Harangues in Latine that he was a good true stout Man like a Dutch-man Then His Majesty was content that he should go with me After that I had tarried long at Court and could see no preparation for our Dispatch neither Mony nor Ship making ready the appointed time wherein we should have been in Denmark being past to wit before the first of May. For it was so ordered by the King of Denmark e're he dyed that in case that day was not kept that they might think themselves but scoffed This moved me to employ my friends at Court to cause another be named in my place seeing so many suiting to get the said Commission And the Chancellour gave me such terrors as he could for his part Now the Farl of Marshal was desirous to supply the place of his Uncle my Lord of Atry and His Majesty was content that he should be sent thither Whereupon I took occasion to represent to His Majesty That the said Earl was very well qualified for that imployment and that he would go the better contented if he might have in Commission with him some of his own friends and acquaintance His Majesty answered That it was his part to chuse his own Ambassadours that the Earl of Marshal should have the first place as a Nobleman but that he would repose the chief handling with the Regent and Council of Denmark upon me Then I declared That the appointed time was past and that yet there was no appearance of any preparation of Mony or Ship wherewith His Majesty was very angry I named the Laird of Barnbarrow or Mr. Peter Toung as very fit to be imployed in the Commission with the Earl of Marshal because they had been there already But he would not hear thereof for the blame had been wrongously laid upon their insufficiency it being alledged That their mismanagement was the occasion that matters formerly took not the desired success Would not this kind of Court dealing scare any man from medling in such weighty matters where such men are preferred to have the special credit about a Prince who mind only their own designs and not the Prince's advantage Those who at present ordered Affairs counselled His Majesty first to send to the Queen of England and require her advice and consent to the said marriage with Denmark who they knew would not only disswade him from the said marriage but also stay him from any marriage as she and her Council had ever done and dealt both with his Mother and himself When I understood of this new delay I obtained license to go home to my house and make me ready against the next warning In the mean time the season of the year was well spent The Queen of England's answer returned not to marry with Denmark She said That she had credit with the King and Princess of Navarre that she would imploy the same for effectuating that marriage which was much more His Majesty's interest In the mean time she did write to the King of Navarre to hold back the marriage of his Sister three years for such frivolous pretexts as carried no reason Upon this answer of England our Council was Convened and inticed to Vote against the marriage of Denmark Whereat His Majesty took such a despight that he caused one of his most familiar Servants to deal secretly with some of the Deacons of the Craftsmen of Edinbrugh to make a mutiny against the Chancellour and Council threat'ning to slay him in case the marriage with the King of Denmark's Daughter were hindered or longer delayed This boasting and fear caused a new resolution to be taken that the Earl of Marshal should be dispatched with diligence with the Constable of Dundie and the Lord Andrew Kieth whom the said Earl requested His Majesty to send with him Which His Majesty granted the more easily because he found so many difficulties in the matter and some of my friends had informed him that it would be very satisfactory to me that some other were imployed Now it was yet a long time before the Earl of Marshal could be ready and dispatched Then as to his dealing with the Council of Denmark his power to conclude was so limited and his Commission so slender that he was compelled to send back again my Lord Dingual either for a License to come home or for a sufficient power to conclude Where it chanced that he found His Majesty at Aberdeen and the Chancellour and most part of the Council absent Which was a great furtherance to get a full power to conclude the Contract and Ceremony of the marriage by the Earl of Marshal who was incontinently dispatched by the Regent and Council of Denmark and the Queen sent home with him well accompanied But the tempestuous winds drave them upon the Coast of Norway where they Landed and stayed a long time for fair Winds and Weather Which storm of Wind was alledged to be raised by the Witches of Denmark as by sundry of them was acknowledged when they were for that cause burnt That which moved them thereto was as they said a blow which the Admiral of Denmark gave to one of the Bayliffs of Copenhaven whose Wife consulting with her associates in that Art raised the Storm to be revenged upon the said Admiral His Majesty had heard that they were upon the Sea and left nothing undone to make all in a readiness to receive the Queen and her Company honourably But in the mean time was very impatient and sorrowful for her long delay laying the blame thereof upon the Chancellour and such others of his Council as had plainly Voted against the said marriage and thereby had delayed the dispatch of the Ambassadours so long untill the Season of Sailing upon the Seas was near past The storms were also so great here that a Passage-Boat perished betwixt Bruntland and Lieth wherein was a Gentlewoman called Jean Kennedie who had been long in England with the Queen His Majesty's Mother and was since married to Sir Andrew Melvil of Garvock my Brother Master of His Majesty's Houshold Which Gentlewoman being discreet and grave was sent for by His Majesty to be about the Queen his Bed-fellow She being desirous to make diligence would not by the storm be stopped the Sailing of the Ferry where the vehement storm drave a Ship forcibly upon the said Boat and drowned the Gentlewoman and all the Persons except two This the Scotish Witches confessed to His Majesty was procured by them In that Boat also I lost two Servants Now His Majesty remained quietly in the Castle of Craigmillar dissatisfied as said is with the greatest part of his Council He could neither sleep nor rest In the mean time he directed Colonel Stuart to my Brother Sir Robert and me charging us to take care of his mishandled Estate in time-coming lamenting that he had been abused by such as formerly he had too much trusted to and that he had always found us faithful and careful of his welfare
hazard of being couped and wracked About this time the Earl of Arran who had been absent ever since the Road of Sterling came to Court and spoke with his Majesty and pretended to have obtained again his Office of Chancellour His Majesty had still some favour for him and would have been content of his company But others held him back and shortly after that he was surprised and slain by James Douglas of Park-head in revenge of the death of the Earl of Mortoun his Uncle Little diligence was made to revenge the same many thinking strange that he was permitted so long to live in respect of his arrogant and insolent behaviour when he had the Court at his will Now the Chancellour who was decourted at the alteration made in Dalkieth did what he could to procure his Majesties favour which at last he obtained and was again introduced But at first the Queen would not see him yet at length by the moyan of Sir Robert Ker of Cesfoord who had married his Brother's Daughter his peace was also made with her Majesty About this time there did arise great strife and disorders in the Country between the Earls of Huntly and Murray between the Earls of Caithness and Sunderland between my Lords Hamiltoun and Angus for divers of them had made suits and obtained Commissions with ample Priviledges over others Lands as well as over their own which ingendred many discords Whereof I advertised his Majesty that order might be taken therewith Whereupon the Council being Convened they ordered Letters to be directed in his Majesties name charging them all to desist from Hostility and to compear before the Privy-Council at prefixed days First the Earls of Murray and Huntly compeared there being a Gentleman of the name of Gordoun killed with a shot out of the house of Tarnua by the Earl of Murray Both the parties being come strong to Court were commanded to keep their Lodgings for preventing of trouble before their compearing When his Majesty was advised by the Chancellour what to do in reference to that matter then his Majesty proposed the same to the Council to wit three points either present Agreement to be made or Warding both the Earls or Caution to be taken of both then to send home the one and hold the other still at Court for a while His Majesty following forth this proposition declared first That the parties could not be agreed because of the hot blood of the Laird of Cluny Gordoun's Brother lately slain Concerning Warding he alledged That the Castle of Edinburgh had enough of Prisoners already that the Abby was not a fit Prison for Noblemen So that it would be fittest to take Caution of them both and to hold them sundry to send home the one and retain the other at Court for a season The Chancellour was of that opinion and sundry others who used to depend upon such who had the chief handling Then his Majesty commanded me to tell my Opinion which was different from this I advised present agreement supposing that the Earl of Huntly for his Majesties pleasure and in obedience to his command would not refuse to compound the matter by a present up-taking seeing he was come so great a journy with his Lady and whole Houshold to remain all Winter at Edinburgh At this the Chancellour took me up tantingly saying that the Earl of Huntly would tarry at Court all that day till to morrow and would part no sooner for he had promised to the said Earl that advantage over his Enemy albeit I knew the Earl's intention was to tarry all Winter at Court The Justice Clark was of my judgment but said that it appeared his Majesty with the Chancellour had already concluded to send Huntly home and keep the other at Court So soon as Huntly went home wanting his competitor he triumphed and took sundry advantages upon the Earl of Murray's Land giving the Earl just occasion of complaint and getting no redress he retired himself from the Court and became so malecontent that he took plain part with the Earl of Bothwel who was still upon his enterprises The Earl of Huntly being advertised that his Adversary was an Out-law with the Earl of Bothwel he returned again to Court to get yet some advantage upon him But in the mean time the Lord Ochiltrie endeavoured to agree them by consent of his Majesty He drew the Earl of Murray to Dunibirsil to be near hand that Conditions and Articles might be added and paired at the pleasure of their friends The Earl of Huntly being also made privy to his coming to Dunibirsil obtained incontinently a Commission appearing therein to do his Majesty acceptable Service to pursue by Fire and Sword the Earl of Bothwel and all his partakers Little knew his Majesty that under this general he was minded to assail the Earl of Murray at his own house to kill him as he did to the regret of many But the Lord Ochiltrie took such a despight that his friend was so slain under communing as he alledged that he took plain part with the Earl of Bothwel and so did divers others in revenge of his quarrel incouraging the said Earl to assail his Majesty within his Palace of Falkland having divers in Court familiar enough with his Majesty upon the said conspiracy with him whose Council his Majesty followed most So that they drew him into a Net to abide still in Falkland notwithstanding of the many sure advertisements that had been made unto him Such hath been his Majesty's hard fortune in many such straits The few number who were faithful to and careful of his Majesty counselled him after the first advertisement to pass the Coupar and Convene with all possible diligence the Barons of Fiffe for his defence But such as sought his wrack persuaded him to tarry and delay alledging that they had sure advertisement that the Earl of Lauthian would not come out of Lauthian till such a day which would have been two days longer and behind the day which he kept for he came to Falkland two days sooner This advice was given that his Majesty might be surprised before he could either enter within the Tower of Falkland or be provided with any forces to defend him And because they knew my Brother and me to be careful for him they advised his Majesty to send us home to our houses that same night that we understood the Earl of Bothwel would be there and had so told his Majesty but he believed his abusers better We gave his Majesty counsel to ride quietly to Bambrigh that there he might when he pleased take a Boat and go over to Angus where he would have leisure to Convene the Towns of Pearth and Dundie and the Country thereabouts But this advice was also overthrown by those who were upon the contrary part Thus we being commanded by his Majesty to ride home and to warn the Country in case he were besieged within the Tower we obeyed My Brother that
Scotland p. 161. by Three Ambassadours with a splendid Train ibid. Upon which she sends Wotton to land to disturb the Affairs of that Kingdom ibid. Is intreated by the Council and Nobility to take away the life of Queen Mary p. 172. Which at first she refuseth but afterwards condescends to ibid. Purgeth her self of the Death of Queen Mary as being deceived by her Council and Mr. Secretary Davison p. 175. Is sent to for consent to the Marriage of King James with the Daughter of the King of Denmark and returns her Answer p. 179. Saying She would employ her Credit with the King and Princess of Navarre to bring his Marriage with that Princess to pass ibid. Sends the Earl of Sussex Ambassador to Scotland and upon what account p. 203. Elphingstoun Nicholas adviseth the Regent Mortoun that he was in disfavour with the King and ought by Gold to purchase friends p. 125. Emanuel Duke of Savoy leads the Spanish Army that Invades France p. 201. Emperor of Germany retires to a Monastery of Monks in Spain p. 18. Endeavours to get his Son Philip Elected Emperor but is denyed ibid. Gives him all the Dominions he had in Spain Italy and the Low-Countries p. 19. Labours for a Treaty with France for 5 years which was agreed and sworn to but broken by the Popes persuasion ibid. Enig the Dutch word admits of Two divers interpretations which was disputed by the Emperor c. p. 12. F FErdinand King of Bohemia Brother to the Emperor Philip and Arch-Duke of Austria Elected Emperor by the Princes p. 19. Fernthast Laird Warden of the Borders on the Scots side p. 166. Marries to the Earl of Arran's Brothers Daughter ibid. Foster Sir John Warden a strange trick of his Steed that mounted and hurt Mary Queen of Scots when discoursing with him p. 77. Francis the 2d Dauphin of France Married to Queen Mary of Scotland p. 8. Succeeds his Father Henry the 2d p. 28. Is wholly guided by the Duke of Guise and Cardinal Lorrain ibid. Raiseth Men to send into Scotland p. 29. Dies at Orleans in France ibid. Frederick King of Denmark his Genealogie related by the Author to King James when he had Three Ambassadors joyned in one Commission in Scotland p. 165. Hath several fair Daughters p. 167. G GAury Earl Treasurer of Edinburgh p. 129. Intercedes for the life of the Duke of Lennox p. 132. Keeps the Earl of Arran in Custody p. 133. Repents his being drawn in by Drumhasel to joyn with the Lords that were against the King ibid. But at St. Andrews he turns to the Lords of the Kings Party p. 136. Treats his Majesty Royally at the House of Ruthven p. 137. Begs his Majesties Pardon and obtains it ibid. Is driven from Court by the Earl of Arran but reconciled to him p. 142. Yet conditions being unperform'd he resolves to leave the Country ibid. Obtains his Majesties consent to depart the said Earl of Arran proving his mortal Enemy p. 155. Before he goes takes part with the Earl of Angus and others in their design to take Sterling in despight of the said Earl ibid. Is taken Prisoner in that enterprize p. 156. Is near of Kin to his Majesty hath his Lands seized and is Executed on the Scaffold dying a devout Christian ibid. Gordoun a Gentleman of that name is kill'd by the Earl of Murray p. 200. Graham Richard hath a familiar Spirit p. 195. Is brought to Edinburgh and examined before his Majesty about the Earl of Bothwel and burnt with other Malefactors ibid. Grange Laird is Lord Treasurer and Favourite to King James upon the Kings Command alledgeth reasons against the Prelates Propositions p. 2 3 and 4. A stout bold Man p. 4. Pursues with two Ships Bothwell p. 184. But he escapes and his Servants were taken and the first discoverers of the King's Murther p. 185. Is made Chief of a Company of Horsemen who came to fight against Bothwel which the Queen understanding sends for him under surety p. 83. Was like to be kill'd by a Souldier appointed by Bothwel for that purpose but was saved by the Queens crying out ibid. Offers to Combat Bothwel upon his Challenge but is coldly refused ibid. Promiseth upon his honour to protect Sir James Balfour upon his delivery of Edinburgh Castle to him p. 100. Offers to fight with Mr. Archibald Douglas being guiltless of the Kings Murther ibid. Takes Secretary Lidington into the Castle of Edinburgh p. 101. His vertues are envied by some and his Charge coveted by others p. 104. Obtains a Warrant from the King's Lords to set the Duke of Chattellerault and the Lord Herreis at liberty p. 105. Sticks close to the Kings Authority p. 108. Sides at last with the Queens Lords ibid. Sends for the Laird of Fernihast and Buccleugh who resolved to seize on the Lords at Sterling p. 113. Which they attempted but failed p. 114. Laments the slaughter of the Earl of Lennox Regent of Scotland ibid. Was ever esteemed honest p. 119. Is taken Prisoner after the delivery of Edinburgh Castle with Sir Robert Melvil and Lidington p. 121. Is wracked to death p. 123. His Character ibid. Guise Duke goes with a great Army into Italy after the breach of the Truce between the Emperor and French by the Popes persuasion p. 19. He and the Lieutenant of Picardy unexpectedly enters on the King of Spain's Dominions p. 19 and 20. Is killed by Poltrot at the Siege of Orleans p 35. For which the Admiral of France is Accused p. 36. But cleared ibid. H HAmiltoun Laird is advanced to be Governour of Scotland p. 7. Induced to resign the Government to the Queen p. 2. Shoots the Regent Murray in his passage to Lithgow p. 203. And Escapes ibid. Henry the 8th King of England is discontented at the Popes denial of his Divorce from Queen Katherine and thereupon proclaims himself Head of the Kirk discharging St. Peter's Pennies here and the Popes Authority p. 1. Declares his Daughter Mary a Bastard ibid. Obtains a Divorce from his own Clergy and seeks amity with his Nephew James the 5th King of Scotland desiring an interview with him at York ibid. A short Character of him p. 3. Is highly offended at the disappointment and affront put upon him by King James his not meeting him at York that he sent an Army to Scotland to destroy it p. 5. Is much afflicted at the death of the King of Scotland and lays down the reasons of his Warring with that Nation p. 6. His wrath against the Pope is great ibid. He demolisheth Abbeys and compells the Nobility to exchange their Lands for them that might never return to the Kirk ibid. Endeavours a Match between Edward the Sixth his Son and Mary of Scotland though it brake off and caused War between the Two Kingdoms p. 7. But it was at last agreed ibid. Henry the Second of France had hot Wars with the Emperour the occasion and management thereof from p. 15 to p. 18. Is hurt
by the shiver of a Spear engaging with the Earl of Montegomery at the Iustings of his Daughter's Marriage with the King of Spain p. 28. And dies Eight days after ibid. Henry Prince King James his first Son born at Sterling 202. Herreis Lord is Imprisoned in the Castle of Edinburgh p. 101. Hume George turns William Kieth out of his place of Master of the Wardrobe when King James was in Denmark p. 182. Being Knighted is made Master of the Wardrobe p. 198. Hume Lord takes part with the Hamiltouns and Queens Faction p. 106. With whom the Regent Mortoun durst not meddle standing in awe of his Party p. 122. Dies shortly after being a Prisoner in Edinburgh Castle ibid. Hunsdon Earl hath a Conference on the Borders with the Earl of Arran p. 158. Contrives a secret Plot ibid. Huntley Earl is Chief of the new Faction about his Majesty p. 175. Endeavours to turn out the Master of Gray and Martland the Chancellor ibid. Procures the Gift of the Benefice of Dumfarmling ibid. Great disorders occasioned by the Dissention between him and other Earls p. 200. Is sent home hereupon p. 201. Triumphs and takes advantage of the Earl of Murray's Lands giving him just cause of Complaint ibid. Kills the Earl of Murray ibid. I JAmes the Fifth of Scotland his resolute Speech to the Prelates p. 4. Gives the Ward and Marriage of Kelly in Angus to the Second Son of the Lord Grange ibid. Gives ear to the Clergy to put off the Convention with King Henry the 8th at York ibid. Is forced to raise an Army to defend his Country upon that account p. 6. Is much troubled at the Defeat of his Army and useth severe Language against the Prelates who fearing his displeasure poison him with an Italian Posset ibid. His Character p. 7. James Lord Prior of St. Andrews the Natural Son of James the Fifth p. 25. Hears of Queen Mary's Resolution to return to Scotland and goes to France to request it p. 31. Returns to Scotland to prepare them for her Reception ibid. James the Sixth King born p. 69. When of Age he causeth the Heirs of the Lord Grange to be restored p. 123. Orders his bones to be taken up and honourably buried at Killingborn ibid. Is brought up at Sterling by Alexander Areskine and the Layd Mar p. 125. Hath Four Masters their Character ibid. The Earl of Mortoun being deposed he takes the Government into his own hands p. 128. Is surprised by the Lords in the House of Huntingtoun p. 132. Is conveyed afterward to Sterling and there retained ibid. Laments his mishandling during that Captivity ibid. Invites by Letters some of the Nobility to a Convention p. 133. Goes from Falkland to St. Andrews some few days before the Convention to the Earl of March p. 135. Thinks himself there at liberty ibid. Lodgeth in an old Inn there ibid. Becomes Master of the Castle p. 136. And declares his moderate intentions toward all the Lords ibid. Orders 4 Lords to retire and retains the rest as his Council ibid. Causeth a Proclamation to be made according to his moderate intentions p. 137. Returns the Author thanks as the only instrument of procuring his liberty ibid. Is gently inclined to all the Nobility and Treated particularly by the Earl of Gaury ibid. Solicits the Author to prevail with the Lord Gaury that the Earl of Arran might come to Court and kifs his hand p. 138. Promising he should not stay there ibid. Sends a Letter in Answer to Queen Elizabeth's p. 140. The Contents thereof p. 140 141 and 142. His Majesty is taken again p. 142. Gives Secretary Walsingham Audience p. 147. Sends a Letter to Queen Elizabeth promising not to bring again the Earl of Arran into Court p. 148. Is taken at the Road of Ruthven p. 149. And retain'd Captive ibid. Takes little care to prevent inconveniences yet obtains his liberty ibid. Assures the Author that he would Convene a Council of Lords at Edinburgh p. 150. His Dream concerning the Earl of Gaury p. 156. Writes for Melvil the Author to come and advise him p. 157. As also to come and entertain Wotton being sent to him by the Queen of England p. 159. Whom he loved before he saw by reason of the advantageous Character which the Master of Gray gave him ibid. Orders the Author to entertain the Danish Ambassadours 162. And because they were three in Commission wisheth him to choose two more to accompany him which he did ibid. Gives them Audience at Dumfarmling and is much dissatisfied at their ill handling ibid. Grows impatient to hear the Author speak against Wotton p. 164. Acquaints the Author that he was informed the King of Denmark's Descent was from Merchants ibid. But after he was informed of the truth he sends for the said Ambassadors p. 165. Promiseth them a speedy dispatch to their satisfaction ibid. Orders a Banquet for them is hindred from being present at it but being informed how matters stood goes thither and drinks to the King Queen and Ambassadors of Denmark to their great content p. 166. causeth their dispatch to be ready according to promise ibid. Sends to the Earl of Arran for a great Gold Chain which he got from Sir James Balfour to present it to the Three Ambassadors which was done accordingly ibid. Sends to agree with the Banished Lords at their coming to Sterling p. 169. Where it was agreed his Majesty should be in their hands and no rigour used to those about him ibid. Calls them Traytors at first but after grants them a Pardon ibid. Acknowledgeth the Earl of Arran to have been a bad Minister of State and that he should never be readmitted to Court p. 170. Hears the news of his Mothers Execution which highly displeas'd him p. 173. Convenes a Parliament desiring the Assistance of his Subjects ibid. When he at first hears they were about the Conviction of his Mother he sent Two Ambassadors on her behalf ibid. Sends for the Author to prepare him to go Ambassador to England ibid. Goes to the Western Borders to reform some disorders between the Maxwels and Johnstouns p. 175. Resolves to wait an opportunity to revenge his Mothers Death rather then trouble the Peace of the Kingdom of England ibid. Is Courted in Marriage by many great Princes p. 177. Asks Council of God by Prayer Fifteen days and then resolves to Marry the King of Denmark's Daughter ibid. Makes choice of the Author to go Ambassador to Denmark ibid. Perswades him to undertake that Embassy p. 178. Consents that his Brother the Lord Yungland should be joyned in Commission with him and gives him Commission by word of mouth ibid. Is angry-with the Author p. 179. Is advised to send to Queen Elizabeth to desire her Consent to his Marriage with Denmark ibid. Her Answer thereunto ibid. Is incensed with his Council for Voting against that Marriage ibid. Deals privately with those at Edinburgh to threaten the Council and Chancellor menacing him with Death if
a Scaffold erected for their Execution ibid. Is made Regent by the Three Estates during the minority of Charles the Ninth p. 30. Seems inclinable to the Protestant Religion intending to joyn with the Protestant Princes ibid. Makes a Peace after the battle of Drues p. 36. Queen Regent of Scotland receives the Government from Hamiltoun p. 24. Issues out a severe Proclamation against Protestants ibid. Is disturbed at the discourse of the Prior of St. Andrew's and others and resolves to persecute the more p. 25. Sends to France about the disorders in her Country for help ibid. She during the Controversie with the Congregation retires with Monsieur Dosel and other French-men to Lieth which is fortified expecting French supplies p. 29. But being indisposed retires to the Castle of Edinburgh atd dies with regret that she followed the advice of her French friends ibid. Queen of Scotland married to King James from Denmark is Crowned p. 184. Shews Melvil no great countenance at first p. 194. But at length seems well satisfied with his Service ibid. Is offended with the Chancellour for delaying her Marriage with the King of Scots p. 198. Usually speaks in favour of those Officers that are misrepresented to the King p. 199. Is offended with the Chancellour but reconciled p. 200. Gives the English Danish and Dutch Ambassadours Audience p. 204. St. Quintin and several other Towns lost by the French to the Spaniard p. 22. R RAndolph Thomas Queen Elizabeth's Agent in Scotland p. 40. Denies the Queen of England made any promises to those who would oppose the Marriage of the Queen of Scots p. 60. Is sent with the Earl of Lennox Ambassadour unto Scotland to set him forward with his power p. 107. Is a double dealer and Sower of Sedition ibid. Glories that he had kindled such a fire in Scotland as would not easily be extinguished p. 109. Designs to have Mortoun Regent in the lieu of Lennox but failed p. 115. Returns home and why ibid. Is sent again Ambassadour to Scotland p. 127. Hears that the Author was designed to be sent Ambassador into England and opposeth it proposing other persons in that juncture of time p. 173. Rixio David a mean fellow who came to Scotland with the Ambassador of Savoy is made Secretary to the Queen of Scots p. 54. A Musician perswaded to sing with others the occasion of his promotion ibid. Is suspected to be Pensioner and Favourite to the Pope p. 55. Is kill'd in the Queens Presence to her great regret she being with Child by consent of the King p. 64. Russel Sir Francis Warden of the English Borders p. 166. Is kill'd at a meeting between the two Wardens ib. Ruxbie sent to sift what he could get out of Mary Queen of Scots as to her right to the Crown of England p. 68. Which he is to send to Mr. Secretary Cecil p. 68. Addresseth himself to the Scots Queen ibid. Writes to Cecil in her prejudice p. 69. Is promised a reward but his intrigues are discovered and he secured ibid. S SEatoun Comptroller to King James of Scotland p. 198. Segie Lord made one of the Kings Council p. 138. Chosen to accompany Melvil in the entertainment of the Danish Ambassador p. 162. Senarpon Monsieur Lieutenant in Normandy for the French King p. 160. Shaw William Master of Wark is chosen to accompany Melvil in his entertainment of the Danish Ambassadors with the Lord of Segie p. 162. Skeen a Lawyer chosen to go to Denmark with the Author p. 178. Sinclare Oliver promised by the Clergy to be made Lieutenant of the Army against England if King Henry the 8th should War against Scotland p. 4. Is proclaimed Lieutenant over the whole Army yet the Lords disdaining so mean a person would not fight under him but suffered themselves to be taken Prisoners p. 6. Simson Amy a Midwife and Witch p. 194 Is burnt with others p. 195. Smith is made Secretary to Queen Elizabeth p. 157. Sommer Secretary to the English Ambassador in France p. 160. Spanish Navy is rumour'd to be bound for England Scotland and Ireland p. 175. Is three years preparing ibid. The Commanders knew nothing of the Design but what they understood by the opening of their instructions at every Landing place p. 175 and 176. A violent storm of Wind dissipates the whole Navy and many of their Vessels suffer'd Shipwrack ibid. Spiny Lord and the Master of Glams at variance p. 198. Spiny is in great favour with his Majesty ibid. For which he is envied and accused as a dealer with Bothwel for which he is displaced and imprisoned ibid. But escapes out of a Window in Dalkieth by the help of a Danish Gentlewoman whom he afterward married ibid. Is in disfavour with the King p. 199. Spinze Lord is Gentleman of the Chamber to King James p. 198. Stuart Colonel is sent to St. Andrews with Mr. John Colvil p. 133. Is made Captain of King James his Guards p. 137. Writes to the Author to repair to Court p. 156. Is one of the Kings Council p. 138. Rides to overthrow the Banished Lords at their entry upon the Borders p. 168. But his design is frustrated ibid. Is committed to the care of the Lord Maxwel being in danger for espousing too violently the Earl of Arran's Interest p. 170. Obtains leave to go to Denmark about his own Affairs being that Kings Pensioner p. 171. Has a Commission to treat about the Marriage of King James with the Eldest Daughter of the King of Denmark ibid. Goes to Denmark several times at his own charge to complete his Masters Marriage with the King of Denmark's Daughter p. 177. Stuart James Son to the Lord Oghiltrie a Favourite in Scotland p. 126. Perswades the King to a Progress p. 127. Accuses the Earl of Mortoun of the late Kings Murther ibid. Takes upon himself the Title of Earl of Arran p. 128. Marries the Earl of March his Relict ibid. Casts off his true friends p. 129. His Character p. 131. Is kept Prisoner by the Lords in the Custody of the Earl of Gaury p. 133. Obtains the favour of being confin'd to his own House at Kinneal p. 137. adviseth the King but is opposed by Gaury ibid. Gets access to Court and stays there contrary to promise ibid. Is reconciled to Colonel Stuart by the Authors means p. 139. He and Melvil the Author clash in Council p. 139. His insolent carriage p. 142. He and Gaury are reconciled by his Majesty ibid. He and his Wife ruling all perswades his Majesty to go to Sterling p. 143. He is Captain of the Castle and Provost of the Town ibid. Adviseth his Majesty to send the Author Ambassador to Queen Elizabeth intending thereby to ensnare him ibid. Desires a familiar Conference with Secretary Walsingham who refuseth it p. 148. At which being incensed he puts several Indignities upon him ibid. Endeavours to be made Chancellor and Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh p. 152. Useth his Craft to pervert the effect of
him to be poisoned having learned that Art in Italy called an Italian Possit The Cardinal David Beaton was with his Majesty in the time of his death and caused to be written the Form of a Testament at his own pleasure being dictated by himself which upon that reason was afterward annulled The King of England could not forget this injury and displeasure done him of the Kings breaking of his promise He was much troubled at his death his Wars were rather to have moved the Estates of Scotland to know that his favour and friendship had been better for them than his feud He was still in hope to have gained him with consent and advice of the best of his Subjects to have joined in a Bond Offensive and Defensive For he had received information of the Kings worthy qualities and rare natural endowments and entertained a marvellous great love and liking of him Thinking he could not have left the Kingdom in a better hand than to his own Sisters Son nearest in bloud unto him and meetest of any to build up a fair Monarchy to be first begun in a manner in his own person In respect that for his time which he looked would be but short his Nephew would have been but his Coadjutor and Lieutenant under him and after him possess the whole under one Religion one Law and one Head And thought that thereby France should never afterward have the occasion of stirring up the one Country against the other and that the Pope should be secluded from gathering up such sums of Silver from his Subjects for Confirmation of Benefices or for Bulls or Dispensations For his wrath and vengeance against the Pope was exceeding great who had made him many promises and had broken them all fearing as said is to offend the Emperour who was so great and mighty a Prince Therefore the King of England seeing he had now altogether lost the hopes of the Scots alliance and concurrence he compelled the Gentlemen of England to exchange their Lands with the Lands of Abbies Cloisters and other Temple Lands giving them more than their own that so the said Lands should never return to the Kirk without a manifest Rebellion or a dangerous subversion of the whole state of the Kingdom And to be revenged upon the said Cardinal David Beaton who he thought had disappointed him of all the hope he had of Scotland he dealt with Sir George Douglass and the Earl of Angus who were but lately returned out of England where they had resided during the time of their banishment till the death of King James V. These two Brothers appearing to be of the Reformed Religion persuaded Norman Lesly Master of Rothes the young Laird of Grange and John Lesly of Parkhill who had been persecuted by the said Cardinal for Religion after he had taken their Preacher Mr. George Wishard and burnt him at St. Andrews These I say were easily stirred up to slay him whom they were persuaded to be an Enemy to the true Religion to the welfare of the Country and to themselves in particular This proud Cardinal was slain then in his Castle at S. Andrews and so ended all his practices having obtained nothing but vain travel for his pretences and sudden death Having been the occasion of the death of a worthy King who was inclined to Justice and gave no credit to his Officers in their two special points to reward and punish For whoever did him good service he would see them rewarded yea albeit they chanced to be absent and as to punishing of Evil Doers so soon as he had heard the complaint he leapt upon his Horse and did ride to the parties himself with a few company ere they could be aware of him and he would see sharp execution So that he was deservedly both loved and feared He was very couragious well favoured and shapen of a middle stature very able of body But evil company fell about him entering out of Child-hood into furious Youth enticing him to Harlotry striving who should spie out for him the fairest Maidens and likewise at length mens Wives with them he abused his body to the offence of God and divers good Subjects For which he was not left unpunished for he had but two young Sons and they died both within eleven hours so that at his decease he had but one Daughter called Mary born when he was upon his Death-bed King Henry VIII of England having onely one Son called Edward he and the Estates of both Countries desiring still this whole Isle of Britain to be united in one Monarchy made a contract of marriage between the said two which was afterward broken upon our part her Majesty being transported unto France by the West Seas Whereupon ensued great War between the two Kingdoms which was afterwards agreed upon this condition that Edward should marry Elizabeth eldest Daughter to Henry II. of France and Francis his Son should marry our Queen My Lord Hamilton was advanced to the Government of the Country by the Laird of Grange Treasurer Mr. Henry Balnears and others that were of the Reformed Religion whenas he appeared to be a true Gospeller But he had been afterward soon altered by the Abbot of Pasly his Bastard-brother and became a great Persecuter of Gods Word and had been by the persuasions of the said Abbot and Cardinal easily drawn to break the said Contract of Marriage made between King Edward and our Queen After that the young Queen came to France there was great disputing whether the Marriage with the Dauphine should take effect or not For at that time there were two Factions in the French Court first the Brethren to the House of Guise as the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal of Lorrain brothers to our Queen Dowager and uncles to our young Queen Mary pressed earnestly to set forward the said Marriage with France the old Constable Duke of Montmorancy was of opinion that it was meetest to give her in marriage to some Duke or Prince in France and to send them both home to Scotland to keep that Country in good obedience Because when Princes are absent and far from their own ruling their Countries by Lieutenants most commonly the Subjects of such Countries use to rebel which if Scotland should do it would be hard and costly to get them reduced And thereby in stead of making France the better of the Marriage with the Dauphin it might make it to be in a far worse case The House of Guise again desiring to have their Sisters Daughter Queen of France to augment their reputation and credit alledged it would be both honourable and profitable to the Crown of France to have this addition And that there were Revenues in abundance to maintain Garrisons within the Kingdom to hold the Subjects under obedience building Citadels and having the whole strength in their hands Herein they prevailed she being married unto the Dauphine John de Monluck Bishop of Valence was sent Ambassador from France
became effectual he having been at last induced to resign the Government into the Queens hands who thereupon was declared Regent The Protestants were thus at this time her best friends and by the diligent preaching of the Preachers they were increased to so great a number that she judged it would prove a dangerous and difficult matter to compel them to desert their Principles But the instructions which Bettancourt brought to her and to Monsieur Dosel Lieutenant in Scotland for the King of France and to all others who had greatest credit about her Majesty were so strict and mixed with some threatnings that she determined to follow them She therefore issued out a Proclamation a little before Easter commanding every man great and small to observe the Roman Catholick Religion to resort daily to the Mass that all should make Confession in the ear of a Priest and receive the Sacrament By word of mouth she acquainted several of the Protestant Lords that they behoved to desert their Principles she shewed to them the Commission that was sent her out of France and the danger that would follow thereupon if not obeyed When the Nobility and States of the Country perceived her to be in earnest finding themselves also threat'ned by Monsieur Dosel they left the Court And consulting together what was meetest for them to do they sent unto her Majesty the Earl of Argile and Lord James Prior of St. Andrews to shew her Majesty in name and behalf of the rest how that they had been permitted by her Majesty to keep their own Ministers of a long time sometimes secretly and sometimes openly That by her tolerance their Religion had taken such root and the number of the Protestants so increased that it was a vain hope to believe they could be put from their Religion seeing they were resolved as soon to part with their lives as to recant The Queen Regent did as much dis-relish this kind of Language as they had done her Proclamation so that she began to persecute and they to stand to their own defence binding themselves together under the name of the Congregation Therefore they brake down Images Kirks and Cloisters The Queen Regent sent to France advertising her Daughter and her Husband of these disorders requiring help and Forces to suppress this in time or else all would be lost Declaring that she had ground of fear that my Lord James Prior of St. Andrews natural Son to James the Fifth would under pretext of this new Religion usurp the Crown of Scotland and pluck it clean away from the Queen her Daughter unless sudden remedy were applied thereto Upon this advertisement some of the Council of France advised presently to raise a great Army for reducing of Scotland but the Constable counselled the King whose Pensioner I was for the time to send me unto Scotland The King first gave me his Commission by word of mouth and then the Constable his chief Councellor directed me at length in his Majesty's presence as followeth Your Native Queen saith he is married here in France unto the Dauphine and the King is informed by the Cardinal of Lorrain that a Bastard Son to James fifth called Prior de St. Andre pretends under colour of Religion to usurp the Kingdom unto himself his Majesty knows that I was ever against the said marriage fearing thereby to make our old Friends our new Enemies as is like to come to pass this day But I gave too great place to the House of Guise to deal in the affairs of Scotland because the Queen Regent is their Sister But now seeing their violent proceedings are like to occasion the loss of the Kingdom of Scotland I must needs meddle and put to my helping hand as having better experience of the nature of that Nation then apparently they have I assure you that the King is resolved to hazard his Crown and all that he hath rather then that your Queen be robbed of her right seeing she is now married unto his Son And he resolves to send an Army to Scotland for that effect though he would gladly shun the trouble thereof if it were possible For now after his Majesty hath had Wars long enough with his old Enemies and hath agreed with them upon very rational considerations he is loath to enter again into a new unnecessary War with his old Friends Seeing there is probable ground of conjecture that it is not their default but that the same is occasioned by the harsh usage they meet with I hear that Monsieur Dosel is cholerick hasty and too passionate Such are not qualified to rule over remote and form'd Countries I have also intelligence that the Queen Regent hath not kept all things promised unto them The King my Master is not so rash as readily to believe that Scotland who had kept so long Friendship with France would now so slightly break their old band and abandon their duty to their Lawful Prince The King is well acquainted with the inconveniencies which may arise upon so distant and beyond-Sea Wars He knows what charge it is to furnish out Ships which perchance may be thrice victualled e're they make Sail by reason of contrary Winds and that your Seas are very dangerous The Marquess de Albuiff was driven upon the Coast of Norway when he thought to have landed in Scotland so that his Voyage did no good though his preparations for the same was very expensive Though our Army were well landed in Scotland how oft might they stand in need of supply when we by reason of these and several the like difficulties will not be able to help them whereof we have too good experience when Monsieur de Lorge was there I have brought you up from a Child I understand that you are come of an honourable Family I have assured the King that I have had good proof of your honesty so that his Majesty is well minded toward you at whose hand I hope you shall deserve a good reward this is a Commission of a far greater importance then that which Betancourt carried For the King will stay or send his Army according to your report Give it out that you are only come home to visit your Friends Let neither the Queen Regent nor Dosel know of your Commission wherein you are implored by the King who is now your best Master First try diligently and perfectly well whether the said Prior pretends to usurp the Crown of Scotland to himself or if he be moved to take Arms only for Conscience sake in defence of his Religion himself his dependants and associates Next try what promises are broken to him and them by whom and at whose instance Thirdly if they desire another Lieutenant in place of Dosel If it be only Religion that moves them we must commit Scots-mens Souls unto God for we have difficulty enough to rule the Consciences of French-men It is the obedience due unto their Lawful Queen with the Body that the King desires If
time and indigent of mony thought he would be very fortunate if again he could obtain the Dukes friendship and pardon so he was brought easily and secretly unto the Duke by Sir Nicholas At which time he granted his offence excusing himself the best he could by the craft and importunity of some of his Company The Duke helped him to frame his excuse alledging That he knew how his gentle nature was abused by the craft and concurrence of some of the Council of England who had joined with some about him That if he would for the future keep touch and be secret they should take a course with all those who had drawn on that draught The Regent promised as far as could be devised so that a greater friendship was packed up between them then ever The Duke had before told him That he was resolved to marry the Queen our Mistress and that he should never permit her to come to Scotland nor yet that he should ever Rebell against the Queen of England during her time Also that he had a Daughter who would be meeter for the King then any other for many Reasons Now the Duke took in hand to cause the Queen his Mistress to give unto my Lord Regent Two thousand pound sterling for the which Sum he became Cautioner and was afterward compelled to pay it After that the Regent had got this mony and had taken his leave of the Queen he was advised by such as had great credit about him to tell the Queen all things that had past again betwixt the Duke and him And to do it the more covertly it was devised That the Queen of England should send for him pretending to give him some admonition about some order to be observed upon the Border This being done and all things discovered to the Queen with a promise so soon as he came to Scotland and had received any Letters from the Duke by Cyphers or otherwise he should send them to England by an Express In the mean time the Duke wrote unto our Queen advertising her again of the new friendship between him and the Regent who was become very penitent and had been formerly deceived by craftier men then himself desiring her to let him pass by without any harm done to him or any in his company by the way At that time the Duke commanded over all the North parts of England where the Queen our Mistress was kept and so might have taken her out when he pleased And when he was angry at the Regent he had appointed the Earl of Westmerland to lye in his way and cut off himself and so many of his company as were most bent upon the Queens Accusation But after the last agreement the Duke sent and discharged the said Earl from doing us any harm yet upon our return the Earl came in our way with a great Company of Horse to signifie to us that we were at his mercy After the Regents safe return to Scotland Mr. John Wood his Secretary peocured upon the first occasion to be sent to England with all the Letters that had been sent from the Duke of Norfolk which could tend to undo him He desired Mr. Henry Balneavs to cause the Regent to give him the Bishoprick of Murray void for the time though he pretended it was neither for ambition nor covetousness of the Rents but that he might have an honourable Style to set out the better his Ambassage The said Mr. Henry being indeed such a man as Mr. John would appeared to have been was very angry and never liked him ester that my Lord Lindsay vented himself That he was one of the number who gave the Regent counsel so to do alledging that such promises as were made to the Duke of Norfolk for fear of life ought not to be kept A little after that Mr. John was come back to Scotland well rewarded for his pains the Duke was sent for by the Queen to come to Court Whereupon first he posted in haste to Secretary Cicil to demand his counsel for he reposed much upon him they being joined in one course The other made answer That there was no danger he might come and go at his pleasure no man would or durst offend him Which made the Duke ride up quietly only with his own train whereas otherwise he would have been well accompanied In the mean time Secretary Cicil informed the Queen That the necessity of the time obliged her not to omit this occasion but to take the matter stoutly upon her self and incontinent command her Guard to lay hands upon the Duke or else no other durst do it which if she did not at this time her Crown would be in peril The Queen following this counsel the Duke was taken and secured when he thought all England was at his Devotion who after long Captivity was Executed ending his Life devoutly in the Reformed Religion Shortly after Mr. John Wood's returning out of England there was a great Convention held at Pearth where the Regent was resolved to accuse Secretary Lidingtoun as being of Councel with the Duke of Norfolk but he had so many friends for the time that they durst not lay hands on him albeit from that hour forth he retired from the Court and remained with the Earl of Athol where the Regent entertained him with friendly Letters And upon a time being at Sterling he wrote for him to come and make a dispatch for England whither being come Captain Crauford was directed to accuse him before the Privy Council of the late King's murther and being accused of so odious a Crime he was committed to Ward Sir James Balfour was also taken out of his own House when he expected no such thing Then my Lord of Doun wrote to the Laird of Grange to be upon his guard for the Regent was resolved to take the Castle of Edenbrugh from him and make the Laird of Drumwhasel Captain thereof Which advertisement he had formerly given to Grange as also of the design to take the Secretary and Sir James Balfour But at the first he would not give credit thereto but now when he did see the Advertisement take effect he began to think that the Regent was strangely missed he would have been satisfied to have wanted the Castle and to have left the Court were it not for the desire he had to save the Lives of Secretary Lidingtoun and Sir James Balfour having upon his Honour engaged to protect the said Sir James upon his rendring up the Castle to him He knew they were wrongfully pursued only by the Malice and Envy of their Enemies for their Offices Sir James Balfour being taken sent unto the Laird of Grange minding him how he had joyned with the Lords and Regent upon the Trust he reposed on his Fidelity more than on all their Seals and Hand-writings which he had to produce Whereupon the Laird of Grange sent a Gentleman to the Regent but the Regent purged himself and alledged the Councel were
diligence and another from the Earl of Arran intreating me to accompany him from Kinneal to the Court But I went to His Majesty strait whither also the said Earl came that same night For he had procured liberty to return again to Court and remain about His Majesty At my coming to Sterling I had intelligence from a very sure hand That the said Lords were already at the entry of the Borders assisted by my Lord Hamiltoun my Lord Maxwel my Lord Bothwel my Lord Hume and sundry others who had not formerly joined with them Also the Earl of Athol the Laird of Tillibardine Buccleugh Cesfoord Coudingknows Drumlanrick and others who were in greatest credit about His Majesty were to join with them at their in-coming Whereof I advertised His Majesty and Colonel Stuart who undertook to ride unto the Borders and overthrow them before they were wholly Convened together which might very probably have been effectuated if the design had not been craftily disappointed by such as were about His Majesty who appeared to set forward the Colonel's enterprise to please His Majesty and to conquer credit saying They would write to Coudinknows Buccleugh Cesfoord and such others to assist him Whom they knew to be upon the contrary Faction already so that the design of scattering them was rendered by that Craft ineffectual And because I perceived the crasty intention and that they feared I would therewith acquaint His Majesty they caused His Majesty to send me a forged Errand to Dunkel that they might the better bring their purpose to pass without any contradiction The pretext of my Commission was to cause the Earl of Athol to stay at home and not to join with the Lords who were to come shortly to Sterling And by the way I was to deliver a Letter to the Baylies of St. Johnstoun to be upon their Guards and not to suffer any of the King's Enemies to come within their Town The Bayliffs inquired of me what if the Earl of Athol and Master of Gray would desire to come within their Town I said They might let themselves enter with Ten in Company but no more They alledged That their Letter specified not that I told them That was committed to me by mouth the Conclusion of my Letter willing them to credit me When I came to Dunkel I knew that the Earl of Athol would not stay for me who had a Thousand Men in readiness to take the Town of St. Johnstoun and to come thence to Sterling with the Master of Gray who was yet with him But however I told him that the Collonel Stuart was gone with Forces to defeat the Lords at their entry into the Country before they might be joined together And that therefore he would do well to lye at home till he might understand the issue of the said enterprise If that took effect it would be folly to him to march forward and if it did not succeed he might do as his heart served him He thought this Counsel good desiring me to write unto His Majesty for a License to him and his to remain at home which I did In the mean time the Master of Gray was sent for to Court the Ports of the Town of Pearth being refused to his Men who were come out of Angus to assist him At his returning to Court he was as great with His Majesty as ever he was remaining with him within the Castle of Sterling Where there were two Factions who discovered themselves so soon as they saw the Malecontents and banished Lords draw near unto the Town of Sterling Whither they came to the number of Three Thousand and entred unto the Town without stop His Majesty inclined most to the Faction who brought in the said Lords who advised His Majesty to send some down to the Town to Commune and Compound matters Which was at length Agreed upon and Concluded That His Majesty should remain in their hands that no rigour should be used to those who were about him So that those who were mediators appeared to be good Instruments and stayers of Blood-shed For Arran was escaped and fled at their first entry But Colonel Stuart only with Ten or Twelve gave them such a charge in the midst of the narrow part of the Town that a little more help might have put them in great disorder For the most part of their South-land Men were busie spoiling Horse and Goods The Lords when they came into His Majesty's presence fell down upon their knees humbly begging pardon Adding That the hard handling by Arran and other partial Persons about His Majesty had compelled them upon plain necessity and for their last refuge to take the boldness to come in Arms for the surety of their Lives and Lands being ever humbly minded to serve His Majesty and obey him The King again like a Prince full of Courage and Magnanimity spoke unto them pertly and boastingly as though he had been Victorious over them calling them Traitours and their enterprise plain Treason Yet said he in respect of your necessity and in hope of your good behaviour in time-coming he should remit their faults And the rather because they had used no vengeance nor cruelty at their in-coming In the mean time His Majesty committed and recommended the keeping of the Earls of Montrose and Crauford unto my Lord Hamiltoun And the keeping of Colonel Stuart unto my Lord Maxwel These three were for a time in some danger because they had too violently espoused Arran's interest The rest of His Majesty's Servants were over-lookt Sir Robert my Brother and his Son were both courteously used This moderate behaviour of the Lords conquered daily more and more favour from His Majesty They pressing him in nothing but by humble Intercession of such as formerly had his Ear. A Parliament was proclaimed at Lithgow for their restitution whither His Majesty was convoyed to pass his time at Hunting thereby to Recreat his Spirits Many Noblemen and others were written for to come unto the said Parliament Among the rest the Earl of Athol to whom I had been sent and with whom I was at the Lords coming to Sterling Where I was waiting upon an answer from His Majesty of the Letter which the Earl of Athol had desired me to write as said is When I came to kiss His Majesty's hand I was gladly made welcome His Majesty alledging That I was Corbie's Messenger I answered That my absence with the Earl of Athol had saved all my own Horse and the Town of St. Iohnstoun untaken and had kept the said Earl from assisting with the rest So that if those who had remained at Sterling with him had kept the South as well as I had done the North their Horse had been safe as well as mine was His Majesty said That God had turned all to the best For he had been before made believe that he would be in danger of his life in case these Noblemen had ever any more power about him And yet though