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
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
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
never trust his life to the mercy of those who â—nder colour of friendship and banqueting had first made away his two Kinsmen and after his own Brother for if they being Innocents were thus handled what might he expect who had been the occasion of such distraction in the State He that once had broken his faith except by a surety is unable again in Law to contract and enter in Bond with any Who will be surety between a King and his Subjects That Treaties Agreements Covenants Bargains of a Prince with Rebellious Subjects engage him no farther no longer then the Term-time or day which pleaseth him to accept observe and keep them as they turn or may turn to his utility and advantage that as in Nature there is no regress found from privation to an habit so neither in State men once disgraced do return to their former Honors That Princes mortally hated all Subjects who had either attempted to over-rule them by power or had cast any terror upon them and howsoever by constraint they bear sail for a time in the end they were sure payâ—masters That there was nothing more contrary to a good Agreement then to appear to be too earnest and busie to seek to obtain it he would sue for none That all his days he had loved sincerity constancy and fidelity and could not unsay and recant what he had promised and practised nor do against his heart His friends and his own standing was by their Swords which should either advance their enterprizes and turn them Victors or they would die Honorably like themselves and men and not ignobly be murthered like Beasts This free and dangerous resolution of the Earl moved many who heard to provide for their own safety and resolve not to suffer long misery for other mens folly finding this war was not like to have any end and that danger and death would be the only reward of their Rebellion Amongst others the Earl of Crawford after great adversity when he could not move the Earl of Dowglass to submit himself to the Kings clemency with many tears and protestations of his sincere love and counsel to him left him and some weeks after as the King was in progress in Anguss in a sad penitential manner accompanied with his best friends coming in his way with much humility and sorrow He acknowledged his fault pleading rather for pity to his house which had so long flourished then to his person The King knowing his Example would be no small occasion to weaken the power of the Earl of Dowglass and that of all the Rebels he was the greatest object of his Clemency was content to receive him but he would have it done by the mediation of lames Kennedie Bishop of St. Andrews and the Lord Creightoun once his greatest Enemies which he refused not to embrace Thus freely remitted with those who accompanyed him he returned to his own house of Phanheaven where within few moneths he died of a burning Ague The three Estates after assembled at Edinburgh where Iames Earl of Dowglass the Countess Beatrix whom he kept by way of a pretended Marriage Archembold Dowglass Earl of Murrey George Earl of Ormond Iohn Dowglass Lord of Balveny with others their adherents friends and followers are Attainted of High Treason and their Lands and Goods are Confiscate and discerned to be seized on to the Kings use The Earldom of Murrey is given to Iames Creighton who had married the eldest Daughter of the Earl of Murrey but he perceiving he could not possess it in peace turned it back again to the King At this time George Creightoun was created Earl of Caithness William Hay Constable Earl of Arrole Darly Halles Boyd Lyle and Lorn Lords of Parliament the King maketh a rode into Galloway reducing every strong hold and Castle of the Countrey to his Power Dowglass-dale he abandoned to the spoil of the Souldier Matters at home turning desperate the Earl of Dowglass being brought to that pass that he knew not to what to wish or fear Iames Hammilton of Cadyow is sent to England to invite the ancient enemy of the kingdom to take a part of her spoil and help to trouble the King But the English had greater business amongst themselves then could permit them to Wedd the Quarrels of the Earl After Sir Iames Hamiltoun was returned with an excuse and regret that some of the English Lords could not supply their Confusion but only by their Counsel he advised the Earl of Dowglass to trust to his own Power and Forces which were sufficient measuring their Courage and not counting their heads to hold good against the King There was no humane affairs where men were not necessitated to run some danger nor any business taken in hand with such a certainty which by unknown causes and even light ones might not run a hazard of some mishap That he should study to embrace and accept of what was most honorable and least dangerous it was better once to try the worst then ever to be in fear of it it was fit for him to commit something to fortune and wisdom could counsel nothing but to shun the greatest evil This lingring war would not only tire but over-come and vanquish them when one fair day of battel either by death or victory would Crown their desires Others advised him not to hazard upon a Battel except upon seen and approved advantage and to time it out a while in this lingring war a Truce might be agreed upon which ere long might turn in a Peace in which every thing passed might be forgotten and pardoned That Wars were managed more by occasions and times then by arms That the King could not be now but tyred since he had learned that by essaying by arms to overcome them he had gained nothing but trained up his Subjects whom he called Rebels in all warlike Discipline and had his Countrey spoiled and the Policy defaced Should they once enter in blood all hopes were gone of any conditions of peace At this time the King besieging the Castle of Abercorn to relieve the besieged hither marcheth with all his Forces the Earl of Dowglass being come within view of the Kings Army he observeth their march slow the countenances of his Souldiers altered much whispering and their spirits in a manner dejected Countrymen were to fight against Countreymen friends against friends and all against their Prince Interpreting this rather to proceed from their weariedness then want of good will to enter the Lists as well to refresh and cherish them to be more prompt and lusty of courage the next morning as to take counsel what course to follow and how to dispose of their Game he stayeth that afternoon and pitcheth his Tents To men unfortunate every thing turneth an Enemy Whether Sir Iames Hamilton gave way to this or not uncertain but after it is said that in a chase he told the Earl he had neglected the opportunity of Fight and should never see so fair
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
Northumberland and Westmerland the Lords Beaumont and Dacres Grey and Wells were slain and above Thirty six thousand English struck down The Dukes of Somerset and Excester flie to York to carry the News to the unfortunate King leaving the Victory to Edward who is again saluted King King Henry after this overthrow perceiving how desperate his hopes were in his own Countrey with his Queen his Son and the remainder of his dispersed friends secured himself by flight into Scotland Iames Kennedy Bishop of St. Andrews to whose person the Authority of the State was then reduced received him with magnificence and honor and put him in hopes by the assistance of Scotland to restore his fortune King Henry as well to reserve some Refuge and Sanctuary for himself as to win the heart and insinuaâ—e himself in the favor of the people of Scotland caused render the Town of Berwick to them which the English had violently possessed since the days of Edw. 1. For which favor the Scottish Nobility vowed at all times to come to his supply and defend him to their uttermost and that the friendship begun might continue without all vacillation the Queens of Scotland and England both descended of the French Race began to treat of an Alliance promising Edward Prince of Wales should be marryed with the Lady Margaret the King of Scotlands Sister none of them then having attained the years of marriage The miseries of King Henry increasing suffered not these two Queens to stay long together Margaret with her Son Edward to implore the ayd of her friends maketh a Voyage towards France to her Father Rhene King of Sicily Naples and Ierusalem Duke of Anjou a Prince large of Titles short of Power These who had followed King Henry into Scotland whilest he is left onely intentive to devotion in the Cloyster of the Gray-Fryers at Edenburgh return back again to sollicite their friends in England for a second rencounter Upon the arrival of Queen Margaret in France the obtaineth of her cousin Lewis the eleventh that those who favored and assisted the Duke of York were prohibited Traffique and commanded to remove out of the Frenh Dominions and that Five hundred Soldiers should come to her ayd a number so small and so unworthy the name of an Army that it was but a competent retinue for so great a Princess with these she came to the coast of Scotland and from thence sailed to Tinmouth where being repulsed by the Inhabitants and forced again to put to Sea sâ—e was by a furious Tempest driven to Berwick Here leaving the Prince her Son Edward with the enâ—rease and supply of some Scots taking the King her husband with her she advanced into the Bishoprick of Duresm in her march through Northumberland her Army increased to a great number The Duke of Somerset Sir Ralph Percy and divers of King Henrys well-wishers having resorted unto her King Edward finding King Henry by the fresh air of the North to have acquired new Spirits prepareth to oppose him and having sent down the Lord Mountague brother to the Earl of Warwick he himself with greater Forces shortly followed Mountague having through the Shires where he went and the Bishoprick of Duresm gathered a convenient Army marched directly against King Henry In the mean time Henry â—eaufort Duke of Somerset the Lords Hungerford Ross Moulines Sir Ralph Percy present themselves to hinder his further progress They are overthrown and King Henry with great difficulty escapeth to Berwick At the news of this overthrow King Edward being in his March towards Durham finding the presence of his Person or Army needless turned towards York and gave the Earl of Warwick command to take in all the Castles and Fortresses which as yet held good for King Henry in the North. Amongst the Garrisons placed in Northumberland by the Queen there was a Garrison of the French in the Castle of Anwick under the Command of Peter Bruce otherwise named le Seigneur de la Varoune Seneschal of Normandy which held long good against the English This Peter Bruce was in great account with Charles the seventh father to Lewis but sent over with Queen Margaret to make wrack upon apparent dangers having escaped Tempests at Sea he took the Castles of Bambrough and Dunstanbrough which he demolished After he essayed to keep the Castle of Anwick but the Earl of Warwick King Edward lying near to Durham there beleagured him Whether this man came from the Race of the Bruces of Scotland or no is uncertain for the vulgar Writers in this detract him naming him Bryce and a Bretone or that the Scots would give a proof of their friendship to the Queen of England and of their valour to the French whilst he is everywhere beset and near past hope of relief the Earl of Anguss then Warden of the Marshes raised a Power of twenty three thousand horseâ—men remarkable for their Valour These about the midst of the day coming near the Castle of Anwick and by their colours and arms being known a far to Captain Bruce he taketh a resolution to sally out and meet them the strongest of the Scottish Horsemen rrceiving them convoy them safely to their Borders some of the Besiegers would have fought in the pursuit but the English General gave him fair passage King Edward having taken all the Castles and Forts which in the North held out against him placing Garrisons in them returned to London as King Henry void both of counsel and courage came back to Edinburgh Here he had not long stayed when tired with the tediousness of his exile the prolonging of a wretched Life being more grievous to him then death it self and allured by false hopes of his Friends he resolveth to hazard upon a return to his own Kingdom his Grown lost all his Favorers and wel-wishers almost slaughtered he cometh into England then disguised and by night journeys shifting from place to place at last betrayed by some of his Servants he is found out It is recorded a Son of Sir Edward Talbots apprehended him as he sate at Dinner at Wadding Town-hall and like a Common Malefactor with his legs under the horse belly guarded him up towards London By the way the Earl of Warwick met him who led him Prisoner to the Tower Margaret his desolate Queen with her Son is driven once again to flie to their Father Rhene into France King Edward his Competitors all dead or suppressed finding a Cessation of Arms expedient and a breathing time from War to settle and make sure his new Government as to other his neighbour Princes for peace sendeth Embassadors to Scotland to treat for a Truce for some years The Earl of Argile Bishop of Glasgow Abbot of Holyrood-house Sir Alexander Boyd Sir William Cranstoun being chosen to this effect Commissioners come to York and the English Commissioners there attending them a Truce for fifteen years is agreed upon and solemnly by both Kings after confirmed Mary Queen of Scotland daughter to
she should have been reserved for some neighbor Prince by which Alliance the state of the Kingdom and the Person of the King might have been in great safety For if the King should chance to be infested by some insolent nobility the name and power of a neighbor Prince were sufficient to keep him safe on his Throne which by this match was endangered They suggested that the Boydes builded their estimation in the air of popular applause and endeavored to endear themselves in the opinion of the multitude A Prince is not a Lord of that people that loveth another better then him Should the Boydes be accused of peculate robbing the King and the commonTreasure the King might make a prey of their unlawful conquest and by their Attaindors reward the services of many of his necessitated friends it being acquired most height to which their riches was increased should be feared the faults of all the disorders of the Common wealth are laid upon the Boydes as the Authors of every breaking out sedition that they might the more securely possess the places neer the King At this time complaints from all parts of the Kingdom and by all sorts of persons incessantly being given unto him advance the intentions of their enemies and the Kings minde naturally inclined to fears and superstition being long tossed and perplexed began to turn away from the Boydes and with their power in some degrees brought lower and lessened Preambles of Ruine but he would go leasurely to produce this effect and make one change bring forth another The King increasing in yeers and youthful perturbations is councelled for the continuing of the Race and Succession and the keeping hiâ— Person without the common disorders of the world to think upon some match profitable for his country and honorable for himself He is courted by many and courteth others the Duke of Burgundy had offered him his daughter as to other Princes his friends and neighbors but his minde was not to have her married at all during his life-time Andrew Stewart Lord Evandale then Chancelour of the Kingdom with the Bishops of Glasgow and Orkenay being sent Embassadors to Christern King of Denmark for an accommodation and taking up some business concerning the Isles of Orkenay and Schythland 1468. the quarrel was taken away by a marriage to be celebrated between the King and Lady Margaret King Christerns daughter a Lady thought worthy of his bed in respect of the excellency of her beauty her royal descent and greatness of her birth All matters being agreed upon these Isles engaged for her Dowry there wanted onely an honorable retinue and convoy to bring home the Lady To this negotiation by the craft of some about the King and vanity of others who gloryed to see their friend promoted to such great honour Thomas Earle of Arran as a man flourishing in fame and riches and able to maintaine and discharge all magnificence is deputed as the fittest person Thus by the ambition and unattentiveness of his friends his worth was made the Scaffold of his ruine the lamentable condition of men of high desert In the beginning of the Harvest accompained with some young Noblemen and Gallants most of which were his select friends and well-wishers he ascendeth his ships Whilst as the King of Scotlands brother in law he is some moneths riotously entertained at the Danish Court the rigor of that Northern climate by the congealing of the Ocean moored up his ships and barred all return till the following Spring In this absence of a man so neer unto the King his Father and Uncle by age sickness and their private affaires not so frequently haunting the Court as they were accustomed the Kennedyes and they of the contrary faction having shaken the Kings affection and broken these bands his pleasures idlenese and vacancy from the publike affairs of the State by which the Boydes thought they had kept him sure move him now a litile delighting in action to proceed to the consideration of such matters as might be objected against the government of the Bodyes But that this might not appear to be an act of Faction but the universal consent of the Kingdom apart a Parliament was summoned to be holden in November at Edenburgh Here Robert Lord Boyd with his brother Sir Alexander are summoned to answer in Judgement to such points as should be exhibited against them At the appointed day the Lord Boyd appeared but accompanyed with such multitude of the common people and numbers of his friends vassals and followers all in arms with such ostentation and boasting that the King and Courtiers were well pleased to suffer them dissolve scatter of their own free wills At this insolency and malapertness yet to our own time an usual custome in Scotland the King conceived such indignation that he raised a strong guard to attend justice and his commandments and laid secretly Forces to assist these if the Boydes should oppose his laws by convocation of the Lieges The Lord Boyd after private intelligence of the Mines of the Court to blow him up rather amazed then in choler at the change of his Masters mind fled into England his brother Sir Alexander arested by sickness and relying upon his own integrity more then he ought to have done considering the malice of his enemies was brought before the Parliament his brother and he were challenged that upon the tenth of Iuly 1466. they laid hands upon the Kings Person and against his purpose brought him on the high way to the Castle of Calendar and that by their private power and consent contrary to the established order of the State and the other Regents advice they brought the King to Edenburgh when Sir Alexander sought to produce an act of Parliament for abolition or approbation of this deed as good service it was kept up and he being condemned had his head cut off Their other accusations contained the topical faults of Favourits that they had enriched themselves out of the Kings Treasure monopolized things belonging to the Crown diminished the Revenues thereof removed worthy men from the Counsel placing such in their rooms as had dependency from them Thomas Earle of Arran imployed in a publike charge by the kingdome absent unheard is declared Robel with his father and his moveables escheated to the King to his original faults was added that he dared marry the Kings sister without consent of the States the King being of non-age At the noise of this thunder clap Robert Lord Boyd left this world at Anwick No sooner had the Spring rendered the Baltick Seas Navigable when the Danish Lady with her Fleet Anchored in the Forth The Earle of Arran who was the Paranymphe and her convoy in that general gladness by the perswasions of some of his friends was preparing to come on shore and to submit himself to the Kings clemency but his Lady who had afar discerned his danger coming aboard disguised and giving him particular information of the
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
thighs and legs did appertain They had differing passions and diverse wills often chiding others for disorder in their behaviour and actions after much deliberation embracing that unto which they both consented By the Kings direction they were carefully brought up and instructed in Musick and Foreign Languages This Monster lived twenty and eight years and dyed when Iohn Duke of Albany Governed Claud Gruget maketh mention of the like Monster born in Paris before the marriage of Henry the fourth the French King with Margarite of Valois but the birth and death of it were neer together The King by his great Liberality unto Strangers abroad and his laviâ—h spending at home for religious Places were founded Castles repaired Ships builded three of an extraordinary greatness finding himself needy of Treasure to support the dayly expences at Court engaged to many and sunck deep in debt and that Subsidies he could not levy except by the Suffrages of his Parliament by whose power they were imposed and rated setteth the most learned Counsellors at Law and men experienced in foreign Policy to find out new means and waies to acquire and gather him monies by Laws already made and Ordained which was in effect to pole the people by executing the rigour of Justice the Fortunes of wise men arising often on the expences of Fools after the example of King Henry the seventh of England his Father-in law who taking the advantage of the breach of his penal Statues gave power to Sir Richard Empson and Edmond Dudley by Informers and Promoters to oppress and ruin the estates of many of his best Subjects whom King Henry the eight to satisfy his wronged people after his decease caused execute Old customes are by these men pryed into and forgotten absolet Statutes quickned Amongst the titles of possessing of Lands in Scotland there is one which in process of time of an ungodly custom grew strong and is kept for a Law being fetched by imitation from the Lawes of the neighbouring States That if the possessour of Lands dy and leave a Minor to succeed to him his Tutelage belongeth to the King and the profit of the Lands until the Minor be of the age of one and twenty years This is of those lands which are termed Wards The King causeth bring up his Wards but bestoweth no more of their Rents upon them than is useful to such of that age By another Law they have not any thing better than this which they call Recognition that if the evidences of any possessour of Ward-lands be not in all points formal and above exceptions of Law the lands the possessours put from them shall return to the Lord Superiour and like to this That if a Possessour of Ward Lands without the consent of the Superiour sell and put away the half or above the half of his land and Farm the whole land and Farm returneth to the Superiour or Lord Paramount They have lands held with clauses which they call irritant that if two terms of a few duty run unpaid into the third the Land falleth unto the Superiour When those lawes and other like them by reason of the Neighbourin cursions and troubles with England and the civil broyls at home had been long out of use amongst the Subjects and the execution of them as it were in a manner forgot these Projectors and new Tol-masters the king giving way to enrich his Exchequer awakned them Many of the Subjects by these inquirles were obnoxious to the king and smarted but most the most honest who were constrained either to buy their own lands and inheritance from the Exchequer or quit and freely give some portion of them to those Caterpillars of the State The King was so dearly beloved of his people that in the height of those Grievances which reached near the exorbitant avarice of his Father none refused or made difficultie to give all that the laws ordained The King seeing their willingness to perform and knowing their great disability thereunto out of his singular Grace and Goodness remitteth not onely the rigour but even the equity almost of his lawes insomuch that thereafter none of his Subjects were damnified in their persons or estates by his proceedings which gain'd him the hearts of all And to put away all suspitions and jealousies from their minds an Ordinary practice amongst Princes acts that fill Princes coffers ever being the ruin of their first Projectors of any wrong intended He suffered the Promoters and Projectors of this polling with others of the most active to be thrown into Prisons where some miserably ended their daies The year 1507. Iames Prince of Scotland and Isles was born at Holy-rood-House the 21. of Ianuary the Queen in her throwes of birth being brought neer the last agony of death the King overcome with affection and religious vows taketh a Pilgrimage for her recovery on foot to Saint Ninian in Galloway a place in those credulous times famous for the burial of St. Ninian the Apostle of the Britains and notorious by the many Processions and Visits of the neighbour Countreys of Ireland and England at his return he findeth his Queen recovered the child after dyed at Sterlin with the Bishop of Galloway who was appointed to attend him The year following the Queen brought forth another son named Arthur at Holy-rood-House but he died also in the Castle of Edenburgh and Henry the seventh his Grandfather accompanyed him to the other world King Iames to the Coronation of the young King his Brother-in-law sendeth Embassadours After the death of his two Sons and his Father-in-Law as if he had been warned from above to think upon his own mortality whether he had resolute intention so to do or that for reasons known to himself he would have it so appear he giveth out That out of remorse for bearing arms in the Field where his Father was slain he had a resolution to leave his kingdom and visit the holy Sepulchre Then to prepare his way Robert Blacka-Towre Abbot of Dumfermling is directed but the Abbot in his journey is arrested by death and the King findeth other hinderances to keep him at Home Amidst these deliberations his Queen is delivered in the Pallace of Linlithgow of her third Son in the Moneth of April 1512. who succeeded to the Crown and was named Iames. About this same time Bernard Stuart that famous Warrior under Charls the eight of France who commanded the French in Bosworth Field came to Scotland followed by Andrew Forman then Arch-Bishop of Burges and Bishop of Murray with Alexander Stuart the Kings natural son after promoted to be Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews The cause which was given out to the rumours of the people of their comming was That the French King having no male children crav'd the advice and counsel of the King of Scotland his Confederate concerning the marriage of his Eldest Daughter whether he should bestow her upon Francis of Valois the Daulphine and Duke of Augulesm or upon Charles King of
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
forces to quell the infolencies and shake the pride of the factious Nobles The heads of the factions which had a principal â—way in the Kingdom at that time would either be cuto off or kept under but with such cunning and dexterity that it should not be perceived nor found out that many were aimed at and interessed when some few did suffer and fall That for the present there were three heads to be looked unto as â—eared and like to bring Novations in the State being mâ—n able to change the present Government The Earl of Anguss a man in the prime of his youth of high flying thoughts by his Alliance with the King of England and that estimaion the people conceived of him by the demerits of his Ancesters and the singular love the Subjects bare him carryed a mind above the fortune of a private man and seemed not born to live a subjects life each action of his bearing in it majesty and magnificence he had power to hurt if he would hurt The Lord Chamberlain a man unpolisht stubbornly stout hazâ—rdous mighty in riches and power and consequently proud of a working mind and vehement Spirit whom time and experience had hardned by great exployts and most dangerous actions who had the malice to be a Spectator of the discomâ—iture of his Prince and Countrymen at Flowden was likely to attend the opportunity of traverses and changes The third was the Arch-Bishop Andrew Forman once Secretary to the Pope who though he was not of any Noble Steâ— nor descent of blood nor for his Followers Friends and Adherents much to be taken notice of or feared yet considering him as his Legateship pluralty of benefices many pensions from Princes had guilded him over and ballancing him by his present treasure he could make a weak party strong and add weight to what side soever he inclined He was therefore with piercing eyes to be lookt into and all his actions and waies to be observed The Governour gave not great attention to what the Priour had instructed against the Arch-Bishop having before had some inkling of the rancor grudge and enmitie between them And he was conscious the Arch-Bishops riches were above envy he having been even more solicitous magnificently to spend what he had acquired than hoord up Neither did he bestow so much upon any of his Countreymen as he did upon the French the Friends and Servants of the Governour He knew he was also so circumspect as not to adhere to any of the factions of the time in a neutrality indifferently and friendly enteâ—taining all his Compatriots Nor was he much moved at his information concerning the Earl of Angus finding him a man peaceable courteous to all and affâ—ble and though of aspiring thoughts carryed often away with his private delights and Courtly pleasures But what the Priour informed against the Lord Chamberlain he deeply ingraved in his memory and ever after his countenance bewrayed certain flaws of ill concealed discontent Neither did he thereafter shew him wounted favours which the Chamberlain observing and guessing at the change of the Governors mind towards him by more than ordinary evidences and signs He having been the onely man who wrought his advancement and comming to Scotland his deserts now either forgot or ungratefully remembred full of grief and disdain retired from the Court to his own Castles where when he had rested a while half astonished to see his hopes so frustrate he taketh new resolutions and determinations to play the Governour double or quite Hereafter he leaveth no meanes untryed to become entire with the Queen and her Husband and by observance and frequent meeting with them he wrought himself not onely to be imbraced as their Friend but their Counsellor and one in whom they had great confidence He many times with them deplored the publick calamity when his own particular only stong him accusing himself of his too much forwardness in calling home a man born an exile whose father dyed banish'd for his ambition and her essâ—yed to take the Crown form his eldest Brother Sith this man was the neerest of bloud to succeed who could not perceive his last work would be the making away the innocent child his Pupil to ascend the Royal Throne himself in the height of malice accomplishing what his Father out of a desire to rule did project By his tender years the King could not prevent his danger his Mother might anticipate it that new necessities requir'd new remedys only one postern gate remained yet open which was that the Queen would transport her Son to England When this plot wâ—s whisper'd to the Governor who wanted not his Emissaries among the Queens attendants it was no sooner reveal'd than believ'd and no sooner believ'd when being a man who used celerity in all his actions with as many men as hast could suffer him to gather forthwith marched from Edinburgh to Sterlin there unawares he surprized the Castle and in it the Queen with her two Sons A Council being assembled the King with his brother Alexander are sequestred from their Mother and trusted to the custody of four Lords who by turns interchangeably should attend the two Princes and have a care of their education That no violence should be offered them certain Gentlemen of the French and Scots are appointed still to wait on and guard them from this suspition the seeds of enmity began to be sown between the Qâ—een and the Governor which neither time nor wisdom thereafter could take away and root out Amidst this storm of Court the Lord Chamberlain brought to a new traverse of his thoughts with his Brother Mr. William Hume fly towards England the Queen with her Husband and Sir Gâ—orge Dowglas his Brother with an unexpected suddeness hast to Tantallon and from thence to Berwick from which they had a convoy to the Nunnery of Colstream Here they attended advertisment from the King of England what course to follow and know his pleasure He recommended them to the Protection and care of the Lord Dacres and assigned the Castle of Harbottle in Northumberland for his Sisters residence during her aboad in these Northern parts and the troubles of Scotland The Governor not a little perplexed at the flight and escape of those Conspiraâ—ours sendeth Embassadors to the Court of England to clear himself to the King of what might be surmised against him concerning these new strangers come to his Country He had done nothing which should have offended the Queen made her afraid or to entertain or harbour a sinister thought of his proceedings Neither did he intend any thing against these had followed and accompanyed her which should have moved them to leave their Country unto whom if they pleased to return they should be welcom enjoy their wonted freedom and keep peaceably what they had possâ—ssed If they were conscious to themselves of any misdemeanor he would not be too precise in the search of it He also trafficked by the friends of those who
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
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
of moderation he threatneth still to let fâ—ll the blow in the mean time holding his hand Thus to give satisfaction to his Court he formed a Process against King Henry and a most severe sentence but abstained from the publication of it during his pleasure Secretly sending many copies of it to those Princes he thought could be useful to his Designs when occassion should serve and he proceed with a constant rumor of the Bull shortly to be put in execution and publisht Amongst many interested in wrongs by the King of England considering there was none comparable to the Nation and King of Scotland he directeth hither Iohn Antonio Come peggio This Legate findeth King Iames at Faulkland 22. February 1535. and here with many Ceremonies and Apostolical Benedictions delivereth him a Cap and a Sword consecrated the Night of Nativity of our Saviour which the fame of his valour and many Christian virtues had moved his Master to remunerate him with Also saith the Original that it might breed a terror in the heart of a wicked neighboring Prince against whom the Sword was sharpned The Popes Letter in most submissive stile contained A Complaint for the death of John Bishop and Cardinal of Rochester miserably taken away by the hand of an Hangeman The Calamities of England occasioned by the Kings Divorce from Katharine of Spain and his Marriage with Anne Bullen That since the Roman Church had received great disgrace and a deadly wound and by patience procured more and more wrongs from the King of England She was constrained to use a sâ—aring Iron For the application of which she had recourse to his Majesty a Prince â—or his Ancestâ—urs Piety and his own renowned His aid maintenance protection she implored Since King Henry was a Despiser a Scorner One who set at naught the censures of the Church an Heretick Shismatick a shameful and Shameless Adulterer a publick and profest homicide Murtherer a Sacrilegious Person a Church-Robber a Rebel guilty of â—ese-Majesty divine outragious many and in â—â—merable waies a Fellon a Criminal By all Laws herefore 〈◊〉 to be turned out of his Throne The King of Scotland for the Defence of the Church would undertake something worthy a Christiâ—n King and himself he would endeavour to suppress Heresie defend the Catholick faith against those whom the justice of almighty God and judgments were now prepared and already ready to be denounced The King kindly entertaining the Legate answered the Pope with much regret for the estate and stubbornness of the King of England Who would not be struck with Pitty that a King who late amongst Christian Princes was honoured with the title of Defender of the Faith should be obnoxious to so many crimes that now amongst Princes he could scarce be reputed a Christian This compassion was common to him with others but he by a necessity of Nature and neerness of blood felt a more piercing sorrow he should leave no means untryed to recal his Uncle to the obedience of the Church and though by his Embassadours he had once or twice went about the same but in vain he would study a way how face to face he might give him his best counsel and remonstrate how much good he would do the Christian World and himself by returning again to the Chruch Mean while he requested him not to be heaady forward nor rash in executing the Sentence against his Uncle which would but obdure him in his seperation King Iames not having lost all hopes of Uncle directeth the Lord Arskin to England to acquaint him with the Emperours and Popes Embassages and to take his Counsel about a marriage with the Duke of Vandosms Daughter whom the Freâ—ch King had offered to him his own Daughter being weak and sickly In this Embasâ—age there was a complaint against the Londoners who in their passage to the Island fishing spoyled the Coasts of Orknay and the adjacent Islands with a Request that King Henry would not succour the Lubeckers against the Duke of Hulstein The King of England not to prove inferiour to the Emperour the Pope in conferring honours upon his Nephew admitteth him to the Fraternity of the Garter which he delivered to the Lord Areskin his Embassadour And thereafter dispatched William Lord Howard brother to the Earl of Norfolk as if that name were a sufficient Scar-crow to the Popes Sword and the Emperours Golden-â—leece to Scotland who made such hasty journeys that he prevented the News of his comming and at unawares found the King at Sterlin The Substance of his embassage was That the Kings of England and Scotland might have an interview at York at which meeting the King of Scotland should be declared Duke of York and General Lieutenant of the Kingdom of England That his Master having instructions of the Alliances offered him by neighbour Princes did offer to his own and his Counsels judgement if they could find a more fit than to contract a marriage with his Daughter which might be easily perfected if his Master and King Iames could condescend upon some few points When the King had taken these Propositions into deliberation the Church-men suspecting if this meeting and match had way the King would embrace the opinions of the new Reformers set all their wirs to overthrow it The neerest Successors to the Crown covering their claim and interest argued That to marry the Lady Mary of England who for many years would not be mariagable was not a right way to continue his race by procreation of children and that his impatience of living alone would not be much abated by marying a Child That King Henry projected this mariage to no other end than to hinder him from better Allyances or to facilitate an entry to the kingdom That when a Prince would take advantage of any neighbor Prince it was more safely done by alliance than open force That it was more safely King Henry being a wary Prince never meant to mary his Daughter at all as long as himself lived but to keep her at Home with him bearing many Princes in hand to save him from Dangers both at home and abroad which counsel was practised lately by the Duke of Burgundy Most oppose neither to the meeting of the two Kings nor to the Alliance but to the place of their meeting which seemed unto them of no small importance being in the heart of England and amidst the most martial people of that Nation They require the two Kings might have their interview at Newcastle this place when they meet being most commodious for furnishing all necessaries by Ships That the number of their Trayn should be agreed upon as one thousand which none of th two Kings should exceed That the time should be at the Feast of Saint Michael the Arch-Angel between the Harvest and the Winter which would hast the consummation of the Ceremonies and not suffer the Kings to prolong time but invite their return to their own chief and principal Cities When it was declared to
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