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
never trust his life to the mercy of those who â—nder colour of friendship and banqueting had first made away his two Kinsmen and after his own Brother for if they being Innocents were thus handled what might he expect who had been the occasion of such distraction in the State He that once had broken his faith except by a surety is unable again in Law to contract and enter in Bond with any Who will be surety between a King and his Subjects That Treaties Agreements Covenants Bargains of a Prince with Rebellious Subjects engage him no farther no longer then the Term-time or day which pleaseth him to accept observe and keep them as they turn or may turn to his utility and advantage that as in Nature there is no regress found from privation to an habit so neither in State men once disgraced do return to their former Honors That Princes mortally hated all Subjects who had either attempted to over-rule them by power or had cast any terror upon them and howsoever by constraint they bear sail for a time in the end they were sure payâ—masters That there was nothing more contrary to a good Agreement then to appear to be too earnest and busie to seek to obtain it he would sue for none That all his days he had loved sincerity constancy and fidelity and could not unsay and recant what he had promised and practised nor do against his heart His friends and his own standing was by their Swords which should either advance their enterprizes and turn them Victors or they would die Honorably like themselves and men and not ignobly be murthered like Beasts This free and dangerous resolution of the Earl moved many who heard to provide for their own safety and resolve not to suffer long misery for other mens folly finding this war was not like to have any end and that danger and death would be the only reward of their Rebellion Amongst others the Earl of Crawford after great adversity when he could not move the Earl of Dowglass to submit himself to the Kings clemency with many tears and protestations of his sincere love and counsel to him left him and some weeks after as the King was in progress in Anguss in a sad penitential manner accompanied with his best friends coming in his way with much humility and sorrow He acknowledged his fault pleading rather for pity to his house which had so long flourished then to his person The King knowing his Example would be no small occasion to weaken the power of the Earl of Dowglass and that of all the Rebels he was the greatest object of his Clemency was content to receive him but he would have it done by the mediation of lames Kennedie Bishop of St. Andrews and the Lord Creightoun once his greatest Enemies which he refused not to embrace Thus freely remitted with those who accompanyed him he returned to his own house of Phanheaven where within few moneths he died of a burning Ague The three Estates after assembled at Edinburgh where Iames Earl of Dowglass the Countess Beatrix whom he kept by way of a pretended Marriage Archembold Dowglass Earl of Murrey George Earl of Ormond Iohn Dowglass Lord of Balveny with others their adherents friends and followers are Attainted of High Treason and their Lands and Goods are Confiscate and discerned to be seized on to the Kings use The Earldom of Murrey is given to Iames Creighton who had married the eldest Daughter of the Earl of Murrey but he perceiving he could not possess it in peace turned it back again to the King At this time George Creightoun was created Earl of Caithness William Hay Constable Earl of Arrole Darly Halles Boyd Lyle and Lorn Lords of Parliament the King maketh a rode into Galloway reducing every strong hold and Castle of the Countrey to his Power Dowglass-dale he abandoned to the spoil of the Souldier Matters at home turning desperate the Earl of Dowglass being brought to that pass that he knew not to what to wish or fear Iames Hammilton of Cadyow is sent to England to invite the ancient enemy of the kingdom to take a part of her spoil and help to trouble the King But the English had greater business amongst themselves then could permit them to Wedd the Quarrels of the Earl After Sir Iames Hamiltoun was returned with an excuse and regret that some of the English Lords could not supply their Confusion but only by their Counsel he advised the Earl of Dowglass to trust to his own Power and Forces which were sufficient measuring their Courage and not counting their heads to hold good against the King There was no humane affairs where men were not necessitated to run some danger nor any business taken in hand with such a certainty which by unknown causes and even light ones might not run a hazard of some mishap That he should study to embrace and accept of what was most honorable and least dangerous it was better once to try the worst then ever to be in fear of it it was fit for him to commit something to fortune and wisdom could counsel nothing but to shun the greatest evil This lingring war would not only tire but over-come and vanquish them when one fair day of battel either by death or victory would Crown their desires Others advised him not to hazard upon a Battel except upon seen and approved advantage and to time it out a while in this lingring war a Truce might be agreed upon which ere long might turn in a Peace in which every thing passed might be forgotten and pardoned That Wars were managed more by occasions and times then by arms That the King could not be now but tyred since he had learned that by essaying by arms to overcome them he had gained nothing but trained up his Subjects whom he called Rebels in all warlike Discipline and had his Countrey spoiled and the Policy defaced Should they once enter in blood all hopes were gone of any conditions of peace At this time the King besieging the Castle of Abercorn to relieve the besieged hither marcheth with all his Forces the Earl of Dowglass being come within view of the Kings Army he observeth their march slow the countenances of his Souldiers altered much whispering and their spirits in a manner dejected Countrymen were to fight against Countreymen friends against friends and all against their Prince Interpreting this rather to proceed from their weariedness then want of good will to enter the Lists as well to refresh and cherish them to be more prompt and lusty of courage the next morning as to take counsel what course to follow and how to dispose of their Game he stayeth that afternoon and pitcheth his Tents To men unfortunate every thing turneth an Enemy Whether Sir Iames Hamilton gave way to this or not uncertain but after it is said that in a chase he told the Earl he had neglected the opportunity of Fight and should never see so fair
The Peaceproclaimed the Duke of Gloucester in all solemnity of greatness returned towards London being welcomed by the King with many demonstrations of great joy He to show how much he approved the conditions of this Peace went solemnly in procession from St. Stevens Chappel now the Parlament House accompanied with the Queen his Sister and a mighty retinue of the greatest Lords into Westminster Hall Where in presence of the Earl of Anguss the Lord Gray and Sir Iames Liddale Embassadours extraordinary from Scotland the peace was ratifyed At the return of the Scots Embassadours to their Countrey King Edward sent an Herauld with them who in his Masters name gave over the marriage contracted between the Lady Cicilia and the Prince of Rothsay and required the money which had been delivered upon hopes of consummation to his King The Citizens of Edenburgh had given their Bond for the redelivery and a day being granted to them for the payment they at the appointed day intirely delivered the sum Some thought King Edward recalled this marriage of a suspition he conceived that the Ambition of the Duke of Albany and the hatred of the Subjects against their King amidst the manifold distractions of the Realm might hazard the Succession of the Prince of Rothsay to the Crown But king Edward having gained what he had endeavoured most to acquire a division amongst the Nobles of Scotland and by this a Security from their assisting the French rejected the Match Besides the Duke of Gloucester who after his comming in Scotland was laying the foundations of the usurping the Crown of England his Brother once dead thought the alliance of his Brothers Daughter with a King of Scotland too strong a Support to that Race which he was to declare Bastards and a Rock upon which he was confident he should make a fearful shipwrack Neither his Brothers Daughter being marryed to a King of such martiall and turbulent Subjects as the people of Scotland durst he ever attempt the taking away of her Brothers and King Edward in neglect of this match committed a greater errour of State than he did in his marrying the Lady Elizabeth Gray and forsaking the Lady Bona Daughter to the Duke of Savoy According to the Records of some Authors whilst the King is kept nine Moneths in the Castle of Edinburgh the Duke of Albany the Lord Evandale Chancellour the Earl of Arguile the Archâ—bishop of St. Andrews the Earl of Athole his Uncle who for the preservation of his person and honour of his Office accepted the charge to attend him in that Fortress governed the State The King say the honest Records had all honour which appertained to a Prince save that he could not come abroad and none was permitted to speak unto him except in the audience of some one of his Lords Keepers and that his Chamber doors were shut before the setting of the Sun and long after the rising opened Proclamations are publisht in his name and Authority and other publick writings Such who only heard of him could not but take him to be a free and absolute Prince when near he was but a King in phantasie and his Throne but a Picture the regal Authority being turned into a cloak to cover the Passions of those who did govern The Duke of Albany dayly importuned by the solicitations Prayers and tears of the Queen a calm and temperate Lady for her Husbands Liberty finding himself not so respected by the other Governours as his birth and merits did deserve being a man who delighted in nothing more than in changes and novations of Court and State after so many scorns and rebukes offered to his Brother and King commiserating his long sufference and believing that good turns would make past offences be forgotten and recent benefits were sufficient to blot away old injuries withall remembrance of former discontents whilst the other Governours at Sterling securely passed the time posted in the night to Edenburgh Here a meeting being appointed of some of his friends and Vassals who knew nothing of his intentions by the assistance of the Citizens of Edenburgh men intirely loving their King and devoted to him all the time of the insurrection of his Nobles who gave the first assault yet was it rather their intelligence than force the Castle is surprised the King and all his Servants set at libertie This unexspected and noble act of the Duke of Albany having so fortunate a success brought a mighty change on the Court and State The King is now again reinstall'd and hath this residence in his own Palace to which many Noblemen and Gentlemen have frequent concourse rejoicing to see such evident tokens of love pass between the two Brothers if their affection could have continued The Provost and Baylies of Edinburgh in recompence of their service were made Sheriffs within all the bounds of their own Territories and rewarded with other privileges contained in that patent which they call their golden Charter 1482. The Lords of the contrary faction who remained at Sterlin by this new accident betook themselves to new thoughts and considerations every man full of fears and repinings flying to his own dwelling place and conceaving a great hatred against the Duke of Albany They said he was inconstant rash mad in setting at liberty the man who would prove his Executioner and one who would never forget any profer'd injury that if he perished before them it was but his own just deserving and procurement The Duke contemning those reproaches and answering their calumnies and evil words with patience and good deeds by the mediation of the Earl of Anguss Studied a reconciliation between the King and his discontented Lords And his endeavours had such good success that in a short time after this Atonement some of them turned so familiar and inward with the King that like the Ivy they began to sap the wall by which they had been supported They made the wound of the Kings old jealousies ranckle again and added poison to former discontents remembring him of the unnaturalness of his Brothers first Rebellion and assuring him that his antient Ambition had yet more power of him than his new fears of honesty and respect That howsoever he shewed outwardly the arguments of a reconciled Brother he loved yet to govern and aimed at the Crown That he had wrought his liberty to bring a greater confusion in the State than he had ever done before The King who ever had a watchful eye over his reconciled Enemies and who desired to be freed and fairly quited of them all gave way to their calumnies And they after long deliberation resolve upon a plot to bring the Duke within compass of law and summoned him to answer upon Treason And this was the rendring of the Town of Berwick to the English which they undertook to prove was only by his intelligence procuration and being in company with the Duke of Gloucester in that expedition Though the Duke had an absolute and general pardon
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
every thing as the earl of Angus could have wished he was not only entire and familiar with the Kings person but with his Office some of his enemies were dead others overthrown in open Field with the rest he was reconciled No faction for power or richess was equal to his Nor remained there any Castle Fortress not ceised on by him and garrisoned with his Friends and Followers except the Castle of Sterlin a part of the Queens Dowry which being desolate by her Miseries and only haunted by some of her poorest and meanest Servants was neglected by the Earl which in him was a great errour the fitness of the place for a revolution and change of Court considered Many daies the Earl had not seen his own dwelling Places nor thought upon his private affairs being carryed away by the storms of Court now he thinketh he may securely pass to Lothian whilst at Faulkland the King shall be safely entertained by his Brother Sir George Archembald his Uncle and Iames of the Parkhead Captain of the Guards having earnestly entreated their attendance on the King he crosseth the Forth with resolution soon to return His departing was not so concealed but the Arch-bishop of St. Andrews had knowledge of it and he inviteth Sir George to see him in his City of St. Andrews to receive the Leases of the Tyths promised all now perfected valid and according to Law sufficient Whilst Sir George is here detained Archembald the Treasurer by other Letters for matters of love is inticed to Dundee But nothing could make the Captain of the Guards leave his Charge The King amidst his solitary Walks in his Park of Faulkland considering of what a tedious Train he was relieved and how suddenly occasion might turn her bald scalp if presently he took not hold of her resolveth to accomplish by Stratagem what the Factions of his Nobles could not perform by force It is delightful to understand every particular circumstance in the progress of the actions of Princes Upon this resolution he directeth the Forrester of the Park to give advertisement to such Gentlemen about who kept Hounds the next morning to attend him for he would early have his Game He suppeth sooner than his custom was entertaining the Captain of the Guards with more than usual ceremonies and representations of the next mornings sport withall inviting him to go to his rest the Night being short about the Summer solstice The Waiters all shifted and the Court husht shutting his Chamber door in the apparel of one of his Grooms unperceiv'd he passed the Guard to the Stable where with two who attended him with spair Horses he posted to Sterlin where by the Queens intelligence he was expected in the Castle When the certainty of this escape was noised abroad many Noblemen repair to Sterlin some by Letters sent unto them others at the rumour of his evasion that in a litle time he found him safe and far from any danger again to be surprized the Earls of Arguyl Atholl Glencarn Monteeth Huntley The Lords Graham Drummond Levingstoun Sainclaire Lindsay Evandale Ruthen Maxwell Simple the Earl of â—glintoun Rothess Iames Beatoun Arch-bishop of St. Andrews the Deviser of his escape The Earl of Angus full of miss-giving thoughts with many of his Friends was also on his way to Sterlin but Proclamations being made against him Discharging him from all Offices and publick functions and being by an Herauld forbidden with his friends and followers to come near the Court by some Miles under pain of Treason either moved by inward terrours or love of the Peace of his Countrey turned back to â—inlithgow where two days he attended News of the Kings pleasure which at last was declared That neither he nor none of his should presume by some Myles to approach his residence The more particular favours were That the Earl should confine himself beyond the River of Spay in the North whilst his Brother Sir George Dowglass should render himself Prisoner in the Castle of Edenburgh and there remain during the Kings pleasure When the Dowglasses had refused these offers they are cited to answer according to Law in a Parlament to be holden in September at Edinburgh Before the day of appearing the Earl of Angus accompanied with an able Train of his Friends and Followers essayeth to enter the Town of Edenburgh and there attend the comming of the King but by the Lord Maxwell and the L. of â—ochinvarre who in the Kings name had invested the Town he is kept out and the King with an unexspected suddenness with two thousand men comming from Sterlin he removed The Earl not appearing at the appointed day is by Decree of Parlament attainted and forfeited with his brother Sir George Dowglas Archembald Dowglas his uncle Alexander Drummonâ— of Carnock and others The points of which they were to be accused were The assembling of the Kings Lieges with intention to have assailed his person The detaining of the King against his will and pleasure and contrary to the Articles agreed upon the space of two years and more all which time the King was in â—ear and danger of his liâ—e At this Parlament some write the King made a solem oath never to give a Remission to any of the Dowglasses there forfeited as the Lords did never to intercede nor request for any of them and in disgrace of the Earl of Angus Henry Stuart who had married the Queen his wife was created Lord Meffan The Dowglasses having all favour denyed them being openly declarâ—d Enemys to the King and Countrey commit all hostility the last refuge of desperate men on their enemies bounds Caust-land and Cranstoun are burned they ravage even to the Gates of Edenburgh the harmless people suffering for the faults of the great under shadow of their followers all robberies and opprâ—ssions brack forth and by whomsoever committed are laid to their charge The King will not hear of them in any other terms than Oppresâ—ours and common Robbers In their defence they fortifie their Castle of Tantallon with the readiest provision taken from the nearest adjacent bounds In October the King raiseth a great company of Souldiours with great Ordinance and other Engins of War brought from the Castle of Dumbar Tantallon is beâ—ieged but provâ—th impregnable and David Faulconer the General of the Ordinance at their removing is slain A Commission is sent to the Earl of Bothwell as the Kings Lieutenant to invade with Fire and Sword in all places the Dowglasses which he either out of human compassion or that he knew wise States-men should extenuate the faults of others rather than aggravate them refused to accept But the Earl of Arguyl and Lord Hume accepted that charge prosecute them where they might be apprehended till after much misery and night-wandring at home they were constrained with Alexander Dummond of Câ—rnock who had been partaker of their misfortunes by his consanguinity with the Earls Mother who was Daughter to the Lord Drummond to fly into England
possibly best to be considered in the Negative We find many things done by his Captains not by him which notwithstanding we may rather attribute to the stirring and violent humour of that age than either his age want of Genius or love of quiet yet herein appears somewhat of his Character that meeting with turbulent times and a martial people he met not with any Insurrections and was a gainer and though he did it by other hands we must suppose that their Motions were directed by his Brain that communicated Motion and Spirits unto them since the Minds of Kings like the first Mover turn all about yet are not perceived to move and it was no humane wit said their hearts were unscruitable The same year his Eldest Son Iohn was called to succeed who thinking that name ominous to Kings and there wanted not examples as of him of England and him of France and fancying somewhat of the felicity of the two former Roberts was crowned King by the name of ROBERT the III. This man being unactive the weight of the Government rested upon his Brother Robert The first seven years of his Reign past in a calm with England by reason of two Truces but not without some fierce fewds among his Subjects one whereof was very memorable between Thomas Dunbar Earl of Murray and Iames Lindsay Earl of Crawford and was most high insomuch that seeing the difficulty of reducing them he resolved to make this proposition to them That 300. of each side should try it by dint of Sword before the King the conquered to be pardoned and the Conquerour advanced This being agreed on a place was appointed on the Northside of St. Iohnstons but when they came to join battel there was one of one side missing whom when his party could not supply and none would relinguish the other a Tradesman stept out and for half a French Crown and promise of maintenance for his life filled up the company The fight was furious but none behaved himself more furiously than the Mercinary Champion who they say was the greatest cause of the Victory for of his side there remained ten grievously wounded the other party had but one left who not being wounded yet being unable to sustain the shock of the other threw himself into the Tey and escaped By this means the fiercest of two Clanns being cut off the remainder being headless 1398. were quiet Two years after the King in Parliament made his two Sons Dukes a title then first brought into Scotland Next year Richard the second of England being forced to resign Henry the fourth succeeded in the beginning of whose reign though the Truce was not ended the seeds of War began to bloom out and upon this occasion George Earl of March had betroathed Elizabeth his Daughter to David the Kings eldest Son Archibald Earl of Dowglas not brooking this gets a vote of Parliament for revocation of this mariage and by the power of Robert the Kings Brother made a mariage between Mary his Daughter and David and giving a greater sum got it confirmed in Parliament The Earl of March nettled at this demands redress but being not heard leaves the Court and with his Family and Friends goes into England to the Lord Peircey an utter Enemy of the Dowglasses wasts March and especially depradating the lands of the Dowglasses The Scots declare the Earl of March an enemy and send to demand him up of the English who deny to surrender him This made Hot-spur Peircey and March make several incursions into Scotland till at last they were repulsed at Linton-Bridge by the Dowglasses 1400. This was about the year four hundred at which time War was denounced and the English entered with a great Army took Haddington and Lieth and laid siege to Edenburgh Castle David the Kings Son being within it which the new Governour ambitiously delaying to relieve the English satisfyed with the terrour they brought retired again After which March did not cease his little incursions which to be revenged of Dowglas divided his forces into two Squadrons the first to Halyburton who returned from Barmborough with some prey the second and greater to Patrick Hepburn who unwarily roving with his prey was set on by the English and with all the youth of Lothian put to the Sword To revenge this Dowglas gets together 10000. men and passing beyond Newcastle met with young Peircey c. who at Homildon a little village in Northumberland in the year 1401 gave him and his Party such a considerable defeat as Scotland had not receiv'd the like for a long time This put Peircey in hopes to reduce all beyond the Fryth but the troubles at home withdrew him from that design By this Annabel the Queen dying David her Son who by her means had been restrained broke out into his natural disorders and committed all kind of Rapine and Luxury Complaint being brought to his Father he commits him to his Brother the Governor whose secret design being to root out the off-spring the business was so ordered as that the young man was shut up in Falkland Castle to be starved which yet was for a while delayed one woman thrusting in some thin Oaten Cakes at a chink another giving him milk out of her papps through a Trunck But both these being discovered the youth being forced to tear his own members dyed of a multiplied death which murder being whispered to the King and the King enquiring after it was so abused by the false representations of his Brother that grief and imprecations was all the Relief he had left him as being now retired sickly to Bote-Castle and unable to punish him The King being solicitous of Iames his younger Son is resolved by the example of the good usage of David to send him to Charls the sixt of France having taken Shipping at the Basse as he past by the Promontory of Flamborough whether forc'd by tempest or that he was Seasick he was forced to land taken by the English and detained notwithstanding the allegation of a Truce of eight years and his Fathers Letters And though it came to the Privy-Council to be debated yet his detention was carried in the Affirmative This advantage he had by his Captivity that he was well and carefully educated but the News so struck his Father that he had almost presently dyed but being carried into his Chamber with voluntary abstinence and sorrow he shortned his life three daies longer viz. to the first of April 1406. â—e was a man of a goodly and a comely personage one rather sit for the tranquillity of a private life than the agitations of Royalty and indeed such an one whose Reigns do little else but fill up Chronologies with the number of their years Upon this the Parliament confirm Robert for Governour a man of parts able enough for that employment but a man of such a violent and inveterate ambition as would sacrifise any thing to make it fuel to it self Soon
which he is thought the best who dâ—oth most transcend in Villany The King seemed to give smal faith to these relations entertaining kindly and feasting from all parts all such who daigâ—â—â—d to see him mostly those who were the Chiefs and 〈◊〉 of the Families in these bounds by whose 〈…〉 did guard came freely to Court an◠〈◊〉 guilty by fair promises and hopes of the Kings clâ—â—nency 〈◊〉 themselves Others though most reâ—ractory and unwilling at first that they might not seem out of the fashion of thâ—ir Companions and appear suspect resorted thither Thiâ—king these Offices might be interpreted to proceed of good will and obedience which were done of emulation Fourty of these Leaders and Chiefs meeting at once and being togetheâ— within the inclosure of the Castle Walls werâ— surprized and committed to close Prisons Some daies after two whose wickedness was throughly known Alexander Mack-Rore or Mackrarey and Iohn Mackearture were hanged Iames Cambell for the murther of Iohn of the Isles renownd amoâ—gst 〈◊〉 own was beheaded The rest upon hope of further Tryâ—â—â— were committed to Prisons of which for example and 〈◊〉 to others many were executed the remains in peaceful mâ—nner sent home the King having graciously exhorted them to a life according to the Law of God and Man Alexander of the Isles Earl of Ross being taken in this 〈◊〉 was brought by the King to Perth where he was accâ—sed of oppression and many barbarous cruelties were proved against him yet such was the Kings clemency he was only some few daies commitied and after lovely advice at the Council â—Table rather to obey his Prince than render himself Chiefâ—tain of Thievish Troops he was freely dismist but benefits oblige not ignoble Minds and mercy shown to a fierce and obstinate nature disgraceth the beauty of the clemency of a Prince for no sooner was he returned to his own Territories where interpreting imprisonment a dishonour aâ—d shâ—me to a Man of his Power and Qualâ—ties and telling a promise made bâ— one imprisoned by the Judgement of Lawyers themselves was nothâ—ng worth he gathered together a Rabble of Outlaws and Mountainers came towards the Town of Iâ—nerness which peaceable he entered and was courteously received having befor dispersed his men among the Fenns and Hills toward the West they so soon as Night had broughâ— the inhabitants to rest spoiled them and set their houses on fire And because the Castle was the place in which he had been surprized he besieged it with a thousand â—ewd fellows practised in dayly depredations and Robbeâ—ies At the noise of this Cruelty the Gentlemen of the Neighbouring Shires from all quarters assemble themselves for the defence of their Friends the King liâ—teth spâ—â—dy prâ—parâ—tions at the approach of which the Clans Whaâ—tâ—nes and Camerones with other Thieving Troups dispâ—rsed themselves and fled into their lurking holes Alexander abanâ—oned of their forces wiâ—h so many as he could keep togetheâ— flâ—d into Lockquhabarre from thence passed to the Islâ—s 〈◊〉 to go to Irâ—land but things answered not his expectation for by his Spie fining that he was way-laid and that numbers of people a prize being set upon his head in all places labourâ—d to surprize him when he had long continued desolate and a vagabond at last he began to intercede with his Friends at Court for Mercy to him from the King Sundry tempt the Kings Clemency but he will not promise nor assure them of any favâ—â—r before Alexander in person as Supplyant render himself and his estate to his disposure Thus finding no escape and destitute of all help he was imboldned to come pâ—ivately to Edinbrough there on Easter day wrapped in a mourning Garment and concealed in the dragg of the multitude the King being in the Church of the Holy-rood at divine Service he fell prostrate at his knees bâ—seeching him for grace which at the request of the Queen and other Assisters he obtained His life and private estate was granted him but that he should do no more harm and be reduced to a more modest behaviour William Dowglass earl of Anguss was appointed to take him in custody and that within the Castle of Tantallon his Mother Euphem Daughter to Walter Lesty sometime earl of Ross a Mannish implacable woman who had solicited and raised her Son to all that mischief was committed to the Isle to S. Colm Donald Balloch Cousin germain to Alexander Lord of the Isles a man of a hâ—ughty mind resenting the Kings proceeding against his cousin raised a great number of Out-laws and Robbers and invaded Lochquhaber omitting no cruelty which enraged Savages use to commit Alexander Stuart Earl of Marre and Alane Earl of Caithness with such numbers of People as they could in haste raise came to defend the Country against the incursions of these Highland men and rencountred them at Inverlochty where by an over-weening opinion of Victory which easily deceiveth young Souldiers Imagining they went to fight with untrained raw Theeves who would never abide their march and misregard of martial Discipline Allan was slain and Alexander Earl of Marre discomfited and Balloch insolent of his Victory with a great Booty returned to the Islâ—s The King at the Rumour of this disaster in all celerity with a great Army came to Dunstaffage intending from that to pass to the Isles which when the Clans and other chief men understood turning their defence into submission they came in haste to Dunstaffage humbly begg'd pardon laying the fault of the whole Rebellion on Balloch and some adventuring Thieves many of which Balloch had pressed to that mischief against their minds the King finding extream rigour at that time a cure unseasonable taking their oath of fidelity and that they should persue Bolloch and his followers accepted them in his favor only transporting some of the most factious along with him They in few days to seem worthy of the Kings mercy surprized a great number of them three hundred of which died all on Gibbets punishment had taken away a much greater number had he not considered that there is no man so miserable who is not a member of the State The King Lest hope of Impunity might cherish Rebellion resolves to finde Balloch and hearing he lurked in Ireland in the 〈◊〉 of one named Odo he sends to have him delivered Odo either out of fear of the Kings displeasure or hope of rewarâ—s seizeth on him and suspecting if he sent him alive he might by power or stratagem slight his Convoy chopped off his head and sent it to King Iames then remaining at Sterling The Clans Whattons and Camerons spairing the Magistraâ—es sword yet executing Justice by mutual slaughters one of an other had rendred the North very peaceable of that scum of Theeves some Chieftains were shut up in fast Prisons among which two most eminent in all mischiefs hating mortally others and hated of all good men Angus Duff of StrathN 〈…〉 and Angus Murrey these the King out of Policy of State let
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
calamity of his house the weakness of his friends at Court and the many snares envy and malice had laid to surprise him he hoisted â—ails and with her who would be partaker of all his misfortunes returned to Denâ—mark from Denmark by Germany he came to King Lovys in France who interposed his requests to King Iames for his regress and restoring but the Letters in his favour producing no effects Charles Duke of Burgundy making war against his Rebel Subjects he was graciously received by him and entertained as his Ally his Lady remained at Antwerp where she bore him two children Iames and Gracile 1469. Lady Margaret the 10. of Iuly 1469. or after others 1470. maketh her entry into Edenburgh and scarce having attained the sixteen yeer of her age is married to King Iames in the Abby Church of Holy-rood house and in the moneth of November following by a convention of the three Estates was Crowned Queen The King in exorable in the behalf of the Earle of Arran and breathing his total Ruine sendeth Letters to Antwerp filled with promises and threatnings to move his sister to return to Scotland These at the first prevailed nothing with this Lady to make her forsake the husband of her youth many letters and from several friends and well-wishers in several fashions and stiles coming to her at last she was brought to believe her presence would mollifie the minde of her enemies and work her husband a re-establishment of his former favors with the King her brother and restore him to all his possessions and dignities Upon which hopes she comes to Scotland But these hopes proved all false for in stead of having access to her brother she is kept at Kilmarnock the chief house of the Boydes as in a free prison and her husband is summoned within threescore dayes to adhere to his wife under pain of Divorce the unfortunate Earle for fear of his head not appearing his marraige is declared null his wife is divorced from him and is constrained by her brother to marry Iames Lord Hamilton to whom also the Earledome of Arran was given for Dowry Not long after her two children to Earle Thomas Iames and Gracille are brought to Scotland who in the proceeding of time proved little more fortunate then their father for Iames was slain by Hugh Montgomry of Eglinton and Gracille though first marryed to the Earle of Cassiles and after to the Lord Forbess was barren Some have recorded that the Earle Thomas after this violent bereaving him of his wife dyed of displeasure at Antwerp and had a Tomb raâ—sed over him with an honorable Inscription by Charles Duke of Burgundy others who hate the Boydes tell he dyed not at Antwerp but at Florence and that he was killed by a Merchant of Florence out of jealousie of having abused his wife Queen Maragret the third yeer after her marriage in the month of March brought forth a son who was named Iames and Christern King of Denmark to congratulate the happy delivery of his daughter and of expectation of a continued succession to the Crown of Scotland of his Race released all the right title claim which he or his successors might have to the Isles of Orkenâ—y Scythland The King calleth after a Parliament at Edenburgh wherein though the Reformation of abuses as wearing of silk and other foraign triffles the building of Ships and enacting Laws for the present time were pretended a liberal Subside was the greatest aime His Exchequer being empty and many of his best friends turning necessitous and needy Iohn Lord of the Isles was attainted for his own and his Father misdemeanour the King raiseth forces to pursue him the Earle of Crawford being made Admiral the Earle of Athole the Kings Uncle Lieutenant of the Regiments by land such means in a short time was used by the Earle of Athole that the Lord of the Isles submitted himself to the Kings elemency and in a convention of the States at Edenburgh he resigned all the right he had to the Earledome of Ross the lands of Knap-den and Kintyre which the King annexed to the Crown Patrick Graham Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrews having at Rome understood the fall of the Boydes returneth to his own countrey where first amongst his friends and the most peaceable sort of the Clergy he divulgateth the Bull of the Pope for his supremacy over the other Churchmen of the Kingdome and his power of their tryal and promoting to benefices and after caused proclaim it at all publike places The laudable Elections anciently used about the Places and Offices of Churchmen by the corruption of the times being taken away and that Power altogether assumed by the King The Courtiers who were accustomed to sell Benefices and the Churchmen who were wont to buy them reject the Bull and set themselves against him by their traffick he is discharged to take the Place or Ornaments of an Archbishop or carry any other Cross or Cap then what the former Bishops used to have But here they set not up their rest William Schevez a man in those times admired for his skil in Astrology and promoted to be Arch-Dean of Saint Andrews seconded by Iohn Lock the Rector of that University a better Grammarian then Christian excommunicates this Archbishop for his presumption and that he sought to bear rule over his Brethren Bishops When this censure had passed upon him he is degraded and shut up in Prison William Schevez is after promoted to his place and consecrated upon the Passion Sunday in Lent at Holy-rood house the King being present he likewise receiveth the title and faculty of Legate and is confirmed Primate of the Realm notwithstanding the impediments objected to Patrick Graham by the Church-men concerning that same dignity and preheminencie So various and deceitful are the wayes of Men. The King being slow to action and more inclined to a solitary form of life then to travel and business his brothers being Princes of unquiet and restless Spirits to whom publike like imployments were recreations and withall being ambitious prodigal desirous of Rule and to be Governors of the people themselves and Kings in fact how ever their elder brother was in title they set themselves altogether to study novations and bring the King in contempt with his subjects and divert their minds and love towards him To this effect they had drawn by their towardness and familiarity many of the young Nobles and Gentlemen to follow them The King was obnoxious to some publike scandals for by his too great frugality care to increase his Treasure and study of purchasing by taxations sale of Church Benefices and too exact taking up of fines supervaluation of Wards he had gotten the Name of covetous and was not small distast amongst the Commons Edward King of England that the Scots by the instigation of the French should not trouble his new and scarce settled government imploying all his counsels and diligence to divide them amongst themselves
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
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
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
ignorance of the Mother the Queen should not suffer any loss damage or disadvantage The King of England resented highly this Divorcement endeavour'd by his Letters to hinder it for he thought some things tolerable in men which were in competent and shameful in women and after never carried such respect to his Sister as he had done before Of these she made little reckoning for after the sentence given she married Henry Stuart Son to the Lord Eavendale whom K. Iames to do honor to his Mother promoted to be Lord Meffan and General of his Artillery Whilst the King remained a shadow to the Earls Government amidst so many distractions discords and jars of the Grandees the Court turned solitary and unfrequented by any Noblemen save these of the Dowglasses own faction amongst which the Earl of Lennox shewed himself most indifferent For he for his own ends attending the Court in a short time so framed himself to the Kings humours that he delighted alone in his conversation and often hid none of his inward thoughts and secret intentions from him Among others he many times importuned him to give him a sound advice how he might de delivered form the Earl of Angus of whose bondage he had been long weary whose rule over him was turned now into tyranny his ambition having mounted to that height that he was not content to command and Kingdome but to thrall and keep under his Soveraign Lord the King himself that he effects of his Governing were the dispersing of his Nobles and banishing of his mother from him The Earl of Lennox who by his familiarity with the King was become suspitious of Angus and had an intention to tumble out a man hated of his Prince establish himself in his place and rule the young King alone aggravating his and the Countreys miseries told him after much intreaty The Lord of Balclough was the only person to be employ'd in such a service a man of unlimitted desires displeased strong in power mightlly hated and who had inveâ—erate hatred against the Earl of Angus who wanted nothing but opportunity to execute his rancour If this conceived exploit had not a desired success then he himself would by main force either win his Prince or loose his life in the Enterprize The Laird of Balclough secretly advertised of the Kings intention giveth way to much oppression and many insolencies on the borders the redress of which required the presence of the Prince Complaints are given against them and the King to do justice accompanied with the Earls of Angus Lennox Lords Hume Flamin Areskin Cesfoord Farnehast and others commeth to Ied brough But when they had staied there some daies small redress was of wrongs no justice executed the chief men of the Borders not producing the Delinquents of their Names to answer according to law as was the antient custom Thus as they came they were returning when at Melrose as they hoverd at the passage of a Bridge over the Tweed certain companies of men in arms appeared on the Descents of Hellidon Hill which being come with in distance of discerning were known to be commanded by the Laird of Balclough and number'd a thousand all borderers and broken men The Earl of Angus not a little mov'd at so sudden an apparition by an Herauld craveth to understand their intentions and how in such a hostile manner they dared come so near the Kings person withall charging them under pain of high Treason to retire The Laird of Balcloughs answer was he came to do the King service invite him to his house show him what forces he was able to raise upon the Borders when necessity should require his service and assistance That he would not obey a charge contrary to the Kings mind of which he was conscious and herewith he marched forwards Presently the Earl alighting on foot leaving the Earl of Lennox Lords Areskin Maxwell Sir George Dowglas Ninian Creightoun with the King as Spectators of the Game with the Lord Flammin and other his Friends marshall'd his Men for the Charge which was given with a great shout and clamor of these Borderers The Lord Hume Lards of Farnehast and Cesfoord had taken their leave of the King who gladly dismist them but upon advertisement of the sudden fray being not far of they return in hast with an hundred Launces in good time for the Earl of Angus and falling upon one of the Wings of Balcloughs troups force them to yield ground and some to turn their backs upon which suddenly foloweth the Chase. Cesfoord and Farnehast eagerly persewing Here at the descent of a little Hill by the blow of a Launce which a Domestick of Balcloughs threw from his Arm the Laird of Cesfoord if slain and by his death the Chase left off to be follow'd and a long deadly fewd between the Scots and Cars was begun fourscore Borderers were kill'd in this bickering assisting Balclough himself was wounded with many of his friends the Earl of Anguss lost not a few besides the Laird of Cesfoord The Earl of Angus after this road of Melross perceiving his enemies to increase and the affections of some of the Nobility turned fâ—â—m him composing the old difference between him and the Earl of Arran entered into condition of a strict friendship with him and was content he should be his partner and fellow-governour in distribution of Causualities and ruling the Countrey When the King had considered how twice his intentions had been broken and unhappily without success he began to essay the third by the Earl of Lennox whom challenging of his promise he desired to gather an army and joining his Forces with the Queens to restore him to his Liberty The Earl of Lennox before suspected after the League and friendship of Earl of Angus with the Earl of Aâ—ran became declared â— enemy to Angus withdrew himself from Court and some few Moneths being passed at Sterlin he maketh a Declaration to all the Leiges of his intentions inviting them to assist and side with his cause One thousand men came from the High-lands to him the Earl of Cassiles and Master of Kilmayers come from the West with two thousand the Queen and Arch-bishop Iames Beatoun direct many of their Vasâ—alls from Fâ—sse to him Thus with three strong Briggades he marcheth towards Lynlithgow The Earl of Angus understanding these preparations to be against him imploreth the assistance of his best Friends to withstand them especially the Carres and Humes to whoâ—e valour he had lately been so far obliged He sendeth Letters to the Earl of Arran and the Gentlemen of the name of Hamilton regretting the estate of the Common-wealth requiring their speedy aid That in so perilous time setting aside all particular Respects and Quarrels they would have a care of the Common good of the Countrey If the Earl of Lennox should carry the King from him and remained Victor of the Field he would not stay there his next mark would be the Hamiltouns whom he was
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
daughter to David Earl of Strathern For plotting mischief he began to rail speak in high terms associate himself with others of his own mind Notwithstanding that the King Anno 1428. in September had bestowed on â—is Nephew the Lands and Earldom of Monteeth in compensation of that of Strathern to which he pretended right it being an appenage of the Crown About this time Embassadors came into Scotland from Eriâ—us the King of Denmark requiring of King Iames the payment of a yearly Tribute which was due to him as King of Norway for the Western Isles according to the Covenant and Agreement made by Alexander the third King of Scotland and his Predecessor Magnus the son of Acho then King of Norway the Embassador was honorably received and Sir William Creighton Chancellor directed to go with him to Denmark who there renued the old League between the Realms setled questionable matters and confirmed a perfect amity and stedfast Peace Embassadors came also from Charles the French King not only to confirm the old Amity between Scotland and France but for a better assurance thereof to have Margaret eldest Daughter to King Iames already betrothed to Lewis the Daulphin who now was thirteen years of Age delivered to them and convoyed to France The English foreknowing this Alliance had before sent the Lord Scrope with other Associates to Him in Embassage to have the old League between the French and the Scots dissolved and to joyn the Kings Daughter in Marriage with Henry the sixth their King promising if the King would thereunto agree and joyn in League with them that the Town and Castle of Berwick should be delivered to the Power of the Scots with all the Lands lyand between Tweed and the Redcross which when William the Conquerour granted Cumberland to the Scots marched England and Scotland and is now a fragment of a Cross in Richmond-Shire neer the Spittle on Staâ—moore about which is nothing but a wilde desert Having Audience the Lord Scrope spake before the Counsell to this purpose I am directed hither by my Master and his Council about a Business which concerneth the Honour and profit of the two Kingdoms above any other which can be projected and it is the establishing of a perpetual Peace and Concord between them and happily when it shall please the higher Providence their uniting in one Body under one Prince one day How vain the attempting of this heretofore by Arms hath proved the world can but too well bear witness the many proofs of eithers valour against themselves having been but a lavish effusion of humane Blood the fairest way easiest means to make enmities cease and these ancient Quarrels was begun Sir in your person by the happy Marriage of the Daughter of Iohn Duke of Sommerset brother to King Henry the fourth and Son to the Duke of Lancaster and prosperously hath continued these years past Now that Peace may be lasting and the affections and minds of the two Nations soldered together our Request is that this Alliance may be again renewed by the Marriage of your eldest Daughter with our young King a most fitting and equal match And in seeking of her we crave but our own She is descended of our Royal Stem and if again she be ingrafted in that stock out of which she sprang it is but natural And you my Lords where can ye find a Match more Honorable for both Nations Where can ye finde a better and more profitable Friendship then ours Are we not a people in habiting one Island have we not both one Language are we not of like Habit and Fashion of like quality and condition of life guarded and separated from the other World by the great depths of the Ocean What evil Customs have come into your Country by your last Allyance with us Nay what Civility Policy and laudable Fashions to the confusion of Barbarity have not followed hereupon By this the Glory of both Realms will encrease either being sufficient not only to furnish necessaries but even all lawfull and moderate contentments of life to support others Besides that an assurance of Defence Strength and Power to invade ease in undergoing publick Charges will hereby follow We are not ignorant that your Lady is designed for France but how long alas will ye continue prodigal of your blood for the French What have ye advantaged your selves by your Alliance with France save that they engage your bodies in their Wars and by conferring upon you unprofitable titles of honour take from you what is truly real ye are reserved a Postern-gate by which they may enter England diverting our Forces and transporting the Stage of the War upon our Borders Learn to forget your French or iâ— ye be so enamoured with France Love her after our manner Come take a share be partakers of our Victories Are not our Forces being joyned sufficient to overcome nay bring in chains hither that King of Bruges and make our selves Masters of his Continent France never did so much good to Scotland in twenty years as Scotland hath had loss by England for the love and cause of France in one Are not your wounds at Vernueil and Cravant yet bleeding and all for the French It hath been your valour and not the French which heretofore empeached our conquest and progress in France were it not for your swords we had made ere now the loftiest tops of the Alps or Pyrenees bear our Trophies Ye say ye reverence and cannot break your old league and confederation with that Kingdom happy Leagues but wo to the keepers of them unhappy Scotland and too too honest and the more unhappy for that thy honesty is the great cause of thy mishaps How long shall that old league counted amongst the Fables of the Ancient â—alladines make you waste your lives goods fortunes and lose your better Friends The Genius of this Isle seemeth to cry unto us her Nurselings to stay our cruel hands no longer to be her desolation and the wrack one of another not to pass over and neglect these fair occasions of mutual Alliances which will not only effectuate Truces and Leagues amongst our selves but at last bring a perpetual Peace and Union for by interchange of Marriages being united this Isle shall continue stronger by entertaining Peace and Amity then by all these Giant walls Rampiers of Mountains and that huge ditch of Seas by which Nature hath environed and fortified her Now that ye may know how dearly we esteem your Friendship and Alliance whereas others go to take from you we will give you Roxburgh Berwick and all the lands between Tweed and Redcross If shadows prevail and prove stronger with you then essential reason and that ye disesteem our offer losing this good occasion we as Neighbours and Friends entreat you that ye do not uphold the French now in the Sun-set of their Fortunes and at their weakest that ye would not shoulder this falling Wall but that ye would live quiet within
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
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
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
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