have I called this Parliament let rapine and outâ—rage no more be heard of but every man recal himself to a civil and regular form of life especially you my Nobles think vertue and civility true Nobility that to be accounted noblest which is best and that a mans own worth begets true glory By these and the obedience to their Princes your ancestor acquired what ye now enjoy there is no stronger means to keep the goods acquired from a Prince than the same by which they were first purchased which is still obeying Though by leagues Factions and the confounding of all true Policy and Order of Government Man may imagine he can shun the Judicatories of Man let none how great soever conceive he can save his wrongs unpunished from the Almighty hand of God Ye must not hereafter count Authority honesty and virtue idle names nor reckon that right which ye may winn or hold by dint of Sword For me I will behave my self in my proceedings as I must answer to God and for you my Subjects do so ye shall anâ—swer to God first and after to your Prince whom God hath set over you No mans Greatness shall appall me in doing right nor the meaness of any make him so contemptible that I shall not give ear to his grievance for I will strive to do justice on Oppressors and support the innocent to my uttermost Here he easily found the power which the Presence of a Prince hath over Subjects for having confirmed the minds of the Parliament a mutual oath passed between him and his Subjects The Kiâ—g swore if any made warr against Scotland or went about to overthrow the ancient Laws of the Kingdom to resist and invade him with all his power The Estates swore if any by open Rebellion should revolt or conspire against the King or be found to be the Authors of Factions and Novations they should assist and side the King with all their forces after what manner he should command A Solemn Act was made that none of the Subjects should bind up a league together The King the more to assure the Clergy unto him swore to defend the liberties of the Church making an Act that all Church lands unjustly detained from them during the time of his Captivity should be restored unto them The Body of the Estate holding good for the King Mordech Duke of Albany with his Sons Walter and Alexander were presently arrested and committed as were likewise Dâ—ncan Earl of Lennox and Roâ—â—rt Graham a Man that dared give attempt upon those things which no honest man ever could think they were sent to Faulkland but the Duke to Carlaverock Archembald Earl of Dowglass with William Earl of Aâ—guss the Kings Sisters son George Earl of March Walter Oguylâ—uy were committed but after set at liberty Adam Hepburn of Haylles Thomas Hay of Yeaster with others were sent to the Castle of St. Andrews That same day the Duke was committed the King seized on his Castles of Faâ—lkland in Fâ—fe and Down in Monteeth out of which he removed the Dutchess to Tantallon in Lothian Iames the youngest Son of the Duke whom former carriage and harmless behaviour had exempted from all suspition of Treacheâ—y after the committing of his Father and Friends whether of â— youthfull insolency or dâ—sperate rage resolving to do and suffer all extremities or that he was contemned accompanied with a number of out-laws and Mountainers on the Holyâ—rood Day called the invention of the Cross came to the Town of Dumbartoun set it on fire surprised there Iohn Stuart of Dondonald surnamed the Red Uncle to the King slew him with thirty others after which cruelty advising with fear and despair he fled into Ireland where he dyed The Wife of Walter Stuart his Brother with her two sons Andrew and Alexander with Arthur a base born hasted with him where they remained till the reign of King Iames the third The barbarous fierceness of Iames highly incensed the King against his Father and race diverted the cuâ—â—â—nt of his Clemâ—ncy for when he thought by â—entle incare 〈◊〉 to hâ—ve restrained their malice now he finds that that deaf Tyranâ— the Law can only secure himself and bring rest to his Subjects Whereupon the year following he calleth a Parliament at Sterâ—â—â—g where the estaâ—es assembling the Duke with his two Sons and Father-inâ—law the Earl of Lennox accusations being engrossed and artiâ—â—es exhibited against them out of the â—cts of former times of what had been done unjustly cruâ—lly or amiss during the Kings captivity were presented arraigned and condemned Walter Earl of Athole being Judge to whom were adjoined many noble men and Barons That same day on which their fatall sentence was pronounced the two young men Walter Stuart and Alexander Sonnes to the Duke were taken forth to the Hill which ariseth against the Castle of Sterling and had their heads cut off The day following Mordoch Duke of Albanie late Governour with Duncane Lennox Earl of Lennox was beheaded The deaths of these Noblemen were so far from breeding any distaste in the common People that out of their depraved disposition and envy against their betters they flowted at their fall reproached their insolencyes delighted in thâ—ir execution and as much without reason railed on them when they were dead as they had flattered them being alive Whether by the wisdome of the King it hath fallen out who caused abolish the Indictment being against persons so near unto him in blood or bluntness of those times which thought such clear evidences needed no Records the particulars of the Attaindor of these great men are swallowed up in dark oblivion Moved at the Imprisonment of his Son did Mordoch with Lennox hating him whom they had wronged attempt against the Kings person and that same very Treason which afterward had success was it then between the plot and the execution surprised and in the very head cut off The Earl of Athol a man whose desires were both extremly wicked unbounded was a great actor in this Tragedy Did the King standing in fear of their extraordinary greatness bend his eyes upon the disposition of the Offenders squaring their actions by the rule of their intentions and weighing what not how far they did offend for Princes quickly free themselves from their very shadows in matter of jealousie of State And they have great reason to prevent such crimes which cannot be punished when they are committed nor should they expect to amend a mischief when the Criminals are become Masters of their Judges People believe not that any conjure against a Prince till they find the Treason to have taken effect and distrust the Plot till they see him dead But the Death of such who are suspected to be the Authors of disorders in a Common-wealth spareth an infinite number of lives and much civill blood when they are first surprized neither are too strict circumstances of Law to be observed when a small delay may abolish all observing of order and
example the Countess of Ross abhorring the fierceness and cruelties as she gave out of her barbarous Husband but rather out of policy to be an Agent for him flyeth to the King and hath Revenues allowed her for the maintenance of her Estate Not long after the Earl of Ross himself the misadventure of his Confederates having taught him now some wisdom having seen the Kings clemency towards others equal to him to Treason and Rebellion by many humble supplications craved pardon and begged peace The King by his great prudence and the course of the affairs of his Kingdom knew that it was necessary sometimes to condiscend to the imperfections and faults of some Subjects and having compassion apply and accomodate himself to that which though according to the strictness of equity was not due yet for the present occasion and reason of State was convenient answered he would neither altogether pardon him nor 〈◊〉 eject him there being many signs of his wickendness few of his changed minde when honestly without fraud or guile he should erave a Pardon and give satisfaction to those whom by blood and pillage he had wronged and by some noble action deface the remembrance of his former crimes then should it be good time to receive him Notwithstanding this should not discourage him but he should know he had a desire to make him relish the effects of his bounty so he himself would finde the means and subject In this interim he wished him to keep the common peace of the Countrey and not oppress any of his Neighbours About this time the University of Glasgow waâ— founded by William Turnbul Bishop of that Sea William Hay Earl of Arole George Creighton Earl of Caithness William Lord Creighton died 1455. and the Bishop of St. Andrews is made Chancellor The King partly having loosed partly cut in pieces that Gordian knot of the League of his Nobility began to reobtain again the ancient Authority of the Kings his Predecessors giving and imposing Laws to his Subjects according to reason and greatest conveniencies Shortly progressing through the Quarters of the kingdom by the sound counsel and instructions of the Bishop of St. Andrews Iames Kennedy and William Saintclare Earl of Orknay used such clemency that in a short time he reclaimed all his turbâ—lent subjects In the year 1455. he held a Parliament where he ratifyed what was resolved upon to be done for the peace and weal of his People establishing many profitable Laws for the posterity after this time Ambassadors came from England and France unto him Henry the sixt King of England a soft facile Prince and more fit to obey then command having restored in blood and allowed the descent of Richard Plantagenet Duke of York the Duke under pretence and countenance of reforming the State and removing of bad Counsellors from the Court the umbrage of all Rebellions by one Iack Cade an Irish a bold man and who had a Spirit which did not correspond with his low condition who fâ—igned himself to be a Cousin of his of the House of Mortimer and other his Instruments raised a Rebellion which began amongst the Kentish men and was after continued by his confederacy with the Duke of Norfolk Earls of Warwick Salisbury Devon and others and notwithstanding he had sworn fealty to King Henry at Blackheath again openly took arms against him at St. Albans where in pitched field Edmond Duke of Somerset his greatest Competitor and who had been preferred to his place in the Regency of France was killed the King wounded taken and committed in the Tower of London At a Parliament after the Duke is made Protector of the kingdom at another Parliament he maketh claim for the Crown as in his own Right laying down thus his Title The Son of Anne Mortimer Daughter and Heir to Roger Mortimer Earl of March Son and Heir of Philip the Daughter and sole Heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence the â—hird Son of King Edward the third and elder Brother to Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster is to be preferred by very good right in Succession of the Crown before the Children of Iohn of Gaunt the fourth Son of the said Edward the third but Richard Plantaginet Duke of York is come of Philip the Daughter and sole Heir of Lionel third Son to King Edward the third then to be preferred to the Children of the fourth Son who was Iohn of Gaunt and so to Henry the fourth the Usurper his Son to Henry stiling himself Henry the fifth his Son and Henry the sixth now wrongfull calling himself King of England This Parliament chosen to the Duke of Yorks own minde at first various at last unanimously enacted that Henry during his life should retain the name and honour of a King but that the Duke of York should be continued Protector of the Countrey and be declared Heir Apparent and Successor of the Crown after the death of Henry Margarite the Queen Daughter to Rheny King of Sicily more couragious then her Husband disclaimeth the Parliamentary Authority and this Agreement of her King with the Duke of York as a matter done to the prejudice of her Son and against the Laws of Nations which admit not a forced Contract and done by a Prisoner The Crown of England hanging at this point the Queen to her defence imploring the aid and assistance of her best greatest Friends and Allies sendeth Embassadors to King Iames. These remembring the duties one King oweth to another against Rebels and the Usurpers of their Crowns the correspondency and amity of King Henry with King Iames during his prosperity expostulating the cruelty of the Rebels against Edmond the late Duke of Somerset Uncle to King Iames slain by them in defence of his Prince promise in their Kings Name Queens and their Sons with the approbation of the Noblemen of their Party to restore to the Kings of Scotland the lands of Northumberland Cumberland and Bishoprick of Durham after the manner the Kings of Scotland in former times had held these Territories of the Kings of England so he would raise an Army and advance to their aid and supply The Duke of York sent hither also his Ambassadors giving in many complaints against King Henry he had oppressed the people with taxations and all kinds of exactations he had preferred to places of State and Government new men by whose Counsel and his Queen he governed only he despised the old Nobility he had lost Normandy and Gascony as France had been lost by him England was likely to run the same danger They could not longer suffer his dull sluggishness and his Wifes exorbitant pride he was courageless in War and base in peace For the Duke of York if Justice did not warrant his claim except his Descent were undisputable and his Title without all exception he would not desire the possession nor succession of the Crown King Iames should remember it was King Henry who entertained the late Dissentions and Civil Discords of Scotland
party was forced to give place and yield to the will of the greater Thus the Faction of the Boyds prevailed After this the Kennedies full of indignation and breathing Revenge leave the Court cares grief and age about this time brought Iames Kennedie Bishop 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 indued 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 Iames Kennedie by the Mother who was Sister to ' King Iames 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 unaccessable to the Church-men of Scotland especially in Causes of appellation The Pope after the hearing of both Parties erected the See ofs 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 favors 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 Edinburgh 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 nor 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 honorable Guerdon 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 registrated 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 â—ill 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 Sisters 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 minde and body with Margaret the Kings eldest Sisteâ— 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 mariage This match though royal great and rich instead of supporting the Fortunes of the Boyds much weakened 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 minde towards the Governor 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 return 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 wich they had only the keeping
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 S. Andrews and Glasgow the Bishops of Aberdeen and Dunkel the Earls of Angus Arran Lennox Arguyl Time urging resolution the Lords of Parlament 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 Scotish 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 Countrey The State began of new to be tossed by the troublesome Factions of the Queen and Earl of Angus the Original of which Sprang from matters of the Church the Abbacy of Holy-rood-House falling vacant by the promotion of Georgâ— Creightoun Abbot to the Bishop-rick of Dunkell the Earl of Angus to whom the custody of the King was uâ—sted 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 Angus She with her Followers retired to Sterlin By this unconsiderate 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 Dowglas 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 envie The Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrews the Earls of Arran Arguyl Murray who were of the Queens faction lay a plot to accuse Angus of high Treason They challange 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 Monâ—ths by turns be allotted to the Governours of the Countrey 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 loyall Subject for this invassalling his Prince to his attendance The Earl of Angus himself to this answered not but Sir George his Brother moved the King to give the answer himself His Mother and those other Ruler's 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 Angus neither could he leave the company of one so highly favored of his Vncle 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 him 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 thralled 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 advertisement the Queen and they of her Faction assemble what power they could raise in such a suddennâ—ss at Sterlin and with great expedition marched towards Edenburgh to seperate 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 Leader 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 joined 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 everyman to his own dwelling place The Queen with the Earl of Murray went to Murray-land the Earls of Arran and Arguyl to the West the Arch-bishop of St. Andrews to Dumfermling This Faction dissipated the Earl of Angus 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 enemie for dispatch of publick affairs caused the King send a Letter for it and the Arch-bishop 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 Angus and lastly by detaining her Son Against his will and contrary to the publick course agreed upon the Arch-bishop perswaded 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 seperation 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 Arch-bishop 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 Traquare before the marrying of her aâ—d so by reason of that Precontract he could not be her lawful husband The Earl confesseth The Arch-bishop pronounceth the sentence of Divoncement but with this Reservation and Restraint That the Child come of the Queen and the Earl the time of their marriage by the
Guilielmus Drummond de Havthornden Hos Gloria Reddit Honores R Gaywood fecit 1654 THE HISTORY OF SCOTLAND From the year 1423. until the year 1542. CONTAINING The LIVES and REIGNS OF JAMES The I. the II. the III. the IV. the V. With several Memorials of State During the Reigns of Iames VI. Charls I. By WILLIAM DRUMMOND of Hauthornden LONDON Printed by Henry Hills for Rich. Tomlins and himself and are to be sold at their houses near Py-Corner THE PREFACE TO THE READER TO Speak in Commendation of History in general were so many waies superfluous that we shall rather leave it to the experience of sober and inquisitive minds than injure the High Elogiums given of both the greatest and wisest Antients and Moderns by a disadvantagious Repetition of them And for to say any thing concerning the Countrey which was the Scene of the actions here represented we conceive it needless and improper in regard we are immured by one Sea breath one air speak one Tongue and now closed together by an happy Coalition under one Government The proper work therefore is to offer what can be said of the History and the Author and so dismiss the Reader to the Entertainment of the Book it self For his manner of Writing though he treat of things that are rather many than great and trouble some than glorious yet he hath brought so much of the main together as it may be modestly said none of that Nation hath done before him And for his way of handling it he hath sufficiently made it appear how conversant he was with the Writings of Venerable Antiquity and how generously he hath emulated them by an happy imitation for the purity of his Language is much above that Dialect he writ in his Descriptions lively and full his Narrations clear and pertinent his Orations Eloquent and fit for the persons that spâ—ak for that since Livys time was never accounted Crime in an Historian and his Reflections solid and mature so that it cannot be eâ—spected that these leaves can be turned over without aâ— much pleasure as profit especially frequently meeting with so many Glories and Trophies of our Ancestours yet because either of these may a little abate in respect the beginning seemâ— a little abrupt and precipitious the Author possibly dying before â—e could prepare an Apparatus or Introduction we have taken the pains out of other Records of that Nation to draw a brief Representation of some passages necessary to be foreknown The direct Royal Line of Scotland failing in Alexander III. Son of the II. of that name who when he a few years before had lost both his wife and all his hopeful and numerous issue nothing remaining of it saving a Girl to his Daughter brought to Hungonan King of Norway The Nobility hereupon meet at Scone and put the Kingdom into the hands of six Persons Edward of England sends to demand the Daughter Grandchild in marriage as next Heir of the Crown This was agreed unto Embassadours sent for her but the death of the Lady frustrated all that Negotiation The death of this Margarite so was she called was the firebrand that set England on fire and had almost destroyed Scotland For two Competitors declared themselves both powerful and of great Estates in Scotland and strongly supported with Forein Confederacies for Iohn Baliol had engaged the English Interest and Robert Bruce the French But to be a little clearer we must look back The line thus failing they were forced to run back to the line of David Earl of Huntington Brother to King William this David by his Wife Maud Daughter to the Earl of Chester had three Daughters Margâ—â—â—t married to Allan of Galloway the second to Robert Bruce sirnamed the Noble the third to Henry Hastings Earl of Huntington who made no claim Now thus it stood Dornagil the wife of Baliol claim'd it as grandchild by the Eldest Daughter and Bruce as great Grandchild by the second saying It was not fit that Daughters should inherit when there were Sons to represent the Ancestor Baliol he was neerer as being in the second degree and the other but in the third The Controversie growing high and boysterous and the Power and Interests of both parties at home being equally formidable and dangerous they resolved to refer it to King Edward who comming to Berwick and calling Lawyers to his Assistance pretends all Equity but rais'd up eight other petty Competitors the better to weakon the claim of the other two and so handled the business whilst the Lawyers were slowly consulting that Bruce having refused to accept the Crown in Homage and Tribute from England he declared upon his acceptance of those conditions IOHN BALIOL to be King who was Crowned at Stone But soon after an appeal being made against him to King Edward by Macduff Earl of Fife and he refusing to riâ—e from the Seat where he sate to answer but being inforced by the King so to do became so aliened in his affections from the English that a new quarrel breaking out between the French and the English and both by their Embassadours Courting the Scottish Amity it was resolved to adhere to the French and renounce the Homage to England as obtained by Fraâ—d and Force Edward enraged at this having obtained a Truce for some few Moneths with the French assails Berwick by Sea but with some loss which enflames him the more summons Baliol who refuses proâ—ers it to Bruce takes Berwick by Stratagem enters Scotland masters the Countrey takes Edinburgh and Sterlin and forces Baliol to a surrender at Forfar and sends him Prisoner to London whither himself returns having made most of the Nobility do Homage and left the Earl of Surrey his Deputy Baliol soon after is sent into France leaving his Son Edward as Hostage for his fidelity Edward sets â—ail for France the Scots rise and make some little Incursions into the Borders But about this time Siâ— William Wallas arose who to his Honour did so Heroically deâ—end his Countrey in her weakest condition as made it easily appear if he had had as happy a fortune to advance as he had a miserable to relieve he might have been remembred for as great a man as ever was in any age for having upon a quarrel slain a young English Gentleman and enforced to lurk in the Hills for the safety of his life he became inured 〈◊〉 â—uch hardness that awaking his natural Courage he 〈◊〉 the Head of all the Male-contents and filled both the Kingdoms with his Reputation and Terror and behaving himself according to expectation glean'd up to a tumultuary Army and the Nobility being either sloathful or cowardly commanded as Baliols Vice-Roy Thus after some little skirmishes he reduced all beyond the Forth took Dundee Aberdeen and other places when there arrived rumour of an English Army which he was not willing to dispute with but upon his own Terms Edward that had fortified all the Considerable places and kept the
chiefest of the Nobles as Honourable Priâ—oners in England had with-drawn his Army as thinking all secure sends the Lord Henry Perâ—â—y with strong assistance to join with his Officers there for he had heard of the Reputation of Wallas who endeavouring to pass the Forth the Bridge breaking received a considerable loss which gave Wallas time to reduce the rest of the Countrey Wallas then enters England and for some time ravages and returns without opposition and this Fame of his brought upon him the Envy of the Noblemen and brought Edward with an Army hastily gathered together at Stainmore from whence after looking upon one another they departed without a Blow from whence Wallas came to be rumoured as affecting the Royalty and brought him such envy among the Brucos and Cumins that they were resolved by any means to ruin him as disdaining that the fortune of the Kingdom should rely on so mean a person But the English entring Scotland again with a great Army and finding the Sâ—ots disposed under three Leaders who among themselves disputed Priority of Command marcht up to them where they found the Cumins who commanded one Brigade depart without opposition The Stuarts who had another being all cut to pieces and Wallas who had the third forced to retire to the River Caroon Thus lost Wallas his title formal Army whilst with a Predatory Army he never left to infest the English whilst Edward regained the lost places but the Scots having in vain endeavoured Truce or Mediation were resolved to put all upon the Dy and made a general insurrection to oppose which King Edward sent Ralph Conyers with a considerable Army to reduce the revolted places and make an end of the War but they by a Triple Victory were routed at Rossin the 10. of March 1302. 1302. Edward stung with this makes an other Entry in which Wallas perpetually infested him and again reduces the Countrey all swearing allegiance at Saint Andrews but Wallas who returned into the High-Lands Eâ—â—ard changing the Laws carrying away all Records and 〈◊〉 with all the Marks of any absolute Conquerour and among other Monuments the Stone called Iacobs Stone in which our Kings have been since usually Crowned But there kindled another flame for Robert Bruce son of the other and Iohn Cumin Cosen German of Iohn Baliol sirnamed the Red wearied by the delaies and unperformed promises of the King though Competitors overcame their mutual jealousies and closd together on condition that Bruce should have the Kingdom and Cumin all Bruces lands which agreement notwithstanding Cumin was after said to have communicated to Eaward Bruce hath notice and by shooing his horses backward escapes and arriving at his Castle at Lake Laban meets with Cumins Letters advising to cut him off upon which he hastens to S. Iohnstons and after exprobating his infidelity leaves him in the Franciscan Monastery stabb'd as dead and after stabb'd him out-right 1305. with his brother Robert About the same time Wallas was betrayed about Glasgow carryed up to London hanged drawn and quartered and his limbs hung up in the most eminent places And here to digress a little from these cruel carnages might naturally arise some pretty questions as Where allegiance and obedience begins and determins who are properly Rebels or Lawful Enemies how far the faith of a Nation or particular men are concluded in the Oath of their Prince to a Foreiner and what Limits Conquerours ought to observe to Subjects not naturally born so and how far they never compacting are oblig'd in the General Compact But these being matters proper for the Civilians and such as cannot be included in the shortness of a Preface or Rigor of an Epitome we shall dismiss at this Time without any further disquisition Onely at the present we will raise one Note from this Example of unfortunate Courage How apt great minds are even out of false appearances of good of their Countrey the most powerful charm upon the bravest spirits to rush upon the most violent and dangerous efforts though it may be their Countrey by a great deal of devastation and blood be made a loser by it and some Territories are so seated that it is the more happy for them to be under the shade and protection of a greater and more powerful than be left naked to their own wants and devastation of prevailing neighbours under the Notion of preserving an imaginary Antient and Notional Liberty which once launchâ— into will prove no other than a willingness to shackles and an obstacle and an obstinacy to the advancement of the Commodities of life And again let us observe what a strange Antiperistasis oppresion and Calamity will make in any people how inconsiderable heads meeting with an humour of jealousy discontent and despair swell into enormity and become terrible to nay oftentimes affront â—â—gitimate force where as Nations wantoning in their deligh 〈…〉 nd pleasures like strong bodyes without Exercise forget and weaken themselves whilest their strength insensibly transpires and vanishes in the warmth of their fruitions But it is high time now to return unto ROBERT BRUCE who having caused himself after he had staied for the Popes absolution for the defiling the Monastery with the Murder of the Cumins to be Crowned King at Scone 1306. notwithstanding his Endeavours at first to strengthen himself by the enmity of the Cumins and timorousness of his own Followers was routed by Edwards Lieutenants and forced to the Hills and for a long time lurkt in great misery to the great ruin and slaughter of his Family and party but making together some little force took Carrick and Innâ—rness by surprisal and by this means augmented his Train and withstood the daring of Cumin Earl of Bughan who withstood him with a Considerable strength of English and Scotish forces and though a Treaty were desired would not comply growing numerous by the accession of other considerable persons Edward the I dying in an intended expedition thither left it to Edward II. his Son who hearing some troubles in France sailed thither and left behind him an Army which notwithstanding Robert though sick and forced to be held on horseback defeated this engaged Edward to another Immemorable Expedition and gave Robert time to take in the Remaining strengths 1310. but the next year and within two years after recovered the most considerable and Edinburgh it self and a little after by means of his Brother Edward Sterlin upon Conditions Edward thereupon enters with a great Army and many forein auxiliaries But had a great defeat at Bannocks-burn which occasioned the loss of Berwick and Bruces confirmation in Parliament the declaring of Edward his Brother to be heir in case of Roberts want of Issue Male as also making of him King of Ireland at the request of some of the Iâ—ish and though they furnished him with some forces for that attempt yet in the Expedition he and all his followers were cut to pieces Some few years after
entertained by King Iames and so many friends as either his Alliance or Virtues had acquired After some few daies stay desiring to have audience in Counsel they wâ—re admitted where Bishop Lightoun is said to have spoken to this effect The respect and reverence which the Nation of the Scots carryeth towards all 〈◊〉 is all where known but most that love and loyalâ—y which they have to the sacred Persons of their own native Princes for as Monarchy is the most ancient form of Government so have they ever esteemed it the best it being more easie to find one instructed and trained up in heroical virtues than to find many And how well soever Governours and Vice-Gerents rule the Common-wealth yet is that Government but as the light of the Moon or stars in absence of the Sun and but representations of shadows for reall Bodies This hath moved the three estates of that Kingdom to direct us here unto you Our King these many years hath been kept from us upon just or unjust Grounds we will not argue that providence which hath appointed every thing to its own end hath done this for the best both to you and us and we are now to treat with you for his Delivery Beseecâ—ing you to remember that his Father of sacred memory recommended him out of that general duty which one Prince oweth to aâ— other to your Kings Protection in hope of Sanctuary and in request of ayd and comfort against secret and therefore the more dâ—ngerous Enemies And to confess the Truth hitherto he hath been more assured amongst you than if he had remained in his own Countrey your favours being many waies extended towards him having in all liberal Sciences and vertues broâ—ght him up That his abode with you seemeth rather to have been a remaining in an Academy than in any Captivity and thus he had been lost if he had not been lost Besides though we have the happiness to claim his Birth and Stemm ye have the claim of his Succession and Education He â—eing now matched with the Royall Blood of England in Marriage Thus his Liberty which we intreat for is a benefit to your selves and those Princes which shall claim the descent of his off-spring For if it should fall forth as what may not by the variable changes of Kingdomes come to pass that this Prince by Vsurpers and Rebells were disgarnished of his own Crown they are your Swords which should brandish to set him on his Royall throne We expect that as ye have many wâ—ies rendred him yours ye will not refuse to engage Him yet more by his Liberty which â—e must acknowledge wholly and freely to receive from you and by benefits and and love to overcome a King is more than by force of Arms. And since he was not your Priâ—oner by chance of Warr having never raised Arms against you but by way of Protection detained here and entertained so ye will respecting your ancient honour and Generosity send him freely back to his own yet if it be so that ye will have acknowledgemâ—nt for what ye have bestowed on his education the distress of the present estate of his Subjects and Crown considered We will not stand upon triâ—les of Money for the Redemption of a Prince above all price The Lords of the Council were diverse waies inclined to this Embassie some thought it not fit to dismiss him For his remaining in England seemed the more to assure the kingdome of Scotland unto them having the King and his children in their custody what dared they not enterprise or not bring to pass Or if Scotland should plot any thing by way of Rebellion the King having his party within the Realm by the assistance of the English would keep under the other Factions and thus the Estate by both being made weak it would be a fair breach for a Conquest and the annexing that Kingdome to the Crown of England That he knew too much of the Estate and affairs of England to be sent away to a Nation ever their Enemies That being at liberty and amongst his own he might resent the injury of his long restraint Others of the Council thought it best to dismiss hiâ— They had learned by experience that the keeping of the King of Scots hindered no waiâ—s the Scots from assisting the French yea rather that it did exasperate their choller and make them in Revenge addict themselves wholly to the French the Governour no waies keeping to the English and siding the French upon whom to be revenged they could find no surer way than to set at liberty the King whose return of necessity must needs change the face of the State and trouble him As for the conquest of the Crown of Scotland it was not at that time of such moment for England they having the most part of France in their Subjection which was as much if not more as they could hold then it would prove a more harmless and sure purchase to make Scotland theirs by the Succession of Lady Iaâ—eâ— of Sommerset than by war the event whereof is ever doubtful and beyond any assurance of Man The Liberty of the King of Scots might prevent the encreasing strength of the Kings Enemies in France and sâ—cure the Peace and tranquillity of the Common wealth at home King Iames being all English by education If he proved not of their Party yet he must prove neutral to both the Kingdoms Henry the sixth then King of England being of under-age was governed by his three Uncles of his Fathers side Humphrey Duke of Glocester who was made Protector of his Person and Realm Iohn Duke of Bedford who was established Regent of France and Thomas Duke of Excester But Henry Beaufoord Cardinal Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England a man eminent in Blood and Riches Uncle to the Lady Iane in effect governed all These gave way rather then approved that the King of Scots should be set at liberty and sent home And though they would have dismissed him freely in respect of the Dowry of his Queen which was not delivered having use of present moneys for the maintenance of the Wars in France and the more to cover the injustice of his Captivity they thought it expedient to set a Ransom upon him The Commissioners having met it was declared that for a sufficient sum of moneys their King might return and enjoy his own Liberty the one half to be paid in hand able Hostages remaining in England till the other half was fully discharged The Ransom agreed upon was four hundred thousand Merks but by the power of the Cardinal the third was discharged for which he was long after accused before the King by the Duke of Glocester The Governour and Estate of Scotland having known the sum laid upon them for the Liberty of the King though the hasty acquiring of it was grievous unto them preferring Glory and things necessary to matters of money immediatly dispatched so much as could be gathered together
with a great many young Noblemen of the Kingdom to remain Hostages for the rest who after the English Writers were David son to the Earl of Athole Alexander Earl of Crawford the Lord Gordon Iohn de Lyndesay Patrick Son and Heir to Sir Iohn Lyon David de Ogleby Sir William de Ruthen Miles Graham David Mowbray and William Oliphant These were honorably received entertained and kept The Kings Father in Law the Earl of Somerset the Cardinal his Brother accompanied their Nâ—ece to the Borders and there taking their leave returned back The King with the rest of their Train received with many Troops of Nobles and Gentlemen who swarmed from all parts of the Kingdom to give him a dutifull welcome into his Native soyl and themselves the contentment of beholding one they had so long deâ—ired and expected with loud acclamations and applauses of the Commons as he held his Progress on the Passion Week in Lent came to Edinburgh During his abode there he assembled many of the Estates listened to their Petitions prepared for the approaching Parliament which had been summoned before his coming The Solemniâ—iâ—s of Easter finished the King came with his Queen to Perth and from thence in the beginning of the moneth of May to Scone where the year 1424. by Mordock the Governor Duke of Albany and Earl of Fife to whom that charge by custom of the Kingdom did appertain and Henry Bishop of S. Andrews self and his Queen being according to the computation of the old Scottish History the hundreth and one King of Scotland At which time Sigismond son to Charls the fourth was Emperour of the West An. Dom. 1424. Iohn the seventh the son of Andronicus of the East Amurach the second Great Turk Alphonsus the fifth King of Spain Charlâ— the seventh King of France Henry the sixth King of England and with Martine the fifth many claimed the Chair of St. Peter The ends in calling the Parliament were the Coronation of the King to make the People see a Princes authority was come where they had but lately a Governours the establishing a Peace amongst the Subjects and taking away all Factions the exacting a Subsidie for the relief of the Hostages in England To this last the Nobles held strong hand by reason many of their Sons were engaged Here a general Tax was condescended up on through the whole Realm as twelve pennies of the pound to be paid of all Lands as well Spiritual as Temporal and four pennies of every Cow Ox Horse for the space of two years together When the Commons had taken it grievously that the Subsidie granted by the States of the Kingdom in Parliament was exacted mostly of them after the first Collection the King pittying their poverty remitted what was unpayed and until the Marriage of his Daughter thereafter never exacted any Subsidie of his Subjects For he would gently strain milk and not wring blood from the breast of his Countrey rendring the disposure thereof chaste sincere and pure for expences necessary and profitable not for profusions which neither afford contentment nor reputation for money is both the nerves which give motion and veins which entertain life in a State Amongst others whom the King honoured Alexander second Son to Duke Mordock was dubbed Knight The Parliament dissolving the King came from Perth to Edinburgh where having assembled all the present Officers and such who had born Authority in the State during the time of Duke Robert and Duke Mordock especially those whose chargâ— concerned the Rents of the Crown he understood by their accounts that the most part of all the Rents Revenues and Landâ— pertaining to the Crown were wasted alienated and put away or then by the Governors bestowed on their friends and followers the Customs of Towns and Burroughs only excepted â—his a little incensed his indigâ—ation yet did 〈◊〉 â—mother and put a fair countenance on his passion sâ—eming to slight what he most car'd for occasion thereafter no sooner served when he began to countenance and give way to Promoters and Informers necessary though dangerous Instruments of State which many good Princes have been content to maintain and such who were not bad never denyed to hear but using them no longer then they were necessary for their ends to rip up secrâ—t and hidden câ—imes wrongs suffered or committed during the time of his detension in England He received the complaints of the Church-men Countrey Gentlemen Merchants against all those who had either wronged them or the State and would have the causes of all Accusers to be heard and examined Here many to obtain the favour of the Prince accused others Upon pregnant accusations Walter Stuart one of the Sons of Duke Mordock was Arrested and sent to the Bass to be close kept so was Malcolm Fleming of Cammernauld and Thomas Foyd of Kilmarnock committed to Ward in Dalkieth Not long after the Nobiliâ—y interceding Malcolm and Thomas goods being restored which they had taken wrongfully and Finâ—â— laid upon them for their Offence promising to satisfie all whom they had wrong'd were pardoned all faults and then set at Liberty The King by listening to Promoters came to the knowledge of many great insolencies committed by sundry of his Nobles which as it bred hatred in him so fear in them and both appeared to study a Novation They for their own safety He to vindicate Justice and his Authority The Duke had highly resented the committing of his Son as had his Father in Law the Earl of Lennox The Male-contents being many if they could have swayed in one body as they came to be of one mind threatned no small matter The King from the intelligence of close Meetings secret Leagues some Plots of his Nobles began to forecast an apparent storm in the State and danger to his own Peâ—son whereupon being both couragious and wise â—e proclaimeth again a Parliament at Perth where the three Estates being assembled in his Throne of Majesty he spoke in this manner I have learned from my tender years that Royalty consisteh not so much in a Chair of State as in such actions which do well become a Prince What mine have been since my coming Home and Government among you I take first God and then your sâ—lves for witnâ—sses Iâ— all of them be not agreeable to you all and if any rigorous dealing be used against some Let him who is touched lay aside his particular and look to the setling of Justice in the State and publick Good of the whole Kingdom and he shall find his sufferings tolerable perhaps necâ—ssary and according to the time deserved I have endeavoured to take away all Discords abolish Factions Suppress Oppression as no Forein Power hath attempted ought against you hitherto so that ye should not endeavour ought one against another nor any thing against the weal publick and Soveraignty Slow have I been in punishing injuries done to my self but can hardly pardon such as are done to the Common-wealth for this
Laws The Duke to raise his own reputation to the disadvantage of the King with all secrecy of his intentions had procured himself a vast Authority with the Nobles by a semblance of liberality wasting the Patrimony of the Crown as remitting Treasons restoring again Lands annexed to the Crown He had studied so conciliate to him the minds of the Commons that the desire of a King did not much touch them using such moderation in his proceedings that his Government seemed unto many not only tolerable but desirable He had essayed to draw the Earl of Dowglass and had drawn the Earl of March to enter into a League with him and these Noblemen then in the Castle of St. Andrews divided the Nobility and made them break their Allegiance to the King Upon which attempt it seemeth that that Act of this Kings second Parliament was made That no Subjects should lâ—ague themselves together The King esteemed all that Government of Robert and Mordock to be an 〈◊〉 of the Crown and feared the like thereafter His Son Iames had burnt Dumbarton and treacherously killed the Kings Uncle which was not done without his knowledge it not Câ—unsel Though he relieved the King of his Captivity he suffered him to remain very long a Prisoner nâ—iâ—her did he practise his deliverance till he perceived the whole States of the Kingdom resolved to call him Home and was compelled by the injuries of his own Children To exasperate new injuries by old rancours his Father Robert spurred by Ambition had famished to death the Kings Brother David in the Castle of Faulkland to escape whose Tyrannie the King yet a childe was committed to the protection of stranger Princes What ever the particulars of their accusations have been it is above the possiâ—iâ—ity of any Governor or Man in eminent place and authority so to carry himself but a discontented Prince if he wiâ—l set him to a tryal shall bring some one or other of his actions to whiâ—l him within compass of Justice Thus the imprecation of Robert the third took effect upon the race of Robert the Governor for after the death of the Duke of Rotâ—esay he is said to have cursed him most deadly praying as he had slain his Brothers Son and filled thâ—ir house with blood so God would punish him his Stock and Pâ—sterity There is noâ— any wickednâ—ss which beareth not its punishment and repentance at the last if we can have â—aâ—ience to attend the last act of those Tâ—agedies played on this Theater of the World By the Attaindor of the Duke the 〈◊〉 of Fiâ—e Monteith and Lennox were divâ—lved to the Crown The Câ—stle of Inchâ—Merin in Loch-Lommond which hâ—d a while been kept good for Iames who flâ—d into Ireland by Iohn Montgomery and Humphrey Cunningham was brought to the obedience of the King Whâ—n the Lords and Gentlemen who were in Prisons attending the Kingâ— pleasure understood what necessary justice had been executed upon the Duke and his Sons they were gâ—iâ—voâ—sly perplexed yet the King like a wise Physitian would take no more blood then might take away the disease and all further causes of Faction For within twelve moneths thereafter he set them all at Liberty and received them in his wonted favour upon promise of their loyal demeanour and dutifull obedience in time to come But being thus freely discharged the conce it was taken that Mordocks head and his sons with Lennoxes was only the aim and that they were used but as a Countenance of State to dazlâ— the eyes of the People The Wars continuing between the Englâ—sh and the French the one to keep what he was in possâ—ssion of the other to reobtain what he had lost Charls the seventh a wise and victorious Pâ—ince knowing the friendship of Scâ—tland to be of no small importance to any that would fight against the English the flower and strength of the Scottish Souldiers which had followed the French Wars being then blasted and spent sendeth Iohn Stuâ—rt of Darnley Marshal of a Garrison of Hoâ—semen with the Earl of Dowglass as the French write then Marshal of France to Scotland to have a fresh supply of Men of Arms and Renauld of Charteres Arch-bishop of Rheymes who there had Crowned his Master and was Chancellour of France to renew the ancient League between the French and Scots But the main business about which the Arch-bishop came was the trafficking of a Marriage between Lewis the Daulphine though then very young with Margaret Daughter to King Iames. This Match the â—nglish had either neglected or contemn'd which afterward â—hey sued for The renewing of the old League and Amity between the two Nations was easily condescended unto it being but a witness to the world of their mutual kindness The chief Articles of which were The War or Injury moved or done by the English men to one of the said Nations to be as Common-wrong to both If the English men make War on the French Nation then the Scots at the costs and charges of the French King shall minister to them succours Likewise if the Scots be molested by the English Wars the French Nation having their charges allowed shall be to them Ayders and Assisters That none of both Nations shall either contract or make Peace with the Realm of England without the consent and agreement of the other The Marriage being found commodious for both Nations was likewise with great contentment agreed upon and concluded fresh recruits of Souldiers were Ievied and dispatched with the Embassador to France The South and Champion parts of Scotland brought under obedience and a peacefull Government the King will have the remotest Countreys of his Kingdom even those blocked up and baâ—icadoed by the snowy Clifts of Grantsben to acknowledge his Justice The wildeness of the soyl had made the Inhabiâ—ants there more fierce then Fierceness it self and let them out to all unlawful Riots and Rapines To restrain their insolent humors and bring them within compass of Civility in the year 1426. he caused repair the Castle of Innerness which is situated in the uttermost borders of Murray and by their incursions which had been turned desolate hither some years after commeth he in person and keepeth open Court that being near the evil he might have the better means to provide for and consider it But he seemed to have arrived in some Territory of the Scythians having known and found things which none did nor dared relate unto him for he had learned that not many miles of thâ—re were men some of which had one thousand some two thousand Robbers at their call who were accustomed to drive preys from the more civil Neighbours and Borders pilling and spoiling poluting and ravishing without any difference of right or wrong holy or prophane but only following their ravenous and insolent humours On the quiâ—ter sort thâ—y set Tribute others they compell to Minister to them sustenance and necessaâ—ies The God Prince Law which they obey are their barbarous Châ—iftains amongst
out and set at liberty of purpose that they might be thrust forward into a greater danger Returning to their wilde countreys Duff nothing respecting the Kings clemency accompanied with many Theeves and Robbers driveth a great prey of cattel and other spoils from the Confines of Murrey and Caithness which to recover Angus Murrey that he might attempt something worthy of his life and liberty followeth with a great power of like Souldiers having now Authority to justifie his revenge on a guilty enemy he overtaketh Duff near unto Strath-Naverne There strongly is it fought neither of the parties being inferiour to other in number cruelty or despair This conflict continued so fierce and eagar that of both sides there remained scarce twelve persons alive and those so wounded that Justice had not whom to pursue An overthrow delightful and commodious for the peace and quiet of all the honest and vertuous Subjects of these Countreys These many executions nothing appalled one Mac-Donald born in Ross a Thief flesht in all murthers mischievous wiâ—hout mercy equally greedy of blood and spoil who by Robberies had acquired great riches Amongst other cruelties he is said to have naild horse shoes to the soles of a Widow because in her grief she had sworn in haste to report his wickedness to the King Being brought to Perth by men of his own qualities with twelve of his Associates the King caused them in like manner to be shod as they served the woman and when three days for a spectacle to the people they had been hurryed along the Town his Companions were Gibbeted and he made shorter by the head Gross enormities cut a way factions repressed the King maketh a Progress throughout all the parts of his Realm doing Justice upon all sorts of Malefactors neither did Pardons granted by the late Governour avail it being alledged that they expired by his death and though small faults might have been passed by such remissions yet horrible and crying crimes were not within the compass of such authority Whilest he thus continues in the administration of Justice the favorable eye of Providence looketh upon him and in the year 1430. in the moneth of October Queen Iane is delivered of two sons at Holy-Road-House Alexander and Iames the one deceased in his infancy the other succeeded to his Father and was King To highten the joy of his people and diffuse it universally many prisoners are set at liberty amongst which were Archibald Earl of Dowglass Sir Gilbert Kennedie the Kings Sister sons the Earl had been keeped in Locâ—leavin the other in Sterling They had been committed rather upon suspition of the times then men having spoken too freely against the present Government Alexander Earl of Ross was also set at liberty And that the King intended a real and sincere reconciliation the Earl of Dowglass was made Parent to his Children at the Font at this solemnity fifty Knights were Dubbed the first of which was William Dowglas son to the Earl who after succeâ—ded to his Father in the Earldom of Dowglas A sweet calm diffuâ—ing it self through every corner of the Realm the King imagining the rest of his Raign to be but the enjoying of a Crown sets his thoughts wholly to the works of Peace Many unreasonable Customs which were become to the vulgar Laws had many years continued in his Kingdom these he will either have abolished or amended To this effect he selecteth persons commended for wisdom gravity and uprightness of life through his Realm to pry into all abuses here and determine of all sorts of quarrels and suits if any were brought unto them where of the ordinary Judges either for fear dared not or power of stronger could not or for â—atred or favour would not give any perfect Judgment To them he gave full Authority to make Inquisition of the breach of poenal Statutes some hereby were punished by Fines others in their Lives he took away the deceit which had been occasioned by variety of measures for this end certain Iron measures were appointed to be made unto which the rest should be conform and like before his Reign not only in every Town and Shire but in every Mannor and House different measures were currant which abuse he abolished by Parliament The roughness of the times and perpetual wars and troubles of his Ancestors had near taken away the Arts and Handy-crafts and turned the Sciences contemptible especially since the Reign of Alexander third The Commons by the manifold changes and miseries of the Age affecting Barbarity the Nobles making Arms their whole study and care to the further advancement of the Commonwealth and that his Subjects might have occasion to avoid sloth and idleness the King from the Neighbor Continent and from England drew unto him the best Artizans and Manufactors whom either large priviledges or moneys could entice and oblige Of which such a fair number came and were so graciously received that they forgot their Native Countreys and here made their perpetual abode And what till this day Scotland enjoyeth of them owe all their beginning to these Times Schools of learning were sounded to which great Liberties and priviledges were granted the King well knowing that what ever is excellent in any Estate from them had beinning and feed and that there is no better means to sweeten and same the wilde nature of Men theâ— to busie their spirits with peacefull and sedentary Exercises rude and untrained minds being inclinable of themâ—elves to tumult and sedition To make a necessity of learning he made an Act that none of the Nobility should succeed to their Ancestors Heritage except they had some taste of the Civil Law or practice of the Country-Customs but this after was by them abolished Many famous men in all Sciences from the Noblest Universities of Christendom came hither as to the Sanctuary of the Mâ—ses where often the King himself in person graced their Lessons and when great matters did not withdraw him was Umpire to their harmless Conflicts Being himself religious he advanced Men learned and of good life to eminent places in the Church and that the best deservers might be discerned he distinguished the learned in degrees Making a Law that none should enjoy the room of a Cannon in any Cathedral Church unless he were Batchelour in Divinity or at the least of the Cannoâ— Law Though he challenged King David and named him a grievous Saint to the Crown for dilapidating so much Râ—nt in extraordinary Donations to the Church yet with great cost and magnificence â—he founded the Convent of Charters in Perth and bestowed fair Revenues upon it The excellent skill which he had in Musick and delight in Poesie made him affect Quiristers and he was the first that erected in his own Chappels and the Cathedral Churches of Scotland Organs being not much known before his Reign to the Nation Peace hath its own dangers no less than Wars yea often such estatâ—s as have increased their Dominions and become mighty
by wars have found their ruin in a luxurious peace Men by a vâ—luptuous life becomming less sensible of tiue honour The Court and by that example the Countrey was become too soft and delicate superfluous in all delights and pleasures Masques Banqueting gorgeous appâ—rel revelliâ—g were not only licensed but studied and admired Nothing did please what was not strange and far brought Charity began to be restrained publique magnificence falling in private Riot What was wount to entertain whole families and a train of goâ—dly men was now spent in drâ—ssing of some little rooms and the womannish decking of the persons of some few Hermophrodites To these the wife King had while given way knowing that delicate soft times were more easie to be governed and a people given to mild arts and a sweet condition of life than rough and barbarous so they turned not altogether womanized and that it was an easie matter to bring them back again to their old posture At these abuses some of the feverer sort of the Clergy began to caip yet could they not challenge the Prince who in the entertainment ofr his own person scarce exceeded the degree of any private Man yea was often under the Pomp and Majesty of a King But the blemish of all this excess was laid on the English who by the Queen their Countrey woman with new guises dayly resorted hither and turned new-fangle the Court. The King not only listened to their plaints but called a Parliament to satisfy their humours Here Henry Wardlaw Bishop of S. Andrews highly aggravating the abuses and superfluities of Court and Countrey all disorders were pry'd intio and Staâ—uâ—es made against them They abolished râ—ots of all sorts of Pearl many Rivâ—rs in Scotland affording them not only for use but for excess only women were permitted to wear a sunall Carkanet of them about their Necks costly Furs nad Ermins were wholly forbidden together with abuse of Gold and Silver lace Penaltiâ—s were not only imposed upon the transgrâ—ssours but on workmen which should make of fell them excâ—ssive expense in banqueting was restrained and dainties banished from the Tables of Epicures with Jeasters and Buffones In this year 1430. the first of Iune was a terrible Eclipse of the Sun at 3 of the clock afternoon the day turning black for the space of an half hour as though it had been Night therefore it was after called or the Commons The BLACK HOUR The as and greatest matter which busied the Kings thoughts was the increasing of his Revenues and bringing back the Dâ—measn of the Crown a work no less dangerous than deep and diffiâ—il and which at last procured him greatest hatred For till then smothered malice did never burst forth in open flames And though this diligence of the king concerned much the publique weal yet such as were interessed by rendring what they had long possessed though without all reason esteemed themselves highly wronged The Patâ—imony of the Crown had been wasted and given away by the two Governours to keep themselves popular and â—hun the envy of a factious Nobility Thus the King had neither in magnificence to maintain himself nor bestow upon his friends or strangers He had advisedly perused all evidences nad charters belonging to the Crown hereupon he recalls all such Lands as had been either alienated from it or wrongfully usurped Together what was wont to beidly given away as forfeitures escheats and wards were restrained to the Crown and kept to the King himself There remained upon considerations of increasing the Demesns of the Crown the Lands of the Earl of March whose Father had rebelled against the Kings Father Robert though faults be personal and not hereditary and the heirs of ancient houses hold little of their last possessours but of their Predecessours those the King seased on The Earl proved by good evidences and writings brought forth his Father had been pardoned for that fault by the Regents of the Kingdom he was answered again that it was not in the Regents power to pardon an offence against the State and that it was expresly provided by the Laws in crimes of lese majesty that children should undergo punishment for their Fathers transgressions to the end that being thus heirs to their Fathers raâ—hness as they are to their Goods and Lands they should not at any time with vast ambition in the haughty Pride of their own power plot or practice to shake and tear the Publick Peace of the Prince nad Countrey Thus was the remission by the Parliament declared void and Earl George himself committed to the Castle at Edenbrough William Earl of Anguss Warden of the Middle March William Chreighâ—oun Chancellour Sir Adam Hepburn of Hailles immediately received the Castle of Dumber the keeping of which was given to Sir Adam Hepburn The King not long after set Earl George at Liberty and to save him from the like dangers which were wont to befall his Predecessours to fly into England for every small cross and light displeasure at Court he bestowed on him as it were in exchange for these lands in the Marss the Earldom of Bâ—chan in the North with a yearly pension to be paid out of the Earl-dome of March setting the Tay and the Forth betwixt him and his too kind friends of England Buchan had faln to the King by the decease of Iohn who was Son to Robert the second and Earl of Buchan He was slain at Vernueill in France with the Marshall Duglass and left no lawfull children after him to succeed The Earldome of Marre was incorporate also to the Demesn Royall by the decease of Alexander Stuart Earl of Marre who was natural Son to Alexander Stuart who was the Son of Robert the second He was Man of singular prowess and in his youth followed the warres under Philip Duke of Burgundy he married Iane Daughter to the Earl of Holland and had greatly oblieged his Countrey by transporting Stallions and Mares hither out of Hungary the Stood of which continued long after to his Commendation and the commodity of the Kingdome The Earldom of Strathern was appropriated also to the Crown by the Decease of David Stuart Earl of Strathern Unclâ— to the King who having but one onely Daughter who was married to Patrick Graham a younger Brother of the Lord Grahams the Earldom being â—ailed to the Masculine Line was divolved again to the Crown Thus did King Iames succeed to three Brothers who were Sons to Robert the second All Good men with these proceedings of the King were well pleased for iâ— Princes could keep their own and that which justly belâ—ngeth unto them they could not be urged to draw such extraordinary Subsidies from the blood sweat and tears of their people yet was this the Shelf on which this Prince perished for many who were accustomed to be Copartners of such off-fallings began to storm and repine at his actions but none was so implacable as Robert Graham Uncle and Tutor to Miles Graham the son of Eupheme
your selves keeping your own in a Neutrality receiving both sides French and English in the way of Friendship neither side in the way of Faction The French Embassadour spoke to this purpose It seemeth strange to me that it should be questioned and fall within the Circle of deliberation whether old ever true and assured Friends or old never trusted and only Enemies should in an honourable suit be preferred whether ye should stand to a Nation which in your greatest calamities never abandoned you or embrace and be carryed away with one which hath ever sought your overthrow The English sue for your alliance and friendship but it is to make you leave your old 〈…〉 and turn the instruments of their ruin and at last 〈…〉 yoak of bondage upon your selves The French sue for your 〈…〉 alliance both to support themselves hold servitude from 〈◊〉 were not your friendship with France their power policy and number had long ere these daies over-turned your Realm or had France but shown her self an indifferent Arbitress of the blowes between Scotland and England ye had scarce till now kept your Name less your Liberties can ye prove so ungrateful as not to supply them who supported you Can ye prove so unconstant after so many glorious wounds received in the defence of France as cowardly to turn your backs upon her in her greatest need defacing all the Traces of your former fame and glory with what countenances could ye look upon those Scots which at Vernueill and Cravant in the Bed of honour left their Lives if unrevenged ye should adhere and join your selves to their Enemies and Killers Now though ye would forsake the French at this time intangled in many difficulties not regarding their well being nor be solicitous of their standing at least be carefull of your own It cannot subsist with your well and safety to suffer a bordering Nation alwaies at enmity with you to arise to that height and power by such an addition as is the Kingdom of France so soon as a State hath a Neighbour strong enough and able to subdue it it is no more to be esteemed a free Estate The English are already become so potent that no less than united forces of Neighbour Kingdomes will serve to stop the current of their fortune Neglect not the certain love of the French your often tryed and antient friends for the uncertain friendship and within a little time forgotton Alliances of the English your late reconciled Enemies But it may be after mutual marriages have one day joined your two Kingdoms in one they will seek no preheminency over your State nor make thrall your Kingdome but be knit up with you in a perfect union Do not small brooks lose their Names when they commix their Streams with mighty Rivers and are not Rivers ingolfed when they mingle their waters with the Seas Ye enjoy now a kind of mixed Government my Lords not living under absolute Soveraignty your King proceedeth with you more by Prayers and requests than by Precepts and Commandements and is rather your Head than Soveraign as ruling a Nation not conquered But when ye shall be joined in a Body with that Kingdom which is absolutely royal and purely Monarchical having long suffered the Laws of a Conquerour ye shall find a change and a terrible transformation The free mannaging of your own affairs shall be taken from you Laws Magistracies Honours shall depend on them the wealth of your Kingdom shall be transferred to theirs which to obey and prostrate your selves unto if ye be found stubborn ye shall suffer as a Nation conquered be redacted in a Province have Deputies and Governours set over you Garrisons in your strongest holds and Castles and by a Calm of Peace and Union receive more fearfull blowes than ye could have suffered by any Tempest of war The miseries of a most lamentable Servitude What courtesie can ye exspâ—ct at their hands who contrary to all divine and human Laws detained your King eighteen years prisoner and besides an exorbitant Ransom as if he had been taken in a lawfull war did not without Hostages send him home We of France did never forsake you in your extremities and we expect ye will assist us with all your power They are in suit of your Daughter but it is long after she was assured unto us in claiming her we claim but our own this time past ye have only had the custody and education of her yet if they be so ambitious of your Alliance God hath blessed you with more than this But it is not that which they sue for it is to make you disclaim your Friends hate those which love you and love them which hate you and they are working upon you as upon a rude unpolisht people They offer to render you Bâ—rwick and Roxbrough these gifts of Enemies are to be feared they know it is in their own power to re-obtain them when they please As for that point wherein they would have you indifferent Spectators of the blowes and that it shall be profitable for you not to meddle with this Warre ye are too near engaged neither is there any thing can be more dammâ—geable unto you for if ye be not of the party ye may assure your selves that your Countrey shall remain a Prey and Reward to the Conquerour with content and applause of the vanquished who is not bound to succour those who refused to assist and help him in his necessities Prove firm and constant to us your first Confederates combine your forces with ours and by the assistance of that supreme providence who pittieth at last the oppressed we have fair certainties and true hopes to cut so much work abroad to the English that they shall do little or no harm to you at Home The King and Nobles though it seemed more profitable for the present time to follow the English weighing their offers yet held it more advantageous and sure for comming times to follow the French for if the English should make conquest of France the conquest of Scotland would scarce be one Moneths work to their power and for matter of allyance God knows how little Princes regard it when occasion is offered to enlarge their power and Dominion Thereupon they declare they will not break the antient League and Peace they have kept with France The English Ambassadours denyed of their suit went from Prayâ—rs and Requests to threatnings and menacings and having friendship refused denounced war If the King gave his Daughter to the French that they if they could would hinder her passage by Sea having already a Fleet prepared to this effect and thus went away the English Ambassadours The King was so far from being moved by these threatnings that immâ—diateâ—â— he made ready his Shipps and knowing more affairs to be brought to a good end and finished by the opportunity occasions than force and power with an able Company of Marriners and Souldiers setteth his Daughter to Sea The English fleet
Conspiracy a Rebellion and in general by them all they were ready in Arms to maintain their factions and if upon suspition the King should attach any being secretly joyned in a league He could hardly have medled with their persons without a Civil War which in regard of his Engagement with England he endeavoured to spare perplexed pensive sad he cometh to Perth stayeth in the Covent of the Dominicans named the Black-Friers a place not far from the Town Wall endeavouring so secretly as was possible to finde out the Conspiracy But his close practising was not unknown to the Conspirators as that there was more peril to resolve then execute a Treason a distance of time between the Plot and execution discovering and overthrowing the enterprise Hereupon they determine to hazard on the mischief before tryal or remedy could be thought upon The Conspirators were Robert Graham Uncle and Tutor to Miles Graham Robert Stuart Nephew to Walter Earl of Athole and one of the Kings sworn Domesticks But he who gave motion to all was the Earl of Athole himself the Kings Fathers Brother whose quarrel was no less then a pretended title and claim to the Crown which he formed and alledged thus His Brother David and he were procreated by King Robert the second on his first wife Eupheme Ross daughter to the Earl of Ross and therefore ought and should have been preferred to the succession of the Crown before King Iohn named Robert and all the Race of Elizabeth Moor who was but his second wife and next them but Heirs to King Robert the second They were the eldest sons of King Robert after he was King Iohn and Robert being born when he was but in a private State and Earl of Strathern for it would appear that as a Son born after his Father hath lost his Kingdom is not esteemed for the Son of a King so neither he that is born before the Father be a King These reasons he thought sufficient the King taken away to set him in the room of State But considered not how sacred the name of King is to the Scots Nation how a Crown once worn quite taketh away what defects soever and that it was not easie to divest a King in present possession of a Crown who had his right from his Father and Grandfather with the Authority of a Parliament approving his Descent and secluding all other less came it in his thought that those children are legitimate and lawfull which cannot be thrust back and rejected without troubling the common Peace of the Country and opening Gates to Forreign Invasions Domestical disturbances and all disorders with an unsetled course of Succession the Common errour making the Right or Law Athole animated by the Oracle of a Sooth-sayer of his Highland Countrey who had assured him he should be crowned in a Solemn Assembly before his Death never gave over his hopes of obtaining the Crown and being inferiour and weak in power and faction to the other Brothers to compass his designs he betaketh himself to treacherous devices It was not in his power to ruine so many at once for mischief required there should be distance between so many bloody Acts therefore be layeth his course for the taking away of his kindred one by another at leasure he soweth jealousies entertaineth discords maintaineth factions amongst them by his counsell David Duke of Rothesay the Kings eldest Brother was famished in the Tower of Falkland neither had Iames then a child escaped his treachery if far off in England he had not been preserved He perswaded the Earl of Fiâ—e that making out of the way the King his brother he should put the Crown on his own head He trafficked the return of King Iames and he being come he plotted the overthrow of Duke Mordock by â—it instrument for such a business proving the Crimes laid against him in the Attaindor he himself sat Judge against him and his Children Thus stirring one of the Kinsemen against another he so enfeebled the Race of Elizabeth Moore that of a numerous off-spring there only remained Iames and his Son a childe not yet six years of Age upon whose Sepulchers building his designs with a small alteration of the State he thought it an easie step to the Crown Robert Graham had been long imprisoned at last released but being a man implacable once offended and cruel whom neither benefits could oblige nor dangers make wife and enemy to Peace Factious and Ambitious alike by many wicked Plots afterwards and Crimes against the Laws of the Country driven to an Out-lawry and to live as banished he had ever a male-talent against the King since the adjudging of the Earldom of Strathern from his Nephew Miles Robert Stuart was very familiar with the King and his access to his Chamber and Person advanced the Enterprise being a riotous young Man gaping after great matters neither respecting Faith nor Fame and daring attempt any thing for the accomplishing of his own foolish hopes and his Grandfathers ayms and ambition These having associated unto them the most audacious whom either fear of punishment for their misdeeds or hopes of preferment by a change of the Government would plunge into any enterprise in the Moneth of February so secretly as was possible assembled together where the Earl spake to this sense unto them These engagements which every one of you have to another and which I have to every one of you founded on the strongest grounds of consanguinity friendship interest of committed and received wrongs move me freely here to reveal my secret drifts and discover the depths of my hidden purposes and counsels The strange Tragedies which in the State and Government have been acted since the coming of this English man to the Crown are to none of you unknown Mordock with his children hath been beheaded the Earl of Lennox his Father in Law had that same end the Nobility repine at the Government of their King the King is in jealousie of his Nobles the Commons are in way of Rebellion These all have been the effects of my far-mining Policies And hitherto they have fallen forth as fortunately as they were ingeniously plotted For what more ingenious and cunning Stratagem could be projected to decline the rank growth of these Vsurpâ—rs then to take them away by handles made of their own Timber And if there was any wrong in such proceedings in small matters wrong must be done that justice and equity may be performed in great My fear was and yet is that the taking down of the Scaffold of Mordock should be the putting up of ours Crowns suffer no corrivals the world knows and he himself is conscious to it that the right and title of the Crown by descent of blood from Robert the second my Father was in the person of David my Brother and is justly claimed now by me and our Nephew As for an Act of Parliament confirming the right of that other Race and for oaths of Allegiance no
Allegiance bound to him and though he were bound to them and they to follow his commandment he would foresee whether it were to him honourable and to his Realm honest to leave their Old Friend of France in his extrem necessity without aid or comfoâ—t With this answer though the King was not content when Iames went out of his presence he is recorded to have said Happy shall they be which shall be subjects to a King endued with such wisdome of so tender years of age His severity in Justice was traduced by some under terms of cruelty but considering the Disorders of his Countrey by the fierce nature of the People over whom he ruled who by often Rebellions did not only exasperate him to some severity but even constrain him to keep them in aw his rigour was rather an effect of necessity than of his natural disposition No Prince did more reverently entertain Peace at Home amongst his Subjects nor more wiâ—lingly conclude the same amongst Strangers There is no Prince more cruel than he who by a facility and evil measured pitty suffers Robberies Rapes Murthers and all sort of opprâ—ssion and abuses to overturn his Countrey by which a whole State is interessed when the strictest Justice toucheth but some particular persons By him abuses were reformed defects repaired sedition and discord was put from the Nobles equity and industry restored to the Countrey every man had a certainty of enjoying his own and security Into all Men was either infused a will to do well or a necessity of so doing imposed upon them virtuous actions being honoured crimes punished The mean man did respect the great not fear him the great man did precede the mean not contemn him favour was mastered by equity Ambition by Virtue for the excellent Prince by doing well himself had taught his subjects so to do He was one of the worthiest of all the Kings of Scotland till his time of the former Kings it might have been said The Nation made them Kings but this King made that People a Nation He left behinde him one Son and six Daughters King Iames the second Margarite wife to Lewis the eleventh King of France Elizabeth Dutchess of Bretaigne Iane first of Anguss and then Countess of Huntley Elenora married to Sigismond Arch-duke of Austria Mary wife to the Lord of Camphire and Annabella he was buried in the Charter-house of Perth which he had founded where the Doublet in which he was slain was kept almost to our Time as a Relict and with execrations seen of the People every man thinking himself interested in his wrong The rumour of his Murther blazed abroad it is incredible what weeping and sorrow was through all the Countrey for even by them to whom his Government was not pleasant he was deplored and the act thought execrable The Nobles of their own accord and motion from all parts of the Kingdome assembled and came to Edenbrough and ere they consulted together as if they had all one mind directed troups of armed men through all the quarters of the Kingdome to apprehend the Murtherers and produce them to Justice Such diligence was used grief and anger working in their minds that within the space of fourty daies all the Conspiratours were taken and put to shameful deaths The common sort as Christopher Clawn or Cahown and others that were of the Council in the Conspiracy having had art or part in the plot were hanged on Gibbets The chief Actors that the Common wealth might publickly receive satisfaction were made spectacles of Justice by exquisite torments the punishment of Athole was continued three daies on the first he was stript naked to his shirt and by a Crane fixed in a Cart often hoised aloft disjointed and hanging shown to the People and thus dragged along the great Street of the Town on the second day he was mounted on a Pillar in the Market place he was crowned with a Diadem of burning Iron with a Plaâ—hart bearing The King of all Traytors thus was his Oracle accomplished on the third he was laid naked along upon a Scaffold his Belly was ript up his heart and Bowels taken out and thrown in a fire flickering before his eyes Lastly his head was cut off and fixed in the most eminent place of the Town his body sent in quarters to the most populous Cities of the Kingdom to remain a Trophie of Justice His Nephew Robert Stuart was not altogether so rigorously handled for that he did but consent to others wickedness being only hang'd and quarter'd But for that it was notorious Robert Graham had embrued his hands in the Kings bloud a Gallows being raised in a Cart he had his right hand nailed to it and as he was dragged along the Street Executioners with burning Pincers tearing the most fleshy parts off his Carcass being nip'd torn and flâ—y'd his heart and entrails were thrown in a fire his head exalted and his Quarters sent amongst the Towns to satisfy the wrath and sorrow of the injured people being asked during his torture how he dared put hand in his Prince he made answer that having Heaven and Hell at his choice he dared leap out of Heaven and all the contentments thereof in the flaming bottomes of Hell an answer worthy such a Traytor Aâ—neas Sylvius then Legate in Scotland for Pope Eugenius the fourth after Pope himself having seen this sudden and terrible Revenge being a witness of the Execution said he could not tell whether he should give them greater commendations that revenged the Kings death or brand them with sharper condemnation that distain'd themselves with so hainous a Parricide Iames King of Scotes AnoÌ„ 1436 THE HISTORY OF THE Reign of Iames the second KING of SCOTLAND SCarce were the tears dryed for the loss of the Father when the three Estates of the Kingdom meet 1654. and at Holy-rood-House set the Crown upon the head of the Son then a child in the sixth year of his age The Government of the Realm is trusted to Sir Alexander Levingstoun of Calendar the custody of the Kings person with the Castle of Edenbrough are given to the Chancelor Sir William Creightoun Men for that they had been ever faithful to the Father without apparent vices of no capacity to succeed nor entertaining aspiring thoughts for a Diadem held worthy of these charges and dignities Good men may secure themselves from Crimes but not from envy and calumnies for men great in trust in publick affairs are ever assaulted by the ambition of those who apprehend they are less in imployment than they conceive they are in merit Archembald Earl of Dowglass grudging mightily that the State had bestowed those honours upon men far inferiour to him as though by this the many merits of his Ancestours had been forgotten and his own service neglected They being ever accustomed in times of Peace to be nearest the Helm of the State and when any danger of war blazed sent abroad to encounter it In a confusion of
Brothers and Cousins wrought by the two Rulers remained unrevenged and therefore since openly without troubling the common peace of the Countrey he could not by secret and umbragious wayes 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 Maleâ—contents One Iohn Gormack of Athole not without suspition that he wrought by the motion and order of the Earl and understood his Caball essayed with a great number of Out-lawes to hinder the execution of a Malefactor and take him by main force from the Sheriff of Pearth 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 dayly 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 antient House of the Dowglasses their passed faults being by them acknowledged and recompenced with fidelity and obedience in times comming 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 manies dayes 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 Cousiâ— 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 dayly increasing 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 withal their readiness in every thing to obey the King This availeth them nothing for at a Parlament holden in Sterling 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 Councel 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 Iohn 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 dayly loss to both parties and the overthrow of the Common-wealth The Earl wondreth now having the Kings Authority to finde 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 powerfull and eminent of which he guesseth to be Iames Kennedie Bishop of St. Andrews and Cousin germane 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 powerfull to assist the Rulers or do harm unto him To this effect he instigateth the Earl of Crawford his Allie and Alexander Ogleby of Inuerwharety 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 spoiling 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 raiseâ—h 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 Arbrothe 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 eitherâ—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 Crawâ—ord then remaining at Dundee advertized of the present danger of his friends posteth in all haste to Arbroth and cometh at the very chock of the skirmish and when they 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 parly of Alxander 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 Alexanderâ—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 Iohn Forbess of Pitsligow Alexander Barkley of Garteley Robert Maxwell of Tillen William Gordoun of Borrowfield Sir Iohn Oliphant of Aberdaguy with others fell on the Oglebies side 1445. they fought the 24. of Ianuary 1445. Now by attending opportunities to increase 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 Iohn Lynton of Dundee Robert Boyd of Duchal and Alexander Lyle â—lew Iames Stuart of Auchenmintee Patrick Hepburn of Haills surprised the Castle of Dumbar Archembald Dumbar as if he would but change places with him taketh the Castle of Haills 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 garrison placed in it and the Castle of Edinburgh by the Earl of Dowglass is besieged and blocked up Nine moneths 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 hâ—d 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 Proclamation Confiscation 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 Iames Kennedie Bishop of St. Andrews whose respect and authority was great with the Church-men 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 Iames and wife to the Daulphin of France Lewis died at Chalones in Champaigne 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 Hâ—lenora 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 be King he caused transport and bury her in the Abbey Church of Laon in Poittow Many Elegies were published upon her death which are yet extant Sir Iames 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 â—owards Flanders by the Flemings was taken upon the Seas The Queen out-lived not long her Daughter and Husband â—he was buried the fifteenth of Iuly in the Charter-house of Perth near her first husband Iames the year 1446. She brought forth to the black Knight of Lorn three sons Iohn Eâ—rl of Athole Iames Earl of Buchane Andrew Bishop of Mâ—rray 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 publike 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 Charls the seventh the French Kings but secretly by the procurement of the Earl of Dowglass the Chancellor as a Man grave great in plâ—ce and experimented with the Bishop of Dunkel and Nicholas Otterburn is sent over the Seas in Embassie This troublesom and unprofitable honor 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 excluded 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 Iohn made Lord of Balvenie and hath his Donation ratified in an Assembly of three Estates who were convented at Edinburgh 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 Governor Alexander his eldest son Robert Levingston Treasurer David Levingston Iames Dundes Robert Bruce of Clackmannan Knights for Peculate and converting the Princes Treasure to their private use are forfeited taken and committed to sundry Prisons in December 1447. at which time they were brought to Edinburgh Alexander the Governor Iames Dundas and Robert Bruce after Fines laid upon them were permitted back to Dumbarton there to be kept Prisoners during the Kings pleasure Alexander
the Governors Son a young man of great expectation with Robert Levingston Treasurer and David Levingston not so much by any crime proved against them as by the Divine Justice in punishing the severity of the Governor for the execution of the Earl of Dowglass in the Castle of Edinburgh had their heads cut off the people much deploring their misfortune By this blow the Earl of Dowglass thought he was more terribly avenged then if he had proved his power against the old man having thus as it were killed him twice Though by this strict Justice he pretended the publick weal his end was to govern all by his absolute Authority and make the world see what credit he had to help or harm when he pleased admire his pompous attendance his haughtie carrying of all business and his power in State The Chancellor having perfected his Embassie Mary daughter to Arnold Duke of Guilders born of the Duke of Borgundies Sister a Lady young beautifull and of a masculine constitution arriveth in Scotland and with great solemnity accompanied with many Strangers and the Nobility of the Kingdom is married to the King in the Abbey Church of Holy-rood-house As these Nuptial Rites were finished the Peace between Scotland and England expired and the Borders of both Kingdoms break and mutually invade others Amidst must robbery spoil and havock upon either side the Earl of Salisbury Lieutenant and Warden upon the West depopulateth the bordering Villages and burneth the Town of Dumfreis the Earl of Northumberland spoiling the east burneth the Town of Dumbar Iohn Dowglass Lord of Balvenny invadeth the English bounds and burneth the Town of Anwich the ravaging and depradations in a short time turning equal the two Kingdoms agree upon a suspension of Arms and place and day to treat about a general peace at the last by an assembly of the States 1449. A Truce is condescended unto for seven years At this time Alexander Seatoun Lord Gordon is created Earl of Huntley and George Leslie Earl of Rothes This Truâ—e was not long kept by any of the Nations but as it had been drawn and plaistered up for the fashion they conspire equally to break it New incursions are made slight skirmishes began to wound either side and banish peace just arms were constrained at last to be opposed to injurious oppressions The Scots having made desolate some parts of Cumberland an Army under the leading of the Earl of Northumberland is raised commanded by Magnus Red-beard whom the Scots by reason of the length of his beard named Magnus with the red Main A man trained from his youth in the Wars of France who is said to have required no more for his Service to the Crown of England then what he might by his own valour conquer of Scotland The English march from the West Borders pass the River of Soloway and Annand and encamp near the River of Sark the Earl of Dowglass declareth his brother George Earl of Ormond Lieutenant for the King against them who with the power of the South and West loseth no time to encounter the Earl of Northumberland the Lord Piercy his Son Magnus Red-bread Sir Iohn Pennington Sir Robert Harrington led the English Battalions The Earl of Ormond Lord Maxwell Lairds of Iohnston and Craiggy Wallace the Scottish Here occasion and place serving is it valiantly fought the fortune of the day long doubtfull till Magnus whose experience and direction in War in those days was deemed unparallâ—ld his courage here turning into temerity was beaten from his horse and slain After his fall many turning their backs the Earl of Northumberland himself with great danger eâ—caped more in the chase were lost then in the Battel such who assayed to pass the River by the confusion and weight of their Arms were plunged in the water other who could not finde the Foords being taken and brought to the Castle of Lochmaben amongst which were Sir Iohn Pennington Sir Robert Harrington the Lord Piercy who by saving his Father engaged himself Few renowned amongst the scots were here lost except Craiggy Wallace a principal actor who governing himself by honour and courage died of his wounds there received not many days thereafter The English to repair their loss raised an Army but by the daily supplies raised for France and their projected Civil Wars the Duke of York Earls of March Warwick and Salisbury beginning to toss the State it was kept at home for their own use and a truce was agreed upon the concluded with Scotland for the space of three years 1450. This Victory obtained chiefly by the valour of the Dowglasses advanced highly their credit with the young King and the Court sounded with nothing more then their praises But great Fortunes are as hard to bear as to acquire and ordinarily prosperity carryeth us into insolencies without pondering the consequence of our actions William Colvill Knight upon a private quarrel having slain Iames Auchinleck a follower of the Earl of Dowglass the Earl revenged his death not only with the slaughter of William but with the throwing down of his House and spoil of all his Lands which turned cold the affections of many about the Court towards him and made him terrible to all of a contrary faction to his After whether tyred with his working thoughts or to shun more hatred and envy or to try what time would produce amidst the inward grudges and rancours of Court or that he held his own Countrey too narrow Lists for his glory he leaveth the Kingdom substituting one of his Brothers Procurator for his affairs and in his absence to govern his estate accompanied with his Brother Mr. Iames a Man learned and brought up in Sorbon Divinity Expectant of the Bishoprick of Dunkel Iames Hamilton of Cadyow the Lords Grahame Seatoun Oliphant Saltoun and many Gentlemen he arriveth in Flanders cometh to France passeth the Alps and it being the year of Iubilee stayeth at Rome where he was honorably recevied and welcomed Envy never leaveth great actors he had not been long absent from his Prince when many are suborned to give up complaints against the oppressions riots wrongs of his Kindred Servants and Vassals The faults of his governing the King are pryed into every oversight and escape aggravated to the height The King at first was loth to lend an ear to misreports and calumnies of a man lately so well deserving and dearly of him beloved but overcome by importunity and urged by the numbers of Complainers he gave way that his Brother and Procurators should make answer for wrongs suffered by the Complainers after many citations his brother not appearing is at last by force presented to the Councel when he could not answer to such faults as were laid against the Earls Vassals and Followers nor acquit them of violent oppressions he was only enjoined to restore to the Complainers their loss and restore all damages Upon fair promises of Restitution the King bringeth him off the danger and obtaineth him liberty
innocent life renounce that Union and League with your Peers which excepted or commanded or approved or permitted by your Prince subsisteth not in Law nor in Reason being forbidden under great pains and let it not be heard any longer that ever such an unjust Confederation was and so wonted â—lemency shall be preferred before deserved Justice The Earl replyed The League being drawn up by the common consent of many Lords Barons and Gentlemen and subscribed it could not be cancell'd nor renounc'd but by their common consent nor was it profitable for the King nor to him other ways to have it done That being together they might condescend to the renouncing and cancelling of it But says the King you to shew good example to the rest shall first begin Neither living shall any Traytor in my presence disavow and disclaim my Authority in what is within my possibility of accomplishing The Earl requests him to remember he came to Court upon a publique assurance A publique assurance cannot so warrant any man but that he may fall by his own private misdemeanor answered the King withal considering a mean courage in a King to be an imputation and that he did neither wrong towards God nor his Fame in revenging himself upon the enemies of the State The place a strong Castle his present power all within being his Councellors and Servants the danger if he should escape the easiness of suppressing the Rebellion the head taken away The Earl continuing hot and stubborn in debating his points of the League wrath banishing other Doubts and Interests his Dagger performed what armed Justice scarâ—e dared attempt The Kings blow the noise arising was seconded by a number of his Servants who rushing in the Room left him dead upon Shrewd-Eve the 22. of February 1452. About the last Scene of this Tragedy a pair of Spurs between two Platters an Emblem of speedy flight as a part of the Kings Banquet is directed to Sir Iames Hamilton of Cadyow This he communicateth to the Lords and Gentlemen of the Union in which time the News of the Earls death is spread abroad The Lieguers finding themselves weak to carry so strong a place as the Castle in hot blood set on fire divers quarters of the Town of Sterlin make Proclamation against the King and his Councel for violating the assurâ—nce granted to the Earl Infamous Libels are spread every where and the safe Conduct of the King and his Councel bound to a wooden Truncheon at a Horâ—es tail is trailed along the streets In the Market-place by the mouth of a Cryer to the sound of all their hunting-horns they declare the King and those that abode with him Faith-breakers perjured persons enemies to all goodness and good men Iames the next brother of the House of Dowglass a Church-man being proclaimed Earl in rage and madness committing all sort of Hostility they over-run the Lands and Possessions of those whom they suspected would side the King and not prove of their party Iohn Lord of Dalâ—eith their Kinsman and of the Name of Dowglass they besiege in his Castle of Dalkeith for that he hated their proceedings the Tenants and Vassals of the Earl of Anguss are plunderâ—d for the same cause The strength of the place raised the Siege of Dalkeith and the Earl of Auguss by their many wrongs and insolencies remained more constant to the King In this time the King writeth to all the good Towns of the Realm and Church-men giving reasons for the taking away the Earl imputing the fault to the Earl himself exhorting the people to make no stir for the just execution of a Man born for the ruine of the Kingdom and who voluntarily had precipitated himself in his own mis-hap offering all his power to keep the Countrey in quietness according to that Authority in which God hath placed him This blow as particular Interests made the hearts of men incline and as passions were various was variously and in several maners taken Some without inquiring of circumstances after what fashion or occasion soever done allowing it thought the King had more clear and evident inducements for his deed then could fall within the Labyrinths of reasoning The Majesty of a Prince hardly falleth from an height to a midst but easily is precipitated from any midst to the lowest degree and station The King said-they hath obviated this fall hath set a foot again and raised his Authority threatned with ruine he hath vindicated his liberty almost thraâ—ld hath assured the Lives Honors Estates of many loyal Subjects which were endangered by not adhearing to the league of the Earl and keeping their Oath of Allegeance to the King he if he please now with Honor and Reputation may hold his Parliaments bring to pass his designs for the conservation of his Authority and the peace of his Subjects Other blamed this Deed everywhere and in every circumstance laying perjury and murther against him and the breaking of the publick Faith and Assurance the common Band of humane Society the common defence of all and the ground of Justice To which it was answered that the Earl was not taken away for his past demerits and misdeservings but for what he had recently committed in the Kings own presence having spoken to him with an insupportable irreverence They which have safe conduct being obliged to shun all kindes of offence towards him who gives it them any enormity being sufficient to annull the benefit of it More for the breach of Faith the Earl and his confederates were the more perjured and he the murtherer of himself they having violated that Natural Oath to their King which all Subjects owe to their Soveraigns by drawing up a League among his People to the breaking of the tyes of Soveraignty giving by this occasion and just cause to the King to reward them after their demerits Most said the killing of the Earl was evil but that it was a necessary evil That as Nature suffereth not two Suns so Reason of State suffereth not that in one Kingdom their be two Kings but that of necessity the one must overthrow the other and matters going thus he who giveth the first blow hath the advantage Thus did Men judge diversly after their proper interests of the Deeds of others The Torrent of these disorders increasing Laws are neglected Towns Villages Houses the High-ways are every-where afflicted with Rapine Fire and Fury and save needy boldness nothing is safe and secure in any place The changing Multitude like Mad-men limning Pourtraicts with their won blood delight in their Proceedings and daily increase the number of the Rebels In this Insurrection the King is reduced to many extremities and is said to have thought upon an escape Sea to France if he had not been diverted by Iames Kennedie 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 principall 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 then the blow and dissolved ordinarily in tears of Repentance and fair Weather that here the prudence of 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 Brecheâ— 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 Iohn Coloss of Bonnymoon who having one of the wings of the Army to guide which confisted 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 Badyeenoâ—h and Lochâ—ber In the conflict the Earl of Huntley lost two Brothers the Earl of Crawford and Sir Iohn 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 Ascention day the 18 day of May 145â— The King by the confluence and resort of many worthy Subjects unto him having time to breathe and finding himself in a calm keepeth a Convention of the States at Edenburgh Ere the Earls of Douglass Crawford Ormond Murray the Lord Balvenye Sir Iames 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 Douglass 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 Douglass 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 Bryers then Roses The Barl of Crawford placing two stricts of Seas betwixt him and the King spoileth the Lands of all those who forsook him at Brechen and Arckembald 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 Man-kinde defaceth his own Countrey 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 inferior 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 fail in time then 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 prove how difficile it was to overcome them by Arms was perhaps as much tyred as they would pardon these faults which he could not otherways 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 â—orsake the publique weal of the Kingdom for his private Considerations That after this trouble of State he might be more esteemed and sought after by the King as it is ordinarily practised among Princes and great men who affect onely that which is necessary unto them To these the Earl answered That they had went too far forwards to think upon any cowardly reâ—reat and coming back again that the onely vertue under a Tyrant was to die constantly that other vertues did fight but constancy alone triumphed That for himself he would
he supported the banished Scots in England and after they had much enlarged their discourse with reasons of a just War against King Henry if King Iames will arise in arms against him and assist them They promise to restore and render all the Forts and Places of importance taken in the old Wars from the Kingdom of Scotland to him and his Successors King Iames answered the English Ambassadors that he was not ignorant of the State of their Kingdom neither to whom their Crown did appertain but that he would not take upon him to be umpire of their strife for the raising an Army he would think upon it though he had small assurance for the performance of their promised conditions he had long projected the recovering of the lost Fortresses of Scotland in their hands and now he would try whom he might trust The Embassadors dismissed the King raised an Army but left to the Divination of the posterity which of the Parties he was to side The English and French Writers affirm he was to aid King Henry and revenge the death of the Duke of Somerset his Mothers Brother the Scottish to assist the Duke of York and that by a counterfeit Legate from the Pope after he had been upon his March he was moved to return It seemeth perswaded by the French King the ancient Confederate of Scotland and who for that end had sent his Ambassador to keep the English within their own Countrey and disable them in their Conquest of France he intended upon the advantage of this Civil discord to make a rode in England as the French made an Algarad by Sea upon Kent The Kings Army being gathered that it should not loyter in idleness attending greater intelligence from the event of the English Factions having passed the Tweed invadeth the Town of Roxburgh which with little travel is taken and equalled with the Ground the Castle a strong Fortress is besieged Whilst the King here passeth the time inviting it more by courtesies and blandishments then Ammunition and Warlike Engines to be rendred to him Commissioners come from the Duke of York requiring him to leave his Siege and contain himself within his own kingdom unless he would run the hazard to engage himself in a War against the whole Body of the kingdom of England they give him thanks for his forwardness to their supply all things succeeding after their desires now and as they could have wished they request him to return home when their necessity required his aid they would implore it and not prove forgetful for what he should do towards him King Iames asked the Commissioners if the Duke of York and his Associates had sent any direction concerning the keeping of their promises to him when he should appear with an Army They assuring him they had no such Commission I answered the King before their Embassie came had resolved to take in and throw down this Castle builded upon my bounds and being by no benefit obliged to any of your Factions will not for words leave off what I am about by arms to perform The Commissioners departing the King caused apply his Battery against the Castle which couragiously defended it self and holding good beyond expectation bred an opinion that famine would be the only Engine to make it render The Kings Army daily at this Siege increased and amongst all the Companies none were more forward and prompt to discharge their duties in this Service then those of the late League with the Earl of Douglass above others the Earl of Ross to testifie his remembrance of the Kings clemency in his behalf with a great company of his Irish came to the Camp men onely fit for tumultuous fights and spoil Alexander Earl of Huntley coming the King with the Earl of Auguss would take a view of the Trenches and as to welcome a man whose presence seemed to presage good Fortune caused discharge a pale of Ordinance together but his coming to this place was as fatal as at Sterlin prosperous For at this Salve by the slices of an over-charged piece or wedge the King his Thigh-bone broken was stricken immediately dead and the Earl of Auguss was â—ore bruised This misâ—fortune happened the third of August the 29 or as others the 30 of the Kings life of his Raign 24. the year 1460. Who will take a fair view of this Prince shall finde him to have been endowed with what conditions and qualities are to be desired or wished in a Monarch both for minde and body of an excellent feature and pleasant aspect a strong vigorous complexion given to all Knightly exercises He is said to have had a broad red spot upon one of his cheeks from which by his Country-men he was named Iames with the fiery face which would make Physiognomists conceive he was of an hot active violent disposition and one who had more need of restraint then encouragement in all difficulties yet in his actions we finde him temperate stayed and of a well setled humor proceeding upon sound grounds and after mature deliberation being much given to follow the advice and counsel of grave men about him He was upright sincere affable courteous loving to his Domesticks humane towards his Enemies gracious and benign to all men a lover of Justice liberal but without oppression of his loyal Subjects wise in adveâ—sity industrious and diligent politick in Affairs of State having always raised up one Faction to relieve him from the hazard and burthen of another and expose the Faction he most feared to the nearest hazard He was wisely diffident and put on a judicial distrust often to be governed as occasions should vary and could dissimulate according to the fashions and changes of the time He seemeth to have been indifferent in keeping his Favorites and that he could ever as well transfer his fancy as he had setled his affection For like the Sun he would make a round and not always shine upon one Horizon The death of the two Earls of Douglass were fatal to him and though he was innocent of the first the second chanced deservedly in his hand Couragious Princes are not to be provoked by any Subject how great soever Confederations and Leagues are fearful attempts against Soveraignty and for the most part end with the ruine of their Authors The extirpation of the Earls of Douglass in the person of Iames a Churchâ—man proceeded rather from his own stubbornness then any male-talent the King had against him In all Nations it is observed That there are some Families fatal to the ruine of their Common wealths and some persons fatal to the ruine of the Houses and Race of which they are descended Since in Kingdoms some have no compassion of their Prince nor the loss of his Honor a Prince should not much regret their loss nor the ruine of their persons and Estates His great clemency appeared in this That the heads taken away of that long Rebellion he followed no particular revenge upon their
she should have been reserved for some neighbor Prince by which Alliance the state of the Kingdom and the Person of the King might have been in great safety For if the King should chance to be infested by some insolent nobility the name and power of a neighbor Prince were sufficient to keep him safe on his Throne which by this match was endangered They suggested that the Boydes builded their estimation in the air of popular applause and endeavored to endear themselves in the opinion of the multitude A Prince is not a Lord of that people that loveth another better then him Should the Boydes be accused of peculate robbing the King and the commonTreasure the King might make a prey of their unlawful conquest and by their Attaindors reward the services of many of his necessitated friends it being acquired most height to which their riches was increased should be feared the faults of all the disorders of the Common wealth are laid upon the Boydes as the Authors of every breaking out sedition that they might the more securely possess the places neer the King At this time complaints from all parts of the Kingdom and by all sorts of persons incessantly being given unto him advance the intentions of their enemies and the Kings minde naturally inclined to fears and superstition being long tossed and perplexed began to turn away from the Boydes and with their power in some degrees brought lower and lessened Preambles of Ruine but he would go leasurely to produce this effect and make one change bring forth another The King increasing in yeers and youthful perturbations is councelled for the continuing of the Race and Succession and the keeping hiâ— Person without the common disorders of the world to think upon some match profitable for his country and honorable for himself He is courted by many and courteth others the Duke of Burgundy had offered him his daughter as to other Princes his friends and neighbors but his minde was not to have her married at all during his life-time Andrew Stewart Lord Evandale then Chancelour of the Kingdom with the Bishops of Glasgow and Orkenay being sent Embassadors to Christern King of Denmark for an accommodation and taking up some business concerning the Isles of Orkenay and Schythland 1468. the quarrel was taken away by a marriage to be celebrated between the King and Lady Margaret King Christerns daughter a Lady thought worthy of his bed in respect of the excellency of her beauty her royal descent and greatness of her birth All matters being agreed upon these Isles engaged for her Dowry there wanted onely an honorable retinue and convoy to bring home the Lady To this negotiation by the craft of some about the King and vanity of others who gloryed to see their friend promoted to such great honour Thomas Earle of Arran as a man flourishing in fame and riches and able to maintaine and discharge all magnificence is deputed as the fittest person Thus by the ambition and unattentiveness of his friends his worth was made the Scaffold of his ruine the lamentable condition of men of high desert In the beginning of the Harvest accompained with some young Noblemen and Gallants most of which were his select friends and well-wishers he ascendeth his ships Whilst as the King of Scotlands brother in law he is some moneths riotously entertained at the Danish Court the rigor of that Northern climate by the congealing of the Ocean moored up his ships and barred all return till the following Spring In this absence of a man so neer unto the King his Father and Uncle by age sickness and their private affaires not so frequently haunting the Court as they were accustomed the Kennedyes and they of the contrary faction having shaken the Kings affection and broken these bands his pleasures idlenese and vacancy from the publike affairs of the State by which the Boydes thought they had kept him sure move him now a litile delighting in action to proceed to the consideration of such matters as might be objected against the government of the Bodyes But that this might not appear to be an act of Faction but the universal consent of the Kingdom apart a Parliament was summoned to be holden in November at Edenburgh Here Robert Lord Boyd with his brother Sir Alexander are summoned to answer in Judgement to such points as should be exhibited against them At the appointed day the Lord Boyd appeared but accompanyed with such multitude of the common people and numbers of his friends vassals and followers all in arms with such ostentation and boasting that the King and Courtiers were well pleased to suffer them dissolve scatter of their own free wills At this insolency and malapertness yet to our own time an usual custome in Scotland the King conceived such indignation that he raised a strong guard to attend justice and his commandments and laid secretly Forces to assist these if the Boydes should oppose his laws by convocation of the Lieges The Lord Boyd after private intelligence of the Mines of the Court to blow him up rather amazed then in choler at the change of his Masters mind fled into England his brother Sir Alexander arested by sickness and relying upon his own integrity more then he ought to have done considering the malice of his enemies was brought before the Parliament his brother and he were challenged that upon the tenth of Iuly 1466. they laid hands upon the Kings Person and against his purpose brought him on the high way to the Castle of Calendar and that by their private power and consent contrary to the established order of the State and the other Regents advice they brought the King to Edenburgh when Sir Alexander sought to produce an act of Parliament for abolition or approbation of this deed as good service it was kept up and he being condemned had his head cut off Their other accusations contained the topical faults of Favourits that they had enriched themselves out of the Kings Treasure monopolized things belonging to the Crown diminished the Revenues thereof removed worthy men from the Counsel placing such in their rooms as had dependency from them Thomas Earle of Arran imployed in a publike charge by the kingdome absent unheard is declared Robel with his father and his moveables escheated to the King to his original faults was added that he dared marry the Kings sister without consent of the States the King being of non-age At the noise of this thunder clap Robert Lord Boyd left this world at Anwick No sooner had the Spring rendered the Baltick Seas Navigable when the Danish Lady with her Fleet Anchored in the Forth The Earle of Arran who was the Paranymphe and her convoy in that general gladness by the perswasions of some of his friends was preparing to come on shore and to submit himself to the Kings clemency but his Lady who had afar discerned his danger coming aboard disguised and giving him particular information of the
a Feaver and his Feaver advanced to a Phrensie This sickness increasing that he might be more neer to the Court and his friends in the night he is traâ—sported to the Cannons Gate in Edenburgh the King compassionate of his disease sendeth his Physitians to attend him they to restore his understanding which was molested open some veins of his head and armes in which time whether bâ— his own disorder and misgovernment in his sickness the bands being loosed which tyed the lancing or that they took 〈◊〉 great a quantity of blood from him he fainted and after sowning dyed unawares amongst the hands of his best friends and servants These who hated the King gave out that he was taken away by his command and some writers have recorded the same but no such faith should be given unto them as to B. W. E. who was living in that time and whose records we have followed who for his place could not but know and for his profession would not but deliver the very truth certain Witches and Sorcerers being taken examined and convicted of Sorcery at this time and being suborned they confessed that the Earle of Marre had dealt with them in prejudice of the King and to have him taken away by incantation For the Kings Image being framed in wax and with many spels and incantations baptized and set unto a fire they perswaded themselves the Kings Person should fall away as that image consumed by the fire and by the death of the King the brothers should reach the Government of the State with such vanities was the common people amused Alexander Duke of Albany imputing the death of his brother to the favourits of the King and avouching them to have been the occasioners of his distraction stirred the Nobility and People to revenge so foul a deed but whilst he keeps private meetings with them of his Faction in the Night to facilitate their enterprise betrayed by some of his followers he is surprised and imprisoned in the Castle of Edenburgh Out of which about the appointed time of his tryal by the killing of his keeper he escaped and in a Ship which to that effects was hired sailing to the castle of Dumbar of which he had the keeping he passed to France After the escape of the Duke of Albany the Lord Evandale Chancellor of the Kingdome raising the power of the nearest Shires beleaguered the Castle of Dumbar the besieged unprovided of victuals as men expecting no such alterations betake themselves in small Boates to the Sea and came safe towards the Coasts of England The Castle having none to defend it is taken some Gentlemen in persuit of the flying souldiers by their own rashness perished The Kings of Scotland and England tossed along with civil troubles and affecting peace with all their neighbors by an equal and mutual consent of thoughts send at one time Ambassadors to one another who first conclude a peace between the two Nations and that the Posterity might be partakers of this accord contract afterwards an Alliance between the two Kings It was agreed that the Princess Cicilia youngest daughter to King Edward should marry with Iames Duke of Rothsay when they came to yeers of discretion A motion heard with great acceptance but it was thought by some familiar with King Edward and in his most inward Counsels that really he never intended this mariage and that this negotiation aimed onely to temporize with Scotland in case that Lovys of France should stir up an invasion of England by the King of Scotland King Louys at this time had sent one Doctor Ireland a Sorbonist to move King Iames to trouble the Kingdome of England and to give over the projected marriage which when King Edward understood knowing what a distance was between things promised and performed to oblige King Iames and try him more strongly to the bargain that this marriage might have more sway he caused for the present maintenance of the Prince and as it were a part of the Dowry of Lady Cicilia deliver certain sums of money to King Iames. Notwithstanding of which benevolence the the witty Louys wrought so with the Scottish Nobility that King Iames sent Ambassadors to the King of England entreating him not to assist the Duke of Burgundy his brother in Law against King Louys which if he refused to do the Nobility of Scotland who were now turned insolent would constrain him by reason of the ancient league between the French and the Scots to assist the French The Duke of Albany during his aboad in France had marryed a daughter of the Earle of Bullogine she was his second wife his first having been a daughter of the Earle of Orkenay a Lady of great parentage and many friends who incessantly importuned King Louys to aide the Duke for the recovery of his inheritance and places in the State of Scotland out of which he was kept by the evil Counsellors of his brother Louys minding to make good use of his brother and underhand increasing discords and jealousies between him and the King of England slighting his suites told him he could not justifie his taking of Armes to settle a Subject in his inheritance That Princes ought to be wrought upon by perswasion not violence and he should not trouble a King otherwayes then by Prayers and Petitions which he would be earnest to perform Upon this refusal the Duke of Albany having burryed his Dutchesse troubled with new thoughts came to England King Edward with accustomated courtesies receiving him giveth him hopes of assistance entring of in communication with him how to divert the Kingdome of Scotland from the invasion of his Dominions at the desire of the French the Agents and traffickers of Louys lying still in Scotland and daily bribing and soliciting the Scots Nobility to necessitate the English to stay at home The Duke freely and in the worst sense revealed the weakness of his Kingdom that his King was opinionative and had nothing of a Prince in him but the name His ungoverned Spirit disdained to listen to the temperate Counsell of sober men obeying only his own judgement Such who govern'd under him were mean persons and of no account great only by his favour and indued with little vertue who ruling as they listed and excluding all others made use of his Authority for their own profit and advantage The Nobility were male-contents and affected a change in the Government which might be easily brought to pass by the assistance of King Edward If he would help to raise some civill broyls and discention in the Nation it selfe he needed not to be in fear that they could or would trouble his Country by any invasion The King hearing the Duke manifest what he most affected approving his judgement promised him all necessaries and what he could desire to accomplish the design and he undertaketh by some fair way to traffick with the Nobility of Scotland for an alteration of the present form of Government After a dangerous
intelligence the Lords of Scotland who under the shadow of the publick good but really out of their disdain and particular interests conspired against the King send the Duke word the golden Age could not be fram'd nor Arms taken for the good of the Common-wealth nor the State alter'd without the frequestring of those from the King who misgovern'd him And these could not be remov'd by that power which was amongst themselvs without great danger and trouble considering the Kings faction and the malignant Party If King Edward would agree to the raising of an Army in England in favour of the Duke of Albanie and for restoring him to his Places and inheritance out of which he was most unjustly ejected and other pretences of which they should afford the occasions which no way should do harm to the Kingdom of Scotland disorder'd already and laid waste more by the license of a Tyrant in peace then it could have been by war and at this time bestow upon them favours as they might one day hereafter challenge to receive the like The Nobility of Scotland should be ready with an other Army not to fight but to seize upon the Kings Favourits and Misgovernors of the State for which the English should have many thanks That this Enterprize could not but prove most successfull the hatred of the Commons considered against such violent oppressions The King was fallen into so low esteem that assaulted by the English he would be constrain'd by the submission of his Crown to intreat for safety The Kâ—ng of England understanding this was to touch the finest string of State and Dominion for it is a matter of much consequence and main importance to defend the subjects of an other Prince for under this Mask and pretence of protecting the Liberties of a People of assistance and aid an usurpation and oppression of all liberty might be hidden and many have established and settled themselves in those Kingdoms which they came to relieve from tyranny and the oppression of their Rulers keeping by force what was granted to them at first by way of trust and under the colour of helping usurped a Soveraignty agreeth easily to what was demanded and resolved upon The Lords of the Association to play more covertly their Game and mask their intentions the Commons ever suffering and paying for the faults and errors of the great ones give way for the breaking loose of the Borderers Fierce incursions by the English are made upon Scotland and by the Scots upon England some Villages on either side are burnt The secrecy to this business which was inviolably observed was of great importance which is the principal knot and try of great affairs Rumours are spread that the Dukes of Gloucester and Albany with Iames late Earl of Dowglass and Alexander Ierdan and Patrick Halyburton men proscrib'd and upon whose heads a price was set were at Anwick with a powerful Army and in their march towards Kelsoo The King wakened out of his Trances by the Alarms of his Nobility and clamours of the people made proclamations to all between sixty years and sixteen to meet him at Edenburgh and to be in readiness to oppose their old enemies of England now come upon the Borders After many delayes and much loytering an Army is assembled by the Nobility which consisted of and a number of Câ—rts charged with small Ordinance New incursions being blazed to have been made by the English the King amidst these Troops marched to Lawder The Army was encamped and all things Ordered the best way the occasion could suffer them little or nothing being left to Fortune if the English should invade whom the Lords knew were not at all yet gathered and though gathered and in a Body and upon the Bordâ—rs or nearer would never invade them The King at this time is mâ—rvellously perplexed and become suspitious of the intentions of his Nobility in this Army in this confusion of thoughts fell upon two extremes In his 〈…〉 conversation too familiar and inward with his 〈…〉 Servants and favourites which rendred them 〈◊〉 believing the bare name of King to be sufficient whilst weakness and simplicity had made him despised and them hated and too retired reserved and estranged from his Nobilitie which made them malicious This he did as his pensiveness conjectured that his Nobles should not attempt any thing to the prejudice of his royal Authority independent of any Council But what he most feared came to pass he resolved and dispatched all matters by his Cabinet Counsel where the Surveyor of his Buildings was better acquainted with the affairs of the State than the gravest of his Nobility This preposterous course of favour made the great men of the Kingdom to fall headlong upon their rest though long projected attempt After many private conferences in their Pavilions the Chiefs of the Insurrection as the Earls of Anguss Lennox Huntley the Lords Gray Lile and others about midnight come together in the Church of Lawder with many Barons and Gentlemen Here every of them urging the necessity of the times and the dangers the Common-wealth was like to fall into requireth speedy resolutions and having before premeditated deliberated and concluded what to follow they draw up a League and confederation of mutual adherence in this order Forasmuch as the King suffereth himself to be governed by mean persons and men of no account to the contempt of the Nobility and his best Subjects and to the great loss of the Commons The confederates considering the imminent dangers of the Kingdom shall endeavour to separate the Kings Majestie from these naughty upstarts who abuse his Name and Authority and despise of all good men and have a care that the Common-wealth receive no dammage And in this quarrel they shall all stand mutually every one to the defence of another The design agreed upon and the confederacy sworn the chiefs of them in Arms enter the Kings Pavilion where after they had challenged him of many misorders in his Government contrary to his honour the Laws and good of his Kingdom they took Sir William Roger a man from a Musitian promoted to be a Knight Iames Homill Robert Cochran who of a Surveyor of his works was made Earl of Mar or as some mittigate that title Intromittor and taker up of the Rents of that Earldom by whose devise some Authors have alleged copper moneys had been coyned by which a dearth was brought amongst the Commons which as others have recorded was an unjust imputation for that copper money was coined in the Minority of the King in the time of the Government of the Boyds with others All these being convicted by the elamours of the Army were immediately hanged upon the Lidder Iohn Ramsey a youth of eighteen years of age by the intreaties Prayers embraces of the King was preserved Thus they the late objects of envy were turn'd and become the objects of Pity and Compassion The body of the Commons and the Gentry of
the Kingdome by this notorious act at Lawder being engaged and being made Partakers of the Quarrel of the discontented Noblemen and for their own safety tyed to second and assist all their intentions and to advance their ends The King is conveyed to Edenburgh and shortly after he either enclosed himself in the Maiden Castle as his lodging or which is more probable was there by the contrary faction committed as his Prison the Earl of Athole and some other Lords being appointed to attend him During this time the general humour of the kingdom being ripe for mischief Alexander Duke of Albany every thing falling right as it was plotted prevailed so with King Edward that the Duke of Gloucester the King of Englands Brother with the title of Lieutenant general for him set forwards toward Scotland The Army consisted of two and twenty thousand and five hundred In his retinue went of the Nobility Henry Earl of Northumberland Thomas Lord Stanley with them was the Duke of Albany The Earl of Dowglass came not being reserved for an after game The Duke of Albany having been before Commander of Berwick and a Man who was still in his absence beloved of that Garâ—ison diverted the Duke of Gloucester from Anwick where he had incamped in lune to assail the Town of Berwick By his intelligence they enter the Town without great opposition and it is given up to their discretion The Castle by the Lord Haills the Captain was made good against their assaults The Duke of Gloucester fore-seeing that this Siege would spend much time considering the uncertainty of events and being invited to march forward by the Lords of the association of Scotland committing the charge of assailiâ—â— the Castle to the Lord Stanley Sir Iohn Elrington and Sir Wâ—lliam â—arr with the body of the Army marched directly to 〈◊〉 The Countrey lay open to their invasion no Army taking the Field to oppose them they came in Scotland the twentieth day of August 1482. the Army encamped at Restlerig 〈◊〉 Duke himself entred the Town of Edenburgh which at the intreaty of the Duke of Albany who was his Harbinger he spar'd receiving such presents as the Citizens offer'd unto him His entry seeming rather a Triumph than hostile invasion The Kiâ—g being shut up from him and immured in the Castle the Duke by a publick writing at the Market Places gave out high Demands That King Iames should perform what he had covenanted with his Brother King Edward That he should give satisfaction for the damage done the English during the last inroads of the Borders which if he refused to accomplish He as Lievtenant to his Brother was to exact of him and take satisfaction of his Countrey denouncing him open war and proclaiming him all Hostility King Iames for saken of his People and wrong'd by his Lords laying aside his Passions and taking to him more moderate and discreet thoughts as a Man in Prison answered nothing to his Demands The Lords who by their Kings misfortune had reckoned their felicity having obtain'd what they chiefly desir'd to obviate the common and last danger the thraldom of their kingdom by these strangers whom they had drawn into the Country for the recovery of their Liberties assemble themselves together at Hadington with some Companies not to fight but to supplicate They sent the Lord Darnley and the elected Bishop of Murray to intreat a suspension of Arms and require a firm and lasting Peace for time to come The beginning of the war and taking of Arms was for the safety of this the neighbour Countrey of England miserably thral'd by a licentious Prince there was nothing more unworthy of a King or Republick than not to keep their promis'd Faith The English could have no colour for executing their indignation further upon this Countrey which already by the rapine of their own Men was impoverish'd and unmanu'd Only now to be recover'd by entertaining Peace with their Neighbours and amongst themselvâ—s They require that the Marriage contracted between the Prince of Rothesay and Lady Cicily King Edwards Daughter might be accomplish'd when it should please the King of England and the age of the two Princes might suffer it For any spoyl taken in these last incursions the interest consider'd upon both sides satisfaction should be given out of the publick contributions The Duke of Glocester as forgetting and seeming not to know the grounds of their coming into the Country and looking to nothing more then his own fame and Glory Answer'd his coming into Scotland was to right the honour of his Country so often violated and to restore the Duke of Albanie unjustly commanded to exile to his own native soyl and the dignity of his Birth as concerning the Mariage of the Prince of Scotland with the Daughter of England He knew not how his Brothers resolution stood at the present whereupon he requir'd repayment of the monies lent to their King upon the first agreement and withall a delivery of the Castle of Barwick up into his hands or if they could not make the Castle to be render'd they should give their oaths upon the holy Evangelists that they should neither assist the besieged nor harm the Besiegers till the Castle were either by force taken or upon fair conditions rendred The Lords having received this answer yielded freely to all the Conditions except they found themselves perplexed in the rendring of Berwick it being a Town of old appertaining to the Crown of Scotland though by force and violence the English had a long time kept it that did not take away their right and title After much contesting agreeing to the surrender of Berwick they desired that the walls of the Town should be demolished that it might not be a place of Tyrannie and incursion over their bordering Countreys No arguments could prevail against the Duke of Gloucesters resolutions and being stronger in power he persever'd in his demans and in â—ll likelihood this was agreeed upon between the Duke of Albany and the confederate Lords and the English before their entring Scotland Thus the Castle and Town of Berwick returned to the English the 24. of August 1482. after it had been delivered by Queen Margarite to gain Sanctuary for her Husband King Henry when expelled England and remained in the possession of the Scots twenty and one years They likewise appointed a day for restitution of all the moneys lent by King Edward and promised upon a full discussion to make satisfaction for all dammages done the English by any in-road of the Scottish Borders For the Duke of Albanies provision whose safety was principally pretended in this expedition a general pardon was promised for him and all â—is followers Together with an abolition of all discontents Whereby he had given unto him the Castle of Dumbar with the Earldoms of Mar and March he should be reinvested in all his former Dignities and Places and by consent of the Nobility of Scotland he was proclaim'd Lieutenant of the Kingdom
and an aboliâ—ion for all was past and the Kings hand at it they doubted not to null and make it void All being done by a King constrained by a powerful Army and a close prisoner which writing could not oblige any private man far less a King what he then bargained was upon constraint and yielded unto upon hopes of saving his life and an act exacted by force The Duke of Albany finding by the malice and detraction of a malignant faction his brothers countenance altered towards him and danger the requital of his late setting him at liberty the established reconciliation being shaken by suspitions and fancy of revenge obeying necessity fled to his Castle of Dumbar out of which he came to England to present to King Edward and the Duke of Gloucester the consideration of his grievances In his absence he is convinced of many points of treason besides the being accessarie to the taking of Berwick by the English As his dangerous and long intelligence with the King of England his sending of many Messengers at all occasions unto him That without any safe-conduct or pass from his Brother and not so much as acquainting him he had left the Countrey come into England to devise conspiracies against his King and native Kingdom The Lord Creighton as his friend associate and complice is forefeited with him against whom Informations were given that often and divers times under the pretence of hunting secretly with the Duke at Albany he road into England and there meeting with Commissioners sent by King Edward he deliberated of matters concerning novations and of the altring the state That there he kept appointments with Iames Earl of Dowglass the often quench'd fire-brand of his Country That in spight of the Kings forces sent there to lie in Garrison he kept the Castle of Creighton The greatest discontent the King conceived against him was love to one of his Sisters and some feminine jealousies When the Duke understood the proceedings against himself and the Lord Creighton and that for their contumacy and not appearing to answer and give in their answer they were convict of Treason and their lands to be seased upon He caused give up the Castle of Dumbar of which he was Lieutenant to King Edward who immediately placed by Sea a Garrison in it About this time Edward King of England left this world 1483. and his brother Richard Duke of Gloucester did first take the name of Protector and Governor of the Kingdom of England and after his brothers Sons put in the Tower and their Mother the Queen taking Sanctuary in the moneth of Iune possest himself of the Crown The Duke of Albany finding that Richard by his change of Fortune had not changed his affection towards him imploreth his aid in restoring him to his own and repairing not his wrongs alone but a wrong done in his sufferings to the King of England sith there was now an open breach of the Truce and Peace so solemnly by him set down and confirmed by his Brother If he could be furnished but with a few number of choice men of reputation and power to pass into Scotland and take a tryal of the Minds and good will of his fâ—iends and confederates he douted not at his entring the Countrey to finde numbers who by his presence would hazzard upon the most desperate dangers Richard finding the man his Supplicant with whom he endeavoured once an intire frindship and whose advancement in Authority he had most studied condescendeth that five hundred men and Horses should be chosen upon the borders with others who were ontlawes and necessitated sometime to make incursions and with Iames the old Earl of Dowglase a man well known and renowned in the West-borders should make an in-road into Scotland The two and twentie day of Iuly the banished Champion having chosen a good number of their borderers put forward towards Loch Maben to surprize a Fair spoil a publick Market seise upon all the Buyers and Sellers which here meet and traffick every St. Magdalens festival under pretence of Devotion and the liberty of trading many English had hither relsorted at the twelfth hour of the day when the Merchants and Countrey-people were in greatest security the burâ—e is invaded and not bloud but wares sought after the Lard of Iohnstoun who was warden and lard of Cock-pool with many stout borderers having surveyed and Ridden through the places where the people were met to prevent and hinder all disorders and dangers at the noise of an incursion of the English dispatch Poasts to the adjacent bounds for supply and in the mean time rencounter the plunderers of the Fair. Here is it fought with greater courage than force and in a long continued skirmish the danger of the loss stir'd up and incited the parties as much as fame and glory The day was neer spent leaving the advantage to either side disputable when the supply of fresh men come to defend their Countrey and friends turned the Fortune of the fight and put the English borders all to the rout The Duke of Albany by the swiftness of his Horse and the good attendance of his Servants winneth English ground but the Earl of Dowglass loaden and heavy with years and armes is taken by Robert Kirken-patrick who for that service got the lands of Kirk-michael and brought as in triumph to Edenburgh It is recorded that when the Earl was come in the Kings presence he turn'd his back refused to look him in the face considering the many outrages he had perpetrated against his Father and this late offence The King taken with the goodly personage gravity and great age of the man commiserating his long patience and cross fortune being in his young daies designed to be a Church-man confined him as in a free Prison in the Abacy of Lyndores Besides he considered that when occasion served he might bring him out of this solitariness and in these turbulent times by his counsel and presence play more advantageously his game of State being a man of long experience in the affairs of the world and the most learned of all his Nobility He was now become tyred of the Earl of Anguss the remembrance of his first offence remaining deeply ingraven in his heart and to counterpoise his greatness this was the only weight The Duke of Albany found little better entertainment in England the battel being lost some men taken and killed this being the first roade upon Scotland under the reign of Richard who had been formerly so fortunate in his own person his fame injur'd and reputation by this diminished the Duke began to be disliked and was not received with that kindness he was wont whereupon by the assistance and convoy of Iohn Liddale he secretly retired to France After the road of Lochmaben sundry incursions are made by the Scots upon the English borders and by the English upon the Scottish The Champian ground is scoured houses are burnt booties taken with great loss to
about these times a good and vertuous Lady died 1486. and was buried at Cambu-kennel the 29. of February The overthrow and death of Richrd being known abroad King Iâ—mes taking the advantage of the time besieged the Castle of â—umbar The garrison'd Souldiers finding no reliet nor assistance from their Countrey and ascertained of the change of their Master rendered up the Fort to the hands of the Scots it was of no great importance to the English and only served to be a fair bridge of Treason for Scottish Rebels and a Cittadel of Conspiracies Henry King of England after his victory and Coronation sent Richard Fox Bishop of Excester and Sir Richard Edgecomb Embassadours to King Iames for renewing the Truce and if it were possible to agree upon a stable and lasting Peace between the Realms King Iames taking a promise of the secrecy of the Embassâ—dours that what he imparted to them should not be laid open to his Nobility told He earnestly affected a Peace with all his Neighbours but above all others with their King as much for his own valour as for the honour and interests of the two Kingdoms But he knew his people so stubborn and opposite to all his designs that if they understood his mind and resolutions they would endeavour to cross his intentions wherefore publickly he could only condescend to seven years truce a long peace being hardly obtained from men brought up in the free licence of war who disdained to be restrained within the Narrow limits of Laws Notwithstanding they should undertake for him to King Henry in the word of a Prince that this Truce before the exspiring of it should be renewed and with all solemntyes again confirmed The Embassadours respecting his good will towards their King accepted the conditions Thus was there a Truce or Peace convenanted and confirmed for seven years to come between the two Realms After so many back-blows of fortune and such canvassing the King enjoying a Peace with all his Neighbours abroad became exceeding religious the miseries of life drawing the mind to the contemplations of what shall be after it During hisresidence at Edenburgh he was wont to come in Procession from the Abby of Holy-rood-house to the Churches in the High-Town every Wednesday and Fryday By which devotion he became beloved of his People Nothing more winning their hearts than the opinion they have of the Sanctity of a person And that he did not this for the fashion nor hypocrisy the application of his wit and power to the administration of strict justice did prove for he began to suppress the insolencies of strong oppressors defend and maintain the Rights of the poor against Tyrants and abusers of their Neighbors He sitteth himself in Council dayly and disposeth affairs of most weight in his own person In the Moneth of October following the Peace with England 1487. a Parlament was called in which many acts were made against Oppressours Justices were appointed to pass thorough the whole Kingdom and see malefactors deservedly punished Acts were made that no convention of friends should be suffered for the accompanying and defence of criminal Persons But that every one attainted should appear at the most with six Proctors that if found guilty they should not be reft from Justice by strong hand Such of the Nobility who feared and consequently hated him finding how he had acquired the love of his people by his piety in the observance of Religion and his severity in executing Justice were driven unto new meditations They began to suspect he would one day free himself from these turbulent Spirits who could not suffer him to enjoy a Peace nor raign He had advanced at this time to Offices of State and Places men whose Fortunes did wholly depend upon his safety and wel-fare at which some Noblemen whose Ambition was to be in publick charge and of the Counsell pretending to that out of right which was only due unto them by favour did highly storm and look upon those others with envious eyes The King thus falling againe into his old sickness they bethought them how to renew their old remedie They were also jealous of the remembrance of the dis-service they had done him and that he would never forget old quarrells They were prepared and ready to make a Revolution of the state but had not yet found their Center to begin motion nor a ground for Rebellion All this while there was not matter enought for an insurrection nor to dispose the Peoples Hearts to a Mutinie The King delighted with his Buildings of the Castle of Sterlin and the amenity of the Place for he had raised there a faire and spacious Hall and founded a College for divine service which he named the Chappel Royal and beginning to be possest and taken up with the Religion of these times endeavoured to endow this foundation with constant Rents and ample Revenues and make this Rock the choyse Sanctuary of his Devotions The Priory of Coldingham then vacant and fallen in his hands he annexed the same to his Chappel Royal and procured an Act of Parliament that none of the Lieges should attempt to doe contrary to this union and annexation or to make any Impetration thereof at the Court of Rome under the paine of Treason The Priors of this Convent having been many years of the Name of Hume it was by the Gentlemen of that Name surmi'sd that they should be interested and wronged in their Estates by reason of the Tithes and other Casualtyes appertaining to this Benefice if a Prior of any other Sirname were promoted to this Place The King being often petitioned and implored that he should not alter the accustom'd form of the Election of that Prior nor remove it from their Name nor suffer the Revenues to be otherways bestowed than they were wont to be of old and he continuing in his resolution of annexing them to his Chapel after long pawsing and deliberation amongst themselves as men stirred up by the male-contents and a proud faction fit for any the most dangerous entrprise they proceed upon stronger Grounds to over-turn his intentions and divert his purpose The Lord Hailles and others of the Sirname of Hepburn had been their constant friends Allies and Neighbours with them they enter in a combination that they should mutually stand to the defence of others and not suffer any Prior to be received for Coldingham if he were not of one of their two Sirnames This Convâ—nant is first privately by some mean Gentlemen sworn who after draw on their Chiefs to be of the Party Of how small beginnings doth a great mischief ariseâ— the male contended Lords knowing those two Sirnames to be numerous active and powerfull in those parts of the Countrey where they remayn'd lay hold upon this Overture and beginning from their particulars they make the cause to be general They spread Rumours abroad that the King was become terrible and not to be trusted notwithstanding all his Protestations and outward
demeanour that he yet meditated Revenge and had begun to invadea nd shake the ancient privileges of the Humes more out of Spight and discontent against them for having assisted and follow'd the Lords of the Reformation of the State than any intention of the increasing the Rents of his new erected Chappel That ere long he would be avengedupon all whom he either knew were accessary or suspected to have been upon the Plot of Lawder Bridg or his committing in the Castle of Edenbrough That it was some time better to commit a fault unpardonable than venture under the Pardon That the King had taken a Resolution to live upon the Peoples contributions and give his owne Revenues to particular Men. The faults of his Counsellours are highly exaggerated They were base Persons and he himself given to dissimulation misdevotion and revenge as occasion served he would remember old wrongs It was good to obey a King but not to lay the head upon a Block to him if a Man could save himself After along smother of discontent and hatred of the Nobility and People rankor breaking dayly forth into Seditions and alterations The Lord Hume and Haylles being the Ring-Leaders many Noblemen and Gentlemen under fained pretences especially the courses of swift Horles keep frequent meetings Where they renew their Covenant agreed upon at Lawder Church the necessity of the times and the danger of the Common-wealth requiring it and gave their oaths that at what time soever the King should chalenge them directly or indirectly or wrong them in their Rights Possessions Places Persons They should abide together as if they were all one Body marry each others quarrells and the wrongs done to any one of them should be done to them all When the King understood the conâ—ederacy of the Lords to anticipate the Danger he made choyse of a Guard for the preservation of his Person and Servants Of which he made Iohn Ramsay of Balmayne a Man whom he had preserved at Lawder and advanced to be Maister of his houshold at Court Captain giving him a warrant not to suffer any Man in Arms approach the Court by some miles This in stead of cooling exasperated the Choler of the Male-contents and stirr'd them to assemble with numerous Retinues all in Arms. The King scarce beleeving the Mindes of so many were corrupted and perswading himself the Authority of the publick name of a King would supply the want of some Power summond certain of them upon fourty days to answer according to Law Of those some rent his Summons and beat shamefully his Heraulds and Messengers for discharging their Offices Others appeared but with numbers of their Adherents Friends Allies and Vassals And here he found that the faults of great Delinquents are not without great danger taken notice of and reprehended he used some Stratagems to surprise the Heads and chiefs of their faction But unadvisedly giving trust to the promises of those who lent their ears but not their hearts to his words his designs were discovered before they produced any effect his secrets all laid open to his great hatred and disadvantage the discoverers taking themselves to the factious Rebells and cherishing unkind thoughts in all whom they saw distasted with his Government Perceiving himself betrayed and his intentions divulged he remained in great doubt to whom he should give credit The nature and manner of all things changed by the League of the Confederates he thought it high time to remove a little further from that Torrent which might have overwhelmed him and made them Masters of his person To temporize and win time caused furnish the Castles of Edenburgh and Sterling with provision of Victual Ammunition and Garrisons to defend them from the dangers of war he resolved to make his aboad beyond the River of Forth and to leave the â—outh Parts of the Kingdom After which deliberation he entred a Ship of Sir Andrew Wood a famous Navigator and stout Commander at Sea which pretended to make sail for the low Countreys and was lying at Anchor in the Forth These who saw him aboard spread a rumour that he was flying to Flanders The Lords of the insurrection making use of this false report seised on his carriage in the Passages towards the North rifled his Coffers spoiled his Servants of their stuff and baggage And then after certainty that he was but landed in Fyfe and from that was in progress to the Northern parts preparing and directing his good Subjects to be in readiness to attend him at his return they surprised the Castle of Dumbar The Moneys found in his Coffers wage Souldiers against him and the Harness and Weapons of his Magazines arm them Having gathered some companies together tumultuously they overrun the Countreys upon the South of the Forth riffling and plundering all men who went not with them or whom they suspected not to favour their desperate and seditious ends In his progres the King held Justice Courts at Aberdeen and Inneress where William Lord Creighton not long before impeacht with the Duke of Albany submitted himself to his Clemency and was received in favour and pardoned after which grace he shortly left this world Whilst the King in the North the Lords in the South are making their preparations When they were assembled at Lithgow they find themselves many in number and strong in power the success of their proceedings being above their hopes there only wanted a Man eminently in esteem with the people and noble of Birth to give lustreto their Actions shadow their Rebellion and be the titular and painted head of their Arms. When they had long deliberared upon this great Man they assented all that there was none to be paralleld to the Prince of Rothsay the Kings own Son So strongly providence befools all human wisdom and foresight his keepers being corrupted by gifts pensions and promises of divers Rewards he is delivered into their hands and by threats that they would otherwaies give up the Kingdom to the King of England he is constrained to go with them To heighten the hatred against the King and the closlier to deceive the people for the love of subjects is such towards their natural Kings that except they be first deceived by some pretence and notable sophism they will not arise altogether in arms and rebel they make proclamations and by their Deputies by way of Remonstrances spread abroad seditious Papers in what a Sea of blood would these men launch into that all true Subjects should come in defence of the Prince and take arms because his Fathers jealousies and superstitious fears were risen to that height that nothing but his Sons death or imprisonment could temperate them That he was raising an Army to take his Son out of their hands that he might do with him as he had done with his own Brothers That force was the onely means to work his safety and keep the Plotters of this mischief within bounds they also should take arms to reduce the
Government to a better form for that the Kingdom was oppressed with insupportable grievances the King being altogether given to follow the advice projects and counsels of base men to amass and gather great sums of money from his people upon which he studied to maintain his Court and State and give away his own When the Engin was prepared for the people and spread abroad they sent to the Earl of Dowglass then closely as a Monck shut up in the Abby of Lyndores to come out be of the Party and assist them with his Counsel and Friends promising if their attempt had happy Success to restore him again to his ancient possessions and Heritage former dignitys and the Places of honour of his Ancestors The Earl whom time and long experience had made wary and circumspect having a suspition the Earl of Angus who possessed the greatest part of his estate had been the chief motioner of this liberty and that rather to try what he would do then that he minded really to set him free refused to come out of his Cloister And by his letters disswaded them from their bold enterprize against their Prince wishing they would set his house and himself for a pattern precedent of Rebellion He sent to all such of his Friends whom his disasters had left unruined to take arms for the King as the Dowglasses of Kayvers and others The King neither losing courage nor councel for the greatness of the danger of the Rebellion trusting much to his good fortune with such forces as came with him from the North in Captain Woods Ships and other Boats and Vessels prepared to that end passeth the Forth near the Blackness an old Fortress and Sea port in West Lothian not far from the Castle of Abercorn and that place where the Forces of the Earl of Dowglass left him and the King his Father obtained so harmless a victory Before the arrival of the King at this Place the Earls of Montross Glencarn Lords Maxwell and Ruthven with others advertised by Letters of the Rendevouz had come to the Place had encamped and were attending him And he mustered a sufficient Army to rencounter the Lords of the association who from all quarters were assembled having with them the Prince to add Authority to their quarrel The two Armies being in readiness to decide their indifferences by a Battail the Earl of Athole the Kings Uncle so travailed between the Lords of either party and the King that a suspention of Armes was agreed upon and reconcilement and the Earl of Athole rendered himself a pledge for the accomplishing of the Kings part of the reconcilement to the Lord Haylles and was sent to be kept in the Castle of Dumbar This was not a small fault of this Prince the Confederates forces were not at this time equall to his neither had they essayed to hinder the landing of his Army being but in gathering the Castle of Blackness was for his defence and his Ships traversing up and down the Forth in case of necessity for succour That if he had hazarded a battail he had been neer to have recovered all that reputation he had before lost Now upon either side some common Souldiers are disbanded some Gentlemen licensed to return to their own dwelling places The King in a peaceable manner retireth to the Castle of Edenburgh The Earl of Athole was now removed from him and many of the other Lords who loved him returned to their houses the Counsel of man not being able to resist the determinations of God The Lords suspecting still the King to be implacable in their behalf and unaccessible in his Castle keeping the Prince alwaies with them entring upon new meditations hold sundry meetings how to have his person in their power and make him a prey to their ambitious designs The Town of Edinburgh is pestered with troups of armed men the Villages about replenished with Soldiours The King warned of his danger fortifies of new the Castle of Edenburgh for his defence and is brought to such a tameness that resolving to do that with love of every man which he feared in end he should be constrained unto with the universal hatred of all and his own damage and danger out of a passive fortitude sent Commissioners indifferent Noble men to the Lords and his Son to understand their intentions and what they meant Why his Son was kept from him and continued the head of their faction Why his Uncle was so closely imprison'd and himself as it were blocked up by their tumultuous meetings in Arms He was content they should have an abolition of all that was past that their punishments should not be infinitely extended and that they should think upon a general agreement after the best and fittest manner they could devise and set it down They finding their offences flew higher than hope of pardon could ascend unto Their suspitions and the conscience of their crime committed breeding such a distrust out of an apprehension of fear answered that they found no true meaning Open war was to be preferred to a peace full of deceit danger and fears that being assured he would weave out his begun projects against them they could not think of any â—afety nor have assurance of their lives nor fortunes unless he freely resigned the title of his Crown and Realm in favour of his Son and voluntarily deposed himself leaving the Government of the People and Kingdome to the Lords of his Parliament divesting himself wholly of his Royall dignity Neither would they come to any submission or capitulation until he consented to this main point and granted it submissivelye King Iames notwithstanding of this answer after a cleer prospect of the inconveniences and mischiefs which were growing and the many injuries indignities and affronts put upon him yet really affecting a peace sought unto Henry King of England as also to the Pope and King of France to make an attonment between him and his Subjects The King accordingly interposed their Mediation in a round and Princely manners not only by way of request and perswasion but also by way of protestation and menace declaring that they thought it to be the common cause of all Kings if Subjects should be suffered to give Lawes unto their Soveraign a ligitimate King though a Tyrant was not subordinate to the Authority of Subjects Iames was not a Tyrant his errours proceeding most part form youth and evil Counsel That suppose the King had done them wrong it was not wisely done for a desire of revenge to endanger their particular Estates and the peace and standing of the whole Kingdome What State was there ever so pure but some corruption might creep into it That they should be very ment too far That they would accordingly resent and revenge it Rage prevailing against Reason and fears the Lords made that same answer to these Embassadours which they had sent to the King himself before As for the Popes Embassy which was sent by Adrian de
nearest Man of that Faction The Earl had raised many high-land and West-land men recorded to be two thousand but when he could not pass the River of Forth at the bridge of Sterlin the Lords having invested the Town he assayeth to pass amongst the Fens and Marishes at a Foord not far from the head of the River where other his Confederates had appointed to meet him Whilst he is encamped at Tilly-moss far from all appearance or suspition of danger the Lord Drummond by the advertisement of Alexander Mackealp who had taken Arms with the Earl only to find out his waies in the Night invadeth his Camp the sentinels and these of the formost Guard seised upon or killed or driven back they in the neerest Cabines amazed with the suddain mischief rise to arm themselves and think of fight but finding the danger to be on all sides and thorough the whole Camp neither seeing before them nor hearing any Directions given them for the great noise of the Invaders it being impossible to put themselves in array confusedly each overthrowing other take themselves to hopeless and disordered slight Sleep here to some is continued in death many disburthening themselvs of their arms seek sanctuary amongst the winding pathes of these Marshes Others are taken but by their acquaintance and friends suffered after to escape Revenge is only followed against such who in malice had enterprized any thing against the present Government and persevered in their attempts This defeit of the Earl of Lennox by the Lord Drummond is seconded with the rumour of a Sea victory obtained by Sir Andrew Wood against Steven Bull a man excelling in maritime affairs who had come upon the Scottish seas to revenge the Quarrel of his Matters Ships not long before taken and spoyled by Sir Andrew They had met neer the Island of the May at the mouth of the River of Forth and arranging themselves for fight had been two daies by the waves and winds carryed along the coast of Fife driven at last amongst the Mâ—unts of Sand where the Tay looseth his name in the Sea the English ships taler and of a greater burthen than the Scottish by ignorance or negligence of their Mariners embanqued and stuck moor'd upon the Shelves and being forc't by necessity to render were brought as Prizes to Dundeâ— The rumour of these Victories spread abroad so amaz'd the Companies raised in the North by the Lord Forbess and other his Confederates that they changing their opinions with the event of actions gave over further prosecution or desire of war and every Man retired to his own home After which by indifferent friends having sought a reconciliation it being more expedient to take them in by Policy than by force they were easily received in favour amongst which was the Earl of Lennox and the Lord Forbess The Governours to ingratiate themselves more with the people by calming the present troubles and uniting the divided members of the Common-wealth that every man might have a publick assurance for the freedom of his Person and private estate and fortunes call a Parlament and it is held at Edinburgh in February having the Law in their own hands that the insurrection might be thought just here was it adjudged that those who were slain in the field of Sterlin had fallen by their own deservings and justly suffered the punishment of their rashness that the Victors were innocently guiltless of the blood there shed and fairly acquitted of any pursuit The three estates testifying the same by their subscriptions and Signets It was Ordained That they who came against the present King in aid of his Father should take remissions or pardons and so many of them as were in hereditary Offices as Wardens Iustices Sheriffs Stewards Baillyes Lieutenants or in other publick Charges should be suspended from them for the space of three years that such who had offices for term of life or for terms should be dispossessed and dennded of them altogether All which though done under a colour of Punishment was only to invest Places and to turn some of themselves rich by their spoils The punishment of mean men challenged of these garboyls is either made little or passed over All Donations howsoever made by Patent from the King or by Parliaments in prejudice of the Crown beginning from the moneth of September before till the day of his decease are repelled and annihiled All honours bestowed on such the late King sought to obliege unto him were recalled The Earl of Crawford was divested of his title of being Duke of Montross as the L. of Balmayn was of his of being Earl of Bothwell Embassadours are directed to the Emperour Pope Kings of France and Denmark and other Princes to renue the Leagues antient Confederacies and Allyances as in times past had been the custome of the Kings of Scotland to their neighbour Princes but especially to take away the blame of their Kings slaughter from the Governours and manifest to all the world the candor of their minds and justice of their proceedings For that some few English Ships had shut up the narrow Seas of Scotland and interrupted the commerce of Merchants pillaging the Coasts Order was established for building of many Ships and that every Sea-port should be stored with them as well to maintain traffick abroad with Strangers as for fishing and to be walls to the Countrey at home In a matter so important and near concerning the weal and standing of the State the Barons were ordained to share and bear a part with the Merchants and Burroughs And in so fair a project to encourage his people the King himself was content first to begin and to build ships for his own and the publick service of the Kingdom This being one of the greatest miseries of the late King that he suffered himself to be misgovered by as they term'd them worthless men some Prelates and Noble-men eniment in learning and virtue are selected who should still be resident with the King and of his Council without the advice consent and decree of six of which if any matters of importance were proceeded on and concluded they should be void and â—ull Governours are appointed to bring up his Brothers Now is every thing ordered to the best Justice is executed on oppressours and Robbers and in the remotest parts of the Kingdom the King himself in person seeth it administred He is of so contrary a temper to the humour of his Predecessors that he granted freely to every man what could be demanded in reason To give a testimony to the world of the Agonie of his mind for the Death of his Father and what remorse and anguish he suffered for the faults of those who brought him to the Field against him he girded himself with a chayn 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 tranquility some records bear that they forewarned him by the example of his Father not to take any violent course against them or which might irritate the people against him and every thing to embrace their counsels and that finding him repining and stubborn beyond mediocrity giving himself over to Sorrow and pensiveness they thâ—eaâ—ned him with a Coronation of one of his Brothers telling him it was in their power to make any of the race of his 〈◊〉 their King if he were Head-strong and refractory to oppose to their wholsom directions and grave Counsâ—ls Amidst this Grief of the King and overweening of his supercilions Governours Andrew Forman Secretary to Alexander the sixth Bishop of Rome arrived in Scotland with instrutions for the Clergy and Letters from his Master to the King and the Nobles The Kings were full of ordinary consolations to asswage his passions and reduce his mind to a more calm temper for the accident of his Fathers death The most glorious victory a Prince could acquire was sometimes to overcome himself and triumph over his disordered passions In all perturbations to which we are subject we should endeavour to practise that precept No thing too much but chiefly in our passions of sorrow and wrath which not being restrained overwhelm the greatest and most generous Minds that by passion the fewest actions and by reason the most do prosper Though a King he must not imagine himself exempt from things casual to all mankind especially in Seditions and civil tumults from which no kingdom nor State hath been free There being no City which hath not sometimes wicked Citezens and alwaies and ever an headstrong and mad multitude he should take what had befaln him from the hand of his Maker who chastiseth those he loveth What comes from heaven be should bear necessarily what proceedeth from Men couragiously there was no man so safe excellent and transcendent who by an insolent Nobility and ravaging Populacy might not be compell'd to perpetrate many things against his heart and intentions The will being both the beginning and subject of all sin and the consenting to and allowing the action being the only and main point to be considered and look into of which he was free the sin committed was not his nor could the punishment which by the divine Iustice might follow belong unto him Sith he had done nothing of himself but as a bound man had been carryed away by mutinous Subjects these that lead transgress not alwaies they that follow To these men remorse and torture of conscience belong'd it was they should lament and mourn who under false pretences had abused the people maskt their Ambition and malice with a reformation of errours in the State whose rage could not be quencht but by the bloud of ther Soveraign It was these should bewail their in justice and cruelty the sin shame and judgement for so hainous a fact followed these men He should not impute the wrongs and wickedness of others by which he had been a sufferer with his disastered Father to himself Revenge belonged to the Almighty to whose Tribunal he should submit his quarrel He should not decree the worst against his mutinous Subjects nor turn them desperate as if there were no place to repent Great offenccs ordinarily were seldom punisht in a State that it was proâ—itable for a Prince sometime to put up voluntarily an injury the way to be invincible was never to contend and to stand out of danger was the benefit of peace that he should apply soft Medicine where it was dangerous to use violent That following his Maker he should endeavour to draw Good out of evil As he was for that disaster of his Father pittyed by Men upon Earth so assuredly he would be pardoned in Heaven If his Subjects returned to their crooked Byas and did revolt again he would make the danger his own use his Ecclestastical censures and spiritual power against thâ—m till they became obedient and submitted themselves to the sway of his Scepter In the Letters to the Nobles he exhorted them to obedience Ambition was the cause of Sedition which had no limits and which was the bane and wrack of States Kingdoms of which they should beware of Kingdoms subsisting upon the reputation of a Prince and that respect his Subjects carryed towards him He was the Eye and Sun of Iustice the Prince weakned or taken away or his authority contemned the Common-wealth would not only fall into a Decadence but suffer an Earth-quake and perish Either after by Forrainers be invaded or by intestine dissentions rent asunder Confusions followed where obedience ceased and left Contempt deposed Kings as well as death and Kings are no longer Kings when their Subjects refuse to obey them That good people made good Kings which he requested them to endeavour to be as they would answer to God whose Lientenants Princes were and by whose power they ruled After this time the Lord Evaindale being dead the Earl of Anguss was made Chancelour and the Lord Hume obtained the place of great Chamberlain of Scotland the Countrey enjoyed a great calm of peace the grounds of dissention seeming to be taken away The King in the strength and vigour of his Youth remembring that to live in Idleness was to live to be contemned by the world by change of Objects to expell his present sadness and to enable himself for wars when they should burst forth gave himself to recreations by Games and with a decent Pomp entertained all Knightly exercies keeping an open and magnificent Court When time and Exercise had enabled him and he thought he had attained to some perfection in marital Sports Tilting and Barriers proclaimed Rewards propounded and promised to the Victors Challenges are sent abroad unto Strangers either to be Umpiers or Actors of Feats of Arms. Charles the eight the French King having an Ambition to reannex the Dutchy of French Bretaign to the Crown of France either by arms or the Marriage of Anne the apparent heir under the pretext and shadow of those painted Justings sendeth to Scotland some of the bravest Gentlemen of his Court desiring privily the assistance of King Iames against the English if it should fall forth that the King of England troubled his Designs Not long after well and honorably accompanied arriveth in Scotland a young man naming himself Richard Duke of York son to Edward the fourth true Inheritour of the Crown of England divers Neighbor Princes testifying the same by the Letters which contained That Edward the eldest son of Edward the fourth who succeeded his Father in the Crown by the Name of Edward the fifth was murthered by Richard Duke of Gloucester their unnatural Vncle but Richard the younger Son his Brother by the Man who was employed to
execute that Tragedy making report to the Tyrant that he had performed his command for both Brethren was saved and with speed and secrecy convoyed to Tourney there conceal'd and brought up by his Fathers Sister Margarite Dutchass of Burgundy Nhat King Iames should acknowledge this for Truth and friendly assist this young Man who was that very Richard Duke of York to recover his inheritance now most unjustly usurped and Possessed by Henry Tuder Earl of Richmond That the right of Kings extended not onely to the safe preservation of their own but also to the aid of all such Allies as change of time and State hath often hurled down from Crowns to undergo an exercise of sufference in both fortunes and Kings should reposses Kings wrongfully put from their own As his Predecessors to whose royal vertues he was heir had repossessed Henry the sixth King of England spoiled of his Kingdom and distressed by which Charity obliging all virtuous Princes unto him he should find ever as his own Maximilian of Bohemia Charles of France and Margarite Dutchâ—ss Dowager of Burgundy King Iames graciously receiving this young man told him That whatsoever he were he should not repent him of putting himself into his hands and from that time forth though many gave Informations against him as a Counterfeit entertained him every way as a Prince embraced his quarrel and seiling both his own eyes and the eyes of the world he gave consent that this Duke should take to wife Lady Katherine Gordoun daughter to the Earl of Huntley which some thought he did to increase the Factions of Perkins in England stir the discontented Subjects against King Henry and to encourage his own Subjects to side on his quarrel Not long after in person with this Duke of York in his Company who assured him of powerful assistance he entered with an Army into Northumberland but not one Man comming to side with them the King turned his enterprize into a Road and after he had spoiled the Countrey returned into Scotland It is said that Perkin acting the part of a Prince handsomely where he saw the Scots pillaging and wasting of the Countrey came to the King and in a deploring manner requested him to spare his afflicted people that no Crown was so dear to his Mind as that he desired to purchase it with the blood and ruin of his people whereunto King Iames answered he was ridiculously careful of an interest another man possessed and which perhaps was none of his The King of England who delighted more to draw treasure from his people than to hazard the spilling of their blood to revenge the predatory war of the Scots and find out Perkin requireth a subsidy of his Subjects and though few believed he would follow so far a flying Hart he was levying a puissant Army No sooner this Subsidy began to be collected amongst the Cornish-men when they began to grudge and murmur and afterwards rebelled which when it was understood of the King he retained the forces raised for his own service and use In the mean time dispatching the Earl of Surrey to the North to attend the Scots incursions whilst the Cornish-men are in their March towards London King Iames again entered the Frontiers of England with an Army and besieged the Castle of Norham in person But understanding the Earl of Surrey was advancing with greater forces loaden with spoil he returned back again the Earl of Surrey finding no Enemy sat down before the Castle of Aytoun which he took and soon after returned into England the cold season of the year with the unseasonableness of the weather driving away time invited a Treaty of Peace on both sides Amidst these turmoyls and unprofitable incursions of the two Kingdoms Ferdinando and Isabella of Spain sent one Peter Hialas to treat a marriage between Katherine one of their Daughters and Arthur Prince of Wales This allyance being agreed upon and almost brought to perfection King Henry desirous of quietness and to have an end of all Debates especially these with Scotland communicateth his intentions to Hialas a man wise and learned and whom he thought able to be employed in such a service for it stood not with his Reputation to sue unto his enemy for Peace But Hialas a stranger unto both as having Direction from his Master for the Peace of Christian and Neighbor Princes might take upon him this reconciliation Hialas accepteth the Embassage and comming to King Iames after he had brought him to hearken to more safe and quiet Counsels wrote unto King Henry That he hoped that Peace might easily be concluded if he would send some wise and temperate Counsellour of his own that might treat of the Conditions Whereupon the King directeth the Bishop of Duresm Richard Fox who at that time was at his Castle of Norham to confer with Hialas and they both to treat with some Commissioners deputed from King Iames. The Commissioners of both sides meet at Iedbrough and dispute many articles and conditions of Peace Restitution of the spoils taken by the Scotish or dammages for the same is desired but that was passed as a matter impossible to be performed An enterview in person at Newcastle is desired of both Kings which being referred to King Iames his own arbitrement he is reported to have answered that he meant to treat a Peace and not go a begging for it The breaking of the Peace for Perkin Warbeck is highly aggravated by the Bishop and he demanded to be deliver'd to the King of England That a Prince should not easily believe with the common people that Perkin was a fiction and such an one that if a Poet had projected the figure it could not have been done more to admiration than the house of York by the old Dutchess of Burgundy Sister to Edward the fourth having first raised Lambert Simnel and at last this Perkin to personate Kings and seduce the people His birth education not residence in any one place proved him a Pageant King that he was a reproach to all Kings and a person not protected by the Law of Nations The Bishop of Glasgow answered for his Master That the love and Amity grounded upon a Common cause and universal conclusion amongst Kings to defend one another was the main foundation upon which King James had adventured to assist Edward Duke of York that he was no competent Iudge of his title he had received him as a Suppliant protected him as a person fled for refuge espoused him with his Kinsewoman and aided him with Arms upon the belief that he was a Prince that the People of Ireland Wales and many in England acknowledged him no less than their King whether he were so or not sith for a Prince he had hitherto defended him he could not leave him upon the Relation of his most terrible Enemy and the present Possessour of his Crown That no Prince was bound to render a Subject to another who had come to him for Sanctuary less a
Prince who had recourse unto him for aid and Supply and was now allyed with the antient blood of the Countrey Much being said at last they conclude upon a truce for some moneths following After this treaty of Peace the Counterfeit Duke of York with his Lady and such Followers as would not leave him sailed over into Ireland This Truce happily concluded and continued by a trifling and untoward accident went neer to have been given up and broken There were certain Scottish young men came into Norham Town and having little to do went sometimes forth and would stand looking upon the Castle Some of the Garrison of the Castle observing them and having not their Minds purged of the late ill-humour of Hostility either suspected them or quarrel'd with them as spyes whereupon they fell at ill words and from words to blows so that many were wounded of either side and the Scots being strangers in the Town had the worst Insomuch that some of them were slain and the rest made hast home The matter being complained on and often debated before the Wardens of the Marshes of both sides and no good order taken King Iames took it to himself and sent Marchmond Herauld to the King of England to make protestation That if reparation were not done according to the Conditions of the Truce his King did denounce war The King of England who had often tryed fortune and was enclined to Peace made answer That what had been done was utterly against his will and without his privity But if the Garrison Souldiers had been in fault he would see them punished and the Truce in all points to be preserved This answer pleased not King Iames. Bishop Fox understanding his discontent being troubled that the occasion of breaking the Truce should grow from his men sent many humble and deprecatory Letters to the King of Scotland to appease him Whereupon King Iames molified by the Bishops submiss and discreet Letters wrote back again unto him That though he were in part moved by his Letters yet he should not be fully satisfyed except he spake with himself as well about the compounding of the present difference as about other matters that might concern the good of both kingdoms The Bishop advising first with his Master took his journey to Scotland the meeting was at the Abby of Melrose where the King then abode The King first roundly uttered unto the Bishop his offence conceived for the breach of the Truce by his Men at Norham Castle after speaking with him a part he told him That these temporarie Truces and Peace were soon made and soon broken but that he desired a straiter Amity with the King of England discovering his Mind that if the King would give him in Marriage the Lady Margarite his eldest Daughter That indeed might be a knot indissolvable That he knew well what Place and Power the Bishop deservedly had with his Master therefore if he would take the business to heart and deal in it effectually he doubted not but it would well succeed The Bishop answered soberly That he thought himself rather happy than worthy to be an instrument in such a matter but would do his best endeavour Wherefore the Bishop of Durhâ—m returning from Scotland to his King at London and giving count what had pasâ—ed and finding his King more than well disposed in it gave the King first advice to proceed to a conclusion of Peace and then go on with the Treaty of Marriage by degrees hereupon a Peace was concluded to continue for both the Kings lives and to the overliver of them one year after In this Peace there was an Article contained That no English man should enter into Scotland nor no Scotch man into England without Letters Commendatory from the king of either Nations During this Treaty of the Marriage it is reported that the King of England referred this matter to his Council and that some of the Table in freedom of Counsellours the King being present had put the case That Issues Males and Females failing of the race of his two Sons that then the Kingdome of England would fall to the King of Scotland which might prejudice the Monarchy of England Whereunto the King himself replyed That if any such event should be Scotland would be but an accession to England and not England to Scotland for that the greater would draw the less and that it was a safer union for England than that of France Shortly after the espousals of Iames King of Scotland with Lady Margarite the King of Englands eldest Daughter followed which were done by Proxie in all solemn manner The Assurance and contract was published at Pauls Cross the 25. of Ianuary at London in applause of which Hymns were publickly sung in the Churches and Bonfires with great feasting and banqueting set throughout all the City Iulius the second in the beginning of this Treaty did gratifie King Iames with a Sword and Diadem wrought with flowers of Gold which the Popes on Christmass even used to consecrate a custome first brought in by Sixtus Quartus which were presented to him at Holy-Rood-House the marriage was in August following consummate at Edenbrough King Henry bringing his Daughter as far as Colliveston on the way where his Mother the Countess of Richmond aboade and then resigning her to the attendance of the Earl of Northumberland who with a great Train of Lords and Ladies of Honour brought her into Scotland to the King her Husband solemn daies were kept at Court for banquetting Masks and Revelling Barriers and Tilting proclaimed Challenges were given out in the Name of the Savage Knight who was the King himself Rewards designed to the Victors Old King Arthur with his Knights of the Round-Table were here brought upon the Lists The fame of this Mariage had drawn many Forreign Gentlemen to the Court. Amongst others came Monsieur Darcie naming himself Le Sieur de la Beautie who tryed Barriers with the Lord Hamilton after they had tilted with grinding Spears Some of the Savage Knights Company who were robust high-land men he giving way unto them smarted really in these feigned Conflicts with Targets and two-handed Swords to the Musick of their Bagpipes fighting as in a true battel to the admiration of the English and French who had never seen men so ambitious of wounds and prodigal of blood in sport All were magnificently entertain'd by the King and with honourable Largesses and Rewards of their Valour licensed to return Home During the Treaty of this Marriage with England a Monster of a new and strange shape was born in Scotland near the City of Glasgow the body of which under the waste or middle varied nothing from the common shape and proportion of the bodies of other men the members both for use and comliness being two their faces looking one way sitting they seemed two men to such who saw not the parts beneath and standing it could not be discerned to which of the two Bulks above the
Castile who had presented her with many tokens of affection and by his Embassadours earnestly sought her from her Brother But their great errand was to divide the King from his Brother-in-law King Henry and make him assist Loâ—ys these two Potentates intending a war against other Anne Daughter of Francis Duke of Bretaign after the death of her Sister Isabella remained sole heir of that Dutchy her wardship falling to the French King Charles the eight He terrified so her Subjects guided her kinred and the principal persons about her that making void the pretended marriage of Maximilian king of the Romans which was by Proxie she was married unto him Notwithstanding he had the Daughter of Maximilian at his Court with great exspectation of a mariage to be celebrate with her After the death of King Charles Lovys the twelf having marryed Iane the Sister of Charles and Daughter to Lovys the eleventh by his many favours bestowed upon Pope Alexander the sixth and his Son Cesar Borgia obtaineth a Brief of Divorce against her by the power of which her weakness for the bearing of Children the necessary upholders of a Crown by his Physicians being proved he had married Anne of Bretaign for he would not loose so fair a Dowry for the blustering rumour of Malecontents which in a little time would grow stale and vanish Pope Alexander dead Iulius the second a turbulent unquiet but magnificent Prelate and a stout defender of Church-Patrimony suspitious of the power of the French in Italy and that they would not rest content with the kingdom of Naples and Dutchy of Milan but one day hazard for all fearing also they would because they might put him out of his Chair and substitute in his Room their Cardinal of Amboise or some other of their own began to study novations and means to send the French back to their own Countrey his ordinary discourse being that he would one day make Italy free from Barbarians He requireth King Lovys to give over the protection of the Duke of Ferrara and of Annibal Bentivoglio whom he had thrust out of Bulloign The King refusing to forsake Confederates the Pope betaketh him to his spiritual Arms and threatneth with Excommunication the Duke and all who came to his aid and support especially the French they decline his Sentence and appeal to a true and lawful General Council with which they threaten him Henry the eight then in the fervour of his youth amidst a great Treasure left by his Father and by more than ordinary bands of love and friendship tyed to the Pope as having dispensed with the marying his Brothers widdow interposeth himself as an Indifferent Mediator and Intercessor for Peace between the two parties but in effect was the chief maintainer of the Quarrel effecting nothing because he would not Conditions being refused by King Henry he essayeth draw the French arms from the Popes territories by cutting them work neerer home and bringing a necâ—ssity upon them to defend their own Upon this determination he desireth king Lovys to restore and render to him his Dutchies Guyenne and Normandy with his antient inheritance of Anjow and Mayne and the other old Possessions of the English in France which wrongfully had been detained and kept from him and his Ancestors The war of Italy by â—hese threatnings was not left of for the Pope conming to Bollogn with intention to invade Ferrara is besieged with his Cardinals and he sendeth Declarations to the Christian Princes protesting the French not only thirsted after the Patrimony and Inheritance of S. Peter but even after Christian blood Mean while he absolveth the Subjects of King Lovys from their oath of Allegiance abandoneth his kingdom to any can possess it at a Council at Lateran he dispatched a Bull wherein the title of most Christian King is transferred upon Henry king of England who to his former titles of France having now the approbation of the Pope and the kingdom interdicted prepareth an expedition in person After which with five thousand barded Horses Fourty thousand Foot comming in Picardie he encampeth before Therovenne a Town upon the Marches of Picardie Here the Emperour Maximiliam resenting yet his old injury entreth into the King of Englands pay and weareth the cross of Saint George But so long as he staied in the Army it was govâ—rned according to his counsel and direction King Iames before his meeting with Bernard Stuart and Bishop Forman was fully purposed to prove an indifferent beholder of this War but Bernard having corrupted the Courtiers and the Bishop the chief Church-man of the kingdom after their long and earnest intercession he was drawn altogether to affect and adhere to the French To throw the apple of Dissention Bishop Forman is sent to king Henry to demand certain Jewels by their Fathers Will or her Brothers Prince Arthurs appertaining to Queen Margarite his Sister King Henry mistrusting that Embassy offereth all and more than they demand from him Shortly after the English beginning to interrupt the traffick of the French by Sea king Iames will send his Ships lately well mann'd and equipp'd for fight which not long before had been prepared as was given out to transport the king into Syria to his Cosin Queen Ann supposing this Gift would rather seem a Pledge of friendship and alliance to the English than any Supply of Warre But Iames Earl of Arrain having got the command of them instead of falling towards France arriveth in Ireland whether by tempest of weather or that he would disturb the Kings proceedings in assisting the French instigated and corrupted by King Henry it is uncertain and after he had spoild Knock-Fergus a maritime village returneth with them to the Town of Ayre The King taking in an evil part the invasion of Ireland but more the lingring of the Earl for he had received Letters from Queen Anne and Bishop Forman regretting the long and vain expectation of his Ships giveth the Earl of Anguss and Sir Andrew Wood a Commission for both him and them The Earl of Arrain by his Friends at Court understanding his Masters displeasure ere they could find him hoiseth up Sails and committeth him self rather to the uncertain fortune of the Seas than the just wrath of a King After great Tempest arriving in French Bretaign these Ships built at such extraordinary Charges Sayls and Cordage being taken from them rotted and consumed by weather in the Haven of Erest Now matters grew more exasperate between the Brother Kings Robert Car Warden of the Borders is killed by three English Hieron Lilburn Struthers Andrew Barton who upon an old quarrel begun in the reign of King Iames the third had purchased Letters of Reprisal against the Portingals by Thomas Howard the English Admiral is slain and his Ships taken To this last Grievance when it was expostulated King Henry is said to have answered That truce amongst Princes was never broken for taking or killing of Pyrates Alexander Lord Hume Warden of the East
Marches in Revenge of accumulated injuries with three thousand men invadeth the English Borders burneth some Villages and forrageth the Fields about But having divided his forces and sent a part of them loaden with spoils towards Scotland he falleth in an ambush of the English where Sir William Bulmure with a thousand Archers put him to flight and took his Brother George During these border incursions the Lord Dacres and Doctor West came as in an Embassy from England not so much for establishing a Peace and settling those tumults begun by the meeting of Commissioners who assembled and concluded nothing as to give their Master certain and true Intelligence of the Proceedings of the Scots with the French and what they attempted Monsieur de la Motte was come with Letters from the French to stir King Iames to take arms against the English and had in his voyage drowned three English Ships bringing seven with him as Prizes to the Harbour of Leyth Robert Bartoun in revenge of Andrew Bartouns death at that same time returned with thirteon Vessels all Prizes King Lovys had sent a great ship loaden with Artillery Powder and Wines in whicd Mr. Iames Oguylbuy Abbot of Drybrough arrived with earnest request for the renuing of the antient League between France and Scotland and Letters froom Queen Anne for the invasion of England In which she regretted he had not one Friend nor maintainer of his Honour at the Court of France after the late delay of the sending his Ships except her self and her Ladies that her request was He would for her sake whom he had honoured with the name of his Mistress in his Martial sports in time of peace march but one mile upon the English bounds now in time of an appearing war against her Lord and Countrey The King thinking himself already engaged and interested in his fame drawn away by the promises eloquence and other perswasions of the French assembleth the three Estates of his Kingdom to deliberate about a war with England Many oppose it but in vain for at last for fear of the Kings displeasure it is concluded uncertain whether by a worse Counsel or event But before any hostility against the English they determine and decree that King Henry shall by an Herauld be fairly advertised and desired to desist from any further invasion of the Territories of the French King or Duke of Guilders who was General of the French Army the King of Scotlands Confederates and Kinsemen which not being yielded unto the Warre as lawfull and just shall be denounced Henry the eight then besieging Therovenne answered the Herauld who delivered his Commission That he heard no thing from him but what he had expected from a King a Despiser of Gods and Mans Law for himself he would not give over a War so happily began for any threats Neither did he care much for that Mans friendship of whose unconstancy he had so often had experience nor for the power of his Kingdom and ambitious poverty After this answer of the King of England A Declaration by the King of Scotland was published almost to this sense Though Princes should direct their Actions more to conscience than Fame and are not bound to give an account of them to any but to God alone and when Armies are prepared for Battel they look not so much to what may be said as to what ought to be done th◠〈◊〉 being over thought to have had reason upon their side and the justest cause yet to manifest our sincerity and the uprightness of our proceedings as well to these present times as to posterity who may hereafter enquire after our deportments that all may take a full view of our intentions and courses we have been mov'd to lay down the justness and equity of our Arms before the Tribunal of the World The Laws of Nations and of Nature which are grounded upon the Reason by which Man is distinguished from other Creatures oblige every one to defend â—imself and to seek means for ones own preseration is a thing unblamable bnt the Laws of Soveraignty lay greater Obligations upon us and above all men Monarchs and they to whom God hath given the Governments of States and Kingdomes are not only bound to maintain and defend their own Kingdomes Estates and Persons but to relieve from unjust Oppression so far as is in their power being required their Friends Neighbours and Confederates and not to suffer the weak to be overthrown by the stronger The many Innovations and troubles raised upon all sides about us the wrongs our Subjects have suffered by the insolencies and arrogancy of the Counsellors of Henry King of England our Brother-in-Law are not onely known to our Neighbour but blazed amonst remotest Countreys Roads and Incursions have been made upon our Borders Sundry of our Leiges have been taken and as in a just warr turned Prisoners the Warden of our Marches under Assurance hath been miserably kelled our Merchants at Sea invaded spoiled of their goods liberties lives above others the chief captain of our Ships put to Death and all by the kings own Commission upon which breaches between the two kingdomes disorders and manifest wrongs committed upon our Subjects when by our Embassadours we had divers times required satisfaction and Reparation we received no justice or answer worthy of him or us our Complaints being rejected and we disdainfully contemned that longer to suffer such Insolencies and not by just force to resist unjust violence and by dangers to seek a remedy against greater or more imminent dangers Not to stand to the defence of our Lieges and take upon us their protection were to invite others to offer the like affronts and injuries to us hereafter Besides these Breaches of Duty Outrages Wrongs done unto us his Brother Henry king of England without any just cause or violence offered to him or any of his by the king of France hath levyed a mighty Army against him invaded his Territories using all hostility Continuing to assault and force his Towns make his Subjects Prisoners kill and ransom them impose Subsidies and lift moneys from the quieter sort which wrongs dammage and injustice we cannot but repute done unto us in respect of our earnest intercessions unto him and many requests rejected and that antient League between the two kingdomes of France and Scotland in which these two Nations are obliged respectively and mutually bound to assist others against all Invaders whatsoever that the Enemy of the one shall be the Enemy of the other and the Friends of the one the Friends of the other As all motions tend unto rest the end of a just war being Peace that our Brother who hath no such Enemy as the too great Riches and abundance in which he swimmeth may entertain Peace with his Brother Princes and moderate that boundless ambition which maketh him usurp Dominion over his equals we have been compelled to take us to defensive arms for our Brother hath now declared himself and
vaunteth that he is sole Iudge and Umpire of the Peace of Europe and that from his will the differences of Successions and Titles of Principalities wrongs and other interests depend as that all should be obsequious to his authority and what particular Authority can be more intolerable than that he should hinder so great and just a Prince as the King of France to claim his own and defend his Subjects If our Brother the king of England by the supply and assistance of many neighbour Countreys now by the Provocation of the Bishop of Rome arising upon all sides against the French should extend his Power and Victory over France under what colour and pretence of Iustice so ever to what an extremity shall the kingdom of Scotland be reduced having so powerful and ambitious a Neighbour Fear of any neighbour Princes Greatness when it extendeth it self over adjaeent Territories is a Good cause of Defence and taking of Armes which cannot be but just sith most necessary We are not ignorant that here will be objected against us The breach of a League contracted between our Brother and us We have not broken that League but for great Causes and Reasons separate our selves from it our Brother having taken away the means occasions reasons were had to observe it In all Leagues Confederations Alliances and Promises amongst Princes the last Confederation is ever understood to be contracted without prejudice to the Rights of any former Alliances and when our Embassadours made that League with our Brother it was to be understood that it should hold no longer nor we longer be bound unto it than he should keep to our first Allies and antient Confederates not breaking their Peace nor troubling the Government and Estates of their Countreys A National League is ever to be preferred before any personal an antient to a new the Leagues between the kingdomes of France and Scotland having continued many ages should justly he preferr'd to that which we as a new Ally of the house of England did contract which yet we are most willing to keep but the love of our Countrey passing all private respects hath mov'd us to separate our selves for a time from it All Leagues Confederations Alliances Promises amongst Princes are respectively and mutually understood with this condition and Law providing both keep upon either side the one party breaking or departing from the League Allyance or Promise the other is no longer bound to keep nor adhere unto it So long as the King of England kept unto us we kept unto Him He now having many waies broken to us we are no longer obliged to keep to him That same oath which obliged and tyed us after his breach absolving and making us free and of this we divers times advertised him giving him assurance except we would betray that Trust and confidence our Subjects and Confederates had in us for the maintenance of their peace and safety we could not but assist them in their just cause howsoever the justest actions have not ever the mrst profitable events and be constrained to have a recouse to arms for a remedy of their present misery And now notwithstanding of our advanced Expedition and preparations for war that the world may judge rightly of our intentions We declare and manifest that if our brother shall leave off the Invasion of our Confederates use no more hostility against them and give satisfaction for the wrongs done unto our Subjects that we shall disband our forces and are content that all matters of difference aswel between the King of France and our brother as our brother and us be amicably judged decided and taken away As that not only a Truce and Cessation of their Miserie for a time but a perfect and lasting Peace be concluded and established to the full contentment and lasting happiness of the three kingdoms and our posterity Whilest the King staied at Linlithgow attending the gathering of his Army now ready to set forward and full of cares and perplexity in the Church of St. Michael heard Evensong as then it was called while he was at his Devotion an antient Man came in his amber coloured locks hanging down upon his Shoulders his fore-head high and enclining to baldness his Garment of azure colour somewhat long girded about him with a Towel or Table Napkin of a comely and reverend aspect Having enquired for the King he intruded himself into the prease passing thorow till he came to him with a clownish simplicity leaning over the Canons Seat where the King â—ate Sir said he I am sent hither to intreat you for this time to delay your expedition and to proceed no farther in your intended journey for if you do ye shall not prosper in your enterprize nor any of your followers I am farther charged to warn you if ye be so refractory as to go forward not to use the acquaintance company or counsel of Women as ye tender your honour life and estate After this warning he withdrew himself back again into the prease when service was ended the King enquired earnestly for him but he could no where be found neither could any of the Standers by of whom diverse did narrowly observe him meaning afterwards to have discoursed further with him feel or perceive how when or where he passed from them having as it were vanished in their hands After his Army had mustered in the Borrow-moor of Edenburgh a field then spacious and delightful by the shades of many stately and aged Oaks about the midst of the Night there is a Proclamation heard at the Market Cross of the Town summoning a great many Burgesses Gentlemen Barons Noblemen to appear within fourty daies before the Tribunal of one Plot-Cock the Provost of the Town in his Timber Gallery having heard his own Name cited cried out that he declined that Judicatory and appeal'd to the mercy of God almighty Nothing was the King moved with those advertisements thinking them Scenick pieces acted by those who hated the French and favoured the English faction being so boldly and to the life personated that they appalled and stroke with fear ordinary and vulgar judgements as Trage-Comedies of Spirits The Earl of Anguss disswaded him from that expedition and many of the most reverend Church-men but the Angel which most conjured him was Margarite his Queen who at that time was with child her tears and prayers shook the strongest beams of his Resolutions She had acquainted him with the Visions and affrightments of her sleep that her Chains and Armelets appeared to be turned into Pearls she had seen him fall from a great Precipice She had lost one of her eyes When he had answered these were but Dreams arising from the many thoughts and cares of the Day but it is no Dream saith she that ye have but one Son and him a a weakling if otherwaies than well happen unto you what a lamentable day will that be when ye shall leave behind you to so tender and weak a
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 somwhat wedded to his own humours opiniative and rash Actions of rashness and timerity 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 virtue desire of Fame that be 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 excâ—ssive exactiâ—ns which of necessity he should have been constrained to have levied and squeized from the people longer life had made him lose all that favor 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 humane affairs should there more depths be founded 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 ordinarily delight in their youth he was amourously carryed away He confined the Earl of Anguss in the Isle of Arran for taking Iane 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 hindered the progress of his arms and hasten'd the success of the battel Though virtue 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 onely the Delights and Darlings of a people Anne the French Queen not many dayes 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 Sub-Lunary things He had children Iames and Arthur who dyed Infants Iames who succeeded him Alexander born after his death who dyed young Alexander a natural son Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrews so much admired and courted by Erasmus Margarite of a Daughter of the Lord Drummonds maried to the Earl of Huntley whose mother had been contracted to the King and taken away to his great regret by those who governed the State that he should not follow the example of King Robert his Predecessour who maryed a Lady of that Family Iames earl of Murray Iams V King of Scotes Ano. 1514 THE HISTORY OF THE LIFE REIGN OF Iames the Fift King of Scotland THe fatal accident nd over throw of the King and Flower of the Nobility of Scotland at Flowden filled the remnant of the State with great sorrow but with greater 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 seâ—virude and dâ—solation 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 gatheing together the floating Ribbs and dispersed plancks of this Ship-wrack the Peers assembled at Sterlin where being applying themselves to set their confuons 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 eminâ—nt were cut away some turbulent Church-men Orphan 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 alwaies incident to a people where the Father of the Countrey is taken away and the Successor is of under age In this Maze of perplexity to diâ—oblige themselves of their greatest duty and give satisfaction to the most and best the lawful Successour and Heir IAMES the Prince is set on the Throne and Crowned being at that time one year five moneths and ten daies of age and the hundreth and fifth King of Scotland The Last Will and Testament which the late King had left before his expedition being publickly seem 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 advise of the Chancellour of the Realm and some other grave Counsellours and she obtained it as well out of a Religion they had to fulfill the will of their deceased Soveraign 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 Warre upon Scotland then at war with it self and many waies divided but ennobled by courage and goodness be a defence unto her the infant her Son against all injuries to be offered them by Forrainers abroad or any of the factious Nobility who would oppose themselves a gainst her at home To which King Henry answered That with the Peaceable he would entertain Peace and with the froward and turbulent war if the Scots would live in Peace they should have it for his part but if they would rather fight he was not to refuse
them That he husband had faln by is own indiscreet rashness and foolish kindness to France that he regretted his death as his Ally and should be willing to prohibite all hostility against the Countrey of Scotland during the minority of her Son for a remedy of present evils one years Truce and a day longer was yielded unto in which time he had leasure to prosecute his designs against France without fear of being disturbed or diverted by the incursions and inroads of the Scots upon his borders The Government of a woman and a child over a people ever in motion mutinous and delighting in Changes could not long subsist firm nor continue a after one fashion The first shake and disorders of the Kingdom arose and was occasioned by the ambition and avarice of the Church-men the Moth-worms of State being seconded by the factious Nobles and Male-contents and it was the distribution of the Offices Places Benefices vacant by the deaths of those slain in the late Battel Andrew Formâ—n Arch-Bishop of Burges Bishop of Murray and Legate to the Pope Iulius Gaven Dowglass Bishop of Dunkell Uncle to the Earl of Anguss Iohn Hepburn Prtour of St. Andrews contend all three for the Archbishoprick of St. Andrews Gaven Dowglass was presented to it by the Queen Andrew Forman by the Pope John Hepburn was chosen by the Chapter his Canons and sundry of the Nobility favoured is election they said also te place whilst it was vacant belonged unto him and his party was so strong that none dared publish te Popes Bull in favour of Andrew Forman for many daies Till Alexander Lord Hume then chamberlain and warden of he East Marches won by many promises and the Abbacy of coldingham engaged and presently given in hand to his younger Brother David in despight of the opposition of the Lord Haylles and the faction of the Hepburns then seditious and powerful well backed by his Friends Vassals Adherents all in Arms caused publish and proclaim it at the Market cross of Edinburgh which action first incensed the Priour to plot mischief against the family of theâ— Humos William Elpâ—instoun Bishop of Aberdeen by many of the Clergy and some of the Nobility had been desired to accept this Dignity but he refused it being now weary of earthly greatness and making for another world for at this time at Edinburgh he left this As ordinarily when one faction is neer extinguished the remnant subdivideth after these jars of the Church men which were cherished by the Nobility the Nobles began to jar among themselves and grudge at others preferments Alexander Lord Gordon ruled and commanded the Countreys north-ward the River of Forth as Alexander Lord Hume usurped almost a royal Authority and commanded over the Countreys on South-side of the Forth and Earl of Anguss went about a fairer couquest Iames Earl of Arran Lord Hamiltown being neerest in blood to the King could not but wit indignation look upon the undeserved greatness of these Usurpers under the shadow of this Olygarchy turbulent evill disposed and men abhorring horring quietness ravaged the Countrey and did what they pleased Amidst these confusions these confusion the Queen in April brought forth the posthumous child in the Cattle of Sterlin whom the Bishop shop of Cathness Abbot of Dumfermlin and the Arch-Dean of St. Andrews baptized and named Alexander After she was recovered and had required her wonted strength of body she found the authority of her place was turned weak and that â—he enjoyed nothing but the name of Governing the people delighting to live rather without rule and in all disorders than to be subject to the obedience of a Woman though a Queen After great deliberation and many essays in vain to curb their insolency and vindicate her authority from their contempt as also to save her son from the dangers of an insulting Nobility and settle her estate she resolved to match with some Nobleman eminent in power and worth who could and would protect her and hers in greatest extremities Amongst the choise of the young Noblemen of Scotland for a long succession of renowned Auncestors comelyness of person nobleconversation prudence in affairs of State being lovely courteous liberal wise none was comparable to the Earl of Anguss him she determines to mâ—ke Partner of her Royal Bed and Fortunes and as ordinarily in mâ—tters of love it falleth out by the impatience of delay without acquanting her Brother the King of England or the Nobles of the Kingdom with her design she afterwards marryeth him transferring if she could the whole weight of the Kingdom and the rains of the Government of the State into his hands having no more freedom in her own determinations No sooner was this revealed to the World when the Nobility and Gentry divided into two Factions one adhering to the Dowglass in whom kindred friendship long observance had bred hopes of benefit and preferment another of such whom envy of his greatness and advancement had made hungrey of change The first would have the Government continued in the Queens person and Her husbands because hereby the Realm should still have peace with England which at that time was the most necessary point to be respected The adverse party of which the Lord Chamberlain was the principal who was a man both in Power Parentage Riches equal if not beyond to many of the great men of the Countrey importuned the election of a new Governour and Protectour of the young King The Queen loosing by her marriage both the tutelage of her Son and the Government should not take it to heart that another were chosen and put in her place Her marrying the Earl of Anguss had made him too great already to be a Subject the continuing of her in Authority would promote him to the greatness of a Prince Who should be Governour is upon both sides long and coutentiously argued Many gave their voices for the Earl of Arran as being neer in blood to the King and a man affecting peace more than others and every way sufficient for such a Charge The Chamber lain had determined of another and told it was a wrong to bar from so high an honour a man of the Masculine line in blood to the King and prefer one of the feminine Iohn Duke of Albany son to Alexander Duke of Albany the Brother of King Iames the third before all others by all reason should be preferred to the Government Being demanded if he would the first to give example to others set his hand to this election he without pawsing performed it with a protestation that though the rest of the Nobility opposed it as to his comming into Scotland to accept the Government he alone would go to France charge him with it be his Convoy hither and maintain his Title This he was thought to have done for that despairing to reach and obtain this Dignity himself out of emulation he laid a design that never any other of the Nobles of the Kingdom should
reach it affecting rather to give a stranger the place than a Competitor bringing in the French to equal the ballance as principal himself only as accessory nothing doubting of a chief place in State as well for his forwardness in this election as for the necessity of his Service which the French could not well want and should never be lacking He feared aslo if the faction of the Dowglasses prevail'd the greatness of the Earl of Anguss would be an umbrage to his and lessen and impair it Their Lands and Fortunes lying neer to other as that the Queen by her power in England would cross his fâ—irest projects The King of England had sent a Letter to the Lords of Scotland as he had done to the French King for that same effect remonstrating how dangerous it was for the State of Scotland and young King if they should make choise of the Duke of Albany Notwithstanding of all which through ambition malice envy of others discords amongst themselves they made choise of this Gentleman a stranger by his education and birth ignorant of the nature and manners of the Scots whose Father was banished for Treason against his Brother and dyed unrestored One altogether devoted to the French King and an enemy to the English not caring to keep the Countrey of Scotland in Warrs and Troubles so he might defend the French Nation by making the Scots fight their battels After many private Letters from his Friends in Scotland especially from the Chamberlin inviting him to come home and accept his new dignity the Duke at last is required by the State and Lyon King of Arms is directed to him to acquaint him with their proceedings and make him forward on his way He to endear his comming and make himself the more desired of the People excusing his stay for a while which he laid upon the Treaty of Peace which was then to be agreed upon between England and France by the marriage of Lovys the French King with Mary the youngest Sister of Henry King of England which required his presence sendeth home the King of Arms with Letters from the French King with Sir Anthony Darcea le Siâ—ur de la Beautie This man propounded certain conditions which the Duke required What should be the form of his Government his Guards what Castles should be delivered to him for his Garrisons the restoring his patrimony and Fathers dignities to him Which particularities being condescended unto to Castle of Dumbar was instantly delivered to la Beautie to be kept for a French Garrison at the Dukes comming and Sir Patrick Hamilton Brother to the Earl of Arran Iames Oguilbuy Abbot of Arborth with the King of Arms were sent back again to France After their arrival the Duke of Albany furnished with all necessaries by the French King with eight well rigged Ships took the Seas and in the moneth of May arrived on the West coasts of Scotland from whence with a great retinue of the Nobles and Barons of the Countrey by easie journeys the Queen meeting him he came to the Town of Edinburgh In the Parlament which had been porogued for his comming the Duke accepted the Government and gave his oath of fidelity to the King and Countrey and the three Estates gave their oath of obedience to him and both swore in the administration of Justice neither should be deficient to others Here is he restored to all his Fathers inheritance titles and honours Being declared Dukes of Albany Earl of March and Governour of the Kingdom till the Kings full maturity Many Laws are made for the weal of the Kingdom and to gratifie his Linnage Iames the naturall Sonne of Iames the fourth is created Earl of Murray At the presence of this new Governour the face of the State turned more beautiful and the Court more Royall opprâ—ssion is restrained justice sincerely executed the Court is frequented with good and virtuous men Malefactours and naughty persons banish themselves He maketh a progress to all the notable Towns of the Kingdom seeing crimes punished and faults amended Being a Stranger and not throughly acquainted with the municipal Statutes and particular practises of the Countrey in matters great and of importance he proceedeth by the instructions and informations of some choice men of the Nation it self Especially since he was not infinite to listen to the advice of every one he gave himself to hearken and follow the opinion and counsell of Iohn Hepburn Priour of St. Andrews whose judgement in his greatest difficultiâ—s he receives as an Oracle This man being of a subtle wind malitious crafty rich and endued with some Courtly eloquence by a counterfeit Pretence of knowledge of the affairs of the Kingdom and State neither in some things did he err at first being very familiar with the Duke and in a little time after by bribing secretly some of his choise Servants turned his only Privado and almost possessed alone his judgement and ear He informed him of the strength and Riches of the Countrey of the nature ot the people manner of theri Laws revealed to him many secrets of the Government He gave him a Catalogue of the whole deadly fewds and divisions amongst the Noble men and Gentry opening unto him which were inveterate and had long continued and wâ—ich were fresh upon what accidents they had their beginnings How in prosecuting Revenge in them they cared not how innocent any man was if he were of the Name and Alliance but rather thought the more innocent any was the more it testified their spight which they desired to manifest by taking him away He shewed him what factions were in the Kingdom who sway'd them and were the heads He told him the Scots were a violent fierce people muâ—inously proud and knew not how to obey without the Sword were drawn That they were never absolutely governed by their own Kings themselves far less would they be ruled by him who was but a Governour and half a Stranger King Iames the first they had killed they had made a League against King Iames the second in open Battel they had overthrown King Iames the third and the last King was be best judgements thought to have been secretly taken away here calling to mind the proclaiming of the Arch-bishop Andrew Formans Bull he omitted nothing could derogate to the Chamberlains reputation and honour and an evil opinion of him in the Governour He instructed him how the great Houses of Scotland were so joined and linkt together by kinred alliances Bonds of service or Homage that no Gentleman of any quality although a Malefactor and a guilty person could be presented to justice without some stir commotion tumult of the Grandees and their factious friends Amidst so many strong parties and confederate male-contents the Governor by the power of the Scots themselves and his own Kindred Friends and Followers were not powerful enough â—afely to administer justice for which cause the King of France should be implored to send hither competent
favored the Dowglasses and Humes to perswade them to a Return giving them fair promises of obtaining what they should demand Till at last he removed them to bow and yield to his desires The fugitive Gentlemen returnd but the Queen being with child and near the time of her delivery was necâ—ssitated to stay still till at Harbottle Castle she brought forth her daughter Margarite after Grand-mother to Iames King of Britain So soon as she was able to endure travel and be transported King Henry with an honourable retinue brought her to his Court where she was by him and his Sister Mary late Queen of France welcomed In May she made her progress through London to Baynards Castle and from thence to Greenwich The Contrivers of the exploit of transporting the King to England being within the Country and as it were secure the Governor whose head was filled with suspitions not thinking himself bound by promises will have them give a reckoning of their enterprize and flight into England Against some he hath clear proofs fair and manifest evidences aganist other bare surmises and naked suspitions for they had not left the Country nor had they been partakers of the Queens fortunes Here with an unexspected suddenness M. Gaven Dowglas Uncle to the Earl of Angus Bishop of Dunkel Mr. Patrick Panther Secretary to the late King were committed Mr Gaven in the Castle of St. Andrews Mr. Patrick in Garvet Castle The Lord Drummond grand-Father to the Earl of Angus having beaten a Lyon Herault who too imperiously had given a charge to answer such things should be objected against him was imprisoned in the Castle of Blackness Alexander Lord Hume being charged to answer for his actions and proceedings and not appearing was denounced Rebel his moveables seised on and brought to the Exchequer Stir'd up and irritated by this outrage he maketh Roads upon the neighbour bounds plundereth Dumbar which was the Governors chief resort and to revenge his wrongs setteth on work the Robbers on the borders To repress and bridle this ravaging the Governor in person with a thousand hardy Souldiers marcheth to the Borders directeth some companies to find out the Lord Hume but he either dismaid at the worth and fortune of the Governor or broken and bowing under the burthen of his won miseries commeth to the Governor and submitted his life and estate to his faith and clemency brought to Edinburgh he is trusted to the custody of Iames Earl of Arran the Husband of his Sister with threatnings under pain of High Treason that he should not part with him nor suffer him to escape The Lord Hume had not long staid in the Castle of Edinburgh when with glosses of probalityes of changes casual and such as might fall forth he moved the Earl of Arran to be of his Mind and brought him to conspire against the Governor and hazard to put himself in his place of State He himself was the only man who had brought in the Governor and he knew well how to put him out if the Earl would be of the Party and by his negligence nor reject a Supream honor thrown in his arms He is begun already not to be lov'd if he was not already hated by the subjects bâ— his imperious proceedings If the King of England could find some few Noblemen to make head against him he would constrain him to leave the Country The Earl of Arran was neerest heir to the King it was more reason he should be second in the Kingdom than Iohn who though descended of a brother yet a banisht man and a stranger to the Scots Nation with whom they had not so much as intercourse and famiâ—iarity of language After many such like imducements the Prisoner took away his Keeper with him to the South parts of the Country and both by Letters to their Familiar Kinred and acquaintance and private meetings with other Noblemen strove to make strong and increase their faction In the beginning of the Spring Iohn Stuart Earl of Lennox the Sisters son of the Earl of Arran listed himself in the party of the conspiring Lords and with a number of his Friends and Followers invested the Castle of Galsgow which if they could have kept had been a great advancement to their intentions But the Governor gathering an Army of as many as hast would suffer him to assemble the Defenders not being strong enough to resist him recovered the Castle with small loss of his men After which in indignation he marched to throw down the Castle of Hamilton here victorious anger was conquer'd by pitty and compassion for the old Countess of Arran being at that time there resident who was daughter to King Iames the second Sister to King Iames the third mother to the Earl of Arran Grand-mother to the Earl of Lennox Aunt to the Governour a Lady venerable for years and virtues with tears of affection and sorrow falling down at the Governors feet and received by him with great commiseration in a merciful manner not only preserv'd the Castle but by the means of the Arch-bishop Andrew Forman entered into a Treaty for peace to her Son and the Earl of Lennox And in November the two Earls comming to Edenburgh by the means of this Arch-Bishop were reconciled with the Governor About this time his Mother being far from him to discharge the last duties of affection towards him Alexander Duke of Rothsay brother to the King a child to â—â—miration beautiful and Delightful dyed at Sterlin and was buryed in the Abby Church of Cambuskenneth The term of Peace between the two Kingdomes being almost expir'd and both having a desire to continue it the English sent their Commissioners to Coldingham to whom the Duke then resident at Dumbar sent Monsieur du Plains Embassador for the French King Sir William Scot of Balweary and Gaven Dumbar Arch-Dean of Saint Andrews These after some altercation concerning the Scottish Fugitives conclude a Peace between the Nations from the midst of Ianuary till the feast of Whitsuntide after The English comprehended in the Articles the Earl of Anguss the Lord Hume and the rest of the Queens strayed Faction with all their Kinsmen Clients and Followers The Lord Hume was received again into the Governours favor with condition that if he after break his promises and oaths his old faults should be remembred and joined to his new Master Gaâ—en Dowglasâ— and Mr. Partrick Panther were set a Liberty The Lord Drummond who had been 〈◊〉 was again restored the Eaâ—l of Angâ—ss with these who had followed him with many câ—remonies and great store of Friâ—ndship was welcomed again to the Court. The Disorders of the Kingdom called a Parlament in which many acts were made to restrain and keep under bold and wickedmen and preserve the peace of the Kingdom In this Parlament it was Ordained the Kings Brother Alexander being deceaâ—ed that the Governour should be reputâ—d second person of the Realm and next heir to the Crown Notwithstanding of the
accompanied the Governour to France used such diligence at the Court that he was imployed to be the first Messenger to the Countrey of the great promises and many Ceremonies of the French at the confirmation of the League with their protestations for the preserving and maintaining the Liberties of the Kingdom of Scotland against all who would essay to impair them Not long after arrived the Earl of Lennox and an Herauld with Letters from Kiug Francis and the Governour amplifying and putting a larger gloss on the same But when by other Letters the Queen and Nobles had received certain intelligence that King Francis and the King of England had composed their Quarrels entred in a new band of Amity a defensive League being pâ—ssed between them Tournay rendred to the French promises upon either sidesolemnly made for a Match to be between the Daulphine of France eldest son to King Francis and the eldest daughter of Henry King of England when age should enable them for marriage and that in the large Treaty of Peace not one word was set down for the quietness and help of those who for the quarrel of France hast lost their King and endangered their whole Kingdom no care had of their welfare and prosperity they stormed not a little and thought their lives and travels evil imployed Then with as great hast as such a matter required they dispatched Letters back again to the Governor blotted with complaints and expostulations The year following to excuse his oversight the French King sent a Reason why he had not made mention of the Scotish nation in his league with England He had studied to give satisfaction to some of the Scotish Nobility obliquely touching the Duke of Albany whole minds he knew to be altogether averse from any peace or Truce with the English nation whose undaunted Spirits and great courages were only bent to revenge ther deaths of their King Kinsmen and Compatriots This evasion not giving satisfaction to the best advised of the Council the French King interposed his endeavours with King Henry to have a cessation of arms for as short a time as he could devise V V herupon Clarencieux and onela Fiot comming to Scotland the one from the king of England the other from the French King a Truce was concluded between the two Kingdoms for one year and a whole day The reason of this Truce was thought mostly to be for that the Kings of England and France the next Summer were to have an interview and with all Princely courtesies entertain each other The Kingdom began to be sensible of the absence of the Governour factions increasing the Commons suffering dayly outrages the Nobility and Gentry deciding their Rights by their Swords The Earl of Rothsay and the Lord Lindsay contending which should be Sheriff of Fyfe with tumultuary arms invade each other and hardly by the Deputies were restrain'd till the one was committed to the Castle of Dumbar and the other to the Castle of Dumbartoun Robert Blackadour Priour of Coldingham with fix of his Domestick Servants is killed by the Laird of Wedderburn The King out of a suspition that the plague was in Edenburgh being transported to the Castle of Dalkieth by the Convoy of the Earl of Arran who was then Provost of the Town it being the season when the Townsmen make election of their Magistrates for the year following when the Earl was returned and sought to enter the Town he found the Gates shut upon him by the Citizens who alleged he came to invade their liberties in the free choise of their Magistrates the tumulâ— continueth the most part of the night and the next morning early the people dividing infactions and skirmishing in the streets a Deacon of the Crafts is killed by the faction of the Hamiltons which alienated the minds of the Townsmen altogether from the Earl of Arran and made them enâ—line to the Earl of Angus some of whose friends and followers had rescued some of the Citizens and taken part with others which made many after conceave this discord was plotted by some noblemen enemies to the Earl of Arran amongst which the Earl of Angus was the chief After this tumult the Earls of Angus and Arran sought likewise â—o cross each other in their proceedings the one maintaining the enemies of the other who had a quarrel against the Earl of Arran the Earl of Angus befriended him as the Earl of Arran supported and sided those who had any discontent against the Earl of Angus A suit falling between the Earl of Angus and David Car Laird of Farnehast about the Ballywick of Jedbrough Forrest the Lands appertained to the Earl the title and power to sit Judge belonged to the Lairds of Farnhast Sir James Hamilton the natural Son of the Earl of Arran assisted the Laird of Farnhast and besides those who out of good will friendship kinred vassalage did follow him he gathered fourty Souldiers such as were found upon the Borders men living upon Spoil and rapine to be of his party The Laird of Cesfoord then Warden of the Marches who with his Counsel and Force sided the Earl of Angus at the Rumour of the approach of Sir Iames to Iedbrough encountreth him and his fourty Hirelings abandoning him in his greatest danger Cesfoord killing some of his followers brought to make use of his spurs towards the Castle of Hume where after a long chase he got Sanctuary The day following the Laird of Farnehast held a Court in the Town of Iedbrough as Baily to the Earl of Augus and the Earl himself kept his Court three miles distant in Ied-ward Forrest In the moneth of May after certain Noblemen assembled at Edenburgh to accommodate all quarrels and make an atonement between the Dowglasses and Hamiltons Many Lords of the West here meet attending the Earl of Arran the Earls of Lennox Eglintoun Cassiles the Lords Ross Simple the Bishop of Galloway Abbot of Pasley The provost of the Town of Edenburgh Archembald Dowglas of Kilspyndie Uncle or Couses Germain to the Earl of Angus yielded up his place to Robert Logan Laird of Restlerig The Lords of the West by the advice of Iames Beatoun Chancelour in whose House they often assembled laid a plot to surprize the Earl of Angus then attended but by some few of his Friends and as it were solitary They thought him to great and insolent a Subject to whose power never one of theirs alone was equal in all points and they had many things to chalenge him upon when the Governor should return The Earl of Angus forewarned of their intention imployed the Bishop of Dunkell his Uncle to offer them what honourable satisfaction they could require All that he propounded being rejected by implacable men and finding the only way to be freed of violence to be violence and that danger could not be avoyded but by a greater danger with an hundred hardy resolute men armed with long Spears and Pikes which the Citizens as he traversed the
Streets out of Windows furnished him he invested a part of the Town and barricadoed some Lanes with Carts and other impediments which the time did afford The adverse party trusting go their number and the supply of the Citizens who calling to mind the slaughter of their Deacon shew them small favour disdaining the Earl should thus muster on the Streets in great fury invade him Whilst the bickering continued and the Town is in a Tumult William Dowglas brother to the Earl of Angus Sir David Hume of Wedderburn George Hume brother to the late Lord with many others by blood and Friendship tyed together enter by violence the East Gate of the Town the Citizens making small resistance force their passage through the throngs seek the Earls enemies find them scoure the streets of them The Master of Montgomery eldest Sonne to the Earl of Eglintoun Sir Patrick Hamiltun Brother to the Earl of Arran with almost fourscour more are left dead upon the place The Earl himself findeth an escape and place of retreat through a Marsh upon the North side of the Town The Chancelour and his retinue took Sanctuary in the Dominican Fryers the tumult by the slaughter of some and flight of others appeased the Earl of Angus now freed of danger licensed all who pleased without further pursuit peaceably to leave the Town of Edenburgh and return to their own Houses Some daies after the Humes well banded and backed with many Nobles and Gentlemen of their linage by the Earl of Angus consent took the Lord Humes and his brothers heads from the place where they had been fixt and with the funeral Rites of those times interr'd them in the Black-Fryers The Earl of Angus having angled the peoples hearts by his Magnificence Wisdom Courage and Liberality his Faction began to bear greatest sway in the Kingdom For the continuance of which the King of England dealt most earnestly with the French King to keep the Duke of Albany still in France with him But the French had contrary designs And when the Duke understood the great discords of the Nobility of Scotland persons of Faction being advanced to places dangerous immunities being granted to the Commons France and England beginning to be tyred of their Peace and preparing for a new war to curb the Scottish Factions keep the Nation in quietness in it self by giving the Subjects other work abroad whilst common danger should break of particular discords Notwithstanding of the English Ships which lay in wait to take him after he had been about five years in France in November he arrived on the west coasts of Scotland at a place named Garloch The Governour comming to Edenburgh set himself to amend the enormities committed in his absence the Magistrates of the Town are deposed because in the late uproar they had been evil seconds to the Lords of the west when they went to surprize the Earl of Angus A Parliament is called to which many Noblemen and Gentlemen are cited to make appearance in February to be tryed and to answer for offences committed by them in the Governours absence The appointed time being come these who appeared not were indicted and â—led into England Amongst which and the chief were the Humes and Cockburns men Authors and accessary to the death of Sir Anthony Darcey The tyde now turning and mens affections changed the Earl of Angus with his brother Sir George Dowglâ—s by the intercession of the Queen are constrained to seek a Pardon which was obtained for them but with the condition that they should leave the Countrey and stay in France one whole year which they obeyed Others have recorded they were surprized in the night and in French Ships conveyed privately away Mr. Gaven Dowglas Bishop of Dunkell in the absence of his Nephew finding the Governour violent in the chase of the Faction of the Dowglasses fled privately to the Court of England where he gave informations to King Henry against him He alone had taken to him the custody of the young King the sequel wâ—ereof he much feared he was an irreconciliable enemy to the whole Family of the Dowglasses The principal cause of his comming to Scotland was to engage the Nation in a War against England that the English Should not assist the Emperour against the French King and make his Nation slaves to France This Bishop shortly after dyed at London and was buryed in the savoy Church having been a man noble valiant learned and an excellent Poet as his works yet extant testifie The King of England upon such informations sent Clarencieux King of Arms to Scotland to require the Duke to avoid the Country according to the Articles agreed upon between the French King and him in their last truce It belonged said Clarencieux to his Master to tender the life wellfare honour fortunes of his Nephew of none of which he could be assured so long as the Duke ruled and stayed in Scotland It was against all reason and unbeseeming the man should be sole Guardian to a King who was the next heir to the Crown how easily might he be tempted by opportunity to commit the like unnatural cruelty which some have done in the like case both in England and other parts of Europe if he loved his Nation and Prince as he gave out he required him to leave the Country which if he yield not unto but obstinately continued in a re resolution to stay he denounced from his Master present war He farther complained Thâ—t the Earl of Anguss who was King Henries Brother-in Law was by him banisht and detained in France That during the banishment of the Earl which had been neer a whole year the Duke had impâ—tuned his Sister the Queen with dishonest love The Governour answered Clarencieux That what the Kings of France and England agreed upon in their Treaties of Peace was to him uncertain but of this he was most certain That neither the King of England nor France had power to banish him a Forainer over whom their authority did not reach his native country like over like having no jurisdiction As concerning the King of Scotland who was yet young in years he reverenced him as his soveraign Lord and would keep and defend both him and his Kingdome according to his Conscience honour and bound duty that there were ever more men in the world who desired to be Kings than there were Kingdomes to be bestowed upon them of which number he was none having ever preferred a mean estate justly enjoyed before a Kingdome evil acquired For the Earl of Angus he had used all Courtesies towards him notwithstanding of his evil demerits not for his own sake he did confess but for the Queens sake whom he honoured and respected as the Mother of his Prince and towards whom he should continue his observance That the King of England needed not misdoubt he would attempt any thing should derogate from the honour of his sister that complements of meer curtesie in France might
be surmised sometimes by English Ladies to be solicitations and suits of Love For the War with which in case of his Stay he threatned his nation he would use his best endeavours to set his in a posture of Defence When this answer was reported to King Henry he gathered a great Army to invade Scotland and essay if by their own dangers the Scots people could be moved to abandon and disclaim the Dukes authority Seven great Ships came to Inche-keeth and spoiled the adjacent Coasts all the Scots and French which did then inhabite London and other places of England were put to their fines and commanded to go off the Countrey In compensation and for equal amends the French King seized all English mens goods in Bourdeaux imprisoned the persons and retained the money to be paid for the restitution of Tournay The Earl of Shrewsbury making incursions on the Borders burned the one half of Kelso and plundered the other At this time the Emperor Charles the fifth came to England and stirred King Henry to take arms against the French Kings and the French had sent Embassadours to Scotland intreating and conjuring the Scots by their old and new League to arise in arms and invade England The Governour assembled the three Estates at Edinburgh which together condescended to the raising of an Army to resist the incursions of the English and defend the Kingdom to encourage every man for fighting the Wards of those which should fall in this expedition were freely remitted and discharged by Act of Parlament and pensions designed to the Widdows and Daughters of those who dyed in this service This Empyrick balm could the French apply to cure the wounds of the Scotish Common-wealth The Earl of Shrewsbury advancing as was reported towards the west Borders an Army was far gathered and encamped on Rosline-moor which after according to the orders given marched to Annandale and forwards came to the Esk a River running in the Irish Seas neer Carlile the Governour delighted with the Seat and standing of the place caused dig Trenches and by the advice of certain French Gunners placed some Field Pieces and small Ordinance for defence of them and spread there his Pavilions The Citizens of Carlile terrified at the sudden approach of so powerful an Army offer many presents for the safety of their Town whch he rejected The English Army not minding to invade the Scots so long as they kept themselves on their own ground and advanced not the Governour endeavoured to make the Scots spoil the Countrey by incursions but he findeth them slack and unwilling to obey and follow him most part refusing to go upon English Ground amongst whom Alexander Lord Gordon was the chief and first man The Governour finding his command neglected and some Noblemen dissenting from what he most intended commeth back to the place where they made their stand and desires a reason of their stay They told him they had determined to defend their own countrey not invade England That it neither consisted with the weal of the Common-wealth nor as matters went at that time had they sufficient forces to make invasive War That the Governour did not instigate them to invade England for the love he carryed to Scotland but for a benefit to the French by diverting the war prepared by the English against them That by invading they might make themselves a prey to their enemies they were Men and not Angels it was enough for them whilst their King was under age to defend his Kingdom from the violence of Foreigners Put the case they werein one battel victorious considering the slaughter and loss of their Nobles and Gentry in that purchase they might be overthrown in a second fight and then to what would the King the Country be reducedâ— their last King might serve them for a pattern the Revenge of whose death should be delayed till he himself were of years to undertake it The Governour brought to an exigent said they should have propounded these difficulties before they took Arms and on the place of Battel Temerity misbecame Noblemen in action but especially in matters of War in which a man cannot err twice At the convention of the three Estates when war was in deliberation they should have inquired for the causes of it he was not to bring them upon the danger of war without their own consent The English had made many incussions upon their Countrey burning and ravaging who stand only upon defence stand upon no defence a better defence of their own Countrey could not be found than by invading the Countrey of their Enemies They should not be dejected for that accident at Flowden since it was not the fault of the Souldier but the Treason of their Chamberlain who had suffered for it That the glory of the Nation should raise their courages and inflame their bosoms with a desire of revenge The Kings honour and their piety towards the Ghosts of their Compatriots crav'd no less from them That if they would not invade England at least for their Reputation and Fame with the World they would pitch there a short time their Tents and try if the English would hazard to assail them That it would be an everlasting branding their honour if timorously in a suddennesse they show their backs to their enemies and dared them not in the face by some daies stay The Queen though absent had thus perswaded the Noblemen and having understood the Governour to be turned now flexible she dispatched a Post to him requesting he would be pleased with a Truce for some Moneths and that he would commune with the Warden of the English Marches whom she should move to come to his Tent and treat with him The Governour finding he stood not well assured of some of his Army and knowing what a cumbersome task it was to withstand the violence of their desires determined to follow their own current seemed well pleased to hearken to their opinion Hereupon the Lord Dacres Warden of the West Marches came unto the Governours Camp the eleventh of September and as some have recorded the Queen also where a Cessation of Arms was agreed unto for some daies in which time the Queen and the Governour should send Embassadours to treat for a Peace with King Henry and shortly after Embassadours were directed to the Court of England but returned without any good don King Henry demanding extraordinary and harmful conditions to the Realm of Scotland The year 1522. Andrew Forman Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews dyed and Iames Beatoun Arch-Bishop of Glasgow and Chancellour of the Kingdom came in his place of St. Andrews the Arch-Bishop rick of Glasgow was conferred upon Gaven Dumbar whom the King after advanced to be Chancellor of the Kingdom The Governour resenting highly the slighting of the Embassadours by the King of England but more the contempt and scorn of the Scottish Nobility in refusing to follow him in October by the West Seas past over to France promising that
if a peace in this mean time were not concluded with England he would the next Summer bring such War-like Briggades of French and Germans that he should not stand much in need of his own Countreymen who had continued so refractory and backward to his designs He demanded from King Francis five thousand German Horsemen and ten thousand foot to be transported to Scotland which with the Scots who would accompany him he thought sufficient to continue a War with England The French could not spare so many men having Wars both with the Emperour and the English but they gave him three thousand Pikes and one thousand Launces The Governour intending to return to Scotland receiving intelligence that the Ports towards the coasts of France were watched by the English to intrap him in his passage bestowed his Ships so covertly here and there in small companies to avoid all suspition of any purpose he had to stir that year as that thereupon the English Fleet under the Conduct of Sir William Fitz-Williams which had attended and waited his comming forth untill the Midst of August brake up and bestowed themselves in convenient Ports against the next spring The Duke then watching opportunity and readily gathering together his dispersed Ships to the number of some fifty Sail imbarked his men at Brest in Bretaign the one and twenty of September and landed at Kirkowbry or the Isle of Arran in the West of Scotland In his company was Richard de la Pool who had been banished England and to his power faithfully assisted the Governour He arrived the same time that Ied-brough was burnt by the English for Thomas Earl of Surrey high Admiral of England the Marquess of Dorset and his Brother with a competent power entring Scotland had burnt many Towns and overthrown Castles aâ—â— Piles At his comming the Duke assembled the Lords at Edenburgh where they agreed that an Army should forth with be gathered and the 28. of October was appointed for their meeting at Dowglas-dale At the day prefixt the Army marched towards Coldstream upon the Tweed Out of this Army the Governoâ—r having selected a number of the hardiest Soldiers of Scots and French and convoying some Artillery over the water under the command of David Car of Farnehast on the last of October they besieged the Castle of Wark which was defended by Edward Lile or Lisle The Assailants upon the outmost Ward continuing their Battery entred by main force the second Ward but being there repulsed and beaten back a great Tempest arising and fearing the swelling of the River of Tweed might cut them off from their Army on the other side they turned back and repassed the Water the Report of the Earl of Surreys forces come to rescue the Castle and lying at Anwick and also perplexed them not a little the Earl of Surrey at his approach finding the Enemy retired to the other side of the River the Castle safe and having no Commission to pass the English marches of to invade Scotland made mo further pursuit In the mean time the Queen who had ever sought to make firm friendship with her Brother and break the amity of France sent to him to yield to a cessation of War hoping in that time to work some agreement between the two Nations Whereunto the King consenting the Governour finding the Scottish Lords averse to his intentions that he was this time served as he had been before they refusing still to enter upon England and that striving would but the more chafe them also condescended Thus a Truce was promised and faithful peace concluded till the last of November being the Feast of St. Andrews the Winâ—er past without any invasion of the English on Scotland or the Scots on England During the time of this Truce many serious consultations were amongst the Lords of Scotland whither it were more fit to continue this War of give it over Many of them held it unreasonable that for the onely pleasure of the French King the Realm of Scotland should suffer any more damage by the continuing of so needless a War and that the Duke of Albany was alwaies set to perform what the French desired not what was expedieut for the Scottish Nation nor what was in their possibility to accomplish Wherefore they wished that their young King now having attained some years of discretion and passing the age of a Child might bear some away in the Government of the Realm Some argued that a King sooner than the Sons of Noblemen went out of the bondage of Tutelage and enjoyed greater immunities his age often being reâ—koned from the time of his conception That the administration and charge of the Kingdom should early be given him that he might with his years grow in the art of Governing Since we find the same to be usual in the perfection of other arts and Sciences Others entertained other thoughts That to a child who could not by the weakness of his judgement discern Right from Wrong the Helm of State should not be trusted and that the Peers of the Kingdom might be challeng'd of dotage by their Neighbor Countreys for giving to a Child the Sword of Justice which he might thrust in their own entrails one day or wound therewith the bosom of the Common-wealth The Governour finding the Lords divided amongst themselves and their reasons averse to his intentions and that not onely the people but the Souldiery were weary of him and had bent their affections upon their young King foolishly preferring the ignorance and simplicity of a child to his prudency experience and long practice of State requested them to give him leave to return to France and to forgive him any errour he had committed which he protested was of ignorance not of malice Having from men distasted with him without any opposition obtained what he required far from any outward shew of inward discontentment or disquieting himself at the ingratitude of some whom he had advanced to Honors he came to Sterlin where after some days stay with the King when he had given him such instructions of State as he was able to understand for he was but then in the thirteenth year of his Age with many tokens of love and demonstrations of sincere affection he took his leave of him and his Ships attending his passage on the West with a great retinue of Scots and French he held his way towards them and recommended himself to the Sea in the Spring time now the third time for France after which he return'd not at all into Scotland He was a Prince adorned with many Virtues Active Couragious Resolute and knew how to use men as they are If he had not been opposed by the Queen and Nobility he was likely to have lost himself and the whole Kingdom or revenged the death of his Cousen His courteous nature went above his ambition he could as well lay down his Honours as he had modestly when they were laid upon him received them Before the Rumor
of the Duke of Albanies taking the Seas was spread abroad the King of England by secret Letters had required the Earl of Angus who then an Exile staid in France to come to him after the receit of which with a short-leave taking he left France where he had staid almost three years commeth to England King Henry had brought him to believe That the Duke had determined to extirpate his whole Linnage To prevent which he made him offer of Men and Ammunition to preserve his own and by his faction at home and his assistance to send the Duke over Seas which if he had staied the Earl was esteemed powerful enough to have accomplished The Duke of Albany being in France the Queen with the Government of the State assumeth the person of her Sonneâ— whom she moved to leave Sterlin and come to Edinburgh the third day after he had made his entry in the Town she lodg'd with him in the Maiden Castle and it seized on armed with authority she doubted not to make the Countrey yeild her all obedience That the Supream Magistrate of the Town should not oppose her Designs he is put from his Office and the Lord Maxwell a man to her obsequioâ—s is substituted in his place To give the fairer lustre to her Actions a Parlament is called at Edenburgh that what she did might consist with Law When King Henry understood the Duke had left Scotland to exclude and bar him all regress he sent one Magnus a great Oratour but greater by the renown of his skill in the Laws with Roger Ratcliff his Embassadours to try how the Scots amidst unnecessary turmoils would rellish a Truce and Cesâ—ation of Arms and these lay the blame of all the disorders and discords between the two Nations upon the Duke The Nobles tyred with their tedious Wars beginning to espy a Heaven of rest cheerfully accept of this Embassie and agree unto a Truce for one whole year To confirm which they condescend Commissioners shall be dispatched 〈◊〉 who shall treat not only for a Truce but for a firm and lasting Peace between the two Nations and unite the two Crowns in bands of Amity as well as they were united in degrees of blood The Earl of Angus his enemy abandoning the Kingdom after honourable entertainment of the King of England many promises to befriend him and blandishments at his departing commeth to Scotland and his return began to change the Game of State The Queens and Earl of Arrans Faction carryed all matters of importance the Earls of Lennox Arguyl and the Humes had been sequestred from publick imployments the first faction by his presence find their power diminisht the other by his counterpoise and assistance have new hopes of arising both factions disliked that Angus should arise to the first place and suspected he would not be content with the second they loved to have him an equal not Supreme Private jarrs smothered and interests delayed matters concerning England requiring a hasty and present discharge Gilbert Earl of Cassiles Robert Cockburn Bishop of Dunkell David Mill Abboâ— of Cambus kenneth are sent Commissioners to the Court of England At Greenwich they are honorably and kindly received by King Henry whose countenance promised them a refusal of no reasonable thing they would require The Bishop had a speech the Sum of which was That dissention and hatred taken away between the two Nations a faithful Peace might be agreed unto and confirmed their Discords turned into Vnion their Rancour into Love which to bring to pass and make durable the only apparent and probable means was to bestow the Lady Mary the Kings daughter upon James the young King of Scotland The English with great joy applauded to what was said And King Henry appointed certain Commissioners to treat about that purpose in private These when they had met to advance the Union of the Kingdomes desired these Conditions First That the Scotish Nation giving over and fairly forsaking the League they had with France should enter in a new League with them upon the same conditions and terms which were contained in their League with France Next That the young King of Scotland till by age he was able for marriage should be brought up at the Court of England When the Embassadours of Scotland had answered That these conditions were above their Commission to which they could not well answer and desired a time to acquaint the Council of Scotland with them it was condescended unto Thus two of them remaining at London the Earl of Cassiles returned to Scotland to bring back an answer When the day in which the Parlament should have been held was come the Queen and they who were of her faction as the Earls of Arran Murray Eglintoun fearing the Earl of Angus might turn the wavering peoples affection and move them to some Revolt which might hinder their Determinations or terrify the Commissioners by the frequent convention of his Friends and Followers constraining their voices and restraining their freedom of speech Or that they had a plot to surprize some of the contrary Faction and by authority of Parlament commit them in that place caused a Proclamation to be made That none of the three Estates should sit or assemble themselves in the Town of Edinburgh but that they should keep their meeting in the castle and there give their presence The Earls of Angus Lennox Arguyl Arch-bishop of Saint Andrews Bishop of Aberdeen and Dumblane with their adherents and others who joined with them rather out of fear than good will refuse to enter the Castle and require That the Parlament be kept in the accustomed Place the King may in Triumph be shewn to his own people conveyed along the High-Street All which bâ—ing denyed them giving out That Iustice was violated the King kept against his will as a Prisoner the Government and custody of his person seised on without consent of the three Estates they surround the Castle with two thousand men in Arms stop all furniture of food and victuals which should been afforded by the Town In this distress they in the Castle turn the great Ordinance against the Town and threaten the innocent Citizens with the overthrow of their buildings Some powder and time spent in terrifying the people at last Church-men interposing themselves and interceding perswading with the parties an accomodation and atonement is wrought their fury quenched all rancour supprest injuries forgotten the King in magnificence and pomp is convoyed from the Castle to his Palace at Holy-rood-house and the Estates assemble in the wonted place of the Town of Edenburgh In this Parliament the Authority of the Governour is abrogated by which means they saved him a labour from returning into Scotland again Eight Lords were chosen to have the custody of the Kings person quarterly every one his Moneths successively and the whole to stand for tke Government of the State yet with this Limitation That the King by their Counsel should not determine nor ordain
in the way to put from all title to the Crown the report going already that the King would intail it to him out of his own favour and had designed him Heir to the Earl of Arran he having no children of his own That the King had a magnetical affection towards him which if Fortune favoured him with a Victory would increase now meritting which before was but meer favour The custody of a young King was not for a man of so short experience The Hamiltouns finding that man their Suppliant who late was their Competitor delighting to live in a trouble State and be Copartners of the Government and mannaging the affairs of the Kingdom which was promised them in their new band of Friendship laying aside all former discontent and grudge accept the Quarrel and assemble their Forces at Lynlithgow To this Town the Earl of Lennox was advancing and he being the Sisters Son of the Earl of Arran by Gentlemen well affected towards him and of his kinred they intreat him to turn back and not to try the hazard of a battel for a conquest he could not long enjoy the Government of a young Prince whom a little more time would make Governour of himself and who perhaps would reaward his service with disgrace It being ordinarily seen that great obligations to Princes procure rather their hatred than love whilst it is more easie to pay men by contempt than benefits that if he came forwards no interest of blood would save him from their just and lawfull stopping of his passage and enterprize The Earl of Lennox answered it was no time then in the eye of the world to abandon so just a quarrel that shame wounded deeper than death which he would rather imbrace than not see his Prince at Edenburgh And finding the Bridge over the Avan possest by the enemy passed his Companies over the River Et near the antient Monastery Immanuel the Maister of Kill-mayers guideth the Vantguard consisting of Westland men the Earl of Cassiles and himself the main Battel many of which were high-land men being of all as some write ten thousand The Earl of Angus having essayed in vain to bring the King to the Field with the power of Edenburgh leaving that Charge to his Brother Sir George and Archembald Dowglas Provost of the Town accompanied with the Humes and Carres being of all two thousand marketh a speedy march towards Lynlithgow But the Earl of Arran spurr'd by the ambition and youthful heat of his Son Sir Iames Hamiltoun had begun the fight before be could appear for a long time it is valiantly fought victory inclining to neither side till a great clamour arose seconded by the appearance of fresh Troops of enemies the Dowglasses and their Friends at which alarum many of the High-land and West-land men turned their backs the rest by the advantage of the place sustain the Fight The King after much loytering and many delaies having heard the Armies were near joining and much solicitation of Sir George Dowglas issueth out of Edenburgh at a slow march But when at Corstorphine Hills he was awaken'd with the noyse of the great Ordinance he urgeth his Followers to make all haste to come to the fight It was reported Sir George Dowglas drove his Horse in a great rage gave him injurious words which he never after forgot Being half way he is advertised that the Earl of Lennox highland-men were fled and by all appearance the Earl of Arran was Master of the Field This news perplexed him not a little but making the best of that worst he dispatch'd all his domestick Servants with Andrew Wood of Largo to save so many as they could in the Chase especially the Earl of Lennox whose life he now tendereth as his Crown But this Earl after he had been taken by the Laird of Pardowye in cold blood was unnaturally slain by Sir Iames Hamiltoun who either killed or wounded on the face all that came under the dint of his Sword in the Rout. They found the Earl of Arran mourning over his Corps over which he spred his cloak the Laird of Howstoun lay dead by him the Master of Killmayers sore wounded at their comming maintained the fight and was by them with difficulty saved with so many others as either the Kings authority or their power could reskew This Conflict hapened in September After the victorious Earls had rested their wounded Souldiers and refreshed them selves in Lithgow they accompany the King to Sterlin and immediately march through Fyffe in quest of those who had been the cause of taking arms against them of which number the Queen was but the Arch-bishop of Saint Andrews was the most eminent who as before he had seconded Arran to surprize Angus so now he had stirred Lennox to the overthrow of them both Because Arch-bishop was not to be found for he as some record was turned a true Pastour and in Shepheards weeds kept sheep on some Hill they spoiled the Abbacy of Dumfermling and Castle of St. Andrews defacing all the Ornaments and carryed away the Moveables and stuff in them The Queen with her husband Henry Stuart and Iames his brother betook them to the Castle of Edenburgh which the Lords at their return besieged The Mother hearing her Son was amongst the Besiegers in person obtaining favour for her husband and his Brother caused the Gates to be cast open But for their safety such who loved them advised the King to commit them to that place during his pleasure Now the Earl of Angus and Arran summoned all who had born Arms against the King to appear in judgement and answer according to the Law as Traytors Some compounded for Sums of money others became Dependers of the Houses of Angus and Arran Gilbert Earl of Cassiles being summoned and compearing Hugh Kennedy his Kinsman answer'd the indictment that he came not against the King but to assist the King for proof of which he offered to produce the Kings own Letter Though the Earl of Cassiles escaped the danger of the Law he did not the fury of the Revenge was taken about some disparaging words for as he was returning home he was surprized in the way and killed Some write by the Sheriff of Aire but by the direction of Sir Iames Hamiltoun About this time the Arch-bishop of St. Andrews and other Church-men in revenge of the spoiling of his Houses and persuing himself for questions of Religion burn the Earl of Arrans brothers Son Mr. Patrick Hamilton and banish Mr. Patricks brother Iames Sheriff of Lithgow Not long after mens wrath by time diminishing and their bloud growing colder the Arch-bishop having bestowed on the Earl of Angus Sir George his Brother and other their Friends some Church benefices and many Leases of Tyths was reconciled unto them and with appearance of great friendship they mutually entertained and feasted each others at the Christ-Mass in the City of S. Andrews But small confidence could be long among reconciled enemies Now went
where they were charitably received and honourably entertained by King Henry the eight Now are the Offices and Lands of the Dowglasses disposed upon the Arch-Bishop of Glasgow Gaven Dumbar is made Chancelour Robert Bartoun who was in especial favor with the King Treasurer great Customer General of the Artillery and Mines and other their Charges are given unto others The King of England intending a War against the Emperour Charles the fifth sendeth Embassadours to Scotland for a certain time to treat a peace and if it were possible to reconcile the Dowglasses with the King Five yerrs truce was resolved upon but for the Dowglasses the King would hearken to no offers onely Alexander Drummond by the intercession of Robert Bartoun and the Embassadours had liberty to return home When the Earl of Northumberland and the Earl of Murrey who had full power to conclude a Truce had met the other Commissioners upon the Borders the factious great men and ranck Ryders there put all in such a confusion by urging difficulties that they parted without agreeing unto any articles or certain conclusions which the King took in so evil a part that divining from what head this interruption sprung he committed sundry Noblemen to the Castle of Edenburgh till they gave hostages and secured the borders from invasion or being invaded In the Moneth of Iune following with a great power he visited these bounds executing Justice upon all Oppressours Theeves and Out-Laws In Ewsdale eight and fourty notorious Riders are hung on growing Trees the most famous of which was Iohn Arm-strong others be brought with him to Edenburgh for more publick execution and example as William Cockburn of Henderland Adam Scot of Tushelaw named King of Theeves The year 1530. the King instituted the College of Justice before it was ambulatory removing from place to place by Circuits Suits of Law were peremptorly decided by Baylies Sheriffs and other Judges when any great and notable cause offered it self it was adjudged Soveraignly by the Kings Council which gave free audience to all the Subjects The power and privileges of this College was immediately conâ—irmed by Pope Clement the seventh In this Court are fifteen Judges ordinary eight of them being spiritual persons of the which the most antient is President and seven Temporal men The Chancellour of the Realm when he is present is above the President There are also four Counsellours extraordinary removable at the Princes pleasure This institution is after that Order of Justice which is administred in Paris first instituted by Philip the fourth the French King the year 1286. The King about this time storeth his Arsenals with all sort of Arms the Castles of Edenburgh Sterlin Dumbartoun and Blackness are repaired and furnisht with Ordnance and Ammunition Whilst no certain Truce is concluded between the Realms of England and Scotland the Earl of Angus worketh in this interim so with the King of England that Sir Eâ—ward Darcey is sent to the Borders who when his solicitation for restoring the Earl at the Scothish Court had taken no effect yea had been scorned after he had staied at Berwick with the Garrisoned Souldiers and some selected companies out of Northumberland and Westmerland maketh a Road into Scotland Coldingham Dunglas and adjacent Villages they burn ravage the Countrey towards Dunce Some Scottish Ships and Vessels were also at this time taken by Sea When a reason was sought of this invasion in a cessation of Arms and calm of Truce They require the Dowglasses may be restored totheir antient inheritances and whatsoever had been withheld from them and that Cannabiem a poor Abbacy be rendred to the English as appertaining of old to the Crown of England The Earl of Murray being declared Lieutenant maketh head against them but the English dayly increasing in number and his companies not being suffcient to make good against so many and large in cursions the power of Scotland is divided into four Quarters every one of which for the durance of fourty daies by turns taketh the defence of the Countrey The English finding by this intercourse of new Souldiers the War to be prolonged would have gladly accepted of Peace but they disdained to sue for it to the Scots it was thought expedient that the French a Friend then to both should be a Mediatour to reconcile them whereupon after an Ambassador had come from France Commissioners first meet at Newcastle and after at London Iames Colvil of Easter Weyms Adam Otterburn of Redhall William Stuart Bishop of Aberdeen the Abbot of Kinloss These conclude a Peace To continue between the two Realms during the two Princes lives and one year after the decease of him who should first depart this life About this time the secrets of the Ecclesiastical Doctrine and Authority beginning to be laid open to the view of the World the politick Government of Kingdomes began to suffer in the alteration and discovery The Lady Katherine daughter to Ferdinando and Isabella King and Queen of Spain and Sister to the Mother of Charles the fifth Emperour had been married to Arthur Prince of Wales eldest Sonne to Henry the seventh King of England he dying by the dispensation of Pope Iulius the Second her Father in Law gave her again in Marriage to Henry his other Son the Brother of Arthur This Queen though fruitful of children and often a Mother brought none forth that long enjoyed life and came to any perfection of growth except one onely Daughter Mary Her Husband either out of spleen against the Emperrour Charles or desire of male children or other Causes known to himself pretended great scruples in his conscience would make himself and the world believe that his marriage was not lawfull After deliberation with his Churchmen whom he constrained to be of his mind he kept not longer company with his Queen his Churchmen used all their eloquence to make the Queen accept of a Divorce which she altogether refusâ—d and had recourse to the Pope who recals the cause to himself At Rome whilst in the conâ—istory the case is made difficult and the matter prolonged King Henry impatient of delâ—iâ—s and amorous divorceth from his own Queen and marrieth Anne Bullen 1533. Then the Pope with his whole Cardinals gave out their Sentence That it was not lawful for him by his own authority to seperate himself from his wife that his marriage with Katharine was most lawful not to be questioned and that under pain of Excommunication he should adhere unto her King Henry well experienced in the great affairs of the World considering how the threatnings and thunders of the Bishops of Rome even in these antient and innocent times when they were believed and reverenced in his Kingdom produced never great effects thought them to no purpose in a time when Doctrine was publisht to the World embraced and believed of numbers by which they were contemned and scorned upon this and other grounds he refuseth to obey and the Pope continneth his menacing This
disorder and boldness of the King of England moved the Emperour and the Pope to try if they could win the King of Scotland to arise in arms against his Vncle King Henry The Emperour essayeth it under pretence of other business of great importance For having given way to new opinions in Religion amongst his Countreymen of Germany and finding them mounted to that height as to have produced the effects he deâ—ired by this division laying a foundation to turn the Imperial Crown Hereditary to his own House which Germany being all of one mind and undistracted he could never have brought to pass he compelleth the Bishop of Rome to condescent to a general Council or Assembly of the Clergy of Europe the only and soveraign remedie to cure diseased minds and accord different opinions but he knew well that by the Church of Rome men would be delegated to this meeting turbulent and so far from pacifying tumults began that instead of Water they would apply Oyl and Wood to these flames turn opinions before disputable irreconciliable and leave matters worse than they found them Having implored the aid and assistance of the Potentates about him to the setting forward of so pious and holy a work he sendeth Goddes callo Errico a Sicilian for greater secrecy cie by Ireland to the King of Scotland This Embassadour for a token of that affection the Emperour his Master carryed to the person and virtues of King Iames presenteth him with the Order of the Golden-fleece 1534. with solemn Protestations for the observing of these antient Leagues and Confederacies contracted between the Princes his Masters Predeceslours and the Kings of Scotland to continue ever amongst themselves His other instructions were Plaints of the wrongs done to his Aunt Katharine most injustly repudiate and forsaken by a King forsaken of God and abhorred of men The marriage of Ann Bullen should wound deeply King James it being likely by her Succession he should be barred of his Right to the Crown of England The Emperour by his Ambassadour expostulating the wrongs of his Aunt had gained nothing but that for his sake shee was the worse entertained To make more strong and lasting the Emperours friendship with King James he if he pleased would make him an offer and give him the choice of three Ladies three Maries all of the Imperial Stem Mary of Austria the Emperours Sister the Window of Lovis King of Hungary Mary of Portugall the Daughter of his Sister Eleonara of Austria Mary of England the Daughter of Katharine and King Henry And would undertake the performance of this last either by consent of her Father or by main force The greatest but last of his instructions was that to suppress the Heresies of the time he would concur with the Emperour for the convocating a General Council and obviate the calamities then the threatning the Christian Religion The King with great cheerfulness and many thanks that the Emperour entertained him with such respect and held him worthy so fair and Royal Allyance and the participation of affairs of such importance and moment received this Embassage For the Council providing it were a general Council lawfully convocated by the Emperour and Christian Kings as the first Councils were wont free and holy as nothing is more holy than a general convocation of Christians the most charitable and quiet of the Clergy and such who would pacifie matters not the most zealous and â—iery Spirits or men corrupted by rewards being delegated unto it being premonisht of the time and place he would apply his will unto his assist him thither send his best Oratours and most convenient Church-men That if a true Council could not be obtained every Prince should reform the Errors of Doctrine and faults of the Clergy within his own Dominions The Proceedings of his Vncle were grievous unto him being a man altogether thralled to his own opinions For the Good of the Christian Religion and Peace of Europe it were expedient that all her Princes were united together in amity and love and their Arms directed against the common enemy the Turk For himself he would be Mediatour to reconcile the Emperour and his Vncle endeavour to recall him to the love of his Wife nor by any perswasions to be induced to condescend to ought prejudicial to Queen Katharine The three Ladies were every one in the superlative worthy especially Mary of England for that great reason of uniting the Isle of Great Britain but she was not in her own power nor in the power of the Emperour that he could bestow her upon whom he pleased That to ravish her out of the hands of her Father would be beside the danger of the Enterprize a breach of Divine and humane Lawes It was not safe for Paris that he preferred one of the three Goddesses to the other two for prizing those three that the Emperour might know how dearly he respected and earnestly affected his affinity there remained a fourth Lady neer in blood to the Emperour Isabella Daughter of Christian King of Denmark and Isabella the Emperours own Sister whom besides her matchless virtues for the vicinity of the Nation to his and the conformity of their harmless humours he made choice to be Queen of his affections and Dominions Godscallo answered this last That a match with Lady Isabella of Denmark could not with the Emperours credit be brought to pass because she was promished already to another Frederick Count Palatine and the marriage might be accomplished before news came to the Emperour of the Kings election This choice of the Kings was but an evasion for Sir Thomas Areskin of Brichen Secretarie and David Beatoun Abbot of Arbroth under pretence of renewing the League between France and Scotland long before had been directed to France about a Marriage with the eldest Daughter of King Francis which Iohn Duke of Albany projected when the League between the two Kingdoms was renewed at Rochell Henry King of England had now renounced all obedience from the Bishop of Rome and thorough his whole Dominions abrogated his authority and Paul the third after his assuming the Papacy set forwards by the Emperour and his Cardinals who thought either to recover England or burnt it up by a Foreign or civil war never left thundering against him But after Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester was beheaded a man imprisoned for adhering to the Pope then for his persecution and that the king might carry him greater respect made Cardinal the whole Conclave stir the Pope against King Henry And full of Grief and rage remonstrate what danger would follow their Order if this Example unpunisht should have way They maintained the Papal power against all Princes which now for fear of their Lives they would be forced to forsake or to proceed with great 〈◊〉 and neglect if by any secular power they might be called in Judgement and embrue Scâ—ffolds with their blood The Pope though highly provokâ— parted not from his Resolution yet used a sort
of moderation he threatneth still to let fâ—ll the blow in the mean time holding his hand Thus to give satisfaction to his Court he formed a Process against King Henry and a most severe sentence but abstained from the publication of it during his pleasure Secretly sending many copies of it to those Princes he thought could be useful to his Designs when occassion should serve and he proceed with a constant rumor of the Bull shortly to be put in execution and publisht Amongst many interested in wrongs by the King of England considering there was none comparable to the Nation and King of Scotland he directeth hither Iohn Antonio Come peggio This Legate findeth King Iames at Faulkland 22. February 1535. and here with many Ceremonies and Apostolical Benedictions delivereth him a Cap and a Sword consecrated the Night of Nativity of our Saviour which the fame of his valour and many Christian virtues had moved his Master to remunerate him with Also saith the Original that it might breed a terror in the heart of a wicked neighboring Prince against whom the Sword was sharpned The Popes Letter in most submissive stile contained A Complaint for the death of John Bishop and Cardinal of Rochester miserably taken away by the hand of an Hangeman The Calamities of England occasioned by the Kings Divorce from Katharine of Spain and his Marriage with Anne Bullen That since the Roman Church had received great disgrace and a deadly wound and by patience procured more and more wrongs from the King of England She was constrained to use a sâ—aring Iron For the application of which she had recourse to his Majesty a Prince â—or his Ancestâ—urs Piety and his own renowned His aid maintenance protection she implored Since King Henry was a Despiser a Scorner One who set at naught the censures of the Church an Heretick Shismatick a shameful and Shameless Adulterer a publick and profest homicide Murtherer a Sacrilegious Person a Church-Robber a Rebel guilty of â—ese-Majesty divine outragious many and in â—â—merable waies a Fellon a Criminal By all Laws herefore 〈◊〉 to be turned out of his Throne The King of Scotland for the Defence of the Church would undertake something worthy a Christiâ—n King and himself he would endeavour to suppress Heresie defend the Catholick faith against those whom the justice of almighty God and judgments were now prepared and already ready to be denounced The King kindly entertaining the Legate answered the Pope with much regret for the estate and stubbornness of the King of England Who would not be struck with Pitty that a King who late amongst Christian Princes was honoured with the title of Defender of the Faith should be obnoxious to so many crimes that now amongst Princes he could scarce be reputed a Christian This compassion was common to him with others but he by a necessity of Nature and neerness of blood felt a more piercing sorrow he should leave no means untryed to recal his Uncle to the obedience of the Church and though by his Embassadours he had once or twice went about the same but in vain he would study a way how face to face he might give him his best counsel and remonstrate how much good he would do the Christian World and himself by returning again to the Chruch Mean while he requested him not to be heaady forward nor rash in executing the Sentence against his Uncle which would but obdure him in his seperation King Iames not having lost all hopes of Uncle directeth the Lord Arskin to England to acquaint him with the Emperours and Popes Embassages and to take his Counsel about a marriage with the Duke of Vandosms Daughter whom the Freâ—ch King had offered to him his own Daughter being weak and sickly In this Embasâ—age there was a complaint against the Londoners who in their passage to the Island fishing spoyled the Coasts of Orknay and the adjacent Islands with a Request that King Henry would not succour the Lubeckers against the Duke of Hulstein The King of England not to prove inferiour to the Emperour the Pope in conferring honours upon his Nephew admitteth him to the Fraternity of the Garter which he delivered to the Lord Areskin his Embassadour And thereafter dispatched William Lord Howard brother to the Earl of Norfolk as if that name were a sufficient Scar-crow to the Popes Sword and the Emperours Golden-â—leece to Scotland who made such hasty journeys that he prevented the News of his comming and at unawares found the King at Sterlin The Substance of his embassage was That the Kings of England and Scotland might have an interview at York at which meeting the King of Scotland should be declared Duke of York and General Lieutenant of the Kingdom of England That his Master having instructions of the Alliances offered him by neighbour Princes did offer to his own and his Counsels judgement if they could find a more fit than to contract a marriage with his Daughter which might be easily perfected if his Master and King Iames could condescend upon some few points When the King had taken these Propositions into deliberation the Church-men suspecting if this meeting and match had way the King would embrace the opinions of the new Reformers set all their wirs to overthrow it The neerest Successors to the Crown covering their claim and interest argued That to marry the Lady Mary of England who for many years would not be mariagable was not a right way to continue his race by procreation of children and that his impatience of living alone would not be much abated by marying a Child That King Henry projected this mariage to no other end than to hinder him from better Allyances or to facilitate an entry to the kingdom That when a Prince would take advantage of any neighbor Prince it was more safely done by alliance than open force That it was more safely King Henry being a wary Prince never meant to mary his Daughter at all as long as himself lived but to keep her at Home with him bearing many Princes in hand to save him from Dangers both at home and abroad which counsel was practised lately by the Duke of Burgundy Most oppose neither to the meeting of the two Kings nor to the Alliance but to the place of their meeting which seemed unto them of no small importance being in the heart of England and amidst the most martial people of that Nation They require the two Kings might have their interview at Newcastle this place when they meet being most commodious for furnishing all necessaries by Ships That the number of their Trayn should be agreed upon as one thousand which none of th two Kings should exceed That the time should be at the Feast of Saint Michael the Arch-Angel between the Harvest and the Winter which would hast the consummation of the Ceremonies and not suffer the Kings to prolong time but invite their return to their own chief and principal Cities When it was declared to
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 alleged 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 laieth the fault of his not appearing upon the Lord Howard complaining That he menaced the Counsellours and would have forced their votes that he was a great Friend to Sir George Dowglasse and other Rebels who convoyed him to Scotland and accompanyed 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 Iames 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 kingdome in his absence rather than any intended voyage towards Forainers 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 thâ— 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 Pilote he had sounded the remotest Rocks of his Kingdom he was driven by storms to take Land at Saint Ninians neer Whitehorn in Galloway This Voyage bread 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 neer 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 Farnchast to Faulkland the Laird of Iohnstoun and Mark Car to Dundee and others elsewhere He knew the common Riders never made incursions without either the command or tollerance of these Superiours The remote High-lands and Borderers made peaceable by the incarcerations of the Chiefs of the Clannes and Families there commanding he may when occasion is offered in person visite any neighbour Prince or State To second his former Embassadours 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 nearest 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 Pilote 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 shutâ—ing up the Kings eyes these who accompanyed him command the Pilote 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 neer 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 Iames Hamiltoun and to stir him more against this Man there wanted not who said His obedience to his Prince was dissembled that he accompanyed 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 Kirkcaldie and with a prosperous wind the tenth day after arrived at Deep in Normandy The Earls of Arran Arguyl Rothess Arroll Lords Flamin 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 fame of his comming with a small Trayn holdeth his way to Vandosm to see the Lady Mary of Burbon all which way one Iohn Tennant personating the Lord of the Company he passed undescryed But come to Vaâ—dosm 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 Iames 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 Rouen 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. Sophoâ—in 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 Stranger Prince and the Court is changed into an Academy of Knightly exercise where King Iames proveth inferiour our to none in â—eats 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 Margarite her younger Sister who after was marryed 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 reobtaining her health her body as it were following the Temperature of her Spirit or that it appeared to her self and her Father so King Iames continuing in his first resolution the marriage is contracted between them an hundred thousand Crowns of the Sun being promiâ—ed in Dowry besides thirty thousand Franks of yearly pension during the life of King Iames the jointuâ—e assured to her by the King of
the Process did depend it being a safer way in Judgement to absolve the guilty than condemn the innocent But the most part gave her over to the Assizers the better part of which being in voices fewer the greater who neither respecting conscience within them nor shame with the present age and posterity nor the supreme justice of Heaven find this poor Lady guilty and she is condemned to be burnt alive Her sentence was executed the fifth day after the beheading of the Master of Forbess on the Castle hill of Edenburgh in sight of her Husband who either out of Revenge or Fear after this tragical end of his Lady seeking to save himself by escape out of the Prison whilst he came over the Wall by the shortness of the Cable was dashed against the Rock and found dead Though the tender years of the Lord Glammes her son proved his innocency he remained prisoner in the Castle till after the Kings death The old Priest when after torture nothing could be proved against was set at liberty William Lyon the author of this calumny was banished the Countrey which justifyed the Ladies integrity and verifyed than however Princes love to find out Treason they hate the Informers except upon cleer grounds Upon the like suspitions Droomlenrigge and Hemps-Field antient Barons having challenged others had leave to try the verity by Combate the lists were designed by the King who was a Spectator and Umpire of their Valour at the Court of of the Pallace of Holy-rood-house They appeared upon the day armed from head to foot like antient Palladines and after many enterchanged blows to the disadvantage of their Casks Corslets and Vantbraces when the one was become breathless by the weight of his arms and thunder of his blowes and the other who was short sighted had broken his ponderous Sword the King by Heraulds caused separate them with disadvantage to neither of these Champions and the verity which was found was that they dared both fight in close Arms. The Abbot of Arbroth and the Lord Maxwell by many enterchanged letters full of Princely love had assured the King and the Lady Mary of Lorrain and articles being agreed upon to the great content of the French they were espoused by Proctors as is the costome amongst Princes with great triumph in the City of Paris in the presence of the French King and many Peers after which solemnity Monsieur d' Annabault Admiral of France accompanied herto New-haven in the beginning of the Moneth of Iune1538 where she embarqued and with many French Ships when she had been tost on the Seas came to Fysses-ness where at Cayrel she was attended by the Noblemen and the King who consumated the mariage in the Cathedral Church of St. Andrews in Iuly Nothing more linketh the affections of the marryed than children the first year the Queen answereth her husbands hopes and in S. Andrews was delivered of a Son who was named Iames the Arch-bishop of St. Andrews and Earl of Arran being his God-Fathers and the Queen the Kingâ— Mother his Godmother 1539. in Febr. thereafter she was crowned Queen of Scotland in the Abby Church of Holy-rood-house by the Abbot of Arbroth at which time Margarite the old Queen falling sick at Methven in few daies departed and was buryed in the Chaâ—terhouse of St. Iohnstoun near the Tomb of King Iames the first The King her Son with all the Nobility and Gentry being present at her funerals which were celebrated in most solemn and pompous manner Not long after Iames Beatoun Arch-bishop a man of great age followed this Lady to the other World he had provided Successors to his Benefices and his Arch-bishops See to David Beatoun afterwards Cardinal whom the King accepted and admitted without contestation The kingdom now began to be divided in opinions of Religion they which held the helm of State labouring in vain â—o reconcile them the King was sore perplexed and uncertain what course to follow suppress them he could not to give way to them without shaking the strongest beams of the policy of his Kingdom seem'd unto him impossible his privy Counsellours being more of his antient Servants than Nobles or Church men of which many were piping through these flecked clouds of ignorance as they favored gave their opinions some one way some another and a freedome of speech being given one of them as they were in his chamber together spake to him to this purpose Sir amongst the many blessings your Subjects enjoy under this your Government this is not the least that for the Weal of your Majesty and the publick good of the Kingdome the meanest of your Subjects may freely open his mind and declare his opinion unto you his Soveraign And if ever there was a time in which grave good and sound couâ—sel should be delivered to your Majesty it is this and the difficulties of the Common-wealth do now require it Nor ever in matters of advice and consultation can we embrace and follow what is most reasonable and what according to Laws Iustice and Equity should be but what necessity driveth us unto and what is most convenient for the present time to be and what we may well and fairly accomplish and bring to pass The Estate of your Kingdome is troubled with diversity of opinions concerning Religion It is to be wished that the one onely true Religion were in the hearts of all your Subjects since diversity of opinions of Religion and heresâ—es are the very punishment of God Almighty upon men for their horrible vices and roaring sins And when Men forsake his fear and true obedience God abandoneth them to their own opinions and fantasies in Religion out of which arise Partialities Factions Divisions Strife intestine Discords which burst forth into civil war and in short time bring Kingdoms and Common-wealths to their last periods But matters arising to such a height and disorder as by all appearance they are like to advance in this Kingdom the number of the Sectaries dayly increasing without dissembling my thoughts to your Majesty The preservation of the People being the Supream and principal law which God Almighty hath enjoyned to all Princes I hold it more expedient to give place to the exercise of both religions than under pretence and shadow of them to suffer the common Peace of your Subjects to be torn in pieces What can wisdom Sir advise you to do with these Separatists Either they must be tolerated for a time or they must altogether be removed and that by death or banishment So soon as a Prince beginneth to spoil banâ—sh kill burn his people for matters abstract from sense and altogether spiritual he becometh as it were a Plague unto them It is an Errour of State in a Prince for an opinion of Piety to condemn to death the adherers to new doctrine For the constancy and patience of those who voluntarily suffer all temporall miseries and death it self for matters of faith stirr up and invite numbers who at
lawfull Council and forsake their errors when they shall be clearly and fairly demonstrated unto them Heresie is an errour in the fundamental grounds of Religion Schism intendeth a resolution in Separation Let a good Council be convocated and see if they be ready or not to râ—unite themselves to us That which they believe is not evil but to some it will appear they believe not enough and that there is in them rather a defect of good than any habit of evil Other points when they shall be consider'd shall be found to consist in external ceremonies of the Church rather than in substance of doctrine or what is essential to Christianity These men should be judg'd before condemn'd and they should be heard before they be judg'd which being holily and uprightly don we shall â—ind it is not our religions but our private intrests and passions which troubleth us and the State The King followed not this opinion but gave himself over to the counsel and Government of the Prelates They remonstrate to him that he should not rashly alter approv'd and long received customes that there was nothing more dangerous in Government than to abase the authority of antient Laws Let him well consider and set before his eyes the malice of Man who ever when he is drawn off one course of evil precipitateth himself in a worse It was less evil in State to tolerate disorders known unto which usual and accustomed remedies might be applyed than by altering and changing foundations to give way to new to find out Remedies to which would take and consume a whole age That this would be a way not only to take away the abuses but even the good uses of every thing and put in hazard all matters and main points concerning Religion They desired him to consider how there were two sorts of persons affecting these new opinions and studying Novations The multitude or common people and some of the Nobility and Gentry It was likely the common people might be deceiv'd and to give them satisfaction and appease them by granting them a Reformation or change in religion would not be a means to illuminate and instruct them but to bring in a popular licence If he should suffer them to misbelieve distrust call in question points of Religioâ— or search or find out more light they would immediately thereafter presume to make Laws and limit the Government by degrees restraining the Soveraign authority and after they had examined sifted narrowly and discust Ecclesiastical authority they would essay to correct and find the difficulties of the Temporall That it was more easie to oppose and resist the first demands of the multitude than pleasing them in a part after bound and limit their desires and petitions As to the great Men of his Nobility and Gentry he might be assured they had not Religion and piety for their ends but to impatronize and lay hold on the Church Rents and Ecclesiastical goods To turn absolute and free men acknowledging neither Church nor King To this end many reserved themselves and kept close their opinions attending the change which once appearing their faces would turn all one way Which imminent evils if the King would prevent there was no other means than to use his authority and power whilst the most and greatest part of his Kingdom yet obey'd him That celerity in this was most necessary before their number increas'd and erâ— they discover'd that universal commodity which would follow the imbracing of these new opinions It was safer to compose these Tumults by his absolute command and authority and if this produced not the wished effect to perform it by arms than to give reins to a popular licence and the ambition of great Men. After this counsel had prevailed most rigorous inquisitions are established and punishments denounced against all who professed opinions differing to the Church of Rome Whereupon some out of a muffled zeal of Religion others to revenge their particular quarrels most to possesse moveables and lands pursue many to judgment Of which some are executed by fire others banished many imprisoned amongst which was the famous Poet and Historian George Buchanan who whilst his Keepers slept escaped by a Window of the Prison the Muses holding the Cable the more frequent the publick executions were and banishments the greater number embraced the opinions of them which suffered The King of England having understood that the Pope giving out the confirming of a Peace between the Emperour and the French King had a meeting with them at Nice a maritime Town upon the confines of Provence and assuring himself that matters there would be both consulted upon and determined to his prejudice sendeth again to his Nephew the King of Scotland that he would come and see him at York for now he had more vehemently irritated the Pope having condemned as Rebels and confiscated the goods of all who maintained Papal authority and raised from their Tomb the Bones of Thomas Becket commonly named Saint Thomas of Canterbury canoniz'd by Pope Alexander the third for being kill'd for the maintenance of the liberties of the Church 1171. to whom there was yearly a Festival Day kept by the Roman Church and by the hands of a common Executioner caused burn in ashes and throw them in the River The revealing of which to the world was a secret more derogatory to the Pontificial State than any stumbled upon heretofore or opened up Upon this the Sentence of Ex-communication some years deferred was pronounced against him By which he was deprived of his Kingdom and those who adhered to him declared uncapable of what they possessed His Subjects were dispensed from their Oath of Allegiance and discharged to obey him Strangers were inhibited traffick with his Kingdom All Christians charged to arise in arms against him The Estates goods and persons of such Subjects as followed him given over to be a prey and spoil to any would invade them It was time for him to look to himself Such of the Nobility as loved peace and the Weal of the two Kingdoms stirr'd King Iames to this interview especially they who favour'd the reformed Religion assuring him King Henry was disposed with all demonstrations of good will that his person would be far from any danger And if by this conference they should join in bands of Amity a great benefit to themselves Country and posterity would redound Why would King Henry in the face of the World and Neighbour Princes brand so his Reputation as to break the Laws of Hospitality wrong a Prince whom he had invited to come and see him Why would he violate those of consanguinity attempting against his own Nephew The Emperour Charles the fifth had been his Guest and after Royal entertainment was friendly dismissed He met with Francis the French King at Bullen which meeting seemed rather of Brothers come to countenance some marriage Pomp than contending Neighbours If King Henry had born any discontent against his Nephew he might
long ere now have satisfyed his ambiâ—ion and at more easie rate when the King his father with most of the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland receiv'd that fatal overthrow by the Hills of Flowden and Banks of Till the refusing of an interview might divide the King and his Vncle upon which might follow some unnatural War Upon the other part the Church-men set all their Power to hinder this interview perswading themselves it would give a terrible blow to their Estates or Religion The principal cause say they why the King of England is so passionately earnest to have this meeting is to perswade his Nephew to conform Church-matters in Scotland to those already begun in England to abolish the Popes authority to drive Religious persons from their Lands Rents Houses invest the jewels and ornaments of the Churches Which counsel and example if King Iames should follow he would hazard or lose the friendship he had with the Pope Emperour and French King his best confederates abandoned of which he and his Kingdom would be left a Prey to the tyranny of his Uncle if Henry kept no faith to God Men had no reason to trust unto him That this Interview was to intrap his person He being the man whom the Pope and Emperour had designed to set upon his Throne and revenge their quarels That it was grosly to err to he carried away with a shadow and appearance and leave a Substance to trust at once his Crown person and liberty to an Enemy And sith examples move more than precepts let him think upon the hazard of King James the first eighteen years Prisoner and after sold to his Subjects Malcolm and William Kings of Scotland He should remember if yet he were therein to be instructed that Princes serve themselves with occasions over their Neighbours that they have greater care to satisfy their ambition than fear of shame for doing of wrongs with the present times or posterity That their Oaths were no longer kept than they observed their advantages That after he falleth in his hands he ought to follow his manners Religion forsaking and giving over his own natural disposition manners and freedom have no other affections nor motions than his For who commeth under the roof of a Tyrant turneth slave though he was a free man ere he did enter That this meeting with the body would endanger the Soul and infect it with his errours corrupting it with false opinions grounded upon a liberty to live to â—ensuality and Epicurean pleasure If upon the slighting of this Interview King Henry should denounce war against King Iames and invade his Countrey they in his just defence should furnish moneys to entertain an Army and overturn his proceedings For the present necessity they offer to pay to him fyfty thousand Crowns yearly and in any hazard of the Estate voluntarily to contribute all their rents and revenues providing it would please his Majesty to suffer justice to proceed against those who scandalously had sequestred themselves from the holy Church and to the contempt of his Laws publiquely made profession of the opinioâ—s of Luther That the goods of all who should be convict of Heresie which they esteemed to no less than an hundred thousand Crowns of yearly Rent should be brought to the Exchequer and their lands annext to the Crown To this effect they intreat his Majesty to give them sufficient Judges truly Catholick and full of zeal and severity After long reasoning upon both sides it was agreed the King should not altogether refuse to meet his Vncle but adhere to the first to offer propunded to this Embâ—ssador concerning this Inter-view The meeting to be at New castle one thousand at the most in train with either King the time to be the Feast of St. Michael the Arch-Angel These Conditions not being embraced by King Henry would if not abolish totally at the least prolong the time of this meeting the King of England thinketh his Nephew too imperious to assume the Injunction of the whole circumstances of their meeting but rather than his suit should take no effect accepteth both of the Place and number of the Train and that the might have some point yeelded unto him requireth the time may be the first of August These Conditions being almost agreed upon three or four hundreth Riddesdale and Tinedale men with other Borderers break upon Liddesdale and therewith large incursions kill and forrage This during the Treaty falling miserably forth so much irritated King Iames that accepting the offers of his Clergy he gave over inwardly all intentions of any inter-view By prolonging time labouring to winde himself out of the Maze Hereupon he sendeth Letters full of excuses for his stay representing his many grievances and wrongs suffer'd and the seeds of discord began now to be sowen amongst them To lightâ—n and recreate his cloudy thoughts the Queen is delivered at Sterlin of another Son who with great solemnity is baptized in the Chappel of the Castle and named Arthur The Prelates after mature deliberation present Sir Iames Hamiltoun natural Son to the Earl of Arran to be supream Judge of the Inquisition against all suspect of Heresie and new opinions differing from the Faith of the Roman Church The King approving their judgements in their choice admitteth him Sir Iawes chearfully accepteth this new honour For now his ambition will find many guilty miserable supplicants Yet was this charge his ruin For whilst he persecuteth all who were informed against to be suspect of the Reform'd Religion having many in Jayls and numbers in his Scrâ—les to bring within the Labyrinth of a Process the supream Providence arresteth himself Iames Hamiltoun Sherif of Linlythgow Brother to Master Patrick Hamiltoun Abbot of Ferme who had suffered for Religion and was cousin to Sir Iames Hammiltoun of Fennard Lord Inquisitor for embracing his Brothers opinions had been persued so by the Church-men that he was constrain'd to forsake his own Countrey and some yeers wander as a banisht man abroad But by his friends at Court having purchased a License or Protection for some moneths to see his desolate Family and put his private Affairs in order cometh home Where finding the censorian Power to be in his cousins hands for where should he have Sanctuary if he were challenged by so neer a Kinsman for matters of Religion imagining to himself an over-sight and preterition out-dateth by his stay his Protection Sir Iames to curry the favour of the Church-men and testifie how dearly the cause of the Catholike Faith touched him resolveth to begin with his Cousin For if he were so burnt up with zeal that he spar'd not his own blood in the quarrell of the Roman Faith what Heretick could pass unpunisht Besides the investing himself in the Sherifs Office and Lands which he never minded to restore he had a Picque against him for that whilst he sate Judge in Lithgow he pronounced a sentence by which he was interested in some petty gain The
Sheriff falling so far short of his expectation that he findeth himself the first subject of his Cousins justice and highly resenting his Kinsmans cruelty whom he knew under pretext of Piety ready to execute his own Revenges resolveth to prevent his mischief He had sometime been familiar with Sir Iames had known his by-paths his secret Plots and ayrie brags had not escaped his observation some alike in kindred to them both were emissaries suborned to mark not onely his actions but words and behaviour by which one way or other he might be intrapt He knew Sir Iames stood in some umbrage with the King and that some suspitions by no Innocency could be taken away When at last he had found his hot-spur Cousin who threatned him with Death and Fire within the circle of his conjurations he directeth his Son to the King who at that time was ready to pass the Forth in his Barge this bashful Messenger giveth advertisement from his Father that the King should make his person sure from his foes at home for Sir Iames Hamiltoun had secret intelligence and Plots with the Earl of Angus and Dowglasses and that he attended onely the occasion when he might surprise him either alone or with a mean retinue and the or openly he would invade him or breaking up his Chamber-doors assâ—ssinate him The King giving attentive ear to a business which concerned him no less than the safety of his Person the accusation being given by a Cousin of the suspect against a family which a little disorder in the State might turn Successors to the Crown directeth the young man to Edenburgh and beyond his private instructions giveth him a Ring well known by the chief Officers to be a taken of power and seâ—recie to assemble so many of the Counsel as were resident Sir Thomas Arseken Secretary Sir Iames Lermound Master of the Houshold William Kirkcaldie Treasurer and others meet fear consult upon the Treason labour how to prevent it come to Sir Iames his Lodgeing make sure his Person in the Castle of Edenbrough and at that same time proceed according to the Kings direction to instruct his Process Sir Iames passionately resenting his imprisonment by his friends imploreth the ayd of the Church-men upon his innocency They apprehending his accusation to be a stratagem of State forg'd by these of the Reformed Religion for the stopping any further progress of the Inquisition already so furiously begun interpose their credit with the King for his Liberty to the discharging of his Commission against Hereticks If the Kiâ—g should hearken to every Informer against a man in State and Office he should never have an end for thus no man is so innocent who may not be detracted and calumniated Sir Iames was known to be a man rash and insolent in words his brains having been a little giddy like one looking from a great height by his advancement in honours and place in Court but sincere in the service of his Prince and loyal If he was arrogant in boldness of termes that was to acquire some more credit with the Commons that he might doe better service to his Prince They who committed Sir Iames Hamiltoun knowing the King facile and easie to be wrought upon by the Clergy some of them too professing or giving way to the reform'd Religion resolve if he should escape free of this accusation that an imminent ruin hung over their persons and estates Necessity and fear combining the distracted powers of their minds they come prostrate before the King beseech him not so much to look to the quality and circumstances of the crime as to the evil inclination of the man who powerful factious and naturally vindicative would never forgive nor forget the danger he was driven unto that His Majesty would consider his pass'd life terrible and cruel against all whome he could over-reach That to give him liberty and relieve him of his imprisonment before the crimes of which he was accus'd were clearly proved or not would be their and the accusers overthrow whom they esteemed loyal Subjects and except upon evident probabilities and never given informations against him That he was a man perfectly hated of the People and a more acceptable sacrifice could not be â—ffer'd unto their fury if he prov'd guilty At their Supplications the King gave the Judges full power to proceed against him and administer justice according to their consciences and the Laws of the Kingdom The pannall being found guilty of such points of the Inditement as was laid against him was condemned to die and thereafter accordingly beheaded his Quarters being set aloft on the Town gates his Lands annex'd to the Crown The Crimes of which he was found guilty as from those who lived near that time have by tradition been received were he had intelligence with the Earl of Angus and Dowglasses whom he laboured to have restored though with the Kings death he had a plot to have broken up the Kings Chamber-doors and killed him divolving the title of the Crown or at least Government of the Kingdom to his kinred Being ditected to have repared a Castle in Bute and to this effect receiving three thousand Crowns in April he went not thither attending some change in the State which was to be accomplished by treason against the Kings person He kept still with him men of disperate minds and fortunes who at his direction durst enterprize any mischief Where he had repaired some of the Kings houses he had placed a Statue resembling himself or which to some he had named his Statue what Mole-hills are turned into Mountains when a Prince will pry into the actions of a disgraced Subject above the Kings arms He had detracted from his Master naming him the king of Clowns and Priests and Scourge of the antient Nobility He had laboured to hinder the Kings marriage at his being in France To these points the people who rejoiced in his ruin added he had slain cruelly the Earl of Lennox at the battell of Lithgow after he was Prisoner to Purdowye he had wayâ—laid Gilbert Earl of Cassiles who was killed by his direction and Counsel This back-blow of Fortune proveth that it is dangerous once highly to offend a Prince and after remain in his service for Princes put old offences up as neglected and when the occasion serveth them surprize long after the Delinquents for some faults of which they are scarce guilty Sundry of the Nobility appall'd at this sudden fall of Sir Iames Hamiltoun for though they loved not the Man they hated the example of such strict Justice left the Court retiring to their own dwelling Houses which made the King suspitious of them and believe they favoured the reformed Religion and preferred the friendship of King Henry his Vncle to his Neither was he herein far Mistaken for some feared not to send him word that they had learned the Church-men had set him on work to extirpate his antient Nobility as if it were an easie matter
to create as many out of the Gentry in whom being his own Creatures he might have great confidence than any made by his Predecessours After this he turned so retired sullen and melancholly that every thing displeased him and he became even insupportable to himself not suffering his Domestick Servants to use their ordinary disport and recreations neer him And as all day he projâ—cted and figured to himself new cares to perplex himself some of which might fall forth others could never come to pass So in the night time the objects of his dayly projects working upon his fantasie limmed their dark shadows of displeasures which gave him terribâ—e affright in his sleep Amongst many of which two are recorded as notable one in the History of the Church the other common both seem to have been forged by the Men of those times who thought fictions as powerful to breed an opinion in discontented minds as verities and they may challenge a place in the poetical part of History As he lay in the Pallace of Lithgow about the midst of the night he leaped out of his Bed calleth for Lights commandeth his Servants to search Thomas Scot his Justice Clark who he said stood by his Bed-side accompanied with hideous weights cursing the time that ever he had served him for by too great obedience to him he was by the justice of God condemned to everlasting torments Whilst they about him labour to cure his wounded Imagination news came that Thomas Scot about that same hour of the Night was departed to the other World at Edenburgh and with no better Devotion than he was represented to the King After Sir Iames Hamiltoun had ended his part of this Trage-comedy of life he seemed to the King to have returned on the Stage and in a ghastly manner with a naked Sword in his hands he thought he parted both his arms from him advertising him he would come again shortly and be more fully revenged till which occasion he should suffer these wounds The next day after this vision which is recorded to have been the seaventh of August word came that both his Sonns were deceased and that almost in one hour Iames the Prince then one year old at St. Andrews Arthur one moneth old at Sterlin The King of England finding himself disappointed by his Nephew of their meeting and understanding it to have been occasiond by the Rhetorick and liberality of the Churchmen having many of the Nobility of Scotland of his faction whose innocency interpreted his Religion to be the reformed though indeed it was of his own stamp for he abolished the Pope but not Popacy by making prizes of Scottish Ships upon the Seas with his Fleet and incursions of his garrison'd Souldiers upon land beginneth the prologue of an unnecessary war King Iames to stop the English incursions placeth George Gordoun Earl of Huntley with his full power and authority at the Borders and directeth Iames Lermound of Darcey towards his Uncle to give sufficient reasons of his not meeting him at Newcastle withall to seek restitution of his Ships sith taken before any lawful War was proclaimed and to expostulate the hostility of the Borderers King Henry not only refuseth render the Ships or give a reason for the breaking forth of the Garrisons on the Borders but delaying the answer of the Scottish Embassadour upon advantage of time sâ—ndeth Sir Robert Bowes seconded with the Earl of Angus and Sir George Dowglas in hostile manner to invade Scotland These to the number of three thousand burn spoil small villages and ravage the Countrey neer the debatable bounds The Earl of Huntley omitteth no occasion to resist them places garrisons in Kelsoo and Iedburgh assembling all the hardy Bordrers and invadeth the English and Scottish forces at a Place named Hall-den rig here it is soundly skirmished till the Lord Hume by the advancing of four hundred fresh Launces turned the fortune of the Day for the English were put to flight the Warden Sir Robert Bowes Captain of Norham Sir William Mowbray Iames Dowglas of Parkhead with a natural Son of the Earl of Angus were taken Prisoners the Earâ— by the advantage of his horse escaping with others to the number of six hundred The Warden staied in Scotland till the Kings death This Road happened prosperously to the Scots the 24. of August 1541. being a Dise-mall St. Bartholomew to the English The War continuing till Midsommer King Henry sent the Earl of Norfolk whom he named the Rod of the Scots with great power towards Scotland with him the Earls of Shrewsbury Derby Cumberland Surrey Hereford Angus Rutland and the Lords of the North parts of England with an Army of fourty thousand men as they were esteemed With them he directeth Iames Lermound of Darcey the Scotish Embassadour to keep an equal march till they came to Bâ—rwick and there to stay that he should not give advertisement to his Master of any of his proceedings the Earl of Huntley upon advantages of places resisting the adventuring Routs who essayed to cross the Tweed But King Iames hearing the old Duke of Norfolk was their Leader raiseth from all the parts of his Kingdom Companies and assembling them upon Sâ—wteryâ— edge mustered thirty thousand men They encamped on Fallow-Moor the King having advertisement that the Duke would march towards Edenburgh Ten thousand strong the Lords Hume Seatoun Areskin to make up the Earl of Huntleys forces are sent towards the borders The King himself expecting the Artillery and other furniture of War staieth with the body of the Army in the Camp Durin this time it is reported the Lords plotteth a Reformation of the Court according to the example practised at Lawder-Bridge especially against such who were named Pensioners of the Priests but because they could not agree among themselves about those who should stretch the ropes every one striving to save his kinsman or friend they escaped all the danger That this attempt being revealed to the King he dismist some of his favourites in great fear to Edenburgh So malitious is faction armed with power Thomas Duke of Norfolk by such in the Scotish Camp who favoured King Henry having understood the preparation and mind of King Iames to meet him in an open field well knowing that Fortune had that much of a woman to favour young men more than old and that honourable â—etreits are no waies inferiour to brave Charges retireth off the Scottish ground and keeps his forces on their own marches For the valour and resolution of this young Prince might perhaps spoil and divest him of his former purchased Lawrels and Palms to the applause of King Henry who some thought being wearie of his service to this effect sent him to Scotland A great number of the Lancastrianâ— and North-Humbrians who upon hopes of spoil had followed him pretending want of Victuals and the rigorous season of the year with arms and baggage leave this Army Having done little harm to the Scots and suffered much
his mind that he neither had counsel nor resolution what to follow neither remembring his own valour nor the number of his Subjects yet flourishing he remained as one distracted and abandonned of all hopes The Plot of the Nobles at Falla Moor against his Servants the refusing to give battel on English ground made him apprehend that the whole body of his Nobility had conspired his overthrow The Cardinall and Earl of Arran comming to Edenburgh he also returned all so cast down that they were ashamed to come within sight of each other some daies After which in a retired manner he passed to Fyffe and from Hall-yards to Faulkland where he gave himself over to Sorrow No man had access unto him no not his own Domesticks Now are his thoughts busied with revenge now with rage against his scornful Nobility long watchings continuall cares and passions abstinence from food and recreation had so extenuated his body that pierced with grief anguish impatience despair he remained fixt to his bed In these Trances Letters come from Lithgow to him That the Queen was delivered of a Daughter the eight of December When he heard it was a Daughter was born he is said to have turned his face from them that read the Letters and sighing a farewell to the World it will end as it began saies he the Crown came by a woman and it will with one go many miseries approach this poor Kingdome King Henry will either make it his by Armes or Marriage The Cardinall put in his hands some blanck Papers of which they composed a Letter Will which whether he subscribed or not is uncertain After which he said not many words which could be understood but mused on the discomfiture of his Servants at the Solloway-Moss In which fits he left this world the thirteenth of December 1542. the three and thirtieth year of his age and two and thirty of his Reign Some record he was troubled by an unkindly medicine aud that the Cardinal was conscious to it but upon far conjectures for the event proved that his death was not onely the ruine of the Cardinall but of the whole Church-men of the Kingdom and frame of the Roman Religion His body was conveyed from Faulkland to Edenburgh the Cardinal Earls of Arran Arguil Rothess Marshal accompanying it and in Ianuary buried in the Abby Church of Holy-rood-housâ— near the body of Magdalen his first Queen He left behind him many natural children of his Marriages only one daughter five daies old at his death the Heir of his Kingdom and misfortunes This King was of a well made body and excellent mind if it had been carefully polisht he was of a middle stature Nature had given him strength and ability equal to any but by exercise he had so confirmed it that he was able to endure any travel and practice all feats of Arms as his attending on Malefactors proved for he was ordinary thought the first of his Troups who persued them and the last that left the chase being daring and forward In his private affairs he was attentive and liberal yet spared his Treasure that he should not want and when occasion required caring for no charges Never man did entertain Soveraignity more familiarly being of easie access to the meaner sort as to the great He was studious of all good arts natuâ—ally given to Poesie as many of his verses yet extant testifie He was of as great sorbriety as of little continency he was a great favourer of learned men The poor men loved him the great feared him he made the rushy bushes keep the heards of Cattel he was thankful towards his Friends dangerous towards his Enemies He infinitely obliged his people by establishing a Justice Court among them and bringing all sorts of Manufactours from neighbor nations home By the Germans he found the Gold Mines of Crawfoord Moor being unknown to this part of the world before him out of which he extracted treasure He left his Arsenals furnisht with all sorts of arms and furniture for War Now as in pictures not only the light but the shadow is observable let us look upon him in all his umbrages This Prince in his long persuit of the Dowglasses seems to have had a strange humour that he could never forgive And most of his miseries may be traced to this Source these he would have extirpate and the King of England could not forsake a man who was his brother-in-law and had been ever obsequious to him Seeking only that he might be restord to his own out of which he was cast not by any treason or aspiring to the Crown but of an ambition he had to be near the King and equal to any Subject his own worth kinred and followers animating him thereunto having maried the Kings Mother and one of the greatest Kings Sister of those times The burning alive of the Lady Glames beheading of the Master of Forbess and after him Sir Iames Hamiltoun turned many of his Nobles from him and made the Commons detract him For though they delight sometimes to have great men made equal to them when they find not evident proofs and sound grounds of their sufferings and executions they abhor the Actors Princes should remember that as the people are their Subjects so are they the Subjects of time and providence This humour of revenge made many believe if he had not been prevented by death many Scaffolds had been embrued for Falla-moor Plot and Solloway-Moss The Lord Maxwel who had studied the Character of the King at that Road vowed when he might have escaped among his known Borderers he would rather be the KING of Englands Prisoner and see him at London than return home and be shamefully hanged at the Cross of Edenburgh He studied very much the overthrow of his antient Nobility not considering that the titles of Crowns in Hereditary Kingdomes belong only to Kings for that they are the most Antient Noblemen and also first of the Primitive Bloud In his last years he was altogether governed by Romish Prelates dangerous Pilots in the Ocean of a troubled State that Body in which one humour signorizeth cannot last long and a Prince perisheth when he is governed by onely one sort of men Neither was he ruled so much by them out of great zeal to Religion being a Prince altogether given to his own pleasures as that he found them counterpoise the Nobility whilest he swayed the ballanc His death proveth his Mind to have been raised to the highest strain and above mediocrity for he could die but could not disgest a disaster He seemeth to have had too much confidence in himself and that he forgot the conditions of Mortality Whilest he suffered himself to be carryed away by the current of grief and swallowed up in the gulf of despair All his faults are but as some few Warts in a most pleasing and beautifull Face He was very much beholding to the excellent Poets of his time whose commendation shall serve him
for an Epitaph Ariosto who knew him onely by fame in the person of Zerbino whom he nameth Prince of Scotland glaunceth at his worth Zerbin di Bellezza e di Valore Sopra tutti i Signori eminente Di virtu essempio e di Bellezza raro In another place but Ronzard who with his Queen came to Scotland and was his Domestick Servant deseribeth him more to the life Ce Roy D' Escosse estoit en la fleur de ses ans Ses Cheveux non tondus commine fin or luisans Cordonnez et crespez flotans dessus sa face Et sur son col de laict luy donnoit bonne grace Son Port estoit royal son reguard vigoureux De vertus et de honner de guerre amoureux La douceur et la force illustroienâ—â— son visage Si que Venus et Mars en avoient fait partage So happie is a Prince when he cherisheth and is intertain'd by the rare spirits of his time that even when his Treasures Pompe State Followers Diadems and all externall Glory leave him the sweet incense of his Fame in the Temple of Honour persumeth his Altars A Prince's name is surer preserved and more deeply ingraven in Paper than in all the rusting Medalles blasted arches entombed Tombes which may serve to any as well as to him raised with such loss of time vaine labours of Artizans vast expence to be the sport of the Windes Raines Tempests Thunder Earthquakes or if they shunne all these of superstition faction and civil Broyles After this Prince had some years rested in a Tombe not only it but the most part of the Church was made equal â—o the ground by the Armies of his Uncle King Henry the eight whose malice left him not even when he was dead proing as horrible an Vncle as Nero was a son A while after he was transported to another Vault by the piety of his matchless Grand-child Iames King of Great Britain where he was embalmed again enshrined and his Coffin adorned with the Arms of the Kingdom cognoscances and a Crown With which Honours I leave him till some famous pen encouraged by the favours of his Royal Successours raise his Fame from the dust of obscure Papers to Eternity THE END MEMORIALLS OF STATE Considerations to the KING December 1632. THere is nothing more dangerous to a King than to suffer Majesty and that sacred respect which a Subject oweth him to be violated and his Fame and Reputation lessened by other mens boldness whose presumption may lead them forwards not onely to dally with his Person but with his Crown But his ears are so often guarded by these men that he never heareth verities till he hath granted what he cannot well amend and his wounds be incurable If a Prince hold any thing dear it should be the Right and Title of his Crown which concerneth not onely himself but his Posterity out of which a small Jewel taken away maketh it the less Radiant And to all Subjects that should be as Mount Sinai not to be approached In every case we should take greater heed to what in it is hurtful than to what is in it profitable for what profit and commoditie any thing carrieth with it easily presenteth it self unto us but any one point which may hurt us unless it be observed and carefully taken away may overthrow and bring to nought all that hath been rightly intended The restoring of the Earl of Monteeth in blood and allowing his descent and title to the Earldome of Strathern is thought to be disadvantageous to the King's Majesty and that a more dangerous blow could not be given to the Nobleman himself We may easily conjecture of things to come and imagine them by those of the like nature which have proceeded The Stage of the World is the same still though in times the Actors be changed and come about again For the Kings Majesty it would be considered if Henry the sixth King of England would if it had been in his power reclaimed the approbation restoring in bloud and allowing of the descent and title of Richard Duke of York who openly in Parlament thereafter made claim for the Crown as in his own â—ight laying down thus his title The son of Ann Mortimer who came of Philipe the Daughter and sole heir of Leonel Duke of Clarence third Son to King Edward the third is to be preferred by very good right in Succession of the Kingdom before the children of Iohn of Gaunt the fourth Son of the said Edward the third but Richard Duke of York is come of Philipe the Daughter and sole Heir of Leonel Duke of Clarence third Son to K. Edward the third then to be preferred before the children of the fourth Son who was Henry The like reason may be alleged in the Title of the Earl of Strathern The children of a first marriage by the common Law are to be preferred in the Succession before the children of the second marriage for the marrying of Elizabeth Moor did but legitimate and make her children to succeed after the children of the first marriage As for the authority of a Parliament it would be considered whether or not the Authority of a Parlament may confer and entail a Crown from the lawful Heir thereof to the next apparent heirs Or if an Oath given unto a King by mans Law should be performed when it tendeth to the suppression of Truth and Right which stand by the Law of God Then if one Parlament hath power to entail a Crown whither may not another Parliament upon the like conside rations restore the same to the righteoâ—s heirs But the Subject resigneth all his right to his King It would be considered whether a Subject may safely capitulate with his Prince that is to say give over and quit-claim all right and title which he hath to his Soveraigns Crown his Right being sufficient and if by his capitulation his heirs be bound and if it be honourable for a Prince to accept his conditions The trouble which Edward Baliol raised in Scotland is yet recent to the Readers of Histories Notwithstanding that his Father Iohn Baliol had resigned unto Robert King of Scotland all the right and title which he or any other of his had or thereafter might have to the Crown of Scotland concerning any interest or claim which might be avouched for any cause or consideration He anno 1355. gave to Edward the third King of England a full resignation of his pretended Right of the Crown of Scotland As before being assisted by the said King and the confederate Gentlemen of Scotland in a Parlament holden at Perth where he had been confirmed King of Scotland by the three Estates It would be considered if the Pope the Kings of Spain or France after some revolutions of years seeking to trouble the Estate and peace of this Isle should entertain and maintain one of the Heirs of the Earls of Strathern as Queen Elizabeth did Don Antonio the
Prior of Crato who claimed the Crown of Portugal to reclaim whose Kingdome She sent the Earl of Essex and Drake or should marry one of them to their neerest Kinswomen and send him armed with power to claim his Title to the Crown of Scotland as King Iames the fourth of Scotland practised upon Perkin Warbeck naming himself Richard Duke of York to whom he gave in marriage Lady Katharine Gordoun Daughter to the Earl of Huntley and thereafter with all his forces to estable his said Ally in his Title invaded England It would be considered whether they had a fair bridge to come over to this Isle It would likewife be considered if the Earl of Strathern though a mean Subject these two hundred years having been debarred from all title to the Crown and now by the indulgency and exceeding favour of the Prince being restored to his descent in bloud and served Heir to his great Progenitors and indirectly as by appendices to the Crown if either out of displeasure or for want of means to mainâ—tain their estates he or his should sell and dispose their Rights and Titles of the Kingdom of Scotland to some mighty and Foreign Prince such as is perhaps this day the King of Sweden who wanteth nothing but a title to invade a Kingdom not knowing whither to discharge his victorions forces It would be considered if that title disposed to that Priuce were sufficient to make him King of Scotland Or if establiâ—hing his right upon fair conditions such as is liberty of conscience absolution and freedom from all taxes and subsidies the transferring of Ward lands into fewd the people of Scotland might give him their Oath of Alleagiance or if he might redact the King of Scotland to give him satisfaction and compound for his right of the Crown of Scotland It would to these be considered If times should turn away the minds of Subjects from their Prince by superstition sedition and absolute Rebellion as what may not befall an inconstant ever wavering Nation to an Aristocratie Oligarchy Democratie or absolute Anarchy If the Rebellious subjects and abused Populace might not make advantage of such Men who draw their titles from Evanders mother to trouble the present times That nothing could be more dangerous to the Nobleman himself than this service may be understood by the like examples Clouis King of France having understood that a Nobleman of Artois named Canacare blown up by Power had vaunted that he was come and lineally descended from Clodion le Chevelu and by that same Succession was heir of the Crown of â—rance closed not his ears to it saies the History but caused extirpate that Sower of impostures and all his Race Henry the fourth King of England after the deposure of King Richard the second kept Edmond Mortimer Earl of March who had a just title to the Crown under such Keepers that he could never do nor attempt any thing till he dyed But Henry the seventh King of England took away Edward Plantaginet Duke of Warwick Heir to George Duke of Clarence by reason of his jealousie of Succession to his Uncle Edward the fourth Margarite Plantaginet his sole Daughter married to Sir Richard Pole knight by Henry the eight restored to the Earldom of Salisbury was attainted threescore and two years after her Father had suffered and was in the Tower of London beheaded in whose person dyed the surname of Plantaginet Anne Plantaginet Daughter to Edward the fourth being marryed to Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey and Duke of Norâ—olk was the ground and chief cause wherefore King Henry the eight cut off the head of Henry Earl of Snrrey though the pretended cause whereon he was arraigned was the bearing certain arms of the house of York which only belonged to the King Mary Queen of England cut off the head of Lady Iâ—â—e Gray and the Lord Guilford her Husband for their title to the Crown and that same reason was the overthrow and finall destruction of Mary Queen of Scotland by Queen Elizabeth The Duke of Guise by a Genealogy deduced from Charles the Great in the raign of Henry the third the French King was thought to aspire to the Crown of France and suffered at last for this and his other presumptions It is notoriously known that these two hundred years the Race of Euphane Ross in her children David Earl of Strathern and Walter Earl of Athole and all their Succâ—ssion by all the Kings of Scotland sithence have been ever suppressd and kept under and for reason of State should still be kept low and under unless a Prince would for greater reason of State aduance them to give them a more horrible blow and by suborning mercinary men make them aim above their reach to their last extirpation Dum nesciunt distinguere inter flamma praecipitia Princeps quem persequitur honorat extollit in altum An intended Speech at the West Gate of Edenburgh to King JAMES SIR IF Nature could suffer Rocks to move and abandon their natural places this Town founded on the strength of Rocks now by the chearing Rayes of your Majesties presence taking not only motion but life had with her Castle Temples and Houses moved towards you and besought you to acknowledge her yours and her indwellers your most humble and affectionate Subjects And to believe how many souls are within her circuits so many lives are devoted to your sacred person and Crown And here Sir She offers by me to the Altar of your glory whole Hecatombs of most happy desires praying all things may prove prosperous unto you that every Virtue and Heroick Grace which make a Prince eminent may with a long and blessed Goverment attend you Your Kingdomes flourishing abroad with Bays at home with Olives presenting you Sir who art the strong Key of this little World of Great Britain with those keys which cast up the Gates of her affection and design you power to open all the springs of the hearts of those her most Loyal Citizens Yet this almost not necessary For as the Rose at the fair appearing of the morning Sun displayeth and spreadeth her purpleâ— So at the very noise of your happy return to this your native Countrey their hearts if they could have shined through their brests were with joy and fair hopes made spatious Nor did they ever in all parts feel a more comfortable heat than the glory of your prefence at this time darteth upon them The old forget their age and look fresh and young at the appearance of so gracious a Prince the young bear a part in your Welcom desiring many years of life that they may serve you long all have more joies than tongues For as the words of other nations far go beyond and surpass the affection of their hearts So in this nation the affection of their hearts is far above all they can express by words Daign then Sir from the highest of Majesty to look down on their lowness and embrace it accept
the homage of their humble minds accept their gratefull zeal and for deeds accept that great good will which they have ever carryed to the high deserts of your Ancestors And shall ever to your own and your Royal Race whilst those rocks shall be overshadowed with buildings buildings inhabited by men and while men be induced either with counsel or courage or enjoy any peice of Reason Sense or Life An Apologetical Letter March 2. 1635. MY LORD IN a time when men for reading of Papers concerning State are challenged it must be a great hazard to write them and a greater to send them from home and the most to send them to one so near the Helm as is your Lordship who the next day perhaps may put in the Princes hands what is sent him And then though what is set down may be free of great faults yet must it pass and be understood as it pleaseth the Prince to construe it But what Marius Geminus said to Iulius Caesar may be said to King Charles Caesar qui apud te audent dicere magnitudinem tuam ignorant qui non audent humanitatem And writing to your Lordship I know to whom I write Thus the way of glory lying neer the Gates of danger I have adventured this sheet of Paper of which I beseech your Lordship to be both Judge and Patron What a noise hath been raised in this Countrey by prosecuting a piece of writing supposed to be derogatory to the Honour of the Kings Majesty No times have been without such men Wise men keep their thoughts locked up in the Cabinets of their Brests and suffer the faults of times patiently Fools rail cry out but amend nothing What ever advise hath been given for the putting of Libellers to the extremity of Law I would say withall humble respect to grave Statesmen that in a matter of a Calumnie and reproach with Subjects a Prince can do nothing more â—itting his own fame and reputation than to slight and contemn them as belonging nothing to him and that t were better to neglect than be too curious in searching after the Authors So Theodosius Honorius Arcadius were wont to say if any Man speak ill of the Emperour if he do it of lightness it is to contemned if of madness to be pittyed if of injury to be remitted And Alexander the Great used to say Regium est benefacere male audire or as Plutarch reporteth it Regium est a quibus male audias magis esse iis beneficum Nero otherwise a terrible Prince when that Pasquil was given out against him Quis neget AEneae magna de stirpe Neronem Sustulit hic Matrem sustulit ille Patrem Or as DION citeth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nero Orestes Alcmaeon Matricidae He took no notice of it followed not the Writers with a-any pâ—nishment sought them not as ye find in Suetonius Et quosdam ad Iudicem delatos ad Senatum affici graviore poena prohibuit Writings which we scorn and make none account of themselves vanish and turn into nought If we chafe and fret it would appear that we have been therein touched and vively see in them our own faults and misdemeanor taxed and laid open If these Papers for the Kings honour were not to be seen and read or if they did derogate to the same of the Nobles why were they not suppressed and hidden but is this the way to suppress and hide them to imprison arraign banish execute the persons near whom they are found or is it not rather to turn them a piece of the Story of the Time to make such a noise about them and by seeking to avoid the smoak to fall into the fire what we would most evite and shun to be the Authors to bring upon our own heads What gained Queen Elizabeth the twenty three of her Reign by cutting off the hands of Stubbes and Page on a Scaffold for writing that Book against her marriage with the Duke of Anjou save that out of horror of that new and unpractised punishment the people acknowledged her to be the right and not uncertain daughter of King Henry the eight and she began to be feared where before she was beloved of her Subjects whom a people fear they hate and whom they hate they wish taken way A Prince should be more violent in revenging other mens quarrels than his own That unfortunate Duke of Buckingham in the time of Richard the third could make good use against the Succession of the Race of Edward the fourth in his Speech to the Commons of of London by remembring them of the strange proceedings of King Edward against a Merchant named Burdet who dwelling at the sign of the Crown and having said to his Son that after his death he would make him Heritor of the Crown meaning his own house was for this Tale in four hours after quartered which blot is eternally fixed to that Prince In the Reign of King Richard the third who had ever known than Pasquil against three of his Courtiers Louell Ratcliff and Catsby The Rat the Cat and Louel that Dog Rule all England under the Hog If his tyranny had not been mightily extended against that poor Gentleman Collingburn the Maker of it Ye will say it is in a Princes power to suppress such Papers by Authority That is the only way to make all men seek them and being found highly prize them Tacitus telleth us of certain verses of Fabricius Veiento against Church-men and Senatours which were condemned to be burut as long as the reading and finding of them was dangerous they were much sought for and with danger read but being afterwards licentiate to be read and the liberty of having them obtained they were forgotten and no man cared for them No Prince how great soever can oblish Pens nor will the Memorials of ages be extinguished by present power the posterity rendering to every one his due honour and blame It is true that great men should direct their great care to Fame and hold nothing more dear unto them and he who contempneth it neglecteth those actions by which it is acquired But it is pitty men should be more careful and studious of fame for times to come in which they are not than of honesty in the present time in which they live Sometimes it is great wisdom in a Prince not to reject and disdain them who freely tell him his duty and open to him his misdemeanours to the Common-wealth and the surmisâ—s and umbrages of his people and Council for the amending disorders and bettering the form of his Government As if a man should tell King Charls That there is none in all his Kingdoms here can reckon himself Lord of his own goods amongst so many taxes and taillages so much pilling and polling So that substance is dayly plucked and pilled from honest men to be lashed out amongst unthrifts that as Thucydides writes of the great plague in his time at Athens Men seeing
no hope of safety spent all they had in one night So the uncertainty of enjoying and holding what they have for the present drawes the thrifty and unthrifty to one end for no man being sure of Lands less of moneyes every man is turned in a desperate carlessness of his estate As to tell him also about this Subject who is the subject of this Letter the People say Kings seeking Treason shall find Land and seeking Land shall find Treason The denyal of a Princes desire was the destruction of an innocent Naboth the voice of the people should not be kept up from the ears of a Prince As to unfold to a King if Usury be not lawful at all for it is against Nature that money should beget money and not tolerate by the Mosaical Law and in Ezekiel cap. 18. v. 13. it is reckoned amongst the roaring sins such as are Adulterie and bloudshed it being a sin in the persons of subjects it is a greater sin in the person of a Prince for any sin is greater in the person of a Prince then in the persons of subjects As sin was worse and greater in Angels than men Nothing is profitable to a Prince which is not joined with honor and the State of Kings unless it stand in purenes and fidelity it cannot subsist in power As to tell King Charles what a strange thing it is so swear a man for the true value of his own Substance Since the valuing of Subjects Lands and Rents Rents were never less nor the Lands worse a secret scourge of God having followed it the Countrey scarce affording bread to the Labourers of it Remember Davids numbring the people In the times of King Henry the eight Regnante Cardin Volseio this was held uncouth strange and terrible and no wonder if men scare and start at it now under a Prince of so meek a Spirit so innocently good who preferreth peace before war rest before business honesty before profit None of all his kingdome no not one being more holy more chaste nor a better man in whom raigneth shamefastness and modesty and Patience taking all worâ—ly crosses in good part never gaping for glory not thirâ—â—ing after riches but only studying the health of his soul peace of his Kingdomes and how to advice the holy Church and restore her to hâ—r fiâ—st Rents and iâ—tegrity But God knoweth what he hath predestinated and ordained for the Scourge of this Country against whose Ordinance prevaileth no counsel A Priâ—ce should be advertised that the hatred and distast of menâ— present estates and fortunes setteth them on work and maketh them exceeding earnest to seek novations for finding themselves plunged in the beggariâ— of a miserable eâ—tate as many do believe it turneth not them base nor keepeth them under but raiseth in them a mad desire to change thâ—ir for uâ—e and this hath been the ensign of Male-contents to atteâ—pt and enterprize dangerous matters for it hath often been found that nothing hath sooner armed a people than poverty and poverty hath never so often been brought upon a Nation by the unfruitfulness of the Earth by disasters of Seâ—s and other human accidents as by the Avarice of the Officers and Favourites of Princes who are brought foolishly to believe that by tearing of thâ— skins of of the flock they shall turn the Shepheard rich It is no property of a good Shepheard to shear often his flock and ever to milk them Nor is it of a Prince to gall and perpetually aâ—llict a people by a terrible Exchequer Brutorum se Regem facit qui premit suos Now in such Theams it were not evil for a Prince to read Ian Marianai and George Buchanans piece de jure Regni apud Scotos for his own private and the publick good Princes hâ—ve in their actions this disadvantage that in matters of wrong and injuries concerning their Sâ—bjects though thâ—y somtimes suffer by reason of their power being thought stronger they are ever esteâ—med to do the wrong which should move them to abstain from all violent courses and think really their Subjâ—cts losses are their own Ye will then say the case of Princes is pittiful if Writers of infamous Libels be not rigorously punished without all question the Law is just and necessary against them But in some cases good Princes never follow the rigour and extremity of punishment set down by their Laws no not against the naughtiest Subjects and especially when the case concerneth their own particulars There is much to be considered in the convoy of such Libels If they contain Truths there is small wrong in such papâ—rs as to call Mary Magdalen a Sinner Matthew a Publican Thomas a Misbeliever Paul a Peâ—secutor Peter a Denyer of his Master and the rest fugitives from him and these are to be slighted and past over If they contain mixed truths and apparences they may be neglected If they admit no interpretation but true and flat railing then is a Princes patience to be tryed and the Libel to be scorned If they propound novelty and causes of sedition upon apparent grounds they are to be answered and by good reason to be overthrown If they be presented by way of Supplications for redressing of errours in the State it is a question whether they be Libels or not That Supplication of Humphrey Duke of Gloucester to King Henry the sixth of England against the Cardinal of Winchester Archbishop of York may have place amongst Libels for the King is taxed there of notable dotage As that by the counsel of the Cardinal he had set at Liberty the King of Scots suffered his Jewels and houshold-stuff to be sold granted the Cardinal a Charter of Pardon for taking up his Rents which were sufficient to have maintained the wars in France many years The setting of the Duke of Orleance at liberty against the Duke of Burgundy the great friend of the English and many other points Yet this being done by way of Supplication for redress of wrongs in the State he was not threatned for perhaps verity but remitted to the Council and what for fear and what for favor saith the English History the whole matter was winked at touching the Duke and nothing said against the Cardinal Miseria summa ubi de injuria conqueri pro delicto habetur These who set their Prince on work to follow and persue such an idle piece of Paper if they had fair Judges and powerful enemies neer the Court may themselves be brought within compass of that same punishment which they would have laid upon others as Perillus was brought to take an Essay of his own brazen Bull for no better are they which relate divulgate and are occasioners to have infamous Libels published than they which write them And these men have done what in them lay to make that Paper publike and have recorded in the Annals of this Kingdom to all ages what should have been smothered in the darkest pits of Oblivion They have often
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 shall converse with an avaritious a little gain will win him to me onely 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 no 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 fifteth onely imperfections and setting a part 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 Divels 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 fantaâ—ies and attempt upon many divers matters which good men by their bashfulnesse 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 advise what to do leaveth off 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 Saciety 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 Countrie with the remembrances of passed Contentments at Court as your Kinsemen here have a longing after so long a time to see you and unanimously now salute you May 12. 1630. W. Drummond To his loving Friend A Cunningham L. of Barnes THis is no small Miserie of us Islanders that as exiled we can not take a view of Gods fair and spacious Earth without crossing the stormy braking and deceitful Seas And it is no less a miserie 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 it is a part of Noahâ— Judgement If it shall be my good fortune to arrive in your Island prepare no Games of strength for our recreation and after a saciety 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 onely 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 Rooks 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 Eccleâ— siastical grave Men who by oblique traverse and mystical wayes 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 Rook or Tower as to a Fortesse holdable and impreg nable against the greatest assaults of his Enemies The privilege of the Lady is considerable she may sometimes progresse on the waies of the Bishops then on those of the Rooks or 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 Chesse hyphen boord but the King by loss of men loseth not the victory he may by a hazard carry it with the meansest 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 madman or fool To signifie what disafter 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
forces to quell the infolencies and shake the pride of the factious Nobles The heads of the factions which had a principal â—way in the Kingdom at that time would either be cuto off or kept under but with such cunning and dexterity that it should not be perceived nor found out that many were aimed at and interessed when some few did suffer and fall That for the present there were three heads to be looked unto as â—eared and like to bring Novations in the State being mâ—n able to change the present Government The Earl of Anguss a man in the prime of his youth of high flying thoughts by his Alliance with the King of England and that estimaion the people conceived of him by the demerits of his Ancesters and the singular love the Subjects bare him carryed a mind above the fortune of a private man and seemed not born to live a subjects life each action of his bearing in it majesty and magnificence he had power to hurt if he would hurt The Lord Chamberlain a man unpolisht stubbornly stout hazâ—rdous mighty in riches and power and consequently proud of a working mind and vehement Spirit whom time and experience had hardned by great exployts and most dangerous actions who had the malice to be a Spectator of the discomâ—iture of his Prince and Countrymen at Flowden was likely to attend the opportunity of traverses and changes The third was the Arch-Bishop Andrew Forman once Secretary to the Pope who though he was not of any Noble Steâ— nor descent of blood nor for his Followers Friends and Adherents much to be taken notice of or feared yet considering him as his Legateship pluralty of benefices many pensions from Princes had guilded him over and ballancing him by his present treasure he could make a weak party strong and add weight to what side soever he inclined He was therefore with piercing eyes to be lookt into and all his actions and waies to be observed The Governour gave not great attention to what the Priour had instructed against the Arch-Bishop having before had some inkling of the rancor grudge and enmitie between them And he was conscious the Arch-Bishops riches were above envy he having been even more solicitous magnificently to spend what he had acquired than hoord up Neither did he bestow so much upon any of his Countreymen as he did upon the French the Friends and Servants of the Governour He knew he was also so circumspect as not to adhere to any of the factions of the time in a neutrality indifferently and friendly enteâ—taining all his Compatriots Nor was he much moved at his information concerning the Earl of Angus finding him a man peaceable courteous to all and affâ—ble and though of aspiring thoughts carryed often away with his private delights and Courtly pleasures But what the Priour informed against the Lord Chamberlain he deeply ingraved in his memory and ever after his countenance bewrayed certain flaws of ill concealed discontent Neither did he thereafter shew him wounted favours which the Chamberlain observing and guessing at the change of the Governors mind towards him by more than ordinary evidences and signs He having been the onely man who wrought his advancement and comming to Scotland his deserts now either forgot or ungratefully remembred full of grief and disdain retired from the Court to his own Castles where when he had rested a while half astonished to see his hopes so frustrate he taketh new resolutions and determinations to play the Governour double or quite Hereafter he leaveth no meanes untryed to become entire with the Queen and her Husband and by observance and frequent meeting with them he wrought himself not onely to be imbraced as their Friend but their Counsellor and one in whom they had great confidence He many times with them deplored the publick calamity when his own particular only stong him accusing himself of his too much forwardness in calling home a man born an exile whose father dyed banish'd for his ambition and her essâ—yed to take the Crown form his eldest Brother Sith this man was the neerest of bloud to succeed who could not perceive his last work would be the making away the innocent child his Pupil to ascend the Royal Throne himself in the height of malice accomplishing what his Father out of a desire to rule did project By his tender years the King could not prevent his danger his Mother might anticipate it that new necessities requir'd new remedys only one postern gate remained yet open which was that the Queen would transport her Son to England When this plot wâ—s whisper'd to the Governor who wanted not his Emissaries among the Queens attendants it was no sooner reveal'd than believ'd and no sooner believ'd when being a man who used celerity in all his actions with as many men as hast could suffer him to gather forthwith marched from Edinburgh to Sterlin there unawares he surprized the Castle and in it the Queen with her two Sons A Council being assembled the King with his brother Alexander are sequestred from their Mother and trusted to the custody of four Lords who by turns interchangeably should attend the two Princes and have a care of their education That no violence should be offered them certain Gentlemen of the French and Scots are appointed still to wait on and guard them from this suspition the seeds of enmity began to be sown between the Qâ—een and the Governor which neither time nor wisdom thereafter could take away and root out Amidst this storm of Court the Lord Chamberlain brought to a new traverse of his thoughts with his Brother Mr. William Hume fly towards England the Queen with her Husband and Sir Gâ—orge Dowglas his Brother with an unexpected suddeness hast to Tantallon and from thence to Berwick from which they had a convoy to the Nunnery of Colstream Here they attended advertisment from the King of England what course to follow and know his pleasure He recommended them to the Protection and care of the Lord Dacres and assigned the Castle of Harbottle in Northumberland for his Sisters residence during her aboad in these Northern parts and the troubles of Scotland The Governor not a little perplexed at the flight and escape of those Conspiraâ—ours sendeth Embassadors to the Court of England to clear himself to the King of what might be surmised against him concerning these new strangers come to his Country He had done nothing which should have offended the Queen made her afraid or to entertain or harbour a sinister thought of his proceedings Neither did he intend any thing against these had followed and accompanyed her which should have moved them to leave their Country unto whom if they pleased to return they should be welcom enjoy their wonted freedom and keep peaceably what they had possâ—ssed If they were conscious to themselves of any misdemeanor he would not be too precise in the search of it He also trafficked by the friends of those who