep the Accusation in his bosom and would not deliver it till first the thing demanded of the Queen was granted The
time and indigent of mony thought he would be very fortunate if again he could obtain the Dukes friendship and pardon so he was brought easily and secretly unto the Duke by Sir Nicholas At which time he granted his offence excusing himself the best he could by the craft and importunity of some of his Company The Duke helped him to frame his excuse alledging That he knew how his gentle nature was abused by the craft and concurrence of some of the Council of England who had joined with some about him That if he would for the future keep touch and be secret they should take a course with all those who had drawn on that draught The Regent promised as far as could be devised so that a greater friendship was packed up between them then ever The Duke had before told him That he was resolved to marry the Queen our Mistress and that he should never permit her to come to Scotland nor yet that he should ever Rebell against the Queen of England during her time Also that he had a Daughter who would be meeter for the King then any other for many Reasons Now the Duke took in hand to cause the Queen his Mistress to give unto my Lord Regent Two thousand pound sterling for the which Sum he became Cautioner and was afterward compelled to pay it After that the Regent had got this mony and had taken his leave of the Queen he was advised by such as had great credit about him to tell the Queen all things that had past again betwixt the Duke and him And to do it the more covertly it was devised That the Queen of England should send for him pretending to give him some admonition about some order to be observed upon the Border This being done and all things discovered to the Queen with a promise so soon as he came to Scotland and had received any Letters from the Duke by Cyphers or otherwise he should send them to England by an Express In the mean time the Duke wrote unto our Queen advertising her again of the new friendship between him and the Regent who was become very penitent and had been formerly deceived by craftier men then himself desiring her to let him pass by without any harm done to him or any in his company by the way At that time the Duke commanded over all the North parts of England where the Queen our Mistress was kept and so might have taken her out when he pleased And when he was angry at the Regent he had appointed the Earl of Westmerland to lye in his way and cut off himself and so many of his company as were most bent upon the Queens Accusation But after the last agreement the Duke sent and discharged the said Earl from doing us any harm yet upon our return the Earl came in our way with a great Company of Horse to signifie to us that we were at his mercy After the Regents safe return to Scotland Mr. John Wood his Secretary peocured upon the first occasion to be sent to England with all the Letters that had been sent from the Duke of Norfolk which could tend to undo him He desired Mr. Henry Balneavs to cause the Regent to give him the Bishoprick of Murray void for the time though he pretended it was neither for ambition nor covetousness of the Rents but that he might have an honourable Style to set out the better his Ambassage The said Mr. Henry being indeed such a man as Mr. John would appeared to have been was very angry and never liked him ester that my Lord Lindsay vented himself That he was one of the number who gave the Regent counsel so to do alledging that such promises as were made to the Duke of Norfolk for fear of life ought not to be kept A little after that Mr. John was come back to Scotland well rewarded for his pains the Duke was sent for by the Queen to come to Court Whereupon first he posted in haste to Secretary Cicil to demand his counsel for he reposed much upon him they being joined in one course The other made answer That there was no danger he might come and go at his pleasure no man would or durst offend him Which made the Duke ride up quietly only with his own train whereas otherwise he would have been well accompanied In the mean time Secretary Cicil informed the Queen That the necessity of the time obliged her not to omit this occasion but to take the matter stoutly upon her self and incontinent command her Guard to lay hands upon the Duke or else no other durst do it which if she did not at this time her Crown would be in peril The Queen following this counsel the Duke was taken and secured when he thought all England was at his Devotion who after long Captivity was Executed ending his Life devoutly in the Reformed Religion Shortly after Mr. John Wood's returning out of England there was a great Convention held at Pearth where the Regent was resolved to accuse Secretary Lidingtoun as being of Councel with the Duke of Norfolk but he had so many friends for the time that they durst not lay hands on him albeit from that hour forth he retired from the Court and remained with the Earl of Athol where the Regent entertained him with friendly Letters And upon a time being at Sterling he wrote for him to come and make a dispatch for England whither being come Captain Crauford was directed to accuse him before the Privy Council of the late King's murther and being accused of so odious a Crime he was committed to Ward Sir James Balfour was also taken out of his own House when he expected no such thing Then my Lord of Doun wrote to the Laird of Grange to be upon his guard for the Regent was resolved to take the Castle of Edenbrugh from him and make the Laird of Drumwhasel Captain thereof Which advertisement he had formerly given to Grange as also of the design to take the Secretary and Sir James Balfour But at the first he would not give credit thereto but now when he did see the Advertisement take effect he began to think that the Regent was strangely missed he would have been satisfied to have wanted the Castle and to have left the Court were it not for the desire he had to save the Lives of Secretary Lidingtoun and Sir James Balfour having upon his Honour engaged to protect the said Sir James upon his rendring up the Castle to him He knew they were wrongfully pursued only by the Malice and Envy of their Enemies for their Offices Sir James Balfour being taken sent unto the Laird of Grange minding him how he had joyned with the Lords and Regent upon the Trust he reposed on his Fidelity more than on all their Seals and Hand-writings which he had to produce Whereupon the Laird of Grange sent a Gentleman to the Regent but the Regent purged himself and alledged the Councel were
hold the Justice Air of West Lauthian at Edinbrugh with my Lord Neubottle Mr. David Macgill and Mr. John Sharp There came to my Bed timely in a morning a Gentleman alledging that I had formerly done him courtesies which till now he was never able to recompence that he would make me the instrument of saving the Kings Majesty my Master out of the hands of those who were upon an enterprize to take and keep him I said I could hardly trust that but I feared that the Duke of Lennox might be in hazard who was gone to Glascow to hold Justice Airs because of the hatred which I knew was born him especially for the maintaining the two Bishops of St. Andrews and Glascow He answered They will lay hands first on the Kings Majesty and then the Duke and the Earl of Arran dare no more be seen their insolency and misbehaviour being the cause of all the present disorders for there is an enterprize to present a supplication against him to his Majesty After he had told me this news he desired me to conceal his name though to tell the matter to his Majesty He said this turn would be done in ten dayes and as I started up to put on my Cloaths he slipt to the door with a short farewel Because the Duke was at Dalkieth I did ride thither and shewed him the whole matter advising him to ride himself to His Majesty with this Advertisement for his own security but he chose rather to direct a Gentleman with all possible diligence to His Majesty willing me also to write unto the Earl of Gaurie for the Gentleman had not named him to me with the rest of the enterprizers either out of forgetfulness or else because he was but lately won to that purpose by the Laird of Drumwhasel who had assured him that the Duke of Lennox had determined to slay him at the first meeting persuading the Earl upon this ground to joyn with the rest of the Noblemen who were determined to reform the Estate Unto the which invented Advertisement he too easily gave Credit and so joyned with the rest of the Nobility who were minded to present the forenamed supplication to the King at his coming to Dumfarmling It is certain that the Duke of Lennox was led by evil Councel and wrong Informations whereby he was moved to meddle in such hurtful and dangerous courses that the rest of the Nobility became zealous of his intentions and feared their Estates As for the Earl of Arran they detested his Proceedings and esteemed him the worst and most insolent instrument that could be found out to wrack King Kirk and Country The Duke had been tolerable had he hapned upon as honest Councellors as he was well inclined of himself but he wanted experience and was no ways versed in the State of the Country nor brought up in our Religion which by time he might have been brought to have imbraced But the Earl of Arran was a scorner of Religion presumptuous ambitious covetous careless of the Commonwealth a dispiser of the Nobility and of all honest men so that every man was expecting a suddain Change which should have been made in Dumfarling in presenting the above specified supplication But what moved the Lords to surprise His Majesty within the House of Huntingtoun I know not If it was not to imbark the Earl of Gaury whose House it was more deeply in their bond or that they fearing their enterprise to be discovered made the greater hast and stayed His Majesty in that place which was afterward called the Road of Ruthven After that the Duke of Lennox was advertised of this enterprise he sent for the Earl of Arran who was peaceably passing his time in Kinweel He took in hand to ride and save the King boasting that he would chase all the Lords into Mouse-holes but he was chased and saved himself in the House of Ruthven where they had shortly made an end of him had not the Earl of Gaurie interceeded for his life whose destiny it was to keep him alive to be his own wrack afterwards The Duke of Lennox being advertised that His Majesty was in their hands retired himself to Dumbartoun and His Majesty was conveyed to Stirling and there retained The King of France and the Queen of England being informed that the King was taken and kept in Custody sent each of them an Ambassador to this Country to comfort his Majesty to see what the matter meant and to offer him their assistance in case he required the same and declared that he had been taken and kept against his will But after great thanks given unto the said Ambassadors the King willed them to declare unto their Princes that he was very well satisfied with the Lords who were about him and that they were all his own Subjects willing to obey him but that they had conceived some hard apprehensions of the Duke of Lennox and some others who had been about him before Albeit his heart was full of sorrow and displeasure as he told himself afterward and even then likewise to Mr. Cairy Cousin to the Queen of England who whispered in His Majesties Ear requesting him to tell the plain verity which he should keep secret from Mr. Bows his Companion and also from the Lords and shall only shew his inward mind privily to his Mistress the Queen yet it neither appeared by the success to have been kept secret nor did that Queen make any further instance for his liberty The Lords in the mean time thought meet to hold a Councel to resolve what course to take wherein it was determined that their enterprise was good service to his Majesty the Kirk and Common-wealth which His Majesty granted also to be true whereupon an Act of Councel was formed At that same time the general Assembly of the Kirk was held at Edinbrugh to the which his Majesty was moved to send two Commissioners to testify that he had allowed for good service the said Lords enterprise desiring likewise the Kirk to find it good for their parts and to ordain the Ministers and Commissioners of every Shire to publish the same to their Parishioners and to get the principal Gentlemens Subscriptions to maintain the same Notwithstanding of all this His Majesty took the matter further to heart then any man would have believed He lamented his mishandling to sundry Noblemen and others and at length acquainted some of them that he intended to relieve himself through time out of their hands who held him as Captive He desired such as he trusted in to assist him with their counsel and help The Lords again who were joined together for the Reformation of the State being rid of the Duke of Lennox who had past through England to France where he shortly after dyed of a sickness contracted through displeasure And being also rid of the Earl of Arran whom they kept Captive in the custody of the Earl of Gaury they retired themselves from the Court to
the Laird of Barnbarrow and the said Mr. Peter to be again employed in that matter with uncertain and irresolute Instructions to propose marriage and with divers fair allegiances concerning His Majesty's sufficient Right to the. Isles of Orkny which the King of Denmark was minded to sue for more sharply but for the hope he was put in of the apparent marriage of the King's Majesty with his Eldest Daughter These Ambassadours were not well imbarked when Monsieur Dubartus arrived here to visit the King's Majesty who he heard had him in great esteem for his rare Poesie set out in the French Tongue He would not say that he had a secret Commission to propose the Princess of Navarre as a fit marriage for His Majesty but that the King of Navarre's Secretary willed him seeing he was to come this way as on his own head to propose the said marriage Monsieur Dubartus's Qualities were so good and his Credit so great with his Majesty that it appeared if the Ambassadours had not already made Sail that their Voyage should have been stayed for that Season The Chancellour assured Monsieur Dubartus as he shewed me that the marriage of Denmark should not take effect For our Ambassadours had indeed such strait Instructions and so slender a Commission that it was enough to have caused the King of Denmark to start and to quarrel with our King were it not that they dealt above their Commission Which kept that King in some Temper albeit they returned without fruit full of displeasure thinking themselves scorned as they were indeed In the mean time that they were in Denmark Monsieur Dubartus being in Falkland with His Majesty came to my house to perswade me to take a Commission in hand which he said His Majesty would lay to my charge which was to be sent unto the King of Navarre and to be acquainted with Madam the Princess his Sister And because His Majesty knew that I would be loath to go he named also my Lord Tungland my Brother who undertook the journey and became well acquainted with the said Princess and was well treated and rewarded by the King her Brother now King of France and brought with him the Picture of the Princess with a good report of her rare qualities The Laird of Barnbarrow and Mr. Peter Young being returned back from Denmark declared that the King of Denmark thought nothing of their Commission judging it but fruitless dealing and delaying of time and fair language without any power to conclude I am uncertain whether he got intelligence of His Majesties sending my Brother to the King of Navarre But the marrying of his Eldest Daughter with the Duke of Brunswick gave some appearance that he had got some notice thereof from the Court of England who were abundantly well informed of all our proceedings After this Colonel Stuart desirous to see the marriage with the King of Denmark's Daughter take effect went thither upon his own expences divers times And seeing the Eldest Daughter already married he excused the King's Majesty and laid the blame upon those who had the handling of his affairs So that the King of Denmark promised yet to give his second Daughter unto the King upon conditions that Ambassadours should be sent there the next year before the first day of May. In the mean time the King of Denmark took sickness and departed this life leaving the same Commission with his Council and such as were appointed for Regents of the Realm Now the King being suited in marriage by many great Princes and his Ambassadours being come back both out of Denmark and Navarre with the Pictures of the young Princesses His Majesty determined first to ask counsel of God by earnest Prayer to direct him where it would be meetest for the weal of himself and his Country So that after fifteen days advisement and devout Prayer as said is he called his Council together in his Cabinet and told them how he had been advising about that matter of so great concernment to himself and his Country the space of fifteen days and that he was now resolute to marry in Denmark The Council appeared all to relish his resolution requiring meet Instruments to be imployed to compleat the marriage and to make the Contract Then His Majesty said That he had already chosen me in his mind for one desiring the Council to choose another which they did to wit The Lord of Atry Uncle to the Earl of Marshal We two being written for and come to Court found not such earnestness with the Council as with the King Which my Lord of Atry perceiving he drew home again excusing himself upon his Age and sickliness His Majesty used many perswasions and reasons to induce me to undertake the Voyage declaring how he had many times sent for me to be employed in Ambassages and could never tell why I went not I answered That His Majesty would have done me that honour many times above my deserving which he would not have done if he had known my insufficiency for such matters of so great import as I did my self His Majesty said That this business concerning his marriage was the greatest matter that ever he had to do and that he would take no refusal I said That my Lord Tuangland my Brother was far meeter then my self being a good Scholar who could perfectly speak the High Dutch the Latine and the Flemming Languages with the French Tongue But His Majesty would still repose upon me in that Errand but at my desire was satisfie that my Brother should be put in Commission with me Then His Majesty said Albeit the Council will form your Instructions yet you shall receive mine out of my own mouth First If the King of Denmark had been alive he would not have stood to have given a great Portion with his Daughter wherein it is probable the Regent and his Council will be as sparing as they can I doubt not therefore but you will endeavour to draw from them as much as can be had but at length stand not upon mony to conclude the marriage Secondly Know what friendship and assistance they will make me when it may please God to place me by Right in the Kingdom of England by decease of this Queen in case any Country man or other would wrongously pretend to usurp and debarr me from the same Thirdly Concerning the Isles of Orkny you may chuse any Man of Law that you please for that head must be answered and debated by Form of Law Alwise if the marriage take effect that purpose would not be over precisely handled It may be that my Council will give you straiter Conditions but this Instruction of mine you shall follow let them say what they please I told His Majesty That I would chuse to take with me for a Lawyer Mr. John Skeen His Majesty said he judged there were many better Lawyers I said he was best acquainted with the German Customs and could make them long
same night by the way was advertised by one of the Earl of Bothwel's company that he was already in Fiffe and would be in Falkland against Supper-time Upon which advertisement he sent his Gentleman called Robert Auflock to acquaint his Majesty therewith and to request him to enter within the Tower in due time When the said Robert declared the matter unto his Majesty they all laughed him to scorn calling him a fool The said Robert returning malecontent to be so mocked met the Earl of Bothwel and his Company upon the highth of the Lummonds when it was already dark night and turned incontinently as if he had been one of their Company He used great diligence to be first at his Majesty Entring within the Palace of Falkland he closed the Gates himself and cryed continually to cause his Majesty enter within the Tower who at length believed him and mocked him no more The Earl of Bothwel at his coming had Potards to break up Gates and Doors It was not without ground alledged That some of those who shot out of the Tower for his Majesties defence charged their Culverins with Paper But some of his Majesties Houshold Officers shot out Bullets which gave the Earl and his Company a great scare as also his being within the Tower before he was surprised And supposing that the Country would gather together the said Earl and his Company retired and fled none pursuing them Whereas a few might easily have overtaken and overthrown them That same night I lay in my Boots upon my Bed expecting word from Falkland where there was one left to be ready for that effect At whose back-coming I with other friends and neighbours did ride to Convene the Country about Coupar to have rescued his Majesty But the King immediately sent me advertisement that the Earl was fled yet he desired me to bring these forward whom he knew I would Convene for his relief as they did to the number of 3000 that afternoon Thus God miraculously delivered his Majesty as he had done divers times before About this time came to his Majesty an honest Gentleman from Ireland called who made offers of consequence to his Majesty Whereof the Queen of England was incontinently advertised and desired to require the said Gentleman to be delivered to her Which the most part of the Council councelled his Majesty to do But the Justice Clark my Borther and I were of a contrary opinion Which deed did great harm to the settlement of his Majesty's Affairs in England and Ireland This I speak with great regrate because it was so far against his Majesties own mind and yet he suffered it to be done because the chief Ring-leaders advised it who have been always won to the devotion of England Now the Prince being born at Sterling the day of in the year his Majesty thought fit to send Ambassadours to England Denmark France and Flanders to require their Ambassadours to be sent to the Baptism of the Prince his first-born Son The Council were commanded to nominate such as were meetest to be sent on that message as they did Yet some obtained that Commission who were very unmeet for that Errand as Sir William Keeth for he could neither speak Latine French nor Flemings The Laird of Easter Weems procured to carry the Commission to France and also to England because he was to go thither about his own Affairs being the King of France his Servant But Mr. Peter Young sped best who sent to Denmark and to the Dukes of Mecklburg and Brunswick for he got three fair chains But the King of France nor the Queen of England gave nothing which they would have been ingaged to do if Ambassadours had been sent to them express Neither sent the King any Ambassadours here at that time The Queen of England was once resolved to have done the same till she was advertised by her own Ambassadour in France that the King was resolved to send none Then very late she sent the Earl of Sussex to let us see that she would ever be a ready friend when France would refuse and lye back On the other part the Dukes of Mecklburg and Brunswick were discontent that they were so far slighted as not each of them to be thought worthy of an Express A special day was appointed for Solemnizing the said Baptism The Ambassadors of Denmark and Dutchland arrived almost together His Majesty had sent for me to be there at their coming to receive them and to entertain them But the Ambassadours of Mecklburg and Brunswick would not ride out of Leeth in company with the Danish Ambassadour when they were Convoyed up to Edinburgh but desired a Convoy apart A few days after them arrived the Ambassadours of the Estates of the Low-Countries to wit Monsieur de Broderod and Monsieur Fulk great Treasurer of Holland and Zeland who landed at New-haven where I was well accompanied to receive them having Horse and Footmantles in readiness to carry them up to Edinburgh to their Lodgings A little before the landing of the said Ambassadours the day of the Baptism was delayed because there was neither word of an Ambassadour from France or Ireland and the King's Chappel in the Castle of Sterling which was cast down to be built again in a better form was not yet compleated So that the Ambassadours were ordered to remain in Edinburgh till all might be put in good order Therefore his Majesty appointed the Master of his Houshold and my Lord Tungland my Brother together with me to entertain them upon his charges and also to bear them company After that they had tarried longer in Edinburgh there being no appearance of any Ambassadours from France or England we were commanded with some others of the Council to Convoy them to Sterling where his Majesty made his excuse that they were so long delayed at Edinburgh But they alledged they had great contentment in our company Which his Majesty forgot not to declare before the whole Council giving me thanks alledging that I had done him good Offices and this among the rest which he would never forget and that he had three other of my Bothers all fit for such matters and for forreign Affairs Now being in doubt of the English Ambassadour's the Ceremony was to be Solemnized without longer delay In the mean time there came word that the Earl of Sussex was upon his journey toward Scotland for the Queen his Mistress on whom the action stayed The day of the Solemnity there was great business for their Honours and Seats that being agreed there was an empty Chair set before the rest for the King of France his Ambassadour The order of the Banquet and Triumph I leave to others to set out When the Ambassadours had Audience of the Queens Majesty I was appointed to stand a little behind and next unto her Majesty To the English Danish and Dutch Ambassadours her Majesty made answer her self But though she could speak seemingly French yet she
rounded in my Ear to declare her answer to the Ambassadour of the States of Holland Then every one of them by order gave their Presents The Jewels of Perecious Stones the Queen received in her own hand and then delivered them unto me to put them again in their Cases and lay them upon a Table which was prepared in the mids of the Chamber to set them upon The Queen of England's had a great show being a fair Cupboard of Silver overguilt cunningly wrought and some Cups of massy Gold The Ambassadour of the States presented a Golden Box wherein was written in Parchment in Letters of Gold A gift of a yearly Pension to the Prince of five thousand _____ by year with great Cups of massy Gold two especially which were so weighty that it was all that I could lift them and set them down upon the said Table I leave it to others to set down the weight and value But I say these which were of Gold which should have been kept in store to posterity were soon melted and disposed But if they had been preserved as they ought to have been those who advised to break them would have wanted their part All these Ambassadours being dispatched and well rewarded those of Denmark were advised by John Lindsay of Monmuire to cause with all diligence send new Ambassadours to require the Contract of marriage made in Denmark to be fulfilled Alledging that the Chancellour who had made it had left out the Rents of the Abby of Dumfarmling fraudfully and had taken in fee to himself all the Lordship of Mussilburgh For this end two Ambassadours were sent from Denmark upon whom I was appointed to attend to see them well entertained As they were well instructed so they happened upon a meet time for the Chancellour was for the time decourted and my Brother was Ambassadour for his Majesty in England So the Chancellour was caused to renounce his part And because my Brother Sir Robert was absent young Sir Robert his Son and I obliged us that his part which was 13 Chalders of Victual should be also renounced at his return which was accordingly done His Majesty promised to him as much heritage in an other part in respect that his gift was obtained long before the Contract of marriage Divers others who had portions of these Lands were likewise compelled to renounce either voluntarily or by a new Law made for that effect FINIS AN Alphabetical Table OF THE Principal MATTER contained in this BOOK A ABot of Dumfarmling is sent by the King's Lords to meet the Earl of Lennox in his passage to England p. 106. His Message to the Queen and her Answer thereunto ibid. Hastens to the King at St. Andrews where he behaves himself with great dissimulation 135. Endeavours by Gold to curry favour with Colonel Stuart 137. Is after Imprisoned in Lockleven ibid. Admiral of France his death conspired by Captain Charry p. 38. but being discovered is killed by Monsieur Chattelier ibid. Ambassadors sent from Denmark three joined together in Commission to King James arrive in Scotland p. 162. Their Commission and Demands ill usage and delays visited by Mr. Wotton who was very kind to them ibid. Upon his instigation they inform his Majesty of Reflections upon their Master by his Subjects and of their rudeness p. 163. The Ambassadours slight the Earl of Arran having known him in Denmark but a private Soldier ibid. Are Banquetted in his Majesties name 165. Take leave of his Majesty 166. Part well satisfied after they had received their Presents on Ship-board from the hands of the Author James Melvil p. 167. Promising to be good instruments of Amity ibid. Ambassadours arrive in Scotland from several parts upon the birth of Prince Henry p. 202. Their several rich Presents to the Queen at that time p. 204. Are all dispatcht and well rewarded ibid. Areskine Alexander the Governour of King James during his Minority p. 125. Is made Master of Mar. p. 126. Arran Earl see James Stuart Athol Earl made Chancellour p. 126. Hath 1000 men ready to take St. Johnstoun but being dissuaded from it by the Author desires him to write to his Majesty for a License for him and his to remain at home p. 169. Which he did and procur'd for him ibid. Is written unto to come to the Parliament at Lithgow p. 170. Atry Lord Uncle to the Earl of Marshal nominated by the King's Council to go Ambassadour to Denmark with the Author to Treat about the King's Marriage p. 177. Comes to Court but finds the Council not so earnest as his Majesty p. 177 and 178. Returns home excusing himself as sickly and Aged p. 178. Aubonie Lord returns from France p. 127. Being the King's Favourite ibid. is made Lord Dalkieth and after Duke of Lennox 128. A short Character of him ibid. led by evil Counsel to dangerous courses p. 131. Understanding that his Majesty was in the hands of the other Lords he retires to Dumbartoun p. 132. Passeth through England to France p. 133. And dies shortly after ibid. B BAlfour Sir James Captain of Edinburgh Castle p. 81. delivers the Castle of Edinburgh to the Laird of Grange p. 90. Is taken out of his own House and committed by the Regent's order p. 100. Wins the Regent's familiars with Gold p. 102. Balnears Henry turns from the Protestant to the Popish Religion p. 7. And by the perswasion of Abbot Pally breaks the intended Match between Prince Edward and Mary Queen of Scots ibid. Barnbarrow Laird sent Ambassadour to Denmark upon the Author's refusal p. 176. Returns with his Fellow-Commissioner their Power being insufficient having no Commission to conclude ibid. Bassingtoun a Learned Scots-man and Travellour his Story concerning the Affairs of England and Scotland p. 92. Bastien a French-man at the Banquet after the Baptism of King James devised a Machine that gave great distate and disturbance p. 76 and 77. Beaton David Cardinal makes King James the Fifth's Will when dying which he dictated which was therefore annulled p. 6. is slain in his Castle at St. Andrews p. 7. by the complotting of Sir George Douglas c. ibid. Bedford Earl one of Queen Mary's surest Friends in England p. 76. Arrives in Scotland with several other Persons of Quality ibid. departs and they are all rewarded 77. desires the Author to beseech the Queen to entertain the King as formerly and not to slight him ibid. Bettancourt Master of the Houshold to the Queen Regent of Scotland brings instructions to destroy Hereticks p. 24. which she observes being menaced ibid. Bishop of St. Andrews designed Ambassadour for England p. 194. Disdained and dishonoured in England p. 150. The reason ibid. Is nominated to be sent Ambassadour to Denmark p. 176. Bishop Thomas a Scotsman sends a Letter from England to the Authour about the report of the Queen's marriage with her Husband's Murtherer together with his Character disswading her from it p. 79. Which he shew'd the Queen and was forced to
p. 198. Is threatned with death by the Captain of the Guards p. 199. But the Queen stood his Friend ibid. Sends his Servant to acquaint the King with Bothwel's Conspiracy against him in Falkland for which he is derided p. 202. Sir Robert is sent Ambassadour to England from King James p. 204. Mortoun Earl is challenged to fight by Lord Herreis upon the account of the King's death p. 100. Appoints 4 men to kill Grange at the entrance of the Regent's Lodgings without the Regent's privity p. 101. Has a great Faction in the Country though disappointed of the Regency p. 116. But is made Regent after the decease of the Earl of Mar by the assistance of England p. 118. Promiseth to the Agreement with the Lords of the Castle of Edinburgh but steers another course p. 120. Anticipates the Marshal of Berwick and gets an Answer from the Queen of England to have the Prisoners taken at Edinburgh Castle and a Commission for their Execution before he could send p. 121. Triumphs a while being with great Assistance from England p. 123. His whole study is to gain riches from England and Scotland p. 123. Of which England too late repented ibid. Holds the Country in a more setled Estate then it had been in for many years p. 124. Grows proud despiseth the Nobility commits several wrongs and prosecutes several Lords ibid. exposeth the Earl of Orkny to great hardship p. 126. Yields easily to his deposition from the Regency retiring to Lockleven ibid. But by his designs gets in again to be Master of the Court ibid. Is Accused by James Stuart of the late King's Murther p. 127. Is condemned at the Assize for it 128. And dies resolutely ibid. Murray Earl takes part with Bothwel p. 201. And is kill'd at his own House Murray Lord and Bedford meet at Berwick about the marriage of Queen Mary with Leicester p. 53. With slenderer offers then expected from him ibid. Murray being one of the banished Lords is sent for from Newcastle and re-entertain'd by the Queen p. 65. Retires from Court p. 78. Obtains leave to go to France before the Queen married Bothwel p. 80. Is appointed by the Queen first Regent of the young Prince p. 85. Whereupon he is sent for from France by the Lords ibid. Accepts the Regency of the Prince after a Refusal p. 87. Enters at first sight upon such injurious Reproaches of her Majesty as were like to break her heart ibid. Takes the Forts and Castles into his hands p. 90. Clears the Borders of Thieves and holds Iustice in Evre ibid. Goes to England accompanied with many Lords to accuse Queen Mary p. 93. Is privately dissuaded from it by the Duke of Norfolk p. 94 and 95. 'T is agreed that he shall by no means proceed in that Accusation p. 95. Breaks his word with the Duke and comes from the Council-House with Tears in his Eyes p. 97. Is despised by the Queen of England for his intention to Accuse her detested by the Duke reproached by his Friends living at Kingston penyless and unregarded p. 97. Is reconciled to the Duke p. 98. Has 2000 l. of the Queen for which the Duke becomes surety and afterward paid it 99. Takes leave of the Queen but discovers again all that ever past between the Duke and himself p. 99. Promising to send the Queen those Letters he should receive in Scotland from him ibid. Sends for Secretary Lidingtoun as being of Council with the Duke of Norfolk resolving to accuse him and writes for him to come to make a dispatch for England p. 100. Being come is Accused before the Privy Council of the late King's Murder and Imprisoned ib. Is misled though well inclined by vain pretences to his own and the ruine of others p. 102. Gives ear to flatterers ibid. Dissembles with Grange and Lidingtoun ibid. His Character p. 103. Is shot by Hamiltoun and dies the same night ibid. N NOrfolk Duke sent with an Army out of England to help the Congregationists p. 29. He and several other Councellors sent down to York to hear the Regent's Accusation of his Queen and be Iudges thereof p. 94. Privately dissuades the Regent from Accusing the Queen for the King her Son's sake p. 95. Is the greatest Subject in Europe not being a free-born Prince p. 96. Ruling the Queen and all ibid. His purposes discovered to the Queen whereby the Regent lost the Duke's favour yet speaks boldly to her Majesty p. 98. Is prevailed with to enter into friendship again with the Regent upon promise of his future secresie ibid. Acquaints the Regent with his resolution to marry the Queen of Scots and that he had a Daughter fitter for the King then any other p. 98 and 99. Becomes Security for 2000 l. which Murray the Regent of Scotland received from the Queen of England which he after paid p. 99. Is sent for by the Queen to come to Court being again deceived by the Regent then in Scotland applies himself to Secretary Cecil who told him there was no danger so that he rode with his Train only ibid. Is seized by the Treachery of Cecil and after a tedious Captivity dies of the Reformed Religion p. 100. Normand Lesly gains great honour in the Wars between Henry the Second of France and the Emperour p. 17. O OChiltrie Lord and divers others in revenge of the death of the Earl of Murray takes part with Earl Bothwel p. 201. Adviseth him to Seize on his Majesty in his Palace at Falkland ibid. Octavians in Scotland who and why so called p. 191. Octavio Duke Son-in-law to the Emperour Charles the Fifth is left to the Pope's discretion and why p. 11. P PArliament Proclaimed at Lithgow for the restitution of the banished Lords p. 170. Parma Duke Governour of Flanders wins the hearts of his Soldiers and Enemies by his prudent behaviour p. 166. Is suspected by the Spanish King to have a design on Flanders which caused him to deny the Spaniard Victuals Ships and landing in his Territories ibid. Paul the Fourth Pope breaks off the five years Truce between the French King and the Emperour p. 19. Peace concluded between Scotland and England and upon what Terms p. 30. Pool Cardinal appointed to be Mediator between the Two Princes p. 16. Prelates of Scotland endeavour to win King James by large proffers and perswasions to their Opinion p. 4. They exasperate his Majesty against the Treasurer by their insinuations p. 5. But he gets well off ibid. Prior of St. Andrews the Lord James Natural Son to James the Fifth King of Scotland p. 25. Afterwards Earl of Murray p. 32. Prior of Pittenweem a great debaucher of Women and Maidens p. 5. Protestants grown very numerous in Scotland p. 24. Q QUeen Mother of France is glad at the death of Francis the Second her Son he being wholly ruled by the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal his Brother p. 29. Whereupon she dischargeth the King of Navarre and Prince of Conde who had
the Convention ibid. Retires discontented to the Castles of Edinburgh and Sterling p. 155. His unworthy Carriage with many other particulars ibid. Seizeth on Gaury's Lands and divideth them among several others upon condition they would assist him in the ruin of the said Gaury p. 156. Confers with the Earl of Hunsdon on the Borders and Plots with him secretly p. 158. Grants all that is desired at the Conference with the Earl of Hunsdon to procure Queen Elizabeth's friendship p. 161. Is not courted by the Danish Ambassadors p. 163. Whereupon he becomes their Enemy ibid. Is in disfavour at Court p. 166. Imprisoned in St. Andrews Castle ibid. Sends his Brother to the Master of Gray promising a reward to procure his liberty p. 166. Which he soon did ibid. Is ordered to retire to his House ibid. Obtains liberty to return to Court p. 168. Flies p. 169. Comes again to Court p. 200. Is shortly after kill'd by James Douglas ibid. Stuart Sir William is Captain of Dumbartoun p. 129. Sussex Earl is sent from England to Berwick p. 104. Enters the Merse with his Forces and takes the Castle of Hume and 〈◊〉 p. 106. Is sent to Scotland upon the Birth of Prince Henry from Queen Elizabeth p. 203. T TAggot a Scientifical Man who prognosticated the year of his own Death by Palmestry p. 13. And dies at Geneva accordingly p. 14. Throgmorton Sir Nicholas Ambassador from England to France complains to the King and Council of the Queen of Scotland's new Usurped Style and Arms p. 23. But without success ibid. Acquaints Queen Elizabeth with it p. 29. Is sent Ambassador to Scotland to disswade Queen Mary from the Marriage with Darnly p. 56. Owns when return'd the promises he had made to those who would stop those proceedings without fear of Queen or Council p. 60. And comes off well ibid. Is incensed that he was an instrument to deceive the Banished Lords therefore adviseth them to beg their Queens Pardon and penn's a perswasive Letter to her Majesty of Scotland p. 60 61 62 and 63. A man of a deep reach and great prudence studying the Union of both Kingdoms p. 98. Reconcileth the Duke and the Regent ibid. Tulke Monsieur see Broderode U VIllamonte a French Gentleman sent to Mary Queen of Scotland to shew no favour to the Protestant Banished Lords p. 63. A De vice of Cardinal Lorrains larely return'd from the Council of Trent ibid. W WAchop Patriarch of Ireland p. 9. Went several times to Rome by Post tho blind ibid. Walsingham Sir Francis is sent to Scotland p. 147. His Character ibid. Is conveyed by the Author to St. Johnstoun ibid. Refuseth to discourse with any person about his Embassy but his Majesty p. 148. Is much troubled at the Earl of Arran's Court favour ibid. Returns to England and dies ibid. William Bishop of Ely and Dr. Wotton sent Commissioners for Queen Mary in the Treaty of Peace at Cambray between France and Spain p. 22. Wood John Secretary to Murray the Regent of Scotland p. 95. Is desired to press forward the Accusation of the Queen of Scotland p. 96. Produceth the Accusation of Queen Mary upon the desire of Cecil who delivered it upon conditions p. 96 and 97. Which was snatcht from him by the bishop of Orkny who gave it in to the Council p. 97. Procures all the Letters sent from the Duke of Norfolk to his Master which might tend to his ruin p. 99. Is well rewarded for his pains ibid. Worcester Earl is sent Ambassador from England to congratulate both their Majesties of Scotland p. 182. Norminstoun kill'd at the seisure of the Lords at Sterling p. 114. Witches taken in Lauthian who depose against the Earl Bothwel p. 194. They discourse with the Devil his form and shape described and are burnt ibid. Wotton Mr. sent by Queen Elizabeth to King James as Ambassador p 158. His parts and qualifications p. 159. His carriage in France when very young p. 159 160 and 161. Brothers Son to Dr. Wotton Ambassador from England to Spain p. 161. Fifty years old when he came into Scotland ibid. Becomes one of his Majesties Favourites tho he did more prejudice to his Majesty as to his affairs then any Englishman that arrived there before him ibid. Is sent thither to use all his wiles to disturb the two Kings namely of Denmark and Scotland and their Countries p. 161 and 162. Visits the Danish Ambassadors making large profers to lend them Gold and Silver p. 162. But secretly incenseth them with the Kings mean Opinion of their Master ibid. Acquaints them that King James designed to affront them with delays p. 163. Notwithstanding his double dealing with the King he gains his Majesties Ear p. 164. Makes a complaint to the King of the killing of Sir Francis Russel on the Borders p. 166. Which occasioned the Earl of Arran's Imprisonment ibid. Obtains with the assistance of his Scotch friends the chief management of King James's Affairs p. 167. His designs against the King defeated ibid. Flies to England without taking leave of his Majesty p. 168. Perswades the Noblemen of that Nation who were banished into England to return to their Native Country ibid. His dangerous and circumventing Practices p. 171. Wotton Doctor Ambassador from Mary the Queen of England who was Resident there when she was married to Philip King of Spain p. 159. Y YOung Peter King James's Almoner sent Ambassadour to Denmark p. 167. His Commission ibid. Returns with a friendly Answer p. 171. Being very well contented mith all Transactions there and as well rewarded p. 176. Is sent again to Denmark with the Laird of Barnbarrow in Commission ibid. Returns his Commission being lookt upon by the King of Denmark as insufficient 177. Sent a third time with an Embassy to the Danish King and the Dukes of Mecklenburgh and Brunswick upon the birth of Prince Henry p. 203. Returns with the reward of three fair Chains ibid. Yungland Laird the Author's Brother undertakes the Embassie to the King and Princess of Navarre 177. Is well treated and rewarded ibid. A Scholar and Linguist p. 178. A N Alphabetical Interpretation OF ALL THE Scotish WORDS and PHRASES Contained in this HISTORY A Aback to hold or keep back Accession Condescention Alwise although Anent about concerning as thereanent concerning the same Assize a Suit or Trial. Ay still or ever B Banded joyned together combining Best as the next best way or course Bond of Alliance a League or Truce Brangled Turmoiled Involv'd in Trouble Burroughs Burghers or Burgesses By-gones all that is past C Caution or Cautioner Bail or Surety Clan a Tribe or Family Compear Appear Comported Patiently bore Patiently Compts Accompts Conform Agreeable or Suitable to Conquer Credit to gain Credit Convoyance Conveyance Counselable one that is or will be Advised D Decourted discharged from the Court. Demission laying down or transferring to another Devilry Devilishness or Devilish Tricks Devotious addicted to very favourable to Ditty Doom or Damage Down-casting pulling down or demolishing Houses Dunting the stunning of Hammers c. E Effectuate effected or done Emit send forth Evangel the Gospel Evite Avoid F Factioners People of a Faction Fashion as done for the fashion that is done as usual and customary Forefault to find guilty in the absence of a person Forth-setting Advancement Promotion Fraudful Fraudulent Deceitful G Gain-stand Withstand H Hand-writ hand-writing Home-going returning home Hostlaries Inns. I Indwellers Inhabitants Insestments Inheritance Estate or Tenure Ingeny Ingenuity or Wit Justice Eyrs Iustice Itinerant L Leave-taking bidding farewel Leesings Lyes or Lying Tricks Liberate free at liberty Logh a watry sloughy place Longsom Tedious M Manyest the major part the most Miscontent Discontent Misconstructed Mis-interpreted Misgave miscarried Missives Letters Mostly for the most part Moyen Means or Course N Noticed Manifested O Octavians Eight Lords appointed to govern Scotland Onwaiter an Attendant Oultmost last or utmost Outgate a Way or Means Out-taking freeing from Prison P Practised dealt or laboured with to be brought over to a Party Perilled Endangered Perturbed disturbed Prejudged Forejudged Procedure Proceedings To Process to Sue Proponed Proposed R Refuse as he caused refuse i. e. he made them deny it Regrated regretted inwardly lamented or grieved for Righteous Heir True Heir S Salutary wholesom healthful healing Skittering skittish sinical silly Signatures written Instruments to be signed Steadable firm that will stand one in stead available Stormsted driven by Tempest into a Port or Harbour To Suit to beg or request T Time-coming for the future or time to come Timously in good or due time Tolerance Toleration Permission V Vengeable Revengeful Volt as a merry volt a merry pleasant countenance Unfriends Enemies Unwonable not to be won or courted to side with a Party Uptaking composing or taking up a business or difference W Ward or Warding Imprisonment Wel of Affairs the Good or Promotion of business While by-gone a long or considerable time since or past Whingar a Scottish Sword commonly called Whinyard Wrongously injuriously or wrongfully A Catalogue of some Books Printed for and to be Sold by Robert Boulter at the Turk's-Head in Corn-hill 1683. Folio BIshop Reynolds's Works Calderwood's History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland from 1560 to 1625. Rushworth's Collections First Vol. His Second Volume Pharmacopoea Londinensis Sturmy's Magazine Curia Politiae Rea's Flora. Quarto Durham on the Revelations Baxter's Saints Rest. Owen of Justification Origen contra Marchionet Charles the Eighth A Play Lesley Historia Scotorum Man of Sin Lightfoot on Lucan Dr. Charleton's Anatom Lectures Flavel's Husbandry Boys's Sermons Pryun's Power of Parliaments Burnet's Thesaurus Behin's Remains Manley of Usury Brown against Quakers Seamans Calendar Mariners Calendar Seamans Practise Norwood's Trigonometria Large Octavo Pool's Nullity Wilson's Scriptures Durham of Scandal Dr. Trapham's Treatise of Jamaica Cloud of Witnesses Rutherford's Examen Sclater of Grace Bayfield De Capitis Danvers of Baptism Flavel's Two Treatises His Preparation for Sufferings Small Octavo Wars of Hungary History of Jewels Moral Gallantry Flavel's Saint Indeed Token for Mourners Roma Restituta Curious Distillatory History of Japan and Siam Looking-Glass for Children Hugh's Disputations Religio Stoici Petton on the Covenant Queens Wells Moreland of Interest Miltoni Logica Grey of Faith Sydenham's Works Rushworth's Solomons Remembrance Gale's Idea Binning's Miscellanies Kirkwood's Grammatica Norwood's Epitomy Gellibrand's Epitomy FINIS
THE MEMOIRES OF Sir James Melvil Of HAL-HILL CONTAINING An Impartial Account Of the most Remarkable AFFAIRS of STATE During the last Age not mention'd by other Historians More particularly Relating to the KINGDOMS OF England and Scotland Under the REIGNS Of Queen Elizabeth Mary Queen of Scots AND King IAMES In all which Transactions the Author was Personally and Publickly concern'd Now published from the Original Manuscript By GEORGE SCOTT Gent. LONDON Printed by E. H. for Robert Boulter at the Turks-head in Corn-hill against the Royal-Exchange 1683. THE EPISTLE TO THE READER AS there is scarce any kind of Civil Knowledge more necessary or profitable than History which is therefore very aptly stiled by the Ancients The Mistress of Life so of all sorts of History there is none so useful as that which unlocking the Cabinet brings forth the Letters private Instructions Consultations and Negotiations of Ministers of State for then we see things in a clear light stript of all their paints and disguisings and discover those hidden Springs of Affairs which give motion to all the vast Machines and stupendious Revolutions of Princes and Kingdoms that make such a noise on the Theatre of the World and amaze us with unexpected shiftings of Scenes and daily Vicissitudes Of this latter kind are those Memoires wherewith we here Oblige the World being the many Years Transactions and Experiences of an eminent publick Minister in his long and faithful Services under and Negotiations with several Princes and at as ticklish a Iuncture and important Crisis of Affairs as could almost happen in any Age for having upon the perusal not only found the same to contain many remarkable passages not met with in any Histories of those times and in such Occurrents as they have touched upon to be much more exact and full in divers considerable Circumstances But observed it likewise to be furnisht with much excellent plain honest advice delivered by the By which might be of great advantage to Princes and both Examples and Precepts whereby their Councellors and Favourites may be Caution'd what just free and generous Measures they ought to take if they would not tread the same Precipices whereby others have Shipwrackt both their Masters and themselves I could not but apprehend my self obliged to Communicate such a Treasure to the Publick as well for a general good as in some measure to discharge my Devoir to the memory of the worthy Author from whom I have the honour to be descended Three things there are Essential to any History and which chiefly recommend it to the esteem of judicious Readers 1. That the subject matter be real and of considerable moment Women and Children may be delighted with and dote upon Romances and silly Legends or listen with attentive Admiration to the Wars of the Pigmies and Adventures of the Faiery Land But men of sence always expect solid Transactions and such substantial Examples as may be of advantage to improve their judgment in Civil Wisdom and the necessary conduct of Life 2. That the Author be capable of knowing what he speaks and have Opportunities to discover the Certainty and full Circumstances of those Affairs whereof he undertakes to Treat 3 And lastly His Honesty That he be a man of impartial Veracity and firm Resolution to observe inviolable that prime Law of History Ne quid falsi audeat dicere ne quid veri non audeat Not to dare deliver any falshood nor to conceal any Truth All which Characters are happily met in these Memoires The matters contain'd are both Lofty and Weighty for they Treat of the Actions and Sufferings of Princes and persons of the first Rank Open the close Consultations and Intrigues of several of the ablest Ministers of State at that time in Christendom and shew on what Hinges the greatest Affairs were turned and by what Artifices managed so as to be either accomplisht or Defeated Nor could any Gentleman have better Advantages to be acquainted with the most private and reserved Scenes of those Passages which here he delivers to the World since in general of all that he writes he may properly say Quorum pars magna fui They are matters within his own Circle and declare such as must of necessity fall within his own notice since through his hands and he himself had a principal part in the manage and transacting of them being a person concern'd in the most knotty Affairs especially relating to Scotland during his time And therefore as Ocularis Testis his work may Challenge that Credit which many other Authors do but begg from the Charity of their Courteous Readers at least deserves as much or more esteem as any other Writers of that time who in respect of him were but Auriti The Author was descended of one of the most honourable Families of the Kingdom of Scotland as being Third Son to the Lord of Kaeth and at Fourteen years of Age was sent by the Queen Regent to be Page of Honour to her Daughter Mary married to the Dauphin of France But by her allowance be entred into the Service of the Duke of Montmorance Great Constable of France chief Minister to Henry the Second who earnestly desired him from her Majesty having a fancy for the Youth 's promising parts he was Nine years Entertain'd and Imploy'd by him and when he grew up to riper Years and try'd Abilities in matters of greatest Importance an honourable Pension for his greater encouragement was setled upon him by that King Then being desirous for his further Accomplishment to Travel having his Queens leave and his Masters permission for that purpose But passing through Germany he was detain'd by the persuasion of the Elector Palatine and at his earnest intreaties necessitated to condescend to attend at his Court where be Resided Three years being by him imployed on several Embassies After which obtaining his consent to prosecute his former intentions of further Travel he visited Venice Rome and the most famous Cities of Italy Returning through Switzerland to the Electors Court he there found a Call from Queen Mary then returned to her Kingdom of Scotland after the death of her Husband King Francis to attend her Service The Queen Mother of France at the same time had offer'd him a large Pension and profitable Offices to engage him to wait upon her Service at the Court of France she finding it her interest at that Iuncture to keep good Correspondence with the Protestant Princes in Germany and knowing him to be most acceptable to all of them But though it appeared most advantagious to his private Fortunes to have accepted of her noble Offers yet in this and at all other times he prefer'd his Loyalty to his Interest and esteem'd himself engag'd in Duty to serve his natural Princess rather than a Stranger Upon his arrival in Scotland he was admitted a Privy Councellor and Gentleman of her Chamber being continually imploy'd by her Majesty in matters of her greatest concernments till her unhappy
confinement in Lockleven All which he discharged with an exact fidelity and had she taken his sound Advice many of her misfortunes might have been avoided He was afterwards Noticed by all the Four successive Regents in a special manner and intrusted by them with Negotiations of greatest moment Though after the Queens imprisonment he had ever owned the King's side When his Majesty King James came to the Government he was especially recommended by the Queen then Prisoner in England to him as one most faithful and capable of doing him Service Whereupon he was likewise by his Majesty admitted a Member of his most Honourable Privy Council and of his Exchequer as also made Gentleman of his Chamber continuing ever in favour and Imployment till his Majesties passage into England to receive his Hereditary Right the Crown of that Kingdom upon the death of Queen Elizabeth The King would gladly have taken him along with him thither offering him considerable advancements there But being now stricken in years and desirous to Retreat from the troubles of the World to spend the remainder of his days in Contemplation begged his Majesties permission thereto However after the King 's going for London he found himself in Duty engag'd once to wait upon his Majesty in that Kingdom and accordingly went thither and was graciously received and having attended there some weeks humbly giving his Majesty his best advice no Court allurements whereof he had great store could prevail with him to alter his former Resolutions of privacy So that he return'd to his own House where as in Harbour reflecting on the pass'd Voyage of his Life and all the various Weather and difficult Storms of Publick Affairs wherein he had been concern'd to inform the World of the true State of those Transactions and to direct others especially his Children how to conduct themselves if call'd to such Services he with his own hand drew up the following Memoires How far he deduced them I cannot certainly determine 't is very probable he had given an Account of all till the going of the King to England though this Copy extend not so far However thou hast all that I have and nothing more then what is the Author's for I should esteem it impiety to obtrude any thing of my own under his Name And I hope the Reader will rather accept kindly what is here happily Retriev'd than be offended at me for not furnishing him with more than the injuries of time and ill men have left us And indeed I was not a little encouraged to this Publication by Reflecting on the wonderful preservation of so much of it after so many Years and it s then coming so Providentially to my hand it having found the Castle of Edinburgh an Asylum till the Year 1660 which yet had not been able to afford shelter to the Publick Records of the Kingdom from the hands of Tyrannical Usurpers Though I have not met with any Information by what way it came thither far less how secured so long a space and amidst so many Confusions being there recommended to no Man's particular Care but exposed to the mercy of the Rabble Whence it was wonderfully rescued by Mr. Robert Trail late Minister of the Gray-Fryars Church in Edinburgh when Imprison'd there to whom the Author's hand-writing was exactly known This Mr. Trail counting it an happiness to have lighted on so great a Rarity knowing the Worth and Abilities of the Author remitted it to Sir James Melvil of Halhil the Author's Grand-Child From whence it was derived to me and having perused it and thought I should be highly injurious to the Publick if I did not Communicate it to the World together with the Author 's following Epistle to his Son in the nature of a Dedication wherein as he shews his deep insight into the Intrigues of Princes Courts so it likewise gives an evident Demonstration of his sincerity in what he has herein Delivered and of his firm Affection to vertue and honesty and detestation of vice and those flattering Arts whereby evil and Self-seeking Councellors have often abused the best of Princes This is all I thought necessary to Advertise thee of touching this Publication and so leave it to thy Candid perusal George Scott THE AUTHOR TO HIS SON Dear SON SEeing thou hast shewn they self so willing to satisfie my expectations of the following and observing many of my former Precepts during thy younger years I grant now unto thy request the more gladly to put in writing for thy better memory several passages which thou hast heard me rehearse concerning the life I did lead during my peregrination through the most part of Europe from the Age of fourteen years till this present hour together with the prosperous success and hard accidents hapned to me hoping that thou wilt be so wise as to help thy self in time by my faults and not wait upon the hurtful experience of the common sort seeing no man can shew the right way better than he who hath oft-times chanced upon By-rodes assuring thee that next unto the special favour of God nothing stood me in so much stead as the early embracing of unbought experience by observing the stumbling Errours of others Neither did I ever find any thing more dangerous then the frequent slighting to notice any seen example which was always accompanied with over late Repentance The most part of things which I purpose to set down presently are certain old written Memorials which were lying beside me in sundry parcels treating of matters wherein I have been imployed my self by sundry Princes or which I have seen or observed being in their Countries as the purposes of themselves will declare to serve for an example of life and better behaviour to thee and thy Brother concerning the Service of Princes and medling in their Affairs which I could not eschew for I sought not them but they me I enforced my self to serve them more carefully diligently and faithfully than any of my Companions whereby I won greatest favour with those who were Wise Grave Aged and Experimented as with the Prince Elector Pallatine and the old Duke of Momorancie Constable of France who had the whole Rule and Government of the Country under King Henry the Second his Master and mine who were so constant that their favour lasted so long as I remained in their Service not without extream and dangerous Envy of such of my Companions as were naturally inclined to that vile Vice whom I took great pains by patience presents and humility to gain obliging them by that carriage to lay aside part of their malice But when it chanced me after to serve Princes of Younger Years and of less Experience at the first by the like diligence care and fidelity I obtained their favour above the rest of their Servants yet at length they were carried away by the craft and envy of such as could subtilly creep into their favour by flattery and by joining together in a deceitful
regarded my Princess her Interest then mine own I should have accepted the large offers made me by the Earl of Bothwel when he desired me to subscribe with the rest of his flatterers that Paper wherein they declared it was her Majesties interest to Marry the said Earl but I chose rather to lay my self open to his hatred and revenge whereby I was afterward in peril of my life and tell her Majesty that those who had so advised her were betrayers of her honour for their own selfish ends seeing her marrying a Man commonly judged her Husbands murtherer would leave a Tash upon her name and give too much ground of jealousie that she had consented to that foul deed I wanted not fair offers from Randolph and Killegrew Residents here from the Court of England if I would have in so far complied with their designs as not to have divulged what I perceived to be their drifts which I could not conceal finding them so destructive to the Kingdom I had the fair occasion of making a large fortune to my self if I would have gone along with the Earl of Arran by Counselling the King's Majesty to follow his violent advices but finding them so far contrary to his interest I did think my self ingaged to warn his Majesty that he was a dangerous man who gave him such advices that if he followed the same he would run himself upon inevitable Precipices that his Majesty's hearkening to the Duke of Lennox and him the one a Papist the other a wicked and ungodly man would breed jealousies in his Subjects minds which might produce dangerous effects This freedom and many times the like I took which though his Majesty accepted in good part yet I thereby contracted me store of Enemies But it was always my Principle rather to hazard my self by plain speech when 't was necessary than to expose my Master to danger by silence or base flattery And though the Common Practice which I mention'd e're while may seem to thrive best in some Courts for a time yet under Grave and Wise Princes and at long-run the honest Maximes will prove most acceptable and safe Therefore I willingly opened these things to thee that thou mayst as well know what is usually done as what ought to be There is a certain discretion to be used that is free both from Sawcyness and Assentation and a man may many times if he skill it aright give his Prince good Counsel contrary to his inclinations yet without incurring his displeasure This thou oughtest to study if ever thou be called to publique Affairs and though thou mayst bend with the necessity of some Accidents and yield to the times in some things though not going just so as thou would have matters to go and humour the Prince in an ordinary business to gain opportunity of doing greater good to him and thy Country at a more lucky Season yet be sure that thou never Engage in any Disloyalty Cruelty or Wickedness nor suffer any thing to pass that thou seest will tend to his Ruine or grand Prejudice without noticing it to him in some humble manner and though for that time it be dis-relishing or slighted yet when he sees the Effects follow that thou admonishedst him of he will love thee the better and rather hearken to honest Advice for time future And withal thou wilt obtain the Favour and Blessing of Almighty God whom thou must at all times endeavour faithfully and uprightly to serve if ever thou expectest Bliss in this or the other World To whose Gracious Providence I Commit thee with the hearty well Wishes and Benison of Thy Dearly Loving Father IAMES MELUIL MELVILS MEMOIRS In reference to MARY Queen of SCOTS AND JAMES VI. KIng Henry VIII of England being discontent with the Pope for refusing to grant the Divorce from his wife Queen Katharine of Castile For revenge he looked through his fingers at the Preachers of the Reformed Religion who had studied in Dutch-land under Martin Luther and were lately come to England In process of time the hatred betwixt the King and the Pope came to so great a length that he proclaimed himself Head of the Kirk of England and discharged S. Peters Pennies to be paid from that time forth with a strict command to all his Subjects no manner of way to acknowledge the Pope He obtained the said Divorce from his own Clergy marrying another which occasioned to him the hatred of the Pope Emperour and King of Spain and all their Assistants He again desiring to strengthen himself at home conjecturing the probability of a Combination against him found it his Interest to entertain a strict Amity with James V. of Scotland his Nephew For he was determined to Unite this whole Ifle in one Religion and in one Empire failing of Heirs male procreate of his own body Having then but one Daughter called Mary with the divorced Queen which Daughter he declared to be a Bastard Upon which consideration Ambassadors are sent thither inviting that King to a Conference at York whither Henry offered to come and meet him Alledging by such an Interview matters might be more effectually condescended upon conducing for the mutual Interests of both Kingdoms then could be expected from the endeavours of Ambassadors to be imployed in that Affair King James having seriously considered the Overture and advised thereabout with his Council upon their deliberation and advice returns his resolution to attend his Uncle Time and Place appointed With which answer the Ambassadors highly satisfied return to their Master who rejoiced exceedingly at so happy a Success of that matter Whereupon great preparations are made at York for the Entertainment of his Nephew with the greater Solemnity The Clergy of Scotland sworn Clients to the Pope having had several Consultations hereanent were alarm'd with this Proposal and the Accompt they had of the Kings resolution to comply therewith through an apprehension that the Uncles persuasion might oblige the Nephew to trace his Footsteps in overturning Popery in Scotland as he had done in England They therefore resolve to use the utmost of their endeavours for preventing the said intended Interview They addressed themselves to such as were Minions for the time who had most of his Majestiesear These they corrupted with large Bribes to dissuade the King therefrom There having joined with such of the Clergy who were most in favour with the King used many persuasions telling him how King James I. was reteined in England Of the old League with France That upon this consideration it would be prejudicial to his Interest to keep that Meeting seeing the French would not take it well neither the Emperour who was highly incensed against Henry They told him of the Popes interdicting him and what a great Heresie was lately risen up there and had infected not only the greatest part of the Kingdom but the King himself And also that many of the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland were likewise Favourers of the said
Scotland thinking themselves far out-shot and thereby in a dangerous condition consulted together how to bring the King again to their opinion They resolved in the first place to offer to pay him yearly out of the Rents of the Kirk fifty thousand Crowns to maintain hired Souldiers beside the ordinary Subjects which obey the Proclamation in case the King of England should make Wars against Scotland because of the Kings not keeping the appointment at York They thought this would be an allurement to the King who liked well to be rich Yet they concluded that unless the matter were proponed and favourably interpreted to his Majesty by such as had his ear that would not do the business They bestowed therefore largely of their Gold to his familiar Servants and further promised unto Oliver Sinclar that they should cause him to be advanced to great Honours and to be made Lieutenant of the whole Army against England in case that King Henry would intend Wars against Scotland Which they affirmed he would not nor durst not having already so many Irons in the Fire This was communicated by the Prelates to the Minions at Court and chearfully condescended to by them who had by flattery gained greatest favour And chiefly by drawing of fair Maidens to the King and striving to be the first advertisers whose Daughter she was and how she might be obtained and likewise of mens Wives They waited a convenient time when the Treasurer should be absent who was a stout bold man therefore they durst not speak in his presence For he always offered by single combat and at the point of the Sword to maintain what he spoke At this time he was absent from Court for the King had given the Ward and Marriage of Kelly in Angus to his second Son and he was gone there to take possession thereof In his absence then this was proponed to the King and so backed by Oliver Sinclare and such of the Clergy as had been best acquainted with his Majesty as he was induced to give ear thereto They having added several other persuasions at such times as they brought unto him fair Maidens and mens Wives Then they took occasion in the next place to shew his Majesty that the Laird of Grange his Treasurer was also become a Heretick and that he had always a New Testament in English in his Poutch And likewise that he was become so proud and puft up by his Majesties savour that no man might abide him And that he was so extream greedy that he was unmeet to be Treasurer and too bold to have procured for his second Son the rich Ward and Marriage of Kelly worth Twenty thousand pound The King answered That he esteemed him to be a plain frank Gentleman that he loved him so well that he would give him again the said Ward and Marriage for a word of his mouth The Prior of Pittenweem replied and said Sir the heir of Keily is a lusty fair Lass and I dare pledge my life that if your Majesty will send for her presently that he shall refuse to send her to you The King affirming still the contrary there was a Missive written And the Prelates and their Faction devised that the said Prior of Pittenweem should carry the Letter and bring over the Maiden-heir of Kelly to the King But the Treasurer who knew him to be his deadly enemy refused to deliver her to him Alledging the said Prior to have been all his days a vile Whoremaster having deflowred divers Maidens therefore he thought him an unfit Messenger Who was so glad as he to return with this backward answer He and his Associates kindled up the King in so great choler against the Treasurer handling the matter so finely and hotly that they obtained a Warrant to charge the Treasurer to Ward within the Castle of Edinburgh Which they forgot not to do at his first coming to Court He again ghessed that leesings would be made against him therefore used great diligence to be with the King And notwithstanding of their charge past peartly in to his Majesty who was at his Supper in Edinburg but the King looked down upon him and would not speak to him nor know him He nevertheless steps forward and said Sir what offence have I done who had so much of your favour when I parted from you with your permission The King answered Why did thou refuse to send me the Maiden whom I wrote for and gave despiteful language to him I sent for her Sir said he there is none about your Majesty dare avow any such thing in my face As for the Maiden I said to the Prior of Pittenweem that I was well enough to be the Messenger my self to convey her to your Majesty but thought him unmeet whom I knew to be a forcer of Women and the greatest deflowrer of Wives and Maidens in Scotland The King said Hast thou then brought the Gentlewoman with thee Yes Sir said he Alass saith the King they have set out so many leesings against thee that they have obtained of me a Warrant to put thee in Ward but I shall mend it with a contrary command Then said the Treasurer lamentingly My Life Sir or Warding is a small matter but it breaks my heart that the World should hear of your Majesties facility For he had heard that in his absence they had caused the King to send to England and give over the intended Meeting at York Whereat the King of England was so offended in that he had been so publickly scorned and affronted that he sent an Army to Scotland to destroy it with Fire and Sword Albeit the King liked nothing of this War he was still kept in hope that it should tend to his great honour and advantage And that England had so much to do as would busie them elsewhere so that they would soon repent them and be compelled to sue for Peace ere it were long In the mean time their Gold was made ready the more to encourage the King and large promises of much more in case the War continued The King was engaged to raise an Army to defend his Country and Subjects who went to that War to shew their obedience much against their hearts But when they perceived Oliver Sinclare raised up upon mens shoulders and proclaimed Lieutenant over the whole Army at Salway Sands the Lords in dispight that the Court and Country should be governed by such mean men as were Pensioners to the Prelates refused to fight under such a Lieutenant but suffered themselves all to be taken Prisoners So the whole Army being overthrown the King took thereat great displeasure There was great murmurings in the Country that for pleasuring the Prelates the Kingdom should be thus endangered The report whereof and the justness of the complaint made the King burst out with some language against them who had given him so bad advice Which was carried over soon to their ears and they fearing the effects of his displeasure caused
him to be poisoned having learned that Art in Italy called an Italian Possit The Cardinal David Beaton was with his Majesty in the time of his death and caused to be written the Form of a Testament at his own pleasure being dictated by himself which upon that reason was afterward annulled The King of England could not forget this injury and displeasure done him of the Kings breaking of his promise He was much troubled at his death his Wars were rather to have moved the Estates of Scotland to know that his favour and friendship had been better for them than his feud He was still in hope to have gained him with consent and advice of the best of his Subjects to have joined in a Bond Offensive and Defensive For he had received information of the Kings worthy qualities and rare natural endowments and entertained a marvellous great love and liking of him Thinking he could not have left the Kingdom in a better hand than to his own Sisters Son nearest in bloud unto him and meetest of any to build up a fair Monarchy to be first begun in a manner in his own person In respect that for his time which he looked would be but short his Nephew would have been but his Coadjutor and Lieutenant under him and after him possess the whole under one Religion one Law and one Head And thought that thereby France should never afterward have the occasion of stirring up the one Country against the other and that the Pope should be secluded from gathering up such sums of Silver from his Subjects for Confirmation of Benefices or for Bulls or Dispensations For his wrath and vengeance against the Pope was exceeding great who had made him many promises and had broken them all fearing as said is to offend the Emperour who was so great and mighty a Prince Therefore the King of England seeing he had now altogether lost the hopes of the Scots alliance and concurrence he compelled the Gentlemen of England to exchange their Lands with the Lands of Abbies Cloisters and other Temple Lands giving them more than their own that so the said Lands should never return to the Kirk without a manifest Rebellion or a dangerous subversion of the whole state of the Kingdom And to be revenged upon the said Cardinal David Beaton who he thought had disappointed him of all the hope he had of Scotland he dealt with Sir George Douglass and the Earl of Angus who were but lately returned out of England where they had resided during the time of their banishment till the death of King James V. These two Brothers appearing to be of the Reformed Religion persuaded Norman Lesly Master of Rothes the young Laird of Grange and John Lesly of Parkhill who had been persecuted by the said Cardinal for Religion after he had taken their Preacher Mr. George Wishard and burnt him at St. Andrews These I say were easily stirred up to slay him whom they were persuaded to be an Enemy to the true Religion to the welfare of the Country and to themselves in particular This proud Cardinal was slain then in his Castle at S. Andrews and so ended all his practices having obtained nothing but vain travel for his pretences and sudden death Having been the occasion of the death of a worthy King who was inclined to Justice and gave no credit to his Officers in their two special points to reward and punish For whoever did him good service he would see them rewarded yea albeit they chanced to be absent and as to punishing of Evil Doers so soon as he had heard the complaint he leapt upon his Horse and did ride to the parties himself with a few company ere they could be aware of him and he would see sharp execution So that he was deservedly both loved and feared He was very couragious well favoured and shapen of a middle stature very able of body But evil company fell about him entering out of Child-hood into furious Youth enticing him to Harlotry striving who should spie out for him the fairest Maidens and likewise at length mens Wives with them he abused his body to the offence of God and divers good Subjects For which he was not left unpunished for he had but two young Sons and they died both within eleven hours so that at his decease he had but one Daughter called Mary born when he was upon his Death-bed King Henry VIII of England having onely one Son called Edward he and the Estates of both Countries desiring still this whole Isle of Britain to be united in one Monarchy made a contract of marriage between the said two which was afterward broken upon our part her Majesty being transported unto France by the West Seas Whereupon ensued great War between the two Kingdoms which was afterwards agreed upon this condition that Edward should marry Elizabeth eldest Daughter to Henry II. of France and Francis his Son should marry our Queen My Lord Hamilton was advanced to the Government of the Country by the Laird of Grange Treasurer Mr. Henry Balnears and others that were of the Reformed Religion whenas he appeared to be a true Gospeller But he had been afterward soon altered by the Abbot of Pasly his Bastard-brother and became a great Persecuter of Gods Word and had been by the persuasions of the said Abbot and Cardinal easily drawn to break the said Contract of Marriage made between King Edward and our Queen After that the young Queen came to France there was great disputing whether the Marriage with the Dauphine should take effect or not For at that time there were two Factions in the French Court first the Brethren to the House of Guise as the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal of Lorrain brothers to our Queen Dowager and uncles to our young Queen Mary pressed earnestly to set forward the said Marriage with France the old Constable Duke of Montmorancy was of opinion that it was meetest to give her in marriage to some Duke or Prince in France and to send them both home to Scotland to keep that Country in good obedience Because when Princes are absent and far from their own ruling their Countries by Lieutenants most commonly the Subjects of such Countries use to rebel which if Scotland should do it would be hard and costly to get them reduced And thereby in stead of making France the better of the Marriage with the Dauphin it might make it to be in a far worse case The House of Guise again desiring to have their Sisters Daughter Queen of France to augment their reputation and credit alledged it would be both honourable and profitable to the Crown of France to have this addition And that there were Revenues in abundance to maintain Garrisons within the Kingdom to hold the Subjects under obedience building Citadels and having the whole strength in their hands Herein they prevailed she being married unto the Dauphine John de Monluck Bishop of Valence was sent Ambassador from France
any promise be made to them and not kept the King nor I are not to be blamed If they desire any other Lieutenant in place of Dosel the King will send one who I hope shall please them After that the Constable had ended his instructions the King laid his hand upon my shoulder and said do as may Cousin hath directed you and I shall reward you So I kissed his Majesty's hand and taking my leave I went through England and found the Queen Regent within the old Tower of Falkland Because that same day her Army under Duke Hamilton and Monsieur Dosel was ranged in battel upon Couper Moor against the Lords of the Congregation at what time her Majesty made a hard complaint unto me of her disobedient Subjects And even as I was speaking with her the Duke and Monsieur Dosel returned from the said Moor without Battel Whereat the Queen was much offended thinking they had lost a very fair occasion I laid my self wholly out to be informed if my Lord James intended as was reported of him to make himself King Mr. Henry Balneavs was then in great credit with him and loved me as I had been his own Son by reason of some acquaintance I had with him in France and small services I had done him there during his banishment He first acquainted me fully so far as he knew of my Lord James his intention and encouraged me to be plain with the said Lord James assuring me of secresie and honest and plain dealing He was a godly learned wise and long experimented Councellor He went with me to the said Lord Prior having shew'n him my Commission which was very acceptable to him he delayed not to advise with any other of his Councel what answer he should give me but instantly and plainly told me his mind in presence of the said Mr. Henry First he declared what acceptable service he and his associates had done to the Queen Regent chiefly of late when the Bishop of St. Andrews had drawn the most part of the Clergy against the transporting the Crown Matrimonial to France Albeit he had been mainly instrumental of sending the Queen thither and in perswading the Governour his Brother to break the Contract of Marriage with Edward of England He told what liberty of Conscience her Majesty had granted unto them until the time that the Master of her Houshold Monsieur Bettancourt returned from France with the news of the Peace and that though since that time she had changed her behaviour and countenance toward him and those who had done her best service he knew well enough that it proceeded not from her own nature but was occasioned by the perswasions and threat'nings of her Brother and friends in France And further he rehearsed unto me all her and their former proceedings whereof mention is made already affirming still his good will to her Majesty's service And he further declared That the more effectually to remove all suspicions from his Sovereign and her Husband of his design'd Usurpation he was content to banish himself perpetually out of Scotland if it would please the Queen and the King of France to grant him and his associates such liberty as the Queen Regent had permitted them till the home-coming of Bottancourt Providing that his rents might come to him to France or any other Countrey where he should reside And for security hereof he offered that sufficient pledges of the Noble-mens Sons in Scotland should be sent to France So that no King nor Queen of Scotland did ever receive more chearful obedience then her Majesty should do notwithstanding of her absence With this answer I took my Journey through England to France and at Newcastle fell in company with an English man who was one of the Gentlemen of the Queens Chamber a Man well skill'd in the Mathematicks Negromancy Astrology and was also a good Geographer Who had been sent by the Council of England to the borders to draw a Map of such Lands as lye between England and Scotland which part was alledged to be a fruitful Soil though at that time it served for no other purpose but to be a retreat to thieves For Queen Elizabeth of England was lately come to the Crown and had been advised by her Council to this course as tending not only to the enlarging of her bounds but rendering these parts civil I know not the reason why they followed it not though I conjecture that the variance which fell out between the Two Kingdoms hindered it The English man and I by the way entered into great familiarity so that he shewed me sundry secrets of the Country and of the Court. Among other things he told me that King Henry the Eighth had in his life-time been so curious as to enquire at Men called Diviners or Negromancers what should become of his Son King Edward the Sixth and of his two Daughters Mary and Elizabeth That answer was made unto him again that Edward should dye having few days and no Succession and that his Two Daughters should the one succeed the other That Mary his eldest Daughter should marry a Spaniard and that way bring in many strangers to England which would occasion great strife and alteration That Elizabeth should Reign after her who should marry either a Scottish man or a French man Whereupon the King caused to give poison to both his Daughters but because this had not the effect he desired for they finding themselves altered by vehement vomitings and purgings having suspected poison had taken remedies he caused to proclaim them both bastards But the Women that attended about Queen Mary alledged that her matrix was consumed For she was several times supposed to be with Child to King Philip of Spain yet brought forth nothing but dead lumps of flesh Therefore to be revenged upon her Father the English man told me that she had caused secretly in the night to take up her Father's bones and burn them This the honest Gentleman affirmed to be truth though not known to many He was a Man of great gravity about fifty years of age When he came to London he shewed me great kindness and made me a present of some Books Upon my return to France I found a great change King Henry the Second being hurt in the head with a shiver of a Spear by the Count of Montgomery at the Triumphal Justings of his Daughter's marriage with the King of Spain dyed Eight days after at Paris And the Constable my Master was commanded to retire him from Court to his House by the new King Francis the Second Husband to our Soveraign who was wholly guided by the Duke of Guise and the Carâ—â—â—al Lorain competitors to the said Constable in Court Emulation Which occasioned that my Voyage and the answer I had got was all in vain for the House of Guise were the chief instruments of all the troubles in Scotland When I did shew the Constable at his House the answer of my
Commission which was according to his hearts desire the Tears came over his cheeks crying alack for the loss of the King my good Master that he should not have seen before his death Scotland recovered again which he esteemed lost seeing you are thereby also frustrate of a good reward which this your service merited Now I have not such interest as I formerly had to advance you but if you will take such part as I have you shall be very welcome I answered that as I had been with him in his prosperity I would not desert him in his adversity Now there was no more appearance of concord betwixt the Queen Regent and the Congregation in Scotland For the King of France was raising Men to send thither The Congregation again sought help from England which they obtained the rather because the English Ambassadour resident in France had advertised his Mistress how that the Queen of Scotland and her Husband had taken the Style of England and Ireland and also had ingraven the Arms thereof upon their Silver Plate The Queen Regent and Monsieur Dosel with his French men inclose themselves within Leeth which they did fortifie to receive the French supply which was daily expected At length those who were besieged made a sally caused the Congregation to fly and took their Artillery till an Army from England came under the conduct of the Duke of Norfolk At which the Queen Regent being indisposed by the Sea Air at Leeth retired her self to the Castle of Edinburgh Where she took sickness and dyed during the time that Leeth was besieged both by Scotland and England regreting that she had occasioned to her self and the Kingdom so much unnecessary trouble by following the advice of her French friends During the Siege of Leeth all Scotch men who were in France were detested and divers of them upon suspicion made Prisoners Which obliged me to repair from the Constable's House to the Court to require License from the Queen my Soveraign to visit other Countries whereby I might be rendered more able afterward to do her Majesty agreeable service Which she granted and presenting me to the King her Husband I had a kiss of his hand and so took my leave The Constable my good Master recommended me to the Elector Palatine advising me to remain at his Court to learn the Dutch Tongue I was courteously received by the said Prince Elector and obtained such favour at his hands that he obliged me to attend at his Court as one of his Servants So soon as he heard of the death of King Francis the Second King of France who dyed at Orleance I was sent to condole for the said King's death as the custom of Princes is and rejoice with the new young King Charles the Ninth also to comfort our Queen and the Queen Mother The King's death made a great change the Queen Mother was glad at the death of King Francis her Son because she had no guiding of him he being wholly councelled by the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal his Brother the Queen our Mistress being their Sister Daughter So that the Queen Mother was much satisfied to be freed of the Government of the House of Guise and for this cause she entertained a great grudge at our Queen In the mean time the King of Navarr and Prince of Conde who were imprisoned and should have been executed three days after the Scaffold being already prepared were by the Queen Mother set at liberty The Constable also having been charged to come to Court expected no better measure he therefore gave if out that he was sick being carried in a Horse-Litter and making little Journeys he drew out the time so long by the way that in the mean time the King dyed Whereof being informed he leapt on a Horse and came frankly to Court and like a Constable commanded the Men of War who were upon the Guards The Duke of Guise and his Brother were commanded out of the Town The Queen Mother was glad at the Constable's coming seeing she found her self by his authority and friendship with the King of Navarr the more in a capacity to drive the House of Guise from Court The Estates were convened at Orleance and for the time the King of Navarr fell to be Tutor and Governour to the young King and the Countrey But the Queen Mother knowing his faculty handled the matter so finely by the Constables help that the King of Navarr procured from the Three Estates that the Queen Mother should be Regent of the Realm To whom he rendered up his place being satisfied to be but her Lieutenant She having attained this great point caused the Estates to require that an accompt should be made to them by the Duke of Guise the Marshal de St. Andres and the Cardinal of their intermission with the King's Rents and affairs of the King and Countrey Whereupon they left the Court binding themselves together to defend themselves against the Queen Mother's malice For in effect she was a deadly Enemy to all of them who had either guided her Husband or her eldest Son I was all this time at Orleance where I might see this change and had great favour of the King of Navarr for the Elector Palatine's sake who was his great friend The Queen Mother also highly esteemed the said Prince Elector dispatching me with great thanks and a gift worth a Thousand Crowns Our Queen in the mean timâ— seeing her friends in disgrace and knowing her self not to be much liked she left the Court and was a sorrowful Widow when I took leave of her at a Gentleman's House four miles from Orleance So I returned to Dutchland with many instructions from the Queen Mother and King of Navarr For she appeared to be inclined to profess publickly the reformed Religion thinking it the meetest way to retain the Government and guiding of the King of Navarr that being the only Faction which appeared able to gain-stand the House of Guise who were banded with the Pope and King of Spain The said Queen Mother likewise entertained some resolutions of joining with the Protestant Princes in Dutchland and with the Queen of England Count Egmont Prince of Orange Count Horn and such as had in the Low Countries embraced the Reformed Religion or stood up for the liberty of their Countrey I being returned to Dutchland received news out of England from Mr. Killegrew my old friend that the Peace was concluded in Scotland at the Siege of Lieth that the French men were to be carried to France in the Queen of England's Ships That the Queen of Scotland was to lay aside the Arms of England and the Congregation to have the free Exercise of their Religion I leave all the proceedings in the Wars in Scotland to be declared by such as were present who will probably write that whole History I shall only touch such things as I my self was imployed in which I did see with my Eyes and hear with my
Ears which may serve for little Parenthesises to Historiographers who had not the occasion of being so well therewith acquainted Our Queen then Dowager of France retired her self by little and little further and further from the Court of France that it might not appear that she was any way compelled thereto as of a truth she was by the Queen Mother's rigorous dealing who alledged that she had been despised by her Daughter-in-law during the short Reign of King Francis the Second her Husband at the resignation of the House of Guise Monsieur de Martignes Monsieur Dosel Labrosse the Bishop of Amience and such other French-men as were lately carried out of Scotland in the English Ships resorted to our Queen and declared unto her the whole progress of affairs and the state of the Kingdom These as well as the rest of her friends advised her to return to Scotland encouraging her with the hopes of succeeding to the Crown of England rather then to endure the Queen Mother's disdain in France Desiring her as most conducing for her interest to serve the time to accommodate her self discreetly and gently to her own Subjects to be most familiar with my Lord James Prior of St. Andrews her natural Brother and with the Earl of Argile who had married Lady Jane Stuart her natural Sister and to use the Secretary Lidingtoun and the Laird of Grange most tenderly in all their affairs and in summ to repose most upon those of the Reformed Religion Thus those who were a little before cruelly persecuted are now to be esteemed for chiefest and truest friends Thus can God by his Divine Providence ranverse the finest practises and pretences of mighty Rulers and Potentates and turn all to the best to such as serve him with a sincere heart As on the other hand God abhorreth such Subjects as hypocritically under pretext of Religion take occasion to rebel against their native Princes for ambition greediness or any other Worldly respect The Prior of St. Andrews being advertised of the Queen his Soveraign's deliberation to return to Scotland and to use his and his friends advice He goeth himself to France requesting her Majesty to return to her own promising to serve her faithfully to the outmost of his power And returns again to Scotland to prepare the hearts of her Subjects against her home-coming After this her Majesty went to Janvile the Duke of Guise his dwelling place about the marches of Lorrain and at length went to visit the Duke of Lorrain at Nancy where I chanced to come shortly after in company of the Duke Casimir second Son to the Elector Palâ—â—ine But the Queen was already parted from the Court of Lorrain toward Janvile whither I took occasion to go to tender to her Majesty the offer of my most humble and dutiful service And the said Duke Casimir understanding that I was to ride thither did write a very kind Letter to her Majesty comforting her the best he could offering his service in case any in France should wrong or injure her and that he would bring to her aid upon her Letter Ten Thousand Men. Her Majesty was much refreshed with this friendly offer and she was pleased to give me thanks for the demonstrations I had given of being intirely devoted to her interest shewing me she had been made acquainted therewith while I was at the Court of France She desired me earnestly when I resolved to retire out of Germany to come home and serve her Majesty with very friendly and favourable offers So I returned back to the Duke Casimir who was about contracting a Marriage with the Duke of Lorrain's eldest Sister Which took not effect because the old Dutchess her Mother who was King Christierns Daughter of Denmark begotten upon the Emperour Charles his Sister who also lost the Kingdom of Denmark pretending to make it Hereditable whereas it was Elective The said King Christiernus was kept in Prison till his death This Dutchess his Daughter alledged that the Kingdom of Norway appertained unto her as Heir unto her Father and that the said Kingdom was Hereditary unto her Father albeit Denmark was not and intended then to marry her eldest Daughter unto Frederick King of Denmark and to give over with her said Daughter the Kingdom of Norway But the said Dutchess offered unto Duke Casimir her second Daughter which he refused and dealt with his Father to send me unto England to propose Marriage for him unto the Queen of England But I refused to undertake that Commission having ground to conjecture that she would never marry upon the reflection I made upon that story one of the Gentlemen of her Chamber had told me seeing she knowing her self unable for succession I supposed she would never render her self subject to any Man The said Duke was very much displeased at me because I refused About this time the Cardinal of Lorrain being at Trent took occasion to visit the old Emperour Ferdinand at Isbrack his dwelling place not far from Trent And there the said Cardinal proposed two marriages first the King of France Charles the Ninth to the eldest Daughter of Maximilian Son to Ferdinand lately chosen King of the Romans and co-adjutor to the Empire Then he proposed the Queen of Scotland Dowager of France to Charles Arch-duke of Austria brother to the said Maximilian The Queen was by this time returned to Scotland and apparently had been advertised by the said Cardinal that he had proposed the said marriage and it seems she had relished the Overture Her Majesty returning was gladly welcomed by the whole Subjects For at first following the counsel of her friends she behaved her self humanely to them all committing the chief handling of her affairs unto her Brother the Prior of St. Andrews whom afterward she made Earl of Murray and to the Secretary Lidingtoun as meetest both to hold the Countrey at her devotion and also to beget a strict friendship betwen her Majesty and the Queen of England For my Lord Murray had great credit with my Lord Robert Dudly who was afterward made Earl of Leicester And the Secretary Lidingtoun had great credit with the Secretary Cecil So that these four made a strict and sisterly friendship between the two Queens and their Countries So that there appeared outwardly no more difference but that the Queen of England was the Eldest Sister and the Queen of Scotland the Younger whom the Queen of England promised to declare second person according to her good behaviour So that Letters and correspondence past weekly betwixt them and at first there appeared nothing more desired by either of them then that they might see one another by a meeting at a convenient place whereby they might also declare their hearty and loving minds each to other For our Queen was so nettled with the hard usage she had met with from the Queen Mother of France who had likewise hardly used all her friends of the House of Guise that she was the more
thread himself that bound on the Wax-cloth about the said picture In the mean time I retired me forth of the Chamber and was earnestly fought after the rest of the day but could not be found untill the Constable and Admiral came to their Chamber at Even who inquiring of me the cause of my retiring I remembred the Constable in what a rage the Queen Mother was when I delivered my Commission and that I found my self obliged in honour to stand upon the reputation of my Master who was a free Prince Whereupon they appeared well satisfied approving what I had done but withal they told me that they were the cause of that bad humour the Queen Mother had been in and that she had made a Proclamation that all Ambassadours should Address themselves to the King and her as Regent Therefore they advised me to go the next day to see her at Dinner assuring me that she would not fail to call for me and inquire the cause of my absenting before I had told out my Commission and he instructed me what I should say in answer So soon as her Majesty perceived me she desired me to stay till she had Dined telling me that she would send for her Son the King to come to her Chamber to hear out the rest of my Commission The King being come the Chamber was voided and her Majesty first inquired why I told not out the rest of my Commission the day before I answered as I had been instructed how that it appeared to me for the time she desired not so many auditors and that I stayed upon her better opportunity which answer she appeared much to relish desiring me when at any other time I should be sent again to Address my self only to the King and to her and to no other I answered that among all the King's Servants I was best acquainted with the Constable and therefore had made him my Convoy to both their Majesties No says she I find no fault that you Addressed your self to him yet I knew she entertained a mortal hatred against him So after I had ended the Declaration of my whole Commission first concerning the Congratulation of the Peace and then made excuses in Name of the Confederate Princes of the Empire for sending help to the Prince of Conde during the Wars for Religion with a request to keep the said Peace inviolate and to make such Laws of Oblivion as were wont to be done among the Greeks and Romans after such Civil Dissentions And then I gave a full account how my Lord Elector had proceeded with Maximilian and what his answer was All the time that I spoke she remembred the King to take good notice saying he was much obliged to that good Prince that took such pains for his marriage and the weal of his Kingdom Then she drew me aside entering into a particular discourse with me telling me that she hoped I would not make too long stay in Dutchland but resolve to spend some of my time in the Court of France seeing it was there I had been brought up For albeit she said she had several who could speak Dutch yet there was none about her who were so familiar with the Princes of the Empire as I was or had such favour and credit as she understood I had to do the King and her service Therefore she offered to make me a Gentleman of the King's Chamber to provide me with an honourable pension to advance me to Offices and Honours as if I had been a French-man born and that she would imploy me not only to Germany but also to England and Flanders I gave her Majesty many thanks taking her offer to my consideration In the mean time that I was waiting upon my dispatch the Admiral 's death was conspired by the Brother and Friends of the Duke of Guise to be executed by Captain Charry in great favour with the Queen Mother as Chief Captain of her Guard Commanding six hundred Hagbutiers Gascons The said enterprise being discovered to the Constable by the old Dutchess of Farrara Daughter to King Lewis the Eleventh Mother to the Widow Dutchess of Guise The Constable went to his House four Leagues from Paris and the next day after the said Captain Charry was slain upon the streets of Paris by Monsieur Chattelier the Admiral 's friend Which put the Queen and all the Court into a fear and firm opinion that the deed was done by the Constables's and Admiral 's direction But the Admiral purged himself the Constable was sent for and many requests made to him to settle and establish quietness in the Court and City While I was yet at Paris undispatched I received Letters from the Earl of Murray and Lidingtoun at the Queens Command calling me home to be imployed in her Majesties service in some of her affairs of consequence which I presupposed to be concerning her marriage Whereupon I determined to obey my Queens Commands and immediately after my return to Germany to prepare for a Journey to Scotland Though this resolution of mine was far contrary to the mind of the Constable Admiral and Prince Palatine But his Son Duke Casimir took occasion to desire me to present his picture to Queen Elizabeth I have said already that he was very dissatisfied because I refused to go to England to propose marriage for him to the Queen he having been incouraged thereto by the Videm of Charters lately come hither from the Court of England who thought himself so familiar with that Queen that he sent an Italian Gentleman of his to propose that marriage as he alledged at the instance of the Elector Palatine to whom the Queen gave a general answer desiring the young Prince to come unto England either openly or privately disguised and declaring that she would never marry Man till she might first see him Notwithstanding hereof I still disswaded his Father from sending him alledging that it would be very chargeable to him and that he would reap nothing but scorn in recompence Whereat the young Prince was so moved that he left the Court for three days But the good Prince his Father sent for him threat'ning to discountenance him if he became not my friend Whereupon we agreed that at this time I should carry with me his picture and present it to the Queen of England in my return to Scotland seeing I was so averse from his going thither in person Which I was satisfied to do providing that I might also carry along with me the picture of his Father and Mother and of all the rest of his Brothers and Sisters together with a familiar Letter from the Elector whereby I might have the more easie access and fitter opportunity to bring in the purpose of the pictures as by accident hoping that she would desire to see them especially the picture of the said young Duke So having obtained my desire I parted from Heidlberg where the Elector held his Court for the time who gave me a
Commission to the Queen of England to wit an answer to her demanded Alliance offensive and defensive with the Protestant Princes of Germany which formerly had been but obscurely answered unto her Ambassadour Sir Henry Knolls at the Dyet Imperial holden at Francfort in the year 1562. Excusing himself and the rest of the Princes his confederates who had but lately chosen Maximilian to be King of the Romans and Co-adjutor to the Emperour his Father seeing he had promised unto them to declare himself openly a Protestant so soon as he durst after the decease of his old Father Ferdinand and in the mean time had their promise to keep correspondence with him and to make no League with any forreign Prince without his consent and knowledge And that if they had done otherwise he might perchance have taken occasion thereupon to lay the blame upon them in case he did not as he had promised For they began to fear and doubt of his upright meaning in reference to Religion and yet thought not fit upon their part to give him any ground to lay the blame upon them but in case he kept not his promise after the decease of Ferdinand they should then presently make such Alliance with her as she had required which they durst not for the time discover unto her Ambassadour requesting her Majesty to keep this secret to her self She appeared satisfied with this excuse promising to discover it to none of her Council but she lamented that the Princes of Germany were so slow and tedious in all their deliberations Whereupon I began to praise them for their Truth Constancy Religion Ardour and quick execution after they had concluded any weighty matter But I set out most specially the Elector Palatine's humanity his treating of strangers upholding of Universities and how he was the mouth of his confederates to deal with all other neighbour Princes She answered that I had reason to speak so concerning him for he had written very much in my favour regretting that the inclinations I had to serve my native Queen had obliged me to leave him though he would gladly have retained me with him a longer space I told her Majesty what a great trouble it was to me to resolve to leave the service of so worthy a Prince that no consideration could have engaged me thereunto other then that duty I owed to my Soveraign who had commanded me to attend her affairs That for the better remembrance of him I desired to carry home with me his picture and the pictures of all his Son and Daughters So soon as she heard me mention the pictures she inquired if I had the picture of the Duke Casimir desiring to see it And when I alledged I had left the pictures in London she being then at Hampton Court and that I was ready to go forward on my Journey she said I should not part till she had seen all the pictures So the next day I delivered them all to her Majesty and she desired to keep them all night and she called upon my Lord Robert Dudly to be judge of Duke Casimir's picture and appointed me to meet her the next morning in her Garden where she caused to deliver them all unto me giving me thanks for the sight of them I again offered unto her Majesty 〈◊〉 the pictures so she would permit me to retain the Electors and his Ladys but she would have none of them I had also sure information that first and last she despised the said Duke Casimir Therefore I did write back from London to his Father and him in Cypher disswading them to meddle any more in that marriage And received great thanks afterward from the said young Duke who immediately married the Elector of Saxony's Eldest Daughter Albeit this may appear something from the purpose of the Queen our Sovereign yet it brings me home to her Majesty with some proposals of marriage to her self For the Queen of England entertained me very familiarly shewing me the Sisterly love that was betwixt her and the Queen our Soveraign how careful she was of her well-fare how desirous to see her well setled in her own Country with her Subjects and also well married That she was resolved to propose two persons for fit Husbands unto her whereby their amity might best stand and increase hoping that she would not marry without her advice promising upon her faith to write to me so soon as I was arrived at Scotland with her own hand that I might be a good instrument to move the Queen my Mistress to accept either the one or the other Now though she forgot to write unto me about it yet she sent instructions to Mr. Randolph to propose my Lord Robert Dudley as a very meet Husband for our Queen I supposed that my Lord Robert afterward Earl of Leicester had disswaded her from imploying me in that matter seeing Mr. Randolph was there already her Majesties Agent Now the Queen my Mistress to keep promise and correspondence with the Queen of England had sent and advertised her of the proposal made to her of a marriage with the Arch-duke Charles requiring her friendly advice and consent therein The Queen of England answered her by her Agent Mr. Thomas Randolph as followeth for after a little Preface he declares and gives in by writing this to be the Queen his Mistress's mind The Queen my Soveraign said he hath not only deeply advised about that proposal of marriage with your Majesty but hath also thought it necessary by me to shew you what she thinketh both meet and unmeet to be considered and seemingly to her by way of friendship to declare as a dear Sister who intends your Majesties honour and as a loving Friend who is careful of your well-fare Three special things her Majesty thinks fit to be considered in marriage First The mutual contentment betwixt both parties in respect of their private personages so that their love each towards one another may continue as well before God as Man Secondly That the person may be such as your Majesty being a Queen of a great Realm and multitude of People may be sure of an advantageous Alliance such as cannot be prejudicial to your Countries interest Thirdly She thinks fit that the choise be such that the amity which is now so strict betwixt the Queens Majesty and your Highness not only for your own persons but with both your Realms may be continued and not dissolved nor diminished Then he declares at length how that he doubts not but that her Majesty who was once already married will know how considerately to ponder the match that it may be meet for her self and her Subjects but as to what belonged unto the Queen his Soveraign it merited to be well considered It is true that the seeking out of a Husband to your Majesty is honourable and expedient a thing that her Majesty rellisheth much in your Highness albeit hitherto she hath not found such disposition in her self remitting
have her self married had she ever minded to have taken a Husband But being determined to end her life in Virginity she wished that the Queen her Sister might marry him as meetest of all other with whom she could find in her heart to declare her second person For being matched with him it would best remove out of her mind all fears and suspicions to be offended by any usurpation before her death Being assured that he was so loving and trusty that he would never permit any such thing to be attempted during her time And that the Queen my Mistress might have the higher esteem of him I was required to stay till I should see him made Earl of Leicester and Baron of Denbigh which was done at Westminster with great solemnity the Queen her self helping to put on his Ceremonial he sitting upon his knees before her with a great gravity But she could not refrain from putting her hand in his neck smilingly tickling him the French Ambassadour and I standing by Then she turned asking at me How I liked him I answered that as he was a worthy Servant so he was happy who had a Princess who could discern and reward good Service Yet says she you like better of yonder long Lad pointing toward my Lord Darnly who as nearest Prince of the Blood did bear the Sword of Honour that day before her My answer was That no Woman of spirit would make choice of such a Man who more resembled a Woman then a Man For he was handsom beardless and Lady faced And I had no will that she should think that I liked him or had any eye or dealing that way Albeit I had a secret charge to deal with my Lady Lennox to endeavour to procure liberty for him to go to Scotland where his Father was already under the pretext of seeing the Countrey and conveying the Earl his Father back again to England Now I found the Queen of England was determined to treat with my Sovereign first concerning her marriage with the Earl of Leicester and for that effect she promised to send Commissioners unto the Borders In the mean time I was very favourably and familiarly used For during nine days that I remained at the Court it pleased her Majesty to confer with me every day and sometimes thrice in a day in the morning after Dinner and after Supper Sometimes she would say that seeing she could not meet with the Queen her good Sister to confer with familiarly that she was resolved to open a good part of her inward mind to me that I might shew it again unto the Queen She told me she was not so much offended with the Queens angry Letter as that she seemed so far to disdain the marriage of my Lord of Leicester which she had caused Mr. Randolph to propose to her I answered That it was probable he had let fall something thereof to my Lord of Murray and Lidingtoun but that he had never proposed the matter directly to her self and that as well her Majesty as those who were her most familiar Councellors could conjecture nothing thereupon but delays and driving off time concerning the declaring of her to be second Person which would be clearly tryed at the meeting of the Commissioners above specified She replied That the tryal and declaration thereof would be hasted forward according to the Queens good behaviour and applying her self to follow her pleasure and advice in her marriage And seeing the matter concerning the said declaration was so weighty and of so much import she had ordered some of the best Lawyers in England diligently to search out who had the best right and she heartily wisht it might be found to be her dear Sister rather than any other I said I was very confident that her Majesty was ingenuous in that Declaration and that my Mistress expected no other at her hand But I lamented that even the wisest Princes did not sufficiently pry into the hidden designs of their familiar Councellors and Servants except it were such an honourable and rare Prince as Henry the Eighth her Majesties Father of happy memory who of his own head was determined to declare his Sisters Son King James the Fifth Heir apparent to the Crown of England failing Heirs to be gotten of his own Body while her Majesty was not yet born but only her Sister Queen Mary and that for the earnest desire he had to unite this whole Island She said she was glad he did it not I said that then he had but one Daughter and expected no more Children and yet he had not so many suspicions in his head as your Majesty hath though you are certainly convinced you will never have any Children seeing your Majesty declares your self resolved to dye a Virgin Yes says she I am resolved never to marry if I be not thereto necessitated by the Queen my Sister 's harsh behaviour toward me I know the truth of that Madam said I you need not tell it me Your Majesty thinks if you were married you would be but Queen of England and now you are both King and Queen I know your spirit cannot endure a Commander She appeared to be so affectionate to the Queen her good Sister that she expressed a great desire to see her And because their so much by her desired meeting could not be so hastily brought to pass she appeared with great delight to look upon her Majesties picture She took me to her Bed-chamber and opened a little Cabinet wherein were divers little pictures wrapped within Paper and their Names written with her own hand upon the Papers Upon the first that she took up was written My Lord's Picture I held the Candle and pressed to see that picture so named she appeared loath to let me see it yet my importunity prevailed for a sight thereof and found it to be the Earl of Leicester's picture I desired that I might have it to carry home to my Queen which she refused alledging that she had but that one picture of his I said your Majesty hath here the Original for I perceived him at the farthest part of the Chamber speaking with Secretary Cicil Then she took out the Queens picture and kissed it and I adventured to kiss her hand for the great love therein evidenced to my Mistress Se shewed me also a fair Ruby as great as a Tenis Ball I desired that she would either send it or my Lord of Leicester's picture as a Token unto the Queen She said if the Queen would follow her counsel that she would in process of time get all she had that in the mean time she was resolved in a Token to send her with me a fair Diamond It was at this time late after Supper she appointed me to be with her the next morning by Eight of the Clock at which time she used to walk in her Garden She inquired several things of me relating to this Kingdom and other Countries wherein I had travelled She caused me
have appeared desirous of that marriage I should have offended both the Queens and lost their favour He intreated me to excuse him at her Majesties hands and to beg in his Name that she would not impute that matter to him but to the malice of his Enemies Being landed at London our Dinner was prepared by the Earl of Pembroke who being great Master yet humbled himself so far as to serve the said Table as Master of the Houshold himself He was a devout friend to my Queens Title of succeeding to the Crown of England After Dinner I took leave of the French Ambassadour and the Spanish having received divers advertisements from them My Lord of Leicester beside what he had spoke to me did write to my Lord of Murray to excuse him at the Queens hands The day appointed I received my dispatch from Secretary Cicil together with a Letter of Credit and a more ample Declaration of the Queens mind touching the same answers she had made me her self He gave me also a Letter to Secretary Lidingtoun For as is abovesaid Secretary Cicil and Leicester my Lord of Murray and Secretary Lidingtoun ruled both Queens and as yet kept good correspondence together When I took my leave Secretary Cicil conveyed me through the Close to the outer Gate of the Palace where he himself put a fair Chain about my Neck My Lady Lennox and Sir Nicholas Throgmorten sent many good advices to the Queen to be followed according as occasion offered My Lady Lennox sent also Tokens to the Queen a Ring with a fair Diamond she sent an Emerauld to my Lord her Husband who was yet in Scotland a Diamond to my Lord of Murray a Watch set with Diamonds and Rubies to the Secretary Lidingtoun a Ring with a Ruby to my Brother Sir Robert For she was still in good hope that her Son my Lord Darnly would come better speed concerning the marriage of our Queen then the Earl of Leicester She was a very wise and discreet Matron and had many favourers in England for the time At my return I found the Queens Majesty still at Edinbrugh To whom I declared at large my manner of proceeding with the Queen of England and gave her Majesty her answers to the special heads of my instructions in writing Her Majesty answered to the first that whereas the Queen thought the time very long since she received either word or writ from her whereby she might understand of her good estate and had sent me thither to visit her in her behalf that she thought the time as long albeit she had conceived some displeasure concerning the angry Letter Which was the greater in respect it appeared that she disdained the offer of the best good she had to give to wit the Man whom she esteemed as her Brother And whereas she had sent me to visit her she was more satisfied with my coming then she would have been with any other being formerly of her acquaintance with whom she could the more familiarly declare her inward mind to the Queen my Mistress seeing she could not meet with her self so soon as she desired As I might declare how familiarly she had conferred with me acquainting me with all her inward griefs and desires and how well she was satisfied and how willing to continue all good offices of amity and that she would for that effect send shortly down to the Border Commissioners who were named by her self to meet with my Lord of Murray and Lidingtoun As for the Parliament it was yet in doubt whether it held or not If it held the Queen should get no hurt in her Right neither directly nor indirectly but she should be forewarned in due time Then I shewed her Majesty at length of all other purposes that fell out occasionally betwixt that Queen and me together with the opinions and advertisements of divers of her friends in England as well Catholicks as Protestants I gave her at the desire of the Spanish Ambassadour the intimation of his Kings good will toward her Her Majesty was very glad that matters were brought again to this pass between her and the Queen of England having thereby occasion of getting intelligence from a great number of Noblemen and others her friends in England For she was also afraid that the blame of the discord would have been laid upon her if it had continued After that her Majesty had at great length understood all my management and proceedings in England she inquired whether I thought that Queen meant truly toward her inwardly in her heart as she appeared to do outwardly in her speech I answered freely that in my judgment there was neither plain dealing nor upright meaning but great dissimulation emulation and fear lest her Princely qualities should over soon chace her from the Kingdom as having already hindered her marriage with the Arch-duke Charles of Austria It appeared likewise to me by her offering unto her with great appearing earnestness my Lord of Leicester whom I knew at that time she could not want Shortly after my Lord of Murray and Bedford met near Berwick to treat concerning the marriage with Leicester with slenderer offers and less effectual dealing then was expected But the said Earl of Leicester had written such discreet and wise Letters unto my Lord of Murray for his excuses that the Queen appeared to have so good liking to him as the Queen of England began to suspect that the said marriage might take effect Her apprehensions of this occasioned the Lord Darnly his getting more readily license to come to Scotland in hope that he being a handsome lusty youth should rather prevail being present then Leicester who was absent Which license was procured by the means of the Secretary Cicil not that he was minded that any of the marriages should take effect but with such shifts to hold the Queen unmarried so long as he could For he perswaded himself that my Lord Darnly durst not proceed in the marriage without consent of the Queen of England first obtained to the said marriage his Land lying in England and his Mother remaining there So that he thought it lay in the Queen his Mistress her own hand to let that marriage go forward or to stay the same at her pleasure And in case my Lord Darnly should disobey the Queen of Englands command to return upon her call he intended to cause for fault him whereby he should lose all his Lands Rights and Titles that he had in England The Queens Majesty as I have said before after her returning out of France to Scotland behaved her self so Princely honourably and discreetly that her reputation spread it self in all Countries She was determined and of her self inclined to continue so unto the end of her life desiring to entertain none in her company but such as were of the best conversation abhorring all vice and vicious persons In this her resolution she desired me to assist her by affording her my good counsel what way was
not to be supposed but the too much owning of Rixio a known Minion of the Pope would give ground of suspicion that some design to the prejudice of the Established Religion would be by him contrived That to prevent this her Subjects would find themselves obliged to use all their endeavours to ruine a Man and a stranger from whom they could expect no good office as being a known Enemy to their Religion For the Nobility would certainly take it as an high affront upon them to see her so visibly more countenance a stranger then them her native Subjects I told her Majesty very freely what advice I had given to Rixio She answered me that he medled no further then in her French writings and affairs as her other French Secretary had done formerly And that whoever found fault therewith she would not be so far restrained but that she might dispence her favours to such as she pleased I remembred her Majesty what displeasure had been procured to her by the rash mis-behaviour of a French Gentleman called Chattellier who transported to miscarry himself by her affability had thereby highly injured her Majesty I told her Majesty that a grave and comely behaviour toward strangers not admitting them to too much familiarity would bring them to a more circumspect and Reverend carriage I told her how necessary it was that she particularly noticed all her actings seeing those of her Subjects who were not of her Religion were easily allarumed with any thing which could be therein misrepresented That if their hearts were once lost there would be great difficulty of regaining that place in their affections which yet they found her due as their Sovereign Princess She thanked me for my continual care evidenced in this free advice and ingaged to take such order in reference thereto as the case required I have already told how that my Lord Darnly was advised to ask License to come unto Scotland At his first coming he found the Queen at Weems making her progress through Fiffe Her Majesty took very well with him and said That he was the properest and best proportioned long Man that ever she had seen for he was of a high Stature long and small even and straight He had been from his Youth well instructed in all honest and comely exercises After he had haunted Court some time he proposed marriage to her Majesty which proposal she at first appeared to disrelish as that same day she her self told me and that she had refused a Ring which he then offered unto her I took occasion freely hereupon to speak in his favours and to convince her Majesty that no marriage was more her interest then this seeing it would render her Title to the Succession to the Crown of England unquestionable I know not how he came to fall in acquaintance with Rixio but I found he also was his great friend at the Queens hand so that she took ay the longer the better liking of him and at length determined to marry him This being made known to the Queen of England she sent and charged him to return She also sent her Ambassadour Sir Nicholas Throgmorton to Scotland to disswade the Queen from marrying him and in case the Queen would not follow her advice to perswade the Lords and so many as were of the Protestant Religion to withstand the said marriage till the said Lord Darnly should subscribe a Bond to maintain the Reformed Religion which he had ever professed in England The Queen again perceiving the Queen of Englands earnest opposition to all the marriages that offered unto her resolved to delay no longer But my Lord Duke of Chattellerault my Lords of Argile Rothes Murray Glencairr and divers other Lords and Barons withstood the said marriage Who after they had made an Essay to take the Lord Darnly in the Queens company at the Raid of Baith and as they alledged to have sent him to England Failing in this their enterprise they took them to the fields to her Majesties great dissatisfaction and heart-breaking Her Majesties Forces were sooner ready then theirs so that she persued them here and there whereby they were so straitned that they could never have the opportunity of drawing together And at length they were compelled to flee unto England for refuge to her who by her Ambassadours had promised to hazard her Crown in their defence in case they were driven to any strait because of appearing against the said marriage Though this was expresly denyed them when coming to demand help For when they sent up my Lord of Murray to that Queen the rest abiding at New-castle he could obtain nothing but disdain and scorn till at length he and the Abbot of Kilwinning his Companion in that message were perswaded to come and confess unto the Queen upon their knees and that in presence of the Ambassadours of France and Spain that her Majesty had never moved them to that opposition and resistance against their Queens marriage For this she had desired to satisfie the said Ambassadours who both alledged in their Masters names that she had been the cause of the said Rebellion and that her only delight was to stir up dissention among her Neighbours Yet by this cunning she overcame them For she handled the matter so subtilly and the other two so cowardly in granting her desire contrary to what was truth being put in hopes of relief if they would so far comply with what was judged her interest for the time that she triumphed over the said Ambassadours for their false allegiance But unto my Lord of Murray and his neighbour she said now you have told the truth for neither did I nor any in my Name stir you up against your Queen For your abominable Treason may serve for example to my own Subjects to rebel against me Therefore get you out of my presence you are but unworthy Traytors This was all the reward they procured at her hands and had not some of the Protestants in her Kingdom who favoured them upon accompt of their Religion interposed what they could with her they would not have been permitted during their banishment to have remained within her dominions Although a little before she had promised to give them what assistance they demanded to the uttermost of her power upon condition that they would please her so far as to sit down upon their knees in presence of the said Ambassadours and make the foresaid false confession And as for secret help she gave them none only they obtained a small contribution among some of their own Religion there who were their friends which was distributed among them at New-castle where they remained comfortless and in great trouble The Queen finding the shifts the Court of England made to delay her marriage with any Man proposed hasted forward her marriage with my Lord Darnly which was solemnized in the Palace of Halyrood-House within the Queens Chappel at the Mass wherein Rixio was no small instrument Scotland
for fifteen days Therefore she welcomed me with a merry volt and thanked me for the diligence I had used in hasting to give her that welcome intelligence All this she said before I had delivered unto her my Letter of Credence After that she had read it I declared how that the Queen had hasted me towards her Majesty as one whom she knew of all her friends would be most joyful of the glad news of her delivery albeit dear bought with the peril of her life she being so sore handled that she wished she had never been married This I said by the way to give her a little scare from marriage For so my Brother had counselled me because sometimes she boasted to marry the Arch duke Charles of Austria when any Man pressed her to declare a second person Then I requested her Majesty to be a Gossip to the Queen to which she gladly condescended Your Majesty said I will now have a fair occasion to see the Queen whereof I have heard your Majesty so oft desirous Whereat she smiled saying she wished that her estate and affairs might permit her In the mean time she promised to send both honourable Lords and Ladies to supply her room Then I gave her Majesty in my Queen's name most hearty thanks for her friendly visiting and comforting her by Mr. Henry Killegrew She inquired if I had left him in Scotland and what was the cause of his long stay I answered That the Queen took her Chamber shortly after his arrival which was the chief cause of his delay But I had in Commission to tell her Majesty something thereabout to satisfie her mind in the mean time and to thank her Majesty for the putting away of the Scots Rebels out of her Country albeit there were some Reports that they were yet secretly entertained by some of her Subjects though I hardly believed that any of her Subjects durst be so bold or so disobedient She affirmed they were out of her Dominions and if it might be otherwise tryed out it should not pass without rigorous punishment I told her Majesty that upon her desire and Ambassadours complaint the Queen had caused to apprehend Mr. Ruxbie and had ordered him to be delivered to her Majesty whenever she should please to send for him And as concerning Oneel she had no dealing with him nor knew that there had been any Servant of his sent to my Lord Arguile until Mr. Killegrew's coming that she caused to enquire at the said Earl who acknowledged that Oneel had sent one unto him about private purposes betwixt themselves but that she did neither see nor speak with that Man nor had any dealing with any Man in Ireland Her Majesty seemed to be well satisfied with the matters of Ireland and concerning Mr. Ruxbie but she forgot to send for him Before I took my farewell in order to my return I entred with her Majesty concerning the Title For my Lord of Leicester was become my Queens avowed friend and had been twice in hand with the Queen of England a little before my coming desiring her to declare my Mistress next Heir Alledging it would be her greatest security and cried out in anger that Cicil would undo all Likewise the Duke of Norfolk the Earl of Pembroke and several others shewed themselves openly her friends after they understood the birth of the Prince So that her Majesty's matters in England were hopeful and therefore I was advised to say unto her Majesty That I was assured she had formerly delayed the declaring the Queen second person only till she might see such Succession of her body as now God had graciously granted intreating her Majesty to embrace that fair offered opportunity of satisfying the minds of many as well in England as in Scotland who desired to see that matter out of doubt And the rather because that the Queen my Mistress would never seek any Place or Right in England but by her Majesties favour and furtherance She answered That the birth of the Prince was a great Spur to cause the most skilful Lawyers in England to use greater diligence in trying out that matter which she esteemed to belong most justly to her good Sister and that she wished from her heart that it should be that way decided I replied That at my last being with her I found her Majesty upon the same tearms but that as I had brought her good news from the Queen I was very desirous to be so happy as to carry home with me unto her Majesty the good tydings of that so long delayed Declaration She answered she was resolved to satisfie the Queen in that matter by those Noblemen she was resolved to send unto Scotland for the Baptism of the Prince All this I perceived to be but shifts and so took my leave because my Brother was to remain there The next day her Majesty sent unto me her Letter with the Present of a fair Chain My Brother gave me the advice of her Majesties friends together with his own instructions how to proceed after my coming home as followeth First That he is in such suspicion for his handling there by the advertisements of Mr. Ruxbie and practises of her Enemies that her Majesty must signifie to Mr. Killegrew that she is minded shortly to call him home else he fears he shall be commanded to return Secondly That her Majesty require the Earl of Leicester and Secretary Cicil to be sent to be her Gossips as fittest instruments to perfect all Articles and good Offices of Amity betwixt them Item That Mr. Killegrew be well treated and rewarded that he may make good report to hold off discord that intelligence may continue and desire him to declare unto the Earl of Leicester and Secretary Cicil that it cannot stand with good friendship to be so long fed with fair words without effect Item That her Majesty cast not off the Earl of Northumberland albeit as a fearful and facile man he delivered her Letter to the Queen of England neither appear to find fault with Sir Henry Pearcie as yet for his dealing with Mr. Ruxbie which he doeth to gain favour at Court being upon a contrary faction to his Brother the Earl Item That Mr. Ruxbie be well kept and sent far North to some secure part that he give no hasty intelligence for he hath already written unto Secretary Cicil by Sir Henry Pearcy his convoyance that he can discover all your practises and secrets Let my Lord Arguile entertain Oneel as of himself the Queen not appearing to know thereof The Secretary Cicil devised strange practises against the meeting which because my Lord of Leicester discovered unto the Queen his Mistress Cicil stirred up the Earl of Sussex to forge a quarrel against him but the Queen took the Earl of Leicester's part and finally agreed them and also Leicester and Ormond Item That her Majesty should write two Letters with Mr. Killegrew to my Brother the one that he might shew unto the
the time and one called Mr. Lignish greatest in favour with the Duke of Norfolk and a good number of Knights and Gentlemen of York-shire with the most part of the Captains of Berwick Her Majesty was sufficiently informed by my Brother's writing to her and me what kind of language and entertainment was most proper for the Earl and each of them When all the rest of the Ambassadours were come they repined to see the English-men more friendly and familiarly used then themselves For then we had more to do with England then with France And the French Earl who was sent was no Courtier but a simple Man And Monsieur de Morat the Duke of Savoy his Ambassadour being far of came after the Baptism During their abode at Sterling there was daily Banqueting Dancing and Triumph And at the principal Banquet there fell out a great grudge among the English-men for a Frenchman called Bastien devised a number of Men formed like Satyrs with long Tails and whips in their hands running before the meat which was brought through the great Hall upon a Machine or Engine marching as appeared alone with Musicians clothed like Maids singing and playing upon all sorts of Instruments But the Satyrs were not content only to make way or room but put their hands behind them to their Tails which they wagged with their hands in such sort as the English-men supposed it had been devised and done in derision of them weakly apprehending that which they should not have appeared to understand for Mr. Hattoun Mr. Lignish and the most part of the Gentlemen desired to Supp before the Queen and great Banquet that they might see the better the Order and Ceremonies of the Triumph But so soon as they perceived the Satyrs wagging their Tails they all sate down upon the bare floor behind the back of the Table that they might not see themselves derided as they thought Mr. Hatton said unto me if it were not in the Queens presence he would put a Dagger to the heart of that French knave Bastien who he alledged had done it out of despight that the Queen made more of them then of the Frenchmen I excused the matter the best I could but the noise was so great behind the Queen's back where her Majesty and my Lord of Bedford did sit that they heard and turned about their faces to enquire what the matter meant I informed them that it was occasioned by the Satyrs so that the Queen and my Lord of Bedford had both enough to do to get them appeased It fell out unhappily at such a time and the English Gentlemen committed a great over sight to notice it as done against them But my Lord of Bedford was discreet and interpreted all things to the best My Lord of Bedford was rewarded with a rich Chain of Diamonds worth two thousand Crowns Mr. Cary with a Chain of Pearl and a Ring with a fair Diamond Mr. Hattoun had a Chain with her Majesties Picture and a Ring Mr. Lignish and five other of Quality had each of them Chains I was commanded with many others to attend them towards the Road. They parted all very well content and satisfied with the Queens Majesty but lamented that they perceived the King so much slighted My Lord of Bedford desired me to request her Majesty to entertain him as she had done at the beginning for her own honour and the advancement of her affairs which I forgot not to do at all occasions After the Baptism and parting of the Ambassadours her Majesty desirous to put good order upon the Borders sent the Earl of Bothwel before who in the pursuit of Thieves was hurt Her Majesty past afterward to Jedbrugh her self where the Earls of Bothwel and Huntly enterprised the slaughter of the Earl of Murray but the Lord Hume came there with forces and prevented that enterprise Her Majesty returned by the Merse and desired to see Berwick afar off where she was honoured with many shots of Artillery and Sir John Foster Warden upon the English Border came and conferred with her Majesty for keeping of good order And the mean time while he was speaking with her Majesty on Horse-back his Courser did rise up with his formost Legs to take the Queens Horse by the Neck with his Teeth but his Feet hurt her Majesties Thigh very ill Incontinent the Warden lighted off his Horse and sate down upon his knees craving her Majesties pardon For then all England did much reverence her her Majesty made him to rise and said that she was not hurt yet it compelled her Majesty to tarry two days at the Castle of Hoome untill she recovered again The King followed her about whithersoever she rode but got no good countenance So that finding himself flighted he went to Glascow where he fell sick it being alledged that he had got poison from some of his Servants In the mean time the Earl of Bothwel ruled all at Court having brought home the banished Lords and packed up a quiet friendship with the Earl of Mortoun After her Majesties return to Edinbrugh she reconciled the Earls of Huntly Bothwel Arguile and others From that her Majesty went to Sterling to see the Prince and returned again to Edinbrugh whither the King was afterward brought and lodged in the Kirk-field as a place of good Air where he might best recover his health But many suspected that the Earl of Bothwel had some enterprise against him few durst advertise him because he told all again to some of his own Servants who were not all honest Yet Lord Robert Earl of Orkny told him that if he retired not hastily out of that place it would cost him his life which he told again to the Queen and my Lord Robert denied that ever he spoke it This advertisement moved the Earl of Bothwel to haste forward his enterprize he had before laid a train of Powder under the House where the King did lodge and in the night did blow up the said House with the Powder but it was spoken that the King was taken forth and brought down to a Stable where a Napkin was stopped in his mouth and he therewith suffocated Every body suspected the Earl of Bothwel and those who durst speak freely to others said plainly that it was he Whereupon he drew together a number of Lords of his dependers to be an Assize which cleansed and acquitted him some for fear some for favour and the greatest part in expectation of advantage This way being assailed he remained still the greatest favourite at Court My Lord of Murray was retired from the Court several days before Her Majesty kept her Chamber for a while I came to the door the next morning after the murther and the Earl of Bothwel said that her Majesty was sorrowful and quiet which occasioned him to come forth He said the strangest accident had fallen out which ever was heard of for Thunder had come out of the sky and had burnt the King's House
faithfully to use the oultmost of our endeavours by all reasonable means to procure her Majesties liberty and freedom upon such honest conditions as may stand with her Majesties honour the common weal of the whole Realm and security of the whole Nobility who at present have her Majesty in keeping Whereby this our native Realm may be governed ruled and guided by her Majesty and her Nobility for the common quietness the administration of Iustice and weal of the Country And in case the Noblemen who have her Majesty at present in their hands refuse to set her at Liberty upon such reasonable conditions as said is in that case we shall employ our selves our kindred friends servants and partakers our Bodies and Lives to set her Highness at liberty as said is and also to concur to the punishment of the murther of the King her Majesties Husband and for sure preservation of the person of the Prince as well shall answer to God and on our honours and credit And to that effect shall concur every one with other at our utmost power And if any shall set upon us or any of us for the doing as aforesaid in that case We promise faithfully to espouse one anothers interest under pain of Perjury and Infamy as we shall answer to God In witness whereof We have subscribed these presents with our hand at Dumbartoun the _____ day of _____ St. Andrews Arguile Huntly Arbroth Gallway Ross Fleeming Herris Skirling Killwonning Will. Hamiltoun of Sanchir Knight This small number were the first who banded themselves together and afterward all those who were Male-contents or had any particular questions claims or seuds with any of the King's Lords drew to these new Confederates hoping by time to win their intent against their adversaries in case their faction might prevail And some drew to both the factions who neither desired to see the Kirk nor Country in any stablished estate The Court of England on the other hand left nothing undone to kindle the fire and to furnish both the factions with hope of assistance in case of need For oft-times by their Ambassadours ordinary who were resident here they upon some new occasion would send in another openly to deal with the King's faction because it was strongest and greatest and under-hand to deal with the Queens faction and alledge that their quarrel was most just and right and that her Majesties Authority was only lawful No man can tell this better then I who was so long well acquainted with all the Ambassadours who were sent to Scotland during their banishment in France in Queen Mary's time as with Mr. Randolph Sir Nicholas Throgmortoun Mr. Dayson Mr. Killegrew and the Marshal of Berwick Among the which number Sir Nicholas Throgmortoun dealt most honestly and plainly for he shot at the union of the whole Isle in one Monarchy And thought that it consisted only in the persons of two for the time to wit the Queen and the King her Son And when he saw Mr. Randolph go about to sow discord he declared the same to my Brother and me and detested him for his divilish intent and dealing Yea he detested the whole Council of England for the time and told us friendly what reasoning they held among themselves for that effect to wit How that one of their greatest Counsellors proposed openly to the rest that it was needful for the well-fare of England to foster and nourish with some help the Civil Wars as well in France Flanders as Scotland whereby England might have many advantages and be sought after by all parties and in the mean time live at rest and gather great riches themselves This advice and proposition was well allowed of by most part of the Council yet one honest Councellor stood up and said That it was a very worldly advice and had little or nothing to do with a Christian Common-wealth nor yet would it be found profitable in all points First he said It is worldly and not godly for though I grant said he that France which is so potent a Kingdom if it knew its own strength might suppress all its neighbours and therefore would be so handled yet even there the fire would dye out incontinent except the Prince of Conde were better furnished and helped As for Flanders he said That the trouble was prejudicial to England because by the Wars in Flanders England's great traffick of merchandize is hindered whereby they have greatest gain As for Scotland he said it was against their weal to hold them in dissention so long as my Lord of Murray was Regent who was their friend and would be ready to assist them with his power in their necessity Another Councellor affirmed that to be true but if my Lord Murray were dead Scotland behoved likewise to be kept in hot Water Which conclusion was commonly followed afterward and was soon discovered by the wisest who were not factious but too late by the rest of the raging multitude who through process of time were so battered one against another e're the play was ended that they would have eaten one another with their Teeth Now my Lord of Murray having accepted the Government upon him pressed to have the strengths in his hands as the Castles of Edinbrugh Dumbar and Dumbartoun The Castle of Edinbrugh was still in the hands of Sir James Balfour who had assisted the Noblemen who had pursued the murther and now took plain part with them and likewise assisted the new made Regent Yet he desired to have the Castle out of his hands which he was content to deliver up upon condition that the Laird of Grange should be made Captain thereof upon the constancy of whose friendship he reposed most which was easily granted by the Regent and all the rest After this the other Strengths were also rendred to him Then he took great pains to steal secret Roads upon the Thieves on the Borders tending much to the quieting thereof He likewise held Justice Airs in the In-country But was not so diligent as he might have been in settling the differences among the Nobility and to draw them by a sweet and discreet equitable behaviour to the obedience of the King's Authority Which might have been easily done if they had gotten security for their persons and estates But such as were about him having their own ambitious and covetous ends counselled him otherwise thinking by the wrack of others to make up themselves They were so blinded by their affections and greedy appetites that they thought all would succeed prosperously according to their desires without any resistance Thus rushing forward the Regent's rough proceedings gave occasion to many to draw to the contrary faction And they to strengthen themselves under the name of Authority devised how to draw the Queens Majesty out of Lockleven to be their head before the time was ripe Whereof the Regent was oft and frequently warned even by divers who were upon the Council of her out-taking who desired that way
rest of the Regents Lords and Councellors had concluded among them That so soon as the Duke of Norfolk as chief of the Councel would inquire for the Accusation they should all with one voice cry and persuade the Regent to go forward with it Secretary Lidingtoun and I minded the Regent how far he had obliged himself to the Duke of Norfolk He said He would do well enough and that it would not come to that length So soon as he with his Counsel were within the Councel-House the Duke of Norfolk asked for the Accusation the Regent desired again the assurance of Conviction by Writing and Seal as is said It was answered again That the Queens Majesties Word being a true Princess was sufficient Then all the Councel cryed out Would he mistrust the Queen who had given such proof of her Friendship to Scotland The Regent's Councel cryed out also in that same manner Then Secretary Cicil asked if they had the Accusation there Yes sayes Mr. John Wood and with that he plucks it out of his Bosom but I will not deliver it sayes he till her Majesties Hand-Writing and Seal be delivered to my Lord Regent for what he demands Then the Bishop of Orkny snatcheth the Writing out of his hand Let me have it sayes he I shall present it Mr. John Wood run after him as if he would have taken it again Forward goes the Bishop to the Council-Table and gives in the Accusation Then cryes out the Chamberlain of England Well done Bishop thou art the frankest Fellow among them all none of them will make thy leap good scorning his leaping out of the Laird of Grange's Ship Mr. Henry Balneavs only had made resistance and called for Secretary Lidingtoun who waited without the Councel House But so soon as Mr. Henry Balneavs had called for him he came in and whispered in the Regent's Ear That he had shamed himself and put his Life in danger by the loss of so good a Friend as the Duke of Norfolk and that he had lost his Reputation for ever The Regent who by his facility had been brought to break with the Duke of Norfolk repented himself thereof so soon as Lidingtoun acquainted him with the danger and desired the Accusation to be rendred up to him again alledging he had some more to add thereto They answered They would hold what they had and were ready to receive any addition when he should please to give it in The Duke of Norfolk had much ado to keep his Countenance Mr. John Wood winked upon Secretary Cicil who smiled again upon him The rest of the Regent's Company were laughing one upon another only Secretary Lidingtoun had a sad heart The Regent came forth of the Council-House with Tears in his eyes and went to his Lodging at Kingstoun where his factious friends had much ado to comfort him The Queen of England having obtained her intent received thereby great contentment through the advantage she thereby received First she thought she had matter for her to shew wherefore she detained the Queen when she was challenged by the forreign Ambassadours upon that accompt Then she was glad of the Queens dishonour but in her mind she detested the Regent and all his Company and would notice him no more She sent also incontinent to the Queen to comfort her praying her to look on her self in a better case albeit for a while restrained of her liberty then to be in Scotland among so unworthy Subjects who had accused her falsly and wrongfully as she was assured and that neither should they be the better nor she the worse for any thing they had done For she would neither be Judge nor give out any Sentence thereupon nor should any part of the said false Accusation be made known by her or her Council to any praying her to take patience in her gentle Ward where she was nearer to get the Crown of England set upon her head in case of her decease who was but the eldest Sister Thus the Regent won no other thing for his labour but to be despised by the Queen and Council of England detested by the Duke of Norfolk and reproached by his best and truest friends suffered to lye a long time at Kingstoun in great displeasure and fear without Mony to spend and without hope to get any from the Queen In the mean time the agreement betwixt him and the Duke of Norfolk was told the Queen For the Earl of Mortoun caused a Minister called John Willock to declare what had past betwixt the Regent and the Duke of Norfolk to the Earl of Huntingtoun who caused my Lord of Leicester to tell it to the Queen The Duke of Norfolk finding himself disappointed by the Regent and his purposes discovered to the Queen began to boast and speak plain language That he would serve and honour the Queen his Mistress so long as she lived but after her decease he would set the Crown of England upon the Queen of Scotland ' s head as lawful Heir And this he avowed to Secretary Cicil desiring him to go and prattle that language again to the Queen The Secretary Cicil answered That he would be no Tale-teller to the Queen of him but would concur with him in any course and serve him in any thing wherein he would imploy him He threatned also Sir Nicholas Throgmorton who he supposed would be a true and devoted Servant to the Queen So that Sir Nicholas was necessitated to seek after his favour by the means of the Earls of Pembroke and Leicester who was also his friend albeit he durst not conceal from the Queen that whereof the Earl of Huntingtoun had advertised him seeing he had desired him to declare the same to her Majesty The Duke of Norfolk understanding that his whole purposes were discovered stood not to acknowledge to the Queen That during her life-time he would never offend her but serve and honour her and after her the Queen of Scotland as in his opinion truest Heir and the only means for eschewing of Civil Wars and great blood-shed that might otherwise fall out Now albeit the Queen of England liked not that language yet she would not appear to find fault with it for the time Now matters being cast loose in this manner between the Regent and the Duke and the Regent in great distress Sir Nicholas Throgmorton being a Man of a deep reach and great prudence and discretion who had ever travelled for the Union of this Isle after that he was agreed with the Duke and perceived that the Earls of Leicester Pembroke Secretary Cicil and the rest of the Court and Commons were all for the Duke and that the Queen durst not find fault with him he devised and effectuated a new friendship betwixt the Regent and the Duke who was unwilling again to enter with the Regent yet at length he suffered himself to be perswaded The Lord Regent on the other hand being destitute of all friendship in England for the
with these of my hands who he knew had no by-end then if they had proceeded from the most Learned Philosopher Therefore at his desire I promised to put them in writing to give him them to keep in his Pocket but he was Slain before I could meet with him After the Decease of the Regent England sent the Earl of Sussex to Berwick whither the Earl of Lennox came also at that same time as being sent for by the Lords of the King's Faction to be made Regent in place of the Earl of Murray The Earl of Sussex had with him the Forces of the North as if he had some enterprise to do and to take some advantage at this time when the Country wanted a Regent About that same time so many of the Lords as were banded and professed the Queens Authority caused to proclaim the same at Lithgow As yet they of the Castle at Edinbrugh professed the King's Authority albeit there were secret jealousies betwixt them and so many of the rest as had counselled the late Regent to apprehend the Secretary Lidingtoun and Sir James Balfour and who would also have ruined Grange because he appeared concerned in them two and also because his Vertues were envied and his Charge coveted by others They who were within the said Castle for the time were my Lord Duke of Chattellerault and my Lord Herris warded wrongfully as I have said therefore the Laird of Grange obtained a Warrant from the rest of the King's Lords to set them at liberty The Lord Hume was there to assist with those of the Castle with the Laird of Grange the Secretary Lidingtoun his Brother the Prior of Condingham three of my Brothers Sir Robert Captain David and Sir Andrew Melvil the Lairds of Drylow and Pittadrow Sir James Balfour the Lairds of Fernihast Buccleugh Wormistoun Parbroth and divers other Noblemen and Barons who came there at all occasions and were ready at a call when they had to do This Company directed me to Berwick toward the Earl of Sussex to know what he intended to do with his forces whether to assist any of the two Factions or to agree them I was friendly received by him well lodged and my expences by him defrayed wanting nothing He sent me his own night-Gown furred with rich furrings to make use of so long as I abode there Albeit I knew him to be a great Enemy to all Scots-men he appeared desirous to enter in great familiarity with me and as if he was desirous I should believe he had communicated to me his most secret thoughts alledging his plainness to me was upon the report he had heard by sundry of his Country-men to my advantage He said That his coming with his Forces was not to assist any faction nor to decide Questions and Titles that were among us but to serve the Queen his Mistress in obeying her Commands That if he did any enterprise at that time against any Scots-man it would be against his heart That of all Scots-men he liked best of of those who were within the Castle of Edinbrugh and their dependers especially because he knew them to have been friends to the Duke of Norfolk his near Cousin whose part he said he would plainly have taken if the said Duke had out of his own mouth communicated his enterprise to him as he had foolishly done by a Gentleman of his to whose credit he durst not commit the secrecy of that matter being of it self of so great concernment as stood him upon his life and heritage And that albeit he with his Forces came not to set out nor to fortifie any Faction in Scotland yet he durst be plain with me privately as with a true friend to declare that he did esteem the Queen of Scotland and the Prince her Son righteous Heirs to the Crown of England which his judgment he had shown to few of his own Country-men So I returned with no direct answer but with a firm opinion that he was sent to appear to set forward the Earl of Lennox to be Regent and to send word to the Lords of the King's side that he would assist them and send in Mr. Randolph thither with the Earl of Lennox and yet to deal with the Lords of the Queens Faction to encourage them to hold forward their factions course because the said Mr. Randolph had a great dealing with the House of Hamiltoun as he who convoyed the Earl of Arran now visited with the hand of God out of France through England home to Scotland to assist the Congregation He knew also what old and long hatred had been betwixt the Houses of Lennox and Hamiltoun and was deliberately directed secretly to kindle a fire of discord betwixt two strong Factions in Scotland which could not be easily quenched and to conform the Lord Hume who was not yet resolved to take part with the Queens Faction which England thought had not money enough yet to sustain long strife against the King's Faction The Earl of Sussex entred the Merse with his Forces and took the Castle of Hume and Falhastle full of riches and precious moveables that way moving the Lord Hume to take plain part with the Hamiltouns and the Queens Faction Whereby it may be seen that the conclusion was to hold Countries in discord by the craft of the Council of England for the time as I have before mentioned and which was now put in practice incontinent after the decease of the Earl of Murray For albeit the Earl of Lennox had his Lady Children and Estate in England they would not credit him supposing he would be a true Scots-man as he proved indeed afterwards I being in Berwick when the Earl of Lennox was so far toward Scotland to be Regent I thought it my duty to visit him For at his first in-coming before the marriage of his Son the Lord Darnly with the Queen he sent this present Colonel Stuart for my Brother Sir Robert and me and because my Brother was absent I went to him alone At which time he told me That his long absence out of the Country had made him as a stranger to the condition of the Country and that his Lady at his parting from her had desired him to take my Brother's counsel and mine in all his affairs as her Friends and Kinsmen So that being familiar enough with him formerly I visited him at this time and told him the state of the Country I disswaded him from taking upon him the Regiment fearing that it might cost him his life as matters were like to be handled as I should inform him more at length being once at home As for my self I promised to serve and assist him albeit I could not find that same resolution in those of the Castle of Endinbrugh He thanked me promising me to be my friend so far as lay in his power upon which he gave me his hand Then he inquired What was the Cause that those who were in the Castle would oppose him
I answered For no particular prejudice they had against himself but because the Lords who had sent for him without acquainting them therewith were not their friends and they suspected that in process of time they would move him to be their Enemy He said That the Laird of Grange had been always his great friend and had done him formerly great kindness I said I hoped he should yet be his friend after that he had setled himself in the Regiment and might have time to be rightly informed of every mans part Returning back from Berwick I met the Abbot of Dumfarmling sent by the King's Lords to England to meet with the Earl of Linnox in his passing by His chief Commission was so far as I could afterward inform my self to desire the Queen of England to deliver the Queen of Scotland to be kept by the King's Lords here at home seeing that she would not proceed otherwise according to the Accusation given in against her the time my Lord Murray was there Whereto the Queen of England made answer If they would find her sufficient Pledges for the security of the Queens life she would deliver her to be kept by them The Abbot alledged That would be hard to do for what in case the Queen dye in the mean time She answered My Lord I believed you had been a wise man you would press me to speak what is no ways necessary You may know Taat I cannot but for my honour require Pledges for that end I think you may judge also of your self what might be best for me Her meaning in this might be easily judged and understood The Earl of Lennox came to Edinbrugh shortly after me and after he had accepted the Government his first enterprise was to take Breechin which was kept by some Companies of Foot-men lifted by the Earl of Huntly to assist the Queens faction These Soldiers being advertised that the new Regent was coming to pursue them fled except a few who kept the Kirk and Steeple who were all hanged I had made my self ready to ride with the Regent but Mr. Randolph the English Ambassadour who came with the Earl of Lennox appearing to set him forward with his power hindred me from prosecuting that intention fearing that I would be an instrument of perswading the Laird of Grange and those in the Castle to come to an amicable agreement with the Regent For if those of the Castle and their dependers had assisted the Regent the Queens faction were so few and weak that they would not have been able to make a party answerable to the King's faction who were greatest in number and had the hearts of the Subjects on their side I was very loath to stay behind the Regent both because I had promised to assist him and also because I had obtained a promise of the Bishop of St. Andrews of the Lands of Lethem given by the Earl of Murray to Mr. Henry Balneavs whereof I had no Lease but Possession by reason that the Bishop was for the time in Dumbartoun forsaulted so the said Lands were in the Regent's power to dispose to any other yet he had promised that I should enjoy it I told Mr. Randolph that the said Land might be in danger to be disposed in case I were absent from the Regent Tush says he I am Tutour at this time to the Regent I shall not only warrant you that but shall cause you get a better gift In the mean time he promised to write a Letter unto the Regent who had already taken journey to secure the same to me and to let him know that he had stayed me to draw on an agreement between my friends in the Castle and him therefore desiring him not to dispose the said Lands to any other But though I knew him to be a double dealer and a sower of discord yet I could not believe that he would abuse me in any thing having received so great obligations from me during his banishment in France for Religion during the Reign of Queen Mary Neither would I blot Paper with this much concerning my particular were it not to declare the strange practises of Princes in matters of State Now at Mr. Randolph's desire I stayed His first proposition to me was to desire the Captain of the Castle to agree with and assist the Regent I told him That I supposed he might be brought to that through time but not so hastily And that same answer I brought to him from him with a request from the Laird of Grange That he would be plain with him for there had been also great friendship betwixt them in France After some Ceremonies and Protestations of Secrecy he said Tell your friend this from Mr. Randolph but not from the English Ambassadour That there is no lawful Authority in Scotland but the Queens she will prevail at length and therefore it is his interest as the safest course to join himself to her Faction This was the help he made to the Regent who believed that his only Ambassage was to advance his Authority I appeared to be very well satisfied with this wholesom advice and went up to the Castle and told the Captain and his associates no more then I assured them of at my return from Berwick The Laird of Grange was still resolved to own the King's Authority seeing to be factious under pretext of owning the Queen during her absence and captivity might do her more ill then good and occasion great bloodshed among the Subjects by the malice of the Ring-leaders of the Court of England and partialities of a few in Scotland and was therefore expecting a fit opportunity of making agreement betwixt the parties In the mean time I went up and down betwixt those of the Castle and Mr. Randolph who gave me another Commission to wit In case the two Queens of England and Scotland agree betwixt themselves to appoint an English-man Captain of the Castle of Edinbrugh and send unto him a Letter subscribed by both their hands to him to render up the same to him whom they Commissionate him to deliver it whether he would for great advantage to himself give it to the person who should be appointed This in great anger he refused to hear and this was all the good agreement that Mr. Randolph and I made during the Regent's absence And instead of minding the Regent not to dispose the foresaid Lands he dealt with the Tutor of Pitcur that he might seek a gift of the said Lands from the Regent informing him that I wanted a right thereto When the Regent was returned to Edinbrugh I remembred Mr. Randolph of his promise and informed him a way how I might get them He answered That he found the Regent so stubborn and of so ill a nature that he could not deal with him Then I told him That I was abundantly sensible of his practises and that whereas it appeared that he would cause me not only to abandon the Regent but to be
upon him to save him from his particular Enemies For they all had ingaged to him e're they went from Edinbrugh not to kill one man else he would not have left them Wormistoun was also killed against the Regent's will who cryed continually to save him who had done what he could for his preservation The Regent dyed not suddenly but some days after and made a very godly end They who had lost this fair enterprise for want of Granges conduct had enough to do to save themselves and had been all taken had not those in Stirling wanted horses to pursue after them For those who had taken the horses did ride forward with all possible speed leaving their Masters in danger to do for themselves When they were returned back to Edinbrugh they were very unwelcome guests to the Laird of Grange who greatly lamented the Regent's slaughter He said openly If he knew who had done that foul deed or had directed it to be done his own hand should have revenged it And whereas before he used to be meek and gentle he could not now command himself but bursted out in harsh language calling them disorderly Beasts For he knew the Regent was inclined to Peace and was only ignorantly driven on by the Earl of Mortoun and Mr. Randolph's practises to hold the said Parliament to the hinderance of concord and agreement therefore his intention was to bring all the Kings Lords to the Castle of Edenbrugh and to have made an agreement betwixt them and the other faction before they had parted But God in his providence would not permit this for further punishment of our wickedness For the Parliaments held forward and each one of them forefaulted others the Kings Lords came and lay at Lieth and the Queens within the Town and Castle of Edenbrugh Mr. Randolph would have had Mortoun made Regent instead of Lennox but the Lords liked better of the Earl of Marr and chose him For a little time there was hot skirmishing betwixt Lieth and Edinbrugh and extream hatred betwixt the two Factions and great cruelties exercised where they could be Masters of one another And frequently the Marshal of Berwick came to Lieth to assist Mr. Randolph privately tho publickly to find fault with him for his proceedings which my Lord of Marrs friends perceived and himself at last whereupon he began to grow colder in the quarrel and withdrew himself to Stirling advising with his friends what was meetest to be done Alledging that he could see nothing but the wrack of the Country under pretext of owning the King and Queens Authority while neither Kings nor Queens was in any of their minds but only put on by their own partialities of ambition greediness and vengeance England kindling up both the Parties and then laughing them all to scorn After this Conference Captain James Cunningham servant to my Lord of Marr a discreet Gentleman desired a secret meeting with my Brother Sir Robert In the mean time the most part of the Kings Lords went to Stirling where the Regent was living My Lord of Mortoun went to Dalkieth my Lord Lindsay lay in Lieth When the Wars grew colder and notice thereof taken by the Court of England a new Ambassador was hasted to Scotland to wit Mr. Henry Killegrew an old acquaintance of mine For Mr. Randolph was returned home because he had not such Credit with the Earl of Marr as to do service to these he served and had lost the favour of both the Factions For his double dealing was discovered he having no Credit but with the Earl of Mortoun This new Ambassador being Arrived at Lieth upon his way toward Stirling where the Regent remained for the time he sent up to the Castle of Edenbrugh to see if I was there For they had told him in Lieth that I was newly come from Fiffe He desired that I would come and speak with him which I did and convoyed him unto Cramond reasoning together all the way upon such matters as he said he had in Commission chiefly how he might be a good instrument to agree the differences that were between the two Parties albeit I knew there was nothing less in his mind at least in his Commission He said He had the Queen his Mistress commands to deal with both Parties forConcord but that he was most concerned in these of the Castle albeit that outwardly he behooved first to go to the Regent being in civility engaged to give him the prerogative yet in effect he said my friends in the Castle were these to them he was chiefly directed that they should be preferred both by his first salutation by me to them and by two familiar Letters the one from my Lord of Leicester to the Laird of Grange and the other from Secretary Cicil to Secretary Lidingtoun desiring me to intreat them to follow the good counsel given therein by the said Lords who loved them intirely for their vertue and old acquaintance Hewi led me to tell them that after he had declared his Commission to the Regent he would come back again to them and at length declare his Commission to them from Her Majesty It appeared to me that he had intelligence how that Mr. Randolph's double dealing had been discovered therefore he seemed to find fault with him in many things though in general he excused him as far as he could until I adjured him upon the long and great familiarity that had been betwixt us to deal plainlier with me I told him he might serve his Mistress truly enough without casting me and my friends upon a wrong side which might be afterwards our ruin who deserved better at his hands then to put us in such dangers as if we were untoward dishonest or uncounsellable as Mr. Randolph had done forgetting the fraternity of Religion so well grounded among us during his banishment in France for Religion There he was compelled to confess to me that his Commission and his mind went not one way and that he was imployed against his will tho as a Servant he durst not disobey his Princess he said he would give me his loving counsel and warning very freely He said that the Council of England neither built their course here upon the late Regent nor yet upon this but intirely upon the Earl of Mortoun as well of their own Plot laid down long since as by the Information of Mr. Randolph who hath confirmed them in that Opinion so that they will not alter for no contrary persuasion Willing my friends and me to joyn our course and band with the Earl of Mortoun or else to expect no friendship from the Court of England but hurt and ruin so far as they might For albeit he was not Regent they knew that he had a great Faction in the Country which they were resolved what they could to encrease so that whoever was Regent he should get little or nothing done without his consent In this I thought he dealt plainly my friends of the Castle were
of that same Judgment yet they could not find in their heart to joyn with him albeit he sought their friendship offering to hold up the Queens Authority for they thought his course unsure for the King and setling of the Estate he being too much addicted to England After that this Ambassador had been with the Regent in Stirling and was come back again to Edinbrugh he told the rest of his Commission to them of the Castle to whom he used himself but like an Ambassador as he was directed He said that he found them more reasonable then the Regents Party Then he went to Dalkieth to meet with the Earl of Mortoun and thereafter returned to Edinbrugh to wait all fit occasions and informations how to proceed conform to the tenor of his instructions He had Commandment to stay in Scotland for a time to see if he could obtain as much Credit as to serve their turn who sent him And because I was of his greatest acquaintance he came with me to my house in Halhil and stayed a few dayes there to refresh his Spirits and after that I convoyed him back again to Edinbrugh he shewed me some Articles of his instructions one of the which was Item If the Captain of the Castle will condescend that all the differences now in question among the Scots be referred to be decided before us and our Councel as the rest of the Kings Lords have granted already we shall be his good friend maintain him in his Office and give him an honourable Pension But he plainly refused to comply with this saying he would prejudge his Prince and Country so that this and his other former refusals cost him his life afterwards About this time my Lord Regent sent a Letter to me with all diligence to come to him At my coming he made a heavy moan for the civil troubles that were kindled in the Country by the Craft and Malice of some in England and some in Scotland taking the colour of this or that authority and yet were only moved with their own particularities to the hurt both of King Queen and Country desiring me that I would go unto the Castle of Edinbrugh and shew them as of my own head and not as from him that I understood he perceived albeit too late how that we were all led upon the Ice and that it was the Interest of all true Scotsmen to agree that the State may be setled And says he you may desire them to seek to treat with me thereabout which you may assure them they will obtain if they will seek the same And offer your self to be the instrument to brâ—ng on a good agreement between them and me which shall by Gods Grace take good effect upon your return with their reasonable offers and answer Whereupon I went to Edinbrugh and found them all inclined to peace and quietness with little need of persuasions thereto for they were near a point before with my Lord of Lennox and some former Conference had been betwixt my Brother and Captain Cunningham thereabouts At my return to the Regent he was very glad saying he knew that these honest Gentlemen were ever willing to cease from civil discord seeing the Queen was Captive to whom their owning her authority could do no good but evil but that they had been by crafty practises cast against their wills upon a contrary course Then he inquired upon what conditions the Captain and his friends would agree I said that the Laird of Grange would not sell his Duty to His Prince and Country for advantage but would serve the King and his Country to settle the Estate so long as the Queen was detained in England and if God pleased to grant her liberty they doubted not but she and her Son should agree betwixt themselves to which all honest and good Subjects would consent They for their parts desired no Mans Land nor Goods but only Liberty peaceably to enjoy their own Livings Only Grange desired that the Regent would cause to pay certain Debts contracted for repairing of the Castle and Artillery which conditions the Regent promised to fulfil and to be an assured friend to Grange and those in the Castle And without any other Ceremonies he called the Laird of Tillibardin and after he declared unto him how far we had proceeded he put his hand in mine and did swear the Peace in presence of the said Tillibardin who had also been a good Instrument in the said agreement together with Mr. Clement Little afterwards Provost of Edinbrugh No man was privy thereto but my Lady Mar and Captain James Cuningham After this the Regent went to Edinbrugh to Convene the Lords of Councel to shew them the Calamities that the Civil-Wars produced and to let them see how necessary an agreement would be to the whole Country In the mean time until the appointed Councel-day he went to Dalkieth where he was nobly treated by the Lord of Mortoun shortly after which he took a vehement sickness which caused him to ride suddenly to Stirling where he dyed regrated by many Some of his friends and the vulgar suspected he had gotten wrong at his Banquet The Earl of Mortoun after the decease of the Earl of Marr was made Regent England helping it with all their might so soon as he was chosen he sent for me declaring how that against his mind and inclinations the Lords had burthened him with that troublesome Office whereof seeing he behoved to accept he could wish that he might stand the Country and Common-wealth in some stead First he would desire the help of all good and honest men to draw on Peace and Concord to the quieting the State praying me as one for whom he had ever entertained special favour to travail with my friends of the Castle for that effect and to persuade them to go forward with him as they were minded to do with the Earl of Marr assuring me that none of the former Regents had at any time been more willing then he was presently to put an end to the civil troubles nor that I should remember less the partialities past and that the Regent should not revenge the Earl of Mortoun's quarrels But whoever would serve the King and be his friend he would embrace them upon what faction soever they had formerly been And he was willing to give whatever conditions the Earl of Marr had offered that I should have the Priory of Pittenweem for my pains the Laird of Grange the Bishoprick of St. Andrews and Castle of Blackness and every one within the Castle should be restored to their Lands and Possessions as before It was very hard to bring on this agreement with the Earl of Mortoun for the evil opinion which was conceived of him and the hurtful marks they supposed by proofs and appearances that he would shoot at being by nature covetous and too great with England and ever Jealous that the King would be his ruine concerning which a Lady who was his
esteemed so wise should have had seeing he might have obtained his intent without the help of England having all Scotland at his Devotion saving that few number without the Castle who would likewise have agreed upon any reasonable condition Thus the Castle of Edinbrugh was straitly besieged with an English Army under the Conduct of the Marshal of Berwick assisted by all Scotland These within seeing they could not be received upon any composition debated so long as they had victuals and water For their Draw-well dryed by the drouthy Summer and they had no other water but what they fetched letting men with Cords down o're the Walls and Rock of the Castle to a Well on the west side which was afterward poysoned whereby so many as escaped the Shot dyed and the rest fell deadly sick Yet the Laird of Grange undertook with Eight persons to keep the Castle untaken by force of the which number were the Lord Hume my two Brothers Sir Robert and Sir Andrew the Laird of Pittadrow and his Brother Patrick This resolution being taken the Laird of Chesh and Matthew Colvil his Brother were sent to the Castle under the pretext of making offers of agreement but their design was to get intelligence of the State of the House and to seduce the Soldiers who were yet alive which they did so that some fled out over the Walls and others were shut forth For the Captain thought the house in a better condition both for Victuals and otherwise when they were forth The Marshal of Berwick seeing no appearance to succeed entred into contention with the Ambassador alledging that the Queen his Mistress would be dishonoured and said he would wait no longer whereupon they without entred on a new Communing and sent up again the Laird of Cleesh to offer them good conditions to come forth with their Armour and Bag and Baggage which was agreed to and that they should be restored to their Lands and because for the time they were in other mens possession it was referred to themselves whether they would go to England with the Marshal of Berwick or remain in Scotland among their friends until the promise made them of restoring them to their Lands might be fulfilled The Englishmen desired that the Castle should be put in their hands but Grange sent secretly to Captain Hume and Captain Crauford desiring them to come and ly within the Bulwark betwixt the House and the English men and to those he delivered the Castle and his person to the Marshal to go with him to England until all promises might be kept to him and the rest by the Queen of Englands means In this manner they came forth after that George Duglas natural Brother to the Regent had received the House they had all their Swords and Weapons about them and were three dayes at liberty My Brother Sir Robert lay with me at his own Lodging the Laird of Grange and the Secretary Lidingtoun remained yet with the Marshal of Berwick at his Lodging for their greater security because that the people of the Town of Edinbrugh were greatly their Enemies For except a few that tarried within the Town during the Civil Troubles between the Parties that lay in Edinbrugh and Lieth the most part of the richest Men and Merchants left the Town and went to Lieth to take part with the Regent therefore their houses were spoiled upon which account they did bear great hatred to those in the Castle But at the end of three dayes they were all laid hands upon and taken as Prisoners For some of their most malitious enemies put it easily in the Regents head and the Ambassadors that it was well done to move the Queen of England to cause to deliver the whole Prisoners to the Regent to be disposed upon at his pleasure alledging they had no surety but a naked promise which they needed not to keep and because these of the Castle confided wholy on the Marshals promise the Ambassador was advised to prevent the Marshals Writing so that er'e he did write to the Queen thereabout her Letter came to him to deliver up the Prisoners who had been in the Castle to the Regent And he durst not disobey her Command the same being so peremptory tho he obeyed it with much regret and great reluctancy by reason of his promise and returned malecontent to Berwick And they in the Castle were Committed to strait ward and thereafter new Letters were purchased by the Regent from the Queen that he might execute them which she willingly permitted for she would gladly have been quit of my Lord Hume and Grange as being two true Scotsmen unwonable to England to do any thing prejudicial to their King or Country and of the Secretary Lidingtoun but he dyed at Lieth after the old Roman fashion as was said to prevent his coming to the Shambles with the rest As for the Lord Hume the Regent durst not meddle with him he standing in awe of Alexander Hume of Manderstoun Coildinknows and the Good man of North Berwick and the rest of that name who boasted with very proud Language He dyed shortly after being warded in the Castle of Edinbrugh Mr. Killegrew the English Ambassador desired no other reward for his labour but the preservation of my Brother Sir Robert's life for he was obliged formerly to him and me The Composition was kept to all the rest of the mean Gentlemen The Priour of Coldingham and Laird of Drylaw were afterwards set at liberty Sundry of the Captains of Berwick went up to the Castle by the breach beat down in the fore Wall by the Canons that they might say that they had won the Maiden Castle But this was after that the house was delivered over to the Regents Brother yet he would not suffer them to enter there with any number On this manner both England and the Regent were revenged upon that worth Champion whom they had sometimes in great estimation who had done such notable service in France being Captain of an hundred light Horsemen that he was extolled by the Duke of Vendome Prince of Conde and Duke of Aumale Governors and Colonels then in Picardy that I heard Henry the 2d point unto him and say yonder is one of the most Valiant Men of our Age. Also the King used him so familiarly that he chose him commonly upon his side in all pastimes he went to and because he shot far with a great Shaft at the Butts the King would have him to shoot two Arrows one for his pleasure The great Constable of France would never speak to him uncovered and that King gave him an honourable Pension whereof he never sought payment England had proof of his Valour frequently against them upon the Borders where he gave them divers ruffles In a single Combate he vanquished the Earl of Rivers's Brother between the two Armies of Scotland and England He afterward Debated manfully the liberty of his Country against the French men when they intended to
erect the Land into a Province He had lately refused the demands of Mr. Randolph and Mr. Killegrew as is before mentioned and had reproached both the said Ambassadors of false and deceitful dealing Last of all he had refused to put the Castle into the hands of English men and therefore because he was true to his Prince and Country it cost him his life For they boasted plainly to bring down that Gyants pride who as they alledged presumed to be another Wallace Albeit contrariwise he was humble gentle and meek like a Lamb in the House but like a Lyon in the Fields He was a lusty strong and well proportioned personage hardy and of a magnanimous Courage secret and prudent in all his enterprises so that never one that he made or devised misgave where he was present himself When he was Victorious he was very merciful and naturally liberal an enemy to greediness and ambition and a friend to all men in adversity He fell frequently in trouble in protecting innocent men from such as would oppress them so that these his worthy qualifications were also partly causes and means of his wrack For they promoted him so in the opinion of many that some loved him for his Religion Uprightness and Manliness others again depended upon him for his good fortune and apparent promotion whereby divers of them hoped to be advanced and rewarded supposing that Offices and Honours could not fail to fall to him All which he wanted through his own default for he had fled foom Avarice and abhorred Ambition and refused sundry great Offices even to be Regent which were in his offer as well as other great Benefices and Pensions Thus wanting place and subsistance to reward he was soon abandoned by his greedy and ambitious dependers for when they saw him at a strait they drew to others whom they perceived to aim at more profitable marks On the other hand he was as much envied by those who were of a vile and unworthy nature of whom many have made Tragical ends for their too great Avarice and Ambition as shortly after did the Earl of Mortoun This gallant Gentleman perished for being too little ambitious and greedy But so soon as the King's Majesty came to perfect age and had understood how matters had gone during his minority he caused to restore the Heirs of the said Laird of Grange whom he said was wracked contrary to the appointment made with the Marshal of Berwick and also ordered his bones to be taken up and buried honourably in the ancient Burial place of his Predecessors in Kinghorn After his death the Marshal of Berwick took so heavy displeasure finding himself so far affronted because of the breach of his promise and that the appointment which he had made with the Castle of Edinbrugh was not kept that he would tarry no longer in his Office at Berwick seeing he judged he had lost his credit and reputation for he was a plain Man of War and loved Grange so dearly that at his request he spared to cast down the Houses of Seatoun and Nidrie when he came in to cast down the House of Hamiltoun Likewise all the Officers of Berwick lamented the loss of so worthy a Captain The Regent triumphed for a while because of the great assistance that England made to him which they had never done to any of the former Regents but rather stirred up factions and parties against them to keep the Country in discord The causes that moved them so to assist him were That they believed the old jealousies betwixt the Stuarts and Douglasses should by him be brought to an end the young King being in his hands to be disposed of at pleasure the Queen his Mother being already Captive in their hands which two only could join Scotland and England in one Monarchy Therefore above all others the guiders of the Court of England for the time wished them out of the way as well for the great Offices done by them both to King and Queen as for the desire they had to destroy that Race and Line to place some of their own friends to succeed to the Crown of England So thinking that the Regent's mark in Scotland and theirs in England was conformable they established and fortified him in his Regiment though God in his goodness suffered not their practises to take effect For the Regent wanting Heirs of his own body and having no Competitors to stay him from doing any thing that he pleased when he thought the time meet he delayed matters and in the mean time bent his whole study how to gather riches and how to suck out substance both from England and Scotland moving England thereby too late to repent that they had not preserved the Laird of Grange to be an awe over the Regent as he kept the King to be an aw over them And as he was crafty so he was fearful and slow of nature and thought the Earl of Angus his Brother's Son yet too young and not capable to comprehend his hidden intention and therefore he was long of resolving In the mean time serving his own turn with England as they did with all the World when they were like to have any trouble among themselves or with their Neighbours then he compelled them to send him mony which they were necessitated to do though sore against their heart with a hidden despight and secret hatred at his slowness on the one part and covetousness on the other This Regent held the Country in an established Estate under great obedience better then for many years before or since For there was not another Earl of Mortoun to stir up the factious Subjects as he used to do against the rest of the Regents which made him so proud and disdainful that he despised the rest of the Nobility And using no Mans counsel but his own he became ungrateful to all his old Friends and Servants And being under pretext of Justice used to commit divers wrongs and extortions he caused to begin a Process against the Laird of Fentry because many years before a Thief had made his escape out of his hands and against the Laird of Seafield for a piece of Land and against Mr. James Thorntoun for his Benefice Thus as he had lost the favour of England so did he by such ways the hearts of all Scotland but only of George Auflech and Alexander Gerdan As for the Laird of Carmichael he lamented to me grievously of his ingratitude toward him and was minded to leave him untill I gave him counsel to help himself by the hurtful experience of the Laird of Grange and Walter Melvil my Brother who was one of the Gentlemen of the Earl of Murray's Chamber which two lost his favour so soon as he became Regent And likewise I told him that very way I lost him my self for we had been long familiar with him and had assisted him in all his troubles but when he was Regent we would with our wonted
to be brought again to be Master of the Court which was accomplished upon a night at midnight When he came to the Gates of the Castle of Sterling they were opened unto him by the two Abbots and a Faction that they had drawn in there with them Albeit the Master of Mar and Earl of Aguile made what resistance they could where the Master 's eldest Son dyed in the throng yet the enterprisers prevailed and brought in again the Earl of Mortoun and put out the Earl of Arguile the Master of Mar Drumwhasel and such others as they misliked and so made a new change at Court Where the Earl of Mortoun handled the matter so discreetly and moderately as he could that the alteration should not appear to be over sharp or violent The new chosen Council scattered incontinently some of them retiring home and some joined with the Earl of Mortoun hoping never to see a turn again About this time came out of France my Lord of Aubonie who was afterward made Duke of Lennox who was Brother's Son to the Earl of Lennox and obtained afterward great credit and favour James Stuart of Oghiltrie of whom I formerly made mention assisted him through process of time to perswade the King's Majesty to desire to ride out of Sterling and make a progress among the rest of his Subjects which the Earl of Mortoun could not resist supposing that it lay in his power to frame the Court at his pleasure For by his great wealth he was resolved to gain so many as he judged necessary and so by the multitude of his friends to bear out the business however the Court was ruled after he had obtained a discharge and alliance of his intromission For though during the time that he was Regent he was always strongest about the King but my Lord Aubony and James Stewart were most in favour who by their continual rounding in the King's Ear against the Earl of Mortoun ingendered at last a greater dislike in the King of him then he had before And as James Stuart was the stirrer up of the other so afterward when he found the time convenient he took occasion to accuse the said Earl before the Council of the late King's murther Whereupon the Earl of Mortoun was made Prisoner and sent first to the Castle of Edinbrugh and afterward to the Castle of Dumbartoun which was thought strange in respect of his many friends that were in Court for the time who were then found to be but friends to his fortune For he was loved by none and envied and hated by many so that they all looked through their fingers to see his fall England was also angry at him for the time because of his slowness to answer their turns which they had hoped for at his hands having put the King and Country in his power Yet they made some offer to assist him which occasioned to hasten his ruin For they sent down Seventeen Companies to the Borders boasting to send a greater number and to declare open War in case the Earl of Mortoun was not set at liberty and the Lord Aubony put out of Scotland Mr. Randolph was sent in with this Ambassage His Majesty again having these two young Counsellors about him who knew of no perils raised a Taxation to pay Soldiers and caused to make a Proclamation for every Man to be in readiness upon a call which moved the English to retire and leave off endeavouring any more his assistance encouraging thereby such as were deadly Enemies to the Earl of Mortoun to ride to Dumbartoun with a thousand raised and hired Men together with their own friends to bring the Earl of Mortoun back again to Edinbrugh to undergo an Assize Some of the Earl's friends convened to take him out of their hands but found not themselves strong enough They might have done it had it not been the Forces which had been newly levied occasioned by the threat'nings which England had made Being brought to Edinbrugh he found few friends to appear or act for him His Gold and Silver was transported long before by his Natural Son James Douglas and one of his Servants called John Mac-Morran It was first carried in Barrels and afterward hid in some secret parts part whereof was given to be kept by some who were lookt upon as his friends who made ill accompt of it again so that the most part thereof lighted in bad hands and himself was so destitute of mony that when he went through the Street to the Tolbooth to undergo his Assize he was compelled to borrow Twenty shillings to distribute to the Poor who asked Alms of him for God's sake The Assize condemned him to death as being Airt and Pairt in the King's murther and as being of Councel with the Earl of Bothwel who brought him out of banishment when he was absent for the slaughter of David Rixio He granted that he was made privy thereto but had no hand in devising thereof And as concerning the young King he owned that he purposed to send him to England for his weal that he might the rather obtain his Right to the Crown of England being within the Country and brought up among them He dyed resolutely and had ended more perfectly if he had declared and confessed his Worldly practises and fetches to nourish the Civil Troubles partly at the devotion of England and partly for his own particular profit during the Government of the first three Regents which occasioned great blood-sheding that commonly cries to Heaven for vengeance During the King's young years the partialities were so great and the whole Country so disturbed by the two several parties who alledged to fight and strive for the King and the Queen being then Captive in England and the King yet very young that many perceived them to be but factious ambitious avaritious greedy worldly wretched persons Both parties were craftily stirred up and kept in trouble by one only Faction in England who had that Queens Ear intending the wrack as well of our King as Queen to advance some of their friends to inherit the Crown of England which occasioned a great out-cry against our foolish contentions After that the Earl of Mortoun the last of the four Regents was deposed the King's Majesty being young took the Government into his own hands my Lord of Aubony being made Lord Dalkieth and afterward Duke of Lennox was chief about his Majesty and James Stuart formerly mentioned who afterward took unto himself the style and then the Earldom of Arran thinking that he had done great Service and deserved well for accusing and wracking the Earl of Mortoun he married the Earl of March his Relict The Duke was of nature upright just and gentle but wanted experience in the state of the Country At the first he was wholly guided by the said James Stuart and his Wife who both began to envy him and therefore they endeavoured how they might cast him off that they might attain to the
sole management of Affairs And for this end they gave him bad advice and sinister informations against sundry of his best friends And being likewise Educated a Papist and suspected to be at the Duke of Guise's devotion and therefore a dangerous Man to be about his Majesty the whole Country was stirred up against him England by their Ambassadour helping to kindle the fire Mr. David Macgil and Mr. Henry Keer were his chief Councellors both wise enough for their own profit but careless of his standing and therefore not fit to counsel him who was his Majesty's greatest favourite At the instigation and mis-information of the Earl of Arran and his Lady he first did cast off his true friend the Master of Mar Captain of the Castle of Edinbrugh and after that Sir William Stuart Captain of Dumbartoun and then Alexander Clerk Provost of Edinbrugh and the Earl of Gaurie Treasurer The rest of the Nobility were also dissatisfied to see these two young Lords only in favour with the King finding that they both did aim at Noblemens lives for their Lands And albeit some of them misliked the Earl of Mortoun's proceedings yet they judged the taking of his life an hard preparative They likewise suspected Religion to be in hazard the one being a Papist and the other a scorner of all Religion They thought that from two such Counsellors no wholsome advice could proceed for the peace of the Country and the establishment of Religion Therefore a number of them consulted together to displace both the Duke and the Earl of Arran to send the one to France and to remove the other from Court In the mean time they resolved to throng themselves in about the King and to make a reformation of the abuses and to inviron his Majesty with their Forces so soon as he came to Dumfarmling whither he had appointed to come at his return out of Athol where he was for the time ahunting and to present to him this Supplication IT may appear strange to your Majesty that we your most humble and faithful Subjects are here convened beyond your expectation and without your knowledge but after your Majesty hath heard the urgent occasion that hath pressed us hereto your Majesty will not marvel at this our honest lawful and necessary enterprise Sir For the dutiful Reverence that we owe unto your Majesty and for that we abhor to attempt any thing that may seem displeasing to your Majesty we have for the space of two years suffered such false Accusations Calumnies Oppressions and Persecutions by means of the Duke of Lennox and him who is called Earl of Arran that the like Insolencies and Enormities were never heretofore born with in Scotland Which wrongs albeit they were most intolerable yet when they only touched us in particular we comported with them patiently ever attending when it should please your Majesty to give a remedy thereto But seeing the persons aforesaid have plainly designed to trouble the whole Body of the Common-Wealth as well the Ministers of the blessed Evangel as the true Professors thereof but in special that number of Noblemen Barrons Burgesses and Commonalty who did most worthily behave themselves in your Majesties Service during your youth whom principally and only they molest and against whom they use most extremity and rigour of Laws oft-times most sinistrously perverting the same for their destruction so that one part of these your best Subjects are Exiled another part Tormented and put to questions which they are not in Law obliged to answer and withal execute with partiality and injustice all your Laws And if any escape their barbarous fury they can have no access to your Majesty but are falsly calumniated and debarred from your presence and kept out of your favour Papists and most notable Murtherers are called home daily and restored to their former honours and heritages and oftimes highly rewarded with the Offices and Possessions of your most faithful Servants Finally your Estate Royal is not Governed by the Council of your Nobility as your most worthy Progenitors used to do but at the pleasure of the foresaid persons who enterprise nothing but as they are directed by the Bishops of Glascow and Ross your denounced Rebels having with them adjoyned in their ordinary Councels the Popes Nuntio with the Ambassador of Spain and such other of the Papists of France as endeavour to subvert the true Religion and to bring your Majesty in discredit with your Subjects They travel to cause you negotiate and traffick with your Mother without the advice of your Estates perswading your Majesty to be reconciled with her and to associate her conjunctly with you in the Authority-Royal meaning nothing other thereby but to Convict us of Usurpation and Treason And so having these your best Subjects out of the way who with the defence of your Authority maintained the true Religion as two things united and inseperable what else could have followed but the wrack and destruction of both For conclusion your whole native Country for which Sir you must give an account to the Eternal God as we must be answerable to your Majesty is so perturbed and altered and the true Religion the Commonwealth your Estate and Person are in no less danger then when you were delivered out of the hands of the cruel Murtherers of your Father who they were we will not insist on at this present Sir beholding these great dangers to be eminent and at hand without speedy help and perceiving your noble person in such hazard the preservation whereof is more precious to us then our own lives finding also no appearance that your Majesty was forewarned hereof but like to perish before you could see the peril we thought that we could not be answerable to our Eternal God neither faithful Subjects to your Majesty if according to our ability we prevented not this present distress preserving your Majesty from the same For this effect with all dutiful humility and obedience we your Majesties true Subjects are here convened desiring your Majesty in the name of God and for the love you bear to his true Religion to your Country and Commonwealth and as you would see the tranquillity of your own Estate to retire your self to some part of the Country where your Majesties person may be most safely preserved and your Nobility secured who are under hazard of Lands Life and Heritages And then your Majesty shall see the disloyalties falshoods and Treasons of the persons aforesaid evidently proved and declared to their faces to the glory of God advancement of his true Religion your Majesties preservation and honour and the deliverance of your troubled Commonweal and Country and to their perpetual ignominy and shame At this Highland hunting His Majesty was very meanly accompanied The Duke of Lennox tarried for the time at Dalkieth the new Earl of Arran was at Kinneel many of the Councel were appointed to hold Justice Airs in divers Shires of the Country I was ordained to
a new faction upon to trouble the King and his Estate And whereas the said Davison had promised before to shew himself a kind Scotsman I perceived him clean altered and a perfect practiser against the quiet of this State whereof I advertised His Majesty After his return England appeared not to have such a fear as it had formerly had at the Earl of Arran For there was a meeting drawn on at the Borders betwixt the Earl of Hunsdon and the Earl of Arran Who had long and privy conference together to keep a great friendship betwixt the two Princes and Countries with a secret Plot That the Earl of Arran should keep the King unmarried for three years under this pretext That there was a young Maid of the blood in England who about that time would be ready for marriage whereupon the Queen would declare His Majesty Second Person This was a deceitful Traffique and kept secret from every Body the design thereof being to hinder the King to deal for any other honourable and profitable Match The Earl of Arran thinking himself setled being now in friendship with the Queen of Englond as he supposed moved His Majesty to send thither the Master of Gray who was entred in great favour and familiarity with His Majesty by some secret dealing and intelligence he had with the Queen his Mother in England by means of some of her friends in France For being there at his Travels and but lately returned he brought some Letters directed from Her Majesty to the King her Son and conveyed the answers back again by an interest he had in England with some who favoured Her Majesty He was a great dealer also between Her Majesty and some Catholicks in England He was a proper Gentleman of a Noble Spirit and fair Speech and so well esteemed by His Majesty that Arran thought fit to absent him from Court by this Ambassage Nevertheless he employed him also in the Course begun betwixt him and the Earl of Hunsdean And yet when he was at the Court of England so well esteemed and treated as was reported by such as were sent back it was alledged by some of the Master of Gray's friends that the Earl of Arran began to envy him and misrepresent him unto His Majesty as if he had discovered unto the Queen of England a great part of the Queen of Scotlands purposes and proceedings However the said Master returned again well rewarded and commended for his behaviour qualities and discretion unto the King's Majesty to the great increase of his Credit with the King Not long after his return he was informed what misreports had been made of him in his absence Which he recompensed the best he could with Court Charity at convenient times so that by little and little he began to Eclipse Arran The Master of Gray also forewarned His Majesty of a notable Person who was upon the way sent unto His Majesty by the Queen of England to do him honour and to bear him company to entertain a stricter friendship between that Queen and Him then any had ever been intended before And that the said Ambassadour called Mr. Wotton would not trouble His Majesty with Business or Country Affairs but would bear him company in his Pastimes of Hunting Hauking and Horse-riding and entertain him with friendly and merry Discourses as one come lately from Italy and Spain expert in Languages and Customs of Countries and a great lover of His Majesty's Title and Right to the Crown of England So that His Majesty was ingaged to love him before he did see him and caused with diligence to write to me to come and entertain the said Ambassadour At my return to Court I was the better taken with that Arran was under some Cloud The Master of Gray was then my great friend For His Majesty had told him that I had ever resisted the Earl of Arran's furious proceedings His Majesty desired me as I would do him acceptable Service to bear good company to the said Ambassadour declaring unto me all his properties and qualifications above specified willing me also to Banquet him at my house But after I had conversed certain days with him I remembred I had formerly seen him in France with Doctor Wotton who was there Ambassadour Resident for Queen Mary of England the time that she was married with King Philip of Spain During which time there were great suspicions and jealousies betwixt France and England For tho there was hot War between France and Spain yet the Peace continued still with the Queen of England who was lately married by the King of Spain She appeared still to keep the Peace with France though in the mean time she sent over to Flanders both Men and Mony to the help of the King her Husband The old Constable of France my Master who for the time had the whole management of the Country Affairs under King Henry the Second reproached the English Ambassadour for that the Queen his Mistress was doing her endeavour to break the Peace The Ambassadour excused his Mistress alledging That if any of his Country-men served in the Wars under the King of Spain that they would be found but Soldiers of Fortune ready to serve any Man for Mony She denied that she knew of their passing into Flanders or that she disbursed any Mony for the Wars Albeâ—t that there was ground enough ministred unto her by reciving and retaining in France all her Rebels and Fugitives giving them Pensions and Intertainment and stirring them up to enterprises against her Life and Estate This the Constable flatly denyed only he said That out of a general good will which was born to English-men in time of Peace they were suffered to live in the Country which bears the name of France because there should be Freedom and Franchise to every Christian. The Ambassadour being wise and subtil perceiving this answer to be but a shift and that Wars would inevitably follow these kind of suspicions he intended by some subtilty to Circumvent the Constable and for that effect had sent to England for his Brother's Son being One and Twenty years of Age as well to employ him as to teach him the French and Italian Languages This youth being arrived in France with an Irish Boy to be his Interpreter who could speak French both apparelled in mean array to be the less suspected to have any practice or policy in their minds Like a Forreign young Man he addressed himself to some of the King of France his Courtiers desiring Audience of His Majesty secretly as having a matter of great importance to propose The King again divers times directed him to deal first with the Constable At last when he came to the Constable he desired also of him that he might first declare unto the King his Errand which was of great importance although he knew that the King spoke with no Man in such matters until the Constable had first sounded him and then told his Opinion to
the King what answer were fittest to make At length he said he would declare the matter unto the Constable under promise of great secrecy causing the Constable by this niceness to suspect some practice When he gave him Audience he caused me to be present beside him At their meeting in the Constable's Cabinet his Irish Interpreter was put forth against his will as appeared But he was so instructed by the Ambassadour his Uncle to use such forreign and rude fashions Yet again e're he began to propose his Errand he desired secrecy The Constable being an old wise experimented Councellor put him a little aside and rounded in my Ear to know if ever I had seen this young Man before I answered That I had observed him the preceding day at long conference with one Mr. Sommer Secretary to the English Ambassadour Then the Constable thought that he should handle the matter well enough for he instantly conjectured that all this niceness proceeded from the Ambassadour to intrap him So calling the young Man again he desired him to shew what he had to say Mr. Wotton began to declare the great miscontentment that was in England not only for bringing in the proud Spaniard to Rule over them but also for the alteration of Religion made by Queen Mary moving many to Rebel and others to remove off the Country who nevertheless were all well received and treated by the King's Majesty of France Whereby he had gained the hearts of the third part of England so devoutly towards him that they would gladly put the Crown of England on his head getting liberty in Religion to be quit of the Spanish Tyranny and terrible Inquisition which was feared would also be established in England And for the first proof of their good will and gratitude a number of Lords and Knights who durst not write had sent him secretly with an Overture to put the strong Town of Calis into his hands with the whole Earldom of Oye At this the Constable made a start and said Know you not my friend that there is a sworn Peace betwixt your Queen and my Master The other replied again how that the Queen of England aided secretly whith Mony and Men the King of Spain her Husband in his Wars of Flanders against France Which the Constable alledged that she denied by her Ambassadour willing him however to tell out the rest of his Commission Then said he My Lord the means how you may get Calis is this First The most part of the Town is of the Reformed Religion and are Malecontents having refused to receive a Garison of Spaniards And they are friends to those who have sent me and keep correspondence with them only the Towns Ship keeps the Town keeping Watch and Ward being unskilful in handling their Arms. Therefore the King shall cause Monsieur Senarpon his Lieutenant in Normandy to lye in ambuscade at such a Wood within a mile and an half of the Town at an appointed day then a Ship well furnished with Armed Men shall lye at Anchor half a mile from the Town And some of them clothed like Marriners shall come on Land and have Swords and Pistols under their Cloaths and shall wait about two of the Afternoon at which time the Ports of the Town are opened to let Men in and out Part of those who attend the Ports will be at their Dinner when one or two will come before the rest to open the Gates Thus the Gates being easily seised upon let one of the Company shoot off a Culverin that the Ship may hear and shoot a Cannon to cause Monsieur de Senarpon with his Company advance In the mean time there shall be a mutiny raised in the Town by our friends and partners so that the Town shall be obtained without stroke After that the Constable had heard all this long discourse he said That it was a very probable design and he doubted not but it might be easily effectuated but in respect of the sworn Peace the King his Master would not nor should never have his consent to break it But that he was much ingaged to the Noblemen who did bear him so much good will and as for him who had taken so great pains the King should reward him willing me to remember to cause give mony to the young Gentleman So he gained nothing at the Constable's hand and never came again to seek his reward but was afterward manifestly known to be Brother's Son to Doctor Wotton Ambassadour as said is This is he now who was sent hither to bear His Majesty company as one who will not meddle with Practises but with Pastimes But when I forewarned His Majesty to beware of him and told how that he being little above Twenty years old was imployed to beguile the wise old Constable Now he was Fifty years and His Majesty but Twenty it was to be feared he would endeavour to beguile him Yet His Majesty would not believe me but believed the said Mr. Wotton to have a great kindness for him and so he became one of his most familiar Minions waiting upon him at all Field-pastimes and in appearance he despised all busie Councellors and medlers in matters of State as he was instructed by such as said he would please His Majesty best to appear such But he had more hurtful fetches in his head against His Majesty then any English-man that ever came in hither had at any time before You have heard before of a meeting that was drawn on at the Borders betwixt the Earl of Hunsdean and Arran where at their secret conference Arran was required by the craft of the Lord Burleigh and his faction in the English Council to stop the King from any marriage for three years upon many fair counterfeited promises One whereof was That he should be declared Second Person upon his marriage of the forenamed English Lady of the Blood At which Arran granted all that was desired he was so glad to procure the Queen of England's friendship About that time the Queen of England by her intelligence from Denmark was advertised of a great and magnifick Ambassage to be sent from Denmark to Scotland viz. Three Ambassadours with Sixscore Persons in Two gallant Ships Whether she suspected or had heard that it was to draw on a marriage I cannot tell But this far I learned that her Council judged it was to confirm at least a greater friendship betwixt the two Kings and their Countries which was one of the Causes that moved them to send this Mr. Wotton to Scotland to use all his wiles to disturb and hinder any greater Amity that might proceed from the said Commission and Negotiation between their two Kings and their Countries For England trusted nothing to the Earl of Arran's promise for they esteemed him as an inconstant Man as is already declared So soon as the Danish Ambassadours arrived by Ship in this Country His Majesty ordered me to entertain them and bear them company And
because they were three joined in Commission he willed me to choose any other two whom I thought meetest to bear them company with me I named unto His Majesty the Laird of Segie and William Shaw Master of Wark First At Dumfarmling they Congratulated His Majesty in the King their Master's Name with a long Discourse of the old Amity Bond and mutual Friendship between the two Kings and their Kingdoms And last of all they required the Isles of Orkny to be restored again to the Crown of Denmark alledging they were mortgaged to be redeemed again for the Sum of Fifty Thousand Florins Their coming and demand was diversly scanned some supposing Wars would ensue unless the said Isles were rendred others thought that their intention was to bring on a marriage with the King of Denmark's Daughter Now albeit His Majesty was determined to treat them well and honourably they were nevertheless mishandled rufled and delayed here the space of Months to their great charge and discontent for they lived upon their own expences and were not defrayed by His Majesty as all other Ambassadours of that Nation have been since When they were appointed to part out of Dumfarmling toward St. Andrews there to get their dispatch His Majesty ordered to tell them That he would send them Horses out of his own Stable to ride upon The day of their parting being come they sent away their Baggage and Officers before them and were booted themselves waiting upon His Majesty's Horses and because they came not in due time they went forward on foot The King was much dissatisfied when he understood how they were handled and caused his Horses to follow fast after them and overtake them When they came to St. Andrews divers appointed days of Council and Covention were broken unto them which were promised to be kept for their dispatch for obtaining whereof they were very earnest Then Men were appointed to deride them at their Lodgings and before their Windows when they lookt out to the street So that nothing was left undone which could enrage them or stir them up to choller Only Mr. Wotton the English Ambassadour visited them frequently and did well and favourably entertain them comforting them at all occasions appearing to be sorry that they were so abused He offered to lend them Gold and Silver largely for the great friendship that he knew to be between the Queen his Mistress and the King of Denmark For he was assured of good payment and thought to purchase credit at their hands by his apparent friendly dealing At length under great secrecy he said he would not conceal from them that he had heard the King speak disdainful language of their Country and Customs and also That some of his Gentlemen had heard the King speak evil of their King undervaluing him as being descended of a Race of Merchants And he further assured them That he and his Council were resolved to keep them long here without any dispatch to affront and weary them Then again the said Ambassadour and two of his Gentlemen informed his Majesty of these hard Speeches of the reproachful dealing they had met with from King and Council reflecting upon their Master He informed him also of the rude manners and drunkenness of those that were about His Majesty who had the like scornful language of the King of Denmark his Country and Ambassadours moving His Majesty to make the less of them Whereby they were stirred up to such a rage that I had much to do to keep them two or three several times from going to their Ships to have returned to their King without any answer and to have given him an accompt of the disdainful usage they had met with and the injury thereby done to him The Earl of Arran was also their great Enemy because they made no court to him but rather slighted some of their Company having known him in Sweden a Common Soldier So that he was as ready as the rest to mock and deride them albeit at that same time the Ring-leaders about the Court were Combined together with the English Ambassadour against him The principal of the three Ambassadours was a wise grave and ancient Councellor The second was furious in his Speeches The third cried out The King our Master is affronted we must be revenged I took the first apart requesting him to hear me patiently for he spoke good Dutch but mine was not so good Therefore I desired that he would more notice my meaning then my words and be more careful to cause his friendly Commission to take effect that he might return home with happy success then to withdraw abruptly to be called unhappy Instruments of discord at the pleasure of a few scornful Factioners who had laid their heads together to cause them part dissatisfied and to be as instrumental in doing evil as they were minded at their coming to do good I told him how that the Queens Majesty of England was a wise well inclined and politick Princess and that there were as many honest and good Men in England as in so much bounds in the whole World abeit there was in it divers Opinions and Factions shooting at sundry marks as is done in all other parts And because that their Queen would never marry to have Succession of her own Body they were all very desirous to know who after her should Reign over them The most part of the Country expects that it shall be our King and wisheth his welfare and prosperity as being righteous Heir to the Crown of England both by the Father and Mother's side But those who at present have the chief management of the Court shoot at other particular marks of their own minding to set forward some of themselves or of their friends to brook the Kingdom And for that cause they make all the opposition they can to our King because of their unmerciful dealing to his Mother for the which they fear some day to be punished when he comes to be King of England For all these respects they endeavour to keep him from marriage and from all forreign Friendship and Alliance This Ambassadour of England is a very ill Instrument both himself and his Gentlemen and hunting daily with His Majesty makes the worst reports they can The Ambassadour of Denmark answered to that marvelling that Mr. Wotton should make such report of them he offering them so great friendship and giving them daily intelligence how they were scorned and mocked both by the King and his Council to his great regret offering to lend them mony and to do all other pleasures to them that lay in his power I replied He knew well enough that he would get good payment and great thanks For the King of Denmark was esteemed a worthy Prince and his Ambassadours worthy to be honoured but the guiders of the Court of England desire not that our King should think or esteem so of them wishing him to have but few Friends and many Enemies Then
I assured him That the King's Majesty and all his Subjects except some who were corrupted by England were determined to entertain and increase a continual friendship with the King and Country of Denmark Praying their wisdoms-couragiously to resist and not feebly and foolishly to give place to the said crafty practices of their scornful enviers by retiring abruptly thereby suffering themselves to be made evil Instruments directly against their own Intention and Commission and they should shortly see good success to follow thereupon to their great contentment Promising unto them for my part That I should go instantly unto his Majesty and with all hazard that might be should discover unto him how both he and they were deceitfully abused by the double dealing of the English Ambassadour and such Courtiers as assisted him Upon this discourse and promise they went to councel all three together as their custom was And after long conference they gave me answer That their coming was for to do good Offices And albeit they had suffered sundry injuries they would be sorry to be made Instruments of discord so far against their Commission and Intention and therefore would yet stay upon hope of better handling and upon my promise albeit to that hour few or none had been kept to them After this I shewed unto His Majesty what great inconveniencies might ensue upon the long delaying and ill handling of the Danish Ambassadours And yet that I marvelled not that he made so little accompt of them in respect of the great care and fine practices that were used to make him undervalue them by the English Ambassadour and his Assistants who had His Majesty's Ear for the time At the first His Majesty was impatient to hear this language spoken of Persons he had so good liking of and said that he was informed That the King of Denmark was descended but of Merchants and that few made accompt of him or his Country but such as spoke the Dutch Tongue For this was put in his head to prevent any of my perswasions in their favour lest they should get place or credit I answered That neither could the King of France or Queen of England speak Dutch and yet they made great accompt of the King and Country of Denmark France having their Ambassadour lying there and paying yearly to the King of Denmark a great Sum of Gold to the value of Twenty Thousand Crowns His Majesty said The more shame was his I said Rather to the King of France who must buy his kindness Neither could the Queen of England said I speak Dutch yet she made much accompt of the King and Country of Denmark and durst not offend him nor none of his Ships both by reason of the straight passage at Elsoonure and also because he had great Ships to make himself amends in case she did him or his any wrong I said moreover That whereas it hath been reported to Your Majesty the Race of their Kings not to be of Noble and Royal Blood I shall shew Your Majesty that it is but manifest invention to cause you to despise them For this late King Frederick is descended of an Old and Royal stock to wit Christianus of Denmark the first of that name who had two Sons and one Daughter called Margaret married into Scotland to James the Third his Eldest Son John was King after him his second Son Frederick was King of Norway and Duke of Holstein Iohn had a Son called Christianus the Second also King of Denmark who married Charles the Fifth his Sister who did bear him two Daughters Whereof the Eldest was given in marriage to Frederick Elector Palatine the Second to the Duke of Millain and afterward being a Widow married the Duke of Lorrain Himself was taken and kept in Prison by his Subjects for some rigorous Execution upon his Barons and his Father's Brother Frederick was made King After this Frederick the Earl of Altenbourg was chosen by assistance of the Town of Lubeck but Christianus the Third Son to the said Frederick put him out and conquered the Kingdom Nevertheless this Christianus being a good Prince would not change their old Priviledges but caused himself to be chosen and likewise his Son Frederick in his time to Reign after him who is now present King and hath sent this honourable Ambassage to Your Majesty as to his good friend and kinsman descended of the Kingly Race of Denmark And whereas he requires again the Isles of Orkny it is for the discharge of his Oath because every King of Denmark at his Election is sworn to claim again the said Isles which he hath done for the fashion and for no other effect but to draw on a greater familiarity and friendship Or else he had not sent so honourable a Company but rather an Herauld of Arms if he had been earnestly bent either to get the said Isles or to quarrel about them After that His Majesty had heard this Discourse far different to his former Informations he was exceeding glad and said he would not for his head but that I had shewn the verity unto him and that same afternoon he sent for the said Ambassadours and acquainted them how near Allied he was to the King of Denmark He excused their long delay and promised instantly to see them dispatched himself and that within three or four days He called for Wine and did drink to them and sent them home very well content and satisfied to their Lodgings He commanded a Banket to be prepared for them which His Majesty's Controller and Officers were quietly forbidden to do alledging the scantness of Provisions Which the Laird of Segie and I perceiving we dealt with the Earl of March who prepared a great Banquet for them in His Majesty's Name to the great dissatisfaction of Mr. Wotton and his Partisans who durst not appear And though they would not suffer His Majesty to be present at the Banquet but to Dine in his own Chamber yet His Majesty being informed by me how matters went he rose from his own Dinner and went to the Banquet-house and drank to the King Queen and Ambassadours of Denmark and so contented them And he caused their dispatch to be in readiness conform to his promise But when I advertised His Majesty That there was no Present prepared for to reward them withal he was wonderfully troubled saying They who had the management of his affairs were resolved to affront him Now at this time was the Earl at Court not so much in favour as formerly During the which time there chanced a strange misrule to fall out at a day of meeting upon the Borders which was set between the two Wardens where Sir Francis Russel upon the English side was killed Whereupon the English Ambassadour took occasion to lay the blame upon the Earl of Arran alledging That the Laird of Fernthast who was Warden upon the Scots side had married the Earl of Arran's Brother's Daughter And that the said Earl had caused the
slaughter to be made that the Borders might break loose In this complaint the said Ambassadour was well assisted by the Master of Gray and his Companions So that the Earl of Arran was Commanded to Ward within the Castle of St. Andrews and was kept strictly there three or four days So that being in fear of his life he sent for Colonel Stuart the Laird of Segie and me and lamented to us his hard handling purging himself as he might justly do of that accident that fell out upon the Borders requesting us to intercede for his liberty He declared unto us a secret to be shewn unto His Majesty in case his life was taken from him which was a promise made unto the Queen of England That the King should not marry with any for the space of three years whereof I have formerly made some mention Nevertheless he forgot not to travel for himself for he sent his Brother Sir William to the Master of Gray at midnight promising to get unto him the Abbey of Dumfarmling so that he would obtain his liberty at His Majesty's hand Which was incontinently granted and also the said Benefice disposed unto the said Master Whereupon the English Ambassadour was in a great rage at the Master but their discord was afterward agreed Only Mr. John Maitland Secretary and the Justice Clerk and the Earl of Arran were ordered to retire home to their houses But before Arran's journey His Majesty was informed to desire him with all possible diligence to lend him a great Gold Chain which he had got from Sir James Balfour which weighed Fifty-seven Crowns to be given unto the Danish Ambassadours Which if he had refused to do he would have lost His Majesty and in delivering it he lost the Chain In the mean time the Ambassadours understanding that their dispatch was in a readiness took their leave of His Majesty who was also ready to part from St. Andrews I informed His Majesty not to deliver them the Dispatch because the Chain was not yet come For they were minded incontinently to make Sail having stayed so long and that the Winter Season was at hand Albeit that I had shewn to one of their familiar Servants that certain rewards were to come within two days praying them to stay so long Which they would not grant to do but went to their Ships Whither I promised to bring their dispatch which I requested His Majesty to cause deliver into my hand to be kept till the Chain should come which was divided in three parts for it was large When I came to their Ships they were going to Supper Which being done I delivered to them their answer in writing with the Chains and some excuses for their long stay and small reward So they parted well satisfied assuring me that they would be good instruments of Amity Albeit by the harsh usage they had first met with they had once resolved otherwise They were not commanded to speak of marriage whereof there was some groundless bruit The King their Master had fair Daughters with any whereof it was supposed the claim of Orkny would go They thanked me for the good Offices they had received from me seeing my staying them from parting discontent had preserved the two Countries from being ingaged in War Which they said they would not fail to declare unto the King their Master with whom they would not fail to make me acquainted not doubting but that the King my Master would one day say That I had done him good Service So I did take leave having rewarded the Gunners Trumpeters and Musicians At my return to Court I acquainted His Majesty that the Danish Ambassadours had set Sail for their own Country very well contented I gave him a particular accompt of all Speeches that past betwixt them and me at their parting Whereupon His Majesty took occasion shortly after to send one to Denmark offering that Commission to me which I shifted perceiving those who had His Majesty's Ear and had most Credit with him to be altogether averse from his marriage that way holding still one course with England I named Mr. Peter Young Almoner as very fit for that Errand who was sent to Denmark to thank that King and to see his Daughters that he might make report again of his liking of them with a promise That e're long His Majesty would send a more honourable Ambassage The Earl of Arran being sent home as said is the English Ambassador and his Scotch friends as the Master of Gray Secretary Maitland and the Justice Clark had chief credit and handling of His Majesty's Affairs The said Ambassadour had procured such favour and familiar access about His Majesty at all times that he was upon an enterprise to have brought in secretly the banished Lords to have fallen down upon their knees in the Park of Sterling before His Majesty at such a time as they should have so many friends in Court as that His Majesty should have remained in their hands as Masters of the Court for the time But this enterprise failed him for they durst not yet take such hazardous course till they might lay their Plots more substantially Then the said English Ambassadour interprised to transport His Majesty out of the Park of Sterling unto England And failing thereof His Majesty was to be detained by force within the Castle of Sterling Whither Companies of Men were sent to be there at an appointed day of which design my Brother Sir Robert got intelligence and told it incontinently to the King's Majesty giving him the Names of the chief enterprisers And because it came to one of their Ears who stoutly affirmed the contrary my Brother offered to maintain the truth thereof by Combat Which His Majesty would not permit because at last the person granted it to His Majesty Whereupon my Brother perswaded His Majesty with great difficulty to depart out of Sterling for ten or fifteen days and hunt at Kincairdin before the enterprise were ripe Which so soon as the Ambassadour understood he fled in great fear and haste without Good night or leave-taking of His Majesty Well instructed and furnished with the promises of such as had assisted him in our Court to perswade the Noblemen who were banished in England to come home where they should find friends enough before them at Court to put His Majesty in their hands The Master of Gray also absented himself and went to Dunkel and there remained with the Earl of Athol And upon some bruits of enterprises there was a Proclamation set out in His Majesty's Name by such as had his Ear to purchase to themselves the more Credit to be true and careful Councellors to His Majesty Which Proclamation was afterward delayed by craft that the banished might prevent the day and come in and get the King in their hands whereby they might discharge the Proclamation at their pleasure In the mean time I received a Letter to be at His Majesty with all possible
they had both Him and his Servants in their power they had used no rigour nor vengeance His Majesty remembred how frequently I had forewarned him of this and the like accidents that I said would follow upon the Earl of Arran's rash proceedings He acknowledged he had been a bad Instrument and declared that he should never have more Place or Credit about him He desired me to wait at Court and help to do all good Offices betwixt him and his Nobility And to tell them the truth who was to blame for their trouble as having occasioned the same seeing he had great prejudice and no advantage thereby it being far from his inclination to seek any Man's Life Lands or Goods but only the peace and quiet of the Country and the settling of the Subjects among themselves Which I could testifie for a truth the verity thereof consisting within my knowledge His Majesty told me also how he had shewn unto the Noblemen my honest and friendly advices toward them and that I opposed my self continually to the Earl of Arran's proceedings He desired me also to help to satisfie the Ministers who were seeking to be restored unto their former free Assemblies which he had forbidden them at the advice of the Earl of Arran The same being one of the occasions of all the following troubles which were chiefly grounded upon the dissatisfaction of the Ministers by whom the Country was influenced So that I tarried a while at Court till matters began to take some setling Divers of the Lords also were earnest with me to stay offering me great kindness saying That His Majesty had told them every Man's part and behaviour in relation to their Banishment and Persecution And that I was ever for a moderate Course desiring and pressing as His Majesty's interest an Act of Oblivion to be Past for all by-gones during his Minority The said Lords therefore caused me to propose some of their suits to His Majesty whom in nothing they would press beyond his own pleasure But the Council was of different opinions concerning the restoring of the Ministers to their former Priviledges and Freedoms where I was brought in to give my Opinion The greatest part thought fit to delay them for a time chiefly such as had remained about His Majesty and had said too much before to the contrary But they had yet some private designs hatching in their heads which could not be brought about if the Country were wholly in Peace Which they knew would be were the Ministers satisfied My Opinion was That His Majesty was not to be blamed that the Noblemen were banished or the Ministers Priviledges taken from them seeing all these insolencies were committed by evil Instruments who ruled over His Majesty's good mind to satisfie their own Ambition Who now being fled and absent I knew no reason why the Ministers should not be restored to their former Priviledges as well as the Noblemen to their Lands and Honours the one being no less contributive to the setling of the Kingdom as the other Seeing if this were omitted the blame would still lye upon His Majesty and the Country would be still in trouble The Secretary Maitland was against this Opinion for he had formerly spoken too much on the contrary But the rest of the Noblemen and the Council thought my Opinion best But yet at that time it was not followed nor granted at that Parliament Yet shortly after it was found His Majesty's interest and conducing for fully Establishing Peace in the Country that the Ministers should be restored to all their former Priviledges It is above-mentioned That the Mr. Almoner was sent to Denmark Shortly after Colonel Stuart took occasion to go thither about his own affairs for he had a Pension of the King of Denmark He obtained also some writing whereby he was Commissioned to speak of the King's marriage with the King of Denmark's Eldest Daughter And they both returned with so good and friendly answers that there was little more mention made of the restitution of the Isles of Orkny The King of Denmark was also put in hope by them that His Majesty would send the next Summer an honourable Ambassage to Denmark to deal further in these matters I have shewed already the dangerous practices of the English Ambassadour Mr. Wotton and a part of their effects but the principal is yet behind The Council of England having concluded to take the Life from the Queens Majesty his Highnesses Mother after she had been many years kept Captive in England thought first to get the King her Son in their hands and to put him in hope that he should obtain the Crown of England the rather that he was within their Country And in the mean time to be sure that he should not be able to revenge his Mother's death but might be as a pledge among them in case his Country-men or his Forreign and French friends would pretend to menace them or to make War for his Liberty or in revenge of her death For in that case they might threaten to cut him off if for his Cause they should be troubled And however it were through time it was suspected that they intended to take his life also after that they had laid their Plots how to make him odious to the People by false counterfeit Letters and alledged practices as they had craftily and deceitfully alledged upon his Mother against the State But finding this their design of carrying him to England discovered by my Brother's intelligence the said Ambassadour fled as said is And for the next best thought fit to see His Majesty put in the hands of the most part of the Nobility who were banished for the time and during their banishment had been sheltered in England who they thought by fitted Instruments might be stirred up to take his Life at least to keep him in perpetual Prison in revenge of the injury had been done them But herein they were disappointed For they used themselves so moderately and discreetly that they sought nothing but their own native Country and Lands and that they might have access to serve and obey their Prince without any further vengeance or rigour against their particular Enemies As their actions and proceedings have sufficiently declared since to the great increase of their favour with His Majesty and estimation of the whole Country It hath been rarely or never seen in any Country that there have been so great alterations with so little bloodshed as hath been in Scotland in this Kings time Now those who were Enemies to our Queen and King's Title to the Crown of England seeing some of their fetches to fail them entred in deliberation what way to proceed to take the Queen's life The Council of England a great part of the Nobility and States fell down upon their knees humbly requesting Her Majesty to have compassion upon their unsure Estate albeit she should slight her own Alledging That her life was in hazard by the practices of the
Queen of Scotland and their Lives and Fortunes She alledged That her heart would not suffer her to let any Sentence be given forth against the Queen her dear Sister and Cousin so near of her Royal Blood Yet she was at last moved for very pity of their conditions to let Sentence of Death pass against her upon this express condition That it should rather serve to be a Terrour to her to oblige her to cease from making any more practises then that she really intended to see the Blood of so Noble a Princess shed And in the mean time the written Sentence was given to be kept to Mr. Davison one of her Secretaries not to be delivered without her Majesties express Command Nevertheless the said Davison being deceived by the Council delivered unto them the said written Sentence of Death Whereupon they gave the Queen warning a night before to prepare her for God Which short warning she took very patiently and lay not down that night to sleep but wrote some Letters unto the King her Son the King of France and some other Princes her friends And after she had made her Testament she put the Gold she had in as many little Purses as she had Servants more or less in every Purse conform to their qualities and deservings The rest of the night she employed in Prayer and being in the morning conveyed out of her Chamber to the great Hall where the Scaffold was prepared she took her death patiently and constantly couragiously ending her life being cruelly handled by the Executioner having received divers stroaks of the Ax. Which execution was the boldlier performed because that some Scotsmen assured them that the King her Son would soon forget it Albeit His Majesty when he understood this sorrowful news took heavy displeasure and Convened a Parliament wherein lamenting the mishandling of his Mother by his Enemies who were in England he desired the assistance of his Subjects to be revenged Where all the Estates in one voice cryed out in a great rage to set forward Promising that they should all hazard their Lives and spend their Goods and Estates largely to that effect to revenge that unkindly and unlawful murther Which put the Council of England in great fear for a while but some of our Country-men comforted them and so did some English that haunted our Court alledging it would be soon forgot Others said That the Blood was already fallen from His Majesty's heart and if it were not they doubted not but to cause the matter fall out to their satisfaction First when the King's Majesty heard that they were about to Accuse and Convict his Mother he sent the Master of Gray and Sir Robert my Brother to deal for her Majesty Where my Brother spoke brave and stout language to the Council of England So that the Queen her self threatned his life and afterward he would have been retained Captive had not the Master of Gray's Credit prevented it and the promises he made whereby they were both suffered to come home together Four Months before His Majesty caused send for me that I might prepare my self for England to confirm a Band of Alliance Offensive and Defensive with the Queen and Crown of England and to take the Queen of Englands Oath for observing the said Bond. And Mr. Randolph who was here was to take the King's Oath and use the like Ceremonies here At my coming to Court I did what I could to be shifted of the said Commission being a matter of so great consequence as an indirect breaking of the Bond with France Yet His Majesty would take no excuse but thought fit to send me thither that I might get him sure knowledge of sundry things which His Majesty supposed an other would not get By reason that all his Mothers friends and his own that were in that Court and Country were best and longest acquainted with my Brother and me But so soon as Mr. Randolph had heard that I was to be sent to England he desired Audience of His Majesty and used all the perswasions he could to get me stayed and another sent that might be found meeter for the time After that His Majesty had reasoned long with him thereabout he called upon me and told me how that Mr. Randolph had spoken so much good of me whom he loved better then any Scots Subject upon accompt of our old acquaintance but had said that I would not be acceptable to the Queen his Mistress at that time because Sir Robert my Brother had been always and was yet upon his Mothers Faction and also that my Brother Sir Andrew of Garvock was for the present in England her Majesties Master of the Houshold His Majesty said he replied again That I was never esteemed a Factious Person and so would not yield at the first But I requested His Majesty to grant him his desire For I had no will of that Commission knowing that there was nothing meant but fraudful dealing by England with him at that time It is for that cause said he that I would have you there And it is for that same cause Sir said I that I would gladly shun the same with Your Majesty's favour His Majesty said he wondered that Randolph should seem to like so well of me and yet desire another to be sent I answered His Majesty that in France and Italy we liked each other very well but in the handling His Majesty's affairs we shot at sundry marks His Majesty would still have me to accept that Commission and asked whom I believed that Mr. Randolph would desire to be sent I answered either the Master of Gray or Mr. Archibald Douglas For the Master of Gray had made moyan for Mr. Archibald and had brought him home out of England and had summoned an Assize of his own friends to cleanse him of the late King's Murther And being cleansed he haunted the Court familiarly with His Majesty It was he indeed whom Mr. Randolph desired to be sent or the Master of Gray or both in a Commission But His Majesty would not consent thereto Then the Laird of Coudinknows Captain of the Castle of Edinbrugh desired the Commission But Mr. Randolph would have none other causing the Queen his Mistress to write back that it was unnecessary to send any Ambassadour for that Errand at that time Only desiring that the King would write with his own hand that one should be sent when she thought time assuring by his said Letter that it was in effect already concluded in his mind as if the Ceremony were performed Which Letter was sent to the English Ambassadour who was resident in France for the time to be produced before the King of France and the Queen Mother to let them know that albeit the King of Scotland was suiting her Majesty for an Alliance Offensive and Defensive which would be a clear breach of the old Bond with France yet she would not put them in suspicion and jealousie of her in consenting
Harangues in Latine that he was a good true stout Man like a Dutch-man Then His Majesty was content that he should go with me After that I had tarried long at Court and could see no preparation for our Dispatch neither Mony nor Ship making ready the appointed time wherein we should have been in Denmark being past to wit before the first of May. For it was so ordered by the King of Denmark e're he dyed that in case that day was not kept that they might think themselves but scoffed This moved me to employ my friends at Court to cause another be named in my place seeing so many suiting to get the said Commission And the Chancellour gave me such terrors as he could for his part Now the Farl of Marshal was desirous to supply the place of his Uncle my Lord of Atry and His Majesty was content that he should be sent thither Whereupon I took occasion to represent to His Majesty That the said Earl was very well qualified for that imployment and that he would go the better contented if he might have in Commission with him some of his own friends and acquaintance His Majesty answered That it was his part to chuse his own Ambassadours that the Earl of Marshal should have the first place as a Nobleman but that he would repose the chief handling with the Regent and Council of Denmark upon me Then I declared That the appointed time was past and that yet there was no appearance of any preparation of Mony or Ship wherewith His Majesty was very angry I named the Laird of Barnbarrow or Mr. Peter Toung as very fit to be imployed in the Commission with the Earl of Marshal because they had been there already But he would not hear thereof for the blame had been wrongously laid upon their insufficiency it being alledged That their mismanagement was the occasion that matters formerly took not the desired success Would not this kind of Court dealing scare any man from medling in such weighty matters where such men are preferred to have the special credit about a Prince who mind only their own designs and not the Prince's advantage Those who at present ordered Affairs counselled His Majesty first to send to the Queen of England and require her advice and consent to the said marriage with Denmark who they knew would not only disswade him from the said marriage but also stay him from any marriage as she and her Council had ever done and dealt both with his Mother and himself When I understood of this new delay I obtained license to go home to my house and make me ready against the next warning In the mean time the season of the year was well spent The Queen of England's answer returned not to marry with Denmark She said That she had credit with the King and Princess of Navarre that she would imploy the same for effectuating that marriage which was much more His Majesty's interest In the mean time she did write to the King of Navarre to hold back the marriage of his Sister three years for such frivolous pretexts as carried no reason Upon this answer of England our Council was Convened and inticed to Vote against the marriage of Denmark Whereat His Majesty took such a despight that he caused one of his most familiar Servants to deal secretly with some of the Deacons of the Craftsmen of Edinbrugh to make a mutiny against the Chancellour and Council threat'ning to slay him in case the marriage with the King of Denmark's Daughter were hindered or longer delayed This boasting and fear caused a new resolution to be taken that the Earl of Marshal should be dispatched with diligence with the Constable of Dundie and the Lord Andrew Kieth whom the said Earl requested His Majesty to send with him Which His Majesty granted the more easily because he found so many difficulties in the matter and some of my friends had informed him that it would be very satisfactory to me that some other were imployed Now it was yet a long time before the Earl of Marshal could be ready and dispatched Then as to his dealing with the Council of Denmark his power to conclude was so limited and his Commission so slender that he was compelled to send back again my Lord Dingual either for a License to come home or for a sufficient power to conclude Where it chanced that he found His Majesty at Aberdeen and the Chancellour and most part of the Council absent Which was a great furtherance to get a full power to conclude the Contract and Ceremony of the marriage by the Earl of Marshal who was incontinently dispatched by the Regent and Council of Denmark and the Queen sent home with him well accompanied But the tempestuous winds drave them upon the Coast of Norway where they Landed and stayed a long time for fair Winds and Weather Which storm of Wind was alledged to be raised by the Witches of Denmark as by sundry of them was acknowledged when they were for that cause burnt That which moved them thereto was as they said a blow which the Admiral of Denmark gave to one of the Bayliffs of Copenhaven whose Wife consulting with her associates in that Art raised the Storm to be revenged upon the said Admiral His Majesty had heard that they were upon the Sea and left nothing undone to make all in a readiness to receive the Queen and her Company honourably But in the mean time was very impatient and sorrowful for her long delay laying the blame thereof upon the Chancellour and such others of his Council as had plainly Voted against the said marriage and thereby had delayed the dispatch of the Ambassadours so long untill the Season of Sailing upon the Seas was near past The storms were also so great here that a Passage-Boat perished betwixt Bruntland and Lieth wherein was a Gentlewoman called Jean Kennedie who had been long in England with the Queen His Majesty's Mother and was since married to Sir Andrew Melvil of Garvock my Brother Master of His Majesty's Houshold Which Gentlewoman being discreet and grave was sent for by His Majesty to be about the Queen his Bed-fellow She being desirous to make diligence would not by the storm be stopped the Sailing of the Ferry where the vehement storm drave a Ship forcibly upon the said Boat and drowned the Gentlewoman and all the Persons except two This the Scotish Witches confessed to His Majesty was procured by them In that Boat also I lost two Servants Now His Majesty remained quietly in the Castle of Craigmillar dissatisfied as said is with the greatest part of his Council He could neither sleep nor rest In the mean time he directed Colonel Stuart to my Brother Sir Robert and me charging us to take care of his mishandled Estate in time-coming lamenting that he had been abused by such as formerly he had too much trusted to and that he had always found us faithful and careful of his welfare
the Castle of Edinburgh p. 174. Desires a Commission to go Ambassador for England but is denied ibid. The Council of England conclude to take away the life of Mary Queen of Scotland Prisoner in England p. 171. Falsly alledging that She practiced against the State p. 172. Think fit to secure his Majesty in Scotland in the hands of the Banished Lords that so they might seek his life or keep him a perpetual Prisoner but herein prove defeated ibid. Fall down upon their knees with many of the Nobility Alledging that her life as well as their lives and fortunes was in hazard by reason of the practises of Queen Mary ibid. Received the Summons from Secretary Davison and give her warning to prepare for Death the Night before ibid. A Council Conven'd about the dissention of several Lords p. 200. De Crook Monsieur is sent Ambassador to the French King from Scotland with a Letter about the foulness of the Murther of their King p. 82. Receives an Answer from the Lords with a resolution to use all diligence to detect the Murtherers ibid. Crauford Captain Accuseth Secretary Lidington of the Murther of the late King of Scots p. 100. He being at that time Servant to the Earl of Lennox Alledging his Commission for so doing from the said Earl his Master p. 110. Crauford Lord is Committed to the Custody of the Lord Hamiltoun p. 170. Cunningham James Captain a discreet Man Servant to the Lord of Marr then Regent in Scotland p. 115. D DArnly Son to the Earl of Lennox a Handsom Beardless Lady-fac'd Man p. 48. Procures a License from the Queen of England to go to Scotland p. 53. His intention therein ibid. Proposeth a Marriage to Queen Mary who refuseth a Ring he presented to her p. 56. Which the Queen seems to disrelish ibid. Becomes acquainted with Rixio who was his great Friend to the Queen of Scots ibid. Finds the Queen cold in her favours after her confinement upon the murther of Rixio p. 66. Follows the Queen though slighted whithersoever she went p. 77. Goes to Glascow falls sick being suspected to have poison given him by a Servant of his own ibid. Is brought from thence to Edinburgh to recover his health p. 78. Dies and how ibid. Davison is sent Agent into Scotland and afterward made Secretary to Queen Elizabeth p. 157. Professeth himself a Scot ibid. Remains at Coupar till he had Audience which he had at Falkland ibid. But proves deceitful p. 158. Returns to England ibid. Receives the written Summons for the Execution of Queen Mary with a strict charge not to deliver it without her express Command p. 172. But being deceived by the Council of England delivers it ibid. For which he is Committed to the Tower by Queen Elizabeth for disobeying her orders upon that account p. 175. Dingual Lord is sent to King James for a License to return or a Commission to conclude the Match with Denmark p. 179. Finds his Majesty at Aberdeen the Chancellour and most part of the Council being absent p. 180. So that he obtained a full power to conclude the said Match ibid. Dosel Monsieur Lieutenant in Scotland for the French King p. 24. a passionate Man p. 25. Douglas Archibald is cleansed of the late King's murther in Scotland p. 174. Frequents the Court familiarly ibid. returns to England to remain Ambassadour there ibid. Hath great reputation with Mary Queen of Scotland yet injureth her Cause in England and is discharged of his Embassy upon the Arrival of Sir Robert Melvil in England ibid. Douglas George the Natural Son of the Lord Angus enters the King's Closet with the Lord Ruthven the Queen being present and with the King's Dagger struck him p. 64. And afterwards drew him into the outer Hall and kill'd him p. 65. Conveys the Queen to Lockleven as a Captive to the King's Lords p. 90. Hath the House of the Castle delivered to him p. 121. Douglas Sir George desires to have the Commission for Ambassadour to Spain p. 175. But is denied ibid. Douglas James the Natural Son of the Earl of Mortoun p. 127. Kills the Earl of Arran in Revenge of his Uncle's death the Earl of Mortoun 200. Drake Sir Francis by a stratagem of a Ship full of Powder with a burning Link fires the Spanish Navy and discomfits them p. 176. Drumhafel Laird Master of King James his Houshold when young p. 125. Draws the Earl of Arguile and Athol to Sterling p. 126. Is discharged out of Court ibid. Assures the Earl of Grange that the Duke of Lennox designed to kill him p. 131. though it prov'd false p. 133. Is imprison'd by the procurement of the Earl of Arran and his Lady p. 137. Du Bartas Monsieur famous for his French Poesie arrives in Scotland p. 176. Proposeth a marriage with the King of Scots and the Princess of Navarre ibid. Resides at Falkland with the King p. 177. Dundee Earl is sent one of the Ambassadours to Denmark about the King's marriage p. 179. Dudly Lord Robert afterward made Earl of Leicester is proposed by Mr. Randolph as a fit Match for Mary Queen of Scotland p. 40. E EAster Weems Laird goes with a Commission to England and France p. 203. Is a Pensioner to the French King ibid. Elizabeth Queen of England sends Instructions to Mr. Randolph her Ambassadour in Scotland to propose the Lord Robert Dudly as a fit Match for Mary Queen of Scotland p. 40. Disrelisheth the proposal of a Match between Queen Mary and Charles the Arch-Duke of Austria p. 41. Which appears by her sending the Earl of Sussex to the Emperor's Court to draw on the marriage of the Arch-Duke with her self ibid. This occasion'd grudges between the Two Queens of England and Scotland p. 42. She designs Darnly for Queen Mary's Husband ibid. Creates the Lord Robert Dudly Earl of Leicester and Baron of Denbigh p. 47. Is distemper'd with a Fever insomuch that her life is question'd p. 67. Disturbed at the Birth of the Prince Queen Mary's Son p. 69. Yet promiseth to be Gossip to him by proxy of Lords and Ladies p. 70. Upon her fair promises Queen Mary flies to England but she would not see her though she often desired it p. 92. Causeth her to be kept Prisoner till she lost her life after a tedious confinement ibid. Is Reproached by the Ambassadours of Foreign Princes for her unprincely dealing with Queen Mary p. 93. Having obtained her desires upon the Accusation of Queen Mary received great content having now matter sufficient to shew Foreign Ambassadours why she detained the Queen p. 97. Is glad of the Queen's dishonour yet sends privately to comfort her upon her false Accusation ibid. Her Answer to the Abbot of Dumfarmling upon his Propositions p. 106. Sends an Ambassadour to the King of Scots when confin'd offering him her Assistance p. 132. Sends a sharp Letter to King James p. 139. The Contents thereof p. 140. Receives intelligence of a Magnificent Embassy from Denmark to
by the shiver of a Spear engaging with the Earl of Montegomery at the Iustings of his Daughter's Marriage with the King of Spain p. 28. And dies Eight days after ibid. Henry Prince King James his first Son born at Sterling 202. Herreis Lord is Imprisoned in the Castle of Edinburgh p. 101. Hume George turns William Kieth out of his place of Master of the Wardrobe when King James was in Denmark p. 182. Being Knighted is made Master of the Wardrobe p. 198. Hume Lord takes part with the Hamiltouns and Queens Faction p. 106. With whom the Regent Mortoun durst not meddle standing in awe of his Party p. 122. Dies shortly after being a Prisoner in Edinburgh Castle ibid. Hunsdon Earl hath a Conference on the Borders with the Earl of Arran p. 158. Contrives a secret Plot ibid. Huntley Earl is Chief of the new Faction about his Majesty p. 175. Endeavours to turn out the Master of Gray and Martland the Chancellor ibid. Procures the Gift of the Benefice of Dumfarmling ibid. Great disorders occasioned by the Dissention between him and other Earls p. 200. Is sent home hereupon p. 201. Triumphs and takes advantage of the Earl of Murray's Lands giving him just cause of Complaint ibid. Kills the Earl of Murray ibid. I JAmes the Fifth of Scotland his resolute Speech to the Prelates p. 4. Gives the Ward and Marriage of Kelly in Angus to the Second Son of the Lord Grange ibid. Gives ear to the Clergy to put off the Convention with King Henry the 8th at York ibid. Is forced to raise an Army to defend his Country upon that account p. 6. Is much troubled at the Defeat of his Army and useth severe Language against the Prelates who fearing his displeasure poison him with an Italian Posset ibid. His Character p. 7. James Lord Prior of St. Andrews the Natural Son of James the Fifth p. 25. Hears of Queen Mary's Resolution to return to Scotland and goes to France to request it p. 31. Returns to Scotland to prepare them for her Reception ibid. James the Sixth King born p. 69. When of Age he causeth the Heirs of the Lord Grange to be restored p. 123. Orders his bones to be taken up and honourably buried at Killingborn ibid. Is brought up at Sterling by Alexander Areskine and the Layd Mar p. 125. Hath Four Masters their Character ibid. The Earl of Mortoun being deposed he takes the Government into his own hands p. 128. Is surprised by the Lords in the House of Huntingtoun p. 132. Is conveyed afterward to Sterling and there retained ibid. Laments his mishandling during that Captivity ibid. Invites by Letters some of the Nobility to a Convention p. 133. Goes from Falkland to St. Andrews some few days before the Convention to the Earl of March p. 135. Thinks himself there at liberty ibid. Lodgeth in an old Inn there ibid. Becomes Master of the Castle p. 136. And declares his moderate intentions toward all the Lords ibid. Orders 4 Lords to retire and retains the rest as his Council ibid. Causeth a Proclamation to be made according to his moderate intentions p. 137. Returns the Author thanks as the only instrument of procuring his liberty ibid. Is gently inclined to all the Nobility and Treated particularly by the Earl of Gaury ibid. Solicits the Author to prevail with the Lord Gaury that the Earl of Arran might come to Court and kifs his hand p. 138. Promising he should not stay there ibid. Sends a Letter in Answer to Queen Elizabeth's p. 140. The Contents thereof p. 140 141 and 142. His Majesty is taken again p. 142. Gives Secretary Walsingham Audience p. 147. Sends a Letter to Queen Elizabeth promising not to bring again the Earl of Arran into Court p. 148. Is taken at the Road of Ruthven p. 149. And retain'd Captive ibid. Takes little care to prevent inconveniences yet obtains his liberty ibid. Assures the Author that he would Convene a Council of Lords at Edinburgh p. 150. His Dream concerning the Earl of Gaury p. 156. Writes for Melvil the Author to come and advise him p. 157. As also to come and entertain Wotton being sent to him by the Queen of England p. 159. Whom he loved before he saw by reason of the advantageous Character which the Master of Gray gave him ibid. Orders the Author to entertain the Danish Ambassadours 162. And because they were three in Commission wisheth him to choose two more to accompany him which he did ibid. Gives them Audience at Dumfarmling and is much dissatisfied at their ill handling ibid. Grows impatient to hear the Author speak against Wotton p. 164. Acquaints the Author that he was informed the King of Denmark's Descent was from Merchants ibid. But after he was informed of the truth he sends for the said Ambassadors p. 165. Promiseth them a speedy dispatch to their satisfaction ibid. Orders a Banquet for them is hindred from being present at it but being informed how matters stood goes thither and drinks to the King Queen and Ambassadors of Denmark to their great content p. 166. causeth their dispatch to be ready according to promise ibid. Sends to the Earl of Arran for a great Gold Chain which he got from Sir James Balfour to present it to the Three Ambassadors which was done accordingly ibid. Sends to agree with the Banished Lords at their coming to Sterling p. 169. Where it was agreed his Majesty should be in their hands and no rigour used to those about him ibid. Calls them Traytors at first but after grants them a Pardon ibid. Acknowledgeth the Earl of Arran to have been a bad Minister of State and that he should never be readmitted to Court p. 170. Hears the news of his Mothers Execution which highly displeas'd him p. 173. Convenes a Parliament desiring the Assistance of his Subjects ibid. When he at first hears they were about the Conviction of his Mother he sent Two Ambassadors on her behalf ibid. Sends for the Author to prepare him to go Ambassador to England ibid. Goes to the Western Borders to reform some disorders between the Maxwels and Johnstouns p. 175. Resolves to wait an opportunity to revenge his Mothers Death rather then trouble the Peace of the Kingdom of England ibid. Is Courted in Marriage by many great Princes p. 177. Asks Council of God by Prayer Fifteen days and then resolves to Marry the King of Denmark's Daughter ibid. Makes choice of the Author to go Ambassador to Denmark ibid. Perswades him to undertake that Embassy p. 178. Consents that his Brother the Lord Yungland should be joyned in Commission with him and gives him Commission by word of mouth ibid. Is angry-with the Author p. 179. Is advised to send to Queen Elizabeth to desire her Consent to his Marriage with Denmark ibid. Her Answer thereunto ibid. Is incensed with his Council for Voting against that Marriage ibid. Deals privately with those at Edinburgh to threaten the Council and Chancellor menacing him with Death if
that Marriage was hindred upon which he sends the Earl Marshal with 2 other Persons to Denmark ibid. Hears of their being at Sea with the Queen and makes preparations for her Reception and being impatient at their long delay lays the fault on his Council p. 180. Directs Colonel Stuart to Sir Robert Melvil and the Author charging them to take care of his Estate in his absence p. 180 and 181. Is perswaded to go in person to Denmark p. 181. Sails to Denmark in person to fetch the Queen and leaves Sir Robert Vice-Chancellor ibid. Three Ships went with him besides his own he lauds at Norway where the Queen waited for a Wind and there Celebrates the Marriage ibid. Returns not that Winter is sent for to Denmark whither he went by Land with his new Queen where he behaves himself libe rally and honourably by the way and at the Court of Denmark ibid. Is much troubled to make those Officers of State agree that were with him there p. 182. Returns the next Spring with the Admiral of Denmark and other Persons of Quality ibid. Treats them all honourably and after the Queens Coronation dismisseth them Magnificently Rewarded ibid. Sends for the Author at his Landing ibid. Repents his anger with Sir Robert Melvil and turns it against the Chancellor who incensed him against Sir Robert p. 183. Rewards the Strangers nâ—â—ly after the Queens Coronation and Banqueting to their great satisfaction p. 184. Desires Sir Robert Melvil and the Author to advise upon some good Rules for the establishing Affairs before his going to Denmark p. 185. Is abused upon the account of Maclean and other Highlanders p. 192 and 193. Sends for Melvil the Author to wait upon the Queen promising him rewards p. 193. takes occasion at Table to discourse advantageously of the Author to his Queen p. 193 and 194. Secures himself in Edinburgh after Bothwel's Attempt on the Palace p. 197. Thinks Sir Robert Melvil not fit for his Office yet continues him still p. 199. Is design'd to be seized at Falkland by Bothwel and his Party p. 201. And miraculously delivered by God from that Conspiracy p. 202. Determines to send Ambassadors to England Denmark France and Flanders about the Birth of his Son Prince Henry p. 203. Requiring them to send Ambassadors to solemnize the Baptism of his first born Son ibid. The Ambassadors are sent p. 203. Jane Kennedie the Wife of Sir Andrew Melvil was a long time in England with his Majesties Mother p. 180. Is sent for by him to wait upon the young Queen who making hast was drowned in the Passage-Boat in a great Storm which was raised by the Witches of Scotland as appears by their own Confession to his Majesty ibid. John de Monluck Bishop of Valence is sent Ambassador from France to the Queen-Mother of Scotland p. 8. Goes first to Ireland by his Masters Command and why ibid. A pleasant story of his Harlot ibid. Was formerly Ambassador from the French King to the great Turk Solyman p. 9. After his Arrival at Paris is sent to Rome p. 10. And wherefore p. 10 11 12 and 13. But to no effect p. 11. Learns the Mathematicks of Cavatius other Sciences by Taggot another knowing Man p. 13. K KEer Henry one of the Counsellors of the Duke of Lennox p. 128. Keeth Sir William is sent Ambassador to Flanders upon the Birth of Prince Henry p. 203. Kieth Andrew Lord is sent Ambassador with the Earl of Marshal to Denmark at the request of the said Earl p. 179. Killegrew Henry is sent Ambassador from England to Scotland p. 68. Complains against Mr. Raxby as a Rebel and Papist harboured there ibid. Upon which he was secured p. 69. Is dispatch't with a friendly Answer some time after p. 72. He carries two Letters from Queen Mary to Sir Robert Melvil in England and to what intent p. 72 73 and 74. Is hasted Ambassador to Scotland after Mr. Randolphs return to England p. 115. Desires the preservation of Sir Robert Melvil's Life as a reward for his labour p. 122. King of Denmark marrieth his eldest Daughter to the Duke of Brunswick p. 177. Excuseth to King James laying the blame upon his Ministers ibid. But promiseth to dispose of his Second Daughter to him if he would send his Ambassadors thither but in the interim dies leaving the same Commission with the Council and Regents ibid. King of Navarre is Governour for the time of the young French King Charles the 9th p. 30. Procures of the Three Estates assembled at Orleans that the Queen-Mother should be Regent of the Realm ibid. King of Spain enters the Frontiers of France with a great Army p. 20. Kings of Scotland never grew rich since they left the High-Lands to dwell in the Low-Lands p. 193. But ever since diminished which his Majesty found true ibid. Knolls Sir Henry is sent Ambassador from Queen Elizabeth at the Dyet Imperial held at Franckfort Anno 1562 p. 39. L LEicester Earl Queen Mary's avowed Friend p. 71. And several other Persons of Quality ibid. Lennox Duke endeavours to free the King of Scots but is chased into the House of Ruthven and saved by the intercession of the Earl of Gaury p. 132. Retires to Dumbartoun ibid. Afterward goes to France and dies p. 133. Lennox Earl is sent for to be made Regent of Scotland in the room of the Earl of Murray p. 104. Proves a true Scotsman p. 106. After he had accepted of the Regency he takes Breechin and hangs the Soldiers found in the Kirk and Steeple p. 107. Is shot in the Back in the Enterprize of taking the Lords Prisoners at Sterling p 114. Dies in few days after and makes a godly end ibid. Lennox Lady the Mother of Darnly King of Scotland is Committed to the Tower and kept there a long time because he Married the Queen of Scots without Queen Elizabeth's advice p. 58. Lidingtoun Secretary to Queen Mary and of great Credit with Secretary Cecil p. 32. He with the Prior of St. Andrews procures a fair Correspondence between the 2 Queens of England and Scotland ibid. And p. 33. He retires with other persons being in danger of their lives p. 65. Goes from Court p. 100. Is Accused of the late King's murther and Imprisoned ibid. Is brought by the Regent to Edinburgh and delivered to the Lord Grange to be a Prisoner ibid. Is set at liberty by the King's Lords p. 105. Taken Prisoner after the surrender of Edinburgh Castle p. 121. dies at Lieth to prevent his coming to the Shambles with the rest p. 122. Logie a young man Gentleman of the Chamber to King James p. 198. Is Accused and Imprisoned for dealing with Earl Bothwel ibid. Lords called the Queen's Lords as the other the King's meet together at Dumbartoun to procure their Soveraign's liberty being against the King's Lords p. 88. Binding themselves in a Bond ibid. They issue out proclamation on both sides to Convene their friends p. 90. Meet and fight but
the Queen's Lords are Routed p. 91. The King's Lords send for the Earl of Lennox to make him Regent in the room of Murray p. 104. They hold a Parliament at Sterling and the Queen 's at Edinburgh p. 113. Lords all written and unwritten for arrive at St. Andrew's to attend the Convention intended there by the King p. 136. Design to have the King in custody ibid. Lords met at Edinburgh pass a Vote unanimously being preoccupied by the Earl of Arran p. 153. Those Lords who designed the attempt on Sterling fly to England p. 157. Are forefaulted p. 158. They return and come to the Borders with Assistance p. 168. 3000 of the banished Lords enter Sterling fall on their knees and beg his Majesty's pardon p. 169. Which is granted ibid. The Lords gain great credit by their moderate behaviour p. 170. Lorrain Cardinal designs to promote Queen Mary to the Crown of England by alledging Queen Elizabeth to be Illegitimate p. 23. Causeth all Queen Mary's Silver Vessels to be engraven with the Arms of England ibid. After the conclusion of Peace is sent Ambassadour to Spain to take that King's Oath and to swear for his Master 's observing the same ibid. Proposeth two Matches to the Emperour of Germany p. 33. M MAcclean and others chief of the Highlands is subtilly brought to Court by the Chancellour p. 192. Are imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle accused of foul murther but get off ibid. Maitland Secretary is confin'd to his house with others p. 166. Opposeth the Author in Council p. 171. Mar Earl keeps the young Prince and will not deliver him to Bothwel p. 80. Is made Regent in the room of Lennox p. 111. Goes to Edinburgh to Convene the Lords in order to an Accommodation p. 118. In the mean time goes to Dalkieth and shortly after dies at Sterling ibid. Margil David one of the Duke of Lennox his Councellors p. 128. Marshal of Berwick besiegeth Edinburgh assisted by an English Army and all Scotland p. 120. Contends with the Ambassadour p. 121. Is forced to deliver up the Prisoners in Edinburgh Castle to the Regent being commanded by the Queen of England to do it ibid. Which he doth with much regret and returns to Berwick discontented ibid. The Laird of Cleesh having before offered them good Conditions to quit the Castle ibid. Takes the death of the Laird of Grange very much to heart by reason of the breach of his promise and thereupon quits his Employment of Marshal whose loss is much lamented being a worthy Captain ibid. Marshal Earl and others lodge within the Castle with his Majesty of Scotland p. 136. He and others retire to their Houses p. 137. Desires to supply the place of the Lord Atry as Ambassadour to Denmark p. 178. Which is granted ibid. But his Commission is so slender that he sends the Lord Dingual for a License to return or a power to conclude the Match with Denmark ibid. Which he receives and is presently dispatcht for Scotland by the Regent and Council and the Queen sent home with him well attended p. 180. But are driven by Tempest upon the Coast of Norway the winds being raised by the Witches of Denmark and the reason why ibid. Is not well thought of by the King upon the account of his Embasby to Denmark occasioned by the Chancellour's misrepresentation of him to his Majesty p. 182. Martland is made Chancellour in Scotland p. 175. Threatned to be kill'd p. 179. Hears of his Majesties discontent at the Queens delay of coming from Denmark and adviseth him to sail thither in person to fetch her home p. 181. Who goes with him privately ibid. Being at Denmark he deviseth many Reformations to be made at his Majesties return p. 182. Causeth the Lord Hume Earl Bothwel and divers others to be imprisoned for their disobedience during the absence of the King ibid. Misrepresents Sir Robert Melvil and envies him though a great friend to his promotion ibid. Emulation between the Council and him who design to turn him out p. 183. But prevents it being discovered ibid. Great hatred between him and the Duke of Lennox p. 198. He retires to his own House and is accused of several Crimes ibid. Procures again his Majesties favour and is re-introduced at Court p. 200. And at length reconciled to the Queen ibid. Mary Queen of Scotland the only Child left of King James the 5th p. 7. Born when he lay on his death-bed p. 7. After her Arrival in France great disputes arise about her Marriage between the two Factions in France but is at last wedded to the Dauphin p. 8. Proves a sorrowful Widdow after the death of her Husband p. 30. By degrees leaves the Court upon dislike ibid. Occasion'd by the Queen-Mother's rigorous dealing with her p. 31. Is advised to return to Scotland and behave her self moderately ibid. At length arrives in her own Country p. 32. Seems to approve of the Match proposed by Cardinal Lorrain between her and the Arch-Duke of Austria ibid. Advertiseth the Queen of England of this proposal desiring her advice p. 40. Which she Answers by Mr. Randolph ibid. and p. 41. Lays aside the thoughts of that Match p. 43. And the Reasons why ibid. Behaves her self very discreetly and gains great reputation in all Countries p. 53. Her Character p. 54. Is much taken with the Lord Darnly p. 56. Determines to marry him tho opposed by several Lords ibid. And is married to him accordingly p. 57. Is kept Prisoner by Douglas and his Party upon the murther of Rixio p. 65. Causeth the King to advise them to withdraw the Guards they had upon her ibid. So they went all to their home but the Queen King and some in their Retinue went at midnight to Dunbar p. 66. Subscribes Remissions for the Lord Murray and his Dependers lamenting the young King's folly ibid. Goes to Sterling to Ly In her time approaching p. 67. She mislikes the King who grows melancholick thereupon ibid. She is much troubled at that foul fact committed in her presence by killing her Servant Rixio to the endangering of her self and the Child in her Womb p. 74. Keeps her Chamber some time after the murther of her Husband Darnly p. 78. She wonders at the reports of her marriage with Bothwel but denies it ibid. Is forced to marry him the Nobility approving it and he having first Ravished her p. 80. Is married by Adam Bothwel after the Reformed Religion ibid. Resigns her self to the Lord of Grange and conveyed to Edinburgh p. 83. where she is respected by the Nobles but reviled by the vulgar ibid. Writes a Letter wherein she calls Bothwel her dear heart promising never to forsake him p. 84. Which being brought to the Lords by the Treachery of one of her Keepers they sent her to be secured in Lockleven ibid. Upon the Lord Lindsay's coming she subscribed to the Demission of the Government to the Prince and certain Lords named as Regents p. 85. Is conveyed from Lockleven
to Hamiltoun p. 90. After the loss of the Battle of Langside she quite loseth her courage never thinks her self secure till she arrives in England p. 92. Is kept Prisoner in the North parts here p. 99. Endeavours to get her self declared second person of England p. 152. but it proves ineffectual ibid. Receives warning of her death from the Council the night before p. 172. Her carriage and deportment thereupon ibid. Takes her death patiently and dies couragiously p. 173. Receives divers strokes with the Ax through the Executioner's cruelty ibid. Master of Glams is Treasurer of Scotland p. 198. Designes to get the Office from Sir Robert Melvil and manage the Treasury solely ibid. Master of Gray is in great favour with the King of Scots and why p. 158. His Character ibid. Is sent Ambassadour to England and returns with great Credit and Approbation notwithstanding he is misrepresented by the Earl of Arran whom he begins by degrees to Eclipse ibid. Acquaints his Majesty that Mr. Wotton a Man of great Parts is upon his journy from the Queen of England and upon what account p. 158 159. Procures the Earl of Arran's liberty p. 166. Is rewarded for it with the Abby of Dumfarmling ibid. At which the English Ambassadour is enraged but afterward reconciled to him ibid. He retires to Dunkel p. 168. Is sent for again to Court p. 169. And in as great favour as ever ibid. Is deprived of his Benefice of Dumfarmling p. 175. And discharged from the Court ibid. Maurice Duke God-son to the Landgrave of Hesse p. 11. perswades his God-father to come to the Emperor who retains him Captive ibid. Is Cousin to the Duke of Saxony and obtains the Electorate as a gift from the Emperor p. 12. Sollicits the Emperor for the liberty of his God-father but in vain ibid. Lays Siege to Magdeburgh being the Emperor's Lieutenant ibid. A subtile man ibid. Surpriseth the Emperor at Isburgh compels him to fly so clearly out of Dutchland that he never set foot in it again p. 13. Yet he and the Emperor is after reconciled and lay Siege to the Town of Metz tho to no purpose ibid. Maximilian King of the Romans by his Politick carriage between Protestant and Catholick obtains the Empire p. 33. Is skill'd in several Languages p. 34. Proves an enemy to the Match with his Brother Charles the Arch-Duke of Austria and the Queen of Scots though seemingly a friend p. 35. Melvil Sir Andrew one of the undertakers to keep the Castle of Edinburgh p. 120. Is Master of the Houshold to Queen Elizabeth p. 173. After Master of the Houshold to King James p. 180. Marries Jane Kennedy who had been a long time in England with Queen Mary ibid. Melvil Sir James the Author and Brother to Sir Andrew Melvil is sent by the Queen-Mother with the Bishop of Valence to be Page of Honour to her Daughter there Married to the Dauphin p. 8. The kindness of Odocart's Daughter to him promising him Marriage p. 9. His pleasant Discovery of the Two Scots-mens Deceit to whose care he was committed in their Iourney to Paris p. 10. Is design'd to be promoted by the Bishop but prevented and by what means p. 14. Is entertain'd in the Service of the Constable of France by the consent of the Bishop of Valence p. 15. Is Commissionated by the French King and afterward by the Constable to go into Scotland and the purport of his Commission p. 25 and 26. Endeavours to be inform'd of the Prior of St. Andrews intentions who declares his mind to him at large p. 27. In his return to France meets with an English Mathematician and the Discourse between them p. 27 and 28. Gets licence of the Queen of France to Travel the reason thereof he takes his leave p. 29. Is recommended to the Elector Palatine by the Constable his Master and entertain'd as one of his Servants ibid. And is thereupon sent by the Elector to Condole the death of Francis the 2d French King ibid. Receives great Favour from the King of Navarre and Queen Regent dispatching him back with thanks and a gift p. 30. Returns visits the Queen of Scotland Mary in her return home at Janvile with a comfortable Letter from Duke Casimire p. 31. Receives thanks from the Queen for it with favourable offers when return'd from Travel ibid. Is desired by the Duke and his Father to go into England about a Match with that Queen and the Duke but refuseth p. 32. And why ibid. Receives a Letter from Scotland to inquire about the Arch-Duke of Austria p. 33. Is sent for by Maximilian and goes with a Letter from the Elector to him p. 34. The passages between them ibid. Finds the proposition of a Match with the Arch-Duke would prove ineffectual and therefore presseth for a dispatch which at length he obtains p. 35. Receives a Letter from Maximilian to the Queen of Scots ibid. Is sent by the Prince Elector to the Queen-Mother of France with an Answer and Picture to her Propositions of a Match between her Son Charles the 9th and Maximian's eldest Daughter p. 36. Is introduced into her Presence by the Constable ibid. Is profer'd very large offers of Preferment by the Queen Mother if he would reside there p. 38. Receives Letters from Queen Mary to return home ibid. Parts with a Commission to the Queen of England p. 39. Presents the Pictures of Casimire and his Relations to the Queen ibid. Which she returns next day p. 40. Refusing to accept of them ibid. Writes back to his Father and himself a disswasive from that Marriage and receives thanks ibid. Returns into Scotland and presents the Queen with Letters from Forraign Princes p. 43. Receives great proffers from the Queen but refuseth them and upon what ground ibid. Is sent with instructions to Queen Elizabeth and her Friends to procure a Reconciliation ibid. The instructions at large p. the 44th and 45th Being Arrived at London he next morning receives his Answer from the Queen p. 46. Perswades her Majesty to tear the angry Letter she intended to send to Queen Mary in answer to hers p. 47. Which she did ibid. The private Conference between the Queen of England and Melvil being a Character of the Two Queens full of diversion p. 47 48 and 49. Takes his leave and returns to Scotland with many Presents p. 52. Acquaints his Queen with Queen Elizabeth's Answer ibid. After the Queens Marriage begs leave to Travel which she refuseth p. 58. Upon her promises stayes and adviseth her p. 59. Officiates as her Secretary Lidington being absent upon some suspicion p. 67. Rides Post to London to give an account to the Queen of the Birth of a Son in Scotland p. 69. Has a satisfactory Audience p. 70. Shews a Letter to her Majesty from Tho. Bishop against her Marriage with Bothwel and is forced to fly for it p. 79. But returns Bothwel's rage being allayed ibid. Is afterward taken Prisoner when Bothwel seized
the Queen p. 80. Refuseth at first to be sent Commissioner by the Lords who concluded to Crown the Prince to the Lords Assembled at Hamiltoun but at last accepts p. 85. Declares their Answer at Sterling p. 86. Is sent to meet the Lord Murray at Berwick upon his return from France to advise him p. 87. Is sent by another Party with contrary Instructions ibid. Deviseth with others a remedy for his preservation and brings into a good opinion with the People p. 102. Is sent to Berwick to the Earl of Sussex and why p. 105. Receives an Answer ibid. Visits the Regent the Earl of Lennox there p. 106. Disswades him from the Regency as dangerous ibid. Is taken Prisoner by the Earl of Bughan p. 111. Whom the Laird Grange would have released by force but he disapproves of it ibid. Finds Bail to serve his Majesty and the Regent and is discharged p. 112. Is sent by the Regent Marr to Edinburgh to make an Accommodation between them and him p. 117. Which they were all inclinable to ibid. And after Marr's death by the Regent Mortoun p. 118. Proferreth himself a Pledge that the Castle of Edinburgh should be delivered by the Laird Grange to the Regent p. 119. Loseth the Regents favuor by telling his faults freely p. 124. Is ordained to hold the Iustice-Eyre of West Lauthian with other persons at Edinburgh p 1. 31. Is sent for by his Majesty p. 133. Goes to wait upon him though resolved to lead a contemplative life ibid. Discourseth with his Majesty about the State of all Countries p. 134. Prevails with the Bishop of St. Andrews to entertain his Majesty in the Castle p. 135. Adviseth him to go into the Castle for his security p. 136. Is acknowledged by his Majesty to be the sole Procurer of his liberty p. 137. His Council is much depended upon by the King p. 138. Is made one of his Council ibid. Opposeth the Earl of Arran's new invented Proclamation in the Council-House p. 139. Is made Gentleman of his Chamber and a Member of the Privy-Council p. 142. Is writ to by his Majesty to attend him and obeys p. 143. Takes a long Letter with him to put him in mind of his Promises the Contents thereof p. 143 144 145 and 146. Arrives at Sterling and disswades his Majesty from sending Ambassadors to England for that present p. 146. Which his Majesty condescends to and he retires ibid. Is sent for again to conduct Secretary Walsingham to his Audience p. 147. Is appointed with four more to endeavour the understanding his intentions p. 147 and 148. Refuseth the Office of Secretary offered him p. 149. Is deprived of all employment by the Earl of Arran's means though contrary to his Majesties promise p. 150. Yet is ordered to prepare for an Embassy to England and Pens the Speech he intends to pronounce to the Queen ibid. The Contents p. 150 151 and 152. A large Conference is held between King James and him about his Affairs p. 153 and 154. Is left by his Majesties manager p. 154. He entertains a smart discourse with the Earl of Arran p. 155 Is resolv'd upon that account to attend no longer then the end of the Convention ibid. Is sent for by his Majesty and graciously receiv'd p. 157. Conducts Davison the English Agent to his Audience at Falkland ibid. Adviseth his Majesty that Davison endeavours the disturbance of that Kingdom p. 158. Is sent for to entertain Mr. Wotton p. 159. Gives an account of his carriage and designs in France at the age of 21 p 159 160 and 161. Gives his Majesty caution to be wary of him but is not taken notice of p. 161. Is appointed with Two more to entertain the three Danish Ambassadors p. 162. Pacifies the first of the 3 with discourse for Indignities offered them p. 163 and 164. Gives an account of the King of Denmark's Genealogy p. 165. Which undeceives the King of Scotland and satisfies him ibid. Goes on Board of the Ambassadors from Denmark being upon their departure with Presents p. 167. Takes leave of them rewards the Officers declaring the particulars to his Majesty ibid. Shifts off his going Ambassador to Denmark ibid. Is sent for to Court p. 168. Is sent upon a framed Errand to Dunkel and his Commission p 168 and 169. At his return forewarns his Majesty of what would follow the Earl of Arran's rash proceedings p. 170. Is for an Act of Oblivion and restoring the Banished Lords but Opposed p. 171. Is sent for to go to England to confirm the League with Queen Elizabeth p. 173. But endeavours to avoid it ibid. Is discharged of that Embassy p. 174. And design'd Ambassador to Spain p. 175. but has no desire for that Voyage ibid. Is nominated to go to Denmark which he likewise declines p. 176. Is desired by Du Bartas the French Poet to go with a Commission to the King of Navarre p. 177. But refuseth it ibid. Seeing no preparations for his dispatch to Denmark he obtains licence and prepares himself for the next Order p. 179. Is sent for by his Majesty at his landing in Scotland p. 182. Is Commanded to attend the Earl of Worcester Ambassador from England sent to Congratulate both their Majesties at their Arrival ibid. Is acquainted with his Majesties proceedings in his Voyage p. 182 and 183. He and Sir Robert Melvil set down some Rules for the management of his Affairs by his order from p. 185 to p. 192. Is sent for to Falkland and acquaint him that he is design'd to wait upon the young Queen p. 193. Which he did several years p. 194. He and his Brother Sir Robert advertised his Majesty of a design against him by Bothwel and his Complices p. 197. Which was slighted ibid. Is one of the Privy Council and Gentleman of her Majesties Chamber p. 198. Is appointed with others to entertain Ambassadors from Forraign Parts upon the British of Prince Henry p. 203. Is also appointed to attend the Two Ambassadors from Denmark about the performance of the Contract of Marriage p. 204. Melvil Sir Robert is sent Ambassador in Ordinary into England by Queen Mary p. 63. And upon what account ibid. Is taken Prisoner with others after the Surrender of Edinburgh Castle p. 121. Is made one of the King's Council p. 138. Gets intelligence of the English Ambassadors designs against King James p. 167. Acquaints his Majesty therewith ibid. Offers by Combat to justifie it p. 168. But is prevented by his Majesty ibid. Is sent Ambassadour with another to treat about the Accusation of the Queen of Scots p. 173. Speaks boldly and had been detained Prisoner but for the interest of the Master of Gray in England ibid. Is left Vice-Chancellor of Scotland during his Majesties absence at Denmark p. 181. Though calumniated and threatned to be imprisoned and have his Office taken through the Chancellour's means p. 183. Gives his Majesty notice of Bothwel's design against him p. 197. Is made Deputy-Treasurer
a Scaffold erected for their Execution ibid. Is made Regent by the Three Estates during the minority of Charles the Ninth p. 30. Seems inclinable to the Protestant Religion intending to joyn with the Protestant Princes ibid. Makes a Peace after the battle of Drues p. 36. Queen Regent of Scotland receives the Government from Hamiltoun p. 24. Issues out a severe Proclamation against Protestants ibid. Is disturbed at the discourse of the Prior of St. Andrew's and others and resolves to persecute the more p. 25. Sends to France about the disorders in her Country for help ibid. She during the Controversie with the Congregation retires with Monsieur Dosel and other French-men to Lieth which is fortified expecting French supplies p. 29. But being indisposed retires to the Castle of Edinburgh atd dies with regret that she followed the advice of her French friends ibid. Queen of Scotland married to King James from Denmark is Crowned p. 184. Shews Melvil no great countenance at first p. 194. But at length seems well satisfied with his Service ibid. Is offended with the Chancellour for delaying her Marriage with the King of Scots p. 198. Usually speaks in favour of those Officers that are misrepresented to the King p. 199. Is offended with the Chancellour but reconciled p. 200. Gives the English Danish and Dutch Ambassadours Audience p. 204. St. Quintin and several other Towns lost by the French to the Spaniard p. 22. R RAndolph Thomas Queen Elizabeth's Agent in Scotland p. 40. Denies the Queen of England made any promises to those who would oppose the Marriage of the Queen of Scots p. 60. Is sent with the Earl of Lennox Ambassadour unto Scotland to set him forward with his power p. 107. Is a double dealer and Sower of Sedition ibid. Glories that he had kindled such a fire in Scotland as would not easily be extinguished p. 109. Designs to have Mortoun Regent in the lieu of Lennox but failed p. 115. Returns home and why ibid. Is sent again Ambassadour to Scotland p. 127. Hears that the Author was designed to be sent Ambassador into England and opposeth it proposing other persons in that juncture of time p. 173. Rixio David a mean fellow who came to Scotland with the Ambassador of Savoy is made Secretary to the Queen of Scots p. 54. A Musician perswaded to sing with others the occasion of his promotion ibid. Is suspected to be Pensioner and Favourite to the Pope p. 55. Is kill'd in the Queens Presence to her great regret she being with Child by consent of the King p. 64. Russel Sir Francis Warden of the English Borders p. 166. Is kill'd at a meeting between the two Wardens ib. Ruxbie sent to sift what he could get out of Mary Queen of Scots as to her right to the Crown of England p. 68. Which he is to send to Mr. Secretary Cecil p. 68. Addresseth himself to the Scots Queen ibid. Writes to Cecil in her prejudice p. 69. Is promised a reward but his intrigues are discovered and he secured ibid. S SEatoun Comptroller to King James of Scotland p. 198. Segie Lord made one of the Kings Council p. 138. Chosen to accompany Melvil in the entertainment of the Danish Ambassador p. 162. Senarpon Monsieur Lieutenant in Normandy for the French King p. 160. Shaw William Master of Wark is chosen to accompany Melvil in his entertainment of the Danish Ambassadors with the Lord of Segie p. 162. Skeen a Lawyer chosen to go to Denmark with the Author p. 178. Sinclare Oliver promised by the Clergy to be made Lieutenant of the Army against England if King Henry the 8th should War against Scotland p. 4. Is proclaimed Lieutenant over the whole Army yet the Lords disdaining so mean a person would not fight under him but suffered themselves to be taken Prisoners p. 6. Simson Amy a Midwife and Witch p. 194 Is burnt with others p. 195. Smith is made Secretary to Queen Elizabeth p. 157. Sommer Secretary to the English Ambassador in France p. 160. Spanish Navy is rumour'd to be bound for England Scotland and Ireland p. 175. Is three years preparing ibid. The Commanders knew nothing of the Design but what they understood by the opening of their instructions at every Landing place p. 175 and 176. A violent storm of Wind dissipates the whole Navy and many of their Vessels suffer'd Shipwrack ibid. Spiny Lord and the Master of Glams at variance p. 198. Spiny is in great favour with his Majesty ibid. For which he is envied and accused as a dealer with Bothwel for which he is displaced and imprisoned ibid. But escapes out of a Window in Dalkieth by the help of a Danish Gentlewoman whom he afterward married ibid. Is in disfavour with the King p. 199. Spinze Lord is Gentleman of the Chamber to King James p. 198. Stuart Colonel is sent to St. Andrews with Mr. John Colvil p. 133. Is made Captain of King James his Guards p. 137. Writes to the Author to repair to Court p. 156. Is one of the Kings Council p. 138. Rides to overthrow the Banished Lords at their entry upon the Borders p. 168. But his design is frustrated ibid. Is committed to the care of the Lord Maxwel being in danger for espousing too violently the Earl of Arran's Interest p. 170. Obtains leave to go to Denmark about his own Affairs being that Kings Pensioner p. 171. Has a Commission to treat about the Marriage of King James with the Eldest Daughter of the King of Denmark ibid. Goes to Denmark several times at his own charge to complete his Masters Marriage with the King of Denmark's Daughter p. 177. Stuart James Son to the Lord Oghiltrie a Favourite in Scotland p. 126. Perswades the King to a Progress p. 127. Accuses the Earl of Mortoun of the late Kings Murther ibid. Takes upon himself the Title of Earl of Arran p. 128. Marries the Earl of March his Relict ibid. Casts off his true friends p. 129. His Character p. 131. Is kept Prisoner by the Lords in the Custody of the Earl of Gaury p. 133. Obtains the favour of being confin'd to his own House at Kinneal p. 137. adviseth the King but is opposed by Gaury ibid. Gets access to Court and stays there contrary to promise ibid. Is reconciled to Colonel Stuart by the Authors means p. 139. He and Melvil the Author clash in Council p. 139. His insolent carriage p. 142. He and Gaury are reconciled by his Majesty ibid. He and his Wife ruling all perswades his Majesty to go to Sterling p. 143. He is Captain of the Castle and Provost of the Town ibid. Adviseth his Majesty to send the Author Ambassador to Queen Elizabeth intending thereby to ensnare him ibid. Desires a familiar Conference with Secretary Walsingham who refuseth it p. 148. At which being incensed he puts several Indignities upon him ibid. Endeavours to be made Chancellor and Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh p. 152. Useth his Craft to pervert the effect of
and great bruits of an alteration Whereupon a Letter was written to me by Colonel Stuart at His Majesty's Command ordaining me with all diligence to repair to Court or in case I was not recovered of my Ague whereof I had been long sick that I might write my Mind and Opinion to His Majesty in a Letter what was like to fall out concerning the great Rumour and Bruits of an apparent alteration And being by reason of my foresaid Distemper unable for Travel I sent my return in Writing shewing His Majesty that there was an universal miscontent with great bruits not without appearance of probability of a sudden change occasioned by the misbehaviour of such as were managers at Court and by the great straits and desperate Estate of those who were pursued being men of Quality Active and Experienced And a greater number then could be born down or mastered as I had frequently shewn His Majesty before without respect of feud or favour but simply for His Majesty's Service Intreating His Majesty again to set forward his former acceptable intentions which he had resolved to do when he went to St. Andrews Seeing there was no other course advisable for setling his troubled Estate This kind of language was the better liked because of so many Advertisments that came daily to His Majesty's Ears These bruits made His Majesty be upon his Guard and to use means to get intelligence The lingring of the Earl of Gaury in Dundie gave ground of suspicion His Majesty had also been advertised That he had laid aside his intentions of going abroad according to his former resolutions and that he was designing to wait upon the in-coming of the banished Lords His Majesty also dreamed a Dream that he saw the Earl of Gaury taken and brought in Prisoner before him by Colonel Stuart And he thought his Estate was thereby settled which indeed for that time came true because the Lords who had taken Sterling so soon as they understood of the taking of the Earl of Gaury fled incontinently out of Sterling and at last out of the Country Believing that the said Earl had been taken willingly supposing his affection to have been so great to His Majesty as being his near kinsman come of the House of Angus his Mother being a Natural Daughter of the said House that he would be thereby induced to discover the whole design He not having been upon the first design of any enterprise but drawn in afterwards by the craftiness of others Upon these considerations His Majesty had compassion upon him and had no intentions of taking his Life But the Earl of Arran was fully resolved to have his Lands and therefore to make a Party to assist him in that design he ingaged to divide them with several others upon condition that they would assist him in the design of ruining him Which afterwards he did having by this means procured their Consent and Votes At his death upon the Scaffold he shewed himself a devout Christian and a resolute Roman much regrated by all who heard his grave Harangue and did see his constant End After his death there was quietness for a while though without appearance of long continuance to such as took up matters right During this little while of fair Weather there was a Parliament held to forfault the banished Lords wherein these were chiefly instrumental who hoped to raise their particular Fortunes upon the ruine of their Neighbours Among others it pleased His Majesty to write for me I was by him graciously received and remembring some of my Speeches he took me into his Cabinet and inquired how I now relished his proceedings I answered That he had reason to thank God and no good management and that I was assured there would be yet more enterprises That they who took Sterling and had retired again would never cease to make enterprise upon enterprise till they might see themselves in a better security His Majesty replied That they had gained so little by their last in-coming that he believed they would never commit such a folly again I answered That had not the accidental taking of the Earl of Gaury fallen out their enterprise would have been more successful For they suspected he was taken by his own desire to bewray their enterprise That otherwise they had gained their intent seeing some who were then about His Majesty would have concurred with them to lay aside the Earl of Arran whom they assisted for aw and not for love they hating his insolency and seeing no Outgate how to stand by him And that there had for that effect been secret promises made to them by instruments who went betwixt them But seeing the Earl of Gaury in hands and the said Lords thereby so discouraged as to fly away such as had made the said secret promises took up a new deliberation shewing themselves their greatest Enemies While in the mean time they but waited an opportunity of advancing their intentions About this time the Lord Burleigh chief Ruler in England caused send in one Mr. Davison to be an Agent here to see what business he could brew who was afterward made Secretary For after the decease of Walsingham Secretary Cicil being advanced to be Lord Burleigh and great Treasurer of England two Secretaries were chosen one called Mr. Smith and this Davison whose Predecessor was a Scotsman Upon which consideration he was thought more able to conquer credit here He had been in Scotland before and was at my house in company with Sir Henry Killegrew my old friend when he was Resident in Scotland At which time he acknowledged to me that he was come of Scotsmen and was a Scotsman in his heart and a favourer of the King 's Right and Title to the Crown of England He desired me to keep all secret from Mr. Killegrew promising if he could find the means to be employed here that he would do good Offices His Majesty was for the time at Falkland and wrote for me to be directed to ride and meet the said Davison Whom I was commanded to Convoy to Coupar there to remain till his Majesty had time to give him Audience Afterward I Convoyed him to my own house and from that to Falkland where His Majesty found his Commission to small avail But because Walsingham had refused at his being here to speak with the Earl of Arran albeit the said Earl had offered by me to give satisfaction to him in all his desires so that he would confer with him Which Walsingham still refused but Mr. Davison was directed at this time to deal with the Earl of Arran to see what advantage might be had at his hand For my Lord Burleigh was not content that Walsingham was so precise therefore Davison entred into familiarity with him and was made his Gossip and heard his frank offers and liked well of them For after that the Lords were fled to England and forfaulted the Council of England thought they had some ground to build