help me God by my own hand and by God himself To his loving Cousin IF wishes could have place or prevail I wish ye could be moved to separate your self from the frequent conversation and company of that envious Gentleman otherwise keep your self so close and secret in your demeanour that of your chief and most Soveraign actions he be altogether ignorant All other evils may be remedied envy excepted which though they have the worst that are affected with it yet as a plague it doth hurt to all who approach it Give me an ambitious man though he were of a more transcendent conceit than Pride her self If I render him imagined honour praise him use him with all due respects I shall in a little time turn him my friend Place me with a Damouret if I cope not with him if I praise him in the presence of his Mistress he will be ready to perform like duties to me If I should converse with an avaritious a little gain will win him to me only the envious with nothing is satisfied nor appeased no drug can cure that plague if thou wouldest amend it it must be with thine own life There remaineth one way to make him thine save by turning miserable that thus he may pitty thee The envious doth not mark and observe any good in another but sifteth only imperfections and setteth apart conditions and qualities which are praise-worthy in person turneth his eyes to those few blemishes which may be reprehended and amended Each other Vice seemeth humane Envy the Vice and Sin of Devils A strange gangren of a perverse mind that others happiness should turn it miserable What I have else to advertise you of expect in my next W. DRUMMOND December 6. 1623. To S. M. D. IT is much argued amongst those men who will have a reason of every thing why good men ordinarily are deserted of Fortune and many evils arise to preferments The first answer is that lewd bold men have strong fantasies and attempt upon many divers matters which good men by their bashfulness and towardnesse never essay to reach The next answer is That lewd men suffer themselves to be guided by nature or the starry influences or rather being Fools give themselves over like Beasts to be carried by their appetites and the virtuous are led by reason which often contrachecketh it self and by long meditation and advice what to do leaveth of all doing and suffereth others in the interim to carry the Garland ye have spent now many years at Court and yet that Clock which hath strock ten to others is still pointing at one or two to you Have you not yet taken a distasting and Satiety of that old Mistress of yours the Court her long delay in preferring you tells you are too honest Me thinks ye should have a desire to recreate your self at last in your native Country with the remembrances of passed Contentments at Court as your Kinsmen here have a longing after so long a time to see you and unanimously now salute you W. DRUMMOND May 12. 1630. To his loving Friend A Cunningham L. of Barnes THis is no small Misery of us Islanders that as exiled we cannot take a view of Gods fair and spacious Earth without crossing the stormy braking and deceitful Seas And it is no less a misery here in this part of our Island that can hardly repair unto you demi-Islanders without dancing and tossing on your arm of Sea of all pastimes and exercises I like sailing worst and had rather attend the Hunters and Faulkoners many daies ere I sailed one half day It is a part of Noahs Judgment If it shall be my good fortune to arrive in your Island prepare no games of strength for our recreation and after a satiety of discourse and reading let us not trouble our selves with any sedentary pastimes the Dies are for the end of a Drum amongst Souldiers the Tables for Goutish and apoplectick persons to make them move their joints the Cards for women to observe their discretion But if we shall have a desire of change of thoughts let us not refuse the Chesse the only Princely Game next Government in the World yea the true Image and Pourtraict of it and training of Kings Here is a King defended by a Lady two Bishops two Knights at the end of the Lists with two Rocks Fortresses or Castles Before those to prepare and make plain the passages march eight Pawns Enfantes perdues exposed to all desperate Services every one standing for their Monarch The Deviser of this would represent unto us a game of State First for the Bishops that nearest to Kings should be Ecclesiastical grave Men who by oblique traverse and mystical ways such is their passage should effectuate their Masters designs and safety Though the Knights be not alwaies nearest to the Kings it falleth forth that even as the Knights at Game of Chesse by their leap giving an Escheke to their Kings the Kings are constrained to change places from which by covering and overshadowing themselves with some other piece in any other eschekes they may escape free and exempted So there is no danger in the State a King should so much fear as the revolt of his Nobles For the Towers or Castles named Rooks these are the walled Towns which serve for a Refuge for the conservation of the Kingdom Here is a King resembled who marcheth but one pace whilst all the other Pieces of the Chesse boord put themselves now on the offensive then on the defensive for his safety To teach Kings that it is not for them upon whose life the peace and happiness of the whole subjects rely to expose themselves every shock and hazard of battel as a Captain Sith for the safety of the King he may make an extraordinary leap from his own station to the station of the Rock or Tower as to a Fortress holdable and impregnable against the greatest assaults of his Enemies The priviledge of the Lady is considerable she may sometimes progress on the ways of the Bishops then on those of the Rooks and Towers only she is hindred and inhibited from the leap skip bound of the Knights as a thing undecent Though Plato in his Republick permitteth Women to fight The Game is concluded with the Mate of the King that is a Fool or Madman in the Italian If the other pieces keep not themselves they may as dead be taken and removed off the Chess-boord but the King by loss of men loseth not the victory he may by a hazard carry it with the meanest of his pieces as his Army is wisely and warily conducted The King receiveth not that disgrace in imagination as that they dream of his taking but is enough that they bring upon him such confusion and disarray that blocked up and denuded of all support he cannot march to any Hold or Station Which brought to pass we tell he is mated that is either mad-man or fool To signifie what disaster so ever
befall a King we should not attempt on his person Moreover even in the midst and throng of all his best pieces the mating of the King is the conclusion of the Game which shews us that on the preservation or overthrow of our King the overthrow or preservation of our State dependeth The recompence of the Pawns is not to be forgotten When they can win and ascend the furthest part of the Chess-bord on the Sunny side as the first which mount a breach in this case they are surrogated in those void Rooms of the pieces of honour which because they suffered themselves to be taken were removed off the Boord which in effect is to represent the punishment and guerdon due in a Commonwealth to good or evil actions The Game ended Kings Queens Bishops Knights Pawns peslemelled are confusedly thrown in the box the conclusion of all earthly actions and greatness If Hieronymus Vida can be found with Baptista Marini his Adone we shall not spare some hours of the night and day at their Chess for I affect that above the other and here have we plaied without a Chess-boord on paper for a preamble to our meeting VV. DRUMMOND To his worthy Friend Master Benjamin Johnson SIR THe uncertainty of your abode was a cause of my silence this time past I have adventured this packet upon hopes that a man so famous cannot be in any place either of the City or Court where he shall not be found out In my last I sent you a description of Lough-Lomond with a Map of Inch-merinoch which may by your Book be made most famous with the form of the Government of Edenburgh and the Method of the Colleges of Scotland for all inscriptions I have been curious to find out for you the Impressaes and Emblems on a Bed of State wrought and embroidered all with Gold and Silk by the late Queen Mary Mother to our sacred Soveraign which will embellish greatly some pages of your Book and is worthy your remembrance the first is the Loadstone turning towards the pole the word her Majesties name turned in an Anagram Maria Stuart sa vertum ' attire which is not much inferior to Veritas armate This hath reference to a Crucifix before which with all her Royal Ornaments she is humbled on her knees most lively with the word undique an Impressa of Mary of Lorrain her Mother a Phaenix in flames the word en ma fin git mon commencement The Impressa of an Apple-Tree growing in a Thorn the word Per vincula crescit The Impressa of Henry the second the French King a Cressant the word Donec totum impleat orbem The Impressa of King Francis the first a Salamander crowned in the midst of Flames the word Nutrisco extinguo The Impressa of Godfrey of Bullogne an row passing through three Birds the word Dederit ne viam Casusve Deusve That of Mercurius charming Argos with his hundred eyes expressed by his Caduceus two Flutes and a Peacock the word Eloquium tot lumina clausit Two Women upon the Wheels of Fortune the one holding a Launce the other a Cornucopia which Impressa seemeth to glaunce at Queen Elizabeth and her self the word Fortunae Comites The Impressa of the Cardinal of Lorrain her Uncle a Pyramide overgrown with Ivy the vulgar word Te stante virebo a Ship with her Mast broken and fallen in the Sea the word Nunquam nisi rectum This is for her self and her Son a big Lyon and a young Whelp beside her the word unum quidem sed Leonem An Emblem of a Lyon taken in a Net and Hares wantonly passing over him the word Et lepores devicto insultant Leone Cammomel in a garden the word Fructus calcata dat amplos A Palm-Tree the word Ponderibus virtus innata resistit A Bird in a Cage and a Hawk flying above with the word il mal me preme me spaventa Peggio A Triangle with a Sun in the middle of a Circle the word Trino non convenit orbis A Porcupine amongst Sea Rocks the word ne volutetur The Impressa of King Henry the Eight a Portculles the word altera securitas The Impressa of the Duke of Savoy the annunciation of the Virgin Mary the word Fortitudo ejus Rhodum tenuit He had kept the Isle of Rhodes Flourishes of Arms as Helms Launces Corslets Pikes Muskets Cannons and _____ the Word Dabit Deus his quoque finem A Tree planted in a Church-yard environed with dead mens bones the word Pietas revocabit ab orco Ecclipses of the Sun and the Moon the word Ipsa sibi lumen quod invidet aufert glauncing as may appear at Queen Elizabeth Brennos Ballances a Sword cast in to weigh Gold the word Quid nisi Victis dolor A Vine Tree watred with Wine which instead to make it spring and grow maketh it fade the word Mea sic mihi prosunt A wheel rolled from a Mountain in the Sea Piena di dolor voda de Sperenza Which appeareth to be her own and it should be Precipitio senza speranza A heap of Wings and Feathers dispersed the word Magnatum Vicinitas A Trophie upon a Tree with Mytres Crowns Hats Masks Swords Books and a Woman with a Vail about her Eyes or muffled pointing to some about her with this word Ut casus dederit Three Crowns two opposite and another above in the Sea the word Aliamque moratur The Sun in an Ecclipse the word Medio occidet Die I omit the Arms of Scotland England and France severally by themselves and all quartered in many places of this Bed The workmanship is curiously done and above all value and truely it may be of this Piece said Materiam super abat opus I have sent you as you desired the Oath which the old valiant Knights of Scotland gave when they received the Order of Knighthood which was done with greater solemnity and magnificence W. DRUMMOND July 1. 1619. To his Worthy Friend M. A. G. I Never found any greater folly in the actions of Men than to see some busie themselves to understand the accidents to come of their lives this knowledge of things to come not revealed to us is no ways needful for us Wheresoever this superstition is once received Men are driven and as it were haunted with Furies and are deprived of all calmness quietness and rest I never knew any who had recourse to those unlawful curiosities who liv'd the ordinary age of man God omnipotent removing his Grace from them giveth them over to fall under the Fate of their own fears By the credulity and violent desire of him who inquireth to know these things Astrological Predictions come to pass not by the nature of the things themselves which are fortuital events and have no natural causes being voluntary The mistakings and uncertainties or these Predictions should make us contemn them Astrologi fingunt non docent The truth of Astrological Predictions is not to be refer'd
person And indeed upon survey of all Histories we shall find that the ability and excellency of the Prince hath been the most powerful ascendent of the Genius of a Nation and that the Governing mind of the World when ever it determines any to glorious actions raises up such Leaders as by their wisdom and example may lead them to the performance of its own secret determinations And again How infectious the example of a bad or weak Prince which like an unhappy contagion perverts and infects the manners of a people and so much the more easily seduces them by how much the mind of man is inclinable to understand better things and pursue the worse and most people are more easily emasculated into Vice than tutured into Virtue This Prince being gone to his long home DAVID BRUCE His Son succeeding 1331 his Coronation was deferred till permission could be had from Rome to make the business more solemn The first thing memorable in his reign was the suppression of a sort of Thieves by Randolph who if you will believe the Scotish Story was soon after poisened by a Monk yet bore it so as he eluded another invasion though he died soon after in the year 1331. the Government devolving to the Earl of Mar in which he was scarce warm when news was brought that Edward Baliol was seen in the Fryth with a Formidable Fleet And it was upon this occasion Lawrence Twine a Fugitive English-man that had planted himself in Scotland being for his lewd life excommunicated slew the Bishop of Final and used such inducements to Edward Son of John Baliol formerly King by the minority of the King the raging discontents of the People and Exiles the want of the Regents Randolf and Dowglass that he knowing Edward prepared great Forces against Scotland persuaded him to imbarque in the Enterprize and he made so good a Party that he landed at Kingkorn and defeated Alexander Seatoun who made some opposition and marching to Perth did by a secret passage over the River rout the Enemy slay the most considerable Commander and take the Town taking Prisoners also many of the best quality so that growing numerous by the accession of such as had a mind to share in his good and unexpected Fortune he in the year 1332. 1362. caused himself to be Crowned King at Scone by the name of EDWARD BALIOL But the party of the Bruces not resting here send him to Philip of France with his wife and choose Andrew Murray his Cousen Regent and making a party after three Moneths siege recovered Perth Baliol in the mean time was at Annandale receiving the voluntary submission of the Country among whom so high was the Reputation of his Acquests that Alexander Bruce L. of Carid and Galloway forsook his Kinsman and submitted to the Conquerour who by this means became so besotted with a contempt of the Enemy and so neglected Discipline which being known to the Vice-Roy he sent a party of Horse under Archibald Dowglass and others who beat up his quarters and routed them himself escaped half naked 1332. and his most considerable Friends slain The Nobility hereupon flocking to the Party of the Bruces they consult and resolve that Baliol acts but the King of England's Designs fortifie Berwick and the Borders and standing in this posture of Defence sent to K. Philip and David to give them account of things Nor were the English unwilling to take the Advantage of the Discord he therefore protects Baliol and under pretence of demanding Berwick which was denyed brings an Army against Scotland besieges Berwick by Land and Sea which to divert Archibald Dowglass newly appointed Vice-Roy makes an attempt upon the English but was routed with great loss in the year 1333. which occasioned the Rendition of the Town 1333. Edward hereupon withdrawing into England leaves the reducement of Scotland to the care of Baliol and Edward Talbot who gained it all except some few Strengths Baliol though disturbed with a controversie about the Lands of John Moubray surveys the Countrey fortifies the Castle of Rothsay narrowly pursues Robert Stuart after King who in a small bark escaped to the Garison of Dumbarton after laies siege to the Castle in the Lake Leven which he left to the Management of Sir John Sterlin others but Sterlin going to a Fair at Dunfermling the besieged let the Lake into his Trenches and raised the siege The English came in again with an Army swept all carryed Balliol home with them and left Cumin Earl of Athol Lievtenant of Scotland who wasted all the Lands of the Stuarts By this Robert Stuart unexpectedly breaks out and being followed by the Cambels takes the Castle of Botan and having access of many considerable persons is made Vice-Roy and forces Cumin to his party and dispersing the War called a Parliament at Perth where nothing could be done by reason of the dissention of Cumin and Dowglass But the English enter with a great Army and though their Auxiliary Guelders were routed take Perth but their Fleet being harrast at Sea were forced to retreat and the rather in design of a French War but some of the Nobles still standing out the English landing in Murray reduced all and leaving Baliol return Next year the English besieged Dumbar and sent in two Parties under Talbot and Monford 1337 which though they were both routed yet the siege continued but the English having received loss by the valour of Robert Stuart after six moneths stay being called into France raised their siege Murray in the mean time dying Stuart was created Vice-Roy till the Return of David and having the first year by the means of W. Dowglass gained some petty Victories 1339 did the next besiege Perth which after four Moneths stay was reduced and a little after Sterlin and by Stratagem the Castle of Edinburgh Alexander making a happy Expedition into Northumberland and taking Roxburgh and the Scots regaining all their ground except Berwick In the year 1342. David after 9. years stay returns and after quieting of some dissentions resolves an expedition into England though dissuaded by his Council by reason of want of Victuals making John Randolph General himself going incognito and for two Moneths together depopulated Northumberland but after declaring himself General made a second Expedition which met little opposition by reason of the diversion of the English strength in France a third to as little purpose A Peace for two years was treated of which David would not accept without the consent of Philip of France who having a great defeat given him by Edward excited him by all means to an invasion which his friendship perswaded him to though things at home were not in Order and having Marcht so far as the County of Durham had his Army routed and was there taken Prisoner The English limits being enlarged as far as Cockburn and all Scotland in a manner depopulated by the Plague and deadly fewds yet
by the encouragement of John Son of Philip the French King some were still making Incursions and an unsuccessful attempt on Berwick By this time John of France was Prisoner to Edward whom the Scots courted as full of Honour and Victory for the delivery of their own who by the Mediation of the Pope for a great sum of Money was redeemed and set free after eleven years Captivity and at his Return punished some of those who had deserted him at Durham and endeavoured to remove the succession of the Crown from Robert Stuart to whom he was some years after reconciled The last five years of his reign were spent in appeasing domestick fewds and are notable for a great inundation and plague but things quieting in the year 1363. he retired into a Monastery and declared in case of his decease Edward or his Son for their King This whether it was caused by some former Oath or from weariness of War or design of quiet to Both Nations which being universally disliked by the Estates it was like to breed a dissention which his wisdome closed up All was now quiet but the Highlanders whom he appeased by their mutual discords when Fate in the 47. year of his Age and 39 of his Reign came to Eternal Rest in the Castle of Edinburgh in the year 1370. By this King and his competitour Baliol who went out in the snuff we may in part measure the interests advantages of Princes the one by the asistance of a Potent Neighbour did unexpected things yet failed in Conduct and Managment the other wanting neither spirit nor vigilancy became a Captive and ineffectual Prince which may give us occasion to observe That tho Travel do best inrich the mind with variety of observation yet it is not so successful in Princes for their Minds not being exempted from humane weakness may draw in tinctures prejudices not consisting with the humors of them they are to govern and by knowing abroad grow strangers at home neglecting to study the humor of the People they are set over the disquisition of which is certainly the greatest Mistery and Chain of Government The People being an unruly Beast easily led impossible to be forc'd and the Magick that so powerfully forces them no other than a peircing discerning flattering or eluding their Humour This was Davids Fundamental fault which like Error in the first concoction multiplied it self through the rest of his Reign he was bred a Stranger knew not the disposition of his people met with troublesome Times and a Formidable Enemy and therefore he may very well be charged with three oversights First after three not unfortunate incursions into England then imployed by France not to rest there with his proportion of glory and prey But secondly By the allurement of the French King and that upon a score of Friendship whereas Friendships of Princes and Private Men are different the one being particular the other diffusive and concerning Millions besides that Princes are to consider the interest of their States not their private inclinations And for the third To make an invasion when he left so high discontents in a turbulent people behind besides those of his own that by force obligation or interest were devoted to a victorious Enemy and assured of his own Country was very imprudential both in going to find out an Enemy whose force he knew not and leaving behind him Subjects whose malice and force he understood not But no more to disturb his ashes Had he had another Country another Enemy another Education and other Circumstances of Time he might have been as glorious as any of his Predecessors it is the more probable though the Change of Time does often heighten and aggravate the Vices of Princes there is nothing either Cruel or Vitious recorded of him So that even in the severest sense we may dismiss him with this Character That he was rather unhappy than sloathful in his Government This mans eyes being for ever closed the Nobility appointed a meeting for the accepting of ROBERT STUART For their King as he was formerly designed who appeased the dissention of the Earl Dowglass by marrying his Daughter to the Earl's Son His first two years were spent in making incursions upon the English the Kings wife dying in the next year he marries Elizabeth Moor his own Concubine the better to legitimate the children he had by her and them he honoured with Titles and declared his Successors two years after an attempt is made on Berwick but in vain and Talbots Expedition frustrated but a Truce for three years was concluded which being expired little quarrels awoke again and occasioned the Duke of Lancaster to be sent thither with a great Army and Navy though not with the same fortune at Sea as at Land which occasioned the return of the Duke who was pursued by some small depredations of William Dowglass though his Son of the same name and some others during the Treaty made an inroad as far as Newcastle Robert having assistance from France is forced to retire especially upon the news of Richards Grand-child and Successor to Edward the third marching with a great Army fac'd the Scots with an unbloody bravery The Scots designing to besiege Roxburgh but quarrelling with the French it came to nothing which occasioned so much dissention that it arrived at this pass That the French should pay for their plunder and be dismist their General remaining as hostage for their satisfaction whilst William Dowglass who had married the Kings Daughter makes an Expedition into Ireland plunders Kerlingford and knowing his Father to be imployed against the English hasten to his assistance The attempt was in affront of Richard then strugling with Domestick difficulties But they of Scotland being unable to live without War and Rapine they were resolved to make a business of it and because the King and his eldest Son were infirm came to choose privately the second for their Leader but this being discovered by the English they altered their Resolution and resolved to divide themselves one by the way of Berwick the other of Carlisle the former Party led by Dowglass gave a defeat to the Lord Percy with the loss of his Life the other not having the like Success who impatiently fighting before the coming up of the Bishop of Durham's Forces lost his own and indangered the others This happened in the year 1388. at Otterburn in Northumberland The King being spent with age makes Robert his second Son his Vice-Roy his eldest being unactive who to affront Percey that seemed to lessen the loss led in an Army but after facing returned with some little depredation Soon after a Peace was mediated between the French and English in which Robert without consent of a Parliament would not be comprised But his doubts were all resolved by death in the year 1390. when he had lived 74. years and reigned 19. being followed to the grave with such acts of Barbarism as have heen
a man of such a violent and inveterate ambition as would sacrifice any thing to make it fuel to it self Soon after March and Dowglass were reconciled In the year 1411. Donald the Islander Lord of the Budae enters Ross as his pretended inheritance with ten thousand men and easily reduced it and flushed by this goes to Murray which being strengthless he easily mastered and pass'd spoiling into Bogy and approached Aberdeen To stop this torrent Alexander Earl of Mar followed by most of the Nobility met him at Harley a Village beyond Tey where they joyned in so bloody a Battle and lost so many noble and considerable Persons that though Night parted them neither could pretend to the Victory To this year doth the Vniversity of Saint Andrews owe its rise The next ten years nothing was done between the Scotch and English Henry the V. succeeding his Father and being wholly intent for France there was little to do between the two Nations unless some small incursions In the year 1419. Auxiliaries were sent into France 1419 and employed in Turain but they making merry in the Easter-Holidays the Duke of Clarence being informed thereof marches with a party to them but notwithstanding finding a stout repulse was himself with many of his Souldiers slain Whilst this happens in France in the year 1420. Robert the Governour dies and Mordack his Son a Sot was put in his place which he was so fit for that he could not govern his three Sons which was the cause of the Fathers and their ruines This Domestick Change called home the Forces employed in France but things being setled others went in their places Henry of England hearing of the death of Clarence made John Duke of BEDFORD his Vice-Roy himself intending to follow and carry JAMES of Scotland along with him the better either to win or suspend the hearts of the Scots but it was in vain for they said they would not obey a man that had not his own liberty Much action past afterwards between them and the English but we hasten to close with the Author MORDACK as it hath been said being Governour having neglected all Discipline at home suffered his Sons to come to that petulancy that they were not only offensive to all the people but withal disobedient to their Father who having a brave Faulcon which his Son WALTER had often begged but in vain he snatch'd it out of his Fathers hand and wrung off her neck which his Father being angry at Well says he Since I cannot govern thee I will bring one shall govern us both And from that day he ceased not to further the Redemption of the KING which was after ordered at an Assembly at Perth and an honourable Embassy sent into England With which this Author begins his History and we conclude this petty Labour The succeeding part which is to continue where he leaves is expected to be worthily performed by Mr. Saunderson and the precedent by the ingenious and learned Mr. Christopher Irwin But because we have made a part of promise to say somewhat of the Anchor who hath left himself the memory of an ingenious man by the things we have of his and for that it is but too common ingratitude to leave us better acquainted with the thoughts of men than with their persons and qualities many excellent Spirits leaving only their Spiritual parts behind them and little of their Corporal but their names we shall set down in brief what we understand concerning him WILLIAM DRUMMOND was the Son of Sir JOHN DRUMMOND and was born in the year 1585. and was brought up in Edenburgh where having past through his course of Philosophy he took the Degree of Master of Arts and in the year 1606. went into FRANCE to study the Laws as a way to raise him to preferment at Court But his wit being of a greater delicacy could not engage on the toyls and difficulties of that study as being wholly inclined to ease and retirement and a prosecution of the easier and softer entertainment of the Muses In this humour for he was especially addicted to POETRY having for that purpose sufficiently mastered the GREEK LATINE FRENCH SPANISH and ITALIAN Tongues as may appear by all his things of that nature lived retiredly with his Brother-in-Law till he was five and forty years of age at which time he unexpectedly married MARGARETE LOGANE a younger Daughter of the House of RESTELRIG He was not more retired in his Person then careless of his Fame all his Poems being Printed in loose sheets and only addressed to his Friends Yet though he retreated from all the World yet he was still found out for all the Learned and men of Quality gave him his due respect As for his own Countrey-men the Earl of STERLIN LEOCHEM and Doctor JOHNSON Besides though he were little in ENGLAND yet DANIEL DRAYTON and JOHNSON visit him by their Letters and testifyed their esteem of him All that we have of him is this Book and his Poems of which when they are to be published you will have better information In this manner he continued a harmless and a virtuous life till in the year 1649. he was summoned to pay his great debt to Nature having left a little before his death a quantity of books to the Library of Edenburgh Having premised thus much to satisfie the Reader as worthy to be foreknown though I have had little encouragement for my pains I shall cease being ingenious in another mans book and attend the restitution of that without which my self cannot subsist From my Chamber Jan. 24. 1680. IAMES I. KING OF Scotes Anō 1424 R Gaywood Fecit THE HISTORY OF THE Reign of James the first KING of SCOTLAND THE Nobles of Scotland being wearied with the form of their present Government for tho they had a King they enjoyed not the happiness of his sway by his restraint afar off under the power of a Stranger some of them were possessed with hopes by the change of the Head to find a change in the Body of the State and a flow of their ebbing Fortunes the Church-men and the Gentry having ever continued loyal and well-affected to the Lawful Heir of the Crown the Commons men delighting in Novations and ordinarily preferring uncertainties things unseen and to come to what for the time they did hold and enjoy the Governor of the Kingdom also himself irritated by the misdemeanour of his Children and forecasting the danger he might be plunged into if the States should purchase the recovery of their King he not complying to their Design all unanimously and together determine without longer prolongings to work the delivery of their Native Prince JAMES forth of England where he had been detained eighteen years as a Prisoner They who were chosen and got Commission to negotiate his Liberty were Archembald Earl of Dowglass Son to Archembald Duke of Turrain William Hay Constable of the Realm Alexander Irwin of Drumm Knight Henry Lightoun Bishop of
Aberdeen Alexander Cornwall Arch-Dean of Lothian These coming to London were graciously received by the State and severally entertained by King James and so many friends as either his Alliance or Virtues had acquired After some few days stay desiring to have audience in Counsel they were admitted where Bishop Lightoun is said to have spoken to this effect The respect and reverence which the Nation of the Scots carryeth toward all Kings is all where known but most that love and loyalty which they have to the sacred Persons of their own native Princes for as Monarchy is the most ancient form of Government so have they ever esteemed it the best it being more easie to find one instructed and trained up in heroical virtues than to find many And how well soever Governours and Vice-Gerents rule the Commmon-wealth yet is that Government but as the light of the Moon or stars in absence of the Sun and but representations of shadows for real Bodies This hath moved the three estates of that Kingdom to direct us here unto you Our King these many years hath been kept from us upon just or unjust Grounds we will not argue that providence which hath appointed every thing to its own end hath done this for the best both to you and us and we are now to treat with you for his Delivery Beseeching you to remember that his Father of Sacred memory recommended him out of that general duty which one Prince oweth to another to your Kings Protection in hope of Sanctuary and in request of aid and comfort against secret and therefore the more dangerous Enemies And to confess the Truth hitherto he hath heen more assured amongst you than if he had remained in his own Countrey your favours being many ways extended towards him having in all liberal Sciences and vertues brought him up That his abode with you seemeth rather to have been a remaining in an Academy then in any Captivity and thus he had been lost if he had not been lost Besides tho we have the happiness to claim his Birth and Stem ye have the claim of his Succession and Education He being now matched with the Royal Blood of England in Marriage Thus his Liberty which we entreat for is a benefit to your selves and those Princes which shall claim the descent of his off-spring For if it should fall forth as what may not by the variable changes of Kingdomes come to pass that this Prince by Usurpers and Rebels were disgarnished of his own Crown they are your Swords which should brandish to set him on his Royal throne We expect that as ye have many ways rendred him yours ye will not refuse to engage Him yet more by his Liberty which he must acknowledge wholly and freely to receive from you and by benefits and love to overcome a King is more than by force of Arms. And since he was not your Prisoner by chance of War having never raised Arms against you but by way of Protection detained here and entertained so ye will respecting your ancient honour and Generosity send him freely back to his own yet if it be so that ye will have acknowledgment for what ye have bestowed on his education the distress of the present estate of his Subjects and Crown considered We will not stand upon trifles of Money for the Redemption of a Prince above all price The Lords of the Council were diverse ways inclined to this Embassie some thought it not fit to dismiss him For his remaining in England seemed the more to assure the kingdom of Scotland unto them having the King and his children in their custody what dared they not enterprise or not bring to pass Or if Scotland should plot any thing by way of Rebellion the King having his party within the Realm by the assistance of the English would keep under the other Factions and thus the Estate by both being made weak it would be a fair breach for a Conquest and the annexing that Kingdom to the Crown of England That he knew too much of the Estate and affairs of England to be sent away to a Nation ever their enemies That being at liberty and amongst his own he might resent the injury of his long restraint Others of the Council thought it best to dismiss him They had learned by experience that the keeping of the King of the Scots hindered no ways the Scots from assisting the French yea rather that it did exasperate their choler and make them in Revenge addict themselves wholly to the French the Governour no ways keeping to the English and siding the French upon whom to be revenged they could find no surer way than to set at liberty the King whose return of necessity must needs change the face of the State and trouble him As for the conquest of the Crown of Scotland it was not at that time of such moment for England they having the most part of France in their Subjection which was as much if not more as they could hold then it would prove a more harmless and sure purchase to make Scotland theirs by the Succession of Lady Jane of Somerset than by war the event whereof is ever doubtful and beyond any assurance of Man The Liberty of the King of Scots might prevent the encreasing strength of the Kings Enemies in France and secure the Peace and tranquillity of the Common-wealth at home King James being all English by education if he proved not of their Party yet he must prove neutral to both the Kingdoms Henry the sixth then King of England being of under-age was governed by his three Uncles of his Fathers side Humphrey Duke of Glocester who was made Protector of his Person and Realm John Duke of Bedford who was established Regent of France and Thomas Duke of Excester But Henry Beaufoord Cardinal Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England a man eminent in Blood and Riches Uncle to the Lady Jane in effect governed all These gave way rather then approved that the King of Scots should be set at liberty and sent home And though they would have dismissed him freely in respect of the Dowry of his Queen which was not delivered having use of present moneys for the maintenance of the Wars in France and the more to cover the injustice of his Captivity they thought it expedient to set a Ransom upon him The Commissioners having met it was declared that for a sufficient sum of moneys their King might return and enjoy his own Liberty the one half to be paid in hand able Hostages remaining in England till the other half was fully discharged The Ransom agreed upon was four hundred thousand Marks but by the power of the Cardinal the third was discharged for which he was long after accused before the King by the Duke of Glocester The Governour and Estate of Scotland having known the sum laid upon them for the Liberty of the King though the hasty acquiring of it was grievous unto them preferring Glory
and things necessary to matters of money immediatly dispatched so so much as could be gathered together with a great many young Noblemen of the Kingdom to remain Hostages for the rest who after the English Writers were David son to the Earl of Athol Alexander Earl of Crawford the Lord Gordon John de Lyndesay Patrick Son and Heir to Sir John Lyon David de Ogleby Sir William de Ruthen Miles Graham David Mowbray and William Oliphant These were honorably received entertained and kept The Kings Father in Law the Earl of Somerset the Cardinal his Brother accompanied their Niece to the Borders and there taking their leave returned back The King with the rest of their Train received with many Troops of Nobles and Gentlemen who swarmed from all parts of the Kingdom to give him a dutiful welcome into his Native soyl and themselves the contentment of beholding one they had so long desired and expected with loud acclamations and applauses of the Commons as he held his Progress on the Passion Week in Lent came to Edinburgh During his abode there he assembled many of the Estates listened to their Petitions prepared for the approaching Parliament which had been summoned before his coming The Solemnities of Easter finished the King came with his Queen to Perth and from thence in the beginning of the moneth of May to Scone where the year 1424. by Mordock the Governour Duke of Albany and Earl of Fife to whom that charge by custom of the Kingdom did appertain and Henry Bishop of S. Andrews the 27 year of his Age there was a joynt Coronation of himself and his Queen being according to the Computation of the old Scottish History the hundreth and one King of Scotland At which time Sigismond son to Charles the fourth An. Dom. 1424. was Emperour of the West John the seventh the son of Andronicus of the East Amurath the second Great Turk Alphonsus the fifth King of Spain Charles the seventh King of France Henry the sixth King of England and with Martin the fifth many claimed the Chair of St. Peter The ends in calling the Parliament were the Coronation of the King to make the People see a Princes authority was come where they had but lately a Governours the establishing a Peace amongst the Subjects and taking away all Factions the exacting a Subsidie for the relief of the Hostages in England To this last the Nobles held strong hand by reason many of their Sons were engaged Here a a general tax was condescended upon through the whole Realm as twelve pennies of the pound to be paid of all Lands as well Spiritual as Temporal and four pennies of every Cow Ox Horse for the space of two years together When the Commons had taken it grievously that the Subsidie granted by the states of the Kingdom in Parliament was exacted mostly of them after the first Collection the King pitying their poverty remitted what was unpayed and until the Marriage of his Daughter thereafter never exacted any Subsidie of his Subjects For he would gently strain milk and not wring blood from the breast of his Countrey rendring the disposure thereof chaste sincere and pure for expences necessary and profitable not for profusions which neither afford contentment nor reputation for money is both the nerves which give motion and veins which entertain life in a State Amongst others whom the King honoured Alexander second Son to Duke Mordock was dubbed Knight The Parliament dissolving the King came from Perth to Edinburgh where having assembled all the present Officers and such who had born Authority in the State during the time of Duke Robert and Duke Mordock especially those whose charge concerned the Rents of the Crown he understood by their accounts that the most part of all the Rents Revenues and Lands pertaining to the Crown were wasted alienated and put away or then by the Governors bestowed on their freinds and followers the Customs of Towns and Burroughs only excepted This a little incensed his indignation yet did he smother and put a fair countenance on his passion seeming to slight what he most car'd for occasion thereafter no sooner served when he began to countenance and give way to Promoters and Informers necessary though dangerous Instruments of State which many good Princes have been content to maintain and such who were not bad never denied to hear but using them no longer then they were necessary for their ends to rip up secret and hidden crimes wrongs suffered or committed during the time of his detension in England He received the complaints of the Church-men Countrey Gentlemen Merchants against all those who had either wronged them or the State and would have the causes of all Accusers to be heard and examined Here many to obtain the favour of the Prince accused others Upon pregnant accusations Walter Stuart one of the Sons of Duke Mordock was Arrested and sent to the Bass to be close kept so was Malcolm Fleming of Cammernauld and Thomas Boyd of Kilmarnock committed to Ward in Dalkieth Not long after the Nobility interceding Malcolm and Thomas goods being restored which they had taken wrongfully and Fines laid upon them for their Offence promising to satisfie all whom they had wrong'd were pardoned all faults and then set at Liberty The King by listening to Promoters came to the knowledge of many great insolencies committed by sundry of his Nobles which as it bred a hatred in him so fear in them and both appeared to study a Novation They for their own safety He to vindicate Justice and his Authority The Duke had highly resented the committing of his Son as had his Father in Law the Earl of Lennox The Male-contents being many if they could have swayed in one body as they came to be of one mind threatned no small matter The King from the intelligence of close Meetings secret Leagues some Plots of his Nobles began to forecast an apparent storm in the State and danger to his own Person whereupon being both couragious and wise he proclaimeth again a Parliament at Perth where the three Estates being assembled in his throne of Majesty he spoke in this manner I have learned from my tender years that Royalty consisteth not so much in a Chair of State as in such actions which do well become a prince What mine have been since my coming Home and Government among you I take first God and then your selves for witnesses If all of them be not agreeable to you all and if any rigorous dealing be used against some Let him who is touched lay aside his particular and look to the setling of Justice in the State and publick Good of the whole Kingdom and he shall find his sufferings tolerable perhaps necessary and according to the time deserved I have endeavoured to take away all Discords abolish Factions Suppress Oppression as no Forein Power hath attempted ought against you hitherto so that ye should not endeavour ought against another nor any thing against
to reach the Government of the State and get into his custody the Person of the King And that it might rather seem the work of others out of conveniency than any appetite of his own he so insinuated himself with the Earl of Dowglass that the Earl essayed to lay the first ground-work of his aims The Governour who never wanted his own Spies near the Queen at the first inkling of this novation committed both him and his Brother William into the Castle of Sterlin The Queen whether she followed her Husband or was restrained uncertain staied with them and now began to repent her of the former courtesies done to the Governour wishing her Son had yet remained in the custody of the Chancellour who not so displeased at their imprisonment as he appeared in outward-show delighting in the errours of his Partner by Alexander Earl of Huntley trafficked and wrought their liberty Thus insinuating himself in the Queens favour he irritated her against the Governour whom yet outwardly he entertained with ceremonies of Friendship approving his Sagacity in preventing a storm in the State before it brake forth here the Governour found how that same Key which can open a Treasure can shut it up for after this the Queen prepared her Son for a change The Governour carefully ministring Justice at Perth the Chancellour one morning coming to the Park of Sterling where the King was hunting by the providence of his Mother more early raised for this sport she bewailed the present estate of his Court that he was thralled to the covetousness and pleasure of others living under the power of a man greedy of Rule that a King of France is declared to be of full years and Major the fourteenth of his age that a Prince should transfer his affection especially in tender years that by an escape he might enjoy a princely freedom better know himself and make his Rulers relish his Authority that three hours was sometimes of more importance than three days and one hour of more than all the three that he should take hold of the present occasion offered him Prepared with such informations he is no sooner accosted by the Chancellour when approving his motions he posted towards Edenburgh with him received all the way as he went with many companies of the Chancellours friends and attendants The Governour finding the face of the Court altered by a King young in years and judgment possessed by his Mother dissimulating his interest in a patient and calm manner cometh to Edenburgh there after long conference and mediation of friends in Saint Giles's Church he meeteth the Chancellour and by the Bishop of Murray's and Aberdeen's diligence an agreement is between them concluded which was That the King should remain in the custody of the Chancellour and the Governour should still enjoy his charge Amongst these divisions of the Rulers the Queen all this time handsomly kept some authority affecting and entertaining sometimes the one of them sometimes the other as by turns they governed the King and State The many and great disorders in the Country invited a Parliament the authority of Magistrates was despised no justice was administred in many places few could keep their Goods or be assured of their Lives but by taking themselves to the servitude of one Faction or other Troubles arose in the West by the slaughter of Sir Allan Stuart Lord Darnley killed by Sir Thomas Boyd and by the Revenge of his Death taken by Alexander Stewart of Bolmet his Brother upon the Boyd the Highland Islanders invade the Territories adjacent to them spoyl and burn the Lennox where John Calhowen of Luss is massacred These cruelties and insolencies against all justice and authority being avouched such to beware held fit to be remedied and courses laid down to obviate them but William Earl of Dowglass permitting wickedness and winking at mischief often approving them for lawful and good policy whilst he neither reformed them himself by his power nor suffered the Rulers to proceed against them by their authority purchased to himself the name and reputation of a lawless and strong oppressor The three Estates assembled complaints being given up against Oppressours most against him and his followers as the source from which the miseries of the Country sprang he appeareth not nor any to answer for him The Parliament determinateth to proceed by way of Rigour against him but to this the two Rulers oppose persuading them that fair speeches and entreaties was a safer and easier way to draw unto them a young Man mighty in riches and power arrogant by his many Followers and Vassals than to give out a Sentence against him before he were heard and by threatnings stir his turbulent and ambitious thoughts which instead of making him calm might turn his neutrality in a perfect Rebellion and his insolency in madness and despair Neither as the present estate of the Country stood could he without civil blood be commanded and brought in which by moderation might be effectuate that verity enjoyed not always that priviledge to be spoken in every place and time it was good to keep up in silence matters concerning him the speaking of which might produce any dangerous effecâ— Upon this Letters in their name are sent unto him remembring him of the splendor and glory of his Ancestors the place and dignity he possessed by them in Parliament that without his presence they neither would or could proceed in great matters If he apprehended any cause of let or stay by the offences and disorders committed by his Attendants and followers they would freely remit them as accidents following the injury of the times and his yet tender years his greatest fault being his giving way out of rashness and negligence to the faults of others That of himself they had conceived such singular hopes of great towardness and all venues if he would come and take a part with them giving in his complaints and grievances he should not only have full satisfaction but be honoured with what place or charge in the Government he liked best by honouring them with his Presence he should oblige not only his Country infinitely but particularly every one of them to stand for him to the utmost of their powers and wishes This Letter wrought powerfully upon the Mind of the Earl by nature and years desirous of glory and preferment and believing easily that which was plausible to his hopes His friends who now began to promise to themselves new Heavens think upon great matters and forecast to themselves by the change of their Lords Fortune a change of Offices in the State persuade him likewise to come to the Parliament and they divulged the certainty of his Progress The Chancellour when he understood he was upon his way rode forth of Edenburgh to meet him and by many obsequious complements and friendly blandishments allured and drew him to his Castle of Creighton which was in his way where some days he rested and was honourably entertained
This Earl ambitious factious popular subtile vindicative prompt in the execution of his enterprizes liberal and far from the dor-muse humour of his Father began to think neither himself nor his kindred in safety if the deaths of his Brothers and Cousins wrought by the two Rulers remained unrevenged and therefore since openly without troubling the common peace of the Country he could not by secret and umbragious ways he laboureth to bring it to pass procuring a far off a disobedience to their Decrees and contempt of their Authority by men in a great distance from him in place blood friendship and familiarity who after any fashion grudged repined complained of the present form of Government or aggravated imaginary wrongs are supported and protected by him his houses turned places of Refuge to distressed Male-contents One John Gormack of Athol not without suspicion that he wrought by the motion and order of the Earl and understood his Cabal essayed with a great number of Out-laws to hinder the execution of a Malefactor and take him by main force from the Sheriff of Perth William Ruthen but he perished in the enterprize Patrick Gilbreath in the Castle of Dumbartoun for priority of command killeth Robert Simple and to save his person or justifie his homicide flyeth to the Earl of Dowglass by whom he is protected notwithstanding the many informations given in against him at Court and his citation to answer to Justice The King whose non-age was now near expired began to relish the sweetness of Government in his own person and became tyr'd of the long and awful tutelage of his jarring Rulers and the flower of his Youth seeming fram'd for great affairs promised the fruit of a wise and happy Reign finding it difficult to put men near daily unto him long experienced and greedy of Rule from high places except by the entertaining a stronger and more powerful faction He setteth his thoughts upon the Earl of Dowglass small favours to him would be a great umbrage to the ambition of his Tutors bring them within the compass of answering to what might be objected to them concerning their service in the State he would not sue to the Earl but as occasion served he gave many signs and open speeches that he had not altogether withdrawn his love and favour from the ancient House of the Dowglasses their passed faults being by them acknowledged and recompenced with fidelity and obedience in times coming The Earl of Dowglass whose towardness and liberality had acquired him many friends at Court upon assured advertisement of his Princes good-will towards him cometh to Sterling and is no sooner presented upon his knees before the King in the Church when with all demonstrations of benevolence he is received in grace pardoned and not many days after admitted to be of the Privy Council The King imparting to him his greatest affairs sheweth he will follow them by his advice and counsel honoureth him with the plausible name of Cousin and entertaineth such familiarity with him that all others give him the place The promotion and credit which the Earl of Dowglass in a short time acquired about the King his faction daily encreasing moved the two Rulers by their moderation seeking to avoid disgrace to leave the Court. After which they were both removed from their offices and their places and authority in Council with their whole friends and followers They are upbraided with disorders both in their private actions and the manner of their Government and at last are summoned to answer before the King to such things as they should be legally accused of the murmurs every where whispered amongst the people warned and certified them if they should appear and present themselves of some sad and Tragick Act. Whereupon with protestations of their Innocency declining the time appealing to the King in his majority and when he should be of full years from these Judges their mortal enemies than abusing absolute Power they suspend their appearing declaring with all their readiness in every thing to obey the King This availeth them nothing for at a Parliament holden in Sterlin Articles being forged and urged against them especially of Peculate as sale of Crown-Lands waste of the Kings Treasure the laying of their hands upon the Kings Jewels transporting Lands to themselves and their friends distributing Offices and places of the Crown and State which should have been by the Authority of the Council as Hunters divide a Prey between themselves Dispensing with Riots and taking the force and vigour from the Laws of the Kingdom thus as betraying the administration of the Realm into the hands of worthless and corrupted men they are denounced Rebels their persons and Estates proscrib'd Charge is given to Sir John Foster of Corstorphane and others the Dowglasses adherents to bring all their moveables to the use of the Exchequer demolish their Houses invade their Friends with fire and sword and all that sided them Thus the uncertain vicissitude of Humane accidents overturns often them who seem to be raised to the highest degree of honour The Castle of Barentoren is besieged taken thrown down with other houses upon the Governours and Chancellours Lands their Farms and small Villages are plundered and ransacked In revenge of which the Rulers waste the Earl of Dowglasses Territories the Villages of Straw-brock Abercorn Blackness are burnt with Corstorphane The ravage begun continueth with daily loss to both parties and the overthrow of the Common-wealth The Earl wondreth now having the Kings Authority to find his enemies so strong and hold so long out against him he suspecteth they have secret support by some not well affected towards him The most powerful and eminent of which he guesseth to be James Kennedy Bishop of St. Andrews and Cousin german to the King He knew him jealous for his sudden favours at Court and that he had whispered amongst his friends that he feared the ambition of the Earls unlimited heart was now exalted to such exorbitancy of height that becoming top-heavy it would fall by its own weight and turn up the Root The Earl will have this Prelate less powerful to assist the Rulers or do harm unto him To this effect he instigateth the Earl of Crawford his Allie and Alexander Ogleby of Innerwharely to invade the Bishops Lands and rifle his Vassals in Fife without order or declaration of wrongs done by him The Bishop after the burning and spoyling of sundry of his Farms being weak by power to resist their violence and repair his losses took him to his Spiritual Arms and excommunicated the Earl of Crawford Though he made small account of this verbal Thunder yet did not this injustice long escape the revenging hand of God who raiseth up ordinarily one oppressor to execute his justice against another Alexander Lyndesay Son to the Earl of Crawford pretended a title to the Baylerie of Arbroth out of which he was kept by Alexander Ogleby whose title was equal to his if not better This enmity
kindled to such a flame that upon either side they assemble their friends in Arms The Ogleby calleth the Lord Huntley the Lindesay the Hamiltons to assist their Rights frequent meetings having been to calm matters and reconcile them and nothing agreed upon nor concluded they resolve at last to decide the cause by their Swords The Earl of Crawford then remaining at Dundee advertised of the present danger of his friends posted in all haste to Arbroth and cometh at the very chock of the skirmish and when hey were to enter the Fight Here intending by his wisdom to take up the quarrel and presuming upon the respect due to his place and person he rashly rusheth forwards before his Companies to demand a party of Alexander Ogleby with his Son But ere he could be known or was heard he is encountred by a common Souldier who thrust him in the mouth with a Spear and prostrate him dead upon the ground This sudden accident joyned the Parties who fought with great courage and resolution The Victory after much blood inclined to the Master of Crawford Alexander Ogleby sore wounded was taken and brought to the Castle of Finelvin where he died the Lord Huntley escaped by the swiftness of his Horse John Forbess of Pitsligow Alexander Barkley of Garteley Robert Maxwell of Tillen William Gordoun of Borrowfield Sir John Oliphant of Aberdaguy with others fell on the Oglebies side they fought the Twenty fourth of January One thousand four hundred fourty five 1445 Now by attending opportunities to encrease publick disorders turn the times dangerous and troublesome and confound the State the Earl of Dowglass kept himself in the absolute Government by umbragious ways he nourished discontentments in all parts of the Country amongst the Nobility Gentry Commons of the Realm Alexander Earl of Crawford put to death John Lynton of Dundee Robert Boyd of Duchal and Alexander Lyle slew James Stuart of Auchenmintee Patrick Hepburn of Hails surprised the Castle of Dumbar Archembald Dumbar as if he would but change places with him taketh the Castle of Hails where he was besieged by the Earl of Dowglass and with conditions of safety rendred it Sir William Creighton all this time kept the Castle of Edenburgh and when by intreaties nor power he could not be induced to render it to the King his Castle of Creighton is plundered a garison placed in it and the Castle of Edenburgh by the Earl of Dowglass is besieged and blocked up Nine months the Assailers lie about it but it proveth impregnable and without loss of many Subjects cannot be taken about the end of which time mens courages waxing colder conditions are offered and received which were that the Chancellor should be restored to grace place and whatsoever had been withheld from him by his enemies at Court an abolition and abrogation of all former discontentments should be granted the besieged should pass out bag and baggage free At a Parliament holden at Perth the Chancellor was purged by an Assise of his Peers of what was laid against him his lands and goods seized upon by the King or Dowglasses are decreed to be restored as well to his followers as himself he is established in his dignities and places of Honour notwithstanding of all Edicts Proclamations Confiscations before which were declared null all matters past put in oblivion as not done This considering the credit of the Earl of Dowglass was thought very strange but James Kennedy Bishop of Saint Andrews whose respect and Authority was great with the Churchmen perfected this Master-piece of State and the Earl of Dowglass knew though the Chancellor was unbound he had not yet escaped During these Garboyls in Scotland Margaret Sister to King James and wife to the Daulphin of France Lewis died at Chalones in Champagne a vertuous and worthy Lady beloved of all France but most of Charles the seventh her Father in Law who for her respect matched her three Sisters who remained at his Court honourably Helenora with Sigismond Arch-duke of Austria Elizabeth to the Duke of Bretaigne Mary with the Earl of Camphire She was buried in the great Church of Chalones but after when the Daulphine came to the King he caused transport and bury her in the Abbey Church of Loan in Poittow Many Elegies were published upon her death which are yet extant Sir James Stuart the Black Knight husband to the Queen at this time died also He had turned a voluntary exile to shun the dangers and envy of the Factions of the Country which he incurr'd by his free speeches against the misgovernment and miseries of the time and as he was bound towards Flanders by the Flemings was taken upon the Seas The Queen out-lived not long her Daughter and Husband she was buried the fifteenth of July in the Charter-house of Perth neer her first husband James the year One thousand four hundred forty six She brought forth to the black Knight of Lorn three sons John Earl of Athole James Earl of Buchan Andrew Bishop of Murray The Chancellor having recovered his honours and State to the disadvantage of the Earl of Dowglass though of good years and tyred with the troubles of a publick Life yet findeth not any desired rest A Marriage being designed for the King with Mary daughter of the Duke of Guilders by the instructions of Charles the seventh the French King but secretly by the procurement of the Earl of Dowglass the Chancellor as a Man grave great in place and experimented with the Bishop of Dunkel and Nicholas Otterburn is sent over the Seas in Embassie This troublesome and unprofitable honour abroad is laid upon him that he might be separate from the King and suspended from opposing to the private designs of the Earl at home This obstacle of his ambition removed which had neither moderation nor limits the Earl may exclude such Officers in State or Court who were not agreeable to him and substitute others of his Creation after his pleasure he hath now room and opportunity for his greatest designs His Kindred are without pausing preferred to Offices of State his Brothers to new honours Archembald is made Earl of Murray by the marriage of a Lady of the house of Dumbar who was Heir of the Lands and the Kings Ward George is created Earl of Ormond John made Lord of Balvenie and hath his Donation ratified in an Assembly of three Estates who were convented at Edenburgh for matters concerning the Marriage of the King but in effect that the Earl might pursue his old Enemies The Commissioners are chosen after his pleasure are prepared and instructed by him prelimitated and to combine power with craft he entreth in an offensive and defensive League with many Noblemen Barons and Gentlemen of the Kingdom All the wheels and vices of his Clock being right set Alexander Levingston late Governour Alexander his eldest Son Robert Levingston Treasurer David Levingston James Dundas Robert Bruce of Clackmannan Knights for Peculate and converting the Princes Treasure
like Mad-men limning Pourtraicts with their own blood delight in their Proceedings and daily encrease the number of the Rebels In this Insurrection the King is reduced to many extremities and is said to have thought upon an escape by Sea to France if he had not been diverted by James Kennedy Bishop of St. Andrews who told him That to leave the Kingdom was to give all over to the insolency of his Rebels and for fear of burning to leap into the fire it self That besides the high and long continued Title of a King which the best part of his Subjects yet reverenced he had sufficient Friends and Warlike men who appearing in a Field with him would raise a just fear in the hearts of those who so hainously dared disobey him That God would be present to revenge wronged Majesty and turn their hopes in despair That the Common People were ever changing and a little time would make them flow to these from whom they did ebb and all would return again except such as were guilty of other offences or such whose poverty made them fear a beggerly Peace as their greatest punishment That his chiefest and principal City stood good for him which example the other Towns would undoubtedly follow that Rebellion was like Thunder the noise of which if observed duely was often more terrible than the blow and dissolved ordinarily in tears of Repentance and fair Weather that here the prudence of a Prince manifesteth it self when he cannot suppress and stop all the evils in his State to suffer and tolerate the least and with leasure and time abolish and extirpate the greater and make vertue of Rebellion The King by the Bishops Counsel and Assistance gathereth an Army but will not try the hazard of a Battel before those he had advertised and sent for should joyn with these already about him and his Forces from all the Quarters of the Kingdom be united In the North the Earl of Huntley had raised a goodly Company to come to his aid but the Earl of Crawford a Confederate of the Earl of Dowglass with a power of the men of Anguss and all who would follow him guided by some French Commanders essayed to cut off his passage and rencountreth him at Brechen the Battel is fought and the Victory inclined where the Kings Standard was displayed by the Earl of Huntley The equity of the cause laid aside the occasion of this Victory was ascribed to John Coloss of Bonnymoon who having one of the Wings of the Army to guide which consisted of Battel-axes great Swords and long Spears and the best invasive Weapons in the hottest of the Skirmish gave ground and left the middle Ward naked upon his side the reason of his revolt is reported that the night before the Battel when every man was resolving with his affairs of the World Bonnymoon requested the Earl of Crawford of whom he held his Lands-Ward and relief since the next day he was resolved either to be victorious or die in the Field to subscribe a Precept himself falling for entring his Son to his Lands This the Superiour refusing the Vassal out of a just indignation when he should have Charged retired and his Company with him Such thoughts possessed not the Earl of Huntlies minde he dealt not so sparingly with his friends in hope of their good service To the Forbesses Oglebies Leslies Grants Irwines he freely gave many of his own Lands which raised their courage to the height In requital of which the King after bestowed upon him the Lands of Badyeenoch and Lochaber In the conflict the Earl of Huntley lost two Brothers the Earl of Crawford and Sir John Lindsay his brother being left on the Field fled to his house of Phanheaven where he was heard to say He would be content to remain seven years in Hell to have in so timely a season done the King his Master that Service the Earl of Huntley had performed and carry that applause and thanks he was to receive from him This conflict happened upon the Ascension-day the Eighteenth day of May One thousand four hundred fifty two The King by the confluence and resort of many worthy Subjects unto him having time to breath and finding himself in a calm keepeth a Convention of the States at Edenburgh Ere the Earls of Dowglass Crawford Ormond Murray the Lord Balveney Sir James Hamilton and others are cited to answer according to Law They instead of appearing in the Night upon the doors of the Principal Churches and other places eminent fix many Placates and Libels signed with their hands which bear The Earl of Dowglass nor his Followers will never obey Command nor Charge in time coming nor answer citation for that the King is not a just Master but a Blood-sucker a Murtherer a Transgressor of Hospitality a Surpriser of the Innocent and such who deserved no harm at his hands Not long after the King levied an Army which by the approaching Winter did little Service and the Earl of Dowglass to save the Lands of Beatrice his Brothers Widow unseparated from the House sought by a Dispensation from the Pope to have her in Marriage alledging her untouched of his Brother which being refused him he kept her in place of his wife the effect of his Sorbon Divinity and found hereby more Bryars than Roses The Earl of Crawford placing two stricts of Seas betwixt him and the King spoileth the Lands of all those who forsook him at Brechen and Archembald Earl of Murray burneth the Pile of Srath-Boggy pertaining to the Earl of Huntley in revenge of which the Earl of Huntley burnt and herried all the Lands of the Earl of Murray beyond the Spey The King too in this madness of Mankind defaceth his own Country pulling down the Houses of his Rebel-Subjects and wasting Annan-dale This ravage and mutual overturning of all having continued almost two whole years the Faction of the Earl far inferiour to the Kings now weakned with such lasting Incursions sundry of the chief men and heads considering the least faults were the best that it was better to strike sail in time than make a full shipwrack of their Persons Honors and the well of the Kingdom and State counsel the Earl that Fervors growing colder since it could not be undone which was done he would not set greater work on foot but proceeding with conveniency submit himself friendly to the King who had as much goodness as generosity and sought and required nothing of his Subjects but obedience and having now proved how difficile it was to overcome them by Arms was perhaps as much tyred as they would pardon these faults which he could not otherwise amend Necessity in Affairs of Princes constraining them to yield to many things in Government against their first Conclusions and resolve to grant that which they could not well hinder That there were many hours in the day and the hearts of Princes were subject to change in them that he should not forsake
of Fortune the blame of her unlawful Wedlock laid upon the Earl consented to by her out of a certain fear of her life submitted her self to the Kings Clemency The King who denied not mercy to any that sought it of him that the less guilty amongst the seditious might withdraw themselves and the obstinate remain the less powerful and weak receiveth her and giveth her in Marriage to his Brother John Earl of Athol son to the Black Knight of Lorne designing for her Dowry the Lordship of Balveny By her example the Countess of Ross abhorring the fierceness and cruelties as she gave out of her barbarous Husband but rather out of policy to be an Agent for him flyeth to the King and hath Revenues allowed her for the maintenance of her Estate Not long after the Earl of Ross himself the misadventure of his Confederates having taught him now some wisdom having seen the Kings Clemency towards others equal to him in Treason and Rebellion by many humble supplications craved pardon and begged peace The King by his great prudence and the course of the affairs of his Kingdom knew that it was necessary sometimes to condescend to the imperfections and faults of some Subjects and having compassion apply and accomodate himself to that which though according to the strictness of equity was not due yet for the present occasion and reason of State was convenient answered he would neither altogether pardon him nor flatly reject him there being many signs of his wickedness few of his changed mind when honestly without fraud or guile he should crave a Pardon and give satisfaction to those whom by blood and pillage he had wronged and by some noble action deface the remembrance of his former crimes then should it be good time to receive him Notwithstanding this should not discourage him but he should know he had a desire to make him relish the effects of his bounty so he himself would find the means and subject In this interim he wished him to keep the common peace of the Country and not oppress any of his Neighbours About this time the University of Glasgow was founded by William Turnbul Bishop of that See William Hay Earl of Arrol George Creightoun Earl of Caithness William Lord Creightoun died One thousand four hundred fifty five and the Bishop of St. Andrews is made Chancellour The King partly having loosed partly cut in pieces that Gordian knot of the League of his Nobility began to reobtain again the ancient Authority of the Kings his Predecessours giving and imposing Laws to his Subjects according to reason and greatest conveniences Shortly progressing through the Quarters of the kingdom by the sound counsel and instructions of the Bishop of St. Andrews James Kennedy and William Saintclare Earl of Orknay used such clemency that in a short time he reclaimed all his turbulent subjects In the year One thousand four hundred fifty five he held a Parliament where he ratified what was resolved upon to be done for the peace and weal of his People establishing many profitable Laws for the posterity after this time Embassadors came from England and France unto him Henry the sixth King of England a soft facile Prince and more fit to obey than command having restored in blood and allowed the descent of Richard Plantagenet Duke of York the Duke under pretence and countenance of reforming the State and removing of bad Counsellors from the Court the umbrage of all Rebellions by one Jack Cade an Irish a bold man and who had a Spirit which did not correspond with his low condition who feigned himself to be a Cousin of his of the House of Mortimer and other his Instruments raised a Rebellion which began amongst the Kentish-men and was after continued by his Confederacy with the Duke of Norfolk Earls of Warwick Salisbury Devon and others and notwithstanding he had sworn fealty to King Henry at Blackheath again openly took arms gainst him at St. Albans where in pitched field Edmond Duke of Somerset his greatest Competitor and who had been preferred to his place in the Regency of France was killed the King wounded taken and committed to the Tower of London At a Parliament after the Duke is made Protector of the Kingdom at another Parliament he maketh claim for the Crown as in his own Right laying down thus his Title The Son of Ann Mortimer Daughter and Heir to Roger Mortimer Earl of March Son and Heir of Philip the Daughter and sole Heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence the third Son of King Edward the Third and elder Brother to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster is to be preferred by very good right in Succession of the Crown before the Children of John of Gaunt the fourth Son of the said Edward the Third but Richard Plantagenet Duke of York is come of Philip the Daughter and sole Heir of Lionel Third Son to King Edward the Third then to be preferred to the Children of the fourth Son who was John of Gaunt and so to Henry the Fourth the Usurper his Son to Henry stiling himself Henry the Fifth his Son and Henry the Sixth now wrongfully calling himself King of England This Parliament chosen to the Duke of Yorks own mind at first various at last unanimously enacted that Henry during his life should retain the Name and Honour of a King but that the Duke of York should be continued Protector of the Country and be declared Heir apparent and Successor of the Crown after the death of Henry Margaret the Queen Daughter to Rheny King of Sicily more couragious than her Husband disclaimeth the Parliamentary Authority and this Agreement of her King with the Duke of York as a matter done to the prejudice of her Son and against the Laws of Nations which admit not of a forced Contract and done by a Prisoner The Crown of England hanging at this point the Queen to her defence imploring the aid and assistance of her best greatest Friends and Allies sendeth Embassadors to King James These remembring the duties one King oweth to another against Rebels and the Usurpers of their Crowns the correspondency and amity of King Henry with King James during his posterity expostulating the cruelty of the Rebels against Edmond the late Duke of Somerset Uncle to King James slain by them in defence of his Prince promise in their Kings Name Queens and their Sons with the approbation of the Noble-men of their Party to restore to the Kings of Scotland the Lands of Northumberland Cumberland and Bishoprick of Durham after the manner the Kings of Scotland in former times had held these Territories of the Kings of England so he would raise an Army and advance to their aid and supply The Duke of York sent hither also his Embassadors giving in many complaints against King Henry he had oppressed the people with taxations and all kinds of exactations he had preferred to places of State and Government new men by whose counsel and his Queen he governed
with his Queen his Son and the remainder of his dispersed friends secured himself by flight into Scotland James Kennedy Bishop of Saint Andrews to whose person the Authority of the State was then reduced received him with Magnificence and Honour and put him in hopes by the Assistance of Scotland to restore his fortune King Henry as well to reserve some Refuge and Sanctuary for himself as to win the heart and insinuate himself in the favour of the People of Scotland caused render the Town of Berwick to them which the English had violently possessed since the days of Edward the First For which favour the Scottish Nobility vowed at all times to come to his supply and defend him to their uttermost and that the friendship begun might continue without all vacillation the Queens of Scotland and England both descended of the French Race began to treat of an Alliance promising Edward Prince of Wales should be married with the Lady Margaret the King of Scotlands Sister none of them then having attained the years of Marriage The miseries of King Henry encreasing suffered not these two Queens to stay long together Margaret with her Son Edward to implore the aid of her Friends maketh a Voyage towards France to her Father Rhene King of Sicily Naples and Jerusalem Duke of Anjou a Prince large of Titles short of Power These who had followed King Henry into Scotland whilest he is left only intentive to devotion in the Cloyster of the Gray-Fryers at Edenburgh return back again to solicite their Friends in England for a second rencounter Upon the arrival of Queen Margaret in France she obtaineth of her cousin Lewis the Eleventh that those who favoured and assisted the Duke of York were prohibited Traffique and commanded to remove out of the French Dominions and that Five hundred Soldiers should come to her aid a number so small and so unworthy the name of an Army that it was but a competent retinue for so great a Princess with these she came to the coast of Scotland and from thence sailed to Tinmouth where being impulsed by the Inhabitants and forced again to put to Sea she was by a furious Tempest driven to Berwick Here leaving the Prince her Son Edward with the encrease and supply of some Scots taking the King her Husband with her she advanced into the Bishoprick of Durham in her march through Northumberland her Army encreased to a great number The Duke of Somerset Sir Ralph Piercy and divers of King Henrys well-wishers having resorted unto her King Edward finding King Henry by the fresh air of the North to have acquired new Spirits prepareth to oppose him and having sent down the Lord Mountague Brother to the Earl of Warwick he himself with greater Forces shortly followed Mountague having through the Shires where he went and the Bishoprick of Durham gathered a convenient Army marched directly against King Henry In the mean time Henry Beaufort Duke of Somerset the Lords Hungerford Ross Moulines Sir Ralph Piercy present themselves to hinder his further progress They are overthrown and King Henry with great difficulty escapeth to Berwick At the news of this overthrow King Edward being in his March towards Durham finding the presence of his Person or Army needless turned towards York and gave the Earl of Warwick command to take in all the Castles and Fortresses which as yet held good for King Henry in the North. Amongst the Garrisons placed in Northumberland by the Queen there was a Garrison of the French in the Castle of Anwick under the Command of Peter Bruce otherwise named le Seigneur de la Varoune Seneschal of Normandy which held long good against the English This Peter Bruce was in great account with Charles the Seventh Father to Lewis the Eleventh and for this was not much liked of Lewis but sent over with Queen Margaret to make wrack upon apparent dangers having escaped Tempests at Sea he took the Castles of Bambrough and Dunstanbrough which he demolished After he essayed to keep the Castle of Anwick but the Earl of Warwick King Edward lying near to Durham there beleagured him Whether this man came from the Race of the Bruces of Scotland or no is uncertain for the vulgar Writers in this detract him naming him Bryce and a Breton or that the Scots would give a proof of their friendship to the Queen of England and of their valour to the French whilst he is every where beset and near past hope of relief the Earl of Anguss then Warden of the Marshes raised a Power of twenty three thousand horse-men remarkable for their Valour These about the midst of the day coming near the Castle of Anwick and by their colours and arms being known a far to Captain Bruce he taketh a resolution to sally out and meet them the strongest of the Scottish Horsemen receiving them convoy them safely to their Borders some of the Besiegers would have fought in the pursuit but the English General gave him fair passage King Edward having taken all the Castles and Forts which in the North held out against him placing Garrisons in them returned to London as King Henry void both of counsel and courage came back to Edenburgh Here he had not long stayed when tired with the tediousness of his exile the prolonging of a wretched life being more grievous to him than death it self and allured by false hopes of his Friends he resolveth to hazard upon a return to his own Kingdom his Crown lost all his Favorers and well-wishers almost slaughtered he cometh into England then disguised and by night journies shifting from place to place at last betrayed by some of his Servants he is found out It is recorded a Son of Sir Edward Talbots apprehended him as he sate at Dinner at Wadding Town-hall and like a Common Malefactor with his Legs under the horse belly guarded him up towards London By the way the Earl of Warwick met him who led him Prisoner to the Tower Margaret his desolate Queen with her Son is driven once again to flie to their Father Rhene into France King Edward his Competitors all dead or suppressed finding a Cessation of Arms expedient and a breathing time from War to settle and make sure his new Government as to other his neighbour Princes for Peace sendeth Embassadors to Scotland to treat for a Truce for some years The Earl of Argile Bishop of Glasgow Abbot of Holy-rood-house Sir Alexander Boyd Sir William Cranstoun being chosen to this effect Commissioners come to York and the English Commissioners there attending them a Truce for fifteen years is agreed upon and solemnly by both Kings after confirmed Mary Queen of Scotland daughter to Arnold Duke of Gilders and mother to King James the projected Marriage of her Daughter with Edward Prince of Wales by the miseries of King Henry and Queen Margaret her kinswoman proving desperate her Son Alexander either as he went to the Low-Countries to see his Grand-father or returned from him
of St. Andrews to his Tomb which in great magnificence he had raised in a Church builded by himself in the City of St. Andrews where also he Founded a Colledge of Philosophy and endowed it with many Priviledges and sufficient Endowments to entertain Professors By the death of this Prelate venerable for his Wisdom singular for his Justice and the tranquillity following his Government and magnificent in all his actions the glory of the Court and Country suffered a great Eclipse For he taken away the Boyds laying Foundations for their power and greatness began to turn all to their own advantage the first mark of their envy was Patrick Graham the Brother of Bishop James Kennedy by the Mother who was Sister to King James the First after this man had been chosen Bishop of St. Andrews as the Custom then was by the Chapter appointed for that Election he was barred from his Place and violently repulsed by the Faction at Court To repair which indignity he made a journey to Rome where being a Man noble by birth above others for his Learning and many Virtues in a little time by Pope Sixtus the Fourth he was re-established and confirmed in his Place During his abode at Rome the old Question concerning the liberty of the Church of Scotland began to be exagitated The Archbishop of York contested that he was Metropolitan of Scotland and that the Twelve Bishops of that Kingdom were subject to his Jurisdiction Patrick Graham remonstrated how the Archbishop of York considering the usual Wars between the two Kingdoms was often unacceptable to the Church-men of Scotland especially in Causes of appellation The Pope after the hearing of both Parties Erected the See of St. Andrews to the dignity of an Archbishops See and Patrick Graham not only was made Primate and Metropolitan of Scotland ordained to have the other Bishops under him but for the space of three years designed Legate for the Pope with full Power to Correct and Restore the Ecclesiastical Discipline and examine the Manners and Conversation of the Clergy Notwithstanding these favours of the Bishop of Rome and the worth and excellencies of the man himself he dared not return home to his own Country before the declining of the Fortunes of the Boyds This Family seemed now in the Zenith and Vertical point of its greatness no imputation could be laid to the Boyds in the time of their Government except that they brought the young King by their private working without the consent and approbation of the other Regents to Edenburgh for the assuming the Government in his Minority In approbation of their innocency and to warrant them from this danger the King in a Parliament declareth publickly that the Boyds were not the Authors and projectors of that business but only the Assisters of him and his followers being not formal but instrumentary causes of his coming to the Helm of the State himself That they were so far from being obnoxious to any blame or reproach for this deed that they deserved immortal thanks and an honourable Cuerdon in all time to come having obeyed him in that which was most just honest and expedient for the well of the Kingdom Upon this Declaration of the King the Lord Boyd required the present action might be registred amongst the Acts of Parliament and he obtained what was desired but not with that success was hoped for In this Parliament the other Regents are rid of their charge the Lord Boyd being made only Governor of the Kingdom and the object of all mens respects having the whole power and authority to minister justice of all kinds to the Subjects during the Kings non-age and till he had fully compleat one and twenty years the defence of the Kings Person of his Brothers the keeping of the two Ladies his Sisters are trusted unto him He hath all the Towns Castles Fortresses Sea-ports Places of Importance at his Command These proceedings of the Parliament seemed to some very strange in advancing Men already great enough and bestowing upon them all Offices of State and adding power to such who wanted only will to do mischief except that they knew well how to abase and pull them down again making their fall the more sudden Robert Lord Boyd having the Reins of Government in his hands and the custody of the Kings Sister dazelld with the Golden Sun of honour to lay more sure the foundation of his greatness joyneth in Marriage Thomas his eldest Son a youth of extraordinary endowments both of mind and body with Margaret the Kings eldest Sister Not long before designed by her Mother to have been given in Marriage to Edward Prince of Wales and he is created Earl of Arran The Father knowing how easily the conversation of young persons breedeth a liking had brought them up together which turning in a love and delight of others company concluded last in Marriage This match though royal great and rich instead of supporting the Fortunes of the Boyds much weakned them turning them the objects of envy The Nobles repined at it and the common people lighter than the wind and more variable than the Rain-bow made it the subject of their foolish discourses Now said they the Boyds aspire to the Crown for the King with his Brothers removed it appertaineth to them a Kingdom being the Dowry often of a Wife of the blood Royal. The Kennedies and such who disliked the present Government take the occasion of the discontentment of the Nobility and the Rumors of the people to shake the Kings mind towards the Governour and change the brawl of State To this end they give way to great and universal oppressions most of which were hatched and occasioned by themselves By these in a short time the Commons turn licentious and dissolute contemning all Government every man doing what seemed best in his own eyes and the Gentry divide in Factions Such who wont to live upon Rapine and Theft returned to their wonted Trades honest men are spoiled of their goods the seditious and wicked are maintained and defended against all Laws and Justice by their Parties The State thus troubled and all order confounded by slie and crafty men who at first pretended great friendship and interest towards the Boyds the Kings affection towards them is assailed and resolutions tryed Many times having been plausibly listened unto at last pulling off their masks they lay imputations against them They remonstrate to him what great disparagement was between the King of Scotlands eldest Sister and the Son of the Lord Boyd that by this match he was robbed of one of the fairest jewels of his Crown the Boyds should not have appropriated that to themselves of which they had only the keeping she should have been reserved for some Neighbour Prince by which Alliance the State of the Kingdom and the Person of the King might have been in great safety For if the King should chance to be infested by some insolent Nobility the name and power of
a neighbour Prince were sufficient to keep him safe on his Throne which by this match was endangered They suggested that the Boyds builded their estimation in the air of popular applause and endeavoured to endear themselves in the opinion of the multitude A Prince is not a Lord of that people that loveth another beter than him Should the Boyds be accused of peculate and robbing the King and the common Treasure the King might make a prey of their unlawful conquest and by their Attaindors reward the services of many of his necessitated friends it being acquired most part by spoils and the taxing of the Subjects unlawfully The height to which their riches was encreased should be feared the faults of all the disorders of the Commonwealth are laid upon the Boyds as the Authors of every breaking out and sedition that they might the more securely possess the places near the King At this time complaints from all parts of the Kingdom and by all sorts of persons incessantly being given unto him advance the intentions of their Enemies and the Kings mind naturally inclined to fears and superstition being long tossed and perplexed began to turn away from the Boyds and with their power in some degrees brought lower and lessened Preambles of Ruine but he would go leasurely to produce this effect and make one change bring forth another The King encreasing in years and youthful perturbations is counselled for the continuing of the Race and Succession and the keeping his Person without the common disorders of the world to think upon some match profitable for his Country and honourable for himself He is courted by many and courteth others the Duke of Burgundy had offered him his Daughter as to other Princes his friends and neighbours but his mind was not to have her married at all during his life-time Andrew Stwart Lord Evandale then Chancellour of the Kingdom with the Bishops of Glasgow and Orknay being sent Embassadours to Christern King of Denmark for an accommodation and taking up some business concerning the Isles of Orkenay and Schythland One thousand four hundred sixty eight the quarrel was taken away by a marriage to be celebrated between the King and Lady Margaret King Christerns daughter a Lady thought worthy of his bed in respect of the excellency of her beauty her royal descent and greatness of her birth All matters being agreed upon these Isles engaged for her Dowry there wanted only an honourable retinue and convoy to bring home the Lady To this Negotiation by the craft of some about the King and vanity of others who gloried to see their friend promoted to such great honour Thomas Earl of Arran as a man flourishing in fame and riches and able to maintain and discharge all magnificence is deputed as the fittest person Thus by the ambition and unattentiveness of his friends his worth was made the Scaffold of his Ruine the lamentable condition of men of high desert In the beginning of the Harvest accompanied with some young Noblemen and Gallants most of which were his select friends and well-wishers he ascendeth his ships Whilst as the King of Scotlands brother in law he is some months riotously entertained at the Danish Court the rigor of that Northern Climate by the congealing of the Ocean moored up his ships and barred all return till the following Spring In this absence of a man so near unto the King his Father and Uncle by age sickness and their private affairs not so frequently haunting the Court as they were accustomed the Kennedyes and they of the contrary Faction having shaken the Kings affection and broken these bands his pleasures idleness and vacancy from the publick affairs of the State by which the Boyds thought they had kept him sure move him now a little delighting in action to proceed to the consideration of such matters as might be objected against the Government of the Boyds But that this might not appear to be an act of Faction but the universal consent of the Kingdom apart a Parliament was summoned to be holden in November at Edenburgh Here Robert Lord Boyd with his brother Sir Alexander are summoned to answer in Judgment to such points as should be exhibited against them At the appointed day the Lord Boyd appeared but accompanied with such multitude of the common people and numbers of his friends vassals and followers all in arms with such ostentation and boasting that the King and Courtiers were well pleased to suffer them dissolve and scatter of their own free wills At this insolency and malepartness yet to our own time an usual custom in Scotland the King conceived such indignation that he raised a strong guard to attend justice and his commandments and laid secretly Forces to assist these if the Boyds should oppose his laws by convocation of the Lieges The Lord Boyd after private intelligence of the Minds of the Court to blow him up rather amazed than in choler at the change of his Masters mind fled into England his brother Sir Alexander arested by sickness and relying upon his own integrity more than he ought to have done considering the malice of his enemies was brought before the Parliament his brother and he were challenged that upon the tenth of July One thousand four hundred sixty six they laid hands upon the Kings Person and against his purpose brought him off the high way to the Castle of Calendar and that by their private power and consent contrary to the established order of the State and the other Regents advice they brought the King to Edenburgh when Sir Alexander sought to produce an act of Parliament for abolition of approbation of this deed as good service it was kept up and he being condemned had his Head cut off Their other accusations contained the topical faults of Favourites that they had enriched themselves out of the Kings Treasure monopolized things belonging to the Crown diminished the Revenues thereof removed worthy men from the Council placing such in their rooms as had dependency from them Thomas Earl of Arran employed in a Publick charge by the kingdom absent unheard is declared Rebel with his father and his moveables escheated to the King to his original faults was added that he dared marry the Kings Sister without consent of the States the King being of non-age At the noise of this thunder clap Robert Lord Boyd left this world at Anwick No sooner had the Spring rendred the Baltick Seas Navigable when the Danish Lady with her Fleet Anchored in the Forth The Earl of Arran who was the Paranymphe and her convoy in that general gladness by the persuasions of some of his friends was preparing to come on shore and to submit himself to the Kings clemency but his Lady who had afar discerned his danger coming abroad disguised and giving him particular information of the calamity of his house the weakness of his friends at Court and the many snares envy and malice had laid to surprise him he hoysted Sails
and with her who would be partaker of all his misfortunes returned to Denmark from Denmark by Germany he came to King Lovys in France who interposed his requests to King James for his regress and restoring but the Letters in his favour producing no effects Charles Duke of Burgundy making War against his Rebel Subjects he was graciously received by him and entertained as his Ally his Lady remained at Antwerp where she bore him two children James and Gracile Lady Margaret the 10 of July 1469. or after others 1470. maketh her entry into Edenburgh 1469. and scarce having attained the sixteenth year of her age is married to King James in the Abby Church of Holy-rood house and in the month of November following by a Convention of the three Estates was Crowned Queen The King inexorable in the behalf of the Earl of Arran and breathing his total Ruine sendeth Letters to Antwerp filled with promises and threatnings to move his Sister to return to Scotland These at the first prevailed nothing with this Lady to make her forsake the husband of her youth many Letters and from several friends and well-wishers in several fashions and stiles coming to her at last she was brought to believe her presence would mollifie the mind of her enemies and work her husband a re-establishment of his former favours with the King her Brother and restore him to all his Possessions and Dignities Upon which hopes she comes to Scotland But these hopes proved all false for instead of having access to her brother she is kept at Kilmarnock the chief House of the Boyds as in a free Prison and her Husband is summoned within threescore days to adhere to his Wife under pain of Divorce the unfortunate Earl for fear of his head not appearing his Marriage is declared Null his Wife is divorced from him and is constrained to marry James Lord Hamilton to whom also the Earldom of Arran was given for Dowry Not long after her two children to Earl Thomas James and Gracile are brought to Scotland who in the proceeding of time proved little more fortunate than their Father for James was slain by Hugh Montgomery of Eglington and Gracile though first married to the Earl of Cassiles and after to the Lord Forbess was barren Some have recorded that the Earl Thomas after this violent bereaving him of his Wife died of displeasure at Antwerp and had a Tomb raised over him with an honourable Inscription by Charles Duke of Burgundy others who hate the Boyds tell he died not at Antwerp but at Florence and that he was killed by a Merchant of Florence out of jealousie of having abused his Wife Queen Margaret the third year after her Marriage in the Month of March brought forth a Son who was named James and Christern King of Denmark to congratulate the happy delivery of his daughter and of expectation of a continued succession to the Crown of Scotland of his Race released all his right title claim which he or his successors might have to the Isles of Orkney and Scythland The King calleth after a Parliament at Edenburgh wherein though the Reformation of abuses as wearing of Silk and other foraign triffles the building of Ships and the enacting Laws for the present time were pretended a liberal Subsidy was the greatest aim His Exchequer being empty and many of his best friends turning necessitous and needy John Lord of the Isles was attainted for his own and his Fathers misdemeanour the King raiseth Forces to pursue him the Earl of Crawford being made Admiral the Earl of Athol the Kings Uncle Lieutenant of the Regiments by Land such means in a short time was used by the Earl of Athol that the Lord of the Isles submitted himself to the Kings clemency and in a convention of the States at Edenburgh he resigned all the right he had to the Earldom of Ross the lands of Knapden and Kintyre which the King annexed to the Crown Patrick Graham Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews having at Rome understood the fall of the Boyds returneth to his own Country where first amongst his friends and the most peaceable sort of the Clergy he divulgateth the Bull of the Pope for his Supremacy over the other Churchmen of the Kingdom and his power of their tryal and promoting to benefices and after caused proclaim it at all publick places The laudable Elections anciently used about the Places and Offices of Churchmen by the corruption of the times being taken away and that Power altogether assumed by the King The Courtiers who were accustomed to sell Benefices and the Churchmen who were wont to buy them reject the Bull and set themselves against him by their traffick he is discharged to take the Place or Ornaments of an Arch-Bishop or carry any other Cross or Cap than what the former Bishops used to have But here they set not up their rest William Schevez a man in those times admired for his skill in Astrology and promoted to be Arch-Dean of Saint Andrews seconded by John Lock the Rector of that University a better Grammarian than Christian Excommunicates this Arch-Bishop for his presumption and that he sought to bear Rule over his brethren Bishops When this censure had passed upon him he is degraded and shut up in Prison William Schevez is after promoted to his place and Consecrated upon the Passion Sunday in Lent at Holy-rood house the King being present he likewise received the Title and Faculty of Legate and is confirmed Primate of the Realm notwithstanding the impediments objected to Patrick Graham by the Church-men concerning that same dignity and preheminency So various and deceitful are the ways of Men. The King being slow to action and more inclined to a solitary form of Life than to travel and business his brothers being Princes of unquiet and restless Spirits to whom publick imployments were recreations 1469. and withal being ambitious prodigal desirous of Rule and to be Governours of the people themselves and Kings in fact however their elder brother was in title they set themselves altogether to study novations and bring the King in contempt with his Subjects and divert their minds and love towards him To this effect they had drawn by their towardness and familiarity many of the young Nobles and Gentlemen to follow them The King was obnoxious to some publick Scandals for by his too great frugality care to encrease his Treasure and study of Purchasing by Taxations sale of Church Benefices and too exact taking up of Fines supervaluation of Wards he had gotten the name of Covetous and was no small distast amongst the Commons Edward King of England that the Scots by the instigation of the French should not trouble his new and scarce settled government imploying all his counsels and diligence to divide them amongst themselves wrought not a little on the unquiet Spirits of these young men The Duke of Albany having been taken upon the Seas by the English was honourably entertained by him
with great loss to both and little advantage to any of the Parties Richard having his Reign in his Infancy and not yet settled nor come to any growth and maturity being obnoxious to the scandal of his Brothers Sons and possessed with fears of Henry Earl of Richmond then remaining in France who by all honest and good men was earnestly invited to come home and hazard one day of battel for a whole Kingdom knowing it necessary for the advancement of his designs to have Peace with all his Neighbour Princes to render himself more secure and safe at home and terrible to his Enemies abroad sendeth Embassadours to Scotland to treat a Peace or a suspension of Arms for some years King James no softlier rocked in the Cradle of State than Richard chearfully accepteth this Embassage for by a Peace he may a little calm the Stormy and wild minds of tumultuous Subjects reducing them to a more quiet fashion of living and seclude his Rebels and banisht from entertainment in England and all places of Refuge and Sanctuary The two Kings agreeing in substance Commissioners are appointed to meet at Nottingham the seventh day of September For the King of Scotland appear'd the Earl of Arguil William Elvingstoun Bishop of Aberdeen the Lord Drummond of Stobhall the Lord Olyphant Archibald Whitelaw Secretary Duncan Dundass Lyon King of Arms. For Richard of England appeared the Duke of Norfolk the Earl of Northumberland the Lord Stanley the Lord Gray the Lord Fitshugh John Gunthrope Privy Seal Thomas Barrow Master of the Rolls Sir Thomas Bryan Chief Justice In the latter end of September these conclude a Peace between both Realms for the space of Three years The same to begin at the rising of the Sun September twenty nine in the year One thousand four hundred eighty four and to continue unto the setting of the Sun on the Twenty ninth of September in the year One thousand four hundred eighty seven During which time it was agreed that not only all Hostility and War should cease between the two Realms but that also all Aid and Assistance against enemies should be afforded It was agreed the Town and Castle of Berwick should remain in the hands of the English for the space of the foresaid term with the same bounds the English possessed That all other Castles Holds Fortresses during the term of three years should remain in the hands of those that held them at that present the Castle of Dumbar only excepted which the Duke of Albany delivered to the English when he left his Country Which Castle for the space of six months should be exposed to the Invasion of the Scots if they could obtain it and during the assaulting of this Castle the Truce should not be broken Neither should the English within the Castle do any harm to the Scots dwelling thereabouts except to those who invade the Castle and at that time And that it should be lawful to any of the Parties to use all Stratagems and extend their power either for winning or defending the said Castle It was agreed That no Traitor of either Realm should be received by any of the Princes of the other Realms and if any Traitor or Rebel chance to arrive in either Realm the Prince thereof should deliver him upon demand made Scots abiding within the Realm of England and sworn there to the King may remain still so their names be made known to the King of Scotland within fourty days If any Warden of either Realm shall Invade the others Subjects he to whom such a Warden is subject shall within six days Proclaim him Traitor and certifie the other Prince thereof within twelve days In every safe conduct this Clause shall be contained Providing always that the Obtainer of the safe Conduct be no Traytor If any of the Subjects of either Prince do presume to Aid and help maintain and serve any other Prince against any of the Contractors of this Truce then it shall be lawful for him to whom he shewed himself enemy to apprehend and attach the said Subject coming or tarrying within any of their Dominions Collegues comprehended in the Truce if they would assent thereunto on the English part were The King of Castile the King of Arragon the King of Portugal the Arch-Duke of Austria and Burgundy the Duke of Bretaign Upon the Scottish part Charles King of Denmark and Norway the Duke of Guilderland this Treaty was appointed to be Published the first of October in all the great and notable Towns of both Realms It was agreed that Commissioners should meet at Loch-maben the eighteenth of November as well for Redress of Wrongs done on the West Marches as for declaring and Publishing the Peace where the greatest difficulty was to have it observed Richard after this Truce intreated a Marriage between the Prince of Rothsay eldest Son to King James and Lady Ann de la Pool Daughter to John Duke of Suffolk of his Sister To this effect Embassadours met at Nottingham others say at York and it is concluded Writings thereupon being drawn up ingrossed and sealed And Affiances made and taken up by Proctors and Deputies of both parts Lady Ann thereafter being stiled the Princes of Rothsay But by the death of her Uncle she enjoyed not long that Title After the League and intended Marriage King James wrote friendly Letters to Richard concerning the Castle of Dumbar Whether he could be content that the same should remain only six months in the power of the English or during the whole space of Truce That he was not minded to seek it by Arms during the term of the whole Truce Notwithstanding he earnestly required out of the bond of Love and friendship between them since it was given unto the English by Treason and neither surprised nor taken in lawful War it might be friendly rendred Richard dall'yd with him and pass'd away that purpose with complemental Letters all the time of his Government which was not long for the year One thousand four hundred eighty six Henry Earl of Richmond came with some Companies out of France of which that famous Warriour Bernard Stuart Lord Aubany Brother to the Lord Darnley in Scotland had the Leading which by the resort of his Country men turned into an Army and rencountred Richard at Bosworth where he was killed and Henry-Proclaimed King of England To which Victory it was uncertain whether Vertue or Fortune did more contribute Alexander Duke of Albany before this disaster of Richard at a Tilting with Louys Duke of Orleance by a splint of a Spear in his head had received his death-wound One thousand four hundred eighty three He was a man of great courage an enemy to Rest and Peace delighting in constant changes and novations He left behind two Sons John Duke of Albany begotten of his second Marriage upon the Earl of Bulloignes Daughter who was Tutor to King James the Fifth and Governour of Scotland and Alexander born of the Earl of Orkenays Daughter his
first Wife Bishop of Murray and Abbot of Skroon Into which places he was intruded to make the Government of his other Brother more peaceable Margarite the Queen about these times a good and vertuous Lady died One thousand four hundred eighty six and was buried at Cambuskennel the Twenty ninth of February The overthrow and death of Richard being known abroad King James taking the advantage of the time besieged the Castle of Dumbar The Garrison'd Souldiers finding no relief nor assistance from their Country and ascertained of the change of their Master rendered up the Fort to the hands of the Scots it was of no great importance to the English and only served to be a fair bridge of Treason for Scottish Rebels and a Cittadel of Conspiracies Henry King of England after his Victory and Coronation sent Richard Fox Bishop of Exeter and Sir Richard Edgecomb Embassadours to King James for renewing the Truce and if it were possible to agree upon a Stable and lasting Peace between the Realms King James taking a promise of the secrecy of the Embassadours that what he imparted to them should not be laid open to his Nobility told He earnestly affected a Peace with all his Neighbours but above all others with their King as much for this own valour as for the honour and interests of the two Kingdoms But he knew his People so stubborn and opposite to all his designs that if they understood his mind and resolutions they would endeavour to cross his intentions wherefore publickly he could only condescend to seven years Truce a long Peace being hardly obtained from men brought up in the free licence of War who disdained to be restrained within the Narrow limits of Laws Notwithstanding they should undertake for him to King Henry in the Word of a Prince that this Truce before the exspiring of it should be renewed and with all solemnities again confirmed The Embassadours respecting his good will towards their King accepted the conditions Thus was there a Truce or Peace covenanted and confirmed for seven years to come between the two Realms After so many back-blows of Fortune and such canvassing the King enjoying a Peace with all his Neighbours abroad became exceeding religious the miseries of Life drawing the mind to the contemplations of what shall be after it During his residence at Edenburgh he was wont to come in Procession from the Abby of Holy-rood house to the Churches in the High-Town every Wednesday and Friday By which Devotion he became beloved of his People Nothing more winning their hearts than the opinion they have of the Sanctity of a person And that he did not this for the Fashion nor Hypocrisie the application of his wit and power to the Administration of strict justice did prove for he began to suppress the insolencies of strong Oppressors defend and maintain the Rights of the Poor against Tyrants and abusers of their Neighbours He sitteth himself in Council daily and disposeth affairs of most weight in his own person In the Month of October following the Peace with England One thousand four hundred eighty seven a Parliament was called in which many Acts were made against Oppressours Justices were appointed to pass through the whole Kingdom and see malefactors deservedly punished Acts were made that no convention of friends should be suffered for the accompanying and defence of criminal Persons But that every one Attainted should appear at the most with six Proctors that if found guilty they should not be reft from Justice by strong hand Such of the Nobility who feared and consequently hated him finding how he had acquired the love of his People by his Piety in the observance of Religion and his severity in executing Justice were driven unto new Meditations They began to suspect he would one day free himself from these turbulent Spirits who could not suffer him to enjoy a Peace nor Reign He had advanced at this time to Offices of State and Places men whose Fortunes did wholly depend upon his safety and well-fare at which some Noblemen whose Ambition was to be in publick charge and of the Counsel pretending to that out of right which was only due unto them by favour did highly storm and look upon those others with envious eyes The King thus falling again into his old sickness they bethought them how to renew their old remedy They were also jealous of the remembrance of the dis-service they had done him and that he would never forget old quarrels They were prepared and ready to make a Revolution of the State but had not yet found their Center to begin motion nor a ground for Rebellion All this while there was not matter enough for an Insurrection nor to dispose the Peoples Hearts to a Mutiny The King delighted with his Buildings of the Castle of Sterlin and the amenity of the Place for he had raised there a fair and spacious Hall and founded a Colledge for Divine Service which he named the Chappel Royal and beginning to be possest and taken up with the Religion of these times endeavoured to endow this Foundation with constant Rents and ample Revenues and make this Rock the choyce Sanctuary of his Devotions The Priory of Coldingham then vacant and fallen in his hands he annexed the same to his Chappel Royal and procured an Act of Parliament That none of the Lieges should attempt to do contrary to this Union and Annexation or to make any Impetration thereof at the Court of Rome under the pain of Treason The Priors of this Convent having been many years of the Name of Hume it was by the Gentlemen of that Name surmis'd that they should be interested and wronged in their Estates by reason of the Tithes and other Casualties appertaining to this Benefice if a Prior of any other Sirname were promoted to this Place The King being often Petitioned and implored that he should not alter the accustomed form of the Election of that Prior nor remove it from their Name nor suffer the Revenues to be otherways bestowed than they were wont to be of old and he continuing in his resolution of annexing them to his Chappel after long pawsing and deliberation amongst themselves as men stirred up by the Male-contents and a proud Faction fit for any the most dangerous enterprise they proceed upon stronger Grounds to over-turn his intentions and divert his purpose The Lord Hailles and others of the Sirname of Hepburn had been their constant Friends Allies and Neighbours with them they enter in a combination that they should mutually stand to the defence of others and not suffer any Prior to be received for Coldingham if he were not of one of their two Sirnames This Covenant is first privately by some mean Gentlemen sworn who after draw on their Chiefs to be of the Party Of how small beginnings doth a great mischief arise the Male-contented Lords knowing those two Sirnames to be numerous active and powerful in those parts of the Country where they
for the faults of those who brought him to the Field against him he girded himself with a chain of Iron to which every third year of his Life thereafter he added some rings and weight Though this might have proved terrible to the Complices of the Crime yet either out of Conscience of his gentle disposition and mild nature and confidence in his generosity or of the trust they had in their own Power and Faction they bewrayed no signs of fear nor attempted ought against the common peace and tranquillity some Records bear that they forewarned him by the example of his Father not to take any violent course against them or which might irritate the people against him and every thing to embrace their counsels and that finding him repining and stubborn beyond mediocrity giving himself over to Sorrow and pensiveness they threatned him with a Coronation of one of his Brothers telling him it was in their power to make any of the Race of his Predecessors their King if he were head-strong and refractory to oppose to their wholsom directions and grave Counsels Amidst this grief of the King and overweaning of his supercilious Governours Andrew Forman Secretary to Alexander the Sixth Bishop of Rome arrived in Scotland with instructions for the Clergy and Letters from his Master to the King and the Nobles The King 's were full of ordinary consolations to asswage his Passions and reduce his mind to a more calm temper for the accident of his Fathers Death The most glorious victory a Prince could acquire was sometimes to overcome himself and triumph over his disordered passions In all perturbations to which we are subject we should endeavour to practise that precept No thing too much but chiefly in our passions of sorrow and wrath which not being restrained over-whelm the greatest and most generous Minds that by passion the fewest actions and by reason the most do prosper Though a King he must not imagine himself exempt from things casual to all mankind especially in Seditions and civil tumults from which no kingdom nor State hath been free There being no City which hath not sometimes wicked Citizens and always and ever an headstrong and mad multitude he should take what had befaln him from the hand of his Maker who chastiseth those he loveth What comes from heaven he should bear necessarily what proceedeth from Men couragiously there was no man so safe excellent and transcendent who by an insolent Nobility and ravaging Populacy might not be compell'd to perpetrate many things against his heart and intentions The will being both the beginning and subject of all sin and the consenting to and allowing the action being the only and main point to be considered and lookt into of which he was free the sin committed was not his nor could the punishment which by the Divine Justice might follow belong unto him Sith he had done nothing of himself but as a bound man had been carryed away by mutinous Subjects these that lead transgress not always they that follow To these men remorse and torture of conscience belong'd it was they should lament and mourn who under false pretences had abused the people maskt their ambition and Malice with a Reformation of errours in the State whose Rage could not be quench't but by the Bloud of their Soveraign It was these should bewail their injustice and cruelty the sin shame and judgment for so hainous a Fact followed these men He should not impute the wrongs and wickedness of others by which he had been a sufferer with his disastered Father to himself Revenge belonged to the Almighty to whose Tribunal he should submit his quarrel He should not decree the worst against his mutinous Subjects nor turn them desperate as if there were no place to Repent Great offences ordinarily were seldom punisht in a State that it was profitable for a Prince sometimes to put up voluntarily an injury the way to be invincible was never to contend and to stand out of danger was the benefit of Peace that he should apply soft Medicine where it was dangerous to use violent That following his Maker he should endeavour to draw good out of evil As he was for that disaster of his Father pittied by Men upon Earth so assuredly he would be pardon'd in Heaven If his Subjects returned to their crooked Byas and did revolt again he would make the danger his own use his Ecclesiastical Censures and Spiritual Power against them till they became obedient and submitted themselves to the sway of his Scepter In the Letters to the Nobles he exhorteth them to obedience Ambition was the cause of Sedition which had no limits and which was the bane and wrack of State and Kingdoms of which they should beware of Kingdoms subsisting upon the reputation of a Prince and that respect his Subjects carryed towards him He was the Eye and Sun of Justice the Prince weakned or taken away or his Authority contemned the Commonwealth would not only fall into a Decadence but suffer an Earthquake and perish Either after by Forrainers be invaded or by intestine dissentions rent asunder Confusions followed where obedience ceased and left Contempt deposed Kings as well as death and Kings are no longer Kings when their Subjects refuse to obey them That good people made good Kings which he requested them to endeavour to be as they would answer to God whose Lieutenants Princes were and by whose power they ruled After this time the Lord Evaindale being dead the Earl of Anguss was made Chancellour and the Lord Hume obtained the place of great Chamberlain of Scotland the Country enjoyed a great calm of Peace the grounds of Dissention seeming to be taken away The King in the strength and vigour of his Youth remembring that to live in Idleness was to live to be contemned by the World by change of Objects to expel his present sadness and to enable himself for Wars when they should burst forth gave himself to recreations by Games and with a decent Pomp entertained all Knightly exercises keeping an open and Magnificent Court When time and Exercise had enabled him and he thought he had attained to some perfection in Martial sports Tilting and Barriers proclaimed Rewards propounded and promised to the Victors Challenges are sent abroad unto Strangers either to be Umpires or Actors of Feats of Arms. Charles the Eight the French King having an Ambition to reannex the Dutchy of French Bretaign to the Crown of France either by Arms or the Marriage of Ann the apparent heir under the pretext and shadow of those painted Justings sendeth to Scotland some of the bravest Gentlemen of his Court desiring privily the assistance of King James against the English if it should fall forth that the King of England troubled his Designs Not long after well and honourably accompanied arriveth in Scotland a young man naming himself Richard Duke of York Son to Edward the Fourth true Inheritor of the Crown of England divers Neighbour
Princes testifying the same by the Letters which contained That Edward the eldest Son of Edward the Fourth who succeeded his Father in the Crown by the Name of Edward the Fifth was Murthered by Richard Duke of Gloucester their unnatural Uncle but Richard the younger Son his Brother by the Man who was employed to execute that Tragedy making report to the Tyrant that he had performed his command for both Brethren was saved and with speed and secrecy convoyed to Tourney there conceal'd and brought up by his Fathers Sister Margarite Dutches of Burgundy That King James should acknowledge this for Truth and friendly assist this young Man who was that very Richard Duke of York to recover his Inheritance now most unjustly Usurped and Possessed by Henry Tuder Earl of Richmond That the right of Kings extended not only to the safe preservation of their own but also to the Aid of all such Allies as change of time and State have often hurled down from Crowns to undergo an exercise of sufference in both fortunes and Kings should repossess Kings wrongfully put from their own As his Predecessors to whose royal vertues he was heir had repossessed Henry the Sixth King of England spoyled of his Kingdom and distressed by which Charity obliging all vertuous Princes unto him he should find ever as his own Maximilian of Bohemia Charles of France and Margarite Dutchess Dowager of Burgundy King James graciously receiving this young man told him That whatsoever he were he should not repent him of putting himself into his hands and from that time forth though many gave Informations against him as a counterfeit entertained him every way as a Prince embraced his quarrel and seiling both his own eyes and the eyes of the World he gave consent that this Duke should take to Wife Lady Katherine Gordoun daughter to the Earl of Huntley which some thought he did to increase the Factions of Perkins in England stir the discontented Subjects against King Henry and to encourage his own Subjects to side on his quarrel Not long after in person with this Duke of York in his Company who assured him of powerful Assistance he entred with an Army into Northumberland but not one Man coming to side with them the King turned his enterprize into a Road and after he had spoiled the Country returned to Scotland It is said that Perkin acting the part of a Prince handsomely where he saw the Scots pillaging and wasting of the Country came to the King and in a deplorable manner requested him to spare his afflicted people that no Crown was so dear to his Mind as that he desired to purchase it with the blood and ruine of his People whereunto King James answered He was ridiculously careful of an interest another man possessed and which perhaps was none of his The King of England who delighted more to draw treasure from his People than to hazard the spilling of their Blood to revenge the predatory war of the Scots and find out Perkin requireth a subsidy of his Subjects and though few believed he would follow so far a flying Hart he was Levying a puissant Army No sooner this Subsidy began to be collected amongst the Cornish-men when they began to grudge and murmur and afterwards rebelled which when it was understood of the King he retained the Forces raised for his own service and use In the mean time dispatching the Earl of Surrey to the North to attend the Scots incursions whilst the Cornish-men are in their March towards London King James again entred the Frontiers of England with an Army and besieged the Castle of Norham in person But understanding the Earl of Surrey was advancing with greater Forces loaden with spoil he returned back again the Earl of Surrey finding no Enemy sat down before the Castle of Aytoun which he took and soon after returned into England the cold season of the year with the unseasonableness of the weather driving away time invited a Treaty of Peace on both sides Amidst these turmoyls and unprofitable Incursions of the two Kingdoms Ferdinando and Isabella of Spain sent one Peter Hialas to treat a Marriage between Katherine one of their Daughters and Arthur Prince of Wales This Allyance being agreed upon and almost brought to perfection King Henry desirous of quietness and to have an end of all Debates especially these with Scotland communicateth his intentions to Hialas a man wise and learned and whom he thought able to be employed in such a Service for it stood not with his Reputation to sue unto his enemy for Peace But Hialas a stranger unto both as having direction from his Master for the Peace of Christian and Neighbour Princes might take upon him this Reconciliation Hialas accepteth the Embassage and coming to King James after he hid brought him to hearken to more safe and quiet Counsels wrote unto King Henry That he hoped that Peace might easily be concluded if he should find some wise and temperate Councellour of his own that might treat of the Conditions Whereupon the King directeth the Bishop of Duresm Richard Fox who at that time was at his Castle of Norham to confer with Hialas and they both to treat with some Commissioners deputed from King James The Commissioners of both sides meet at Jedbrough and dispute many Articles and conditions of Peace Restitution of the spoils taken by the Scottish or dammages for the same is desired but that was passed as a matter impossible to be performed An enterview in person at Newcastle is desired of both Kings which being referred to King James his own arbitrement he is reported to have answered that he meant to treat a Peace and not go a begging for it The breaking of the Peace for Perkin Warbeck is highly aggravated by the Bishop and he demanded to be deliver'd to the King of England That a Prince should not easily believe with the common people that Perkin was a Fiction and such an one that if a Poet had projected the Figure it could not have been done more to admiration than the House of York by the old Dutchess of Burgundy Sister to Edward the Fourth having first raised Lambert Simnel and at last this Perkin to personate Kings and seduce the People His Birth Education not resident in any one place proved him a Pageant King that he was a reproach to all Kings and a person not protected by the Law of Nations The Bishop of Glasgow answered for his Master That the love and Amity grounded upon a Common cause and universal Conclusion amongst Kings to defend one another was the main Foundation upon which King James had adventured to assist Edward Duke of York that he was no competent Judge of his Title he had received him as a Suppliant protected him as a Person fled for refuge espoused him with his Kinswoman and aided him with Arms upon the belief that he was a Prince that the People of Ireland Wales and many in England acknowledged him no less
than their King whether he was so or not sith for a Prince he had hitherto defended him he could not leave him upon the Relation of his most terrible enemy and the present Possessour of his Crown That no Prince was bound to render a Subject to another who had come to him for Sanctuary less a Prince who had recourse unto him for Aid and Supply and was now allayed with the ancient blood of the Countrey Much being said at last they conclude upon a truce for some months following After this treaty of Peace the Counterfeit Duke of York with his Lady and such Followers as would not leave him sailed over into Ireland This Truce happily concluded and continued by a trifling and untoward accident went near to have been given up and broken There were certain Scottish young men came into Norham Town and having little to do went sometimes forth and would stand looking upon the Castle Some of the Garrison of the Castle observing them and having not their minds purged of the late ill-humour of Hostility either suspected them or quarrel'd with them as spes whereupon they fell at ill words and from words to blows so that many were wounded of either side and the Scots being strangers in the Town had the worst Insomuch that some of them were slain and the rest made haste home The matter being complained on and often debated before the Wardens of the Marshes of both sides and no good order taken King James took it to himself and sent Marchmond Herauld to the King of England to make protestation That if reparation were not done according to the Conditions of the Truce his King did denounce War The King of England who had often tryed fortune and was enclined to Peace made answer That what had been done was utterly against his will and without his privity But if the Garrison Souldiers had been in fault he would see them punished and the Truce in all points to be preserved This answer pleased not King James Bishop Fox understanding his discontent being troubled that the occasion of breaking the Truce should grow from his men sent many humble and deprecatory Letters to the King of Scotland to appease him Whereupon King James mollified by the Bishops submiss and discreet Letters wrote back again unto him That though he were in part moved by his Letters yet he should not be fully satisfied except he spake with himself as well about the compounding of the present differences as about other matters that might concern the good of both Kingdoms The Bishop advising with his Master took his journey to Scotland the meeting was at the Abby of Melrose where the King then abode The King first roundly uttered unto the Bishop his offence received for the breach of the Truce by his Men at Norham Castle after speaking with him apart he told him That these temporary Truces and Peace were soon made and soon broken but that he desired a straiter Amity with the King of England discovering his Mind that if the King would give him in Marriage the Lady Margaret his eldest Daughter That indeed might be a knot indissolvable That he knew well what Place and Power the Bishop deservedly had with his Master therefore if he would take the business to heart and deal in it effectually he doubted not but it would well succeed The Bishop answered soberly That he thought himself rather happy than worthy to be an instrument in such a matter but would do his best endeavour Wherefore the Bishop of Durham returning from Scotland to his King at London and giving account what had passed and finding his King more than well disposed in it gave the King first advice to proceed to a conclusion of Peace and then go on with the Treaty of Marriage by degrees hereupon a Peace was concluded to continue for both the Kings lives and to the overliver of them one year after In this Peace there was an Article contained That no English-man should enter into Scotland nor no Scotch-man into England without Letters Commendatory from the King of either Nations During this Treaty of the Marriage it is reported that the King of England referred this matter to his Council and that some of the Table in freedom of Councellours the King being present had put the case That Issues Males and Females falling of the Race of his two Sons that then the Kingdom of England would fall to the King of Scotland which might prejudice the Monarchy of England Whereunto the King replyed That if any such event should be Scotland would be but an accession to England and not England to Scotland for that the greater would draw the less and that it was a safer Union for England than that of France Shortly after the espousals of James King of Scotland with Lady Margarite the King of Englands eldest Daughter followed which were done by Proxie and in all solemn manner The Assurance and contract was Published at Pauls Cross the Twenty Fifth of January at London in applause of which Hymns were publickly sung in the Churches and Bonfires with great Feasting and Banqueting set throughout all the City Julius the Second in the beginning of this Treaty did gratifie King James with a Sword and Diadem wrought with flowers of Gold which the Popes on Christmas even used to Consecrate a custom first brought in by Sixtus Quartus which were presented to him at Holy-Rood-House the Marriage was in August following consummate at Edenburgh King Henry bringing his Daughter as far as Colliveston on the way where his Mother the Countess of Richmond abode and then resigning her to the attendance of the Earl of Northumberland who with a great Train of Lords and Ladies of Honour brought her into Scotland to the King her Husband Solemn days were kept at Court for Banqueting Masks and Revelling Barriers and Tilting Proclaimed Challenges were given out in the Name of the Savage Knight who was the King himself Rewards designed to the Victors Old King Arthur with his Knight of the Round-Table were here brought upon the Lists The Fame of this Marriage hath drawn many Forreign Gentlemen to the Court. Amongst others came Monsieur Darcie naming himself Le Sieur de la Beautle who tryed Barriers with the Lord Hamilton after they had Tilted with grinding Spears Some of the Savage Knights Company who were robust High-land men he giving way unto them smarted really in these feigned Conflicts with Targets and Two-handed Swords to the Musick of their Bagpipes fighting as in a true Battel to the admiration of the English and French who had never seen men so ambitious of Wounds and prodigal of Blood in sport All were magnificently entertained by the King and with honourable Largesses and Rewards of their Valour licensed to return Home During the Treaty of this Marriage with England a Monster of new and strange shape was born in Scotland near the City of Glasgow the body of which under the waste or middle varied
nothing from the common shape and proportion of the bodies of other men the members both for use and comliness being two their faces looking one way sitting they seemed two men to such who saw not the parts beneath and standing it could not be discerned to which of the two Bulks above the thighs and legs did appertain They had differing Passions and divers wills often chiding others for disorder in their behaviour and actions after much deliberation embracing that unto which they both consented By the Kings Direction they were carefully brought up and instructed in Musick and Forreign Languages This monster lived Twenty eight years and dyed when John Duke of Albany Govern'd Claud Gruget maketh mention of the like Monster born in Paris before the Marriage of Henry the Fourth the French King with Margarite of Valois but the birth and death of it were near together The King by his great Liberality unto Strangers abroad and his lavish spending at home for religious Places were founded Castles repaired Ships builded three of an extraordinary greatness finding himself needy of Treasure to support the daily expences at Court engaged to many and sunk deep in debt and that Subsidies he could not Levy except by the Suffrages of his Parliament by whose Power they were imposed and rated setteth the most learned Counsellors at Law and men experienced in Foreign Policy to find out new means and ways to acquire and gather him moneys by Laws already made and Ordained which was in effect to Pole the People by executing the rigour of Justice the Fortunes of wise men arising often on the expences of Fools after the example of King Henry the seventh of England his Father-in-law who taking the advantage of the breach of his penal Statutes gave power to Sir Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley by Informers and Promoters to oppress and ruine the Estates of many of his best Subjects whom King Henry the Eight to satisfy his wronged people after his decease caused Execute Old Customs are by these men pryed into and forgotten absolet Statutes quickned Amongst the Titles of possessing of Lands in Scotland there is one which in process of time of an ungodly custom grew strong and is kept for a Law being fetched by imitation from the Laws of the neighbouring States That if the possessour of Lands die and leave a Minor to succeed to him his Tutelage belongeth to the King and the profit of the Lands until the Minor be of the age of One and twenty years This is of those Lands which are termed Wards The King causeth bring up his Wards but bestoweth no more of their Rents upon them than is useful to such of that age By another Law they have not any thing better than this which they call Recognition that if the evidences of any Possessour of Ward-lands be not in all points formal and above exceptions of Law the Lands the possessours put from them shall return to the Lords Superiour and like to this That if a Possessour of Ward-Lands without the consent of the Superiour sell and put away the half or above the half of his Land and Farm the whole Land and Farm returneth to the Superiour or Lord Paramount They have Lands held with Clauses which they call Irritant that if two terms of a few-duty run unpaid into the Third the Land falleth unto the Superiour When those Laws and other like them by reason of the Neighbour Incursions and troubles with England and the civil broyls at home had been long out of use amongst the Subjects and the execution of them as it were in a manner forgot these Projectors and new Tol-masters the King giving way to enrich his Exchequer awakned them Many of the Subjects by these enquiries were obnoxious to the King and smarted but most the most honest who were constrained either to buy their own Lands and Inheritance from the Exchequer or quit and freely give some portion of them to those Caterpillars of the State The King was so dearly beloved of his People that in the height of those Grievances which reached near the exorbitant Avarice of his Father none refused or made difficulty to give all that the Laws ordained The King seeing their willingness to perform and knowing their great disability thereunto out of his singular Grace and Goodness remitteth not only the rigour but even the equity almost of his Laws insomuch that thereafter none of his Subjects were damnified in their Persons or Estates by his proceedings which gain'd him the hearts of all And to put away all suspicions and jealousies from their minds an ordinary Practice amongst Princes acts that fill Princes Coffers ever being the ruine of their first Projectors of any wrong intended He suffered the Promoters and Projectors of this Poling with others of the most active to be thrown into Prisons where some miserably ended their days The year One thousand five hundred and seven James Prince of Scotland and Isles was born at Holy-rood-House the Twenty first of January the Queen in her throws of birth being brought near the last Agony of Death the King overcome with affection and religious vows taketh a Pilgrimage for her recovery on foot to Saint Ninians in Galloway a place in those credulous times famous for the burial of St. Ninian the Apostle of the Britains and notorious by the many Processions and visits of the Neighbour Countries of Ireland and England at his return he findeth his Queen recovered the Child after dyed at Sterlin with the Bishop of Galloway who was appointed to attend him The year following the Queen brought forth another Son named Arthur at Holy-rood-House but he dyed also in the Castle of Edenburgh and Henry the Seventh his Grandfather accompanied him to the other World King James to the Coronation of the young King his Brother-in-law sendeth Embassadours After the death of his two Sons and his Father-in-Law as if he had been warned from above to think upon his own mortality whether he had a resolute intention so to do or that for reasons known to himself he would have it so appear he giveth out That out of remorse for bearing Arms in the Field where his Father was slain he had a resolution to leave his Kingdom and visit the holy Sepulchre Then to prepare his way Robert Blacka-Towre Abbot of Dumfermling is directed but the Abbot in his journey is Arrested by Death and the King findeth other hinderances to keep him at Home Amidst these deliberations his Queen is delivered in the Pallace of Linlithgow of her third Son in the Month of April One thousand five hundred and Twelve who succeeded to the Crown and was named James About this same time Bernard Stuart that famous Warriour under Charles the eighth of France who commanded the French in Bosworth Field came to Scotland followed by Andrew Foreman then Arch-Bishop of Burges and Bishop of Murray with Alexander Stuart the Kings Natural Son after promoted to be Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews
The cause which was given out to the rumours of the People of their coming was That the French King having no Male Children crav'd the advice and counsel of the King of Scotland his Confederate concerning the Marriage of his Eldest Daughter whether he should bestow her upon Francis of Valois the Daulphine and Duke of Augulesm or upon Charles King of Castile who had presented her with many tokens of affection and by his Embassadours earnestly sought her from her Brother But their great Errand was to divide the King from his Brother-in-law King Henry and make him assist Lovys these two Potentates intending a War against other Ann Daughter of Francis Duke of Bretaign after the death of her Sister Isabella remained sole heir of that Dutchy her Wardship falling to the French King Charles the Eighth He terrified so her Subjects guided her Kindred and the principal Persons about her that making void the pretended marriage of Maximilian King of the Romans which was by Proxie she was married unto him Notwithstanding he had the Daughter of Maximilian at his Court with great expectation of a Marriage to be celebrate with her After the death of King Charles Lovys the twelfth having married Jane the Sister of Charles and Daughter to Lovys the Eleventh by his many favours bestowed upon Pope Alexander the Sixth and his Son Cesar Borgia obtaineth a Brief of Divorce against her by the power of which her weakness for the bearing of Children the necessary upholders of a Crown by his Physitians being proved he had Married Ann of Bretaign for he would not lose so fair a Dowry for the blustering rumour of Male-contents which in a little time would grow stale and vanish Pope Alexander dead Julius the Second a turbulent unquiet but magnificent Prelate and a stout defender of Church-Patrimony suspicious of the Power of the French in Italy and that they would not rest content with the Kingdom of Naples and Dutchy of Milan but one day hazard for all fearing also they would because they might put him out of his Chair and substitute in his Room their Cardinal of Amboise or some other of their own began to study novations and means to send the French back to their own Country his ordinary discourse being that he would one day make Italy free from Barbarians He requireth King Lovys to give over the Protection of the Duke of Ferrara and of Annibal Bentivoglio whom he had thrust out of Bulloign The King refusing to forsake Confederates the Pope betaketh him to his spiritual Arms and threatneth with Excommunication the Duke and all who came to his aid and support especially the French they decline his Sentence and appeal to a true and lawful General Council with which they threaten him Henry the Eighth then in the fervour of his youth amidst a great Treasure left by his Father and by more than ordinary bands of love and friendship tyed to the Pope as having dispensed with the marrying of his Brothers Widow interposeth himself as an indifferent Mediatour and Intercessor for Peace between the two parties but in effect was the chief maintainer of the Quarrel effecting nothing because he would not Conditions being refused by King Henry he essayeth to draw the French arms from the Popes Territories by cutting them work nearer home and bringing a necessity upon them to defend their own Upon this determination he desireth King Lovys to restore and render to him his Dutchies Guyenne and Normandy with his ancient Inheritance of Anjow and Mayne and the other old Possessions of the English in France which wrongfully had been detained and kept from him and his Ancestours The War of Italy by these threatnings was not left of for the Pope coming to Bollogn with intention to Invade Ferrara is besieged with his Cardinals and he sendeth Declarations to the Christian Princes protesting the French not only thirsted after the Patrimony and Inheritance of St. Peter but even after Christian Blood Mean while he absolveth the Subjects of King Lovys from their Oath of Allegiance abandoneth his Kingdom to any can possess it at a Council at Lateran he dispatched a Bull wherein the Title of most Christian King is transferred upon Henry King of England who to his former Titles of France having now the approbation of the Pope and the Kingdom interdicted prepareth an expedition in person After which with five thousand barded Horses fourty thousand Foot coming in Picardy he encampeth before Therovenne a Town upon the Marches of Picardy Here the Emperour Maximilian resenting yet his old injury entreth into the King of England's Pay and weareth the Cross of St. George But so long as he stayed in the Army it was governed according to his counsel and direction King James before his meeting with Bernard Stewart and Bishop Forman was fully purposed to prove an indifferent beholder of this War but Bernard having corrupted the Courtiers and the Bishop the chief Church-man of the Kingdom after their long and earnest intercession he was drawn altogether to affect and adhere to the French To throw the apple of Dissention Bishop Forman is sent to King Henry to demand certain Jewels by their Fathers will or her Brothers Prince Arthurs appertaining to Queen Margarite his Sister King Henry mistrusting that Embassy offereth all and more than they demand from him Shortly after the English beginning to interrupt the traffick of the French by Sea King James will send his Ships lately well mann'd and equipped for Fight which not long before had been prepared as was given out to transport the King into Syria to his Cosin Queen Ann supposing this Gift would rather seem a Pledge of friendship and Alliance to the English than any Supply of War But James Earl of Arran having got the command of them instead of Sailing towards France arriveth in Ireland whether by tempest of Weather or that he would disturb the King's Proceedings in Assisting the French instigated and corrupted by King Henry it is uncertain and after he had spoil'd Knock-Fergus a Maritime Village returneth with them to the Town of Ayre The King taking in an evil part the Invasion of Ireland but more the lingring of the Earl for he had received Letters from Queen Ann and Bishop Forman regretting the long and vain expectation of his Ships giveth the Earl of Anguss and Sir Andrew Wood a Commission for both him and them The Earl of Arran by his Friends at Court understanding his Masters displeasure ere they could find him hoisted up Sails and committeth himself rather to the uncertain fortune of the Seas than the just Wrath of a King After great Tempest arriving in French Bretaign these Ships built at such extraordinary Charges Sayls and Cordage being taken from them rotted and consumed by weather in the Haven of Brest Now matters grew more exasperate between the Brother Kings Robert Car Warden of the Borders is killed by three English Hieron Lilburn Struthers Andrew Barton who upon an old quarrel begun
himself but made use of men who drew more hatred upon their own heads than moneys into their Princes Coffers Though he delighted more in War than the Arts he was a great admirer and advancer of learned men William Elphinstoun Bishop of Aberdeen builded by his Liberality the College of Aberdeen and named it The King's College by reason of those Privileges and Rents the King bestowed upon it His Generosity did shew it self in not delivering of Perkin Warbeck he trusted much and had great confidence in his Nobility and governed by love not by fear his People It is no wonder amidst so much worth that some humane frailty and some according Discord be found There is no day so bright and fair which one moment or other looketh not pale and remaineth not with some dampish shadow of discoloured Clouds He was somewhat wedded to his own humours opinionative and rash Actions of rashness and temerity even although they may have an happy event being never praise worthy in a Prince He was so infected with that Illustrious crime which the Ambitious take for vertue desire of Fame that he preferred it to his own life and the peace of his Subjects He so affected Popularity and endeavoured to purchase the love of his People by Largesses Banquetting and other Magnificence diving in debt that by those Subsidies and excessive Exactions which of necessity he should have been constrained to have levied and squeezed from the People longer life had made him lose all that favour and love he had so painfully purchased that death seemed to have come to him wishedly and in good time The wedding of others quarrels especially of the French seemeth in him inexcusable a wise Prince should be slow and loath to engage himself in a War although he hath suffered some wrong He should consider that of all humane actions and hazards there is not one of which the precipitation is so dangerous as that of beginning and undertaking a War Neither in Human Affairs should there more depths be sounded nor hidden passages searched and pryed into than in this He should remember that besides the sad necessity which is inseparable from the most innocent War the wasting and destroying of the Goods and Lives of much people there is nothing of which the Revolutions and Changes are more inconstant and the conclusions and ends more uncertain The Sea is not more treacherous false and deceiving nor changeth not more swiftly her calms into storms than Wars and the fortune of Arms do the event and success belying the beginning It is not enough that a Prince know a War which he undertaketh to be just but he should consider also if it be necessary and if it be profitable and conduce to the State which he governeth As Men of strong and healthful bodies follow ordinary delight in their youth he was amorously carried away He confined the Earl of Anguss in the Isle of Arran for taking Jane Kennedy a Daughter of the Earl of Cassilles out of Galloway a fair and noble Lady of whom he became enamoured as he went in his Pilgrimage to St. Ninians In his last Expedition the Lady Foord was thought to have hindred the progress of his Arms and hasten'd the success of the Battle Though vertue be sometimes unfortunate yet is it ever in an high esteem in the memories of Men such a desire remained of him in the hearts of his People after his loss that the like was not of any King before him Princes who are out of this Life being only the delights and darlings of a People Ann the French Queen not many days out-lived the rumour of his death He serves for an example of the frailty of great men on the Theatre of this world and of the inconstancy of all Sublunary things He had children James and Arthur who dyed Infants James who succeeded him Alexander born after his death who dyed young Alexander a Natural Son Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews so much admired and courted by Erasmus Margarite a Daughter of the Lord Drummonds married to the Earl of Huntley whose Mother had been contracted to the King and taken away to his great regret by those who govern'd the State that he should not follow the example of King Robert his Predecessour who marryed a Lady of that Family James Earl of Murray Iams V King of Scotes Ano 1514 THE HISTORY Of the LIFE and Reign of James the Fifth KING of SCOTLAND THe fatal accident and overthrow of the King and Flower of the Nobility of Scotland at Flowden filled the remnant of the State with great sorrow but with great amazement and perplexity for by this great change they expected no less than the progress and advancement of the Victors Arms and Fortune and feared the Conquest Servitude and Desolation of the whole Kingdom The rigorous season of the year being spent in mourning and performing of last duties to the dead for their lost kinsmen and friends and the gathering together the floating Ribs and dispersed Planks of this Ship-wrack the Pears assembled at Sterlin where being applying themselves to set their confusions in order and determine on the Remedies of their present evils the lively pourtraict of their Calamities did represent it self to the full view The Head and fairest parts which Majesty Authority Direction Wisdom had made eminent were cut away some turbulent Church-men Orphant-Noblemen and timorous Citizens fill their vacant places and many who needed directions themselves were placed to direct and guide the Helm of State such miseries being always incident to a People where the Father of the Country is taken away and the Successour is of under age In this Maze of perplexity to disoblige themselves of their greatest duty and give satisfaction to the most and best the Lawful Successour and Heir JAMES the Prince is set on the Throne and Crowned being at that time One year five months and ten days of Age and the hundred and fifth King of Scotland The last Will and Testament which the late King had left before his expedition being publickly seen and approved the Queen challenges the Protection of the Realm and Tutelage of her Son as disposed unto her so long as she continued a Widdow and followed the Counsel and advice of the Chancellour of the Realm and some other grave Counsellours and she obtained it as well out of a Religion they had to fulfil the Will of their deceased Sovereign as to shun and be freed of the imminent Arms and imminent danger of her Brother the King of England Being established in the Government and having from all that respect reverence and observance which belong to such a Princess she sent Letters to the King of England that having compassion upon the tears and prayers of a Widdow of his Sister of an Orphan of his Nephew he would not only cease from following the War upon Scotland then at War with it self and many ways divided but ennobled by courage and goodness be a defence unto
had followed and accompanied her which should have moved them to leave their Country unto whom if they pleased to return they should be welcom enjoy their wonted freedom and keep peaceably what they had possessed If they were conscious to themselves of any misdemeanour he would not be too precise in the search of it He also trafficked by the friends of those who favoured the Dowglasses and Humes to persuade them to a Return giving them fair Promises of obtaining what they should demand Till at last he removed them to bow and yield to his desires The fugitive Gentlemen return'd but the Queen being with child and near the time of her delivery was necessitated to stay still till at Harbottle Castle she brought forth her daughter Margaret after Grandmother to James King of Britain So soon as she was able to endure travel and be transported King Henry with an honourable retinue brought her to his Court where she was by him and his Sister Mary late Queen of France welcomed In May she made her progress through London to Baynards Castle and from thence to Greenwich The Contrivers of the exploit of transporting the King to England being within the Country and as it were secure the Governor whose head was filled with suspitions not thinking himself bound by promises will have them give a reckoning of their enterprize and flight into England Against some he hath clear proofs fair and manifest evidences against other bare surmises and naked suspitions for they had not left the Country nor had they been partakers of the Queens fortunes Here with an unexpected suddenness Mr. Gavin Dowglas Uncle to the Earl of Anguss Bishop of Dunkel Mr. Patrick Panther Secretary to the late King were committed Mr. Gavin in the Castle of St. Andrews Mr. Patrick in Garvet Castle The Lord Drummond grand-Father to the Earl of Anguss having beaten a Lyon Herauld who too imperiously had given a charge to answer to such things should be objected against him was imprisoned in the Castle of Blackness Alexander Lord Hume being charged to answer for his actions and proceedings and not appearing was denounced Rebel his moveables seised on and brought to the Exchequer Stir'd up and irritated by this outrage he maketh Roads upon the neighbour bounds plundereth Dumbar which was the Governors chief resort and to revenge his wrongs setteth on work the Robbers on the borders To repress and bridle this ravaging the Governor in person with a thousand hardy Souldiers marcheth to the Borders directeth some companies to find out the Lord Hume but he either dismaid at the worth and fortune of the Governor or broken and bowing under the burthen of his own miseries cometh to the Governor and submitted his life and estate to his faith and clemency brought to Edenburgh he is trusted to the custody of James Earl of Arran the Husband of his Sister with threatnings under pain of high Treason that he should not part with him nor suffer him to escape The Lord Hume had not long staid in the Castle of Edenburgh when with glosses of probalities of changes casual and such as might fall forth he moved the Earl of Arran to be of his Mind and brought him to conspire against the Governor and hazard to put himself in his place of State He himself was the only man who had brought in the Governor and he knew well how to put him out if the Earl would be of the Party and by his negligence not reject a Supream honor thrown in his arms He is begun already not to be lov'd if he was not already hated by the Subjects by his imperious proceedings If the King of England could find some few Noblemen to make head against him he would constrain him to leave the Country The Earl of Arran was neerest heir to the King it was more reason he should be second in the Kingdom than John who though descended of a brother yet a banisht man and a stranger to the Scots Nation with whom had they not so much as intercourse and familiarity of language After many such like inducements the Prisoner took away his Keeper with him to the South parts of the Country and both by Letters to their Familiars Kindred and acquaintance and private meetings with other Noble men strove to make strong and increase their faction In the beginning of the Spring John Stuart Earl of Lennox the Sisters son of the Earl of Arran listed himself in the Party of the Conspiring Lords and with a number of his Friends and Followers invested the Castle of Glasgow which if they could have kept had been a great advancement to their intentions But the Governour gathering an Army of as many as hast would suffer him to Assemble the Defenders not being strong enough to resist him recovered the Castle with small loss of his men After which in indignation he marched to throw down the Castle of Hamilton here victorious anger was conquer'd by pity and compassion for the old Countess of Arran being at that time there resident who was Daughter to King James the Second Sister to King James the Third Mother to the Earl of Arran Gandmother to the Earl of Lennox Aunt to the Governour a Lady venerable for years and vertues with tears of affection and sorrow falling down at the Governours feet and received by him with great commiseration in a merciful manner not only preserv'd the Castle but by the means of the Arch-Bishop Andrew Forman entred into a Treaty for Peace to her Son and the Earl of Lennox And in November the two Earls coming to Edenburgh by the means of this Arch-bishop were reconciled with the Governor About this time his Mother being far from him to discharge the last duties of affection towards him Alexander Duke of Rothsay Brother to the King a Child to admiration beautiful and Delightful died at Sterlin and was buried in the Abby Church of Cambuskenneth The term of Peace between the two Kingdoms being almost expir'd and both having a desire to continue it the English sent their Commissioners to Coldingham to whom the Duke then resident at Dumbar sent Monsieur du Plains Embassador for the French King Sir William Scot of Balweary and Gavin Dumbar Arch-Dean of Saint Andrews These after some altercation concerning the Scottish Fugitives conclude a Peace between the Nations from the midst of January till the feast of Whitsuntide after The English comprehended in the Articles the Earl of Anguss the Lord Hume and the rest of the Queens strayed Faction with all their Kinsmen Clients and Followers The Lord Hume was received again into the Governours favor with condition that if he after break his promises and oaths his old faults should be remembered and joined to his new Master Gavin Dowglass and Mr. Patrick Panther were set at Liberty The Lord Drummond who had been forfeited was again restored the Earl of Anguss with these who had followed him with many ceremonies and great store of Friendship was
next care was to preserve the State from any alterations till his Return and to find the Government as he left it Hereupon to preserve the Person of the King he is conveyed from Sterlin to the Castle of Edenburgh and trusted to the custody of the Earl of Marshall the Lords Ruthen and Borthick two of which should be always resident with him and accompany and assist the Lord Areskin his constant and unremovable Guardian For the Government of the State he leaveth seven Deputies in his Place The Earl of Arran Anguss Huntley Arguile the Arch-Bishops of St. Andrews and Glasgow to these is adjoined Sir Anthony Darcey le Sieur de la Beautie whom he had made Captain of Dumbar and promoted to be in the Lord Humes Place Warden of the East Marches keeping the days of Truce and Justice Courts This was the man to whom the entire Conduct of all the Governours affairs was intrusted and who should give him advertisment of what did pass in Scotland during his aboed in France That no discord should arise amongst men equal in places and authority the ordinary occasion of division several shires which they should govern to every one of them are allotted To Sir Anthony Darcey was destinated the Government of the Merss and Lothian to the other their shires were appointed as the convenience of their dwelling places Friends and Kindred did afford them Under pretexts and fair colours of honour and as to pass the time and be trained in French Civility also for the greater magnificency the Governour took in his company the Earl of Lennox the Lord Gordon Masters of Glencarn and Arran other young Lords who in effect were so many Hostages that no stir by their Parents Kindred Friends should be raised during his absence He likewise under dark Shadows and far sought pretences committed to such Castles as were garrisoned with French Soldiers as Dumbarton Dumbar Garvet certain Barons of the South and West Countries who wanted nothing but liberty not for any thing they had done but what they might do the Governour being out of the Kingdom Matters brought to such a pass as his best Politicians could devise accompanied with Master Gavin Dowglass Bishop of Dunkell and Master Patrick Panther Secretary to the late King men whom he feared to leave behind him and entertained though he knew they loved him not as his bosom friends in June at Dumbartoun he took Shipping Queen Margaret after she had remained a year in England understanding by Letters the Governour had taken the Seas and was on his way towards France honourably dismissed by her Brother came to Scotland At Berwick she was received by her Husband the Earl of Anguss but he was not accepted with the favours he was wont for that plague of too much love jealousie had infected her having gotten some inkling that he delighted in a free bed and during the time of her abode in England had entertained a Mistress in Dowglass-dale an injury beyond degree of Reconcilement after which she began to disdain him and seek how she might be divorced from him Though whilst the King was kept in the Castle of Edenburgh all access unto him was refused her when he was transported to the Castle of Craigmillar out of a suspition and rumour the Plague had infected Edenburgh by the courtesie of the Lord Areskin she had liberty to visit him But her frequent haunting him out of too much motherly kindness breeding a suspition in his Guardians that as had once before been practised by a Queen in Scotland She had an intention to have stoln him away and sent him to his Uncle restrained her longer access to him and procured his return back again to the Castle of Edenburgh Sir Anthony Darcey having by his vigilancy pains courage given many proofs of his worth in defence of the Borders and administration of Justice in those shires he governed The other Governours often disagreeing amongst themselves either out of Love of rest and to be vacant from business or out of malice to procure him greater hatred declare him absolute Deputy and they gave their promises to second him in way of Justice and here he found the difference between extreams and mediocrities Many disdained a Stranger should be in that place so many brave men of their Nation neglected A quarrel at that time either true and real or as others have recorded altogether forged and contriv'd to draw the Deputy in a Danger arising between the Stewards of the Laird of Langtoun and one of his Uncles who by the power and means of Sir David Hume of Wedderburn whose Sister was his wife had thrust out and ejected the young heir and them of their own Castle of Langtoun and kept it by force The Deputy accompanyed with certain Lords of the Borders and some French men his own Domesticks came to the Town of Dunce to hold a Justice Court concerning this Riot The Humes who thought nothing juster than revenge nor nobler than the effects of anger having sworn a requital of their Chiefs wrong and to pay the Governour home when occasion should be offered by the counsel and forwardness of Sir David Hume lay an ambush and lie in wait for the Deputy the Plot not failing they invade him at such a disadvantage that some of his Servants killed he was constrained to seek an escape by the swiftness of his Horse who in the chase either falling or sinking in a marish left his Master to the cruelty of his Pursuers who strook of his head and to feed their eyes with the spectacle of their rage set it to the disgrace of the French on the battlements of the Castle of Hume This end had Sir Anthony Darcey who deserved so well both of France and Scotland having been courteous valiant and noble in all his actions and a great Administrator of Justice who spared no travel and freely adventured upon any dangers to suppress malefactors and defend the weak and innocent The Governours That greater mischief should not follow the boldness of these men made choice of the Earl of Arran to resist their outrage and declare him Warden of the Marches and Supream Which election displeased the Earl of Anguss the Earl of Arran armed with power neglecting Anguss his interest immediately committed Sir George Dowglas his Brother to the Castle of Edenburgh and Mark Car in Garvet Castle out of a suspition they were accessory to the slaughter of Sir Anthony Darcey In a Parliament shortly following many of the Humes and Cockburns Fugitives for this slaughter and for that they had invited the English to their aid and spoil of the Country are declared Rebels The Parliament being dissolved the Earl of Arran with a sufficient number of Soldiers and some great Ordinance besieged the Castles of Hume and Langtoun and had hâ—em rendred to his mercy When the accident or Sir Anthony Darcey was noised at the Court of France King Francis is recorded to have said he never looked for
Dunkell his Uncle to offer them what honourable satisfaction they could require All that he propounded being rejected by implacable men and finding the only way to be freed of violence to be violent and that danger could not be avoyded but by a greater danger with an hundred hardy resolute men armed with long Spears and Pikes which the Citizens as he traversed the Streats out of Windows furnished him he invested a part of the Town and barricadoed some Lanes with Carts and other impediments which the time did affrad The adverse party trusting to their number and the supply of the Citizens who calling to mind the slaughter of their Deacon shew them small favour disdaining the Earl should thus muster on the Streats in great fury invade him Whilst the bickering continued and the Town is in a Tumult William Dowglass brother to the Earl of Anguss Sir David Hume of Wedderburn George Hume brother to the late Lord with many others by blood and Friendship tyed together enter by violence the East Gate of the Town the Citizens making small resistance force their passage through the throngs seek the Earls enemies find them scoure the streets of them The Master of Montgomery eldest Son to the Earl of Eglintoun Sir Patrick Hamiltoun Brother to the Earl of Arran with almost fourscore more are left dead upon the place The Earl himself findeth an escape and place of retreat through a Marsh upon the North side of the Town The Chancellour and his retinue took Sanctuary in the Dominican Fryers the tumult by the slaughter of some and flight of others appeased the Earl of Anguss now freed of danger licensed all who pleased without further pursuit peaceably to leave the Town of Edenburgh and return to their own Houses Some daies after the Humes well banded and backed with many Nobles and Gentlemen of their linage by the Earl of Anguss consent took the Lord Humes and his brothers heads from the place where they had been fixt and with the funeral Rites of those times interr'd them in the Black-Fryers The Earl of Anguss having angled the Peoples hearts by his Magnificence Wisdom Courage and Liberality his Faction began to bear greatest sway in the Kingdom For the continuance of which the King of England dealt most earnestly with the French King to keep the Duke of Albany still in France with him But the French had contrary designâ— And when the Duke understood the great discords of the Nobility of Scotland persons of Faction being advanced to places dangerous immunities being granted to the Commons France and England beginning to be tyred of their Peace and preparing for a new War to curb the Scottish Factions keep the Nation in quietness in it self by giving the Subjects other Work abroad whilst common danger should break off particular Discords Notwithstanding of the English Ships which lay in wait to take him after he had been about five years in France in November he arrived on the West Coasts of Scotland at a place named Garloch The Governour coming to Edenburgh set himself to amend the enormities committed in his absence the Magistrates of the Town are deposed because in the late uproar they had been evil seconds to the Lords of the West when they went to surprise the Earl of Anguss A Parliament is called to which many Noblemen and Gentlemen are cited to make appearance in February to be tryed and to answer for offences committed by them in the Governours absence The appointed time being come these who appeared not were Indicted and fled into England Amongst which and the chief were the Humes and Cockburns men Authors and accessory to the death of Sir Anthony Darcy The tyde now turning and mens affections changed the Earl of Anguss with his Brother Sir George Dowglass by the Intercession of the Queen are constrained to seek a Pardon which was obtained for them but with the condition that they should leave the Country and stay in France one whole year which they obeyed Others have Recorded they were surprized in the Night and in French Ships conveyed privately away Mr. Gavin Dowglass Bishop of Dunkell in the absence of his Nephew finding the Governour violent in the Chase of the Faction of the Dowglasses fled privately to the Court of England where he gave informations to King Henry against him He alone had taken to him the custody of the young King the sequel whereof he much feared he was an irreconcilable Enemy to the whole Family of the Dowglasses The principal cause of his coming to Scotland was to engage the Nation in a War against England that the English should not assist the Emperour against the French King and make his Nation slaves to France This Bishop shortly after dyed at London and was buried in the Savoy Church having been a man Noble Valiant Learned and an excellent Poet as his Works yet extant testifie The King of England upon such informations sent Clarencieux King of Arms to Scotland to require the Duke to avoid the Country according to the Articles agreed upon between the French King and him in their last Truce It belonged said Clarencieux to his Master to tender the life wellfare honour fortunes of his Nephew of none of which he could be assured so long as the Duke ruled and stayed in Scotland It was against all reason and unbeseeming the man should be sole Guardian to a King who was the next heir to the Crown how easily might he be tempted by opportunity to commit the like unnatural cruelty which some have done in the like case both in England and other parts of Europe if he loved his Nation and Prince as he gave out he required him to leave the Country which if he yield not unto but obstinately continued in a resolution to stay he denounced from his Master present war He farther complained That the Earl of Anguss who was King Henries Brother-in-Law was by him banisht and detained in France That during the banishment of the Earl which had been near a whole year the Duke had importuned his Sister the Queen with dishonest love The Governour answered Clarencieux That what the Kings of France and England agreed upon in their Treaties of Peace was to him uncertain but of this he was most certain That neither the King of England nor France had power to banisht him a Foreiner over whom their authority did not reach his native Country like over like having no jurisdiction As concerning the King of Scotland who was yet young in years he reverenced him as his Soveraign Lord and would keep and defend both him and his Kingdom according to his Conscience honour and bound duty that there were ever more men in the world who desired to be Kings than there were Kingdoms to be bestowed upon them of which number he was none having ever preferred a mean estate justly enjoyed before a Kingdom evil acquired For the Earl of Anguss he had used all Courtesies towards him notwithstanding of
opposed by the Queen and Nobility he was likely to have lost himself and the whole Kingdom or revenged the death of his Cousen His courteous nature went above his ambition he could as well lay down his Honours as he had modestly when they were laid upon him received them Before the Rumor of the Duke of Albanies taking the Seas was spread abroad the King of England by secret Letters had required the Earl of Anguss who then an Exile staid in France to come to him after the receit of which with a short-leave taking he left France where he had staid almost three years cometh to England King Henry had brought him to believe That the Duke had determined to extirpate his whole Linnage To prevent which he made him offer of Men and Ammunition to preserve his own and by his faction at home and his assistance to send the Duke over Seas which if he had staied the Earl was esteemed powerful enough to have accomplished The Duke of Albany being in France the Queen with the Government of the State assumeth the person of her Son whom she moved to leave Sterlin and come to Edenburgh the third day after he had made his entry in the Town she lodg'd with him in the Maiden Castle and it seized on armed with authority she doubted not to make the Country yield her all obedience That the Supream Magistrate of the Town should not oppose her Designs he is put from his Office and the Lord Maxwell a man to her obsequious is substituted in his place To give the fairer lustre to her Actions a Parliament is called at Edenburgh that what she did might consist with Law When King Henry understood the Duke had left Scotland to exclude and bar him all regress he sent one Magnus a great Oratour but greater by the renown of his skill in the Laws with Roger Ratcliff his Embassadours to try how the Scots amidst unnecessary turmoils would rellish a Truce and Cessation of Arms and these lay the blame of all the disorders and discords between the two Nations upon the Duke The Nobles tyred with their tedious Wars beginning to espy a Haven of rest cheerfully accept of this Embassie and agreeunto a Truce for one whole year To confirm which they condescend Commissioners shall be dispatched instantly who shall treat not only for a Truce but for a firm and lasting Peace between the two Nations and unite the Crowns in bands of Amity as well as they were united in degrees of blood The Earl of Anguss his enemy abandoning the Kingdom after honourable entertainment of the King of England many promises to befriend him and blandishments at his departing cometh to Scotland and his return began to change the Game of State The Queens and Earl of Arrans Faction carryed all matters of importance the Earls of Lennox Arguyl and the Humes had been sequestred from publick imployments the first faction by his presence find their power diminisht the other by his counterpoise and assistance have new hopes of arising both factions disliked that Anguss should arise to the first place and suspected he would not be content with the second they loved to have him an equal not Supreme Private jarrs smothered and interests delayed matters concerning England requiring a hasty and present discharge Gilbert Earl of Cassiles Robert Cockburn Bishop of Dunkell David Mill Abbot of Cambuskenneth are sent Commissioners to the Court of England At Greenwich they are honorably and kindly received by King Henry whose countenance promised them a refusal of no reasonable thing they would require The Bishop had a speech the Sum of which was That dissention and hatred taken away between the two Nations a faithful Peace might be agreed unto and confirmed their Discords turned into Union their Rancour into Love which to bring to pass and make durable the only apparent and probable means was to bestow the Lady Mary the Kings daughter upon James the young King of Scotland The English with great joy applauded to what was said And King Henry appointed certain Commissioners to treat about that purpose in private These when they had met to advance the Union of the Kingdoms desired these Conditions First That the Scottish Nation giving over and fairly forsaking the League they had with France should enter in a new League with them upon the same conditions and terms which were contained in their League with France Next That the young King of Scotland till by age he was able for marriage should be brought up at the Court of England When the Embassadours of Scotland had answered That these conditions were above their Commission to which they could not well answer and desired a time to acquaint the Council of Scotland with them it was condescended unto Thus two of them remaining at London the Earl of Cassiles returned to Scotland to bring back an answer When the day in which the Parliament should have been held was come the Queen and they who were of her faction as the Earls of Arran Murray Eglintoun fearing the Earl of Anguss might turn the wavering peoples affection and move them to some Revolt which might hinder their Determinations or terrify the Commissioners by the frequent convention of his Friends and followers constraining their voices and restraining their freedom of speech Or that they had a plot to surprize some of the contrary Faction and by authority of Parliament commit them in that place caused a Proclamation to be made That none of the three Estates should sit or assemble themselves in the Town of Edenburgh but that they should keep their meeting in the Castle and there give their presence The Earls of Anguss Lennox Arguyl Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrews Bishop of Aberdeen and Dumblane with their adherents and others who joyned with them rather out of fear than good will refuse to enter the Castle and require That the Parliament be kept in the accustomed Place the King may in Triumph be shewn to his own people conveyed along the High-street All which being denyed them giving out That Justice was violated the King kept against his will as a Prisoner the Government and custody of his person seised on without consent of the three Estates they surround the Castle with two thousand men in Arms stop all furniture of food and Victuals which should been afforded by the Town In this distress they in the Castle turn the great Ordnance against the Town and threaten the innocent Citizens with the overthrow of their buildings Some powder and time spent in terrifying the people at last Church-men interposing themselves and interceding persuading with the parties an accommodation and atonement is wrought their fury quenched all rancour supprest injuries forgotten the King in magnificence and pomp is convoyed from the Castle to his Palace at Holy-rood-House and the Estates assemble in the wonted place of the Town of Edenburgh In this Parliament the Authority of the Governour is abrogated by which means they saved him a
labour from returning into Scotland again Eight Lords were chosen to have the custody of the Kings person quarterly every one his Moneths successively and the whole to stand for the Government of the State yet with this Limitation That the King by their Counsel should not determine nor ordain any thing in great affairs to which the Queen as Princess and Dowager gave not her free consent and approbation The Lords were the Arch-bishops of St. Andrews and Glasgow the Bishops of Aberdeen and Dunkell the Earls of Anguss Arran Lennox Arguyl Time urging resolution the Lords of Parliament direct the Earl of Cassiles again to the Court of England to declare their resolution concerning the marriage of the King and the establishing a Peace between the Kingdoms The news of the overthrow of the French Army and the taking of their King at Pavia by the Imperialists being come to the Court of England before the Arrival of the Earl of Cassiles King Henry told the Scottish Embassadours in plain terms He could not determine any thing concerning the Marriage of his Daughter without acquainting the Emperour her neerest Kinsman and his Confederate with his proceedings which could not be done in hast and so soon as they required considering the troubles of Italy Hereupon the Embassadours their hopes of this Alliance delayed having obtained a Truce between the two Nations for the space of three years and three moneths faithfully to be kept returned to their own Country The State began of new to be tossed by the troublesom Factions of the Queen and Earl of Anguss the Original of which sprang from matters of the Church the Abbacy of Holy-rood-House falling vacant by the promotion of George Creightoun Abbot to the Bishoprick of Dunkell the Earl of Anguss to whom the custody of the King was entrusted either by lot or consent moved him to confer this Abbacy upon his Brother Mr. William Prior of Coldinham without acquainting the Queen with the Gift or seeking the consent of the other Rulers at this the Queen turned so displeased that abandoning the King to the pleasure of the Earl of Anguss She with her Followers retired to Sterlin By this inconsiderate retreat the Earl administred all alone leaning to the greatness of his own power that some might have thought the Queen set her Game to make up his All favours and punishments pass by him All Offices and Places of importance are distributed to his favourites He made Archembald Dowglass his Uncle Treasurer Sir George his Brother Great Chamberlain the Abbacies of Coldingham and Holy-rood-House were in his Brothers hands neither temporal nor ecclesiastical Dignity escapt him his greatness instantly procureth him envy The Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrews the Earls of Arran Arguyl Murray who were of the Queens faction lay a plot to accuse Anguss of high Treason They challenge him That he kept the King against his will insolently restrained his Liberty and that contrary to the order established by the Estates which was that the custody of his person should every four Moneths by turns be allotted to the Governours of the Country in a Circle That he could not dispose of any thing of moment alone the contrary of all which he had usurped whereupon they charge him to dismiss the King and restore him to them and the other Counsellours equall in Government with him under the pain he should be reputed a Traytor and no loyal Subject for this invassalling his Prince to his attendance The Earl of Anguss himself to this answered not but Sir George his Brother moved the King to give the answer himself His Mother and those other Rulers should not be thus solicitous for him for with none more cheerfully willingly and contentedly could he live and spend his time than with the Earl of Anguss neither could he leave the company of one so highly favoured of his Uncle and so well meriting of himself For all this answer he had secretly sent Letters to his Mother and those of the adverse party intreating They would remove him from the Earl and not suffer him any longer to remain under his imperious Government and if it could not be otherways done to accomplish it by main force of arms if they had any pitty or if any Sparks of duty remained unquenched in them towards him if they dared Enterprize ought for a Royal though now thrâ—lled Supplyant or obey the Command of a King in Prison that the answer which he sent before unto them and his Mother was by constraint and compulsion drawn from him and far from his Mind Upon this advertisment the Queen and they of her Faction assemble what power they could raise in such a suddenness at Sterlin and with great expedition marched towards Edenburgh to separate the King from the Earl his Guardian Who resolved to repel force by force with the Townsmen of Edenburgh many friends and adherents and the King though against his will marched out of Edenburgh to encounter the fight of these Rebels When the Leaders of the Queens forces understood the King in person was in the adverse Army either dazled with the splendour of the presence of a King or fearing if they joyned in battel the person of their Prince might be endangered or that they found themselves not strong enough in number and arms for a Conflict they retired back again to Sterlin where they disbanded and returned every man to his own dwelling place The Queen with the Earl of Murray went to Murray-land the Earl of Arran and Arguyl to the West the Archbishop of St. Andrews to Dumfermling This Faction dissipated the Earl of Anguss remained more stable and assured of his Guardianship and now he findeth no Competitour The want of the great Seal being a hinderance to many of his projects and he disdaining to be a suiter to his enemy for dispatch of publick affairs caused the King send a Letter for it and the Archbishop with all respect sent it immediately to the Earl with whom to be equal he took himself to new Meditations The Queen many waies provokt by her Husband the Earl of Anguss and lastly by detaining her Son against his will and contrary to the publick course agreed upon the Archbishop persuaded her To intend a process of Divorcement against him and dissolve her marriage this might produce some great effect at least it could not but diminish the Earls reputation among the people The Queen and the Earl many times in private between themselves agreed upon a separation disliking each others conditions for it was fatal to her as to her Brother King Henry to delight in change of Wedlock and be jealous of her Matches The Earl is therefore cited before the Archbishop of St. Andrews to hear the sentence pronounced according to the Laws of the Church in those times at the day appointed he appeareth The Queen alledged He had been betroathed given his faith and promise of marriage to a noble woman of the Kingdom a daughter of
believed and reverenced in his Kingdom produced never great Effects thought them to no purpose in a time when a Doctrine was publisht to the World embraced and believed of numbers by which they were contemned and scorned upon this and other grounds he refuseth to obey and the Pope continueth his menacing This disorder and boldness of the King of England moved the Emperor and the Pope to try if they could win the King of Scotland to arise in Arms against his Uncle King Henry The Emperour essayeth it under pretence of other business of great importance For having given way to new Opinions in Religion amongst his Countrey-men in Germany and finding them mounted to that height as to have produced the Effects he desired by this Division laying a foundation to turn the Imperial Crown Hereditary to his own House which Germany being all of one mind and undistracted he could never have brought to pass he compelleth the Bishop of Rome to condescend to a general Council or Assembly of the Clergy of Europe the onely and soveraign Remedy to cure diseased minds and accord different Opinions but he knew well that by the Church of Rome men would be delegated to this meeting turbulent and so far from pacifying tumults begun that instead of Water they would apply Oyl and Wood to these flames turn Opinions before disputable irreconcileable and leave matters worse than they found them Having implored the aid and assistance of the Potentates about him to the setting forward of so Pious and Holy a Work he sendeth Goddescallo Errico a Sicilian for greater secrecy by Ireland to the King of Scotland This Embassador for a token of that affection the Emperour his Master carried to the Person and Virtues of King James presenteth him with the Order of the Golden-fleece 1534. with solemn Protestations for the observing of these ancient Leagues and Confederacies contracted between the Princes his Masters Predecessors and the Kings of Scotland to continue ever amongst themselves His other Instructions were Plains of the wrongs done to his Aunt Katharine most unjustly repudiate and forsaken by a King forsaken of God and abhorred of men The Marriage of Anne Bullen should wound deeply King James it being likely by her Succession he should be barred of his Right to the Crown of England The Emperour by his Embassador expostulating the wrongs of his Aunt had gained nothing but that for his sake She was the worse entertained To make more strong and lasting the Emperours friendship with King James he if he pleased would make him an offer and give him the choice of three Ladies three Maries all of the Imperial Stem Mary of Austria the Emperours Sister the Widow of Lovis King of Hungary Mary of Portugal the Daughter of his Sister Eleonara of Austria Mary of England the Daughter of Katherine and King Henry And would undertake the performance of this last either by consent of her Father or by main force The greatest but last of his Instructions was that to suppress the Heresies of the time he would concur with the Emperour for the convocating a general Council and obviate the Calamities then threatning the Christian Religion The King with great cheerfulness and many thanks that the Emperour entertained him with such respect and held him worthy so fair and Royal Alliance and the participation of Affairs of such importance and moment received this Embassage For the Council providing it were a general Council lawfully convocated by the Emperour and Christian Kings as the first Councils were wont free and holy as nothing is more holy than a general Convocation of Christians the most charitable and quiet of the Clergy and such who would pacifie matters not the most zealous and fiery Spirits or men corrupted by rewards being delegated unto it being premonisht of the time and place he would apply his will unto his assist him thither send his best Orators and most convenient Church-men That if a true Council could not be obtained every Prince should reform the Errors of Doctrine and faults of the Clergy within his own Dominions The proceedings of his Uncle were grievous unto him being a man altogether thralled to his own Opinions For the good of the Christian Religion and Peace of Europe it were expedient that all her Princes were united together in amity and love and their Arms directed against the common Enemy the Turk For himself he would be Mediatour to reconcile the Emperour and his Uncle endeavour to recall him to the love of his Wife nor by any persuasions to be induced to condescend to ought prejudicial to Queen Katherine The three Ladies were every one in the superlative worthy especially Mary of England for that great reason of uniting the Isle of Great-Britain but she was not in her own power nor in the power of the Emperour that he could bestow her upon whom he pleased That to ravish her out of the hands of her Father would be beside the danger of the Enterprize a breach of Divine and Human Laws It was not safe for Paris that he preferred one of the three Goddesses to the other two for prizing those three that the Emperour might know how dearly he respected and earnestly affected his affinity there remained a fourth Lady near in blood to the Emperour Isabella Daughter of Christian King of Denmark and Isabella the Emperours own Sister whom besides her matchless virtues for the vicinity of the Nation to his and the conformity of their harmless humors he made choice to be Queen of his affections and Dominions Goddescallo answered this last That a match with Lady Isabella of Denmark could not with the Emperours credit be brought to pass because she was promised already to another Frederick Count Palatine and the Marriage might be accomplished before news came to the Emperour of the Kings Election This choice of the Kings was but on evasion for Sir Thomas Areskin of Brichen Secretary and David Beatoun Abbot of Arbroth under pretence of renewing the League between France and Scotland long before had been directed to France about a Marriage with the eldest Daughter of King Francis which John Duke of Albany projected when the League between the two Kingdoms was renewed at Rochel Henry King of England had now renounced all obedience from the Bishop of Rome and through his whole Dominions abrogated his Authority and Paul the third after his assuming the Papacy set forwards by the Emperour and his Cardinals who thought either to recover England or burn it up 〈◊〉 a Foreign or Civil War never left thundring against him But after John Fisher Bishop of Rochester was beheaded a man imprisoned for adhering to the Pope then for his persecution and that the King might carry him the greater respect made Cardinal the whole Conclave stir the Pope against King Henry And full of Grief and rage remonstrate what danger would follow their Order if this Example unpunisht should have way They maintained the Papal power against all Princes
which now for fear of their Lives they would be forced to forsake or to proceed with great timorousness and neglect if by any secular power they might be called in Judgment and embrue Scaffolds with their blood The Pope though highly provokt parted not from his Resolution yet used a sort of moderation he threatneth still to let fall the blow in the mean time holding his hand Thus to give satisfaction to his Court he formed a Process against King Henry and a most severe Sentence but abstained from the publication of it during his pleasure Secretly sending many Copies of it to those Princes he thought could be useful to his Designs when occasion should serve and he proceed with a constant rumor of the Bull shortly to be put in execution and publisht Amongst many interested in wrongs by the King of England considering there was none comparable to the Nation and King of Scotland he directeth hither John Antonio Compeggio This Legate findeth King James at Faulkland 22. February 1535. and here with many Ceremonies and Apostolical Benedictions delivereth him a Cap and a Sword Consecrated the Night of the Nativity of our Saviour which the fame of his valour and many Christian virtues had moved his Master to remunerate him with Also saith the Original that it might breed a terror in the heart of a wicked neighbouring Prince against whom the Sword was sharpned The Popes Letter in most submissive stile contained A Complaint for the death of John Bishop and Cardinal of Rochester miserably taken away by the hand of an Hang-man The Calamities of England occasioned by the Kings Divorce from Katherine of Spain and his Marriage with Ann Bullen That since the Roman Church had received great disgrace and a deadly wound and by patience procured more and more wrongs from the King of England She was constrained to use a searing Iron For the application of which She had recourse to his Majesty a Prince for his Ancestors piety and his own renowned His aid maintenance protection she implored Since King Henry was a Despiser a Scorner One who set at naught the censures of the Church an Heretick Schismatick a shameful and shameless Adulterer a publick and profest homicide Murtherer a Sacrilegious Person a Church-Robber a Rebel guilty of lese-Majesty Divine outragious many and innumerable ways a Felon a Criminal By all Laws herefore justly to be turned out of his Throne The King of Scotland for the Defence of the Church would undertake something worthy a Christian King and himself he would endeavour to suppress Heresie defend the Catholick faith against those whom the justice of Almighty God and judgments were now prepared and already ready to be denounced The King kindly entertained the Legate answered the Pope with much regret for the estate and stubborness of the King of England Who would not be struck with Pitty that a King who late amongst Christian Princes was honoured with the Title of Defender of the Faith should be obnoxious to so many Crimes that now amongst Princes he could scarce be reputed a Christian This Compassion was common to him with others but he by a necessity of Nature and nearness of Blood felt a more piercing sorrow he should leave no means untried to recal his Uncle to the obedience of the Church and though by his Embassadors he had once or twice went about the same but in vain he would study a way how face to face he might give him his best Counsel and remonstrate how much good he would do the Christian World and himself by returning again to the Church Mean while he requested him not to be heady forward nor rash in executing the Sentence against his Uncle which would but obdure him in his separation King James not having lost all hopes of his Uncle directeth the Lord Areskin to England to acquaint him with the Emperors and Popes Embassages and to take his Counsel about a Marriage with the Duke of Vandosons Daughter whom the French King had offered to him his own Daughter being weak and sickly In this Embassage there was a complaint against the Londoners who in their passage to the Island fishing spoiled the Coasts of Orknay and the adjacent Islands with a Roquest that King Henry would not succour the Lubeckers against the Duke of Hulstein The King of England not to prove inferior to the Emperour and Pope in conferring honours upon his Nephew admitteth him to the Fraternity of the Garter which he delivered to the Lord Areskin his Embassador And thereafter dispatched William Lord Howard Brother to the Earl of Norfolk as if that name were a sufficient Scar-crow to the Popes Sword and the Emperours Golden-fleece to Scotland who made such hasty Journeys that he prevented the News of his coming and at unawares found the King at Sterlin The Substance of his Embassage was That the King of England and Scotland might have an interview at York at which meeting the King of Scotland should be declared Duke of York and General Lieutenant of the Kingdom of England That his Master having Instructions of the Alliance offered him by neighbouring Princes did offer to his own and his Counsels judgments if they could find a more fit than to contract a Marriage with his Daughter which might be easily perfected if his Master and King James could condescend upon some few points When the King had taken these Propositions into deliberation the Church-men suspecting if this meeting and match had way the King would embrace the Opinions of the new Reformers set all their wits to overthrow it The nearest Successors to the Crown covering their claim and interest argued That to Marry the Lady Mary of England who for many years would not he marriagable was not a right way to continue his Race by procreation of Children and that his impatience of living alone would not be much abated by marrying a Child That King Henry projected this Marriage to no other end than to hinder him from better Alliances or to facilitate an entry to the Kingdom That when a Prince would take advantage of any neighbour Prince it was more safely done by Alliance than open force That it was more safely King Henry being a wary Prince never meant to marry his Daughter at all as long as himself lived but to keep her at Home with him bearing many Princes in hand to save him from Dangers both at home and abroad which counsel was practised lately by the Duke of Burgundy Most oppose neither to the meeting of the two Kings nor to the Alliance but to the place of their meeting which seemed unto them of no small importance being in the heart of England and amidst the most martial people of that Nation They require the two Kings might have their interview at Newcastle this place when they meet being most commodious for furnishing all necessaries by Ships That the number of their Train should be agreed upon as one thousand which none of the two Kings should
exeeed That the time should be at the Feast of Saint Michael the Arch-Angel between the Harvest and the Winter which would hast the consummation of the Ceremonies and not suffer the Kings to prolong time but invite their return to their own chief and principal Cities When it was declared to the Lord Howard that the consent of the Nobles of the Kingdom obtained the enterview at the Feast of Michaelmas at Newcastle might be condescended unto he would neither accept of the place nor time His Master having already as matter he had never put in question made great preparations for this interview at York that he would think his offers slighted and an affront put upon him if any excuses were alledged to the contrary Thus with some bravadoes to the Council he departed The King to give satisfaction to his Uncle of his Councils proceedings with the Lord Howard sendeth after him Sir Adam Otterburn of Red-hall who layeth the fault of his not appearing upon the Lord Howard complaining That he menaced the Counsellors and would have forced their Votes that he was a Friend to Sir George Dowglass and other Rebels who convoyed him to Scotland and accompanied him back again It was against the credit and honour of free born Princes to be threatned what was friendly begun should friendly continue and end Princes should not be constrained especially in matters which were not of Debt but benevolence Amidst these importunities and solicitations King James with five well manned Ships taketh the Seas giving out a Voyage for France and the French record it was his first adventure to come to them but it is more likely this proceeded from Policy of State to try the affections and demeanour of the great ones of his Kingdom in his absence rather than any intended Voyage towards Forreigners For with this Fleet he arriveth at Orkenay there in some Forts placeth Garrisons sails about the Islands of Sky and Lewes surprizeth the chief of the Clannes of those Highland Islanders whom he sent for Hostages to the Castles of Dumbartoun and Edenburgh And when by the skill of one Alexander Lyndsay his Pilate he had sounded the remotest Rocks of his Kingdom he was driven by storms to take Land at Saint Ninians near Whitehorn in Galloway This Voyage bred great fear in those Islanders and Savages and brought long Peace and quietness to those Countreys thereafter At his Return to Edenburgh for Disorders committed or surmised in his absence most part of the great men near the Borders are charged to enter their Persons in Ward during the Kings pleasure Walter Scot of Balclough is committed to the Castle of Edenburgh the Lord Hume to the Castle of Down Farnehast to Faulkland the Laird of Johnstoun and Mark Car to Dundee and others elsewhere He knew the common Riders never made incursions without either the command or tolerance of these Superiors The remote High-lands and Borders made peaceable by the incarcerations of the Chiefs of the Clannes and Families there commanding he may when occasion is offered in Person visit any neighbour Prince or State To second his former Embassadors in their suit in France he had sent the Earl of Murray William Stuart Bishop of Aberdeen with others and King Francis in regard of the indisposition of his Daughter Magdalen had made an offer to them of his near Kins-woman The Kings mind having been long troubled with youthful thoughts by the many matches offered him and thinking marriages contracted and trusted to the eyes of others one way or other deficient resolveth to go in Person and Woe for himself Upon this resolution he imbarked at Leith concealing the intention of his Voyage many suppose he maketh for England to pacify his Uncle for many wished the same Whilst he is on the Ocean the Winds contrarying his Course a violent Tempest separating his Ships the Pilate asketh him to what Coast he should direct his Course To any thou best likest answered the King except towards England the Storm encreasing and sleep shutting up the Kings eyes these who accompanied him command the Pilate to turn sails again for Scotland and not struggle with the pittiless Element for matters which might be delayed and a little time could not turn worse so when the King awoke he found himself near his own Harbours upon the Forth and was so highly displeased with the Authors of his return that he never pardoned them the fault was laid on Sir James Hamiltoun and to stir him more against this man there wanted not who said His obedience to his Prince was dissembled that he accompanied his Master to no other end in his Voyage than to cross his intentions so far as was in his power The season thereafter being more fit for Navigation he ascendeth again his Ships at Kircaldy and with a prosperous wind the tenth day after arrived at Deep in Normandy The Earls of Arran Arguyl Rothes Arrol Lords Flemin Boyd attended him with many Barons and Knights the Earl of Murray young Lennox and Cassiles the Lord Areskin and Abbot of Arbroth expected him at Paris but he preventing the same of his coming with a small Train holdeth his way to Vandosm to see the Lady Mary of Burbon all which way one John Tennant personating the Lord of the Company he passed undescried But come to Vandosm whether the Lady had a Letter for the same from David Beatoun or that by matching the faces of one of those Strangers with a Pourtraict she had of King James in likeness as she said he was found out and challenged by the Lady of that fault which was easily confess'd and pardoned He found her very beautiful and eminent in all Princely excellencies but bethinking how he having choice of three Princesses all Daughters of Kings if he should fix his affection on this Lady at the first interview he should be obnoxious to the indignation of the other he returned as he came towards Roven where his Nobles attended him and having understood King Francis was to give the Emperour Battel in Provence quitting his Retinue he posted towards him The Daulphine meeteth him at the Chappel between Tarray and St. Sophorin in the Countrey of Lions King Francis receiveth him with as much honour as could be desired and convoyeth him to Paris the Peers of the Kingdom haste from all quarters hither to entertain this Strange Prince and the Court is changed into an Academy of Knightly exercise where King James proveth inferior to none in feats of Arms. Magdalen the Kings eldest Daughter is his Mistress a Lady fair young of a lovely countenance and comely behaviour above all others of the Kingdom The Lady Margaret her younger Sister who after was married to the Duke of Savoy is offered to him by reason of the tender and weak disposition of her Sister but Magdalen by the glaunces of her Princely Woer re-obtaining her health her body as it were following the Temperature of her Spirit or that it appeared to her self and
doth know in which it first shall dye And had ye then to venter to the hazard of a Combate the exemplary of virtue and the Muses Sanctuary The lives of twenty such as his who hath fallen in Honours Ballance would not counterpoise your one Ye are too good for these times in which as in a time of Plague men must once be sick and that deadly ere they can be assured of any safety Would I could persuade you in you in your sweet walks at home to take the prospect of Court Shipwracks forgive mine importunity your many courtesies in my behalf and the World which is a Witness of them force me to bear a part in all your Fortunes and ever whilst I remain my self to be To serve you W. DRUMMOND February 10. 1620. To the Right Honourable Earl of L. My Noble Lord OF that duty I owe to your Lordship and love to your honourable Father I have adventured to bear a part in his Obsequies a work I must confess profuse no Verses of mine nor any others having power to add any thing to his noble Memory being so strongly upholden by your Lordship and his other excellent Children that it is like to be contemporary with the World For whatsoever hath now failed of the honour I intended I beseech your Lordship to accept my serviceable and infallible love for all supplement If your Lordship esteem these among the Scutcheons Colours and other day-lasting Ornaments of the Funeral pomp I shall hold them sufficiently honoured and in what is within the compass of my power remain Your Lordships ever to Command W. DRUMMOND To the Right Honourable the Earl of Perth My Noble Lord IN this storm of the State I had resolved to set my affairs in order exposing all to the hazard of what might fall forth and fly to the shadow of your Lordship finding at this time that not to prove true Minima Parvitate sua tut a sunt for the humility of my fortune and my retired and harmless form of living could not save me from being imployed to serve here the ambition of the great Masters of the State as if I had no more to do with time I was appointed to spend it in attending the Committee of the Shire at my first initiation charged to be at that fatal service and horrible execution of Dunglass they directed me to ravage and plunder the more peaceable neighbours about this Trojan Horse laboured to give me a command over Horses All which imployments being contrary to my Education and Estate knowing that Pareil sier Pareil a nulla Puissance and that they were not my lawful Masters I shunned and performed no more than pleased me which acquired me no small Spight If the Parliament of England and matters since fallen forth had not a little cooled this fervency or frenzy I knew not where to have found sanctuary save with your Lordship nor knew I what thanks to gender your Lordship for your gracious protection and many courtesies offered me If I should sacrifice my Fortunes Liberty Life I would rather lose them for your Lordship than for any Democracy Your Lordships favours shall ever be remembred and sought to be deserved in what is within the compass of performing and power of Your Lordships Humble Servant W. DRUMMOND Hawthorn-Den Decem. 1. 1640. To the Learned and Worthy Gentle-woman Worthy M. I Should be too ambitious I will not say arrogant if I thought that honour which you give me in your delicate Verses to be due to the honoured and not rather to the honourer They reflect and turn back unto your self as to a more renowned wonder that praise by desert which ye bestow upon me of your meer courtesie Alas my Muses are of no such value to deserve the blazon of so pregnant and rare a wit Perhaps ye raised them to show the highness of your spirit which ever transcendeth mean measures or to make known how excellently ye can praise any thing that you please But howsoever praise being the reward of virtue and proceeding from so sound a judgment and one so praise-worthy I will think hereafter my Muses worthy praise because ye held them such or if they were such before that they were such because they were ordained to be praised and loved of you I can but admire your engine and thank your courtesie and wish that time and fortune may prove so gracious accomplishing my desires to make me know how to acquite you till which occasion as ever you have me Your most To his Worthy Friend S. G. K. SIR WHen out of curiosity this last week I had entred these large and spatious Galleries in which the Fair of St. German is kept and had viewed the diverse Merchandize and Wares of the many nations at that Mart above the rest I was much taken with the daintiness of the many Pourtraicts there to be seen The devices Posies Ideas Shapes Draughts of the Artificers were various nice and pleasant Scarce could the wandring thought light upon any Story Fable Gayety which was not here represented to the view If Cebes the Theban Philosopher made a Table hung in the Temple of Saturn the Argument of his rare Moralities and Jovius and Marini the Pourtraicts in their Galleries and Libraries the subject of some books I was brought to think I should not commit a great fault if I sent you for a token from this Mart a Scantling of this Ware which affordeth a like contentment to the Beholder and possessour The Pictures of the Roman Emperours appeared in one Plate those of the Bishops with the Triple Crowns in another with those of all the Kings and great Princes in Europe Lucretia was shewing her bleeding brest on this Table Flora her bewitching Twins on that not far from these Mars is surprized by the Lemnian and the Senate of the Gods are all laughing near by Jupiter is coming down in a Golden Showre in his Danaes lap One would have wished Argos his eyes to gaze on Hellen in the prime of her beauty as when the Phrygian Youth stole her away or Theseus in one place of the Table and see her distilling tears for the ruin of Troy in another The Agamemnon of Timantes at the sacrifice of Hermione was here to be seen And what did surpass that in Invention a Painter had hidden the imperfection of the work of his Work who having painted a Lady which had but one eye he had set her face so cunningly that her one side appearing only to the view left a desire in the Beholder to wish for the other which one could not but imagine beautiful at which she seemed to smile The Father of our Factions Meonides himself was here represented with closed eyes and a long beard of the colour of the Night to whom was the honour af Mantua adjoined his head wreathed with Baies his face was somewhat long his cheeks scarce with a small down discrying his Sex that they might be known after so