possibly best to be considered in the Negative We find many things done by his Captains not by him which notwithstanding we may rather attribute to the stirring and violent humour of that age than either his age want of Genius or love of quiet yet herein appears somewhat of his Character that meeting with turbulent times and a martial people he met not with any Insurrections and was a gainer and though he did it by other hands we must suppose that their Motions were directed by his Brain that communicated Motion and Spirits unto them since the Minds of Kings like the first Mover turn all about yet are not perceived to move and it was no humane wit said their hearts were unscruitable The same year his Eldest Son Iohn was called to succeed who thinking that name ominous to Kings and there wanted not examples as of him of England and him of France and fancying somewhat of the felicity of the two former Roberts was crowned King by the name of ROBERT the III. This man being unactive the weight of the Government rested upon his Brother Robert The first seven years of his Reign past in a calm with England by reason of two Truces but not without some fierce fewds among his Subjects one whereof was very memorable between Thomas Dunbar Earl of Murray and Iames Lindsay Earl of Crawford and was most high insomuch that seeing the difficulty of reducing them he resolved to make this proposition to them That 300. of each side should try it by dint of Sword before the King the conquered to be pardoned and the Conquerour advanced This being agreed on a place was appointed on the Northside of St. Iohnstons but when they came to join battel there was one of one side missing whom when his party could not supply and none would relinguish the other a Tradesman stept out and for half a French Crown and promise of maintenance for his life filled up the company The fight was furious but none behaved himself more furiously than the Mercinary Champion who they say was the greatest cause of the Victory for of his side there remained ten grievously wounded the other party had but one left who not being wounded yet being unable to sustain the shock of the other threw himself into the Tey and escaped By this means the fiercest of two Clanns being cut off the remainder being headless 1398. were quiet Two years after the King in Parliament made his two Sons Dukes a title then first brought into Scotland Next year Richard the second of England being forced to resign Henry the fourth succeeded in the beginning of whose reign though the Truce was not ended the seeds of War began to bloom out and upon this occasion George Earl of March had betroathed Elizabeth his Daughter to David the Kings eldest Son Archibald Earl of Dowglas not brooking this gets a vote of Parliament for revocation of this mariage and by the power of Robert the Kings Brother made a mariage between Mary his Daughter and David and giving a greater sum got it confirmed in Parliament The Earl of March nettled at this demands redress but being not heard leaves the Court and with his Family and Friends goes into England to the Lord Peircey an utter Enemy of the Dowglasses wasts March and especially depradating the lands of the Dowglasses The Scots declare the Earl of March an enemy and send to demand him up of the English who deny to surrender him This made Hot-spur Peircey and March make several incursions into Scotland till at last they were repulsed at Linton-Bridge by the Dowglasses 1400. This was about the year four hundred at which time War was denounced and the English entered with a great Army took Haddington and Lieth and laid siege to Edenburgh Castle David the Kings Son being within it which the new Governour ambitiously delaying to relieve the English satisfyed with the terrour they brought retired again After which March did not cease his little incursions which to be revenged of Dowglas divided his forces into two Squadrons the first to Halyburton who returned from Barmborough with some prey the second and greater to Patrick Hepburn who unwarily roving with his prey was set on by the English and with all the youth of Lothian put to the Sword To revenge this Dowglas gets together 10000. men and passing beyond Newcastle met with young Peircey c. who at Homildon a little village in Northumberland in the year 1401 gave him and his Party such a considerable defeat as Scotland had not receiv'd the like for a long time This put Peircey in hopes to reduce all beyond the Fryth but the troubles at home withdrew him from that design By this Annabel the Queen dying David her Son who by her means had been restrained broke out into his natural disorders and committed all kind of Rapine and Luxury Complaint being brought to his Father he commits him to his Brother the Governor whose secret design being to root out the off-spring the business was so ordered as that the young man was shut up in Falkland Castle to be starved which yet was for a while delayed one woman thrusting in some thin Oaten Cakes at a chink another giving him milk out of her papps through a Trunck But both these being discovered the youth being forced to tear his own members dyed of a multiplied death which murder being whispered to the King and the King enquiring after it was so abused by the false representations of his Brother that grief and imprecations was all the Relief he had left him as being now retired sickly to Bote-Castle and unable to punish him The King being solicitous of Iames his younger Son is resolved by the example of the good usage of David to send him to Charls the sixt of France having taken Shipping at the Basse as he past by the Promontory of Flamborough whether forc'd by tempest or that he was Seasick he was forced to land taken by the English and detained notwithstanding the allegation of a Truce of eight years and his Fathers Letters And though it came to the Privy-Council to be debated yet his detention was carried in the Affirmative This advantage he had by his Captivity that he was well and carefully educated but the News so struck his Father that he had almost presently dyed but being carried into his Chamber with voluntary abstinence and sorrow he shortned his life three daies longer viz. to the first of April 1406. â—e was a man of a goodly and a comely personage one rather sit for the tranquillity of a private life than the agitations of Royalty and indeed such an one whose Reigns do little else but fill up Chronologies with the number of their years Upon this the Parliament confirm Robert for Governour a man of parts able enough for that employment but a man of such a violent and inveterate ambition as would sacrifise any thing to make it fuel to it self Soon
Prince who had recourse unto him for aid and Supply and was now allyed with the antient blood of the Countrey Much being said at last they conclude upon a truce for some moneths following After this treaty of Peace the Counterfeit Duke of York with his Lady and such Followers as would not leave him sailed over into Ireland This Truce happily concluded and continued by a trifling and untoward accident went neer to have been given up and broken There were certain Scottish young men came into Norham Town and having little to do went sometimes forth and would stand looking upon the Castle Some of the Garrison of the Castle observing them and having not their Minds purged of the late ill-humour of Hostility either suspected them or quarrel'd with them as spyes whereupon they fell at ill words and from words to blows so that many were wounded of either side and the Scots being strangers in the Town had the worst Insomuch that some of them were slain and the rest made hast home The matter being complained on and often debated before the Wardens of the Marshes of both sides and no good order taken King Iames took it to himself and sent Marchmond Herauld to the King of England to make protestation That if reparation were not done according to the Conditions of the Truce his King did denounce war The King of England who had often tryed fortune and was enclined to Peace made answer That what had been done was utterly against his will and without his privity But if the Garrison Souldiers had been in fault he would see them punished and the Truce in all points to be preserved This answer pleased not King Iames. Bishop Fox understanding his discontent being troubled that the occasion of breaking the Truce should grow from his men sent many humble and deprecatory Letters to the King of Scotland to appease him Whereupon King Iames molified by the Bishops submiss and discreet Letters wrote back again unto him That though he were in part moved by his Letters yet he should not be fully satisfyed except he spake with himself as well about the compounding of the present difference as about other matters that might concern the good of both kingdoms The Bishop advising first with his Master took his journey to Scotland the meeting was at the Abby of Melrose where the King then abode The King first roundly uttered unto the Bishop his offence conceived for the breach of the Truce by his Men at Norham Castle after speaking with him a part he told him That these temporarie Truces and Peace were soon made and soon broken but that he desired a straiter Amity with the King of England discovering his Mind that if the King would give him in Marriage the Lady Margarite his eldest Daughter That indeed might be a knot indissolvable That he knew well what Place and Power the Bishop deservedly had with his Master therefore if he would take the business to heart and deal in it effectually he doubted not but it would well succeed The Bishop answered soberly That he thought himself rather happy than worthy to be an instrument in such a matter but would do his best endeavour Wherefore the Bishop of Durhâ—m returning from Scotland to his King at London and giving count what had pasâ—ed and finding his King more than well disposed in it gave the King first advice to proceed to a conclusion of Peace and then go on with the Treaty of Marriage by degrees hereupon a Peace was concluded to continue for both the Kings lives and to the overliver of them one year after In this Peace there was an Article contained That no English man should enter into Scotland nor no Scotch man into England without Letters Commendatory from the king of either Nations During this Treaty of the Marriage it is reported that the King of England referred this matter to his Council and that some of the Table in freedom of Counsellours the King being present had put the case That Issues Males and Females failing of the race of his two Sons that then the Kingdome of England would fall to the King of Scotland which might prejudice the Monarchy of England Whereunto the King himself replyed That if any such event should be Scotland would be but an accession to England and not England to Scotland for that the greater would draw the less and that it was a safer union for England than that of France Shortly after the espousals of Iames King of Scotland with Lady Margarite the King of Englands eldest Daughter followed which were done by Proxie in all solemn manner The Assurance and contract was published at Pauls Cross the 25. of Ianuary at London in applause of which Hymns were publickly sung in the Churches and Bonfires with great feasting and banqueting set throughout all the City Iulius the second in the beginning of this Treaty did gratifie King Iames with a Sword and Diadem wrought with flowers of Gold which the Popes on Christmass even used to consecrate a custome first brought in by Sixtus Quartus which were presented to him at Holy-Rood-House the marriage was in August following consummate at Edenbrough King Henry bringing his Daughter as far as Colliveston on the way where his Mother the Countess of Richmond aboade and then resigning her to the attendance of the Earl of Northumberland who with a great Train of Lords and Ladies of Honour brought her into Scotland to the King her Husband solemn daies were kept at Court for banquetting Masks and Revelling Barriers and Tilting proclaimed Challenges were given out in the Name of the Savage Knight who was the King himself Rewards designed to the Victors Old King Arthur with his Knights of the Round-Table were here brought upon the Lists The fame of this Mariage had drawn many Forreign Gentlemen to the Court. Amongst others came Monsieur Darcie naming himself Le Sieur de la Beautie who tryed Barriers with the Lord Hamilton after they had tilted with grinding Spears Some of the Savage Knights Company who were robust high-land men he giving way unto them smarted really in these feigned Conflicts with Targets and two-handed Swords to the Musick of their Bagpipes fighting as in a true battel to the admiration of the English and French who had never seen men so ambitious of wounds and prodigal of blood in sport All were magnificently entertain'd by the King and with honourable Largesses and Rewards of their Valour licensed to return Home During the Treaty of this Marriage with England a Monster of a new and strange shape was born in Scotland near the City of Glasgow the body of which under the waste or middle varied nothing from the common shape and proportion of the bodies of other men the members both for use and comliness being two their faces looking one way sitting they seemed two men to such who saw not the parts beneath and standing it could not be discerned to which of the two Bulks above the
accompanied the Governour to France used such diligence at the Court that he was imployed to be the first Messenger to the Countrey of the great promises and many Ceremonies of the French at the confirmation of the League with their protestations for the preserving and maintaining the Liberties of the Kingdom of Scotland against all who would essay to impair them Not long after arrived the Earl of Lennox and an Herauld with Letters from Kiug Francis and the Governour amplifying and putting a larger gloss on the same But when by other Letters the Queen and Nobles had received certain intelligence that King Francis and the King of England had composed their Quarrels entred in a new band of Amity a defensive League being pâ—ssed between them Tournay rendred to the French promises upon either sidesolemnly made for a Match to be between the Daulphine of France eldest son to King Francis and the eldest daughter of Henry King of England when age should enable them for marriage and that in the large Treaty of Peace not one word was set down for the quietness and help of those who for the quarrel of France hast lost their King and endangered their whole Kingdom no care had of their welfare and prosperity they stormed not a little and thought their lives and travels evil imployed Then with as great hast as such a matter required they dispatched Letters back again to the Governor blotted with complaints and expostulations The year following to excuse his oversight the French King sent a Reason why he had not made mention of the Scotish nation in his league with England He had studied to give satisfaction to some of the Scotish Nobility obliquely touching the Duke of Albany whole minds he knew to be altogether averse from any peace or Truce with the English nation whose undaunted Spirits and great courages were only bent to revenge ther deaths of their King Kinsmen and Compatriots This evasion not giving satisfaction to the best advised of the Council the French King interposed his endeavours with King Henry to have a cessation of arms for as short a time as he could devise V V herupon Clarencieux and onela Fiot comming to Scotland the one from the king of England the other from the French King a Truce was concluded between the two Kingdoms for one year and a whole day The reason of this Truce was thought mostly to be for that the Kings of England and France the next Summer were to have an interview and with all Princely courtesies entertain each other The Kingdom began to be sensible of the absence of the Governour factions increasing the Commons suffering dayly outrages the Nobility and Gentry deciding their Rights by their Swords The Earl of Rothsay and the Lord Lindsay contending which should be Sheriff of Fyfe with tumultuary arms invade each other and hardly by the Deputies were restrain'd till the one was committed to the Castle of Dumbar and the other to the Castle of Dumbartoun Robert Blackadour Priour of Coldingham with fix of his Domestick Servants is killed by the Laird of Wedderburn The King out of a suspition that the plague was in Edenburgh being transported to the Castle of Dalkieth by the Convoy of the Earl of Arran who was then Provost of the Town it being the season when the Townsmen make election of their Magistrates for the year following when the Earl was returned and sought to enter the Town he found the Gates shut upon him by the Citizens who alleged he came to invade their liberties in the free choise of their Magistrates the tumulâ— continueth the most part of the night and the next morning early the people dividing infactions and skirmishing in the streets a Deacon of the Crafts is killed by the faction of the Hamiltons which alienated the minds of the Townsmen altogether from the Earl of Arran and made them enâ—line to the Earl of Angus some of whose friends and followers had rescued some of the Citizens and taken part with others which made many after conceave this discord was plotted by some noblemen enemies to the Earl of Arran amongst which the Earl of Angus was the chief After this tumult the Earls of Angus and Arran sought likewise â—o cross each other in their proceedings the one maintaining the enemies of the other who had a quarrel against the Earl of Arran the Earl of Angus befriended him as the Earl of Arran supported and sided those who had any discontent against the Earl of Angus A suit falling between the Earl of Angus and David Car Laird of Farnehast about the Ballywick of Jedbrough Forrest the Lands appertained to the Earl the title and power to sit Judge belonged to the Lairds of Farnhast Sir James Hamilton the natural Son of the Earl of Arran assisted the Laird of Farnhast and besides those who out of good will friendship kinred vassalage did follow him he gathered fourty Souldiers such as were found upon the Borders men living upon Spoil and rapine to be of his party The Laird of Cesfoord then Warden of the Marches who with his Counsel and Force sided the Earl of Angus at the Rumour of the approach of Sir Iames to Iedbrough encountreth him and his fourty Hirelings abandoning him in his greatest danger Cesfoord killing some of his followers brought to make use of his spurs towards the Castle of Hume where after a long chase he got Sanctuary The day following the Laird of Farnehast held a Court in the Town of Iedbrough as Baily to the Earl of Augus and the Earl himself kept his Court three miles distant in Ied-ward Forrest In the moneth of May after certain Noblemen assembled at Edenburgh to accommodate all quarrels and make an atonement between the Dowglasses and Hamiltons Many Lords of the West here meet attending the Earl of Arran the Earls of Lennox Eglintoun Cassiles the Lords Ross Simple the Bishop of Galloway Abbot of Pasley The provost of the Town of Edenburgh Archembald Dowglas of Kilspyndie Uncle or Couses Germain to the Earl of Angus yielded up his place to Robert Logan Laird of Restlerig The Lords of the West by the advice of Iames Beatoun Chancelour in whose House they often assembled laid a plot to surprize the Earl of Angus then attended but by some few of his Friends and as it were solitary They thought him to great and insolent a Subject to whose power never one of theirs alone was equal in all points and they had many things to chalenge him upon when the Governor should return The Earl of Angus forewarned of their intention imployed the Bishop of Dunkell his Uncle to offer them what honourable satisfaction they could require All that he propounded being rejected by implacable men and finding the only way to be freed of violence to be violence and that danger could not be avoyded but by a greater danger with an hundred hardy resolute men armed with long Spears and Pikes which the Citizens as he traversed the
Streets out of Windows furnished him he invested a part of the Town and barricadoed some Lanes with Carts and other impediments which the time did afford The adverse party trusting go their number and the supply of the Citizens who calling to mind the slaughter of their Deacon shew them small favour disdaining the Earl should thus muster on the Streets in great fury invade him Whilst the bickering continued and the Town is in a Tumult William Dowglas brother to the Earl of Angus Sir David Hume of Wedderburn George Hume brother to the late Lord with many others by blood and Friendship tyed together enter by violence the East Gate of the Town the Citizens making small resistance force their passage through the throngs seek the Earls enemies find them scoure the streets of them The Master of Montgomery eldest Sonne to the Earl of Eglintoun Sir Patrick Hamiltun Brother to the Earl of Arran with almost fourscour more are left dead upon the place The Earl himself findeth an escape and place of retreat through a Marsh upon the North side of the Town The Chancelour and his retinue took Sanctuary in the Dominican Fryers the tumult by the slaughter of some and flight of others appeased the Earl of Angus now freed of danger licensed all who pleased without further pursuit peaceably to leave the Town of Edenburgh and return to their own Houses Some daies after the Humes well banded and backed with many Nobles and Gentlemen of their linage by the Earl of Angus consent took the Lord Humes and his brothers heads from the place where they had been fixt and with the funeral Rites of those times interr'd them in the Black-Fryers The Earl of Angus having angled the peoples hearts by his Magnificence Wisdom Courage and Liberality his Faction began to bear greatest sway in the Kingdom For the continuance of which the King of England dealt most earnestly with the French King to keep the Duke of Albany still in France with him But the French had contrary designs And when the Duke understood the great discords of the Nobility of Scotland persons of Faction being advanced to places dangerous immunities being granted to the Commons France and England beginning to be tyred of their Peace and preparing for a new war to curb the Scottish Factions keep the Nation in quietness in it self by giving the Subjects other work abroad whilst common danger should break of particular discords Notwithstanding of the English Ships which lay in wait to take him after he had been about five years in France in November he arrived on the west coasts of Scotland at a place named Garloch The Governour comming to Edenburgh set himself to amend the enormities committed in his absence the Magistrates of the Town are deposed because in the late uproar they had been evil seconds to the Lords of the west when they went to surprize the Earl of Angus A Parliament is called to which many Noblemen and Gentlemen are cited to make appearance in February to be tryed and to answer for offences committed by them in the Governours absence The appointed time being come these who appeared not were indicted and â—led into England Amongst which and the chief were the Humes and Cockburns men Authors and accessary to the death of Sir Anthony Darcey The tyde now turning and mens affections changed the Earl of Angus with his brother Sir George Dowglâ—s by the intercession of the Queen are constrained to seek a Pardon which was obtained for them but with the condition that they should leave the Countrey and stay in France one whole year which they obeyed Others have recorded they were surprized in the night and in French Ships conveyed privately away Mr. Gaven Dowglas Bishop of Dunkell in the absence of his Nephew finding the Governour violent in the chase of the Faction of the Dowglasses fled privately to the Court of England where he gave informations to King Henry against him He alone had taken to him the custody of the young King the sequel wâ—ereof he much feared he was an irreconciliable enemy to the whole Family of the Dowglasses The principal cause of his comming to Scotland was to engage the Nation in a War against England that the English Should not assist the Emperour against the French King and make his Nation slaves to France This Bishop shortly after dyed at London and was buryed in the savoy Church having been a man noble valiant learned and an excellent Poet as his works yet extant testifie The King of England upon such informations sent Clarencieux King of Arms to Scotland to require the Duke to avoid the Country according to the Articles agreed upon between the French King and him in their last truce It belonged said Clarencieux to his Master to tender the life wellfare honour fortunes of his Nephew of none of which he could be assured so long as the Duke ruled and stayed in Scotland It was against all reason and unbeseeming the man should be sole Guardian to a King who was the next heir to the Crown how easily might he be tempted by opportunity to commit the like unnatural cruelty which some have done in the like case both in England and other parts of Europe if he loved his Nation and Prince as he gave out he required him to leave the Country which if he yield not unto but obstinately continued in a re resolution to stay he denounced from his Master present war He farther complained Thâ—t the Earl of Anguss who was King Henries Brother-in Law was by him banisht and detained in France That during the banishment of the Earl which had been neer a whole year the Duke had impâ—tuned his Sister the Queen with dishonest love The Governour answered Clarencieux That what the Kings of France and England agreed upon in their Treaties of Peace was to him uncertain but of this he was most certain That neither the King of England nor France had power to banish him a Forainer over whom their authority did not reach his native country like over like having no jurisdiction As concerning the King of Scotland who was yet young in years he reverenced him as his soveraign Lord and would keep and defend both him and his Kingdome according to his Conscience honour and bound duty that there were ever more men in the world who desired to be Kings than there were Kingdomes to be bestowed upon them of which number he was none having ever preferred a mean estate justly enjoyed before a Kingdome evil acquired For the Earl of Angus he had used all Courtesies towards him notwithstanding of his evil demerits not for his own sake he did confess but for the Queens sake whom he honoured and respected as the Mother of his Prince and towards whom he should continue his observance That the King of England needed not misdoubt he would attempt any thing should derogate from the honour of his sister that complements of meer curtesie in France might
were spent in light skirmishes and incursions and Thomas Randolph obtained the battel called the White and quieted the English Robert this time of Repose conven'd the Nobles intending to determine the rigâ—â— of inheritances which many men had unjustly usurped in the times of Rapine and Licence This brooded a Conspiracy which â—eing detected a meeting was appointed at Perth where by the Conviction of their own Papers many were executed some pardon'd but none drew more pitty from the Beholders than David Brechin the Kings Sisters Son whose acquaintance not concurrence with the Plot was only Criminal From whence we may consider That to be a Traytor is not actually to engage in Treason but to conceal it is to foment it for if in private Friendships it is infidelity not to reveal a danger to a friend it holds stronger as to the Magistrate who is not only our Common Friend but our Parent and Tutor since the seeds of all Treasons like them of Vegetables lurking quiâ—tly and arising fruitfully being cunningly manured do by the Co-operation of bad influâ—nces grow up into poisons and threaten destruction where as the Sovereign Power enlivening and peiroing all cherishes the more Noble things and only discovers the imperfection of the meaner In the mean time a Legate comming from Rome armed with all the Thunderbolts of that See whose force even that age had wit enough to discern to threaten them into a peace with England but missing of his Errand the Scots followed him with an Army and marcht as far as Stainmore The K. of England in revenge raises an Army so potent and powerful that it might be supposed they came for absolute victory not uncertain hazard Robert therefore like a wise Captain considering that it was Stratagem not force that must preserve him safe from so great a storm caused all the Cattel to be carryed into the avious retreats of the Hills lest they might be serviceable to the Enemy who confident of their strength peirced Scotland and endeavoured to draw him and his Forces out of their Holes But having wasted all about sparing only Churches and wanting Victuals were forced to retire Bruce knowing this disorderly retreat pursues them as far as York and by a great defeat was Master of their Baggage and some Considerable Prisoners the great occasion of which was imputed to Sir Andrew Barcley Earl of Carlisle who was therefore degraded This begat two Embassyes one to the Papacy for a Reconciliation to it and the other to France for a Renovation of the old League both which were obtained with equal easiness with this addition to the latter That the King of France should be Umpire in controversies concerning the Crown of Scotland About these times saies Excellent Buchanan the Family of the Hamiltons since so great in Scotland and pernicious to England took their rise one of them upon a Quarrel and murder of an English Gentleman flying to Robert for Protection who gave him lands which retain the name to this day the Spensers upon whose account this quarrel arose were soon after discomposed and ruined and Edward himself dethroned and as is said murdered at Pontfract Castle by means of his wife and Edward his Son succeeded the III. of that name Bruce in the mean time composing himself to the cares of Peace by Act of Parliament settles the Inheritance of the Kingdom upon his Son though a Child and in case of his decease to Robert Stuart his Grandchild by his Daughter and for preventing any pretences of Baliol being then old and miserable in France a full release of all his Claim 1320. but the active young Edward filling them with the terrour of a new Bruce repaired the defects of his age and travels by substituting Thomas Randolph his Vice-Roy whom with Iames Dowglas he sent with a flying Army of Horse into England the better to elude the prevailing force they were to expect and it happened accordingly for after tedious Marches and hardships on both sides they parted without a stroke saving onely that Dowglas with two hundred Horse beat up the Quarters of the English Camp and cut as is said two Ropes of the Kings Tent and made a good Retreat this begat a Truce for three years and afterwards 1328. a dishonorable Concession in a Parliament at Southampton of all the Scotish privileges and independencyes of that Crown for which some after smarted with the Concession of some Counties and Rendition of Monuments the Scots paying thirty thousand Marks Bruce finding himself wasted by age and toil left the Tuition of the Nonage of his Son to Randolph and Dowglas retiring himself to the Abby of Kilross confirming the Settlement of the Kingdom upon his Son David then 8 years old and Stuart as he had done before leaving these three Counsells behind him Illustrious Spirits that have long moved in great Orbs being best measured when they are falling below their Horizon 1. Not to let any man solely command the Aebneae 2. Never to put all their Strength at one hazard with the English 3. Never to make long Truces with them The first being to be feared by their power at Sea The second for the Fertility Power and Numbers of the English The third to prevent the Enervation of a long Peace Thus he dyed leaving Charge with Dowglas to convey his heart to the Holy Land whither himself had designed an Expedition but Dowglas assisting them of Arragon against the Saraâ—ens was there cut to pieces Thus ended the reign of Robert Bruce 1330. A Prince that mounting the Throne over the Carcasses of his neerest kindred encountring with the greatest difficulties and calamities of a Countrey opprest by powerful and martial Enemies bravely struggled with the disadvantages and left behind him the Character of a great Captain and a prudent Prince and such an one as whose Reputation relies upon his single virtue unlesse you will say he had the assistance of the heads and hands of his Counsellors and Captains yet even in the chusing of One and the obeying the Other it must be confest he was a man excellently squared out for Government and a man the most fit to arrest our Conquests in that Nation Yet by the way we shall take up one Remark How much the fortune and reputation of any people depends upon the Conduct of their Supreme Governour and we cannot have better instance than by reflecting upon the preceding History Edward I. worthily called Coeur de Lion brought them in their greatest power upon their knees His Son an effeminate and weak Prince enchanted with Flatteries and lost in Sofâ—ness could not preserve an acquired Dominion but lost it with ignomâ—ny His Son for a time which we must call his pupillage of War he did such wonders afterwards was unsuccessful and all this through the Opposition Courage and Conduct of one unfortunate person And indeed upon survay of all Histories we shall find that the ability and excellency of the Prince hath been
entertained by King Iames and so many friends as either his Alliance or Virtues had acquired After some few daies stay desiring to have audience in Counsel they wâ—re admitted where Bishop Lightoun is said to have spoken to this effect The respect and reverence which the Nation of the Scots carryeth towards all 〈◊〉 is all where known but most that love and loyalâ—y which they have to the sacred Persons of their own native Princes for as Monarchy is the most ancient form of Government so have they ever esteemed it the best it being more easie to find one instructed and trained up in heroical virtues than to find many And how well soever Governours and Vice-Gerents rule the Common-wealth yet is that Government but as the light of the Moon or stars in absence of the Sun and but representations of shadows for reall Bodies This hath moved the three estates of that Kingdom to direct us here unto you Our King these many years hath been kept from us upon just or unjust Grounds we will not argue that providence which hath appointed every thing to its own end hath done this for the best both to you and us and we are now to treat with you for his Delivery Beseecâ—ing you to remember that his Father of sacred memory recommended him out of that general duty which one Prince oweth to aâ— other to your Kings Protection in hope of Sanctuary and in request of ayd and comfort against secret and therefore the more dâ—ngerous Enemies And to confess the Truth hitherto he hath been more assured amongst you than if he had remained in his own Countrey your favours being many waies extended towards him having in all liberal Sciences and vertues broâ—ght him up That his abode with you seemeth rather to have been a remaining in an Academy than in any Captivity and thus he had been lost if he had not been lost Besides though we have the happiness to claim his Birth and Stemm ye have the claim of his Succession and Education He â—eing now matched with the Royall Blood of England in Marriage Thus his Liberty which we intreat for is a benefit to your selves and those Princes which shall claim the descent of his off-spring For if it should fall forth as what may not by the variable changes of Kingdomes come to pass that this Prince by Vsurpers and Rebells were disgarnished of his own Crown they are your Swords which should brandish to set him on his Royall throne We expect that as ye have many wâ—ies rendred him yours ye will not refuse to engage Him yet more by his Liberty which â—e must acknowledge wholly and freely to receive from you and by benefits and and love to overcome a King is more than by force of Arms. And since he was not your Priâ—oner by chance of Warr having never raised Arms against you but by way of Protection detained here and entertained so ye will respecting your ancient honour and Generosity send him freely back to his own yet if it be so that ye will have acknowledgemâ—nt for what ye have bestowed on his education the distress of the present estate of his Subjects and Crown considered We will not stand upon triâ—les of Money for the Redemption of a Prince above all price The Lords of the Council were diverse waies inclined to this Embassie some thought it not fit to dismiss him For his remaining in England seemed the more to assure the kingdome of Scotland unto them having the King and his children in their custody what dared they not enterprise or not bring to pass Or if Scotland should plot any thing by way of Rebellion the King having his party within the Realm by the assistance of the English would keep under the other Factions and thus the Estate by both being made weak it would be a fair breach for a Conquest and the annexing that Kingdome to the Crown of England That he knew too much of the Estate and affairs of England to be sent away to a Nation ever their Enemies That being at liberty and amongst his own he might resent the injury of his long restraint Others of the Council thought it best to dismiss hiâ— They had learned by experience that the keeping of the King of Scots hindered no waiâ—s the Scots from assisting the French yea rather that it did exasperate their choller and make them in Revenge addict themselves wholly to the French the Governour no waies keeping to the English and siding the French upon whom to be revenged they could find no surer way than to set at liberty the King whose return of necessity must needs change the face of the State and trouble him As for the conquest of the Crown of Scotland it was not at that time of such moment for England they having the most part of France in their Subjection which was as much if not more as they could hold then it would prove a more harmless and sure purchase to make Scotland theirs by the Succession of Lady Iaâ—eâ— of Sommerset than by war the event whereof is ever doubtful and beyond any assurance of Man The Liberty of the King of Scots might prevent the encreasing strength of the Kings Enemies in France and sâ—cure the Peace and tranquillity of the Common wealth at home King Iames being all English by education If he proved not of their Party yet he must prove neutral to both the Kingdoms Henry the sixth then King of England being of under-age was governed by his three Uncles of his Fathers side Humphrey Duke of Glocester who was made Protector of his Person and Realm Iohn Duke of Bedford who was established Regent of France and Thomas Duke of Excester But Henry Beaufoord Cardinal Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England a man eminent in Blood and Riches Uncle to the Lady Iane in effect governed all These gave way rather then approved that the King of Scots should be set at liberty and sent home And though they would have dismissed him freely in respect of the Dowry of his Queen which was not delivered having use of present moneys for the maintenance of the Wars in France and the more to cover the injustice of his Captivity they thought it expedient to set a Ransom upon him The Commissioners having met it was declared that for a sufficient sum of moneys their King might return and enjoy his own Liberty the one half to be paid in hand able Hostages remaining in England till the other half was fully discharged The Ransom agreed upon was four hundred thousand Merks but by the power of the Cardinal the third was discharged for which he was long after accused before the King by the Duke of Glocester The Governour and Estate of Scotland having known the sum laid upon them for the Liberty of the King though the hasty acquiring of it was grievous unto them preferring Glory and things necessary to matters of money immediatly dispatched so much as could be gathered together
with a great many young Noblemen of the Kingdom to remain Hostages for the rest who after the English Writers were David son to the Earl of Athole Alexander Earl of Crawford the Lord Gordon Iohn de Lyndesay Patrick Son and Heir to Sir Iohn Lyon David de Ogleby Sir William de Ruthen Miles Graham David Mowbray and William Oliphant These were honorably received entertained and kept The Kings Father in Law the Earl of Somerset the Cardinal his Brother accompanied their Nâ—ece to the Borders and there taking their leave returned back The King with the rest of their Train received with many Troops of Nobles and Gentlemen who swarmed from all parts of the Kingdom to give him a dutifull welcome into his Native soyl and themselves the contentment of beholding one they had so long deâ—ired and expected with loud acclamations and applauses of the Commons as he held his Progress on the Passion Week in Lent came to Edinburgh During his abode there he assembled many of the Estates listened to their Petitions prepared for the approaching Parliament which had been summoned before his coming The Solemniâ—iâ—s of Easter finished the King came with his Queen to Perth and from thence in the beginning of the moneth of May to Scone where the year 1424. by Mordock the Governor Duke of Albany and Earl of Fife to whom that charge by custom of the Kingdom did appertain and Henry Bishop of S. Andrews self and his Queen being according to the computation of the old Scottish History the hundreth and one King of Scotland At which time Sigismond son to Charls the fourth was Emperour of the West An. Dom. 1424. Iohn the seventh the son of Andronicus of the East Amurach the second Great Turk Alphonsus the fifth King of Spain Charlâ— the seventh King of France Henry the sixth King of England and with Martine the fifth many claimed the Chair of St. Peter The ends in calling the Parliament were the Coronation of the King to make the People see a Princes authority was come where they had but lately a Governours the establishing a Peace amongst the Subjects and taking away all Factions the exacting a Subsidie for the relief of the Hostages in England To this last the Nobles held strong hand by reason many of their Sons were engaged Here a general Tax was condescended up on through the whole Realm as twelve pennies of the pound to be paid of all Lands as well Spiritual as Temporal and four pennies of every Cow Ox Horse for the space of two years together When the Commons had taken it grievously that the Subsidie granted by the States of the Kingdom in Parliament was exacted mostly of them after the first Collection the King pittying their poverty remitted what was unpayed and until the Marriage of his Daughter thereafter never exacted any Subsidie of his Subjects For he would gently strain milk and not wring blood from the breast of his Countrey rendring the disposure thereof chaste sincere and pure for expences necessary and profitable not for profusions which neither afford contentment nor reputation for money is both the nerves which give motion and veins which entertain life in a State Amongst others whom the King honoured Alexander second Son to Duke Mordock was dubbed Knight The Parliament dissolving the King came from Perth to Edinburgh where having assembled all the present Officers and such who had born Authority in the State during the time of Duke Robert and Duke Mordock especially those whose chargâ— concerned the Rents of the Crown he understood by their accounts that the most part of all the Rents Revenues and Landâ— pertaining to the Crown were wasted alienated and put away or then by the Governors bestowed on their friends and followers the Customs of Towns and Burroughs only excepted â—his a little incensed his indigâ—ation yet did 〈◊〉 â—mother and put a fair countenance on his passion sâ—eming to slight what he most car'd for occasion thereafter no sooner served when he began to countenance and give way to Promoters and Informers necessary though dangerous Instruments of State which many good Princes have been content to maintain and such who were not bad never denyed to hear but using them no longer then they were necessary for their ends to rip up secrâ—t and hidden câ—imes wrongs suffered or committed during the time of his detension in England He received the complaints of the Church-men Countrey Gentlemen Merchants against all those who had either wronged them or the State and would have the causes of all Accusers to be heard and examined Here many to obtain the favour of the Prince accused others Upon pregnant accusations Walter Stuart one of the Sons of Duke Mordock was Arrested and sent to the Bass to be close kept so was Malcolm Fleming of Cammernauld and Thomas Foyd of Kilmarnock committed to Ward in Dalkieth Not long after the Nobiliâ—y interceding Malcolm and Thomas goods being restored which they had taken wrongfully and Finâ—â— laid upon them for their Offence promising to satisfie all whom they had wrong'd were pardoned all faults and then set at Liberty The King by listening to Promoters came to the knowledge of many great insolencies committed by sundry of his Nobles which as it bred hatred in him so fear in them and both appeared to study a Novation They for their own safety He to vindicate Justice and his Authority The Duke had highly resented the committing of his Son as had his Father in Law the Earl of Lennox The Male-contents being many if they could have swayed in one body as they came to be of one mind threatned no small matter The King from the intelligence of close Meetings secret Leagues some Plots of his Nobles began to forecast an apparent storm in the State and danger to his own Peâ—son whereupon being both couragious and wise â—e proclaimeth again a Parliament at Perth where the three Estates being assembled in his Throne of Majesty he spoke in this manner I have learned from my tender years that Royalty consisteh not so much in a Chair of State as in such actions which do well become a Prince What mine have been since my coming Home and Government among you I take first God and then your sâ—lves for witnâ—sses Iâ— all of them be not agreeable to you all and if any rigorous dealing be used against some Let him who is touched lay aside his particular and look to the setling of Justice in the State and publick Good of the whole Kingdom and he shall find his sufferings tolerable perhaps necâ—ssary and according to the time deserved I have endeavoured to take away all Discords abolish Factions Suppress Oppression as no Forein Power hath attempted ought against you hitherto so that ye should not endeavour ought one against another nor any thing against the weal publick and Soveraignty Slow have I been in punishing injuries done to my self but can hardly pardon such as are done to the Common-wealth for this
daughter to David Earl of Strathern For plotting mischief he began to rail speak in high terms associate himself with others of his own mind Notwithstanding that the King Anno 1428. in September had bestowed on â—is Nephew the Lands and Earldom of Monteeth in compensation of that of Strathern to which he pretended right it being an appenage of the Crown About this time Embassadors came into Scotland from Eriâ—us the King of Denmark requiring of King Iames the payment of a yearly Tribute which was due to him as King of Norway for the Western Isles according to the Covenant and Agreement made by Alexander the third King of Scotland and his Predecessor Magnus the son of Acho then King of Norway the Embassador was honorably received and Sir William Creighton Chancellor directed to go with him to Denmark who there renued the old League between the Realms setled questionable matters and confirmed a perfect amity and stedfast Peace Embassadors came also from Charles the French King not only to confirm the old Amity between Scotland and France but for a better assurance thereof to have Margaret eldest Daughter to King Iames already betrothed to Lewis the Daulphin who now was thirteen years of Age delivered to them and convoyed to France The English foreknowing this Alliance had before sent the Lord Scrope with other Associates to Him in Embassage to have the old League between the French and the Scots dissolved and to joyn the Kings Daughter in Marriage with Henry the sixth their King promising if the King would thereunto agree and joyn in League with them that the Town and Castle of Berwick should be delivered to the Power of the Scots with all the Lands lyand between Tweed and the Redcross which when William the Conquerour granted Cumberland to the Scots marched England and Scotland and is now a fragment of a Cross in Richmond-Shire neer the Spittle on Staâ—moore about which is nothing but a wilde desert Having Audience the Lord Scrope spake before the Counsell to this purpose I am directed hither by my Master and his Council about a Business which concerneth the Honour and profit of the two Kingdoms above any other which can be projected and it is the establishing of a perpetual Peace and Concord between them and happily when it shall please the higher Providence their uniting in one Body under one Prince one day How vain the attempting of this heretofore by Arms hath proved the world can but too well bear witness the many proofs of eithers valour against themselves having been but a lavish effusion of humane Blood the fairest way easiest means to make enmities cease and these ancient Quarrels was begun Sir in your person by the happy Marriage of the Daughter of Iohn Duke of Sommerset brother to King Henry the fourth and Son to the Duke of Lancaster and prosperously hath continued these years past Now that Peace may be lasting and the affections and minds of the two Nations soldered together our Request is that this Alliance may be again renewed by the Marriage of your eldest Daughter with our young King a most fitting and equal match And in seeking of her we crave but our own She is descended of our Royal Stem and if again she be ingrafted in that stock out of which she sprang it is but natural And you my Lords where can ye find a Match more Honorable for both Nations Where can ye finde a better and more profitable Friendship then ours Are we not a people in habiting one Island have we not both one Language are we not of like Habit and Fashion of like quality and condition of life guarded and separated from the other World by the great depths of the Ocean What evil Customs have come into your Country by your last Allyance with us Nay what Civility Policy and laudable Fashions to the confusion of Barbarity have not followed hereupon By this the Glory of both Realms will encrease either being sufficient not only to furnish necessaries but even all lawfull and moderate contentments of life to support others Besides that an assurance of Defence Strength and Power to invade ease in undergoing publick Charges will hereby follow We are not ignorant that your Lady is designed for France but how long alas will ye continue prodigal of your blood for the French What have ye advantaged your selves by your Alliance with France save that they engage your bodies in their Wars and by conferring upon you unprofitable titles of honour take from you what is truly real ye are reserved a Postern-gate by which they may enter England diverting our Forces and transporting the Stage of the War upon our Borders Learn to forget your French or iâ— ye be so enamoured with France Love her after our manner Come take a share be partakers of our Victories Are not our Forces being joyned sufficient to overcome nay bring in chains hither that King of Bruges and make our selves Masters of his Continent France never did so much good to Scotland in twenty years as Scotland hath had loss by England for the love and cause of France in one Are not your wounds at Vernueil and Cravant yet bleeding and all for the French It hath been your valour and not the French which heretofore empeached our conquest and progress in France were it not for your swords we had made ere now the loftiest tops of the Alps or Pyrenees bear our Trophies Ye say ye reverence and cannot break your old league and confederation with that Kingdom happy Leagues but wo to the keepers of them unhappy Scotland and too too honest and the more unhappy for that thy honesty is the great cause of thy mishaps How long shall that old league counted amongst the Fables of the Ancient â—alladines make you waste your lives goods fortunes and lose your better Friends The Genius of this Isle seemeth to cry unto us her Nurselings to stay our cruel hands no longer to be her desolation and the wrack one of another not to pass over and neglect these fair occasions of mutual Alliances which will not only effectuate Truces and Leagues amongst our selves but at last bring a perpetual Peace and Union for by interchange of Marriages being united this Isle shall continue stronger by entertaining Peace and Amity then by all these Giant walls Rampiers of Mountains and that huge ditch of Seas by which Nature hath environed and fortified her Now that ye may know how dearly we esteem your Friendship and Alliance whereas others go to take from you we will give you Roxburgh Berwick and all the lands between Tweed and Redcross If shadows prevail and prove stronger with you then essential reason and that ye disesteem our offer losing this good occasion we as Neighbours and Friends entreat you that ye do not uphold the French now in the Sun-set of their Fortunes and at their weakest that ye would not shoulder this falling Wall but that ye would live quiet within
had waited upon her but Providence so appointing she escaped them and they encountred a fleet of Spaniards keeping their course towards the Netherlands Them they beset with fourscore Vessels commanding the Ladies and all of their Company to be delivered unto them when they would not accept of friendly answers they fall to handy blows till in end by loss of men and some Ships they understood their errour The Lady Margaret thus without danger by the Western Seas arrived at Rochell having for her convoy a whole Colony of Gentle-women the Histories say an hundred and fourty went with her all of noble parentage of which train were her five Sisters from Rochel she held her progress to Tours there with an extraordinary Pomp and magnificence the 24. of Iune Anno 1436. was she marryed to the Daulphin Lewis The King to defray the charges raised by transporting and marriage of his Daughter the French seeking with her small or no Dowry these times preferring parentage and beauty before Gold or riches all that was craved being a supply of Men of Arms for their Support against the English laid a Subsidie on his Subjects the one half of which being levied and the people grudging and repining at the exacting of the other half it being taken from men who lived hardly in a barren soyl He caused render a part of it again and discharged the remainder At this time by Sea and land the English in revenge of the refusal of the offers of their Ambassadours began to use all Hostility against the Scots Henry Piercy of Northumberland invadeth the Countrey with four thousand men whether of his own Bravery abhorring ease and idleness or that he had a Commission so to do is uncertain with him came Sir Henry Clyddesdale Sir Iohn Ogle Richard Peircy and many men of choice and worth the frontier Garrisons invade all places neer unto them To resist these incursions William Dowglass Earl of Anguss getteth charge a man resembling his Ancestors in all virtues either of War or Peace and the most eminent of his time with him went Adam Hepburne of Hails Alexander Elphinstoun of Elphinstoun in Lothion and Alexander Ramsey of Dalhowsie of all being four thousand strong These covetous of glory besides the ancient quarrel of the two Nations having the particular emulations of the Names and Valour of their Ancestors to be spurs unto them make speedy journeys to have a proof of their vertue and courage The Lists of their meeting was Popperden a place not far from Bramstoun Rhodam Roseden Eglinghame all cheared with the stream of a small Brook named Brammish which arising out of the Cheviot loseth its name in the â—ill as the Till after many windings disgorgeth it self in the Tweed Adam Hepburn and Alexander Elphinstoun led the Van-guard of the Scots Sir Richard Piercy Sir Iohn Ogle of the English Alexander Ramsey and Henry Cliddisdail kept the Rears the two Generals road about the Armies remembring them of their ancient valour the wrongs received the justness of the Quarrel the glory of the Victory the shame of the overthrow No sooner were they come within distance of joyning when the sound of the Drums and Trumpets was out-noysed by the shouts of the Assailants who furiously ren-countred The Guns being about this time found out were here first practised between the Scots and the English in an open field When the fight with equal order had been long maintained on both sides now the Scots then the English yielding ground many of the Commanders at length began to fall most of the English Then was the Piercy constrained to be at once Commander and Souldier but ere he could be heard some Companies had turned their backs among the thickest throngs of which breaking in he found so great disorder that neither by Authority Intreaty or Force he was able to stay their flying Thus distracted between the two courses of honour and shame he is hurried far from the place of Fight And Victory declared her self altogether for the Scots which was not so great in the execution as in the death and captivity of some brave men Of the Scots two hundred Gentlemen and common Souldiers were slain amongst which was Alexander Elphinstoun maintaining the Battel with his sword voice and wounds and two other Knights Of the English died Sir Henry Cliddisdail Sir Iohn Ogle Sir Richard Piercy with fifteen hundred Gentlemen and Common Souldiers of which fourty were Knights four hundred were taken Prisoners The King irritated by the way-laying of his Daughter the invading of his Borders and encouraged not a little by this little smile of Fortun at Popperden it being more sure to prevent then repel dangers and with the same Policies to defend by which the Enemies offend resolveth by open wars to invade England He was also stirred unto this by his intelligence from his friends in France who had brought greater matters to pass then in so short a time could have been expected for concealed envy and old malice bursting out between Richard Duke of York and Edmund Duke of Sommerset Philip Duke of Burgundy being entred in friendship with King Charls the English began to be daily losers and were put out of Paris and many Towns of France To this effect King Iames having raised an Army cometh to Roxburgh a Place fatal to his and there besiegeth the Castle of Marchmond which is Roxburgh it was valiantly defended by Sir Ralph Gray but when he was come so near the end of his labours that they within the Castle were driven to terms of Agreement and conditions for giving up the Fort the Queen in great haste commeth to the Camp representing to her Husband a Conspiracy the greatness of the peril of which if it were not spâ—edily prevented should endanger his Estate Person and Race Whether she had any inckling of the Conspiracy indeed or contrived this to divert his Forces from the Assault and further harm of the English her Friends and Countrymen it is uncertain The King who found his imagination wounded upon this point after many doubtful resolutions and conflicts in his thoughts raiseth the Siege disbandeth the Army and accompanied with some chosen Bands of his most assured Friâ—nds returneth back to provide for his own safety A strange resolution to disband an Army for a tale of Treason where could there be greater safety for a King then in an Army Yet have Conspiracies been often in Camps and in his own Time Richard Earl of Cambridge brother to Edward Duke of York Henry Lord Scroope with Sir Thomas Gray Knight at the instigation of the Daulphine of France for a great sum of money conspired to murther Henry the Fifth King of England in the midst of his Armies if they had not been surprised The King feared all because he had not yet heard the names of any but most the Army by reason of the Nobility many of which who liked not the present form of Government were irritated against Him Were the
Parliamentary Authority can take away Iustice and the Law of God neither is an oath to be observed when as it tendeth to the Suppression of truth and right and though for a time such Acts and oaths have prevailed our designs having good Success we shall have a Parliament approving our right abolishing their pretensions and declaring them Vsurpers This one man and a child taken away if we can give the blow the Kingdome must obey the Lawfull Successor against whom what Subject will revolt or who dare take arms and here is more â—ear than danger But think there were the onely râ—medie of emminent dangers is new dangers It was simplicity in him to think by small benâ—fits that old injuries are abolished and forgot and that I should take patiently the title of Earl when I should have been King my self by his tyrannizing justice if he be not hated he is not beloved but become terrible to his people who now through their poverty and â—rievances affect a novation and obey him not out of any affection but through necessity and fear and now he also feareth that some do that to him which he hath deserved Let us resolve his doubts our ends are honour and revenge our wills against him all alike and one The Heavens seem to conspire with us having brought him to disband his Army and render himself in the wished place of our attempts and let us rather follow them and fortune which favours great actions than vertue that preacheth cowardly Patience Remembring how fair glosses of valour for the most part have been cast on the â—oulest deeds and the mightest Families have from them derived their honours shame seldom or never following Victory however it be atchieved and purchased That Soveraignty at the first was but a violent usurpation of the stronger over the weaker How great Enterprizes must begin with danger but end with rewards that death should rather be prevented than expected and that it is more honourable to dy than prolong a life in misery wandring in the scorn of other mens pride be resolute in our Plot put the enterprize in execution hast is the spirit of actions of danger the worst that can befall us is since we cannot subsist he being alive that he be taken away whilst we run a hazard of death which happeneth to all men alike with only the difference of Fame or Oblivion with the Posterity which ariseth of an evil action as well of a good if the action and attempt be great but let us not spend the time of execution in deliberation Not long after when they had ponderated and digested the Design Graham and Stuart with their accomplices guided by Resolution and guarded by the darkness of the Night came to the Black Fryers of Pearth and having the way made open unto them entered the Gallery before the Kings Chamber-door where they attended some of their confederates who should have stoln away the Barr by which means they might enter the Chamber but before their comming Fortune casteth the occasion in their hands For Walter Stratoun one of the Kings Cupbearers came forth of the Chamber and finding armed men rushing rudely to force their entrie terrifyed with the boldness of the fact with a high voice gave the Alarum of Treason to his Master While they are working his death a Maid of honour of the Name of Dowglass got to the door and esâ—aied to shut it but for that the Bar was now away which should have made it fast she thrust her arm in the place where it should have passed but that easily broken the Conspiratours rush in to the Chamber and slaying all such of the waiters as made defence amongst which was Patrick Dumbar Brother to George sometime Earl of March they at last stroke down the King whom whilst the Queen by interposing her body sought to save being hardly pulled from him she received two wounds and he with twenty eight most towards the heart was left dead Thus was King Iames the first who had so superabundantly deserved well of the Common-wealth Ann. Dom. 1436. murthered the 21. of February in the end of the year 1436 the 44. of his age when he had reigned 13. years This King was for the proportion and shape of his body of a middle stature thick and square rather somewhat mean than tall not such as is counted for dainty but for gracefulnesse and Majesty His hair was abourn a colour between white and red He was of so strong and vigorous a constitution that he was able to endure all extraordinary extremities both of travail and want and surpassed for agility and nimbleness in any exercise his companions He was of so sharp and pregnant a wit that there was nothing wherein the commendation of wit consisted or any shadow of the liberal arts did appear that he had not applied his mind unto seeming rather born to Letters than instructed He wrote Verses both Latine and English of which many yet are extant He exercised all Instruments of Musick and equalled the best Professours thereof He had studied all Philosophy but most that which concerns Government in which what a Master he was the order which he established in such a confusion as he found in the State doth witness and many old Laws commodiously renewed and amended others for the publick good established He was a great observer of religious forms easie for access fair in speech and countenance in behaviour kind using sleep and meat to live not for voluptuousness He had good command over his Passions his desires never being above his reason nor his hopes inferiour to his desires Though he was much obliged to the gifts of Nature yet was he more to his good education and training in England Scarce had he passed the nineth year of his age when he was committed to the Sea to shun the Treasons of his Uncle and was surprized at Flambrough-head in Holderness Windsor Castle kept him a Prisoner but by Commandment of King Henry he was so carefully instructed that no Prince could have been better bred in the Schools of Europe What his valour was the waâ—s of France bear witness for accompanying the King of England there he layed siege to the Town of Direx and with such violence and valour saith the English History assaulted it for the space of six weeks that with main strength he compelled it to be rendred to his hands and gave it to King Henry That commendation which was given him by that same King of England being recorded by their writers proved prophetically true of him For the King remembring him of his benefits received and promising him greater with free liberty to return to his own Countrey if he could cause the Scots who were adherent to the Daulphin of France to return to their native soyl and leave him To this he answered He was a Prisoner had no possession of his Realm that he was neither sworn to his Subjects nor they by any Oath of
example the Countess of Ross abhorring the fierceness and cruelties as she gave out of her barbarous Husband but rather out of policy to be an Agent for him flyeth to the King and hath Revenues allowed her for the maintenance of her Estate Not long after the Earl of Ross himself the misadventure of his Confederates having taught him now some wisdom having seen the Kings clemency towards others equal to him to Treason and Rebellion by many humble supplications craved pardon and begged peace The King by his great prudence and the course of the affairs of his Kingdom knew that it was necessary sometimes to condiscend to the imperfections and faults of some Subjects and having compassion apply and accomodate himself to that which though according to the strictness of equity was not due yet for the present occasion and reason of State was convenient answered he would neither altogether pardon him nor 〈◊〉 eject him there being many signs of his wickendness few of his changed minde when honestly without fraud or guile he should erave a Pardon and give satisfaction to those whom by blood and pillage he had wronged and by some noble action deface the remembrance of his former crimes then should it be good time to receive him Notwithstanding this should not discourage him but he should know he had a desire to make him relish the effects of his bounty so he himself would finde the means and subject In this interim he wished him to keep the common peace of the Countrey and not oppress any of his Neighbours About this time the University of Glasgow waâ— founded by William Turnbul Bishop of that Sea William Hay Earl of Arole George Creighton Earl of Caithness William Lord Creighton died 1455. and the Bishop of St. Andrews is made Chancellor The King partly having loosed partly cut in pieces that Gordian knot of the League of his Nobility began to reobtain again the ancient Authority of the Kings his Predecessors giving and imposing Laws to his Subjects according to reason and greatest conveniencies Shortly progressing through the Quarters of the kingdom by the sound counsel and instructions of the Bishop of St. Andrews Iames Kennedy and William Saintclare Earl of Orknay used such clemency that in a short time he reclaimed all his turbâ—lent subjects In the year 1455. he held a Parliament where he ratifyed what was resolved upon to be done for the peace and weal of his People establishing many profitable Laws for the posterity after this time Ambassadors came from England and France unto him Henry the sixt King of England a soft facile Prince and more fit to obey then command having restored in blood and allowed the descent of Richard Plantagenet Duke of York the Duke under pretence and countenance of reforming the State and removing of bad Counsellors from the Court the umbrage of all Rebellions by one Iack Cade an Irish a bold man and who had a Spirit which did not correspond with his low condition who fâ—igned himself to be a Cousin of his of the House of Mortimer and other his Instruments raised a Rebellion which began amongst the Kentish men and was after continued by his confederacy with the Duke of Norfolk Earls of Warwick Salisbury Devon and others and notwithstanding he had sworn fealty to King Henry at Blackheath again openly took arms against him at St. Albans where in pitched field Edmond Duke of Somerset his greatest Competitor and who had been preferred to his place in the Regency of France was killed the King wounded taken and committed in the Tower of London At a Parliament after the Duke is made Protector of the kingdom at another Parliament he maketh claim for the Crown as in his own Right laying down thus his Title The Son of Anne Mortimer Daughter and Heir to Roger Mortimer Earl of March Son and Heir of Philip the Daughter and sole Heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence the â—hird Son of King Edward the third and elder Brother to Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster is to be preferred by very good right in Succession of the Crown before the Children of Iohn of Gaunt the fourth Son of the said Edward the third but Richard Plantaginet Duke of York is come of Philip the Daughter and sole Heir of Lionel third Son to King Edward the third then to be preferred to the Children of the fourth Son who was Iohn of Gaunt and so to Henry the fourth the Usurper his Son to Henry stiling himself Henry the fifth his Son and Henry the sixth now wrongfull calling himself King of England This Parliament chosen to the Duke of Yorks own minde at first various at last unanimously enacted that Henry during his life should retain the name and honour of a King but that the Duke of York should be continued Protector of the Countrey and be declared Heir Apparent and Successor of the Crown after the death of Henry Margarite the Queen Daughter to Rheny King of Sicily more couragious then her Husband disclaimeth the Parliamentary Authority and this Agreement of her King with the Duke of York as a matter done to the prejudice of her Son and against the Laws of Nations which admit not a forced Contract and done by a Prisoner The Crown of England hanging at this point the Queen to her defence imploring the aid and assistance of her best greatest Friends and Allies sendeth Embassadors to King Iames. These remembring the duties one King oweth to another against Rebels and the Usurpers of their Crowns the correspondency and amity of King Henry with King Iames during his prosperity expostulating the cruelty of the Rebels against Edmond the late Duke of Somerset Uncle to King Iames slain by them in defence of his Prince promise in their Kings Name Queens and their Sons with the approbation of the Noblemen of their Party to restore to the Kings of Scotland the lands of Northumberland Cumberland and Bishoprick of Durham after the manner the Kings of Scotland in former times had held these Territories of the Kings of England so he would raise an Army and advance to their aid and supply The Duke of York sent hither also his Ambassadors giving in many complaints against King Henry he had oppressed the people with taxations and all kinds of exactations he had preferred to places of State and Government new men by whose Counsel and his Queen he governed only he despised the old Nobility he had lost Normandy and Gascony as France had been lost by him England was likely to run the same danger They could not longer suffer his dull sluggishness and his Wifes exorbitant pride he was courageless in War and base in peace For the Duke of York if Justice did not warrant his claim except his Descent were undisputable and his Title without all exception he would not desire the possession nor succession of the Crown King Iames should remember it was King Henry who entertained the late Dissentions and Civil Discords of Scotland
he supported the banished Scots in England and after they had much enlarged their discourse with reasons of a just War against King Henry if King Iames will arise in arms against him and assist them They promise to restore and render all the Forts and Places of importance taken in the old Wars from the Kingdom of Scotland to him and his Successors King Iames answered the English Ambassadors that he was not ignorant of the State of their Kingdom neither to whom their Crown did appertain but that he would not take upon him to be umpire of their strife for the raising an Army he would think upon it though he had small assurance for the performance of their promised conditions he had long projected the recovering of the lost Fortresses of Scotland in their hands and now he would try whom he might trust The Embassadors dismissed the King raised an Army but left to the Divination of the posterity which of the Parties he was to side The English and French Writers affirm he was to aid King Henry and revenge the death of the Duke of Somerset his Mothers Brother the Scottish to assist the Duke of York and that by a counterfeit Legate from the Pope after he had been upon his March he was moved to return It seemeth perswaded by the French King the ancient Confederate of Scotland and who for that end had sent his Ambassador to keep the English within their own Countrey and disable them in their Conquest of France he intended upon the advantage of this Civil discord to make a rode in England as the French made an Algarad by Sea upon Kent The Kings Army being gathered that it should not loyter in idleness attending greater intelligence from the event of the English Factions having passed the Tweed invadeth the Town of Roxburgh which with little travel is taken and equalled with the Ground the Castle a strong Fortress is besieged Whilst the King here passeth the time inviting it more by courtesies and blandishments then Ammunition and Warlike Engines to be rendred to him Commissioners come from the Duke of York requiring him to leave his Siege and contain himself within his own kingdom unless he would run the hazard to engage himself in a War against the whole Body of the kingdom of England they give him thanks for his forwardness to their supply all things succeeding after their desires now and as they could have wished they request him to return home when their necessity required his aid they would implore it and not prove forgetful for what he should do towards him King Iames asked the Commissioners if the Duke of York and his Associates had sent any direction concerning the keeping of their promises to him when he should appear with an Army They assuring him they had no such Commission I answered the King before their Embassie came had resolved to take in and throw down this Castle builded upon my bounds and being by no benefit obliged to any of your Factions will not for words leave off what I am about by arms to perform The Commissioners departing the King caused apply his Battery against the Castle which couragiously defended it self and holding good beyond expectation bred an opinion that famine would be the only Engine to make it render The Kings Army daily at this Siege increased and amongst all the Companies none were more forward and prompt to discharge their duties in this Service then those of the late League with the Earl of Douglass above others the Earl of Ross to testifie his remembrance of the Kings clemency in his behalf with a great company of his Irish came to the Camp men onely fit for tumultuous fights and spoil Alexander Earl of Huntley coming the King with the Earl of Auguss would take a view of the Trenches and as to welcome a man whose presence seemed to presage good Fortune caused discharge a pale of Ordinance together but his coming to this place was as fatal as at Sterlin prosperous For at this Salve by the slices of an over-charged piece or wedge the King his Thigh-bone broken was stricken immediately dead and the Earl of Auguss was â—ore bruised This misâ—fortune happened the third of August the 29 or as others the 30 of the Kings life of his Raign 24. the year 1460. Who will take a fair view of this Prince shall finde him to have been endowed with what conditions and qualities are to be desired or wished in a Monarch both for minde and body of an excellent feature and pleasant aspect a strong vigorous complexion given to all Knightly exercises He is said to have had a broad red spot upon one of his cheeks from which by his Country-men he was named Iames with the fiery face which would make Physiognomists conceive he was of an hot active violent disposition and one who had more need of restraint then encouragement in all difficulties yet in his actions we finde him temperate stayed and of a well setled humor proceeding upon sound grounds and after mature deliberation being much given to follow the advice and counsel of grave men about him He was upright sincere affable courteous loving to his Domesticks humane towards his Enemies gracious and benign to all men a lover of Justice liberal but without oppression of his loyal Subjects wise in adveâ—sity industrious and diligent politick in Affairs of State having always raised up one Faction to relieve him from the hazard and burthen of another and expose the Faction he most feared to the nearest hazard He was wisely diffident and put on a judicial distrust often to be governed as occasions should vary and could dissimulate according to the fashions and changes of the time He seemeth to have been indifferent in keeping his Favorites and that he could ever as well transfer his fancy as he had setled his affection For like the Sun he would make a round and not always shine upon one Horizon The death of the two Earls of Douglass were fatal to him and though he was innocent of the first the second chanced deservedly in his hand Couragious Princes are not to be provoked by any Subject how great soever Confederations and Leagues are fearful attempts against Soveraignty and for the most part end with the ruine of their Authors The extirpation of the Earls of Douglass in the person of Iames a Churchâ—man proceeded rather from his own stubbornness then any male-talent the King had against him In all Nations it is observed That there are some Families fatal to the ruine of their Common wealths and some persons fatal to the ruine of the Houses and Race of which they are descended Since in Kingdoms some have no compassion of their Prince nor the loss of his Honor a Prince should not much regret their loss nor the ruine of their persons and Estates His great clemency appeared in this That the heads taken away of that long Rebellion he followed no particular revenge upon their
a Feaver and his Feaver advanced to a Phrensie This sickness increasing that he might be more neer to the Court and his friends in the night he is traâ—sported to the Cannons Gate in Edenburgh the King compassionate of his disease sendeth his Physitians to attend him they to restore his understanding which was molested open some veins of his head and armes in which time whether bâ— his own disorder and misgovernment in his sickness the bands being loosed which tyed the lancing or that they took 〈◊〉 great a quantity of blood from him he fainted and after sowning dyed unawares amongst the hands of his best friends and servants These who hated the King gave out that he was taken away by his command and some writers have recorded the same but no such faith should be given unto them as to B. W. E. who was living in that time and whose records we have followed who for his place could not but know and for his profession would not but deliver the very truth certain Witches and Sorcerers being taken examined and convicted of Sorcery at this time and being suborned they confessed that the Earle of Marre had dealt with them in prejudice of the King and to have him taken away by incantation For the Kings Image being framed in wax and with many spels and incantations baptized and set unto a fire they perswaded themselves the Kings Person should fall away as that image consumed by the fire and by the death of the King the brothers should reach the Government of the State with such vanities was the common people amused Alexander Duke of Albany imputing the death of his brother to the favourits of the King and avouching them to have been the occasioners of his distraction stirred the Nobility and People to revenge so foul a deed but whilst he keeps private meetings with them of his Faction in the Night to facilitate their enterprise betrayed by some of his followers he is surprised and imprisoned in the Castle of Edenburgh Out of which about the appointed time of his tryal by the killing of his keeper he escaped and in a Ship which to that effects was hired sailing to the castle of Dumbar of which he had the keeping he passed to France After the escape of the Duke of Albany the Lord Evandale Chancellor of the Kingdome raising the power of the nearest Shires beleaguered the Castle of Dumbar the besieged unprovided of victuals as men expecting no such alterations betake themselves in small Boates to the Sea and came safe towards the Coasts of England The Castle having none to defend it is taken some Gentlemen in persuit of the flying souldiers by their own rashness perished The Kings of Scotland and England tossed along with civil troubles and affecting peace with all their neighbors by an equal and mutual consent of thoughts send at one time Ambassadors to one another who first conclude a peace between the two Nations and that the Posterity might be partakers of this accord contract afterwards an Alliance between the two Kings It was agreed that the Princess Cicilia youngest daughter to King Edward should marry with Iames Duke of Rothsay when they came to yeers of discretion A motion heard with great acceptance but it was thought by some familiar with King Edward and in his most inward Counsels that really he never intended this mariage and that this negotiation aimed onely to temporize with Scotland in case that Lovys of France should stir up an invasion of England by the King of Scotland King Louys at this time had sent one Doctor Ireland a Sorbonist to move King Iames to trouble the Kingdome of England and to give over the projected marriage which when King Edward understood knowing what a distance was between things promised and performed to oblige King Iames and try him more strongly to the bargain that this marriage might have more sway he caused for the present maintenance of the Prince and as it were a part of the Dowry of Lady Cicilia deliver certain sums of money to King Iames. Notwithstanding of which benevolence the the witty Louys wrought so with the Scottish Nobility that King Iames sent Ambassadors to the King of England entreating him not to assist the Duke of Burgundy his brother in Law against King Louys which if he refused to do the Nobility of Scotland who were now turned insolent would constrain him by reason of the ancient league between the French and the Scots to assist the French The Duke of Albany during his aboad in France had marryed a daughter of the Earle of Bullogine she was his second wife his first having been a daughter of the Earle of Orkenay a Lady of great parentage and many friends who incessantly importuned King Louys to aide the Duke for the recovery of his inheritance and places in the State of Scotland out of which he was kept by the evil Counsellors of his brother Louys minding to make good use of his brother and underhand increasing discords and jealousies between him and the King of England slighting his suites told him he could not justifie his taking of Armes to settle a Subject in his inheritance That Princes ought to be wrought upon by perswasion not violence and he should not trouble a King otherwayes then by Prayers and Petitions which he would be earnest to perform Upon this refusal the Duke of Albany having burryed his Dutchesse troubled with new thoughts came to England King Edward with accustomated courtesies receiving him giveth him hopes of assistance entring of in communication with him how to divert the Kingdome of Scotland from the invasion of his Dominions at the desire of the French the Agents and traffickers of Louys lying still in Scotland and daily bribing and soliciting the Scots Nobility to necessitate the English to stay at home The Duke freely and in the worst sense revealed the weakness of his Kingdom that his King was opinionative and had nothing of a Prince in him but the name His ungoverned Spirit disdained to listen to the temperate Counsell of sober men obeying only his own judgement Such who govern'd under him were mean persons and of no account great only by his favour and indued with little vertue who ruling as they listed and excluding all others made use of his Authority for their own profit and advantage The Nobility were male-contents and affected a change in the Government which might be easily brought to pass by the assistance of King Edward If he would help to raise some civill broyls and discention in the Nation it selfe he needed not to be in fear that they could or would trouble his Country by any invasion The King hearing the Duke manifest what he most affected approving his judgement promised him all necessaries and what he could desire to accomplish the design and he undertaketh by some fair way to traffick with the Nobility of Scotland for an alteration of the present form of Government After a dangerous
both and little advantage to any of the parties Richard having his reign in the infancy and not yet settled nor come to any growth and maturity being obnoxious to the scandal of his Brothers Sons and possessed with fears of Henry Earl of Richmond then remaining in France who by all honest and good men was earnestly invited to come home and hazard one day of battail for a whole Kingdom knowing it necessary for the advancement of his designs to have peace with all his neighbour Princes to render himself more secure and safe at home and terrible to his enemies abroad sendeth Embassadours to Scotland to treat a Peace or a suspension of Arms for som years King Iames no soflier rocked in the Cradle of State than Richard chearfully accepteth this Embassage for by a peace he may a little calm the stormy and wild minds of tumultuous Subjects reducing them to a more quiet fashion of living and seclude his Rebels and banisht from entertainment in England and all places of Refuge and Sanctuary The two Kings agreeing in substance Commissioners are appointed to meet at Nottingham the seventeenth day of September For the King of Scotland appear'd the Earl of Arguâ—l William Elphinstoun Bishop of Aberdeen the Lord Drummond of Stobhall the Lord Olyphant Archebald Whitelaw Secretary Doncan Dundass Lyon King of Arms. For Richard of England appeared the Duke of Norfolk the Earl of Northumberland the Lord Stanley the Lord Gray the Lord Fitshugh Iohn Gunthrope privy Seal Thomas Borrow Master of the Rolls Sir Thomas Bryan Chief Justice In the latter end of Septemb. these conclude a peace between both Realms for the space of 3 years The same to begin at the rising of the Sun Septem â—9 in the year 1484. and to continue unto the setting of the Sun on the 29. of Sept. in the year 1487. During which time it was aggreed that not only all hostility and war should cease between the two Realms but that also all aid and assistance against enemies should be afforded It was agreed the Town and Castle of Berwick should remain in the hands of the English for the space of the foresaid term with the same bounds the English possessed That all other Castles Holds Fortresses during the term of thrâ—e years should remain in the hands of those that held then at that present the Castle of Dumbar only excepted which the Duke of Albany delivered to the English when he left his Countrey Which Castle for the space of six moneths should be exposed to the invasion of the Scots if they could obtain it and during the assaulting of this Castle the Truce shâ—uld not be broken Neither should the English within the castle do any harm to the Scots dwelling thereabouts except to those who invade the Castle and at that time And that it should be lawful to any of the Parties to use all Statagems and extend their power either for winning or defending the said Castle It was agreed That no Traitor of either Realm should be received by any of the Princes of the other Realms and if any Traitor or Rebell chance to arrive in either Realm the Prince therof should deliver him upon demand made Scots abiding within the Realm of England and sworn there to the King may remain still so there names be made known to the King of Scotland within fourty daies If any Warden of either Realm shall invade the others Subjects he to whom such a Warden is subject shall within six daies proclaim him Traitor and certifie the other Prince thereof within twelve daies In every safe conduct this Clause shall be contained Providing alwaies that the Obtainer of the safe Conduct be no Traitor If any of the Subjects of either Prince do presume to aid and help maintain and serve any other Prince against any of the Contractors of this Truce Then it shall be lawful for him to whom he shewed himself enemy to apprehend and attach the said Subject comming or tarrying within any of their Dominions Collegues comprehended in the Truce if they would assent thereunto on the English part were the King of Castile the King of Arragon the King of Portugal the Arch-Duke of Austria and Burgundy the Duke of Bretaign Vpon the Scottish part Charles King of Denmvrk and Norway The Duke of Guilderland this treaty was appointed to be published the first of October in all the great and notable Towns of both Realms It was agreed that Commissioners should meet at Loch-maben the 18. of November as well for redress of wrongs done on the west Marcbes as for declaring and publishing the peace where the greatest difficultie was to have it observed Richard after this truce intreated a marriage between the Prince of Rothsay eldest Son to King Iames and Lady Anne dela Pool Daughter to Iohn Duke of Suffolk of his Sister To this effect Embassadours meet at Nottingham others say at York and it is concluded Writings thereupon being drawn up ingrosled and seal'd And affiances made and taken up by Proctors and Deputies of both parts Lady Anne thereafter being stiled the Princess of Rothsay But by the death of her Uncle she injoyed not long that title After the league and intended marriage King Iames wrote friendly letters to Richard concerning the Castle of Dumbar Whether he could be content that the same should remain only six moneths in the power of the English or during the whole space of True That he was not minded to seek it by arms during the term of the whole Truce Notwithstanding he earnestly required out of the bond of Love and Frindship between them since it was given unto the English by Treason and neither surprised nor taken in lawful war it might be frindly rendred Richard dalâ—yd with him and pass'd away that purpose with complemental Letters all the time of his Government which was not long for the year 1486. Henry Earl of Richmond came with some companies out of France of which that famous Warriour Bernard Sâ—uart Lord Aubany Brother to the Lord Darnley in Scotland had the leading which by the resort of his Countrey men turned into an Army and rencountred Richard at Bosworth where he was killed and Henry proclaimed King of England To which victory it was uncertain whether virtue or fortune did more contribute Alexander Duke of Albany before this disaster of Richard at a Tilting with Lovys Duke of Orleance by the splint of a Spear in his head had received his death-wound 1483 He was a man of great courage an enemy to rest and peace delighting in constant changes and novations He left behind two Sons Iohn Duke of Albany begotten of his second marriage upon the Earl of Bulloignes Daughter who was Tutor to King Iames the fifth and Governour of Scotland and Alexandâ—r born of the Earl of Orkenays Daughter his first wife Bishâ—p of Murray and Abboâ— of Skroon Into which places he was intruded to make the Government of his other Brother more peaceable Margarite the Queen
about these times a good and vertuous Lady died 1486. and was buried at Cambu-kennel the 29. of February The overthrow and death of Richrd being known abroad King Iâ—mes taking the advantage of the time besieged the Castle of â—umbar The garrison'd Souldiers finding no reliet nor assistance from their Countrey and ascertained of the change of their Master rendered up the Fort to the hands of the Scots it was of no great importance to the English and only served to be a fair bridge of Treason for Scottish Rebels and a Cittadel of Conspiracies Henry King of England after his victory and Coronation sent Richard Fox Bishop of Excester and Sir Richard Edgecomb Embassadours to King Iames for renewing the Truce and if it were possible to agree upon a stable and lasting Peace between the Realms King Iames taking a promise of the secrecy of the Embassâ—dours that what he imparted to them should not be laid open to his Nobility told He earnestly affected a Peace with all his Neighbours but above all others with their King as much for his own valour as for the honour and interests of the two Kingdoms But he knew his people so stubborn and opposite to all his designs that if they understood his mind and resolutions they would endeavour to cross his intentions wherefore publickly he could only condescend to seven years truce a long peace being hardly obtained from men brought up in the free licence of war who disdained to be restrained within the Narrow limits of Laws Notwithstanding they should undertake for him to King Henry in the word of a Prince that this Truce before the exspiring of it should be renewed and with all solemntyes again confirmed The Embassadours respecting his good will towards their King accepted the conditions Thus was there a Truce or Peace convenanted and confirmed for seven years to come between the two Realms After so many back-blows of fortune and such canvassing the King enjoying a Peace with all his Neighbours abroad became exceeding religious the miseries of life drawing the mind to the contemplations of what shall be after it During hisresidence at Edenburgh he was wont to come in Procession from the Abby of Holy-rood-house to the Churches in the High-Town every Wednesday and Fryday By which devotion he became beloved of his People Nothing more winning their hearts than the opinion they have of the Sanctity of a person And that he did not this for the fashion nor hypocrisy the application of his wit and power to the administration of strict justice did prove for he began to suppress the insolencies of strong oppressors defend and maintain the Rights of the poor against Tyrants and abusers of their Neighbors He sitteth himself in Council dayly and disposeth affairs of most weight in his own person In the Moneth of October following the Peace with England 1487. a Parlament was called in which many acts were made against Oppressours Justices were appointed to pass thorough the whole Kingdom and see malefactors deservedly punished Acts were made that no convention of friends should be suffered for the accompanying and defence of criminal Persons But that every one attainted should appear at the most with six Proctors that if found guilty they should not be reft from Justice by strong hand Such of the Nobility who feared and consequently hated him finding how he had acquired the love of his people by his piety in the observance of Religion and his severity in executing Justice were driven unto new meditations They began to suspect he would one day free himself from these turbulent Spirits who could not suffer him to enjoy a Peace nor raign He had advanced at this time to Offices of State and Places men whose Fortunes did wholly depend upon his safety and wel-fare at which some Noblemen whose Ambition was to be in publick charge and of the Counsell pretending to that out of right which was only due unto them by favour did highly storm and look upon those others with envious eyes The King thus falling againe into his old sickness they bethought them how to renew their old remedie They were also jealous of the remembrance of the dis-service they had done him and that he would never forget old quarrells They were prepared and ready to make a Revolution of the state but had not yet found their Center to begin motion nor a ground for Rebellion All this while there was not matter enought for an insurrection nor to dispose the Peoples Hearts to a Mutinie The King delighted with his Buildings of the Castle of Sterlin and the amenity of the Place for he had raised there a faire and spacious Hall and founded a College for divine service which he named the Chappel Royal and beginning to be possest and taken up with the Religion of these times endeavoured to endow this foundation with constant Rents and ample Revenues and make this Rock the choyse Sanctuary of his Devotions The Priory of Coldingham then vacant and fallen in his hands he annexed the same to his Chappel Royal and procured an Act of Parliament that none of the Lieges should attempt to doe contrary to this union and annexation or to make any Impetration thereof at the Court of Rome under the paine of Treason The Priors of this Convent having been many years of the Name of Hume it was by the Gentlemen of that Name surmi'sd that they should be interested and wronged in their Estates by reason of the Tithes and other Casualtyes appertaining to this Benefice if a Prior of any other Sirname were promoted to this Place The King being often petitioned and implored that he should not alter the accustom'd form of the Election of that Prior nor remove it from their Name nor suffer the Revenues to be otherways bestowed than they were wont to be of old and he continuing in his resolution of annexing them to his Chapel after long pawsing and deliberation amongst themselves as men stirred up by the male-contents and a proud faction fit for any the most dangerous entrprise they proceed upon stronger Grounds to over-turn his intentions and divert his purpose The Lord Hailles and others of the Sirname of Hepburn had been their constant friends Allies and Neighbours with them they enter in a combination that they should mutually stand to the defence of others and not suffer any Prior to be received for Coldingham if he were not of one of their two Sirnames This Convâ—nant is first privately by some mean Gentlemen sworn who after draw on their Chiefs to be of the Party Of how small beginnings doth a great mischief ariseâ— the male contended Lords knowing those two Sirnames to be numerous active and powerfull in those parts of the Countrey where they remayn'd lay hold upon this Overture and beginning from their particulars they make the cause to be general They spread Rumours abroad that the King was become terrible and not to be trusted notwithstanding all his Protestations and outward
gentle disposition and mild nature and confidence in his generosity or of the trust they had in their own power and Faction they bewrayed no signs of fear nor attempted ought against the common peace and tranquility some records bear that they forewarned him by the example of his Father not to take any violent course against them or which might irritate the people against him and every thing to embrace their counsels and that finding him repining and stubborn beyond mediocrity giving himself over to Sorrow and pensiveness they thâ—eaâ—ned him with a Coronation of one of his Brothers telling him it was in their power to make any of the race of his 〈◊〉 their King if he were Head-strong and refractory to oppose to their wholsom directions and grave Counsâ—ls Amidst this Grief of the King and overweening of his supercilions Governours Andrew Forman Secretary to Alexander the sixth Bishop of Rome arrived in Scotland with instrutions for the Clergy and Letters from his Master to the King and the Nobles The Kings were full of ordinary consolations to asswage his passions and reduce his mind to a more calm temper for the accident of his Fathers death The most glorious victory a Prince could acquire was sometimes to overcome himself and triumph over his disordered passions In all perturbations to which we are subject we should endeavour to practise that precept No thing too much but chiefly in our passions of sorrow and wrath which not being restrained overwhelm the greatest and most generous Minds that by passion the fewest actions and by reason the most do prosper Though a King he must not imagine himself exempt from things casual to all mankind especially in Seditions and civil tumults from which no kingdom nor State hath been free There being no City which hath not sometimes wicked Citezens and alwaies and ever an headstrong and mad multitude he should take what had befaln him from the hand of his Maker who chastiseth those he loveth What comes from heaven be should bear necessarily what proceedeth from Men couragiously there was no man so safe excellent and transcendent who by an insolent Nobility and ravaging Populacy might not be compell'd to perpetrate many things against his heart and intentions The will being both the beginning and subject of all sin and the consenting to and allowing the action being the only and main point to be considered and look into of which he was free the sin committed was not his nor could the punishment which by the divine Iustice might follow belong unto him Sith he had done nothing of himself but as a bound man had been carryed away by mutinous Subjects these that lead transgress not alwaies they that follow To these men remorse and torture of conscience belong'd it was they should lament and mourn who under false pretences had abused the people maskt their Ambition and malice with a reformation of errours in the State whose rage could not be quencht but by the bloud of ther Soveraign It was these should bewail their in justice and cruelty the sin shame and judgement for so hainous a fact followed these men He should not impute the wrongs and wickedness of others by which he had been a sufferer with his disastered Father to himself Revenge belonged to the Almighty to whose Tribunal he should submit his quarrel He should not decree the worst against his mutinous Subjects nor turn them desperate as if there were no place to repent Great offenccs ordinarily were seldom punisht in a State that it was proâ—itable for a Prince sometime to put up voluntarily an injury the way to be invincible was never to contend and to stand out of danger was the benefit of peace that he should apply soft Medicine where it was dangerous to use violent That following his Maker he should endeavour to draw Good out of evil As he was for that disaster of his Father pittyed by Men upon Earth so assuredly he would be pardoned in Heaven If his Subjects returned to their crooked Byas and did revolt again he would make the danger his own use his Ecclestastical censures and spiritual power against thâ—m till they became obedient and submitted themselves to the sway of his Scepter In the Letters to the Nobles he exhorted them to obedience Ambition was the cause of Sedition which had no limits and which was the bane and wrack of States Kingdoms of which they should beware of Kingdoms subsisting upon the reputation of a Prince and that respect his Subjects carryed towards him He was the Eye and Sun of Iustice the Prince weakned or taken away or his authority contemned the Common-wealth would not only fall into a Decadence but suffer an Earth-quake and perish Either after by Forrainers be invaded or by intestine dissentions rent asunder Confusions followed where obedience ceased and left Contempt deposed Kings as well as death and Kings are no longer Kings when their Subjects refuse to obey them That good people made good Kings which he requested them to endeavour to be as they would answer to God whose Lientenants Princes were and by whose power they ruled After this time the Lord Evaindale being dead the Earl of Anguss was made Chancelour and the Lord Hume obtained the place of great Chamberlain of Scotland the Countrey enjoyed a great calm of peace the grounds of dissention seeming to be taken away The King in the strength and vigour of his Youth remembring that to live in Idleness was to live to be contemned by the world by change of Objects to expell his present sadness and to enable himself for wars when they should burst forth gave himself to recreations by Games and with a decent Pomp entertained all Knightly exercies keeping an open and magnificent Court When time and Exercise had enabled him and he thought he had attained to some perfection in marital Sports Tilting and Barriers proclaimed Rewards propounded and promised to the Victors Challenges are sent abroad unto Strangers either to be Umpiers or Actors of Feats of Arms. Charles the eight the French King having an Ambition to reannex the Dutchy of French Bretaign to the Crown of France either by arms or the Marriage of Anne the apparent heir under the pretext and shadow of those painted Justings sendeth to Scotland some of the bravest Gentlemen of his Court desiring privily the assistance of King Iames against the English if it should fall forth that the King of England troubled his Designs Not long after well and honorably accompanied arriveth in Scotland a young man naming himself Richard Duke of York son to Edward the fourth true Inheritour of the Crown of England divers Neighbor Princes testifying the same by the Letters which contained That Edward the eldest son of Edward the fourth who succeeded his Father in the Crown by the Name of Edward the fifth was murthered by Richard Duke of Gloucester their unnatural Vncle but Richard the younger Son his Brother by the Man who was employed to
execute that Tragedy making report to the Tyrant that he had performed his command for both Brethren was saved and with speed and secrecy convoyed to Tourney there conceal'd and brought up by his Fathers Sister Margarite Dutchass of Burgundy Nhat King Iames should acknowledge this for Truth and friendly assist this young Man who was that very Richard Duke of York to recover his inheritance now most unjustly usurped and Possessed by Henry Tuder Earl of Richmond That the right of Kings extended not onely to the safe preservation of their own but also to the aid of all such Allies as change of time and State hath often hurled down from Crowns to undergo an exercise of sufference in both fortunes and Kings should reposses Kings wrongfully put from their own As his Predecessors to whose royal vertues he was heir had repossessed Henry the sixth King of England spoiled of his Kingdom and distressed by which Charity obliging all virtuous Princes unto him he should find ever as his own Maximilian of Bohemia Charles of France and Margarite Dutchâ—ss Dowager of Burgundy King Iames graciously receiving this young man told him That whatsoever he were he should not repent him of putting himself into his hands and from that time forth though many gave Informations against him as a Counterfeit entertained him every way as a Prince embraced his quarrel and seiling both his own eyes and the eyes of the world he gave consent that this Duke should take to wife Lady Katherine Gordoun daughter to the Earl of Huntley which some thought he did to increase the Factions of Perkins in England stir the discontented Subjects against King Henry and to encourage his own Subjects to side on his quarrel Not long after in person with this Duke of York in his Company who assured him of powerful assistance he entered with an Army into Northumberland but not one Man comming to side with them the King turned his enterprize into a Road and after he had spoiled the Countrey returned into Scotland It is said that Perkin acting the part of a Prince handsomely where he saw the Scots pillaging and wasting of the Countrey came to the King and in a deploring manner requested him to spare his afflicted people that no Crown was so dear to his Mind as that he desired to purchase it with the blood and ruin of his people whereunto King Iames answered he was ridiculously careful of an interest another man possessed and which perhaps was none of his The King of England who delighted more to draw treasure from his people than to hazard the spilling of their blood to revenge the predatory war of the Scots and find out Perkin requireth a subsidy of his Subjects and though few believed he would follow so far a flying Hart he was levying a puissant Army No sooner this Subsidy began to be collected amongst the Cornish-men when they began to grudge and murmur and afterwards rebelled which when it was understood of the King he retained the forces raised for his own service and use In the mean time dispatching the Earl of Surrey to the North to attend the Scots incursions whilst the Cornish-men are in their March towards London King Iames again entered the Frontiers of England with an Army and besieged the Castle of Norham in person But understanding the Earl of Surrey was advancing with greater forces loaden with spoil he returned back again the Earl of Surrey finding no Enemy sat down before the Castle of Aytoun which he took and soon after returned into England the cold season of the year with the unseasonableness of the weather driving away time invited a Treaty of Peace on both sides Amidst these turmoyls and unprofitable incursions of the two Kingdoms Ferdinando and Isabella of Spain sent one Peter Hialas to treat a marriage between Katherine one of their Daughters and Arthur Prince of Wales This allyance being agreed upon and almost brought to perfection King Henry desirous of quietness and to have an end of all Debates especially these with Scotland communicateth his intentions to Hialas a man wise and learned and whom he thought able to be employed in such a service for it stood not with his Reputation to sue unto his enemy for Peace But Hialas a stranger unto both as having Direction from his Master for the Peace of Christian and Neighbor Princes might take upon him this reconciliation Hialas accepteth the Embassage and comming to King Iames after he had brought him to hearken to more safe and quiet Counsels wrote unto King Henry That he hoped that Peace might easily be concluded if he would send some wise and temperate Counsellour of his own that might treat of the Conditions Whereupon the King directeth the Bishop of Duresm Richard Fox who at that time was at his Castle of Norham to confer with Hialas and they both to treat with some Commissioners deputed from King Iames. The Commissioners of both sides meet at Iedbrough and dispute many articles and conditions of Peace Restitution of the spoils taken by the Scotish or dammages for the same is desired but that was passed as a matter impossible to be performed An enterview in person at Newcastle is desired of both Kings which being referred to King Iames his own arbitrement he is reported to have answered that he meant to treat a Peace and not go a begging for it The breaking of the Peace for Perkin Warbeck is highly aggravated by the Bishop and he demanded to be deliver'd to the King of England That a Prince should not easily believe with the common people that Perkin was a fiction and such an one that if a Poet had projected the figure it could not have been done more to admiration than the house of York by the old Dutchess of Burgundy Sister to Edward the fourth having first raised Lambert Simnel and at last this Perkin to personate Kings and seduce the people His birth education not residence in any one place proved him a Pageant King that he was a reproach to all Kings and a person not protected by the Law of Nations The Bishop of Glasgow answered for his Master That the love and Amity grounded upon a Common cause and universal conclusion amongst Kings to defend one another was the main foundation upon which King James had adventured to assist Edward Duke of York that he was no competent Iudge of his title he had received him as a Suppliant protected him as a person fled for refuge espoused him with his Kinsewoman and aided him with Arms upon the belief that he was a Prince that the People of Ireland Wales and many in England acknowledged him no less than their King whether he were so or not sith for a Prince he had hitherto defended him he could not leave him upon the Relation of his most terrible Enemy and the present Possessour of his Crown That no Prince was bound to render a Subject to another who had come to him for Sanctuary less a
Castile who had presented her with many tokens of affection and by his Embassadours earnestly sought her from her Brother But their great errand was to divide the King from his Brother-in-law King Henry and make him assist Loâ—ys these two Potentates intending a war against other Anne Daughter of Francis Duke of Bretaign after the death of her Sister Isabella remained sole heir of that Dutchy her wardship falling to the French King Charles the eight He terrified so her Subjects guided her kinred and the principal persons about her that making void the pretended marriage of Maximilian king of the Romans which was by Proxie she was married unto him Notwithstanding he had the Daughter of Maximilian at his Court with great exspectation of a mariage to be celebrate with her After the death of King Charles Lovys the twelf having marryed Iane the Sister of Charles and Daughter to Lovys the eleventh by his many favours bestowed upon Pope Alexander the sixth and his Son Cesar Borgia obtaineth a Brief of Divorce against her by the power of which her weakness for the bearing of Children the necessary upholders of a Crown by his Physicians being proved he had married Anne of Bretaign for he would not loose so fair a Dowry for the blustering rumour of Malecontents which in a little time would grow stale and vanish Pope Alexander dead Iulius the second a turbulent unquiet but magnificent Prelate and a stout defender of Church-Patrimony suspitious of the power of the French in Italy and that they would not rest content with the kingdom of Naples and Dutchy of Milan but one day hazard for all fearing also they would because they might put him out of his Chair and substitute in his Room their Cardinal of Amboise or some other of their own began to study novations and means to send the French back to their own Countrey his ordinary discourse being that he would one day make Italy free from Barbarians He requireth King Lovys to give over the protection of the Duke of Ferrara and of Annibal Bentivoglio whom he had thrust out of Bulloign The King refusing to forsake Confederates the Pope betaketh him to his spiritual Arms and threatneth with Excommunication the Duke and all who came to his aid and support especially the French they decline his Sentence and appeal to a true and lawful General Council with which they threaten him Henry the eight then in the fervour of his youth amidst a great Treasure left by his Father and by more than ordinary bands of love and friendship tyed to the Pope as having dispensed with the marying his Brothers widdow interposeth himself as an Indifferent Mediator and Intercessor for Peace between the two parties but in effect was the chief maintainer of the Quarrel effecting nothing because he would not Conditions being refused by King Henry he essayeth draw the French arms from the Popes territories by cutting them work neerer home and bringing a necâ—ssity upon them to defend their own Upon this determination he desireth king Lovys to restore and render to him his Dutchies Guyenne and Normandy with his antient inheritance of Anjow and Mayne and the other old Possessions of the English in France which wrongfully had been detained and kept from him and his Ancestors The war of Italy by â—hese threatnings was not left of for the Pope conming to Bollogn with intention to invade Ferrara is besieged with his Cardinals and he sendeth Declarations to the Christian Princes protesting the French not only thirsted after the Patrimony and Inheritance of S. Peter but even after Christian blood Mean while he absolveth the Subjects of King Lovys from their oath of Allegiance abandoneth his kingdom to any can possess it at a Council at Lateran he dispatched a Bull wherein the title of most Christian King is transferred upon Henry king of England who to his former titles of France having now the approbation of the Pope and the kingdom interdicted prepareth an expedition in person After which with five thousand barded Horses Fourty thousand Foot comming in Picardie he encampeth before Therovenne a Town upon the Marches of Picardie Here the Emperour Maximiliam resenting yet his old injury entreth into the King of Englands pay and weareth the cross of Saint George But so long as he staied in the Army it was govâ—rned according to his counsel and direction King Iames before his meeting with Bernard Stuart and Bishop Forman was fully purposed to prove an indifferent beholder of this War but Bernard having corrupted the Courtiers and the Bishop the chief Church-man of the kingdom after their long and earnest intercession he was drawn altogether to affect and adhere to the French To throw the apple of Dissention Bishop Forman is sent to king Henry to demand certain Jewels by their Fathers Will or her Brothers Prince Arthurs appertaining to Queen Margarite his Sister King Henry mistrusting that Embassy offereth all and more than they demand from him Shortly after the English beginning to interrupt the traffick of the French by Sea king Iames will send his Ships lately well mann'd and equipp'd for fight which not long before had been prepared as was given out to transport the king into Syria to his Cosin Queen Ann supposing this Gift would rather seem a Pledge of friendship and alliance to the English than any Supply of Warre But Iames Earl of Arrain having got the command of them instead of falling towards France arriveth in Ireland whether by tempest of weather or that he would disturb the Kings proceedings in assisting the French instigated and corrupted by King Henry it is uncertain and after he had spoild Knock-Fergus a maritime village returneth with them to the Town of Ayre The King taking in an evil part the invasion of Ireland but more the lingring of the Earl for he had received Letters from Queen Anne and Bishop Forman regretting the long and vain expectation of his Ships giveth the Earl of Anguss and Sir Andrew Wood a Commission for both him and them The Earl of Arrain by his Friends at Court understanding his Masters displeasure ere they could find him hoiseth up Sails and committeth him self rather to the uncertain fortune of the Seas than the just wrath of a King After great Tempest arriving in French Bretaign these Ships built at such extraordinary Charges Sayls and Cordage being taken from them rotted and consumed by weather in the Haven of Erest Now matters grew more exasperate between the Brother Kings Robert Car Warden of the Borders is killed by three English Hieron Lilburn Struthers Andrew Barton who upon an old quarrel begun in the reign of King Iames the third had purchased Letters of Reprisal against the Portingals by Thomas Howard the English Admiral is slain and his Ships taken To this last Grievance when it was expostulated King Henry is said to have answered That truce amongst Princes was never broken for taking or killing of Pyrates Alexander Lord Hume Warden of the East
Marches in Revenge of accumulated injuries with three thousand men invadeth the English Borders burneth some Villages and forrageth the Fields about But having divided his forces and sent a part of them loaden with spoils towards Scotland he falleth in an ambush of the English where Sir William Bulmure with a thousand Archers put him to flight and took his Brother George During these border incursions the Lord Dacres and Doctor West came as in an Embassy from England not so much for establishing a Peace and settling those tumults begun by the meeting of Commissioners who assembled and concluded nothing as to give their Master certain and true Intelligence of the Proceedings of the Scots with the French and what they attempted Monsieur de la Motte was come with Letters from the French to stir King Iames to take arms against the English and had in his voyage drowned three English Ships bringing seven with him as Prizes to the Harbour of Leyth Robert Bartoun in revenge of Andrew Bartouns death at that same time returned with thirteon Vessels all Prizes King Lovys had sent a great ship loaden with Artillery Powder and Wines in whicd Mr. Iames Oguylbuy Abbot of Drybrough arrived with earnest request for the renuing of the antient League between France and Scotland and Letters froom Queen Anne for the invasion of England In which she regretted he had not one Friend nor maintainer of his Honour at the Court of France after the late delay of the sending his Ships except her self and her Ladies that her request was He would for her sake whom he had honoured with the name of his Mistress in his Martial sports in time of peace march but one mile upon the English bounds now in time of an appearing war against her Lord and Countrey The King thinking himself already engaged and interested in his fame drawn away by the promises eloquence and other perswasions of the French assembleth the three Estates of his Kingdom to deliberate about a war with England Many oppose it but in vain for at last for fear of the Kings displeasure it is concluded uncertain whether by a worse Counsel or event But before any hostility against the English they determine and decree that King Henry shall by an Herauld be fairly advertised and desired to desist from any further invasion of the Territories of the French King or Duke of Guilders who was General of the French Army the King of Scotlands Confederates and Kinsemen which not being yielded unto the Warre as lawfull and just shall be denounced Henry the eight then besieging Therovenne answered the Herauld who delivered his Commission That he heard no thing from him but what he had expected from a King a Despiser of Gods and Mans Law for himself he would not give over a War so happily began for any threats Neither did he care much for that Mans friendship of whose unconstancy he had so often had experience nor for the power of his Kingdom and ambitious poverty After this answer of the King of England A Declaration by the King of Scotland was published almost to this sense Though Princes should direct their Actions more to conscience than Fame and are not bound to give an account of them to any but to God alone and when Armies are prepared for Battel they look not so much to what may be said as to what ought to be done th◠〈◊〉 being over thought to have had reason upon their side and the justest cause yet to manifest our sincerity and the uprightness of our proceedings as well to these present times as to posterity who may hereafter enquire after our deportments that all may take a full view of our intentions and courses we have been mov'd to lay down the justness and equity of our Arms before the Tribunal of the World The Laws of Nations and of Nature which are grounded upon the Reason by which Man is distinguished from other Creatures oblige every one to defend â—imself and to seek means for ones own preseration is a thing unblamable bnt the Laws of Soveraignty lay greater Obligations upon us and above all men Monarchs and they to whom God hath given the Governments of States and Kingdomes are not only bound to maintain and defend their own Kingdomes Estates and Persons but to relieve from unjust Oppression so far as is in their power being required their Friends Neighbours and Confederates and not to suffer the weak to be overthrown by the stronger The many Innovations and troubles raised upon all sides about us the wrongs our Subjects have suffered by the insolencies and arrogancy of the Counsellors of Henry King of England our Brother-in-Law are not onely known to our Neighbour but blazed amonst remotest Countreys Roads and Incursions have been made upon our Borders Sundry of our Leiges have been taken and as in a just warr turned Prisoners the Warden of our Marches under Assurance hath been miserably kelled our Merchants at Sea invaded spoiled of their goods liberties lives above others the chief captain of our Ships put to Death and all by the kings own Commission upon which breaches between the two kingdomes disorders and manifest wrongs committed upon our Subjects when by our Embassadours we had divers times required satisfaction and Reparation we received no justice or answer worthy of him or us our Complaints being rejected and we disdainfully contemned that longer to suffer such Insolencies and not by just force to resist unjust violence and by dangers to seek a remedy against greater or more imminent dangers Not to stand to the defence of our Lieges and take upon us their protection were to invite others to offer the like affronts and injuries to us hereafter Besides these Breaches of Duty Outrages Wrongs done unto us his Brother Henry king of England without any just cause or violence offered to him or any of his by the king of France hath levyed a mighty Army against him invaded his Territories using all hostility Continuing to assault and force his Towns make his Subjects Prisoners kill and ransom them impose Subsidies and lift moneys from the quieter sort which wrongs dammage and injustice we cannot but repute done unto us in respect of our earnest intercessions unto him and many requests rejected and that antient League between the two kingdomes of France and Scotland in which these two Nations are obliged respectively and mutually bound to assist others against all Invaders whatsoever that the Enemy of the one shall be the Enemy of the other and the Friends of the one the Friends of the other As all motions tend unto rest the end of a just war being Peace that our Brother who hath no such Enemy as the too great Riches and abundance in which he swimmeth may entertain Peace with his Brother Princes and moderate that boundless ambition which maketh him usurp Dominion over his equals we have been compelled to take us to defensive arms for our Brother hath now declared himself and
vaunteth that he is sole Iudge and Umpire of the Peace of Europe and that from his will the differences of Successions and Titles of Principalities wrongs and other interests depend as that all should be obsequious to his authority and what particular Authority can be more intolerable than that he should hinder so great and just a Prince as the King of France to claim his own and defend his Subjects If our Brother the king of England by the supply and assistance of many neighbour Countreys now by the Provocation of the Bishop of Rome arising upon all sides against the French should extend his Power and Victory over France under what colour and pretence of Iustice so ever to what an extremity shall the kingdom of Scotland be reduced having so powerful and ambitious a Neighbour Fear of any neighbour Princes Greatness when it extendeth it self over adjaeent Territories is a Good cause of Defence and taking of Armes which cannot be but just sith most necessary We are not ignorant that here will be objected against us The breach of a League contracted between our Brother and us We have not broken that League but for great Causes and Reasons separate our selves from it our Brother having taken away the means occasions reasons were had to observe it In all Leagues Confederations Alliances and Promises amongst Princes the last Confederation is ever understood to be contracted without prejudice to the Rights of any former Alliances and when our Embassadours made that League with our Brother it was to be understood that it should hold no longer nor we longer be bound unto it than he should keep to our first Allies and antient Confederates not breaking their Peace nor troubling the Government and Estates of their Countreys A National League is ever to be preferred before any personal an antient to a new the Leagues between the kingdomes of France and Scotland having continued many ages should justly he preferr'd to that which we as a new Ally of the house of England did contract which yet we are most willing to keep but the love of our Countrey passing all private respects hath mov'd us to separate our selves for a time from it All Leagues Confederations Alliances Promises amongst Princes are respectively and mutually understood with this condition and Law providing both keep upon either side the one party breaking or departing from the League Allyance or Promise the other is no longer bound to keep nor adhere unto it So long as the King of England kept unto us we kept unto Him He now having many waies broken to us we are no longer obliged to keep to him That same oath which obliged and tyed us after his breach absolving and making us free and of this we divers times advertised him giving him assurance except we would betray that Trust and confidence our Subjects and Confederates had in us for the maintenance of their peace and safety we could not but assist them in their just cause howsoever the justest actions have not ever the mrst profitable events and be constrained to have a recouse to arms for a remedy of their present misery And now notwithstanding of our advanced Expedition and preparations for war that the world may judge rightly of our intentions We declare and manifest that if our brother shall leave off the Invasion of our Confederates use no more hostility against them and give satisfaction for the wrongs done unto our Subjects that we shall disband our forces and are content that all matters of difference aswel between the King of France and our brother as our brother and us be amicably judged decided and taken away As that not only a Truce and Cessation of their Miserie for a time but a perfect and lasting Peace be concluded and established to the full contentment and lasting happiness of the three kingdoms and our posterity Whilest the King staied at Linlithgow attending the gathering of his Army now ready to set forward and full of cares and perplexity in the Church of St. Michael heard Evensong as then it was called while he was at his Devotion an antient Man came in his amber coloured locks hanging down upon his Shoulders his fore-head high and enclining to baldness his Garment of azure colour somewhat long girded about him with a Towel or Table Napkin of a comely and reverend aspect Having enquired for the King he intruded himself into the prease passing thorow till he came to him with a clownish simplicity leaning over the Canons Seat where the King â—ate Sir said he I am sent hither to intreat you for this time to delay your expedition and to proceed no farther in your intended journey for if you do ye shall not prosper in your enterprize nor any of your followers I am farther charged to warn you if ye be so refractory as to go forward not to use the acquaintance company or counsel of Women as ye tender your honour life and estate After this warning he withdrew himself back again into the prease when service was ended the King enquired earnestly for him but he could no where be found neither could any of the Standers by of whom diverse did narrowly observe him meaning afterwards to have discoursed further with him feel or perceive how when or where he passed from them having as it were vanished in their hands After his Army had mustered in the Borrow-moor of Edenburgh a field then spacious and delightful by the shades of many stately and aged Oaks about the midst of the Night there is a Proclamation heard at the Market Cross of the Town summoning a great many Burgesses Gentlemen Barons Noblemen to appear within fourty daies before the Tribunal of one Plot-Cock the Provost of the Town in his Timber Gallery having heard his own Name cited cried out that he declined that Judicatory and appeal'd to the mercy of God almighty Nothing was the King moved with those advertisements thinking them Scenick pieces acted by those who hated the French and favoured the English faction being so boldly and to the life personated that they appalled and stroke with fear ordinary and vulgar judgements as Trage-Comedies of Spirits The Earl of Anguss disswaded him from that expedition and many of the most reverend Church-men but the Angel which most conjured him was Margarite his Queen who at that time was with child her tears and prayers shook the strongest beams of his Resolutions She had acquainted him with the Visions and affrightments of her sleep that her Chains and Armelets appeared to be turned into Pearls she had seen him fall from a great Precipice She had lost one of her eyes When he had answered these were but Dreams arising from the many thoughts and cares of the Day but it is no Dream saith she that ye have but one Son and him a a weakling if otherwaies than well happen unto you what a lamentable day will that be when ye shall leave behind you to so tender and weak a
reach it affecting rather to give a stranger the place than a Competitor bringing in the French to equal the ballance as principal himself only as accessory nothing doubting of a chief place in State as well for his forwardness in this election as for the necessity of his Service which the French could not well want and should never be lacking He feared aslo if the faction of the Dowglasses prevail'd the greatness of the Earl of Anguss would be an umbrage to his and lessen and impair it Their Lands and Fortunes lying neer to other as that the Queen by her power in England would cross his fâ—irest projects The King of England had sent a Letter to the Lords of Scotland as he had done to the French King for that same effect remonstrating how dangerous it was for the State of Scotland and young King if they should make choise of the Duke of Albany Notwithstanding of all which through ambition malice envy of others discords amongst themselves they made choise of this Gentleman a stranger by his education and birth ignorant of the nature and manners of the Scots whose Father was banished for Treason against his Brother and dyed unrestored One altogether devoted to the French King and an enemy to the English not caring to keep the Countrey of Scotland in Warrs and Troubles so he might defend the French Nation by making the Scots fight their battels After many private Letters from his Friends in Scotland especially from the Chamberlin inviting him to come home and accept his new dignity the Duke at last is required by the State and Lyon King of Arms is directed to him to acquaint him with their proceedings and make him forward on his way He to endear his comming and make himself the more desired of the People excusing his stay for a while which he laid upon the Treaty of Peace which was then to be agreed upon between England and France by the marriage of Lovys the French King with Mary the youngest Sister of Henry King of England which required his presence sendeth home the King of Arms with Letters from the French King with Sir Anthony Darcea le Siâ—ur de la Beautie This man propounded certain conditions which the Duke required What should be the form of his Government his Guards what Castles should be delivered to him for his Garrisons the restoring his patrimony and Fathers dignities to him Which particularities being condescended unto to Castle of Dumbar was instantly delivered to la Beautie to be kept for a French Garrison at the Dukes comming and Sir Patrick Hamilton Brother to the Earl of Arran Iames Oguilbuy Abbot of Arborth with the King of Arms were sent back again to France After their arrival the Duke of Albany furnished with all necessaries by the French King with eight well rigged Ships took the Seas and in the moneth of May arrived on the West coasts of Scotland from whence with a great retinue of the Nobles and Barons of the Countrey by easie journeys the Queen meeting him he came to the Town of Edinburgh In the Parlament which had been porogued for his comming the Duke accepted the Government and gave his oath of fidelity to the King and Countrey and the three Estates gave their oath of obedience to him and both swore in the administration of Justice neither should be deficient to others Here is he restored to all his Fathers inheritance titles and honours Being declared Dukes of Albany Earl of March and Governour of the Kingdom till the Kings full maturity Many Laws are made for the weal of the Kingdom and to gratifie his Linnage Iames the naturall Sonne of Iames the fourth is created Earl of Murray At the presence of this new Governour the face of the State turned more beautiful and the Court more Royall opprâ—ssion is restrained justice sincerely executed the Court is frequented with good and virtuous men Malefactours and naughty persons banish themselves He maketh a progress to all the notable Towns of the Kingdom seeing crimes punished and faults amended Being a Stranger and not throughly acquainted with the municipal Statutes and particular practises of the Countrey in matters great and of importance he proceedeth by the instructions and informations of some choice men of the Nation it self Especially since he was not infinite to listen to the advice of every one he gave himself to hearken and follow the opinion and counsell of Iohn Hepburn Priour of St. Andrews whose judgement in his greatest difficultiâ—s he receives as an Oracle This man being of a subtle wind malitious crafty rich and endued with some Courtly eloquence by a counterfeit Pretence of knowledge of the affairs of the Kingdom and State neither in some things did he err at first being very familiar with the Duke and in a little time after by bribing secretly some of his choise Servants turned his only Privado and almost possessed alone his judgement and ear He informed him of the strength and Riches of the Countrey of the nature ot the people manner of theri Laws revealed to him many secrets of the Government He gave him a Catalogue of the whole deadly fewds and divisions amongst the Noble men and Gentry opening unto him which were inveterate and had long continued and wâ—ich were fresh upon what accidents they had their beginnings How in prosecuting Revenge in them they cared not how innocent any man was if he were of the Name and Alliance but rather thought the more innocent any was the more it testified their spight which they desired to manifest by taking him away He shewed him what factions were in the Kingdom who sway'd them and were the heads He told him the Scots were a violent fierce people muâ—inously proud and knew not how to obey without the Sword were drawn That they were never absolutely governed by their own Kings themselves far less would they be ruled by him who was but a Governour and half a Stranger King Iames the first they had killed they had made a League against King Iames the second in open Battel they had overthrown King Iames the third and the last King was be best judgements thought to have been secretly taken away here calling to mind the proclaiming of the Arch-bishop Andrew Formans Bull he omitted nothing could derogate to the Chamberlains reputation and honour and an evil opinion of him in the Governour He instructed him how the great Houses of Scotland were so joined and linkt together by kinred alliances Bonds of service or Homage that no Gentleman of any quality although a Malefactor and a guilty person could be presented to justice without some stir commotion tumult of the Grandees and their factious friends Amidst so many strong parties and confederate male-contents the Governor by the power of the Scots themselves and his own Kindred Friends and Followers were not powerful enough â—afely to administer justice for which cause the King of France should be implored to send hither competent
favored the Dowglasses and Humes to perswade them to a Return giving them fair promises of obtaining what they should demand Till at last he removed them to bow and yield to his desires The fugitive Gentlemen returnd but the Queen being with child and near the time of her delivery was necâ—ssitated to stay still till at Harbottle Castle she brought forth her daughter Margarite after Grand-mother to Iames King of Britain So soon as she was able to endure travel and be transported King Henry with an honourable retinue brought her to his Court where she was by him and his Sister Mary late Queen of France welcomed In May she made her progress through London to Baynards Castle and from thence to Greenwich The Contrivers of the exploit of transporting the King to England being within the Country and as it were secure the Governor whose head was filled with suspitions not thinking himself bound by promises will have them give a reckoning of their enterprize and flight into England Against some he hath clear proofs fair and manifest evidences aganist other bare surmises and naked suspitions for they had not left the Country nor had they been partakers of the Queens fortunes Here with an unexspected suddenness M. Gaven Dowglas Uncle to the Earl of Angus Bishop of Dunkel Mr. Patrick Panther Secretary to the late King were committed Mr Gaven in the Castle of St. Andrews Mr. Patrick in Garvet Castle The Lord Drummond grand-Father to the Earl of Angus having beaten a Lyon Herault who too imperiously had given a charge to answer such things should be objected against him was imprisoned in the Castle of Blackness Alexander Lord Hume being charged to answer for his actions and proceedings and not appearing was denounced Rebel his moveables seised on and brought to the Exchequer Stir'd up and irritated by this outrage he maketh Roads upon the neighbour bounds plundereth Dumbar which was the Governors chief resort and to revenge his wrongs setteth on work the Robbers on the borders To repress and bridle this ravaging the Governor in person with a thousand hardy Souldiers marcheth to the Borders directeth some companies to find out the Lord Hume but he either dismaid at the worth and fortune of the Governor or broken and bowing under the burthen of his won miseries commeth to the Governor and submitted his life and estate to his faith and clemency brought to Edinburgh he is trusted to the custody of Iames Earl of Arran the Husband of his Sister with threatnings under pain of High Treason that he should not part with him nor suffer him to escape The Lord Hume had not long staid in the Castle of Edinburgh when with glosses of probalityes of changes casual and such as might fall forth he moved the Earl of Arran to be of his Mind and brought him to conspire against the Governor and hazard to put himself in his place of State He himself was the only man who had brought in the Governor and he knew well how to put him out if the Earl would be of the Party and by his negligence nor reject a Supream honor thrown in his arms He is begun already not to be lov'd if he was not already hated by the subjects bâ— his imperious proceedings If the King of England could find some few Noblemen to make head against him he would constrain him to leave the Country The Earl of Arran was neerest heir to the King it was more reason he should be second in the Kingdom than Iohn who though descended of a brother yet a banisht man and a stranger to the Scots Nation with whom they had not so much as intercourse and famiâ—iarity of language After many such like imducements the Prisoner took away his Keeper with him to the South parts of the Country and both by Letters to their Familiar Kinred and acquaintance and private meetings with other Noblemen strove to make strong and increase their faction In the beginning of the Spring Iohn Stuart Earl of Lennox the Sisters son of the Earl of Arran listed himself in the party of the conspiring Lords and with a number of his Friends and Followers invested the Castle of Galsgow which if they could have kept had been a great advancement to their intentions But the Governor gathering an Army of as many as hast would suffer him to assemble the Defenders not being strong enough to resist him recovered the Castle with small loss of his men After which in indignation he marched to throw down the Castle of Hamilton here victorious anger was conquer'd by pitty and compassion for the old Countess of Arran being at that time there resident who was daughter to King Iames the second Sister to King Iames the third mother to the Earl of Arran Grand-mother to the Earl of Lennox Aunt to the Governour a Lady venerable for years and virtues with tears of affection and sorrow falling down at the Governors feet and received by him with great commiseration in a merciful manner not only preserv'd the Castle but by the means of the Arch-bishop Andrew Forman entered into a Treaty for peace to her Son and the Earl of Lennox And in November the two Earls comming to Edenburgh by the means of this Arch-Bishop were reconciled with the Governor About this time his Mother being far from him to discharge the last duties of affection towards him Alexander Duke of Rothsay brother to the King a child to â—â—miration beautiful and Delightful dyed at Sterlin and was buryed in the Abby Church of Cambuskenneth The term of Peace between the two Kingdomes being almost expir'd and both having a desire to continue it the English sent their Commissioners to Coldingham to whom the Duke then resident at Dumbar sent Monsieur du Plains Embassador for the French King Sir William Scot of Balweary and Gaven Dumbar Arch-Dean of Saint Andrews These after some altercation concerning the Scottish Fugitives conclude a Peace between the Nations from the midst of Ianuary till the feast of Whitsuntide after The English comprehended in the Articles the Earl of Anguss the Lord Hume and the rest of the Queens strayed Faction with all their Kinsmen Clients and Followers The Lord Hume was received again into the Governours favor with condition that if he after break his promises and oaths his old faults should be remembred and joined to his new Master Gaâ—en Dowglasâ— and Mr. Partrick Panther were set a Liberty The Lord Drummond who had been 〈◊〉 was again restored the Eaâ—l of Angâ—ss with these who had followed him with many câ—remonies and great store of Friâ—ndship was welcomed again to the Court. The Disorders of the Kingdom called a Parlament in which many acts were made to restrain and keep under bold and wickedmen and preserve the peace of the Kingdom In this Parlament it was Ordained the Kings Brother Alexander being deceaâ—ed that the Governour should be reputâ—d second person of the Realm and next heir to the Crown Notwithstanding of the
be surmised sometimes by English Ladies to be solicitations and suits of Love For the War with which in case of his Stay he threatned his nation he would use his best endeavours to set his in a posture of Defence When this answer was reported to King Henry he gathered a great Army to invade Scotland and essay if by their own dangers the Scots people could be moved to abandon and disclaim the Dukes authority Seven great Ships came to Inche-keeth and spoiled the adjacent Coasts all the Scots and French which did then inhabite London and other places of England were put to their fines and commanded to go off the Countrey In compensation and for equal amends the French King seized all English mens goods in Bourdeaux imprisoned the persons and retained the money to be paid for the restitution of Tournay The Earl of Shrewsbury making incursions on the Borders burned the one half of Kelso and plundered the other At this time the Emperor Charles the fifth came to England and stirred King Henry to take arms against the French Kings and the French had sent Embassadours to Scotland intreating and conjuring the Scots by their old and new League to arise in arms and invade England The Governour assembled the three Estates at Edinburgh which together condescended to the raising of an Army to resist the incursions of the English and defend the Kingdom to encourage every man for fighting the Wards of those which should fall in this expedition were freely remitted and discharged by Act of Parlament and pensions designed to the Widdows and Daughters of those who dyed in this service This Empyrick balm could the French apply to cure the wounds of the Scotish Common-wealth The Earl of Shrewsbury advancing as was reported towards the west Borders an Army was far gathered and encamped on Rosline-moor which after according to the orders given marched to Annandale and forwards came to the Esk a River running in the Irish Seas neer Carlile the Governour delighted with the Seat and standing of the place caused dig Trenches and by the advice of certain French Gunners placed some Field Pieces and small Ordinance for defence of them and spread there his Pavilions The Citizens of Carlile terrified at the sudden approach of so powerful an Army offer many presents for the safety of their Town whch he rejected The English Army not minding to invade the Scots so long as they kept themselves on their own ground and advanced not the Governour endeavoured to make the Scots spoil the Countrey by incursions but he findeth them slack and unwilling to obey and follow him most part refusing to go upon English Ground amongst whom Alexander Lord Gordon was the chief and first man The Governour finding his command neglected and some Noblemen dissenting from what he most intended commeth back to the place where they made their stand and desires a reason of their stay They told him they had determined to defend their own countrey not invade England That it neither consisted with the weal of the Common-wealth nor as matters went at that time had they sufficient forces to make invasive War That the Governour did not instigate them to invade England for the love he carryed to Scotland but for a benefit to the French by diverting the war prepared by the English against them That by invading they might make themselves a prey to their enemies they were Men and not Angels it was enough for them whilst their King was under age to defend his Kingdom from the violence of Foreigners Put the case they werein one battel victorious considering the slaughter and loss of their Nobles and Gentry in that purchase they might be overthrown in a second fight and then to what would the King the Country be reducedâ— their last King might serve them for a pattern the Revenge of whose death should be delayed till he himself were of years to undertake it The Governour brought to an exigent said they should have propounded these difficulties before they took Arms and on the place of Battel Temerity misbecame Noblemen in action but especially in matters of War in which a man cannot err twice At the convention of the three Estates when war was in deliberation they should have inquired for the causes of it he was not to bring them upon the danger of war without their own consent The English had made many incussions upon their Countrey burning and ravaging who stand only upon defence stand upon no defence a better defence of their own Countrey could not be found than by invading the Countrey of their Enemies They should not be dejected for that accident at Flowden since it was not the fault of the Souldier but the Treason of their Chamberlain who had suffered for it That the glory of the Nation should raise their courages and inflame their bosoms with a desire of revenge The Kings honour and their piety towards the Ghosts of their Compatriots crav'd no less from them That if they would not invade England at least for their Reputation and Fame with the World they would pitch there a short time their Tents and try if the English would hazard to assail them That it would be an everlasting branding their honour if timorously in a suddennesse they show their backs to their enemies and dared them not in the face by some daies stay The Queen though absent had thus perswaded the Noblemen and having understood the Governour to be turned now flexible she dispatched a Post to him requesting he would be pleased with a Truce for some Moneths and that he would commune with the Warden of the English Marches whom she should move to come to his Tent and treat with him The Governour finding he stood not well assured of some of his Army and knowing what a cumbersome task it was to withstand the violence of their desires determined to follow their own current seemed well pleased to hearken to their opinion Hereupon the Lord Dacres Warden of the West Marches came unto the Governours Camp the eleventh of September and as some have recorded the Queen also where a Cessation of Arms was agreed unto for some daies in which time the Queen and the Governour should send Embassadours to treat for a Peace with King Henry and shortly after Embassadours were directed to the Court of England but returned without any good don King Henry demanding extraordinary and harmful conditions to the Realm of Scotland The year 1522. Andrew Forman Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews dyed and Iames Beatoun Arch-Bishop of Glasgow and Chancellour of the Kingdom came in his place of St. Andrews the Arch-Bishop rick of Glasgow was conferred upon Gaven Dumbar whom the King after advanced to be Chancellor of the Kingdom The Governour resenting highly the slighting of the Embassadours by the King of England but more the contempt and scorn of the Scottish Nobility in refusing to follow him in October by the West Seas past over to France promising that
if a peace in this mean time were not concluded with England he would the next Summer bring such War-like Briggades of French and Germans that he should not stand much in need of his own Countreymen who had continued so refractory and backward to his designs He demanded from King Francis five thousand German Horsemen and ten thousand foot to be transported to Scotland which with the Scots who would accompany him he thought sufficient to continue a War with England The French could not spare so many men having Wars both with the Emperour and the English but they gave him three thousand Pikes and one thousand Launces The Governour intending to return to Scotland receiving intelligence that the Ports towards the coasts of France were watched by the English to intrap him in his passage bestowed his Ships so covertly here and there in small companies to avoid all suspition of any purpose he had to stir that year as that thereupon the English Fleet under the Conduct of Sir William Fitz-Williams which had attended and waited his comming forth untill the Midst of August brake up and bestowed themselves in convenient Ports against the next spring The Duke then watching opportunity and readily gathering together his dispersed Ships to the number of some fifty Sail imbarked his men at Brest in Bretaign the one and twenty of September and landed at Kirkowbry or the Isle of Arran in the West of Scotland In his company was Richard de la Pool who had been banished England and to his power faithfully assisted the Governour He arrived the same time that Ied-brough was burnt by the English for Thomas Earl of Surrey high Admiral of England the Marquess of Dorset and his Brother with a competent power entring Scotland had burnt many Towns and overthrown Castles aâ—â— Piles At his comming the Duke assembled the Lords at Edenburgh where they agreed that an Army should forth with be gathered and the 28. of October was appointed for their meeting at Dowglas-dale At the day prefixt the Army marched towards Coldstream upon the Tweed Out of this Army the Governoâ—r having selected a number of the hardiest Soldiers of Scots and French and convoying some Artillery over the water under the command of David Car of Farnehast on the last of October they besieged the Castle of Wark which was defended by Edward Lile or Lisle The Assailants upon the outmost Ward continuing their Battery entred by main force the second Ward but being there repulsed and beaten back a great Tempest arising and fearing the swelling of the River of Tweed might cut them off from their Army on the other side they turned back and repassed the Water the Report of the Earl of Surreys forces come to rescue the Castle and lying at Anwick and also perplexed them not a little the Earl of Surrey at his approach finding the Enemy retired to the other side of the River the Castle safe and having no Commission to pass the English marches of to invade Scotland made mo further pursuit In the mean time the Queen who had ever sought to make firm friendship with her Brother and break the amity of France sent to him to yield to a cessation of War hoping in that time to work some agreement between the two Nations Whereunto the King consenting the Governour finding the Scottish Lords averse to his intentions that he was this time served as he had been before they refusing still to enter upon England and that striving would but the more chafe them also condescended Thus a Truce was promised and faithful peace concluded till the last of November being the Feast of St. Andrews the Winâ—er past without any invasion of the English on Scotland or the Scots on England During the time of this Truce many serious consultations were amongst the Lords of Scotland whither it were more fit to continue this War of give it over Many of them held it unreasonable that for the onely pleasure of the French King the Realm of Scotland should suffer any more damage by the continuing of so needless a War and that the Duke of Albany was alwaies set to perform what the French desired not what was expedieut for the Scottish Nation nor what was in their possibility to accomplish Wherefore they wished that their young King now having attained some years of discretion and passing the age of a Child might bear some away in the Government of the Realm Some argued that a King sooner than the Sons of Noblemen went out of the bondage of Tutelage and enjoyed greater immunities his age often being reâ—koned from the time of his conception That the administration and charge of the Kingdom should early be given him that he might with his years grow in the art of Governing Since we find the same to be usual in the perfection of other arts and Sciences Others entertained other thoughts That to a child who could not by the weakness of his judgement discern Right from Wrong the Helm of State should not be trusted and that the Peers of the Kingdom might be challeng'd of dotage by their Neighbor Countreys for giving to a Child the Sword of Justice which he might thrust in their own entrails one day or wound therewith the bosom of the Common-wealth The Governour finding the Lords divided amongst themselves and their reasons averse to his intentions and that not onely the people but the Souldiery were weary of him and had bent their affections upon their young King foolishly preferring the ignorance and simplicity of a child to his prudency experience and long practice of State requested them to give him leave to return to France and to forgive him any errour he had committed which he protested was of ignorance not of malice Having from men distasted with him without any opposition obtained what he required far from any outward shew of inward discontentment or disquieting himself at the ingratitude of some whom he had advanced to Honors he came to Sterlin where after some days stay with the King when he had given him such instructions of State as he was able to understand for he was but then in the thirteenth year of his Age with many tokens of love and demonstrations of sincere affection he took his leave of him and his Ships attending his passage on the West with a great retinue of Scots and French he held his way towards them and recommended himself to the Sea in the Spring time now the third time for France after which he return'd not at all into Scotland He was a Prince adorned with many Virtues Active Couragious Resolute and knew how to use men as they are If he had not been opposed by the Queen and Nobility he was likely to have lost himself and the whole Kingdom or revenged the death of his Cousen His courteous nature went above his ambition he could as well lay down his Honours as he had modestly when they were laid upon him received them Before the Rumor
of the Duke of Albanies taking the Seas was spread abroad the King of England by secret Letters had required the Earl of Angus who then an Exile staid in France to come to him after the receit of which with a short-leave taking he left France where he had staid almost three years commeth to England King Henry had brought him to believe That the Duke had determined to extirpate his whole Linnage To prevent which he made him offer of Men and Ammunition to preserve his own and by his faction at home and his assistance to send the Duke over Seas which if he had staied the Earl was esteemed powerful enough to have accomplished The Duke of Albany being in France the Queen with the Government of the State assumeth the person of her Sonneâ— whom she moved to leave Sterlin and come to Edinburgh the third day after he had made his entry in the Town she lodg'd with him in the Maiden Castle and it seized on armed with authority she doubted not to make the Countrey yeild her all obedience That the Supream Magistrate of the Town should not oppose her Designs he is put from his Office and the Lord Maxwell a man to her obsequioâ—s is substituted in his place To give the fairer lustre to her Actions a Parlament is called at Edenburgh that what she did might consist with Law When King Henry understood the Duke had left Scotland to exclude and bar him all regress he sent one Magnus a great Oratour but greater by the renown of his skill in the Laws with Roger Ratcliff his Embassadours to try how the Scots amidst unnecessary turmoils would rellish a Truce and Cesâ—ation of Arms and these lay the blame of all the disorders and discords between the two Nations upon the Duke The Nobles tyred with their tedious Wars beginning to espy a Heaven of rest cheerfully accept of this Embassie and agree unto a Truce for one whole year To confirm which they condescend Commissioners shall be dispatched 〈◊〉 who shall treat not only for a Truce but for a firm and lasting Peace between the two Nations and unite the two Crowns in bands of Amity as well as they were united in degrees of blood The Earl of Angus his enemy abandoning the Kingdom after honourable entertainment of the King of England many promises to befriend him and blandishments at his departing commeth to Scotland and his return began to change the Game of State The Queens and Earl of Arrans Faction carryed all matters of importance the Earls of Lennox Arguyl and the Humes had been sequestred from publick imployments the first faction by his presence find their power diminisht the other by his counterpoise and assistance have new hopes of arising both factions disliked that Angus should arise to the first place and suspected he would not be content with the second they loved to have him an equal not Supreme Private jarrs smothered and interests delayed matters concerning England requiring a hasty and present discharge Gilbert Earl of Cassiles Robert Cockburn Bishop of Dunkell David Mill Abboâ— of Cambus kenneth are sent Commissioners to the Court of England At Greenwich they are honorably and kindly received by King Henry whose countenance promised them a refusal of no reasonable thing they would require The Bishop had a speech the Sum of which was That dissention and hatred taken away between the two Nations a faithful Peace might be agreed unto and confirmed their Discords turned into Vnion their Rancour into Love which to bring to pass and make durable the only apparent and probable means was to bestow the Lady Mary the Kings daughter upon James the young King of Scotland The English with great joy applauded to what was said And King Henry appointed certain Commissioners to treat about that purpose in private These when they had met to advance the Union of the Kingdomes desired these Conditions First That the Scotish Nation giving over and fairly forsaking the League they had with France should enter in a new League with them upon the same conditions and terms which were contained in their League with France Next That the young King of Scotland till by age he was able for marriage should be brought up at the Court of England When the Embassadours of Scotland had answered That these conditions were above their Commission to which they could not well answer and desired a time to acquaint the Council of Scotland with them it was condescended unto Thus two of them remaining at London the Earl of Cassiles returned to Scotland to bring back an answer When the day in which the Parlament should have been held was come the Queen and they who were of her faction as the Earls of Arran Murray Eglintoun fearing the Earl of Angus might turn the wavering peoples affection and move them to some Revolt which might hinder their Determinations or terrify the Commissioners by the frequent convention of his Friends and Followers constraining their voices and restraining their freedom of speech Or that they had a plot to surprize some of the contrary Faction and by authority of Parlament commit them in that place caused a Proclamation to be made That none of the three Estates should sit or assemble themselves in the Town of Edinburgh but that they should keep their meeting in the castle and there give their presence The Earls of Angus Lennox Arguyl Arch-bishop of Saint Andrews Bishop of Aberdeen and Dumblane with their adherents and others who joined with them rather out of fear than good will refuse to enter the Castle and require That the Parlament be kept in the accustomed Place the King may in Triumph be shewn to his own people conveyed along the High-Street All which bâ—ing denyed them giving out That Iustice was violated the King kept against his will as a Prisoner the Government and custody of his person seised on without consent of the three Estates they surround the Castle with two thousand men in Arms stop all furniture of food and victuals which should been afforded by the Town In this distress they in the Castle turn the great Ordinance against the Town and threaten the innocent Citizens with the overthrow of their buildings Some powder and time spent in terrifying the people at last Church-men interposing themselves and interceding perswading with the parties an accomodation and atonement is wrought their fury quenched all rancour supprest injuries forgotten the King in magnificence and pomp is convoyed from the Castle to his Palace at Holy-rood-house and the Estates assemble in the wonted place of the Town of Edenburgh In this Parliament the Authority of the Governour is abrogated by which means they saved him a labour from returning into Scotland again Eight Lords were chosen to have the custody of the Kings person quarterly every one his Moneths successively and the whole to stand for tke Government of the State yet with this Limitation That the King by their Counsel should not determine nor ordain
where they were charitably received and honourably entertained by King Henry the eight Now are the Offices and Lands of the Dowglasses disposed upon the Arch-Bishop of Glasgow Gaven Dumbar is made Chancelour Robert Bartoun who was in especial favor with the King Treasurer great Customer General of the Artillery and Mines and other their Charges are given unto others The King of England intending a War against the Emperour Charles the fifth sendeth Embassadours to Scotland for a certain time to treat a peace and if it were possible to reconcile the Dowglasses with the King Five yerrs truce was resolved upon but for the Dowglasses the King would hearken to no offers onely Alexander Drummond by the intercession of Robert Bartoun and the Embassadours had liberty to return home When the Earl of Northumberland and the Earl of Murrey who had full power to conclude a Truce had met the other Commissioners upon the Borders the factious great men and ranck Ryders there put all in such a confusion by urging difficulties that they parted without agreeing unto any articles or certain conclusions which the King took in so evil a part that divining from what head this interruption sprung he committed sundry Noblemen to the Castle of Edenburgh till they gave hostages and secured the borders from invasion or being invaded In the Moneth of Iune following with a great power he visited these bounds executing Justice upon all Oppressours Theeves and Out-Laws In Ewsdale eight and fourty notorious Riders are hung on growing Trees the most famous of which was Iohn Arm-strong others be brought with him to Edenburgh for more publick execution and example as William Cockburn of Henderland Adam Scot of Tushelaw named King of Theeves The year 1530. the King instituted the College of Justice before it was ambulatory removing from place to place by Circuits Suits of Law were peremptorly decided by Baylies Sheriffs and other Judges when any great and notable cause offered it self it was adjudged Soveraignly by the Kings Council which gave free audience to all the Subjects The power and privileges of this College was immediately conâ—irmed by Pope Clement the seventh In this Court are fifteen Judges ordinary eight of them being spiritual persons of the which the most antient is President and seven Temporal men The Chancellour of the Realm when he is present is above the President There are also four Counsellours extraordinary removable at the Princes pleasure This institution is after that Order of Justice which is administred in Paris first instituted by Philip the fourth the French King the year 1286. The King about this time storeth his Arsenals with all sort of Arms the Castles of Edenburgh Sterlin Dumbartoun and Blackness are repaired and furnisht with Ordnance and Ammunition Whilst no certain Truce is concluded between the Realms of England and Scotland the Earl of Angus worketh in this interim so with the King of England that Sir Eâ—ward Darcey is sent to the Borders who when his solicitation for restoring the Earl at the Scothish Court had taken no effect yea had been scorned after he had staied at Berwick with the Garrisoned Souldiers and some selected companies out of Northumberland and Westmerland maketh a Road into Scotland Coldingham Dunglas and adjacent Villages they burn ravage the Countrey towards Dunce Some Scottish Ships and Vessels were also at this time taken by Sea When a reason was sought of this invasion in a cessation of Arms and calm of Truce They require the Dowglasses may be restored totheir antient inheritances and whatsoever had been withheld from them and that Cannabiem a poor Abbacy be rendred to the English as appertaining of old to the Crown of England The Earl of Murray being declared Lieutenant maketh head against them but the English dayly increasing in number and his companies not being suffcient to make good against so many and large in cursions the power of Scotland is divided into four Quarters every one of which for the durance of fourty daies by turns taketh the defence of the Countrey The English finding by this intercourse of new Souldiers the War to be prolonged would have gladly accepted of Peace but they disdained to sue for it to the Scots it was thought expedient that the French a Friend then to both should be a Mediatour to reconcile them whereupon after an Ambassador had come from France Commissioners first meet at Newcastle and after at London Iames Colvil of Easter Weyms Adam Otterburn of Redhall William Stuart Bishop of Aberdeen the Abbot of Kinloss These conclude a Peace To continue between the two Realms during the two Princes lives and one year after the decease of him who should first depart this life About this time the secrets of the Ecclesiastical Doctrine and Authority beginning to be laid open to the view of the World the politick Government of Kingdomes began to suffer in the alteration and discovery The Lady Katherine daughter to Ferdinando and Isabella King and Queen of Spain and Sister to the Mother of Charles the fifth Emperour had been married to Arthur Prince of Wales eldest Sonne to Henry the seventh King of England he dying by the dispensation of Pope Iulius the Second her Father in Law gave her again in Marriage to Henry his other Son the Brother of Arthur This Queen though fruitful of children and often a Mother brought none forth that long enjoyed life and came to any perfection of growth except one onely Daughter Mary Her Husband either out of spleen against the Emperrour Charles or desire of male children or other Causes known to himself pretended great scruples in his conscience would make himself and the world believe that his marriage was not lawfull After deliberation with his Churchmen whom he constrained to be of his mind he kept not longer company with his Queen his Churchmen used all their eloquence to make the Queen accept of a Divorce which she altogether refusâ—d and had recourse to the Pope who recals the cause to himself At Rome whilst in the conâ—istory the case is made difficult and the matter prolonged King Henry impatient of delâ—iâ—s and amorous divorceth from his own Queen and marrieth Anne Bullen 1533. Then the Pope with his whole Cardinals gave out their Sentence That it was not lawful for him by his own authority to seperate himself from his wife that his marriage with Katharine was most lawful not to be questioned and that under pain of Excommunication he should adhere unto her King Henry well experienced in the great affairs of the World considering how the threatnings and thunders of the Bishops of Rome even in these antient and innocent times when they were believed and reverenced in his Kingdom produced never great effects thought them to no purpose in a time when Doctrine was publisht to the World embraced and believed of numbers by which they were contemned and scorned upon this and other grounds he refuseth to obey and the Pope continneth his menacing This
disorder and boldness of the King of England moved the Emperour and the Pope to try if they could win the King of Scotland to arise in arms against his Vncle King Henry The Emperour essayeth it under pretence of other business of great importance For having given way to new opinions in Religion amongst his Countreymen of Germany and finding them mounted to that height as to have produced the effects he deâ—ired by this division laying a foundation to turn the Imperial Crown Hereditary to his own House which Germany being all of one mind and undistracted he could never have brought to pass he compelleth the Bishop of Rome to condescent to a general Council or Assembly of the Clergy of Europe the only and soveraign remedie to cure diseased minds and accord different opinions but he knew well that by the Church of Rome men would be delegated to this meeting turbulent and so far from pacifying tumults began that instead of Water they would apply Oyl and Wood to these flames turn opinions before disputable irreconciliable and leave matters worse than they found them Having implored the aid and assistance of the Potentates about him to the setting forward of so pious and holy a work he sendeth Goddes callo Errico a Sicilian for greater secrecy cie by Ireland to the King of Scotland This Embassadour for a token of that affection the Emperour his Master carryed to the person and virtues of King Iames presenteth him with the Order of the Golden-fleece 1534. with solemn Protestations for the observing of these antient Leagues and Confederacies contracted between the Princes his Masters Predeceslours and the Kings of Scotland to continue ever amongst themselves His other instructions were Plaints of the wrongs done to his Aunt Katharine most injustly repudiate and forsaken by a King forsaken of God and abhorred of men The marriage of Ann Bullen should wound deeply King James it being likely by her Succession he should be barred of his Right to the Crown of England The Emperour by his Ambassadour expostulating the wrongs of his Aunt had gained nothing but that for his sake shee was the worse entertained To make more strong and lasting the Emperours friendship with King James he if he pleased would make him an offer and give him the choice of three Ladies three Maries all of the Imperial Stem Mary of Austria the Emperours Sister the Window of Lovis King of Hungary Mary of Portugall the Daughter of his Sister Eleonara of Austria Mary of England the Daughter of Katharine and King Henry And would undertake the performance of this last either by consent of her Father or by main force The greatest but last of his instructions was that to suppress the Heresies of the time he would concur with the Emperour for the convocating a General Council and obviate the calamities then the threatning the Christian Religion The King with great cheerfulness and many thanks that the Emperour entertained him with such respect and held him worthy so fair and Royal Allyance and the participation of affairs of such importance and moment received this Embassage For the Council providing it were a general Council lawfully convocated by the Emperour and Christian Kings as the first Councils were wont free and holy as nothing is more holy than a general convocation of Christians the most charitable and quiet of the Clergy and such who would pacifie matters not the most zealous and â—iery Spirits or men corrupted by rewards being delegated unto it being premonisht of the time and place he would apply his will unto his assist him thither send his best Oratours and most convenient Church-men That if a true Council could not be obtained every Prince should reform the Errors of Doctrine and faults of the Clergy within his own Dominions The Proceedings of his Vncle were grievous unto him being a man altogether thralled to his own opinions For the Good of the Christian Religion and Peace of Europe it were expedient that all her Princes were united together in amity and love and their Arms directed against the common enemy the Turk For himself he would be Mediatour to reconcile the Emperour and his Vncle endeavour to recall him to the love of his Wife nor by any perswasions to be induced to condescend to ought prejudicial to Queen Katharine The three Ladies were every one in the superlative worthy especially Mary of England for that great reason of uniting the Isle of Great Britain but she was not in her own power nor in the power of the Emperour that he could bestow her upon whom he pleased That to ravish her out of the hands of her Father would be beside the danger of the Enterprize a breach of Divine and humane Lawes It was not safe for Paris that he preferred one of the three Goddesses to the other two for prizing those three that the Emperour might know how dearly he respected and earnestly affected his affinity there remained a fourth Lady neer in blood to the Emperour Isabella Daughter of Christian King of Denmark and Isabella the Emperours own Sister whom besides her matchless virtues for the vicinity of the Nation to his and the conformity of their harmless humours he made choice to be Queen of his affections and Dominions Godscallo answered this last That a match with Lady Isabella of Denmark could not with the Emperours credit be brought to pass because she was promished already to another Frederick Count Palatine and the marriage might be accomplished before news came to the Emperour of the Kings election This choice of the Kings was but an evasion for Sir Thomas Areskin of Brichen Secretarie and David Beatoun Abbot of Arbroth under pretence of renewing the League between France and Scotland long before had been directed to France about a Marriage with the eldest Daughter of King Francis which Iohn Duke of Albany projected when the League between the two Kingdoms was renewed at Rochell Henry King of England had now renounced all obedience from the Bishop of Rome and thorough his whole Dominions abrogated his authority and Paul the third after his assuming the Papacy set forwards by the Emperour and his Cardinals who thought either to recover England or burnt it up by a Foreign or civil war never left thundering against him But after Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester was beheaded a man imprisoned for adhering to the Pope then for his persecution and that the king might carry him greater respect made Cardinal the whole Conclave stir the Pope against King Henry And full of Grief and rage remonstrate what danger would follow their Order if this Example unpunisht should have way They maintained the Papal power against all Princes which now for fear of their Lives they would be forced to forsake or to proceed with great 〈◊〉 and neglect if by any secular power they might be called in Judgement and embrue Scâ—ffolds with their blood The Pope though highly provokâ— parted not from his Resolution yet used a sort
Prior of Crato who claimed the Crown of Portugal to reclaim whose Kingdome She sent the Earl of Essex and Drake or should marry one of them to their neerest Kinswomen and send him armed with power to claim his Title to the Crown of Scotland as King Iames the fourth of Scotland practised upon Perkin Warbeck naming himself Richard Duke of York to whom he gave in marriage Lady Katharine Gordoun Daughter to the Earl of Huntley and thereafter with all his forces to estable his said Ally in his Title invaded England It would be considered whether they had a fair bridge to come over to this Isle It would likewife be considered if the Earl of Strathern though a mean Subject these two hundred years having been debarred from all title to the Crown and now by the indulgency and exceeding favour of the Prince being restored to his descent in bloud and served Heir to his great Progenitors and indirectly as by appendices to the Crown if either out of displeasure or for want of means to mainâ—tain their estates he or his should sell and dispose their Rights and Titles of the Kingdom of Scotland to some mighty and Foreign Prince such as is perhaps this day the King of Sweden who wanteth nothing but a title to invade a Kingdom not knowing whither to discharge his victorions forces It would be considered if that title disposed to that Priuce were sufficient to make him King of Scotland Or if establiâ—hing his right upon fair conditions such as is liberty of conscience absolution and freedom from all taxes and subsidies the transferring of Ward lands into fewd the people of Scotland might give him their Oath of Alleagiance or if he might redact the King of Scotland to give him satisfaction and compound for his right of the Crown of Scotland It would to these be considered If times should turn away the minds of Subjects from their Prince by superstition sedition and absolute Rebellion as what may not befall an inconstant ever wavering Nation to an Aristocratie Oligarchy Democratie or absolute Anarchy If the Rebellious subjects and abused Populace might not make advantage of such Men who draw their titles from Evanders mother to trouble the present times That nothing could be more dangerous to the Nobleman himself than this service may be understood by the like examples Clouis King of France having understood that a Nobleman of Artois named Canacare blown up by Power had vaunted that he was come and lineally descended from Clodion le Chevelu and by that same Succession was heir of the Crown of â—rance closed not his ears to it saies the History but caused extirpate that Sower of impostures and all his Race Henry the fourth King of England after the deposure of King Richard the second kept Edmond Mortimer Earl of March who had a just title to the Crown under such Keepers that he could never do nor attempt any thing till he dyed But Henry the seventh King of England took away Edward Plantaginet Duke of Warwick Heir to George Duke of Clarence by reason of his jealousie of Succession to his Uncle Edward the fourth Margarite Plantaginet his sole Daughter married to Sir Richard Pole knight by Henry the eight restored to the Earldom of Salisbury was attainted threescore and two years after her Father had suffered and was in the Tower of London beheaded in whose person dyed the surname of Plantaginet Anne Plantaginet Daughter to Edward the fourth being marryed to Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey and Duke of Norâ—olk was the ground and chief cause wherefore King Henry the eight cut off the head of Henry Earl of Snrrey though the pretended cause whereon he was arraigned was the bearing certain arms of the house of York which only belonged to the King Mary Queen of England cut off the head of Lady Iâ—â—e Gray and the Lord Guilford her Husband for their title to the Crown and that same reason was the overthrow and finall destruction of Mary Queen of Scotland by Queen Elizabeth The Duke of Guise by a Genealogy deduced from Charles the Great in the raign of Henry the third the French King was thought to aspire to the Crown of France and suffered at last for this and his other presumptions It is notoriously known that these two hundred years the Race of Euphane Ross in her children David Earl of Strathern and Walter Earl of Athole and all their Succâ—ssion by all the Kings of Scotland sithence have been ever suppressd and kept under and for reason of State should still be kept low and under unless a Prince would for greater reason of State aduance them to give them a more horrible blow and by suborning mercinary men make them aim above their reach to their last extirpation Dum nesciunt distinguere inter flamma praecipitia Princeps quem persequitur honorat extollit in altum An intended Speech at the West Gate of Edenburgh to King JAMES SIR IF Nature could suffer Rocks to move and abandon their natural places this Town founded on the strength of Rocks now by the chearing Rayes of your Majesties presence taking not only motion but life had with her Castle Temples and Houses moved towards you and besought you to acknowledge her yours and her indwellers your most humble and affectionate Subjects And to believe how many souls are within her circuits so many lives are devoted to your sacred person and Crown And here Sir She offers by me to the Altar of your glory whole Hecatombs of most happy desires praying all things may prove prosperous unto you that every Virtue and Heroick Grace which make a Prince eminent may with a long and blessed Goverment attend you Your Kingdomes flourishing abroad with Bays at home with Olives presenting you Sir who art the strong Key of this little World of Great Britain with those keys which cast up the Gates of her affection and design you power to open all the springs of the hearts of those her most Loyal Citizens Yet this almost not necessary For as the Rose at the fair appearing of the morning Sun displayeth and spreadeth her purpleâ— So at the very noise of your happy return to this your native Countrey their hearts if they could have shined through their brests were with joy and fair hopes made spatious Nor did they ever in all parts feel a more comfortable heat than the glory of your prefence at this time darteth upon them The old forget their age and look fresh and young at the appearance of so gracious a Prince the young bear a part in your Welcom desiring many years of life that they may serve you long all have more joies than tongues For as the words of other nations far go beyond and surpass the affection of their hearts So in this nation the affection of their hearts is far above all they can express by words Daign then Sir from the highest of Majesty to look down on their lowness and embrace it accept
Guilielmus Drummond de Havthornden Hos Gloria Reddit Honores R Gaywood fecit 1654 THE HISTORY OF SCOTLAND From the year 1423. until the year 1542. CONTAINING The LIVES and REIGNS OF JAMES The I. the II. the III. the IV. the V. With several Memorials of State During the Reigns of Iames VI. Charls I. By WILLIAM DRUMMOND of Hauthornden LONDON Printed by Henry Hills for Rich. Tomlins and himself and are to be sold at their houses near Py-Corner THE PREFACE TO THE READER TO Speak in Commendation of History in general were so many waies superfluous that we shall rather leave it to the experience of sober and inquisitive minds than injure the High Elogiums given of both the greatest and wisest Antients and Moderns by a disadvantagious Repetition of them And for to say any thing concerning the Countrey which was the Scene of the actions here represented we conceive it needless and improper in regard we are immured by one Sea breath one air speak one Tongue and now closed together by an happy Coalition under one Government The proper work therefore is to offer what can be said of the History and the Author and so dismiss the Reader to the Entertainment of the Book it self For his manner of Writing though he treat of things that are rather many than great and trouble some than glorious yet he hath brought so much of the main together as it may be modestly said none of that Nation hath done before him And for his way of handling it he hath sufficiently made it appear how conversant he was with the Writings of Venerable Antiquity and how generously he hath emulated them by an happy imitation for the purity of his Language is much above that Dialect he writ in his Descriptions lively and full his Narrations clear and pertinent his Orations Eloquent and fit for the persons that spâ—ak for that since Livys time was never accounted Crime in an Historian and his Reflections solid and mature so that it cannot be eâ—spected that these leaves can be turned over without aâ— much pleasure as profit especially frequently meeting with so many Glories and Trophies of our Ancestours yet because either of these may a little abate in respect the beginning seemâ— a little abrupt and precipitious the Author possibly dying before â—e could prepare an Apparatus or Introduction we have taken the pains out of other Records of that Nation to draw a brief Representation of some passages necessary to be foreknown The direct Royal Line of Scotland failing in Alexander III. Son of the II. of that name who when he a few years before had lost both his wife and all his hopeful and numerous issue nothing remaining of it saving a Girl to his Daughter brought to Hungonan King of Norway The Nobility hereupon meet at Scone and put the Kingdom into the hands of six Persons Edward of England sends to demand the Daughter Grandchild in marriage as next Heir of the Crown This was agreed unto Embassadours sent for her but the death of the Lady frustrated all that Negotiation The death of this Margarite so was she called was the firebrand that set England on fire and had almost destroyed Scotland For two Competitors declared themselves both powerful and of great Estates in Scotland and strongly supported with Forein Confederacies for Iohn Baliol had engaged the English Interest and Robert Bruce the French But to be a little clearer we must look back The line thus failing they were forced to run back to the line of David Earl of Huntington Brother to King William this David by his Wife Maud Daughter to the Earl of Chester had three Daughters Margâ—â—â—t married to Allan of Galloway the second to Robert Bruce sirnamed the Noble the third to Henry Hastings Earl of Huntington who made no claim Now thus it stood Dornagil the wife of Baliol claim'd it as grandchild by the Eldest Daughter and Bruce as great Grandchild by the second saying It was not fit that Daughters should inherit when there were Sons to represent the Ancestor Baliol he was neerer as being in the second degree and the other but in the third The Controversie growing high and boysterous and the Power and Interests of both parties at home being equally formidable and dangerous they resolved to refer it to King Edward who comming to Berwick and calling Lawyers to his Assistance pretends all Equity but rais'd up eight other petty Competitors the better to weakon the claim of the other two and so handled the business whilst the Lawyers were slowly consulting that Bruce having refused to accept the Crown in Homage and Tribute from England he declared upon his acceptance of those conditions IOHN BALIOL to be King who was Crowned at Stone But soon after an appeal being made against him to King Edward by Macduff Earl of Fife and he refusing to riâ—e from the Seat where he sate to answer but being inforced by the King so to do became so aliened in his affections from the English that a new quarrel breaking out between the French and the English and both by their Embassadours Courting the Scottish Amity it was resolved to adhere to the French and renounce the Homage to England as obtained by Fraâ—d and Force Edward enraged at this having obtained a Truce for some few Moneths with the French assails Berwick by Sea but with some loss which enflames him the more summons Baliol who refuses proâ—ers it to Bruce takes Berwick by Stratagem enters Scotland masters the Countrey takes Edinburgh and Sterlin and forces Baliol to a surrender at Forfar and sends him Prisoner to London whither himself returns having made most of the Nobility do Homage and left the Earl of Surrey his Deputy Baliol soon after is sent into France leaving his Son Edward as Hostage for his fidelity Edward sets â—ail for France the Scots rise and make some little Incursions into the Borders But about this time Siâ— William Wallas arose who to his Honour did so Heroically deâ—end his Countrey in her weakest condition as made it easily appear if he had had as happy a fortune to advance as he had a miserable to relieve he might have been remembred for as great a man as ever was in any age for having upon a quarrel slain a young English Gentleman and enforced to lurk in the Hills for the safety of his life he became inured 〈◊〉 â—uch hardness that awaking his natural Courage he 〈◊〉 the Head of all the Male-contents and filled both the Kingdoms with his Reputation and Terror and behaving himself according to expectation glean'd up to a tumultuary Army and the Nobility being either sloathful or cowardly commanded as Baliols Vice-Roy Thus after some little skirmishes he reduced all beyond the Forth took Dundee Aberdeen and other places when there arrived rumour of an English Army which he was not willing to dispute with but upon his own Terms Edward that had fortified all the Considerable places and kept the
after March and Dowglas were reconciled In the year 1411. Donald the Islander Lord of the Budae enters Ross as his pretended inheritance with ten thousand men and easily reduced it and flushed by this goes to Murrey which being strengthless he easily mastered and pass'd spoiling into Bogy and approached Aberdeen To stop this â—orrent Alâ—xander Earl of Mar followed by most of the Nobility met him at Harley a Village beyond Tey where they joined in so bloody a Battel and lost â—o many Noble and Considerable Persons that though Night parted them neither could pretend to the Victory To this year doth the University of Saint Andrews ow its rise The next ten years nothing was done between the Scotch and English Henry the V. succeeding his Father and being wholly intent for France there was little to do between the two Nations unless some small incursions 1419. In the year 1419. auxiliaries were sent into France and employed in Turain but they making merry in the Easter-Holidaies the Duke of Clarence being informed thereof marches with a party to them but notwithstanding finding a stout repulse was himself with many of his Souldiers slain Whilst this happens in France in the year 1420. Robert the Governour dies and Mordack his Son a Sot was put in his place which he was so fit for that he could not govern his three Sons which was the cause of the Fathers and their ruines This Domestick Change called home the Forces employed in France but things being settled others went in their places Henry of England hearing of the Death of Clarence made Iohn Duke of BEDFORD his Vice-Roy himself intending to follow and carry JAMES of Scotland along with him the better either to winn or suspend the hearts of the Scots but it was in vain for they said they would not obey a man that had not his own Liberty Much action past afterwards between them and the English but we hasten to close with the Author MORDACK as it hath been said being Governour having neglected all Discipline at home suffered his Sons to come to that petulancy that they were not only offensive to all the people but with all disobedient to their Father who having a brave Faulcon which his Son WALTER had often begged but in vain he snatch'd it out of his Fathers hand and wrung off her neck which his Father being angry at Well saies he Since I cannot govern thee I will bring one shall govern us both And from that day he ceased not to further the Redemption of the KING which was after Ordered at an Assembly at Perth and an honourable Embassy sent into England With which this Author begins his History and we conclude this petty Labour The succeeding part which is to continue where he leaves is expected to be worthily performed by Mr. Saunderson and the precedent by the ingenious and learned Mr. Christopher Irwin But because we have made a part of promise to say somewhat of the Author who hath left himself the memory of an ingenious man by the things we have of his and for that it is but too common ingratitude to leave us better acquainted with the thoughts of men than with their persons and qualities many excellent Spirits leaving only their Spiritual parts behind them and little of their Corporal but their names we shall set down in brief what we understand concerning him WILLIAM DRUMMOND was the Son of Sir JOHN DRUMMOND and was born in the year 1585. and was brought up in Edenburgh where having past through his course of Philosophy he took the Degree of Master of Arts and in the year 1606. went into FRANCE to study the Lawes as a way to raise him to preferment at Court But his wit being of a greater delicacy could not engage on the toyls and difficulties of that study as being wholly enclined to ease and retirement and a prosecution of the easier and softer entertainments of the Muses In this humour for he was especially addicted to POETRY having for that pâ—rpose sufficiently mastered the GREEK LATINE FRENCH SPANISH and ITALIAN Tongues as may appear by all his things of that nature lived retiredly with his Brother-in-Law till he was five and fourty years of age at which time he unexspectedly maried MARGARITE LOGANE a younger Daughter of the House of RESTELRIG He was not more retired in his Person than careless of his Fame all his Poems being printed in loose sheets and only addressed to his Friends Yet though he retreated from all the World yet he was still found out for all Learned and men of Quality gave him his due respect As for his own Countrey-men the Earl of STERLIN LEOCHEM and Doctor JOHNSON Besides though he were little in ENGLAND yet DANIEL DRAYTON and JOHNSON visit him by their Letters and testifyed their esteem of him All that we have of him is this Book and his Poems of which when they are to be published you all have have better information In this manner be continued a harmless and a virtuous life till in the year 1649. he was summoned to pay his great debt to Nature having left a little before his death a quantity of books to the Library of Edenburgh Having premised thus much to satisfy the Reader as worthy to be foreknown though I have had little encouragement for my pains I shall cease being ingenious in another mans book and attend the restitution of that without which my self cannot subsist From my Chamber Ian. 24. 1654 5. IAMES I KING OF Scotes AnoÌ„ 1424. R Gaywood fecit THE HISTORY OF THE Reign of Iames the first KING of SCOTLAND THE Nobles of Scotland being wearied with the form of their present Government for though they had a King they enjoyed not the happiness of his sway by his restraint afar off under the power of a Stranger some of them were possâ—ssed with hopes by the change of the Head to find a change in the Body of the State and a flow of their ebbing Fortunes the Church-men and the Geâ—try having ever continued loyall and well-affected to the Lawful Heir of the Crown the Commons men delighting in Novations and ordinarily preferring uncertainties things unseen and to come to what for the time they did hold and enjoy the Governor of the Kingdom also himself iâ—ritated by the misdemeanour of his Children and forecasting the danger he might be plunged into if the States should purchase the recovery of their King he not complying to their Design all unanimously and together determine without longer prolongings to work the delivery of their Native Prince IAMES forth of England where he had been detained eighteen years as a Prisoner They who were chosen and got Commission to negotiate his Liberty were Archembald Earl of Dowglass Son to Archemâ—ald Duke of Turrain William Hay Constable of the Realm Alexander Irwin of Drumm Knight Henry Lightoun Bishop of Aberdeâ—n Alexander Cornwall Arch-Dean of Lothian These comming to London were graciously received by the State and severally
your selves keeping your own in a Neutrality receiving both sides French and English in the way of Friendship neither side in the way of Faction The French Embassadour spoke to this purpose It seemeth strange to me that it should be questioned and fall within the Circle of deliberation whether old ever true and assured Friends or old never trusted and only Enemies should in an honourable suit be preferred whether ye should stand to a Nation which in your greatest calamities never abandoned you or embrace and be carryed away with one which hath ever sought your overthrow The English sue for your alliance and friendship but it is to make you leave your old 〈…〉 and turn the instruments of their ruin and at last 〈…〉 yoak of bondage upon your selves The French sue for your 〈…〉 alliance both to support themselves hold servitude from 〈◊〉 were not your friendship with France their power policy and number had long ere these daies over-turned your Realm or had France but shown her self an indifferent Arbitress of the blowes between Scotland and England ye had scarce till now kept your Name less your Liberties can ye prove so ungrateful as not to supply them who supported you Can ye prove so unconstant after so many glorious wounds received in the defence of France as cowardly to turn your backs upon her in her greatest need defacing all the Traces of your former fame and glory with what countenances could ye look upon those Scots which at Vernueill and Cravant in the Bed of honour left their Lives if unrevenged ye should adhere and join your selves to their Enemies and Killers Now though ye would forsake the French at this time intangled in many difficulties not regarding their well being nor be solicitous of their standing at least be carefull of your own It cannot subsist with your well and safety to suffer a bordering Nation alwaies at enmity with you to arise to that height and power by such an addition as is the Kingdom of France so soon as a State hath a Neighbour strong enough and able to subdue it it is no more to be esteemed a free Estate The English are already become so potent that no less than united forces of Neighbour Kingdomes will serve to stop the current of their fortune Neglect not the certain love of the French your often tryed and antient friends for the uncertain friendship and within a little time forgotton Alliances of the English your late reconciled Enemies But it may be after mutual marriages have one day joined your two Kingdoms in one they will seek no preheminency over your State nor make thrall your Kingdome but be knit up with you in a perfect union Do not small brooks lose their Names when they commix their Streams with mighty Rivers and are not Rivers ingolfed when they mingle their waters with the Seas Ye enjoy now a kind of mixed Government my Lords not living under absolute Soveraignty your King proceedeth with you more by Prayers and requests than by Precepts and Commandements and is rather your Head than Soveraign as ruling a Nation not conquered But when ye shall be joined in a Body with that Kingdom which is absolutely royal and purely Monarchical having long suffered the Laws of a Conquerour ye shall find a change and a terrible transformation The free mannaging of your own affairs shall be taken from you Laws Magistracies Honours shall depend on them the wealth of your Kingdom shall be transferred to theirs which to obey and prostrate your selves unto if ye be found stubborn ye shall suffer as a Nation conquered be redacted in a Province have Deputies and Governours set over you Garrisons in your strongest holds and Castles and by a Calm of Peace and Union receive more fearfull blowes than ye could have suffered by any Tempest of war The miseries of a most lamentable Servitude What courtesie can ye exspâ—ct at their hands who contrary to all divine and human Laws detained your King eighteen years prisoner and besides an exorbitant Ransom as if he had been taken in a lawfull war did not without Hostages send him home We of France did never forsake you in your extremities and we expect ye will assist us with all your power They are in suit of your Daughter but it is long after she was assured unto us in claiming her we claim but our own this time past ye have only had the custody and education of her yet if they be so ambitious of your Alliance God hath blessed you with more than this But it is not that which they sue for it is to make you disclaim your Friends hate those which love you and love them which hate you and they are working upon you as upon a rude unpolisht people They offer to render you Bâ—rwick and Roxbrough these gifts of Enemies are to be feared they know it is in their own power to re-obtain them when they please As for that point wherein they would have you indifferent Spectators of the blowes and that it shall be profitable for you not to meddle with this Warre ye are too near engaged neither is there any thing can be more dammâ—geable unto you for if ye be not of the party ye may assure your selves that your Countrey shall remain a Prey and Reward to the Conquerour with content and applause of the vanquished who is not bound to succour those who refused to assist and help him in his necessities Prove firm and constant to us your first Confederates combine your forces with ours and by the assistance of that supreme providence who pittieth at last the oppressed we have fair certainties and true hopes to cut so much work abroad to the English that they shall do little or no harm to you at Home The King and Nobles though it seemed more profitable for the present time to follow the English weighing their offers yet held it more advantageous and sure for comming times to follow the French for if the English should make conquest of France the conquest of Scotland would scarce be one Moneths work to their power and for matter of allyance God knows how little Princes regard it when occasion is offered to enlarge their power and Dominion Thereupon they declare they will not break the antient League and Peace they have kept with France The English Ambassadours denyed of their suit went from Prayâ—rs and Requests to threatnings and menacings and having friendship refused denounced war If the King gave his Daughter to the French that they if they could would hinder her passage by Sea having already a Fleet prepared to this effect and thus went away the English Ambassadours The King was so far from being moved by these threatnings that immâ—diateâ—â— he made ready his Shipps and knowing more affairs to be brought to a good end and finished by the opportunity occasions than force and power with an able Company of Marriners and Souldiers setteth his Daughter to Sea The English fleet
the Governors Son a young man of great expectation with Robert Levingston Treasurer and David Levingston not so much by any crime proved against them as by the Divine Justice in punishing the severity of the Governor for the execution of the Earl of Dowglass in the Castle of Edinburgh had their heads cut off the people much deploring their misfortune By this blow the Earl of Dowglass thought he was more terribly avenged then if he had proved his power against the old man having thus as it were killed him twice Though by this strict Justice he pretended the publick weal his end was to govern all by his absolute Authority and make the world see what credit he had to help or harm when he pleased admire his pompous attendance his haughtie carrying of all business and his power in State The Chancellor having perfected his Embassie Mary daughter to Arnold Duke of Guilders born of the Duke of Borgundies Sister a Lady young beautifull and of a masculine constitution arriveth in Scotland and with great solemnity accompanied with many Strangers and the Nobility of the Kingdom is married to the King in the Abbey Church of Holy-rood-house As these Nuptial Rites were finished the Peace between Scotland and England expired and the Borders of both Kingdoms break and mutually invade others Amidst must robbery spoil and havock upon either side the Earl of Salisbury Lieutenant and Warden upon the West depopulateth the bordering Villages and burneth the Town of Dumfreis the Earl of Northumberland spoiling the east burneth the Town of Dumbar Iohn Dowglass Lord of Balvenny invadeth the English bounds and burneth the Town of Anwich the ravaging and depradations in a short time turning equal the two Kingdoms agree upon a suspension of Arms and place and day to treat about a general peace at the last by an assembly of the States 1449. A Truce is condescended unto for seven years At this time Alexander Seatoun Lord Gordon is created Earl of Huntley and George Leslie Earl of Rothes This Truâ—e was not long kept by any of the Nations but as it had been drawn and plaistered up for the fashion they conspire equally to break it New incursions are made slight skirmishes began to wound either side and banish peace just arms were constrained at last to be opposed to injurious oppressions The Scots having made desolate some parts of Cumberland an Army under the leading of the Earl of Northumberland is raised commanded by Magnus Red-beard whom the Scots by reason of the length of his beard named Magnus with the red Main A man trained from his youth in the Wars of France who is said to have required no more for his Service to the Crown of England then what he might by his own valour conquer of Scotland The English march from the West Borders pass the River of Soloway and Annand and encamp near the River of Sark the Earl of Dowglass declareth his brother George Earl of Ormond Lieutenant for the King against them who with the power of the South and West loseth no time to encounter the Earl of Northumberland the Lord Piercy his Son Magnus Red-bread Sir Iohn Pennington Sir Robert Harrington led the English Battalions The Earl of Ormond Lord Maxwell Lairds of Iohnston and Craiggy Wallace the Scottish Here occasion and place serving is it valiantly fought the fortune of the day long doubtfull till Magnus whose experience and direction in War in those days was deemed unparallâ—ld his courage here turning into temerity was beaten from his horse and slain After his fall many turning their backs the Earl of Northumberland himself with great danger eâ—caped more in the chase were lost then in the Battel such who assayed to pass the River by the confusion and weight of their Arms were plunged in the water other who could not finde the Foords being taken and brought to the Castle of Lochmaben amongst which were Sir Iohn Pennington Sir Robert Harrington the Lord Piercy who by saving his Father engaged himself Few renowned amongst the scots were here lost except Craiggy Wallace a principal actor who governing himself by honour and courage died of his wounds there received not many days thereafter The English to repair their loss raised an Army but by the daily supplies raised for France and their projected Civil Wars the Duke of York Earls of March Warwick and Salisbury beginning to toss the State it was kept at home for their own use and a truce was agreed upon the concluded with Scotland for the space of three years 1450. This Victory obtained chiefly by the valour of the Dowglasses advanced highly their credit with the young King and the Court sounded with nothing more then their praises But great Fortunes are as hard to bear as to acquire and ordinarily prosperity carryeth us into insolencies without pondering the consequence of our actions William Colvill Knight upon a private quarrel having slain Iames Auchinleck a follower of the Earl of Dowglass the Earl revenged his death not only with the slaughter of William but with the throwing down of his House and spoil of all his Lands which turned cold the affections of many about the Court towards him and made him terrible to all of a contrary faction to his After whether tyred with his working thoughts or to shun more hatred and envy or to try what time would produce amidst the inward grudges and rancours of Court or that he held his own Countrey too narrow Lists for his glory he leaveth the Kingdom substituting one of his Brothers Procurator for his affairs and in his absence to govern his estate accompanied with his Brother Mr. Iames a Man learned and brought up in Sorbon Divinity Expectant of the Bishoprick of Dunkel Iames Hamilton of Cadyow the Lords Grahame Seatoun Oliphant Saltoun and many Gentlemen he arriveth in Flanders cometh to France passeth the Alps and it being the year of Iubilee stayeth at Rome where he was honorably recevied and welcomed Envy never leaveth great actors he had not been long absent from his Prince when many are suborned to give up complaints against the oppressions riots wrongs of his Kindred Servants and Vassals The faults of his governing the King are pryed into every oversight and escape aggravated to the height The King at first was loth to lend an ear to misreports and calumnies of a man lately so well deserving and dearly of him beloved but overcome by importunity and urged by the numbers of Complainers he gave way that his Brother and Procurators should make answer for wrongs suffered by the Complainers after many citations his brother not appearing is at last by force presented to the Councel when he could not answer to such faults as were laid against the Earls Vassals and Followers nor acquit them of violent oppressions he was only enjoined to restore to the Complainers their loss and restore all damages Upon fair promises of Restitution the King bringeth him off the danger and obtaineth him liberty
and an aboliâ—ion for all was past and the Kings hand at it they doubted not to null and make it void All being done by a King constrained by a powerful Army and a close prisoner which writing could not oblige any private man far less a King what he then bargained was upon constraint and yielded unto upon hopes of saving his life and an act exacted by force The Duke of Albany finding by the malice and detraction of a malignant faction his brothers countenance altered towards him and danger the requital of his late setting him at liberty the established reconciliation being shaken by suspitions and fancy of revenge obeying necessity fled to his Castle of Dumbar out of which he came to England to present to King Edward and the Duke of Gloucester the consideration of his grievances In his absence he is convinced of many points of treason besides the being accessarie to the taking of Berwick by the English As his dangerous and long intelligence with the King of England his sending of many Messengers at all occasions unto him That without any safe-conduct or pass from his Brother and not so much as acquainting him he had left the Countrey come into England to devise conspiracies against his King and native Kingdom The Lord Creighton as his friend associate and complice is forefeited with him against whom Informations were given that often and divers times under the pretence of hunting secretly with the Duke at Albany he road into England and there meeting with Commissioners sent by King Edward he deliberated of matters concerning novations and of the altring the state That there he kept appointments with Iames Earl of Dowglass the often quench'd fire-brand of his Country That in spight of the Kings forces sent there to lie in Garrison he kept the Castle of Creighton The greatest discontent the King conceived against him was love to one of his Sisters and some feminine jealousies When the Duke understood the proceedings against himself and the Lord Creighton and that for their contumacy and not appearing to answer and give in their answer they were convict of Treason and their lands to be seased upon He caused give up the Castle of Dumbar of which he was Lieutenant to King Edward who immediately placed by Sea a Garrison in it About this time Edward King of England left this world 1483. and his brother Richard Duke of Gloucester did first take the name of Protector and Governor of the Kingdom of England and after his brothers Sons put in the Tower and their Mother the Queen taking Sanctuary in the moneth of Iune possest himself of the Crown The Duke of Albany finding that Richard by his change of Fortune had not changed his affection towards him imploreth his aid in restoring him to his own and repairing not his wrongs alone but a wrong done in his sufferings to the King of England sith there was now an open breach of the Truce and Peace so solemnly by him set down and confirmed by his Brother If he could be furnished but with a few number of choice men of reputation and power to pass into Scotland and take a tryal of the Minds and good will of his fâ—iends and confederates he douted not at his entring the Countrey to finde numbers who by his presence would hazzard upon the most desperate dangers Richard finding the man his Supplicant with whom he endeavoured once an intire frindship and whose advancement in Authority he had most studied condescendeth that five hundred men and Horses should be chosen upon the borders with others who were ontlawes and necessitated sometime to make incursions and with Iames the old Earl of Dowglase a man well known and renowned in the West-borders should make an in-road into Scotland The two and twentie day of Iuly the banished Champion having chosen a good number of their borderers put forward towards Loch Maben to surprize a Fair spoil a publick Market seise upon all the Buyers and Sellers which here meet and traffick every St. Magdalens festival under pretence of Devotion and the liberty of trading many English had hither relsorted at the twelfth hour of the day when the Merchants and Countrey-people were in greatest security the burâ—e is invaded and not bloud but wares sought after the Lard of Iohnstoun who was warden and lard of Cock-pool with many stout borderers having surveyed and Ridden through the places where the people were met to prevent and hinder all disorders and dangers at the noise of an incursion of the English dispatch Poasts to the adjacent bounds for supply and in the mean time rencounter the plunderers of the Fair. Here is it fought with greater courage than force and in a long continued skirmish the danger of the loss stir'd up and incited the parties as much as fame and glory The day was neer spent leaving the advantage to either side disputable when the supply of fresh men come to defend their Countrey and friends turned the Fortune of the fight and put the English borders all to the rout The Duke of Albany by the swiftness of his Horse and the good attendance of his Servants winneth English ground but the Earl of Dowglass loaden and heavy with years and armes is taken by Robert Kirken-patrick who for that service got the lands of Kirk-michael and brought as in triumph to Edenburgh It is recorded that when the Earl was come in the Kings presence he turn'd his back refused to look him in the face considering the many outrages he had perpetrated against his Father and this late offence The King taken with the goodly personage gravity and great age of the man commiserating his long patience and cross fortune being in his young daies designed to be a Church-man confined him as in a free Prison in the Abacy of Lyndores Besides he considered that when occasion served he might bring him out of this solitariness and in these turbulent times by his counsel and presence play more advantageously his game of State being a man of long experience in the affairs of the world and the most learned of all his Nobility He was now become tyred of the Earl of Anguss the remembrance of his first offence remaining deeply ingraven in his heart and to counterpoise his greatness this was the only weight The Duke of Albany found little better entertainment in England the battel being lost some men taken and killed this being the first roade upon Scotland under the reign of Richard who had been formerly so fortunate in his own person his fame injur'd and reputation by this diminished the Duke began to be disliked and was not received with that kindness he was wont whereupon by the assistance and convoy of Iohn Liddale he secretly retired to France After the road of Lochmaben sundry incursions are made by the Scots upon the English borders and by the English upon the Scottish The Champian ground is scoured houses are burnt booties taken with great loss to
Climates Concerning his conditions He was a Prince of an haughty and towring Spirit loved to govern alone affecting an absolute Power and Royal Prerogative over his people He knew that Noble-men were of his Predecessors making as the coyn and why he might not put his stamp upon the same mettal or when these old Medails were defaced that he might not refound them and give them a new print he thought no sufficient reason could be given His reign seemeth a Theater spred over with mourning and staind with bloud where in a revolution many Tragedies were acted Neither were the neighbour Kingdoms about in a calmer estate during his reign France under Lovys the eleventh England under Henry the sixth Edward the fourth and Richard the Usurper Flanders and Holland under Charles the War-like Arnold Duke of Guilders was imprisoned by his own Son As if the heavenly Influences were sometimes all together set to produce upon this Ball of the Earth nothing but conspiracies treasons troubles and for the wickedness of the Inhabitants to deprive them of all rest and contentment This King is by the most condemned as a rash imprudent dangerous Prince good People make good Kings when a people run directly to oppose the authority of their Sovâ—raign and assume Rebellion and arrogancy for obedience resisting his fairest motions and most profitable commandments if a King be martial in a short time they are beaten and brought under If he be politick prudent and foreseeing in a longer time as wild Dear they are surprized and either brought back to their first order and condition or thrall'd to greater miseries If he be weak and suffer in his Reputation or State or person by them the Prince who sucâ—eedeth is ordinarily the Revenger of his wrongs And all conspiracies or Subjects if they prosper not in a high degree advance the Soveraignty This Prince seemeth not to have been naturally evil inclined but to have been constrained to leave his natural inclination and necessitate to run upon Precipices and dangers his turbulent Subjects never suffering him to have rest Many Princes who in the beginning of their reigns have bin admiâ—ed for their fair actions by the ingratitude of their Subjâ—cts have turn'd from one extremity to another and become their rebellious Subjects executioners He was provoked to do many things by the in solency of private men and what some call tyranny and fierceness in a Prince is but just severity He sought to be feared believing it to be the onely way to obedience It is ture injuries took such deep impression in his mind that no after service could blot them away The taking away of his Favourites made him study revenge which if he had not done he had to much of the Stoical virtues little of the Heroical These who blame Princes under a pure and absolute Monarchie for having favourites would have them inhumane base and contemptible and would deprive them of power to confer favours according to the distinguishing power of thier understanding and conceptions The choise a Prince maketh of men whom he advanceth to great imployments is not subject to any mans censure And were it bad yet ought it to be pass'd over if not approv'd least the discretion and judgement of the Prince be questioned and his Reputation wounded Favourites are shrines to shadow Princes from thier People Why should a people not allow a Prince some to whom he may unmask himself and discover the secrets of his Heart If his secrets should be imparted to many they would be no longer Secrets Why should it be imposed on a Prince to love all his Subjects alike since he is not beloved of them all alike This is a desire to tyrannize over the affections of Princes whom men should reverence He seemeth too much to have delighted in retiredness and to have been a hater of business nor that he troubled himself with any but for formalities sake more desirous of quietnes than honour This was the fault of the Governours of his youth who put him off business of State that they might the more easily reach their own ends and by making him their shadow govern after their pleasure Of this delight in solitariness his Brothers took their advantage and wan the people to their observance He was much given to Buildings and trimming up of Chappels Halls and Gardens as usually are the Lovers of Idleness and the rarest frames of Churches and Pallaces in Scotland were mostly raised about his time An humour which though it be allowable in men which have not much to do yet is harmfull in Princes As to be taken with admiration of Watches Clocks Dyals Automates Pictures Statues For the the art of Princes is to give Laws and govern their people with wisdom in peace and glory in war to spare the humble and prostrate the proud He is blam'd of Avarice yet there is no great matters recorded of it save the encroaching upon the dealing and taking the giving to whom he pleased of Church Benefices which if he had liv'd in our times would have been held a virtue He was of a credulous Disposition and therefore easie to be 〈…〉 moved some to record He was given to 〈…〉 to inquire of future accidents which if it be credible was the fault of those times Edward the fourth of England is said to have had that same fault that by the misinterpertation of a prophecy of a Necromancer which foretold that one the first Letter of whose name was G. should usurp the Kingdom and dispossess the children of King Edward he took away his Brother George Duke of Clarence which being really practised in England some Scottish writers that a King of Scotland should not be inferior to any of his Neighbor Princes in wickednes without grounds have recored the same to have bin don by this King his love was great to learned men he used as Counsellors in his important affairs Iohn Ireland a Doctour of Divinity and one of the Sorbon in Paris made Arch-deacon of St. Andrews Mr. Robert Blackadore whom he promoted to be Bishop of Glasgow Mr. William Elphinstoun whom of an Official or Commissary of Lothian he surrogated in the place of Mr. Robert Blackadore and made Bishop of Aberdeen and his faults either in Religion or Policy may be attribuied to these and his other Counsellours Many have thought that the fatal Chariot of his Precipice was that he had equally offended kindred Clergy Nobility and People But suppose this had been true why should such an horrible mischief have bin devised as to arm his own Son against him and that neither the fear of Divine justice the respect of infamy with the present or after times the danger of the example had power to divert the minds of men from such a cruel Design This was really to seeth the Kid in the Mothers milk and to make an innocent youth obnoxious to the most hainous crime that could be committed What ever courtains could be spred to
Successour under the Government of a woman for inheritance a miserable and bloody war It is no dream that ye are to fight a mighty people now turned insolent by their riches at home and power abroad that your Nobilitie are indigent ye know and may be brib'd to leave you in your greatest danger What a folly what a blindness is it to make this war yours and to quench the fire in your Neighbours house of France to kindle and burn up your own in Scotland ye have no such reason to assist the French as ye have to keep your promises to England and enjoy a Peace at home Though the English should make a conquest of France will they take your Crown or disin herâ— their own râ—ce this is even as the left hand would cut off the right Should the Letters of the Queen of France a woman twice married the first half in Adultery the last almost Incest whom ye did never nor shall ever see prove more powerful with you than the cryes of your little Son and mine than the tears complaints curses of the Orphans and Widdows which ye are to make If ye will go suffer me to accompany you it may be my Countrey-men prove more kind towards me than they will to you and for my sake yield unto a Peace I hear the Queen my Sister will be with the Army in her husbands absence if we shall meet who knowes what God by our means may bring to pass The King answered all her complaints with a speedy march which he made over the Tweed not staying till the whole forces came to him which were arising and prepared The twenty two of August comming into England he encamped neer the water of Twisel in Northumberland where at Twisel-haugh he made an Act that if any man were slain or hurt to death by the English during the time of his aboade in England his heirs should have his Ward Relief and mariage Norham Wark Foord Eatel are taken and cast down Amidst this hostility the Lady Foord a noble Captive was brought in a pitty-pleading manner with her daughter a Maid of excellent beauty to the Camp Not without the Earl of Surreys direction as many supposed for they have a vigorous Prince and his Son though natural by the gifts of Nature and Education above many lawful to try the Magick of their eloquence and beauty upon The King delighting in their Company not only hearkeneth to the discourse of the Mother but giveth way to her counsel which was if she should be dismissed to send him true and certain intelligence of what the English would attempt taking her way to their Camp but in effect proved the winning of time to the Earl of Surrey and the losing of occasion to him Her few daies stay bred in him a kind of carlessnesse sloath procastination and delay a neglect and as it were a forgetfnlness of his Army and business eighten daiestarying in England in a Territory not very fertile had consum'd much provision the Souldiers began to want necessaries a number in the night by blind pathes returned to their own Countrey In a short time only the Noblemen and their Vassals attended the King These request him not to spend more time on that barren Soyl but to turn their Forces against Berwick which Town was of more importance than all the Hamleâ—s and poor Villages of Northumberland neither was it impregnable or difficâ—le to be taken the Town and Castle being no waies provided and furnished to endure a siege The Courtiours move the King to continue the beleaguering of Berwick till their comming back which would be an easie conquest Northumberland once forrag'd in absence of the bravest of the English then in France Whilest the Army languished and the King spent time a Foord the Earl of Surrey directeth an Herauld to his Camp requiring him either to leave off the invasion of his Masters Countrey and turn back giving satisfaction for wrongs committed or that he would appoint a day and place wherein all differences might be ended by the Sword This Challenge being advised in Counsel most voices were that they should return home and not with so small number as remaâ—ned endanger the State of the whole Kingdom enough being already aâ—chieved for fame and too much for their frienâ—hip with France why should a few Souldiers and these already tired out by forcing of Strengths throwing down Castles be hazarded against such multitudes of the English supplyed lately and encreased with fresh Auxiliaries Thomas Howard Admiral a Son of the Earl of Surrey having newly brought with him to New Castle out of the Army lying in France five thousand men and one thousand tall Sea men If they should return Home the English Army could not but disband and not conveniently this year be gathered again consisting of men levied from far and distant Places Again if they should be engaged to come to a Battail their own Countrey being fields to them well known would prove more commodious and secure to fight upon than English ground besides the opportunity of furnishing and providing the Camp with all necessaries at less charges The French Embassadour and others of his faction remonstrate to the King what a shameful retreit he would make if at the desire of the Enemy he returned and without the hazard of a Battel being so neer unto him that by fighting in England he kept his own Couvtrey unforraged and consum'd the Provision of his Enemy which at last would weaken his forces That for contentment to both Armies Islay a Scottish Herauld should return with Rouge-Cross the English and condescend upon a day promising them the mean time tarrying and aboad till the righteousness of the cause were decided in a Battel The set and appointed Day by the Heraulds in which the two Armies should have joined being come and the English not appearing nor any from them The Nobility again resort to the King show how by the â—light of the Enemy matters were prolonged from one day to another the English forces daily encreasing whilst the Scottish wear away and waxed fewer that â—light should be opposed to â—lights the day designed by the Heraulds not being kept it would be no reproach to them to turn home without battel or if retiring to fight upon their own ground If this counsel pleased him not but that he would there give them battel The next was to study all advantages for victory either by stratagem or the odds and furtherance of the Place of fight Where the Chiviot hills decline towards the plainer fields arising behind them with high tops with best Ordnance should be fortified the water of Till running deep and foord-less upon the right hand and but passable at the Bridge the first Companies of the enemy being passed before they could be relieved and succoured by their followers the Bridge by the Artilery should be beaten down and the enemy charged when they began to pass the Water The King impatient of