I would return neither do I repent any thing but that I have not been so busie as I should in that which you call perverting of subjects I am accused for declining the Kings authority and will do it still in matter of Religion for with such matters he hath nothing to do and this which I say the best of your Ministers do maintain and if they be wise will continue of the same mind some questions were moved to me which I refused to answer because the proferers were not Judges in controversies of Religion and therefore I trust you cannot infer any thing against me But I hope said the Archbishop you will not make this a controversie of Religion Whether the King bâ—ing deposed by the Pope may be lawfully killed To this he replied It is a question among the Doctors of the Church many hold the affirmative not improbably but as that point is not yet determined so if it shall be concluded I will give my life in defence of it and to call it unlawfull I will not though I should save my life by saying it His speeches the more liberty was given him growing the more intolerable the Jurors were willed to go apart who quickly returning declared by the mouth of their Chancellor Sir George Elphingston that they found him guilty of all the treasonable crimes contained in the indictment Whereupon doom was pronounced and the same day in the afternoon he was hanged in the publick street of Glasgow He was as it seemed well instructed in that Iesuitical doctrine of deposing dethroning Kings and like enough to have played another Ravilliack if he had not been intercepted which was the rather believed that in lamenting his mishap to one that he esteemed his friend he did say That nothing grieved him so much as that he should be apprehended in that time for if he had lived unto Whitsunday at liberty he should have done that which all the Bishops and Ministers of Scotland and England should never have helped and to have done it he would willingly have been drawn in peeces with horses and not cared what torments he had indured But this did not burst forth till after his death Mr. Iames Moffet another of the same Society being apprehended neer about the same time took a safer course for having condemned Ogilvies positions he was suffered to depart the Countrey the King professing as he ever did That he would never hang a Priest for his Religion only these Polypragmatick Papists that were set upon sedition and to move disturbance in Countreys he could not away with The next spring Mr. George Gladstaves Archbishop of S. Andrews departed this lite a man of good learning ready utterance and great invention but of an easie nature and induced by those he trusted to do many things hurtfull to the Sea especially in leasing the titles of his Benefice for many ages to come esteeming which is the error of many Churchmen that by this mean he should purchase the love and friendship of men whereas there is no sure friendship but that which is joyned with respect and to the preserving of this nothing conduceth more then a wise and prudent administration of the Church rents wherewith they are intrusted He left behinde him in writing a declaration of his judgement touching matters then controverted in the Church professing that he had accepted the Episcopall function upon good warrant and that his conscience did never accuse him for anything done that way this he did to obviate the rumours which he foresaw would be dispersed after his death either of his recantation or of some trouble of spirit that he was cast into for these are the usuall practises of the Puritane sect whereas he ended his days most piously and to the great comfort of all the beholders His corpes was interred in the South east Isle of the Parish Church and the funerall preached by Mr. William Cowper Bishop of Galloway who was lately before preferred upon the decease of Mr. Gawin Hamilton Bishop of that Sea a man for courage true kindness and zeal to the Church never enough commended S. Andrews falling thus void divers translations were made in the Church as of the Archbishop of Glasgow to S. Andrews the Bishop of Orkney to Glasgow the Bishop of Dumblane to Orkney in whose place succeeds Mr. Adam Ballendene Rectoâ— of Falkirk In the end of this year there was at Court a great business for trying the murther of Sir Thomas Overbury who had dyed in the Tower some two years before The occasion and secret contriving of the murther with the strangeness of the discovery and his Majesties impartiall proceeding in the triall deserve all to be remembred The occasion was Overburies free and friendly counsells to the Earl of Somerset for diverting him from the marriage he intended with Lady Francis Howard who by a sentence of nullity was freed from the Earl of Essex her husband Often had he disswaded Somerset presuming upon the familiarity that he vouchsafed him to forbear that Ladies company and one night more freely for that he saw Somerset going on in the Match came unto him and spake to this effect My Lord I perceive you are proceeding in this match which I have often disswaded as your true servant and friend I now advise you not to marry that woman for if you do you shall ruine your honour and your self adding that if he went on in that business he should do well to look to his standing The Earl taking his free speech more impatiently because he had touched the Lady with whom he was bewitched in her honour replyed in passion that his legs were strong enough to bear him up and that he should make him repent those speeches Thus he parted in anger at that time Overbury interpreting this to be a sudden passion onely and not thinking that their long continuing friendship would break off by this occasion continued in his wonted attendance neither did the Earl wholly abandon him howbeit having discovered to the Lady Overbury his counsell and the words he had uttered to her prejudice she never ceased to inflame him against the Gentleman and by all means sought to practise his overthrow It falling out that Overbury was about this time to be employed in an Ambassage to â—ussia the Earl whose counsell he askt advised him not to embrace the service but to make some fair excuse This advice he followed taking the same to proceed of kindness and for his refuse was committed to the Tower The Lady now had him where she wished and meaning to dispatch him by poyson wrought so with the Lieutenant Sir Iervis Elways as he did admit one Richard Weston upon her recommendation to be Overburies keeper by whom the very evening after he was committed a yellow poyson was ministred unto him in a broth at supper which provoked such extreme vomits and purging as it was lookt he should not
Matthews Gospel Having ended his Sermon he was by the Gentlemen his auditors counselled to leave the Town for they held his abode in that place dangerous which advice he followed remaining some time with the Laird of Brunston and sometime with the Laird of Languedry and Ormeston yet every Sunday in one Church or other he taught openly unto the time of his apprehension The last Sermon he made was at Haddington where he received from the Gentlemen of the West a letter declaring they could not keep the Diet appointed at Edinburgh which grieved him so much as calling Iohn Knox who then attended him he said I am weary of the world since I perceive men too weary of God yet he went to the Pulpit and rebuking the people of that Town for the contempt of the Gospel told them that strangers should possesse their houses and chase them from their habitations which came shortly to passe In that Sermon as he had alwayes done since his last coming into Lothian he spake of the short time he had to live and told that his death was more nigh then they did beleeve All that night he stayed in Haddington and the next morning bidding those of his acquaintance farewell as it were for ever he went on foot to Ormeston for the frost was vehement accompanied with the Laird of the place Iohn Sandelands of Caulder and Chretchton of Brunston Iohn Knox was desirous to have gone with him but he willed him to go back saying One is enough at this time for a sacrifice When they had supped he fell in a long discourse of the happy estate of Gods children and having ended that purpose said he had a desire to sleep but first appointed the 51. Psalme to be sung which done he went to bed About midnight the house was belayed with horsemen that the Governour sent to take him prisoner The Laird refusing to deliver him and thinking to get him shifted the Earl Bothwell Sheriffe of the County came and he required he should be put in his hand upon promise that his life should be safe and that it should not be in the Cardinals power to do him any hurt The Laird reporting this to Mr. George he requested him to open the gate saying The blessed will of God be done So the Earl entred the house to whom Mr. George said My Lord I praise God that so honourable a man as you are doth receive me this night in the presence of these Noble men For I am assured your Honour will not permit anything to be done unto me against the Order of the law I am not ignorant that all the law which they who seek my life use is nothing but a corruption and a Cloake to shed the blood of Gods Saints yet I less fear to die openly then to be murthered in secret The Earl answered I shall not only preserve your body from violence if any be intended against you but I will promise you on my honour in the presence of these Gentlemen That neither the Governour nor Cardinal shall be able to harme you and that I shall keep you in my own power till either I make you free or bring you back to the place where now I receive you Upon this promise was he delivered and put in the Earles hands who departed with him to Elphinston where the Cardinal was attending the successe it being told him that young Calder and Brunston were with the Laird of Ormeston he sent to apprehend them but Brunston escaped to the wood the other two were committed to the Castle of Edinburgh and thither was Mr. George first carried and afterwards brought back to the house of Hales the Earls principal house in Lothian but Queen Mother at the Cardinals desire being earnest with the Earle to have sent him again to the Castle of Edinburgh albeit in regard of his promise he refused a long time yet overcome in end by her intreaty he yielded So was Mr. George of new taken to the Castle and after a short stay there conveyed to S. Andrews where he remained prisoner unto the day of his suffering The Cardinal not thinking it expedient to delay his trial wrote to the Prelates to meet at S. Andrews the 27. of February The Archbishop of Glasgow at his coming gave advice to seek a Commission from the Governour to some man of quality that might execute Justice left all the burthen should lie upon them whereunto the Cardinal agreed supposing the Governour would make no scruple in the matter nor had he made any if David Hamilton of Preston knowing what was sought had not seriously disswaded him advising him rather to use his power in the defence of Gods servants then to arm their adversaries with his authority For it is marvelled said he that you should give such liberty to wicked and godlesse men thus to oppresse poor innocents unto whose charge no crime is laid onely they are accused for preaching the Gospel of Christ which your selfe not long since openly professed and exhorted others to professe promising by your authority to maintain the same The opinion which men had of your affection to the truth was that which chiefly procured your advancement to the place you now hold in the Realm and now consider what are mens thoughts and speeches of your proceedings or rather what a fearful unthankfulnesse it is on your part to Almighty God who hath bestowed upon you so many blessings You are rid of your neighbours at home who envied your honour without blood and slaughter you have lately reported victory of the forain enemy that was stronger by much then your selfe and now will you persecute Gods servants for the pleasure of flagitious men who neither can hide their wickednesse nor have care to dissemble it Remember how suddenly the late King was taken away when he followed these courses which now you run They who by their perverse counsels wrought his undoing are leading you on to the same destruction At the first they were your open enemies and resisted your promotion to the government with all their might but now I know not how they have snared you by their malicious devices Think upon King Saul who was exalted by God from a mean estate to be King of Israel so long as he obeyed the word of God he prospered but how soon he grew disobedient he became miserable Compare the successe you have had in your affairs with his prosperity and you will find it not unlike and of this you may be assured that except you take another course your end shall be no better then his perhaps worse wherefore be wise and suffer not your selfe to be led any more by the counsels of wicked men neither let poor innocents at their appetites be thus cruelly murthered The Governour moved with these speeches did answer the Cardinal That he should do well not to precipitate the mans trial but to delay it untill
Neither did â—he after this time ever see a good day but was of all sorts of people despised and misregarded The Earle of Argile and Lord Iames thinking their honours touched by the breach of the peace which they had mediated did forsake her and went to the Congregation whereupon they were charged to appear before the Councell but they answered That seeing the Queen had broken Conditions which by warrant from her selfe they had made with the Lords of the Congregation they would have no more medling in such dishonest courses and do the best to repair things The Noble men remained at that time in Saint Andrewes and because they foresaw this their answer would not be well accepted and feared some sudden attempt for the Queen with her French men lay then at Falkland they sent to the Lords of Dun and Pittarrow and others that favoured Religion in the Countries of Angus and Mernis and requested them to meet at Saint Andrewes the 4. day of Iune Mean while they themselves went to the town of Craile whither all that had warning came shewing great forwardness and resolutions and were not a little incouraged by Iohn Knox who in a Sermon made unto them at the same time put them in minde of that he foretold at Perth how there was no sincerity in Queen Regents dealing and that conditions would not be kept as they had found Therefore did he exhort them not to be any longer deluded with fair promises seeing there was no peace to be hoped for at their hands who took no regard of Contracts and Covenants solemnly sworn And because there would be no quietness till one of the parties were masters and strangers expulsed out of the Kingdome he wished them to prepare themselves either to die as men or to live victorious By this exhortation the hearers were so moved as they fell immediately to the pulling down of Altars and Images and destroyed all the Monuments which were abused to idolatry in the town The like they did the next day in Austruther and from thence came directly to Saint Andrewes The Bishop hearing what they had done in the Coast-towns and suspecting they would attempt the same reformation in the City came to it well accompanied of purpose to withstand them but after he had tried the affections of the townsmen and found them all inclining to the Congregation he went away early the next morning towards Falkland to the Queen That day being Sunday Iohn Knox preached in the Parish Church taking for his theame the History of the Gospel touching our Saviours purging of the Temple and applying the corruption which was at that time in Ierusalem to the present estate in the Church and declaring what was the duty of those to whom God had given authority and power he did so incite the Auditors as the Sermon being ended they went all and made spoil of the Churches rasing the Monasteries of the Black and Gray Friers to the ground The report of this carried to Queen Regent she was sore incensed and presently gave order for the marching of the French companies towards Saint Andrewes directing Proclamations to all the parts about for meeting her in armes the next morning at Couper The Lords taking purpose to prevent her coming went the same night thither accompanied with 100. horse onely and as many foot but such was the readiness of men in that quarrell as before 10. of the clock on the next day their number grew to 3000. The Earle of Rothes and Lord Ruthven brought with them many Gentlemen from Lothian the Lairds of Calder Ormston Halton Restarig and Coalston brought only a few for the warning they got was late yet their presence did greatly incourage the rest The towns of Dundy Saint Andrewes and Couper shewed great resolution and courage In the morning early the Noble men had drawn forth their Companies to the Moore on the West side of the town and committed the direction of all things to Mr. Iames Halleburton Provost of Dundy a man of good experience and much esteemed both for valour and counsell who made choice of a plot of ground most convenient for defence for it lay so as the Munition might play on all sides upon the enemy without receiving any annoyance from them till it should come to handy blows A little river ran also between the Armies which the enemies behoved pass before they gave the onset The Lord Ruthven with the horsemen was placed in the vantguard the other Lords with the Gentlemen of Angus Mernis Fise and Lothian made the battell The townesmen of Dundy Saint Andrewes and Couper were set in the rear and a certain space from them were the serving men and followers of the Camp appointed to stand which made shew of an auxiliary force provided against all accidents In Queen Regents Army the French were commanded by Monsieur de Offell and the Scots by the Duke of Chatterault the morning was dark and the fields covered with a foggy mist which hindered the Armies that they could not see one another About noontide when the aire began to clear the French sent some of their company to view the numbers and order kept by the Congregation who beholding them from a farre as they stood ranged in three battells and perceiving behind them the multitude of serving people which they took to be a supply of French men affirmed at their return the numbers to be greater then in truth they were Upon this a Post was directed to the Queen who was not as yet come from Falkland to enform her how matters went and to shew that the Lords were much stronger then was supposed and very forward to fight as likewise that they perceived a secret muting in their own Army some openly professing that they would not fight against their friends and Countreymen for the pleasure of strangers She hearing this was content they should treat for peace so the Lord Lindsey and Waâ—ghton were imployed by the Duke to confer with the Lords who at first were not suffered to approach nigh to the Army and had answer that they knew the Queen had sent those forces to pursue them and if they would invade they should finde them prepared to defend But they professing all their desires to be for peace and that they were sent to that effect were afterwards permitted to goe to the Lords who told them that they had been so often abused with the Queen Regents promises as they could not trust her words any more but if she would send back the French men that troubled the Countrey and give surely that no violence should be used to those that professe the true Religion they should not be found unreasonable It was ansvvered that for dimitting the French men she could say nothing till the French King was advertised and for the security craved she could give no other but her own word nor stood it with her honour to doe
carefull only of the Countreys quiet laboured earâ—estly to have justice take place and the borders then being unquiet sent her brother Lord Iames thither with a Commission of Lieutenandry which he faithfully discharged using exemplary punishment upon a number of broken men and takeing pledges of others for living obedient to the Lawes For this service at his return he was preferred first to the Earldome of Marre and a little after to the Earldome of Murray for the Lord Ereskin having claimed title to the Countrey of Marre was by the Queen made Earl of the same Huntly offending that these honours should have been conferred without his consent and he thereby put from the possession first of Marre then of Murray which he had injoyed since the death of King Iames the fifth and because of that long possession reckoned to be part of his own patrimony resolved since he saw his own credit and authority waning before that of Murrayes was fully setled to underm inehim by one mean or other whereupon by scandalous detractions and other the like courses familiar in the Courts of Princes he laboured to disgrace him and finding that these prevailed not presented to the Queen a libell written with his own hand wherein he charged the Earl of Murray with ambitious affectation of the royall authority Yet the proofs he brought being weak the Queen made no accompt thereof This also failing he incited Iames Hepburn Earl of Bothwell one that had debauched his patrimony and had all his hopes depending upon the publick disturbance to set the Earl of Murray and the Hamiltons by the ears which he assayed to do first by perswading the Earl of Murray to ruine Duke Hamilton who as he said lay waiting on the Queens death and aimed at no less then the Crown and besides bare a particular enmity against himself This he said could not but be acceptable to the Queen seeing that besides the naturall hatred that all Princes have to their successors she did bear a speciall grudge to the Earl of Arran for his love to the reformed religion and because of some hard speeches that fell out in a conference betwixt him and her uncle the Marquesse d' Elbeuf The Earl of Murray abhorring such unhonest practices and refusing to hearken thereto his next address was to the Hamiltons offering to take part with them in cutting off the Earl of Murray whose credit with the Queen he knew they disliked and shewing how easie it might be done By this means he said they should have the Queen in their own hands and be rid of him who chiefly stood in their way The time and place of the murther being considered upon Bothwell and Gawin Hamilton Abbot of Kilwining are said to have taken the matter in hand The device was to kill the Earl whilest the Queen was at hunting in the Park of Falkland and that performed to carry the Queen along with them for their greater surety and the countenancing of the fact The Earl of Arrane who had withstood the conspiracy perceiving them resolute in that they had undertaken and fearing it might take effect advertiseth the Earl of Murray of the plot laid against his life Murray rendring him many thanks the letter was intercepted by some that disliked the intelligence they kept with others and finding by the answer what advertisement he had made perswaded the Duke his father to send him with some Keepersto the house of Kinneill But he making an escape in the night came to the house of Grange in Fife and sending to the Earl of Murray to shew what had happened was the next morning conveyed by him to the Queen in Falkland And at his coming he discovered the whole practice unto her whereupon Bothwell and Kilwining were both apprehended for they were come to Falkland of intent to clear themselves Arran being brought before the Councell to be examined was observed to be in some perturbation of minde and being dimitted for that time was at his next appearing clearly perceived by his words and countenance to be taken with a phrensie yet when he came to himself as he did sometimes in the beginning of the disease he wrote to the Queen and others so judiciously as many thought he did only fain himself mad to free his father of the conspiracy The rest he accused so constantly and with such eagerness that in presence of the Councell he made offer since the accusation could not be made out by witnesses to try in single combat with Bothwell But the Queen misliking that form of triall made Bothwell to be sent to the Castle of Edinburgh and the Abbot of Kilwining to the Castle of Striveling committing Arrane to the custody of some persons at Court And now Huntly imagining that he had a fair occasion to put Murray out of the way and that he might do the same more safely having two of the greatest Families in the Kingdome partners with him in the quarrell fell into other devices and first stirring up a trouble in St. Andrews where the Queen then remained and thinking that Mâ—rray would come forth upon the noise to pacifie the tumult he resolved by some whom he had suborned to cut him off in the fray This not succeeding some armed men were laid to intercept him as he came from the Court at night for the Queen detaining him late he was wont to go accompanied with one or two only in most quiet manner to his lodging But this being likewise frustrated by advertisement given to Murray and he having tried it to be so for upon the notice given him he went and found them standing armed in the Porch of the Abby which was the place designed to him delated the matter to the Queen Huntly excusing his men said that they were some only of his company who being to go home that day had put on their armes and being stayed by some occasion till the next morning were there attending his coming This excuse albeit naught and frivolous was accepted for the time which gave many to think that the Queens affection to her brother was not so great as it was commonly taken to be And it is true that about the same time the Queen had received letters from the Pope the Cardinall of Lorrain and her uncles in France advising her to entertain Huntly as the man most powerfull and best inclined towards the advancing of the Romish religion and to give him some hopes of her mariage with Iohn Gordon his second son whereby he should be made more forward in the purpose Great promises were made besides of money and other necessary supplies for war but so alwayes as these were made away that were enemies to the Catholick faith of whose names a roll was sent unto her and the Earl of Murray placed in the first rank But what impression these letters made in the Queens mind she shewed the same to her brother and used him with
especially if he saw Religion to be in peril and had often craved to be exonerated of that burthen but still was refused Then directing his speech to the Queen with a wonderful boldness He charged her in the name of the Almighty God and as she desired to escape his heavy wrath and indignation to forsake that Idolatrous religion which she professed and by her power maintained against the statutes of the Realm And as he was proceeding was required by the Earl of Morton then Chancellor fearing the Queens irritation to hold his peace and go away After which time matters were carried more peaceably betwixt the Queen and the Church the Earl of Murray alwayes interposing himself and propounding the Petitions of the Church unto her as likewise returning her answers to their satisfaction In the end of this year Matthew Stewart Earl of Lenox by the permission of the Queen returned into Scotland and in a Parliament called to that effect in Ianuary next had the proces of forfeiture laid against him whilest the Duke was Governour reduced and so restored to his lands and possessions after 22. years exile Henry his son followed him some moneths after and came to Edinburgh in the beginning of February A young man not past 21. years of comely personage and of a milde and sweet behaviour He had presence of the Queen in the place of Weymis and was received with great demonstrations of favour Nor was it long that she was perceived to bear some affection unto him Whereupon a speech went that she would take him unto her husband And indeed besides the love she carried to the young Nobleman there was great respects that led her that way He was descended of the Royal blood of England And next unto her self the apparant heir of that Crown If it should fall him to marry with one of the greatest families of England it was to be feared that some impediment might be made to her in the Right of succession which she thought was a wise part in her to prevent Again the Queen of England had advised her by Thomas Randolph her Ambassadour to chuse unto her self a husband in England for the better conservation of the peace contracted betwixt the kingdomes and had of late recommended the Earl of Leicester as a worthy match to her She therefore as well to satisfie the Queen of Englands desire in not matching with a stranger but with some Englishman born as likewise to cut off all debates of succession resolved to take the Nobleman to her husband But no sooner was her intention discovered then on all sides enemies rose up against her Of the Nobility at home some opposed the Marriage under pretext of Religion for the Earl of Lenox and his son were both esteemed to be Popish The Queen of England by Nicholas Throgmorton her Ambassadour advised her not to use hast in a business of that importance and to interpose some impediment charged the Earl of Lenox and his son to return into England the time being not yet expired contained in their licences And universally amongst the subject the question was agitated Whether the Queen might chuse to her self an husband or it were more fitting that the Estates of the land should appoint one unto her Some maintaining that the liberty could not be denied unto her which was granted to the meanest subject others excepting that in the heirs of the Kingdom the case was different because they in assuring an husband to themselves did withall appoint a King over the people and that it was more reason the whole people should chuse an husband to one woman then that one woman should elect a King to rule over the whole people It was objected also by some that the marriage was unlawful and contrary to the Canon law Lady Margaret Douglas his mother being sister uterine to King Iames the fifth her father But for this the Queen had provided a remedy having sent William Chisholin Bishop of Dumblane to bring a dispensation from Rome And to strengthen her self at home she restored George Gordon son to the Earl of Huntley unto his lands and honours recalled the Earl of Sutherland who lived an exile in Flanders and Bothwel that was banished in France This wicked man was not well returned into the countrey when he devised a new plot against the Earl of Murray his life for which being called in question he forsook the countrey and fled again unto France The only man that seemed to stand for the marriage and used his best means to promove it was an Italian called David Risio who had great credit that time with the Queen This man had followed the Savoâ—an Ambassadour into Scotland and in hope of bettering his fortune gave himself to attend the Queen at first in the quality of a Musician afterwards growing in more favour he was admitted to write her French letters and in the end preferred to be principal Secretary to the Estate It grieved many to see a stranger thus advanced Lethington chiefly was displeased for that he found his credit this way impaired yet being one that could put on any disguise on his nature of all others he most fawned on this Italian and shewing him as it was truth that he was the object of divers Noblemens envy did perswade him by all means to work the match and procute if it could be the consent of the Queen of England thereto wherein offering his own service for he longed after some employment abroad he procured to himself a message towards the Queen of England By him the Earl of Lenox and his son did excuse their not returning into England as they were charged beseeching Queen Elizabeths favour unto the match intended and that which might prove more profitable to her and her Realm then any other course the Scottish Queen should take Signieur Davie for so he was commonly called did after this labour with all his power to have the marriage perfected and as he was of a politick wit the more to bind the young Nobleman and his friendship unto him studied to have the same finished before the return of the Queen of Englands answer either fearing that her disassent might work some delay in the match or that the Noblemans obligation to himself should be the lesse in case she consented For this purpose a Convocation of the Estates was kept at Striveling in the moneth of May where the matter being propounded and the advice of the Estates craved many did yield their consents with a provision that no change should be made in the present estate of Religion The greater part to gratifie the Queen without making any exception agreed that the mariage should proceed Of the whole number Andrew Lord Ochiltrie did onely oppose plainly professing that he would never consent to admit a King of the Popish Religion Shortly after was Henry Lord Darnly created Lord of Arâ—manoch Earl of Rosse and Duke of
Majesty should stay made choice of the Castle of Edinburgh as the part most commodious and ordained the Earl of Arrane who was there kept prisoner to be removed to the Castle of Hamilton with a liberty to travel by the space of two miles about providing he should do nothing to the prejudice of his house and enter himself unto 20. days warning in the Castles of Edinburgh Dumbar and Dumbarton or any of them for observance whereof the Earls of Murray and Glencarn became sureties The Queen at her first entrie into the Castle did feast the Nobility and made them all friends Argyle Murray and Athol had lodgings assigned them within the Castle Huntley Bothwel and others of the Nobility remained in the Town The 19. of Iune betwixt nine and ten of the clock in the evening she was brought to bed of a son to the exceeding joy of the subjects for which the Nobles and whole people assembled the next day in the Church of S. Giles gave solemn thanks to God Presently was Sir Iames Melvil sent to carry the newes to the Queen of England who to congratulate her safe and happy delivery sent Sir Henry Killigrew to Scotland by Post. The Assembly of the Church convened the same time in Edinburgh sent the Superintendent of Lothian to testify their gladnesse for the Princes birth and to desire that he should be baptized according to the form used in the reformed Church To this last she gave no answer otherwise the Superintendent and his Commission were very graciously accepted The Queen calling to bring the Infant that the Superintendent might see him he took him in his Armes and falling upon his knees conceived a short and pithy prayer which was very attentively heard by her having closed his prayer he took the babe and willed him to say Amen for himself which she took in so good part as continually afterwards she called the Superintendent her Amen This story told to the Prince when he came to years of understanding he alwayes called him his Amen and whilest he lived did respect and reverence him as his Spiritual Father The Queen waxing strong went by water to Alloway a house pertaining to the Earl of Marre and kept private a few dayes In that place brake out first her displeasure against the King her husband for the following her thither was not suffered to stay but commanded to be gone and when at any time after he came to Court his company was so loathsome unto her as all men perceived she had no pleasure nor content in it such a deep indignation had possessed her mind because of the disgrace offered to her in the slaughter of her servant Davie the envy whereof was all laid upon the King as she could never digest it Secretary Lethington who by his subtle flatteries was crept again into favour did wickedly foster this passion by putting in her head a possibility to divorce from the King which he said was an easie work and a thing that might be done only by abstracting the Popes dispensation of their marriage And the Earl Bothwel a man sold to all wickednes did likewise by himself and by his instruments of whom Sir Iames Balfour was the chief take all occasions to incense her and by exaggerating the Kings ingratitude towards her wrought her mind to an hatred implacable In the beginning of October the Queen went to Iedburgh to keep some Justice Courts where she fell dangerously sick the King coming there to visit her had no countenance given him and was forced to depart At her return from the Borders being in Craigmillar Lethington renuing the purpose of divorce in the hearing of the Earls of Argyle and Huntley did perswade her to take some course for her separation from the King seeing they could not live together in Scotland with security The Queen asking him how that could be done without some blemish to her honour he replied that none would think ill of her part therein she being so ungratefully used by him but that all might know the murther of Davie to have been his fact her Majesty should do well to pardon the Lords that were fled to England and call them home Nay said the Queen I will rather have matters to continue as they are till God remedie them Yet within few days Morton and Lindesay were recalled at the intreaty of the Earls of Argyle and Huntley as was touched before Preparation was then making for the Baptisme of the Prince who about the end of August had been transported to Striveling To honour this solemnity the Counte de Briance was sent Ambassadour from the French King Monsieur de Croke from the Duke of Savey and the Earl of Bedford from the Queen of England who brought with him a Font of gold weighing two stone weight with a Bason and Ewer for the Baptisme At the day appointed for the solemnity which was the fifteenth of December they all convened in the Castle of Striveling The Prince was carried by the French Ambassadour walking betwixt two ranks of Barons and Gentlemen that stood in the way from the Chamber to the Chappel holding every one a proket of wax in their hands The Earl of Athol went next to the French Ambassador bearing the grear fierge of wax The Earl of Eglington carried the Salt the Lord Semple the Cude and the Lord Ross the Bason and Ewer all these were of the Romane profession In the entry of the Chappel the Prince was received by the Archbishop of S. Andrews whose Collaterals were the Bishops of Dunkeld Dumblane and Ross there followed them the Prior of Whithern sundry Deans and Archdeans with the Gentlemen of the Chappel in their several habits and Copes The Countesse of Argyle by Commission from the Queen of England did hold up the Prince at the Font where the Archbishop did administer the Baptisme with all ceremonies accustomed in the Romane Church the spittle excepted which the Queen did inhibit The Earl of Bedford entered not in the Chappel during the service and without the dores stood all the Noblemen professors of the reformed Religion The rites performed the Prince was proclaimed by his name and Titles Iames Prince and Stewart of Scotland Duke of Rothesay Earl of Carrick Lord of the Isles and Baron of Renfrew then did the Musick begin which having continued a good space the Prince was again conveighed to his chamber It was night before the solemnity took end for it was done in the afternoon The feasting and triumphal sports that followed were kept some days with exceeding cost and magnificence yet the content the people received thereby was nothing so great as their offence for the Kings neglect for neither was he admitted to be present at the Baptisme nor suffered to come unto the feast To some his ill disposition was given for an excuse others more scornfully were told that his fashioners had not used the diligence they ought
tried to provide for afterwards against the like by a new edict it was made capital to disperse libels for defaming any person in that sort and to have keep or read any such that should happen to be affixed or cast into the streets The Earl of Lenox whilest these things were a doing ceased not to solicit the Queen by his letters for taking trial of the murther without delaying the same unto the time of Parliament as she had purposed Particularly he desired the Earl of Bothwell and others named in the libells and placard affixed on the door of the Senate-house to be apprehended and the Nobility assembled for their examination Bothwell perceiving that he was now openly attached did offer himself to triall for which the 12. of Aprill was assigned and the Earl of Lenox cited by the Justice to pursue according to the delation he had made In the mean time to fortifie himself he got the Castle of Edinburgh in his custody upon the Earl of Marre his resignation placing therein Sir Iames Balfour whom he especially trusted The Earl of Marre for his satisfaction had the Prince delivered in his keeping and caried unto Striveling where the Earl then lay heavily sick The Diet appointed for the triall being come and the Court fenced as use is Bothwell was empannelled The Earl of Lenox being called compeired Robert Cuningham one of his domesticks who presented in writing the Protestation following My Lords I am come hither sent by my master my Lord of Lenox to declare the cause of his absence this day and with his power as my Commission beareth The cause of his absence is the shortness of time and that he could not have his friends and servants to accompany him to his honour and for the security of life as was needfull in respect of the greatness of his partie Therefore his Lordship hath commanded me to desire a competent day such as he may keep and the weight of the cause requireth otherwise if your Lordships will proceed at this present I protest that I may use the charge committed to me by my Lord my master without the offence of any man This is that if the persons who pass upon the Assise and enquest of these that are entered on pannell this day shall cleanse the said persons of the murther of the King that it shall be wilfull errour and not ignorance by reason it is notoriously known that these persons did commit that odious murther as my Lord my master alledgeth And upon this my protestation I require an instrument The Justice by the advice of the Noblemen and Barons appointed to assist in that judgement did notwithstanding the said protestation grant process whereupon the Noblemen chosen for the Jury were called These were Andrew Earl of Rothes George Earl of Cathnes Gilbert Earl of Cassils Lord Iohn Hamilton Commendator of Aberbrothock Iames Lord Ross Robert Lord Semple Robert Lord Boyd Iohn Lord Hereis Laurence Lord Oliphant Iohn Master of Forbes with the Lairds of Lochinvar Langton Cambusnetham Barnbowgall and Boyne the Earl of Cassills excused himself offering the penalty which by the Law they pay that refuse to pass upon Assise but could not obtain himself freed the Queen threatning to commit him in prison and when he seemed nothing terrified therewith commanding him under pain of treason to enter and give his judgement with the rest Thus were they all sworn and admitted as the manner is After which Bothwell being charged with the inditement and the same denied by him they removed forth of the Court to consult together and after a little time returning by the mouth of the Earl of Cathnes their Chancellour declared him acquit of the murther of the King and of all the points contained in the inditement with a protestation That seeing neither her Majesties advocate had insisted in the pursuit nor did Robert Cuningham Commissioner for the Earl of Lenox bring any evidence of Bothwells guiltiness neither yet was the inditement sworn by any person and that they had pronounced according to their knowledge it should not be imputed to them as wilfull errour which they had delivered Mr. David Borthwiâ—â— and Mr. Edmund Hay who in the entry of the Court were admitted as his prolocutours askt instruments upon the Juries declaration so he went from that Court absolved yet the suspicions of the people were nothing diminished And some indeed were of opinion that the Judges could give no other deliverance nor find him guilty of the inditement as they had formed it seeing he was accused of a murther committed on the 9. day of February whereas the King was slain upon the 10. of that moneth But he for a further clearing of himself set up a paper in the most conspicuous place of the market bearing That albeit he had been acquited in a lawfull Justice court of that odious crime laid unto his charge yet to make his innocency the more manifest he was ready to give triall of the same in single combate with any man of honourable birth and quality that would accuse him of the murther of the King The next day in the same place by another writing answer was made that the combat should be accepted so as a place were designed wherein without danger the undertaker might professe his name The 13. of April a Parliament was kept for restoring the Earl of Huntley and others to their estates and honours which was not as yet done with the solemnity requisite In this Parliament the Commissioners of the Church made great instance for ratifying the Acts concluded in favour of the true Religion yet nothing was obtained The Queen answering that the Parliament was called for that onely business and that they should have satisfaction given them at some other time The Parliament being broke up Bothwell inviting the Noblemen to supper did liberally feast them and after many thanks for their kindness fell in some speeches for the Queens marriage shewing the hopes he had to compass it so as he might obtain their consents Some few to whom he had imparted the business before-hand made offer of their furtherance the rest fearing to refuse and suspecting one another set all their hands to a bond which he had ready formed to that purpose A few dayes after faigning an expedition into Liddisdale he gathered some forces and meeting the Queen on the way as he returned from Striveling whither she had gone to visit her son he took her by way of rape and led her to the Castle of Dumbar No men doubted but this was done by her own liking and consent yet a number of Noblemen convening at Striveling lest they should seem deficient in any sort of their duties sent to ask whether or not she was there willingly detained for if she was kept against her will they would come with an Army and set her at liberty She answered That it was against her will that she was
the Queen their Kings mother Therefore willed him and his associates to consider what hurt and danger they should draw upon themselves by accusing her in such a publick form not onely with those of her own Nation that loved the Queen but also with other Christian Princes especially with her cousins in France and what could they answer unto the King when he being of ripe years should esteem that manner of doing dishonorable to himself his mother and whole Kingdom They notwithstanding went on and presented their answer conceived in the terms following The King Henry father to their soveraign Lord the King now reigning being horribly murthered in his bed Iames sometimes Earl of Bothwell who was known to be the chief Author thereof entered in such credit with the Queen then their Soveraign as within two moneths after the murther committed he openly attempted a rape of her person and carried her to Dumbar Castle where he did keep her as captive a certain space causing a divorce to be led betwixt him and his lawfull wife and upon the conclusion thereof did suddenly accomplish a pretended marriage with the Queea which insolent proceedings together with the shamefull report that passed in all Nations of the Kings murther as if the whole Nobility had been alike culpable thereof so moved the hearts of a good number of them as they thought nothing could be performed more honourable to themselves in the sight of all the world then by punishing the said Earl who had committed the murther to free themselves of the vile reports spread every where to set the Queen at liberty from the bondage of that traitour who had so presumptuously interprised the rape and marriage of her whose lawfull husband he could not be and to preserve the innocent person of the King from the hands of him that had murthered his father For which purpose they taking arms when the said Earl came against them with forces leading in his company the Queen to defend his wickednesse they offered for sparing the blood of innocent men to decide the quarrell in a single combate whereof himself by Cartell and Proclamation and sundry times made offer But after many shifts he in end directly refused the same and the Queen prefering his impunity to her own honour that he might have leasure to escape came willingly to the Noblemen that were in Arms and conferred with them a certain space after which they conveyed her to Edinburgh informing her of the true causes that moved them to that form of dealing did humbly intreat her Majesty to suffer the said Earl and others the King her husbands murtherers to be punished according to the laws and the ptetended marriage wherein she was rashly entered to be dissolved as well for her own honour as for the safety of her son and quietnesse of the Realm and Subjects But having received no other answer but rigerous threats against the Noblemen and she avouching to be revenged upon all those that had shown themselves in that cause they were driven by necessity to sequestrate her person for a season from the company of Bothwell and the keeping of any intelligence with him untill punishment might be taken of him as murtherer of the King her husband In the mean time she finding her self wearied with the troubles of government and perceiving by things that had passed before that time betwixt her and the people that neither could she well allow of their doings nor they like of her forms upon these and other consirations she voluntarily resigned her Kingdome and transferred the same unto her son appointing the Earl of Murray who was at that time absent forth of the Realme to be Regent during her sonnes minority and in case of the said Earles decease or not acceptance of the said Office divers other Noblemen whose names are expressed in the Commissions signed by her self and sealed with the seals of the Kingdom The King hereupon being duely rightly and orderly crowned and anointed and the Earl of Murray after his return lawfully placed and admitted Regent all those things were ratified and confirmed by the three Estates of Parliament most of these that had withdrawn themselves from his authority being present and giving their consent to the same Notthelesfe when as matters were thus established and the Kings authority univerâ—ally obeyed without contradiction certain persons envying the publick quietnesse had by their subtile practices first brought the Queen out of Lochlevin and afterwards by open force against their promised fidelity gone about to subvert the government received wherein as they were proceeding it pleased God to disappoint their interprise and give unto the King and those who stood for his authority a notable victory unpon the 13. day of May last Wherefore their desire was that the King and the Regent might peaceably rule and govern the subjects according to the authority they had received of God and that the same might be conserved and established against the factions of turbulent subjects The Commissioners of the Queen of Scots having seen this answer made a long and particular reply to all the points thereof wherein adhering to their former protestation first they said That the pretext of taking arms against the Queen because Bothwell the authour of her husbands murther was in such favour with her could not warrant their rebellion fith it never was made known to the Queen that he was the murtherer But to the contrary Bothwell being indited and orderly summoned to underly the triall of Law he was by the judgement of his Peers absolved and the same absolution ratified by the authority of Parliament where the principalls that now accuse him and had withdrawn themselves from her Majesties obedience were present and not onely consented to his purgation but solicited the Queen to take him to her husband as the man most worthy to bear rule of any other in all the Realm giving their bonds to defend him against all that should pursue him for the said crime as their subscriptions would testifie And so neither before the marriage with Bothwell nor after did they or any of them which had been the dutie of true subjects so much as in words utter their dislike of it or advertise her Majesty of the suspicions that were taken of him untill they had drawn the keeper of the Castle of Edinburgh and the Provost of the town to their faction Then secretly putting themselves in arms they suddenly under silence of night invironed the Castle of Borthwick where her Majesty remained and after she had escaped to Dumbar levied an army under pretence to defend the Queen wherewith invading her person in the way berwixt Dumbar and Edinburgh they did take her Majesty captive And where they alledge that her Majesty preferring the impunity of Bothwell to her own honour made him to be conveighed safely away The same was most untrue for they themselves sent the Laird of Grange to her Majesty desiring her to cause Bothwell
a prisoner deceive his keepers Concerning the intelligence he kept with forain Princes for the entertaining of civil peace that he did not think the Assembly would disallow it seeing diversity of Religion made not leagues of friendship unlawful And that they should meddle with the choice of his servants he held it strange This he hoped they would remit to himself and not to be too curious in examining the occasions of their placing or displacing And where they complained that since his accepting of the government the liberties of the Church had been refringed he said that since that time more good and profitable lawes had been made for the advancement of true Religion then ever before and if any thing lacked in the execution the fault was not his For that which concerned the Church rents he answered that those things must be helped in Parliament and that he should assist the reformation thereof at his power As for the punishment of the abominations mentioned that the fault could not be imputed to him sith he was willing to give Commission to such as the Ministers should judge most fit for the execution of lawes And for Ecclesiastical Acts which his authority was said to impede he knew none of late onely he had stayed the remove of Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet from the Colledge of Aberdene to be Minister of S. Andrews which being rightly considered would not be found prejudicial to the Church nor impertinent for him to deal in Lastly for the murmur of people perverting of lawes and difference amongst the Nobility his Majesty said that he was ready to hearken to any good advice for reformation of that which should be found amisse The answers all most reasonable and proceeding from the King ought to have been well taken but the discontent they had received for the late change in Court made every thing distasteful and still the displeasure betwixt the King and Church did grow as we shall hear In the beginning of November Lodowick eldest son to the late Duke of Lennox arrived at Leth and was conveyed by the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Montross to the King who lay then at Kinneill Soon after the advertisement of the Noblemans death the King had sent the Master of Gray into France to bring home all his children But Lodowick excepted who then was 13. years of age the rest were young and not able to indure so long a journey The King receiving him with great expressions of love did presently invest him in his Fathers lands and honours committing the trust of his affairs to the Earl of Montrosse till he should grow up to maturity for his education in letters Mr. Gilbert Moncreef the King his principal Physician was appointed to attend him a man wise and of good learning Some years after two of his sisters were brought into the countrey Henrietta the eldest was married to George Earl of Huntley Mary the younger of the two to Iohn Earl of Marre to the third the King had provided an honourable match but she having vowed her self to God would not be wonne from the Cloyster by any perswasion a younger son came to the King after he went into England and was by him advanced to great honours Thus the untimely losse of their Father did turn to the childrens benefit by the constant and unmatchable kindness of a loving King In the countrey matters grew daily more and more troubled Those that disobeyed the charges given them for entering in Ward pretended the time assigned for their entry to have been so short and the distance of the place so great as there was no possibility in them to obey yet under hand they were still seeking to strengthen themselves and associate others to be of their faction To take from them this pretext the first of December was allowed them for their entring in Ward and so many as should find surety to obey had favour promised them The Laird of Braid Colluthy Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Andrew Hay were licenced also to conferre with them and with all that had any part in the attempt of Ruthven for informing them of his Majesties gracious inclination towards all of that number who should acknowledge their offence and live obedient and peaceably from thenceforth But little or nothing was wrought this way whereupon the King took purpose to convene the Estates this 17th of December and having exponed his whole proceeding in that business an Act was passed by an universal consent of this tenour Albeit the late surprise and restraint of our person perpetrated in August bygone a year was a crime of laesae Majestatis hainous in it self of dangerous sequel and most pernicious example meriting the more severe punishment because the committers thereof for the most part besides the allegiance and common duty of subjects were specially bound to us by particular favours and benefits bestowed on them yet out of our natural disposition to clemency we resolved to reduce them by all gentle means to their duties and not only forbare to use them with rigour but made offer of pardon and mercy to such as would acknowledge their offence and continue thereafter in a dutiful obedience satisfying our selves with that moderate declaration which tended not in any sort to their detriment and prorogating days and moneths to see what they could perform Hereof we gave our promise to the Queen of England which was certified to them by divers and of late by certain Ministers and well disposed Gentlemen whom we licenced to conferre with them for perswading them of our sincere meaning behaving our selves in all this as a kind Father that seeketh to recover his children and not as a Prince that respected his estate But our lenity not having produced the effects which were wished we took counsel to assemble our Estates and make them witnesses of our clemency whatsoever might happen to their persons hereafter and now by their advice we have determined to prosecute with all rigour such of that number as shall continue in their disobedience and shall not embrace the offers of pardon made unto them In the execution whereof our Nobility and Estates convened have solemnly promised their assistance and for the greater authority both We and our said Estates have subscribed this Act with our hands Further by their advice We have ordained and ordain the Act of Councel past in October 1582. touching the attempt at Ruthven to be delete forth of the Books inhibiting all and sundry of whatsoever estate quality and degree to allow by word writing or otherwise the foresaid fact which We being now at liberty and our Estates have so publickly condemned This Act made the Earl of Rothes protested that his subscription to the Act in October 1582. approving the attempt of Ruthven for good service should not be laid to his charge seeing he did the same unwillingly and by his Majesties special command and direction like as soon after the
bridge of which he kept the keyes Some weak resistance was made by Colonel Stewart at the head of the Market street but he was soon put back with the slaughter of one or two of his company The borderers according to their custome fell upon the stables and made prey of all the Gentlemens horses whereof they found good store The spoile otherwise was not great as of a town not very rich in merchandise In the morning betimes the Castle was inclosed which they knew could not long hold out for it was unfurnished and scarce provided with victuals of one day in this extremity the King was advised to employ two of his Councel towards the Lords to ask what they intended Choice was made of the Secretary and Justice Clerk as men whom they would willingly hear At the first meeting the Secretary was rough enough with them saying That such violent formes were not to be approved and to deal in that manner with their King they would finde it unsure for what was extorted from him by force or fear he would soon finde means to undo and never want men to serve him in that whereunto his will was bent that humble Petitions became subjects and had been more fitting then to come in the manner they did The Lords answered that it grieved them fore to be reduced to that necessity nothing being more dear to them then the Kings honour and safety But what could they have done they were banished from their countrey put from their livings their friends used with cruelty the King not permitted to hear them in their just defence and alwayes shut up from presenting their Petitions That their coming in that manner was not to dishonour nor force the King to whom they would be most humble supplicants and upon their knees if they should find accesse beg mercy at his hands All they did was to save themselves from ruine and to be secured from their adversaries who had wronged them and the whole States of the Kingdom wherefore they besought them as their countreymen and friends to intercede with his Majesty that they might be accepted in favour and all things composed in the most quiet and honourable manner for the King and State that could be devised This reported to the King did mitigate his mind a little For my self said he I did never like that mans violence meaning Arran and howbeit I cannot but offend with their doings yet for the countreys sake and preservation of publick quietnesse I can pardon and overpasse all but one thing I desire you that have been in conference with them to look to that none in my company receive any harm I know there are quarrels betwixt the Earl of Crawford and the Master of Glammis That the Earl of Angus doth not like Montrosse and I believe that Colonel Stewart is not well beloved for things done in my service These I cannot see with mine honour hurt provide for that and that they may be in safety and I shall willingly admit them When this was shewed the Lords they said that they had not taken up Arms for any private quarrel nor would they mixe their particulars with the publick but it should be good for eschewing such inconveniences as might happen that the Noblemen whom the King had named were put in custody with some special persons and that the Colonel should be discharged from his office of the guard and the same conferred to another This being declared to the King he gave his consent to receive them Being brought unto his prefence they fell all upon their knees and the Lord Hamilton who had the precedency in regard of blood taking the speech said that they were come in most humble manner to beg mercy and his Majesties love and favour The King answered My Lord I did never see you before and must confesse that of all this company you have been most wronged you were a faithful servant to the Queen my mother in my minority and when I understood not as I do the estate of things hardly used The rest of you that have since that time been exiled and put from your livings cannot say but it was your own fault and that your misbehaviour procured the same But turning himself to Bothwel what should have moved thee Francis said he to take this course and come in Armes against me did I ever thee any wrong or what cause hadst thou to offend I wish thee a more quiet spirit and that thou mayest learn to live as a Subject otherwise thou wilt fall in trouble To you all who as I truly think have not meant any harm to any person I am pleased to give both my hand and my heart and will remember nothing that is past providing you carry your selves from henceforth as becomes men of your places and behave your selves as dutiful subjects So they arose one by one and kissed his Majesties hands It was observed that he received the Lord Hamilton with greatest kindnesse and gave him more respect then any others This was the day after their entering into Striveling Two days after in Councel the King renewing his promise did by publick Act confirm the pardon granted to them and their Assisters which was by sound of trumpet proclaimed The Earls of Crawford and Montross were commended to the Lord Hamilton who used them honourably and Colonel Stewart suffered quietly to depart Arran after his flight went unto Coile and lived private amongst his friends deprived of all his honours The charge of the guard was given to the Master of Glammis the Castle of Dumbritton put in the Lord Hamiltons custody Striveling restored to the Earl of Marre and the Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Sir Iames Home of Coldinknâ—ws In this manner did the banished Lords recover his Majesties favour and return to their places albeit Thuan deceived by some information hath otherwise related the same How soon the Noblemens peace was proclaimed Duntraith who had touched them in his deposition against Maius saying that he was told by one Iohn Home the Lords had hired every one of them two men to kill the King so comperired before the Councel undesired so the Act of Councel beareth and confessed that he was suborned by Captain Iames who is henceforth to be so named the title of Arran being returned to the right owner to make that deposition which in it self was false and untrue out of fear and to save his life For verifying whereof and to shew that he did not confesse this to please the Noblemen whom he had wronged by such a confession he declared that for the space of eight weeks before their return he had revealed the same to the Master of Gray and to the Provost of Linclouden both which upon oath testified no lesse to the King The Councel for clearing the Noblemen ordained his confession to be published which was not very needful for no man did beleive the
said and promised to meddle no more in that businesse Huntley upon the like promise after a few dayes obtained his liberty and went into the North. In his going thither whether of purpose or by accident it is uncertain the Earl of Crawford did meet him at Perth where at first they concluded to fortifie the town as a place most convenient for drawing forces together from all quarters but doubting how they should make good the enterprise they gave it over and getting intelligence that the Thesaurer was come to Angus and had appointed a meeting of some friends at the Church of Megle they belayed the wayes and gave him the Chase unto the house of Kiâ—khill where he was received being desired to render upon his refuse fire was cast to the house and he forced to yield himself as he did to his Cousen the Laird of Achindown who kept him some weeks prisoner in the North. The Letters written to the King of Spain and Prince of Parma whereof we made mention and some others from Mr. Bruce directed to the same Prince being about this time intercepted laid open all the practises of these Noblemen which being reported to the Queen of England she wrote to the King a sharp letter wherein complaining of his remisnesse in punishing these treacheries of the entertainment he gave to the Spaniards that had fled into Scotland after their wrack in the Irish Seas she besought him not to overslip such happy occasions as itâ— had pleased God to offer him by revealing these practises as likewise to rid the Realm of those strangers and send them away with speed Hereupon order was taken for their dispatch and ships conduced to transport them unto West-Flanders The Hollanders advertised of their coming sent forth some ships to intercept them and meeting them some two miles from the coast of Flanders took one of the vessels and put to the sword all the Spaniards that were therein the rest ran their vessels on ground where a number seeking to save themselves by swimming were pitifully drowned A Proclamation was likewise renewed against the Jesuits and their ressetters and Mr. Edmond Hay Mr. William Creichton Mr. Robert Bruce and David Graham of Fentry commanded under pain of death to depart the Realm But they contemning the charges did stir up the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Arrol to make open insurrection These three taking Arms and assembling all the forces they could gather came to Aberdene in the beginning of April where they made Proclamations in the Kings name Declaring that he was held captive forced against his mind to use his Nobles more rigorously then he desired requiring all the Lieges to concurre and assist them for setting his person at liberty Their hopes were that Bothwel with his friendship in the South should make the King such businesse as they needed not to fear any suddain pursuit but the King having caused denounce Bothwel and the chief of his followers Rebels resolved to begin with them and leave him to his return So charges being directed to warn all the subjects remaining on the South of Aberdene to accompany the King and they gathering somewhat slowly he made forward with those he had in his company toward the middle of April and having advanced as farre as Cowy a little Village some ten miles off Aberdene was there advertised that the Earls were 3000. strong and marching directly towards him The King nothing dismayed called the Noblemen that were in the Army together and spake cheerfully unto them saying That they had a great deal of advantage of their enemies the better cause and the King on their part Neither oaths nor subscriptions said he can assure these men and if benefits or good deeds could have made them loyal and obedient I have not been sparing to them all Now that I am drawn against my will by their open Rebellion to use force I do assure my self of your fidelity and that you will not forsake me I shall desire you stand no longer then ye see me stand and howbeit I do not think they dare set their faces against me yet I shall pray you to dispose all things in the best order you can This speech he delivered with such a grace as thereby the Noblemen and others that stood by were greatly incouraged every one avowing to do their uttermost for his Majesties honour But a question falling between the Lord Hamilton and the Earl of Angus for leading the Vant-guard was like to have caused some trouble Angus claiming the place by the priviledges granted to his predecessors and the Lord Hamilton alledging that none ought to contend with him in honour because of his proximity to the Royal blood but the King interposing his authority gave the leading of the Vant-guard for that time to the Lord Hamilton reserving the rights and priviledges of the house of Angus whereunto nothing was done at that time should work any prejudice All that night the King did watch himself and kept his Army on foot In the morning early he was advertised that the Rebels were dispersed and gone back for Huntley understanding that the King was resolved to put it to a day declined the fight because of the danger that might come to the Kings person Crawford for the same reason seemed not very bent but Arroll insisting to have gone forward when he saw they would not be moved parted from them at the bridge of Dee in great wrath The King came the same day to Aberdene and calling the Magistrates did threaten them sharply for receiving the Rebels into their City They excused themselves by their weaknesse and the want of power to resist the great forces which was admitted upon promise that they should look better to their town in after times Whilest the King stayed there the Noblemen and Barons of the countrey came in and made offer of their service giving surety not to reset nor intercommune with the Rebels and to concurre with his Majesties Lieutenant when they should be required This done the King returned to Edinburgh for he was then about the directing of the Earl of Marshall to Denmark for the accomplishing of his marriage and bringing home the Queen there went with him Andrew Lord Dingwell Sir Iames Scrymgeour of Dudap Mr. Iohn Sheen Advocate and Mr. George Young Archdeacon of S. Andrewes For defraying the Ambassadours charges a Subsidy of an hundred thousand pounds was granted by the Councel according to a warrant given them in the Parliament 1587. whereof the subjects made ready payment so great was their desire to have the King matched and the royal succession established in his race The enterprise of the Rebels being in this sort defeated the Thesaurer was put to liberty and at his coming to Court did solicit the King in favours of the Earl of Huntley and Crawford who forthinking the attempt they had made did offer to enter their persons in
it is hard for men in drink at which they were continually kept long to agree A little strife at his first coming to Upslo arose betwixt the Chancellor and Earl Marshal for priority of place the Earl thinking it due to him because of the honour he had in the espousal of the Queen and the Chancellor excepting that his Ambassage ceased in regard of the Kings presence and that the same precedency belonged to him by vertue of his office in those parts being with the King that he had at home But this was pacified without any noise by the Kings determination who declared the place to belong to the Chancellor Brunswicks Marriage and solemnity thereof finished the King conveyed with many great ships took journey homewards and arrived with his Queen at Leth the 20. of May where he was received with a wonderful joy and a great concourse of people After his landing he went first to Church and caused publick thanks to be given to God for his safe and happy return then after to the Noblemen and Councel he gave many thanks for the care they had taken in administration of affairs and the quietnesse they had maintained in the countrey The Earl of Bothwel besides the rest was received with a most gracious countenance for that contrary to all mens expectation he had carried himself orderly all that time And he indeed soon after the Kings departing whether to purchase the opinion of a reformed man or that as he pretended remorse of conscience did move him in a conference with Iames Gibson Minister who was then privately returned from England did offer for removing the many scandals he had given by his dissolutenesse to acknowledge publickly his offence and make any satisfaction the Church should enjoyn which also he performed appearing as he was appointed in the Church where Mr. Robert Bruce did ordinarily preach and making confession of his sinnes promised to live more regularly and not to give offence thereafter to good Christians But it was not long after the Kings return that falling to his wonted forms he became more disordered then ever and there through procuring the Kings displeasure wrought his own undoing as we shall hear The next day after the Kings arrival the Councel assembled to advise upon the Queens Coronation The King determining to have it done in most solemn manner because none of the Bishops were present nor could conveniently be brought against the day made choice of Mr. Robert Bruce to perform the ceremony The Ministers that were in town being therewith acquainted some of the number more curious then wise did except against the ceremony of Unction saying that it was Jewish and abolished at the coming of Christ introduced into Christian Kingdoms by the Pope and not to be used The chief of this opposition was one Mr. Iohn Davison an idle and turbulent man who as then had no charge in the Church but had gained some credit with certain foolish people that would be thought more holy and zealous then other Mr. Andrew Melvil sided with him at first reasoning for the same opinion It was shewed them That the ceremony could not be Jewish seeing it never had the beginning from the Jewes nor was it used by that people only That the anointing of Kings was mentioned in the book of Judges which albeit uttered in a parable did shew that it was a custom received in creating of Kings And that it was practised in other Kingdomes besides that of Judea was a thing manifest for Hasael King of Aram was anointed by Elias and Cyrus King of Persia is called by Esay Gods anointed Both these were strangers to the Law and people of the Jewes yet were they anointed wherefore the ceremony could not be Jewish Then where they said that this rite was introduced by the Pope of Rome as that could not be made out so no reasonable man would think that every rite used amongst Papists was to be rejected for in that case we should be forced to remove many things that are both of good institution and use Seeing therefore the function and authority of Princes continueth the same and is alike in all free Monarchies their anointing could no more be excepted against then their crowning and the bearing of the Sword and Scepter before them which have all the like warrant Thus they were reasoned with but nothing could remove their scruples which the King hearing he called them before him and finding them obstinate in their opinions told them That he would not have the right of Unction omitted and if Mr. Robert Bruce would not do it for they had threatned him with Church censures he would prorogue the day of Coronation and stay till one of the Bishops came who would not refuse Upon this they fell to a second deliberation and Mr. Andrew Melvil altogether misliking that a Bishop should be employed in the action divided from the others so that by the plurality of voices in end it was concluded that the ceremony should be used Thus the Sunday following the Queen was solemnly crowned and all the rites accustomed performed by Mr. Robert Bruce in the Abbey Church of Halyrudhouse On Tuesday thereafter she made her triumphant entry into the Town of Edinburgh where nothing was omitted that might serve to expresse the love and affection of the people The rest of the moneth and much of the next was spent in banquets and royall shewes for the entertaining of the strangers These finished and order taken for administration of the rents assigned to the Queen the strangers were dimitted and had rich presents given them both from the King and Queen How soon they were gone the King upon information that the Ministers of Edinburgh and Dalkeith had permitted Iames Gibson to preach in their Churches notwithstanding he was silenced by the general Assembly caused cite them before the Councel They answered That his silencing as they took it was only to the time of his appearance before the Assembly and that he was purged of contumacy But the Act being produced and hearing that he was silenced during the pleasure of the Assembly which as yet was not declared they confessed their oversight and promised that he should not have place amongst them till his Majesty was satisfyed The King constructing their answer to the best gave order to summon Gibson for his contempt and he not appearing was denounced Rebell At the same time there was a marriage treated betwixt the Earl of Arrol and a daughter of the Earl of Morton at which the King took exception and did inhibit the same as not liking that he who had so lately rebelled and was not yet reconciled to the Church should be strengthened by such an alliance Notthelesse the marriage went on for which the Earl of Morton being called before the Councel answered that he could not restrain the affection of his daughter and was forced to give way unto it The Councel
finding him to have failed in his duty did remit his censure to the King himself who as he was a Prince most tractable did passe it upon the Earl his submission In the moneth of Iune the Assembly of the Church convened at Edinburgh which the King did honour with his presence Mr. Patrick Galloway elected to preside in name of the Church did put up three Petitions to his Majesty One for establishing the Churches jurisdiction and the abolishing of all Acts made to the contrary Another for purging the country of Jesuits seminary Priests and excommunicate persons trafficking against Religion The third was for providing a competent maintenance to Ministers forth of the tithes of the Parishes where they served and applying what was above to the sustentation of Schooles maintaining of the poor repairing of the fabrick of Churches and other the like necessary uses To the first his Majesty answered That in all Parliaments the first Act that was concluded did concern the liberty of the Church which he should have care to see observed as in times passed For the second he said that it was known what pains he had taken therein before his journey to Denmark and that he would do what lawfully could be done for purging the countrey of Papists And touching the third because many were interessed therein he did advise them to make choice of the most discreet of their number to meet with such of the Councel as he should appoint for conferring upon the readiest means to effectuate that which they desired Thereafter his Majesty falling to speak of the barbarous feuds which were entertained in the Realm and the many odious murthers there through committed did seriously commend to them as those who should of all others most study to make peace the removing of such barbarities so farre as in them lay wishing them in their Sermons to strike on that point and make people understand how sinful it was and how shamefull to the whole Nation as likewise to employ the most wise amongst them for reconciling the variances that abounded in the countrey For my self said he I will employ all the power I have that way and if you shall apply your selves in your places to do the like my work shall be the more easie and have the better successe This was greatly applauded of all and indeed after that time he took such pains partly calling those that were at variance before the Councel and causing them submit their quarrels partly making strict lawes against the troublers of the common peace as he never ceased till he got the feuds wholly abolished Yet this was not wrought but after some time and with much difficulty new troubles daily arising in sundry parts of the countrey In the North a dissension brake out betwixt the Earls of Huntley and Murray that kept those parts a long time in trouble the occasion whereof was this Iohn Gordon son to Thomas Gordon of Cluny having married the widow of Grant of Ballendallagh it happeneth in a private quarrel one of Gordons servants to be killed by the Tutor of the house Gordon pursuing him before the Justice for not appearing he was denounced Rebel and Commission given to the Earl of Huntley as Sheriffe of the countrey to apprehend him The Earl making search for him cometh to the house of Ballendallagh and after some resistance taketh it by force but findeth not the Tutor This the family of the Grants interpreting to be done in their disgrace they betook themselves to the patrociny of the Earl of Murray and with them the Clanchatton and divers of the name of Dumbarre did joyn Huntley offending that any in those parts should make head against him and having understood that the Earls of Atholl and Murray were to meet these Glammis in Forres for making up a confederacy did assemble his friends and went thither to dissolve the meeting but before his coming they had severed and the Earl of Murray was returned to his house of Tarnway Huntley taking that way home and some of his company riding about the house in manner of a Bravado they within discharging some Musquets upon them it happened the same Gordon that married the widow to be killed To be revenged of this affront Huntley gathered forces to invade the Earl of Murray and he assisted by the Earl of Athol his Cousen prepareth to defend The convocations were great on either side whereof the King receiving advertisement charges were directed to command Atholl home and inhibit Huntley from coming by West the River of Spey and Murray not to come on the East of Findorne this course did restrain them for a time but gave not an end to thòse troubles A little after this fell out the slaughter of William Ker of Ancram a Gentleman of great sufficiency who was killed in Edinburgh under night by Sir Robert Ker apparant of Cesfourd There had been a long and old emulation betwixt the two families of Cesfourd and Farnherst for the Wardenry of the middle Marches and the Provostry of Iedburgh But Farnherst being then deceased and the heir left young this Gentleman as descended of the house did what he could to maintain the reputation of it which was an eyesore to the other It happened also some little time before this Gentleman in the trial of goods stolne from England to find out the committer of the theft and when the same was denied for the matter was brought before the Councel to verify the same by clear testimonies which was taken to be done out of spleen and to rubbe some infamy upon Cesfourd who was then Warden for the man accused was one of his followers This the Lady Cesfourd a woman of an haughty spirit did apprehend so deeply as she never ceased till she had moved her son being then very young to bereave the Gentleman of his life A hateful fact it was both for the manner in which it was done and for the losse the countrey received by the Gentlemans death for he was a man generally well given wise of great courage and expert beyond others in the Lawes and Customes of the Borders The King was highly offended and was resolved to use exemplary Justice upon the Actor But he eschewing and living a fugitive some moneths was pardoned upon satisfaction made to the Gentlemans children as was thought by the Chancellors intercession who afterwards married him to his Neece a daughter of Lethington Most of this Winter was spent in the discovery and examination of Witches and Sorcerers Amongst these Agnes Samson commonly called the wise wife of Keith was most remarkeable a woman not of the base and ignorant sort of Witches but Matron-like grave and setled in her answers which were all to some purpose In her examination she declared That she had a familiar spirit who upon her call did appear in a visible form and resolve her of any doubtful matter especially concerning the life or death of persons lying
promising how soon the forfeiture was past to follow forth the same Onely at the 7. he tooke exception where it was desired that the subjects should put themselves in armes upon urgent â—ccasions for he had not as yet forgotten the stirs of the year preceding and would have none to arm but upon his own warrant Withall he sent Sir Robert Melvill and Alexander Hume of North Berwick with certain instructions to the Assembly whereof one was That they should inhibit the Ministers to utter any irreverent speeches in Pulpit against his Majesties person Councell or Estate under pain of deprivation and because one of their number called Iohn Rosse had in a Sermon preached before the Synod of Perth uttered divers treasonable and irreverent speeches of his Majesty it was craved that they should censure him as his fault had deserved Another was That they should excommunicate Mr. Andrew Hunter for the scandall he had brought upon their profession he being the first open Traitor of their function against a Christian King of their own Religion and their naturall Soveraign A third instruction was That by Act of Assembly Ministers should be ordained to disswade both by publick and private exhortation their flocks from concurring with Bothwell in his treasonable attempts or any other that should make insurrection against the authority established by God in his Majesties person The last was assented unto and an Act made thereof but the censure of the Minister Rosse was carried more slightly and he onely admonished to speak in time coming so reverently and discreetly of his Majesty as there might be no just cause of complaint against him Hunter was deposed from the Ministery as a desertor of his flock and one suspected to have joyned himself with the Kings rebells but the excommunication was not pronounced The Parliament did hold at the time appointed yet because the Noblemen convened slowly 3 or 4. dayes were spent without doing any thing In end when by the excuses that divers made a greater number was not expected they that were present assembled in the Parliament house and keeping the form accustomed made choice of a number for the Articles of Noblemen there were three Earls and six Lords onely present Beginning was made at the summons of forfeiture the Letters and blanks intercepted with Mr. George Ker presented and the hand-writs cognosced by witnesses Some question there was about the Blancks and that which should have been insert in them but the presumptions were so clear as none would doubt what the subject should have been Yet the Noblemen urged a delay of the triall to a more full convention which the King would not admit knowing what misinterpretings that would make and so by pluralities of voices the crimes of Treason were found to be sufficiently proved and the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against the three Earls and Achindown their Scutcheons of Arms as the manner is torn by Herauld and they declared to have lost their honours lands and estates for treasonable practises against the King and their Native Countrey In this Parliament divers Statutes were concluded some in favours of the Church and others very beneficiall to the Countrey as the Stature made for punishment of theft robbery and oppression another against usury and a third against buying of Pleas by Judges and other members of the Court of Justice The next moneth passed in receiving the Ambassadors that came to assist the Baptisme which in the latter end of August next was performed with great solemnity from England the Earl of Sussex was sent the King of Denmark the Duke of Brunswick Megelbrugh with the Estates of the united Provinces had their Ambassadours present But from the French King there came not any though they also were expected at the day appointed for the solemnity The Prince was brought from his own chamber to the Queens Chamber of presence and laid in a bed dressed in a most stately form the Ambassadours entered into the Chamber the Countess of Marre accompanied with a number of Ladies took up the Prince and delivered him to the Duke of Lennox who presented him to the Ambassadors Sussex as having the first place received him and carried him in his arms to the Chappell the rest marching in their ranks and followed by the Ladies of honour the Mistresse nurse and others of inferiour note Before them went the Lord Hume carrying the Ducall Crown the Lord Levingston carried the Towell or Napkin the Lord Seaton the Bason and the Lord Semple the Laver. Above the English Ambassadour there was a Pale or Canabie born by the Laird of Cesford Buclerogh Duddope and Traquier The Princes train was sustained by the Lords Sinclar and Urqhart In this manner they walked toward the Chappell a guard of the youths of Edinburgh well arrayed standing on each side of the way and the trumpets sounding Being entred the Chappell the King arose from his seat and received the Ambassadours at the doore of the Quire and then was the Prince delivered to the Duke of Lennox who gave him to the Nurse After which the Ambassadours were conveyed to their places which were ordered in this manner Upon the Kings right hand a chair was set for the French Ambassadour but this was empty next to him the Ambassadour of Denmark was placed on the left the English Ambassadour and Legier did fit and next after them the Ambassadours of Brunswick Megelburgh and the States every chair had a tassell boord covered with fine Velvet and the Ambassadour of England besides the others had office men standing by him to wait The Service did then begin and upon the end thereof the English Ambassadour arose and presented the Prince to the Bishop who was appointed to administer the Sacrament This was Mr. David Cunningham Bishop of Aberdene The action finished Mr. David Lindsey Minister at Leith had a learned speech in French to the Ambassadours After which they returned to the Chappell in the same order that they came Then was the Prince laid upon a bed of honour and his Titles in this sort proclaimed by the Lyon Herauld Henry Frederick Knight and Baron of Renfrew Lord of the Isles Earl of Karrick Duke of Rothsay Prince and Stewart of Scotland This done certain pieces of silver and gold were cast forth at a window among the people and a number of Knights created at night for it was in the afternoon that the Baptisme was ministred The Ambassadours with their train and the Noblemen present were royally feasted nothing lacking that was required to such a triumph The rest of the moneth was spent in Playes running at Tilt and such other exercises as might give delight to the strangers Amidst these joyes the King was not forgetting his own serious affairs sent his Secretary Sir Richard Cockborne of Clerkinton to England to desire the Queens assistance in pursuing the Popish Lords according to the many promises made by the Lord Souche and Mr. Bowes that how soon he should
should not so much promove the business as offend her Always they should advise and take counsell with their confederates and allies and follow the course which was most likely for his benefit This was the summe of the answer they returned The 24 of December the Queen was brought to bed of another daughter who was christened in the Chappell of Halirudhouse the 15 of Aprill by Mr. David Lindesay Minister of Leth and named Margaret The Earle of Montross created Chancellor in Ianuary preceding with the Lord Hamilton and Earl of Huntley assisted as witnesses These last two were at the same time preferred to the honour and dignity of Marquesses There died within the compass of this year divers worthy men amongst whom Mr. Iohn Lindesay of Batharres Secretary to the King shall first be named a man honourably descended of exquisite learning and a sound judgement held worthy by all men of the place he had in the Senate both for his wisedome and integrity he died of the Stone wherewith he had been pained many years Next to him Mr. David Carnegy of Colluthy a wise peaceable and sober man in good credit and estimation with the King and taken into his privy Councell for his skill and knowledge in civill affairs And in the Church Mr. Thomas Buchannan Provost of Kirkhench and Minister of Syres a man learned wise and a strong defender of the Churches rights having attained to a good age he dyed of a bruise which he received of a fall from his horse David Ferguson Minister of Dunfermlin of the age of 65 departed also this life the same year A good preacher wise and of a jocund and pleasant disposition which made him well regarded both in Court and Countrey But the death of Mr. Robert Rollock taken away in the 43 year of his age and in the time when the Church had greatest need of his service was beyond all the rest lamented This man was born not farre from Striveling and trained up in letters under Mr. Thomas Buchannan who did then keep a famous School in that time He passed his course in Philosophy at S. Andrews and no sooner received the degree of a Master in Arts then he was chosen Regent of the Colledge of S. Salvator where he had studied In the year 1583 he was removed to Edinburgh and made Principall of a Colledge which the Town had there erected where by his Lectures of divinity in the Schools and his Sermons to the people in both which he was assiduous he came to be greatly esteemed But the 17 days tumult and troubles that followed thereupon withdrawing him against his minde to the keeping of Assemblies and other Commissions of the Church he was thereby much weakned for he was of an infirm body and grievously pained with the Stone whereof at last he died In his sickness being visited by his brethren of the Ministry amongst other pious exhortations he did earnestly beseech them to carry themselves more dutifully towards the King lamenting he should be so ill used by some of their number and gave them a most comfortable farewell His torments were extreme yet was he not heard to use an impatient word but was still calling on God with these and the like sayings Hast Lord Iesus and tarry not put in thy hand and take this soul away to thy self At other times Goe out silly life that the better life of God may enter in Drawing neer his end he repeated a part of the 6 Psalm and framing a most pithy prayer out of the same as one exulting after victory he cried aloud Christ hath taken my yoake to bear and now strengthened by his grace I will follow with which words he yeelded up his spirit A rare example of holiness he was both in his life and death albeit now dead still preacheth by his learned works which it is pity should not be collected in one volume and preserved to posterity He deceased the last of February and had his corps honourably interred in the buriall place an innumerable multitude accompanying the same to the grave To return to the Estate the necessities of the King by forain Ambassages and other extraordinary employments daily encreasing he was forced to look the more narrowly to the administration of his rents for the ill managing whereof the Laird of Wedderburne was put from his place and the office of Controllerie given to Sir David Murray who was afterwards preferred to the Lordship of Scone The Prior of Blantire who was Treasurer for that he had offended the King by his partiall behaviour in an action betwixt Mr. Robert Bruce and the Ministers of Angus was committed to the Castle and forced to resigne his office which was conferred upon the Earl of Cassils by his Ladies procurement She was the widow of the Lord Thirlstan and said to be wealthy which induced him to take her to wife against the counsel of all his friends who could not away with the imparity of their age he being a young Nobleman never matched to any and she a woman past childbirth But the desire he had to keep his estate made him take that course and she loving to stay at Court and have her husband a ruler of affaires made offer to advance some moneys so as he might carry the place which was readily accepted Yet was it not long before they did both forthink the bargain being pressed with a multitude of precepts for the laying forth of money and so were glad to quit the office with the losse as was said of Fourty thousand marks which he did advance at his entry In his place was the Lord Elphingston chosen by the recommendation of his brother then Secretary Whilest these things were a doing in Court Sir William Bowes came Ambassadour from England upon some rumours that the King wes declining to Popery and had offered his obedience to the Bishop of Rome by a letter the copie whereof was brought by the Master of Gray from Rome and shewed the Queen of purpose to divide the two Princes and dissolve the amity which was amongst them The Queen though she did take the letter to be faigned and that the same was devised to breed a jealousie between her and the King thought meet to advertise what was rumoured and to advise him not to build upon the friendship of Rome The King did take the advertisement well and made the Ambassadour very welcome assuring him that they were false and faigned calumnies neither did the King think any other at that time Such a letter indeed was sent to the Pope and the Kings hand surreptitiously gotten thereto for which the Secretary Mr. Elphingston was some years after upon his own confession convicted as we shall hear Whilest this Ambassadour remained in the Countrey there fell out an accident which had almost wrought great trouble an English man called Ashfield who had brought some hunting horses to the
and that people were terrified by this means from falling into these odious crimes Others reasoned That the principall end of all Church censures especially of Excommunication was the reclaiming of offenders and the bringing of them to the acknowledgment of their sin and that where the principall use had no place that other secondary ends ought not to be respected and so in case of Fugitives what could any Censure avail to their reclaiming they not being in place to answer or to receive any admonition yea and might it not fall that by proceeding against men in such case men truly sorrowfull for their sin should be sentenced and so the persons bound by the Church whom God hath loosed They did therefore judge it more safe in these cases to advertise people of the hainousness of the fact committed warning them to make their own profit thereof and to forbear all proceeding against the fugitive person till his condition should be made known This turned to be the resolution of the whole number and thereupon direction was given to the Ministers not to intend or follow any processe against fugitives in time coming This year the Earl of Eglington departed this life who having no childe nor heir male to succeed made a disposition of his lands and honours to Sir Alexander Seaton his Cousin germane with a proviso That he and his children should take the name and use the arms of the house of Montgomery The king who was alwaies most tender in the conveyance of honours being informed of the disposition made by the deceased Earl did by a Letter written to the Councell witness his displeasure at such alienations shewing that howsoever he could not stay Noblemen to dispose of their lands he being the fountain of all honour within his Kingdoms would not permit the same to be sold or alienated without his consent and thereupon did inhibit the said Sir Alexander to use the title of Lord or Earl notwithstanding the disposition made to him Some two years after his Majesty was pleased to bestow the honour upon him and so was he received into the place and honour formerly belonging to the house of Eglington In the month of october a Parliament was kept at Edinburgh the Chancellor being Commissioner for the King wherein the conclusions taken in the Assembly at Glasgow were ratified and all Acts and constitutions especially the Act made in the Parliament 1592 rescinded and annulled in so farre as they or any of them or any part of the same were derogatory to the Articles there concluded In this Parliament a subsidy was urged and a great contest made for the quantity which was required in a more large measure then in former times because of his Majesties affairs especially for the marriage of Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave who in the same moneth arrived in England The poverty of the Countrey with a fear that what was then granted should be made a Precedent for after times was pretended by those that withstood the motion albeit the true cause was known to be the dislike that the Popish faction had of the Match which by all means they laboured to crosse nor was any more busie then the Lord Burleigh to impede the subsidy he being a little before come from Court did affirm that the King in a private speech with him touching the same had said That he required no more then was granted in the Parliament 1606 and thereby made the opposition greater then otherwise it would have been yet in the end after long debating it was concluded that the supply should be more liberall in regard of the present occasion then at any time before The King upon advertisement of the Lord Burleighs business gave order to remove him from the Councel and to inhibit him from coming any more at Court which he apprehending to be the Lord Scones doing and that he had informed against him took so ill as he did send him a challenge and appeal him to the combat Hereupon he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained some two moneths thereafter upon the acknowledgment of his offence and being reconciled with the Lord Scone he was put to liberty In Court at this time was great rejoicing and the marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with Prince Palatine daily expected when on the suddain all was turned to mourning by the death of Prince Henry who departed this life at S. Iames in the beginning of November A Prince of excellent virtues and all the perfections that can be wished for in youth He died at the age of 18 years and 8 moneths greatly lamented both at home and abroad The Councell esteeming it their duty to express their doleance for that accident made choice of the Chancellor and the Archbishop of Glasgow for that business But the King having received an hard information of the Chancellors carriage in the late Parliament sent his servant William Shaw to discharge him from coming to Court who encountring him at Morpet caused him to return The Archbishop who was no further advanced then Berwick accompanied the Chancellor to Edinburgh and after a short stay there as he was willed went to his journey again towards Court whither he came a little before Christmas The Nuptials in regard of the Princes death were put off to the February following at which time the sorrow being a little worn out the same were performed with great solemnity It was shewed before concerning the oppressions of the people of Orkney that the Acts made by the Earl in his Courts were judged unlawfull and he discharged to put the same thereafter in execution Notthelesse going on in his wonted course he sent his base son called Robert into the Countrey in shew to uplift his rents and duties but in effect to trie and punish the transgressours of these Acts whereupon new complaints being preferred to the Councell the King was advised to make purchase of Sir Iohn Arnots right to whom the Earl had impignorated his estate as being the only means to relieve that distressed people from his oppressions the bargain shortly was made and the King possessed in the lands Sir Iames Stewart Captain Iames his sonne being made Chamberlain and the Sheriffe of the Countrey The Earl himself was transported from Edinburgh to the Castle of Dunbarton and had allowed to him six shillings eight pence sterling a day for his entertainment where he had not long remained when as he received advertisement that the Castles of Kirkwall Birsay and other his Houses in these Isles were all rendered to the Sheriffe This put him in a great passion and many waies he essayed to make an escape but finding no possibility he sent his base son who was lately returned with an expresse command to take back the houses and expulse the Deputy Mr. Iohn Finlason whom the Chamberlain had left there The young man at his coming to Orkney being assisted with some loose people made
Borders and for creating Lieutenants one or more upon occasions The persons he chused to attend him in the journey were the Duke of Lennox the Earls of Marre Murray and Argile the Lord Hume Sir George Hume Treasurer Mr. Iames Elphingston Secretary Sir David Murray Comptroller Sir Robert Ker of Cessord with the ordinary Gentlemen of the Chamber and of the Clergy David â—ishop of Rosse Peter Bishop of Dunkeld Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Andrew Lamb Mr. Iohn Spotswood Mr. Gawen Hamilton and Mr. Alexander Forbes Ministers Things thus ordered the King went the next morning to S. Giles to hear a Sermon Mr. Iohn Hall whose course it was preaching took occasion to remember the great mercies of God towards his Majesty reckoning the peaceable succession to the Crown of England none of the least This he said was Gods own proper work for who could else directed the hearts of so numerous a people with such an unanime consent to follow the way of right Thereupon he did exhort his Majesty to thankfulness to the maintenance of Gods truth and that he would send home some of those commendable orders he would find whither he was going The King accepting his exhortation in good part did upon the end of the Sermon make a speech to the people which at the time were frequently convened and promising to have care of them and their good gave them a most loving and kind farewell This was followed with such a mourning and lamentation of all sorts as cannot be well expressed For albeit they joyed not a little at first to hear of that accession of honour to their King yet considering they should be deprived of his presence and have no more a resident King among them they were grieved out of all measure This affection of the people moved also the King greatly therefore when the Magistrates Ministers and others of the better sort came to receive his commandments he spake gratiously unto them willing them not to be troubled with his departing for that they should finde the fruits of his government as well afarre off as when he was neer at hand and as his power was now encreased and made greater so his love towards them should not be a whit diminished In this sort did he part and beginning his journey on Wednesday the fourth of Aprill came the day to Berwick there he was welcomed with a most eloquent Sermon by Toby Matthew Bishop of Durham for he went first to the Church which finished he was conveyed to the Palace by the Governor and garrison the munition playing from the walls and the Citizens with showts and acclamations testifying their gladness The ninth of that moneth he went to Newcastle where he aboad some few days and because multitudes of people from all quarters were daily coming to see the King and offer their service Order was taken that no strangers should have access granted till the Chamberlain or Master of the Guard was acquainted with their business At York he was met with the Councellors and from thence by easie journeys travelled to London how his Majesty was there received and what other things happened in the time I remit to the English History my purpose being only to relate the things passed in Scotland or had some reference to matters of that Church and Kingdome Being at Burleigh house neer unto Stamford the King was advertised of the death of Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow who deceased at Paris in the same moneth This man was descended of the house of Balfoure in Fife and consecrate Bishop at Rome in the year 1552 and at the time of reformation forsook the Countrey out of the hatred he bare to those that had hand in that work and carried with him all the writs and evidents of the Sea of Glasgow with the vessels and ornaments of the Cathedrall Church things of exceeding great worth for besides those of ordinary use there belonged to that Church the Image of our Saviour in beaten gold and the portraits of the twelve Apostles in silver The Queen returning from France did establish him Ambassadour in these parts for her affairs under the government of the Regents he was forfeited and deprived of his living which as we shewed before was conferred upon Mr. Iames Boyd Trochrig and after him went through divers hands till the King at his majority did restore him to his dignity honour and living employing him likewise for his Ambassadour in France a man honourably disposed faithfull to the Queen while she lived and to the King her son a lover of his Countrey and liberall according to his meanes to all his Countreymen in his last Will he bequeathed all his means to pious uses leaving as was said ten thousand Crownes for the education of poor Scholars being Scottish men born The evidents vessels and ornaments of the Sea of Glasgow he consigned in the hands of the Carthusians of Paris appointing the same to be redelivered how soon Glasgow should become Catholick and this year being the 66 of his age departed peaceably this life The King having destinated Mr. Iohn Spotswood for his successor sent him back to attend the Queen in her journey and serve her for elemosynar Soon after his coming her Majesty went to Striveling of mind to bring away the Prince her son and carry him along with her self to England but being denied by the friends of the house of Marre she became so incensed as falling into a feaver she made a pitifull abortion Advertisement of this being sent unto the King he caused the Earl of Marre to return and after him sending the Duke of Lennox with a warrant to receive the Prince and deliver him to the Queen he was brought unto her at Halirudhouse about the end of May yet she not satisfied herewith complained bitterly of the dishonour she had received and by a letter written to the King full of passron and anger which she gave her Elemosynar to carry required a publick reparation by the punishment of the Earl of Marre and his servants The King who knew the Earl himself to be blameless and desired not to be troubled with such business especially at that time returned this answer That she should doe wisely to forget the grudges she carryed to the Earl of Marre and thank God of the peaceable possession they had obtained of these Kingdomes which next unto God his goodness he ascribed to the last negotiation of the Earl of Marre in England This reported to the Queen for the messenger was commanded to speak so much she in a great choler replyed That she rather would have wished never see England then to be in any sort beholden to him for the same Yet as she was a most mild Princess and very carefull to please the King in every thing at her coming to Windsor which was about the end of Iune she was reconciled to the Earl of Marre and he by Act of Councell declared to
have done nothing in that accident at Striveling that might touch her in honour At the same time was the Princess Elizabeth who was brought alongst with the Queen taken from the Earl of Linlithgow and given to the custody of the Lady Harrington the Earl his service in her education being by Act of Councell approved All this Summer the sickness was reigning at London which made the Coronation to be deferred unto Iuly on the 27 day whereof the King and Queen were solemnly inaugurated in the Church of Westminster Iohn Whitgift Archbishop of Canterbury performing the Ceremonies There had been few dayes before a conspiracy detected against the King plotted by two Priests the one called William Watson the other William Grey and George Brook Esq There joyned with them upon some discontents the Lord Cobham the Lord Grey Sir Griffin Marcham and Sir Walter Raleigh this last had served the late Queen a long time as Captain of her guard and being put from the place and the same bestowed upon Sir Thomas Areskin Lord Fenton in Scotland he grudged exceedingly The treason being discovered which came by this occasion Raleigh parting with his sister at London had commended himself to her prayers saying That he was going whence he thought not to return which she did interpret of some combat he had undertaken and breaking the same to her neighbours the words were carred to Court where they received another construction they were all apprehended and committed to severall Prisons Being brought to their triall in Winchester about the beginning of December they were found guilty and condemned to die George Brook and the two Priests were executed as Traitors the rest while they expected nothing but death for they were brought all one after another to the place of execution and their heads laid under the axe to be cut off were spared and the execution of the sentence pronounced suspended The people that were assembled in great numbers hearing the Mandate read which was published by the Sheriffe and was to this effect That his Majesty unwilling to have the beginning of his reign stained with the bloud of Noblemen though convicted of a most hainous crime was pleased to extend his clemency towards them and having spared the L. Cobham Grey because in the dispensing of mercy regard must be taken of inferiors had bestowed the same favour on the other two did greatly extoll his Majesties clemency promising to themselves much happiness under his government that could so temper his justice and mercy Cobham and Grey lifting up their hands to heaven did thank God who had thus inclined his Majesties heart professing they were unworthy of life and that they should be ashamed ever to shew their faces amongst men having wronged so good and gracious a King The next year began with a conference of the Clergy at Hampton Court divers petitions had been exhibited to his Majesty for reformation of abuses in the Church whereupon he took purpose to call certain of the Bishops Deans and Doctors together and with them some of the most grave and modest among the complainers The Bishops were the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishop of London Durham Winchester Worcester S. Davids Chichester Carlile and Peterborough The Deans of the Chappell Christs Church Worcester Westminster Pauls Chester Windsor Dr. Field and Dr. King for the petitioners Dr. Reynolds Dr. Spark Mr. Knewstubb and Mr. Chatterton were present These being called into the Privy Chamber the King spake unto them to this effect That following the ensample of all Christian Princes who in the Commencement of their reign do usually begin with the establishment of the Church he had now at his entrance to the Crown taken course to assemble them for settling an uniform order in the same for planting unity removing dissensions and reforming abuses which he said were naturally incident to all politick bodies And yet that he should not be mistaken and his purpose in assembling them misconstrued he declared that his meaning was not to make any innovation of the government established which he knew was approved of God but to hear and examine the complaints that were made and remove the occasions thereof whereof he willed the petitioners to begin and shew what the things were that grieved them Doctor Reynolds with the other three falling upon their knees after a short gratulatory preamble reduced the matters questioned to two heads some he said concerned the matters of the Church and others the Government Touching the Doctrine that in the Book of Articles of religion some things were obscure and some things defective which they wished to be supplied and explained Being desired to name the particulars he condescended upon some Articles whereof after they had conferred a while and he professed to have received satisfaction the King said That if these were the greatest matters that grieved them such importunity needed not as was used to him and that a more private course had been better Then falling to speak of the Government of the Church the want and scarcity of sufficient Ministers in every Parish was much complained of with the subscription urged to the Communion book the censures inflicted by lay Chancellors and other moe points which are to be seen in the Conference imprinted after some three houres debating they were commanded to meet again in the same place the 18 of Ianuary at which time they should know his Majesties pleasure in these matters At the day the Bishops Deans and Doctors of the Arches being first called the Archbishop presented certain notes of explanation of the Liturgy which the King had commended to the Bishops care and thereafter his Majesty questioning them touching the exercise of the high Commission the Oath ex officio the censure of exâ—cmmunication and the matter of subscription when as they had answered in all these points to his Majesties content Doctor Reynolds and the others were desired to come into the chamber and the foresaid explanations read unto them wherewith they professed to be satisfied The King upon this expressing a great contentment with that which had passed among them did seriously exhort them to the preservation of unity willing the Bishops to use their inferiors with all lenity and take the fairest waies for reclaiming those that were otherwise minded warning these others also to beware of obstinacy in their opinions and disobedience to the orders of the Church Obedience said he and humility are the marks of good and honest men such I believe you to be but it feareth me that many of your sort are humorous and too busie in the perverting of others The exceptions taken against the Communion book as I perceive are matters of meer weakness and they who are discreet will be gained with time by gentle persuasions or if they be und street better it is to remove them then to have the Church troubled with their contentions For the Bishops I