were naturally enemies to the English fortifie themselves in Scotland would prove a hurtful and preposterous course In end the Queen enclining that way it was concluded that a supply should be granted and the Duke of Norfolk sent to Berwick to treat of the conditions with the Commissioners of the Scottish Nobility The French advertised of this conclusion taken resolved to make an end of the warre before the English support could be in readinesse and to begin with the Lords residing at Fife Thereupon taking their journey to Striveling they spoyled Linlithgow in the way with the lands of Kinneil and all that they understood belonged to the Duke in those parts The like pillage they made in Striveling and passing the Bridge they kept the side of the River robbing all the villages and Coast Towns which were in their way It was their purpose to have kept the coast still till they came to S. Andrews and then to have fortified the Castle and City but the Earl of Arrane and Lord Iames hearing that they were past Striveling sent some forces under the charge of the Lord Ruthven a Nobleman of good experience and courage to withstand their attempts In his company was the Earl of Sutherland who was come to the Lords some dayes before directed as he gave out by the Earl of Huntley to make offer of his assistance howbeit his principal Commission was unto the Queen Regent as afterwards was knowne The first encounter with the French was at Pitticurre so they call the Haven on the West of Kingorne by occasion of some small vessels that were espied to come from Leth which as the Lord Ruthven did stop from landing the French that were further advanced then he supposed did charge him on the back and forced him to flie six or seven souldiers were killed in this conflict and a Dutchman called Paul Lambird with a French boy taken and hanged upon the Steeple of Kingarne The Earl of Sutherland wounded a little in the Arm with the shot of an Harquebuse returned the same day to Couper The Lords to stay the further progress of the French drew all the forces they could make in these parts to the Town of Dysert where they remained 20. dayes together keeping the French souldiers that were numbred to be 4000. in such work that the countrey was generally saved from spoile and the hurt and damage that was done falling for the greatest part upon their friends and confederates For of all that were professed enemies to the French the Laird of Grange onely had his house blown up with Gunpowder whereas the Laird of Weimes Seafield Balmaito Balwery Balgony Dury and others of the French faction were forced to furnish them with cornes cattel and what else they stood in need of or if the souldiers lacked any thing the readiest goods upon their ground were taken to provide them Hereof divers complaints being made to the French Captains the poor owners were scornfully answered that their goods were of the Congregation and if they made faith that the same were their own proper goods they were railed upon and called cowards and unworthy niggards that made more accompt of their goods then of their friends Such as professed Religion and expected the worst putting their goods out of the way or standing to their defence were in a much better condition and Grange who had his house cast down as I have said avenged himselfe sufficiently a few dayes after For knowing that the French used to send forth some souldiers into the countrey every day to bring in provision he laid an Ambush near to Kingorne and as Captain le Batu with an hundred souldiers came forth after they were passed a mile from the town he brake upon them with a number that he had selected to that purpose the Captain with his souldiers retiring to a little countrey house defended themselves a while with their shot and dangerously wounded David Kircaldy brother to the Laird of Grange and a Gentleman called Robert Hamilton who were both at first supposed to be slain The French had the advantage for they were within ditches and Le Batu having taken a little house kept the gate with some Harquebuses Grange and his company carried spears onely yet in that heat of valour which ordinarily at such occasions he shewed he rushed in upon the French and was followed by the Master of Lindesay and others whom his example did animate The Captain refusing to render himself with fifty of his company was slain the rest were all taken and sent prisoners to Dundy By this time the Lords that remained in the West parts being advertised of the answer returned from England and how the Duke of Norfolke was coming to Berwick to attend the Scottish Commissioners that should be chosen to treat of the conditions of the supply they sent of their number some to assist the Noblemen of Fife in making that choice The meeting was at Couper where by common consent choice was made of Lord Iames the Lord Ruthven the Masters of Maxwel and Lindesay the Laird Lethington younger and Laird of Pittarrow and Mr. Henry Balnaves and power given them by the Duke and remnant Lords to contract and agree with the Queen of England and her Lieutenant upon all such things as might serve for the good and conjunction of the two Kingdomes and particularly for expelling the French souldiers out of the Realm of Scotland These taking journey by Sea came about the middest of February to Berwick and after some short treaty a contract was formed betwixt Thomas Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshall of England and Lieutenant to the Queens Majesty in the North in name and behalf of her Highness on the one part and Lord Iames Stewart Patrick Lord Ruthven Sir Iohn Maxwel of Tareglife Knight William Maitland of Lethington younger Iohn Wishart of Pittarrow and Mr. Henry Balnaves of Halhil in name and behalfe of the noble and mighty Prince Iames Duke of Chattellerault second person of the Realm of Scotland and the remnant Lords joyned with him for maintenance and defence of the ancient Rights and liberties of the countrey on the other part to the effect following 1. That the Queens Majesty having sufficiently understood as well by information from the Nobility of Scotland as by the proceedings of the French that they did intend to conquer the Realm of Scotland suppress the Nobility thereof and unite the same to the Crown of France perpetually contrary to the Lawes of the same Realm and the pactions oathes and promises of France and being most humbly and earnestly requested by the said Nobility for and in the name of the whole Realm to receive the Kingdom of Scotland the Duke of Chattellerault declared heir to the Crown thereof with the Nobility and other subjects into her protection and maintenance only for preservation of the Scots in their own freedomes and liberties during the time that the marriage did continue
Bishops of Argyle An. 1289. The Bishops of the Isles The Nobles and Barons resolve upon a Reformation An. 1558. An act for publick service History of the Church The Clergy complaining to Queen Regent The Bishop of S. Andrewes letter to the Earl of Argyle The Earl of Argyle his answer The feast of S. Giles The procession disturbed by a tumulâ—◠〈…〉 Supplication to Queen Regent for 〈◊〉 Petitions for reformation The Queens answer A dispute offered by the Clergy and accepted by the Congregation Ridiculous conditions offered to the Petitioners Articles presented by the Congregation to the Parliament Queen Regent stayeth the presenting of the Articles The Protestation made by those that desired Reformation The Protestation refused to be inserted in the records The Queens countenance changed towards the Congregation An. 1559. Ministers cited to appear at Striveling Commissions directed to the Queen Reformation begun at Perth The Queen Regent dealeth with the Lord of Dun to stay the contentions of people Iohn Knox joyneth with the Congregation at Perth The Monasteries demolished at Perth The Images pulled down at Couper in Fise Queen Regent intendeth to surprise Perth The Earle of Glencarne cometh to assist the town An accord mediated by the Earle of Argile and Lord Iames. The conditions of the accord Queen Regent entreth into Perth The Articles of peace violated The Earle of Argile and Lord Iames forsake the Regent Iohn Knox in a sermon preached at Craill perswadeth the expulsion of the French Images pulled down at Crail and Austruther The Monasteries of S. Andrewes demolished Proclamation to meet the Queen at Couper The Lords of the Congregation prevent her The meeting at Couper moore The estate of the Queens Army A treaty for peace The French required to be â—mitted The truce accorded The town of Perth complaineth of their oppressions The Lords be siege Perth Perth yeelded upon Composition The Abbey of Scone demolished The Abbey of Cambuskehneth ruined Images and Altars pulled down at Linlithgow and Edinburgh A Proclamation by Queen Regent Rumours dispersed to the prejudice of the Congregation The Lords purge themselve to the Queen The Proclamation of the Lords The Lairds of Pittarrow and Cunningham-head sent to the Queen The Queens desire to speak with the Earl of Argyle and the Lord Iames. The Lords suspecting some practice refuse to send the Noblemen A meeting at Preston The answer of the Lords to the condition proponed News of the French Kings death The Queen prepareth to enter into Edinburgh The Articles of the Truce The Lords depart to Striveling The Queen desireth the Church of S. Giles for the exercise of Masse The Magistrates answer The French Captains and souldiers trouble the people in hearing the Sermon A letter to Lord Iames from King Francis Another letter from the Queen of Scots to Lord Iames. The answer given by Lord Iames. A French Captain called Octavian arriveth with a regiment of souldiers The Queen maketh to fortifie Leth. The Earle of Arrane joynes with the Lords at Striveling A letter directed to the Queen from the Lords A letter sent by them to the Lord Ereskin Sr. Robert Carnagie and Mr. David Borthuick directed to the Duke A Proclamation given forth by the Queen The Queen seeketh to disunite the Lords The perswasions used Lord Iames his Answer A Proclamation by the Queen declaring her purpose in the fortifying of Leth. The Bishop of Amiens and some Doctors of Sorbon active at Leth. A declaration published by the Lords The Lords come to Edinburgh and write unto the Queen The Duke purgeth himself and his son of any aspiring The Herald directed to the Lords The credit given to the Herald by the Queen The Lords deliberate upon discharging the Queen of her Regency The opinion of the Preachers required Master Willock his opinion Iohn Knox his sentence The Preachers ought not to have medled in that busines The examples they brought did not warrant their opinion Act depriving Queen Regent of her government The Herald dimitted and the Act intimated to the Queen by letters from the Lords The town of Leth summoned Moneys failing they sent to borrow from England The Laird of Ormston surprised by Bothwel and spoiled of his money The house of Creichion on taken The Provost of Dundy put to flight by the souldiers at Leth. A conflict betwixt the Scots and French Secretary Lethington forsaketh the Queen Regent The Lords leave Edinburgh and the French possesse the Town The Queen sendeth for new forces from France The Lords send to England for a supply Altars and Images demolished at Glasgow The Bishop recovereth the Castle Commissions sent unto England A supply granted and the Duke of Norfolk sent to treat of the conditions The French resolve to make an end of the warre before the English be prepared An encounter with the French at Pitticurre The Lords came to Dysert to stay the progrâ—sse of the French The Laird of Grange defeats a company of the French Commissioners sent to treat with Norfolk The contract with England The French souldiers upon sight of the Navy return to Leth. Divers houses in Fiâ—e taken by the Lord. An. 1560. The Cathedral of Aberdene saved by the Earl of Huntlâ—y Pledges sâ—nt to the Admiral of England The English forces enter into Scotland Queen Regent entereth into the Castle of Edinburgh A letter from the Lords to the Queen Regent The English General intreateth the Queen to dimit the French The first conflict of the siege of Leth. The situation of the Scottish and English Camp The French entered into the English trenches where divers were killed A fire in the town of Leth The English thinking to scale the walls are repulsed The offer of the French King to the Queen of England The Queens answer Sir William Cecill and Doctor 〈◊〉 sent to mediate an agreement Queen Regent sickneth and dieth She conferreth with the Lords before her death Qâ—een Regent her just commen lations The malice â— of the author of the story called Iohn Knox his history A truce taken upon the death of the Queen Regent Conditions of the peace The French embark and the Army of England departeth The Ministers distributed amongst the Burghs A Parliament and the lawfulnesse thereof questioned The Clergy offended with the election of the Lords of the Articles Petitions proponed in favour of the Reformers The Confession of Faith put in form and presented The Confession approved The Popes authority abolished The Lord Torpichen directed to France The Earles Morton and Glencarn sent into England The French King dieth Mr Iohn Lesly sent from the French faction to perswade the Queens return Lord Iames by the Noblemen of the Reformation to the same end The Queen resolveth to return An ambassage from France Morton and Glencam return from England A form of Church policy The advertisement of the Archbishop of St. Andrewes sent to Iohn Knox. A direction for demolishing Cloysters and Abbey Churches All the Churches under this pretext spoyled and defaced
a Parliament at Edinburgh A supplication presented in name of the Queen The Queens resignation of the Crown discerned null A conflict betwixt the Earl of Morton and the Lords at Edinburgh The Lord Home taken prisoner The Regent returneth to Leth. The combat offered by Grange is accepted and thereafter by himself declined The Queen of England insisteth for peace The Regent excuseth his refuse of the Abstinence A Parliament kept at Edinburgh by the Lords The Regent kept a Parliament at Striveling Persons forfeited in the Parliament An enterprise of the Lord claud Hamilton The number of the slain on both sides An ominous speech of the King being yet a child The Regâ—nts speech to the Nobility An Assembly of the Church at Striveling Iohn Knox his letter to the Assembly A consultation for setling the policy of the Church The power of the Superintendents Commissioners named to deal with he Regent and Estate The Earl of Marre elected Regent Adam Gordon deputy for Huntley in the North. A conflict betwixt Adam Gordon and the Forbesses A supply granted by the Regent to the Lord Forbes Another conflict betwixt the Gordons and Foâ—besses An Assembly of the Church at Leth. An. 1572. Commissioners named for the Councel and Church Articles agreed unto by the Councel and Church An Assembly of the Church at Perth The Lord Ruthven sent to assist the town of Iedburgh The Bishop of Ross called inquestion for the Queens marriage with Norfolk The Bishop of Ross imprisoned at Ely The Duke of Norfolk executed Certain of the Councel directed to the Queen of Scots The Queen of Englandâ— reateth for peace among the parties The Earls of â—tawford and Buchan directed against Adam Gordan The Castle of Blacknes betrayed by the Keeper Ambassadours from France and England The Lord Fleming unhappâ—y killed A cessâ—tion from warre concluded The Anicles of Abâ—â—â—ence The Regent and Councel do answer to the Articles The Regent dieth at Striveling He commendeth the care of the Kings pâ—rson to his Lady and Brother The description of Ioâ—n Knox his life and death Mr. Iames Lawson admitted Minister at Edinburgh Iohn Knox his speech to the Earl of Morton His last speech to the Ministers and Elders of the Church The Ministers carry a Commission to the Laird of Gâ—ange from Iohn Knox. He giveth order for making his Coffin The History given forth in his name was not of his inditing The Earl of Morton elected Regent Rules given to the Regent for his government Sir Henry Killigrew sent from England A treaty of peace The Laird of Grange refuseth to be comprehended in the treaty He molesteth the town of Edinburgh and fireth the houses A Parliament kept at Edinburgh The pacification concluded at Perth A time given to those of the Castle to accept the pacification Sir Iames Kirkaldy returneth from France He takes land 〈…〉 Captain to the Regent The English Ambassadour travelleth to make Grange accept peace which he refuseth The Regent inâ—reateth the Queen of Englands help for â—pugnation of the Castle Articles agreed betwixt the Regent and the English An. 1573. A Proclamation given out by the Regent The Castle summoned The Captain answereth by a token of defiance The Castle made assaultable A truce taken and the Captain willing to yield upon conditions The Castle rendered to the English Generall Lethington dieth at Leth. Grange and his brother executed The Queens faction quite deâ—â—ated The Regents expedition to the borders His care for the Kings houses and rents He falleth out with the Church Two three or four Churches appointed to one Minister The Superintendents denied paiment of their means The Church desired to be restored to the thirds but is denied An. 1574. The Countrey vexed with Justice Courts A motion for compiling a body of our Law Black Oâ—meston executed for the Kings murther An. 1575. Adam Heriot Minister at Aberdene his death and qualities A conflict betwixt the Scots and English A meeting in the Borders betwixt the Regent and the Earl of Huntington Duke Hamilton dieth Lord Aberbrothock pursued by Lochlevin He is saved in the house of Darsey Innovations in the Church of Mr. Andrew Melvil The Episcopal function called in question Some brethren selected to conferre upon the question The Bishops present in the Assembly Another Assembly of the Church The Regents motion to the Assembly The Archbishop of Glasgow urged with a particular flock answereth the Assembly Mr. Patrick Adamson provided to S. Andrews An. 1576. The Church off 〈◊〉 with the Bishopâ— answer A form of policy presented to the Regent The discontents great in the countrey Iohn Semple and Adam Whitford accused for conspiring the Regents death An. 1577. The Earl of Argile and Athol at variance A great insolence committed by Argile Alexander Aâ—â—skin practiseth a change Argile and Athol agreed Argile complaineth of the Regent to the King Athol his advice to the King for trying Argiles complaint The Regent sendeth to inform the King of Argiles contempt His offer to dimit the Regâ—ncy The King is advised to accept â—he Regents dimission A Commission from the King to the Regent The Kings acceptation of the Government The Lord Boyd chideth the Regent for his dimission The Chancellour and Earl of Angus imployed in the Regents dimission to the King The Regents discharge of his administration Mortons enemies are still practising against him The King his calm proceedings with Morton An. 1578. A pitiful Accident The Chancellour killed in a tumult The Earl of Athol created Chancellour The Castle of Edinburgh delivered to the Earl of Marre The Castle of Striveling surprised by the Earl of Marre his friends The Councel goeth to Striveling and composeth the controversy Conditions prescrived to the Earl of Marre A Convention at Striveling The Earl of Morton cometh to Striveling The Kings motion to the Lords and the rest of the Estates The Counsellours disswade the change of the place of Parliament An Ambassage to the Queen of England Jealousies among the Noblemen A Proclamation against the false rumors dispersed The Lords remaining at Edinburgh protest against the holding of the Parliament Mantross and Lindesay charged to keep their lodgings for using the protestation A Declaration of the Lords remaining at Edinburgh Proclamations to follow the King or his Lieutenant The Lords charged to depart out of Edinburgh The Provost of Edinburgh committed A Proclamation for dissolving the forces convened at Edinburgh The Lords march towards Striveling The English Ambassadour laboureth to to compose matters Conditions agreed upon The Articles signed The twentieth of September appointed for a meeting of Noblemen at Striveling The Noblemen decline the meeting The petitions of thâ— Chanceâ—â—â—â—r and the Lords and Gentlemen adhering to him The King offended with the petition The Noblemen cited to appear at Striveling His Majestics speech at the meeting The Lords are desireâ— to set down their complaints in writing The Lords reconciled A form of Church-policy presented to the Parliament and remitted to certain Commissionres 1.
inhabitants of the Burgh excepted to depart forth of the town of Edinburgh within six houres after the charge as likewise all that were of their society to forsake them and live obedient to the authority except they would be reputed and holden traytours to the Crown c. Together with this Proclamation rumors were dispersed that the Lords of the Congregation had conspired to deprive the Queen Regent of her authority and to disinherit the Duke of Chattelerault and his heirs of their succession and title to the Crown These rumours were believed of divers and prevailed so farre as many that assisted the Congregation began to shrink and fall away in regard whereof it was thought needful they should clear themselves both by their letters to the Queen and open Proclamation to the people which they did in manner following First in the letters directed to the Queen they said That they had notice given them of a Proclamation lately made wherein they were traduced as usurpers of their Soveraigns authority and invaders of her person who in absence of their Soveraigns governed the Realm which they esteemed to proceed of a sinistrous information made by their enemies and was an imputation most false and odious their intentions being no other but to abolish idolatry and superstitious abuses that did not agree with the word of God and maintain the true Preachers thereof from the violence of wicked men They did therefore beseech her to use her authority to that effect and for other matters she should find them as obedient as any subjects within the Realm whereof they promised to give testimony and assurance so as they might have safe accesse to her Highnesse This was the substance of the letter which was sent by the Lords Ruthven and Ochilâ—rie unto her In the Proclamation they did call God to witnesse That such crimes as they were charged with never entered into their hearts and that their only intention was to banish idolatry and advance true Religion and defend the Pre achers thereof promising to continue in all duty towards their Soveraign and her mother their Regent provided they might enjoy the liberty of their consciences As to the intromission with the Irons of the Minthouse they said That they being born Counsellors of the Realm and sworne to procure the prosit thereof when they understood the subjects to be greatly hurt by the basenesse of the money which increased the dearth of all necessary wares they could do no lesse of their duties then stay the coyning of more lay money untill the Nobility and Councel had taken surther deliberation therein And where it was given out that they had spoiled the Minthouse of great summes in that point they did remit themselves to the Declaration of Mr. Robert Richardson Master of the Mint in whose hands they delivered all the gold and silver both coined and uncoined which there was found c. For the Intelligence with England nothing was replied whereby it seemed there was some dealing that way for expelling the French men which they did not deny and thought not convenient as then openly to professe The Queen taking hold of the last words of the letter sent unto her self and desiring to know what they would say as likewise trusting to gain somewhat by conference with them did offer a safe conduct to any they pleased whereupon the Lairds of Pittarrow and Cunningham-head were sent in name of the Congregation to declare that their intent and purpose was no other but that they might enjoy the liberty of their consciences and unable Ministers by removed from all Ecclesiastical administration Christ Jesus might be truly preached and his holy Sacraments rightly administred and that their Preachers might be licenced to do their offices without molestation untill such time as by a general Councel lawfully convened or by a Parliament within the Realm the controversies of Religion should be decided which things being granted they did faithfully promise in all other things dutiful obedience Onely to be assured of sincere dealing they desired that the French companies which were to the countrey a burthen and fearful to them might be sent home to their native countrey These Propositions were not pleasing yet made she no shew of any dislike but using gracious words said That if she could be assured of their honest and dutiful meaning to her daughter and her self their demands seemed not unreasonable But she longed to speak with some of their number who were of greater authority meaning as afterwards she uttered that her desire was the Earl of Argyle and Lord Iames should come unto her for when she saw the Lord Ruthven and Ochilâ—rie returned not unto her with the Laird of Pittarrow she fell a complaining that she was not sought in a courteous manner and that they in whom she put her most confidence had left her in her greatest need In end she said That she could not be satisfied till she spake with the Earl of Argyle and Lord James for still she suspected there was some higher purpose amongst them then religion This reported to the Lords they would not by any means condescend that these Noblemen should go unto her doubting some practice against them for she was heard say That if the means could be found out to divide these two from the rest she was sure to prevaile one likewise of her chiefe attendants was said to have bragged that before Michaelmas next both these Noblemen should lose their heads This not succeeding it was agreed that the Duke the Earl of Huntly the Lords Erskin and Summervaile with the Abbot of Kilwining and Justice Clerk should meet for the Queen with such as the Congregation did appoint for treating of the best means to settle a constant and solid peace and for the part of the Congregation were named the Earles of Argyle and Glencarne the Lord Ruthven Boyd and Ochiltrie the Lord Iames the Lairds of Dun and Pittarrow These meeting at Preston to the number of an hundred on each side as was appointed conferred together a whole day but without any conclusion for the Queen seeming to yield unto the free exercise of Religion would have it provided that in what place she happened to come the Ministers should cease from preaching and the Masse only be used The Lords answered That this were to leave them no Church for when the Queen pleased she might change the place of her residence and so there could not be any certain exercise of Religion which were all alike as to overthrow it In these termes they parted that night yet the Lords named for the Congregation unwilling to break off the conference said they would think more of the businesse and advertise what would be yeelded unto After some deliberation the Lord Ruthven and Pittarrow were remitted with this answer That as they could not impede her to use what exercise of Religion she pleased so could they not agree that
the Ministers of Christ should be silenced upon any occasion much lesse that the true service of God should give place to superstition and idolatry Wherefore they humbly requested as often they had done liberty to serve God according to their consciences and did beseech her to remove the French soulders otherwise there could be no firm and solid peace The Queen hearing all replied only that she wished there might be peace but to none of the points proponed made she any direct answer Whereupon the Noblemen resolved to bide together at Edinburgh and not depart till matters were fully composed Newes in this time were brought of the French King Henry the second his death which put the Lords in some better hopes but withall made them more carelesse for divers as though nothing was now to be feared did slide away to attend their private affaires and they who remained expecting no invasion lived secure keeping neither watch nor ward as if there had been no enemy to fear The Queen on the other side became more watchful observing all occasions whereby she might weaken the faction and assure her self So getting notice of the solitude which was at Edinburgh she hasted thither with the companies she had The Lords advertised of her coming grew doubtful what to do for howsoever they might save themselves by flight they saw the town by their retiring should be lost and the Church which in some good fashion was then established be utterly cast down therefore with the small number they had they issued forth of the town and putting themselves in order stood on the East side of Craigingate to impede the approach of the French The Duke and Earl of Morton who were gone that morning to meet the Queen and give her the convoy laboured to compose things but prevailed not onely that day they kept the parties from falling into an open conflict The next day when the Queen which lay all that night at Leith prepared to enter into the town by the West port and that the Lords were advancing to stop her in the way the Lord Areskin who untill that time had carried himself a neuter threatned to play upon them with the Canon unlesse they suffered the Queen to enter peaceably and without trouble This it was supposed he did to make them accept the conditions of truce offered the day before which they seeing no better way were content to yeeld unto The Articles were as followeth 1. That the Congregation and their adherents the inhabitants of Edinburgh only excepted should depart forth of the town within the space of twenty four houres to the end the Queen Regent and her companies may enter peaceably in the same 2. That the Congregation should render the Palace of Halirudhouse with all the furnishing they found therein redeliver the Minthouse and Printing Irons the next morning before ten of the clock and for observing this and the former Article the Lord Ruthven and Laird of Pittarrow should enter as pledges to the Queen 3. That the Lords of the Congregation and all the members thereof should remain obedient subjects to the King and Queens authority and to the Queen Regent as governing in their place observing the lawes and customes of the Realm as they were used before the raising of this tumult in all things the cause of Religion excepted wherein the order after specified should be followed 4. That the Congregation should not trouble nor molest any Churchman by way of deed nor make them any impediment in the peaceable enjoying and uplifting their rents and that it should be lawful for them to dispone and use their benefices and rents according to the lawes and customes of the Realm untill the tenth of Ianuary next 5. That the Congregation should use no force nor violence in casting down of Churches religious places or defacing the ornaments thereof but the same should be harmlesse at their hands untill the tenth of Ianuary next 6. That the town of Edinburgh should use what Religion they pleased untill the said day and none of the Subjects in other parts of the countrey be constrained against their mindes in matters of that kind 7. That the Queen should not interpone her authority to molest the Preachers of the Congregation nor any other their members in their bodies lands possessions pensions or whatsoever other kind of goods they enjoyed nor yet should any spiritual or temporal Judges trouble them for the cause of religion or other action depending thereupon untill the said tenth of Ianuary but that every man should live in the mean time according to conscience 8. That no man of Warre French or Scottish should be put in Garison within the town of Edinburgh only it should be lawful to the souldiers to repaire thither for doing their lawful affairs which done they should retire themselves to their proper Garisons This truce and the heads thereof published the Lords departed towards Striveling leaving Iohn Willock Minister to serve in the Church of Edinburgh As they departed the Duke and Earle of Huntley met with them at the Quarry holes promising if any part of the appointment should be violated to joyn all their forces for expulsing the French out of the Realm and indeed the Queen was then more careful nor in former times she had been to see that no breach should be made howbeit many wayes she went about to reestablish the Masse and bring the favourers of Religion in contempt In Edinburgh she employed the Duke the Earl of Huntley and Lord Seaton to deal with the Magistrates and Councel of the Town that they would appoint some other Church then S. Giles where their Minister might preach reserving that Church to her use and for the exercise of the Masse The Magistrates answered That S. Giles Church had been the ordinary place of their meeting to Sermon and other Religious Exercises and could not be taken from them without a manifest breach of the truce seeing by one of the Articles it was provided that the Preachers of the Congregation should not be molested in any thing they possessed at the making of the appointment Huntley replying That the Queen meant to keep all conditions and desired this onely of their favour or if they would not change the place of their preaching that at least they would permit Masse to be said either before or after Sermon in the Church of S. Giles They answered That they were in possession of that Church and would never consent that Idolatry should be there again erected or if men would do it violently they behoved to suffer and would use the next remedy This being refused another device was invented that the French Captains with their souldiers should in time of Sermon and prayers keep their walkes in the Church and trouble the exercise so much as they could This they thought would enforce them to make choice of a more retired place for their Sermons or then irritate the people
horsemen and four ships well appointed to keep the Haven of Leth trusting therewith as she said and with the assistance she promised her self in the Countrey to daunt all the rebells and bring them to obedience Meane while she began to fortifie the towne of Leth as being a Port fit to receive fresh supplies and a place that might serve the French companies for a refuge if they should happen to be redacted to any necessitie The Lords of the Congregation kept at that time a Convention in Striveling and thither came the Earle of Arrane the Duke his eldest son having left France upon this occasion Being one day in conference with the Duke of Guise who then ruled all things in the French Court and falling in speech of those that professed the reformed Religion he did utter his minde too freely in their favours which was so ill taken as it was resolved to call him in question Of this and other speeches that had escaped the Cardinall of Lorraine in the Court of Parliament he was advertised and thereupon retired quickly from Court and went to Geneva there he became acquainted with Mr. Randolph an English man who was afterwards imployed in many honourable Legations to Scotland and came with him into England where he was much graced by Queen Elizabeth and by her perswasions induced to promise that at his return he should joyn himself with those that sought to expell the French forth of Scotland and move his father so far as in him lay to take part in that cause Both which he truly performed for immediately upon his return he came to the Noblemen at Sriveling and made offer of his assistance in the common quarrell both of Religion and the liberty of the Countrey Then going to visit his Father at Hamilton he won him to their side and reconciling some old grudges betwixt his father and certain Noblemen brought them all to meet together at Hamilton and to write a common Letter to Queen Regent which was to this effect That it was to them a marvell ho she not provoked by any injury could go so soon from the late appointment as to expulse the ancient inhabitants of the town of Leth place therein a Colonie of strangers as minding to keep the Countrey under a Tyrannicall subjection This they said was against her promise against the publick weale and against the lawes and liberties of the Kingdome wherefore they intreated her to desist from that course and not to drive them into a necessity of seeking the concurrence of the Subjects for resisting the mischief intended against the whole This letter dated at Hamilton the 29. of September was subserived by the Duke of Chattellerault the Earles of Arrane Argile Glencarn and Mentieth the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Ochiltrie and divers other Barons and Gentlemen They wrote also to the Lord Ereskin keeper of the Castles of Edinburgh and Striveling Desiring him as a Nobleman and a Member with them of the same Common-wealth to look circumspectly to his own person and to the strengths committed to his trust and not to suffer himself to be abused with the promises and policies which they knew would be used Hereof they did think it needfull as they said to give him warning not that they stood in doubt of his sidelity but that they esteemed it their duty to advertise him of the common danger and to assure him if by violence any should go about to bereave him of those sorts their assistance should not be lacking Queen Regent not liking to make an answer to the Lords in writing sent Sir Robert Carnagie and Mr. David Borthuick with a letter of credit to the Duke That which they had in credit to say was that she wondred much at his joyning with the Lords or that he should have permitted the Earle of Arrane his son take that course and to advise him to come and stay with her at Court or if they could not obtain that point that they should disswade him from taking part with them The Duke asking what the Queen meant to do concerning the fortification at Leth and dispatch of the French men they said If all things were put in the Queen will she would be gracious enough Whereunto he replayed That both he and the rest of the Lords would most willingly serve her so as she would be ruled by the counsell of naturall Scottish men but so long as she kept about her strangers who were a trouble and great to the Countrey he beleeved no wise man would give either him or them advise to put themselves in her hands This answer reported to the Queen because she perceived the arriving of the French souldiers to be generally ill taken she gave forth a Proclamation Wherein complaining of the calumnies dispersed against her by wicked people especially that she had broken the appointment made with the Congregation at Leth which she said was onely to entertain division in the Realm by receiving of French forces which they aggredged so far against all reason it not being an Article of the appointment that albeit for every Frenchman that was in Scotland there were a hundreth at her command there should not a jot that was promised be broken nor the least alteration be made in any thing if the Congregation did in like manner faithfully keep their part Therefore willed all good subjects not to give eare to such informations nor suffer themselves to be led thereby from their due obedience assuring them that they should ever finde with her truth in promise and a motherly love towards all loyall subjects Besides the Proclamation she imployed in the Countrey some whom she especially trusted to inform the Subjects of her good meaning the principalls were Mr. Iames Balfoure Officiall of Lothian Mr. Thomas and Mr. William Scots sons to the Laird of Balwery Sir Robert Carnagy and some others Neither did she omit to deal with the specials of the Congregation sending Sir Iohn Bannatyne Justice Clerk to the Lord Ruthven with many liberall promises if he would leave the faction and Mr. Iohn Spence of Condy to Lord Iames with a letter bearing this effect That having understood the cause of his departing from her to be the love he bare to Religion Albeit she did mislike the same yet knowing his minde and the mindes of other Noble men to be so far bent that way as there was no possiblity to reclaim them she had now resolved to tolerate their profession and at their own sights to grant such liberty as might stand with the common policy of the Realm and their Soveraigns honour As for the men of Warre and fortification at Leth so much complained of she said that some had given her to understand that it was not the advancement of Religion which was sought but that the same was made a pretext to overthrow the authority of his sister whereof she beleeved he would never be participant and this was the
of Arrane and Lord Iames taking some companies of horse with them made towards Creichton whither Bothwel as they were advertised was gone But finding that he was escap'd they seised upon the house and gave it in keeping to Captain Forbes The same day that this happened the Provost of Dundy with his Townesmen and a few mercenary souldiers went down towards Leth carrying with them some pieces of Artillery which he planted on a hill near unto the Town The French had warning that most of the horsemen were gone about other businesse and knowing the footmen to be few made a salley upon them with some companies The Townesmen of Dundy sustained the fight for a while trusting to be seconded by the souldiers but they turned backs in the very beginning of the conflict the townesmen were forced to retire keeping still their ranks till a cry was raised that the French were entring by Leth Winde to cut them off from the Town This caused such a perturbation as every man took the way he held best for his safety and in the flight as commonly it falleth one hindering another many were overthrown some ten souldiers were killed Captain Mowak taken prisoner and Mr. Charles Geddes servant to the Master of Maxwell The flight held to the middest of the Canon gate where the Earl of Argyle and Lord Robert Abbot of Halirudhouse turned the Chase and pursuing the French made them flie as fast as they followed This little advantage of the French made Bothwel so insolent as he simply refused to restore the moneys he had taken And thus all hopes of money failing and the souldiers refusing to serve some not of the meanest sort stole away secretly the few that remained were distracted in opinions among themselves and grew doubtful what to do The fifth of November upon advertisement that the French were issued forth of Leth to intercept the provision that was carrying to Edinburgh the Earle of Arrane and Lord Iames with their domesticks went out to defend the Careers and were followed with divers of the Citizens these giving the onset upon the French with more courage then foresight advanced so farre as they were almost encompasâ—ed by the enemy and cut off from the Town For the French had divided their companies in two one part took the way directly from Leth to Halirudhouse the other marched somewhat more Eastward and nearer the Sea The Lords who were gone as farre as Restalrig beholding the French to march towards Edinburgh returned with expedition fearing the case of the Citizens and that they themselves should be cut off which in all appearance had been done if the Laird of Grange and Alexander Whitlaw with a few horsemen had not kept them in skirmish for a little time The other French companies that came by Restalrig beholding the Lords retire made after them and pursued so hotly as the Earle of Arrane and Lord Iames were forced to quit their horses for safety of the foot who were in great disorder Captain Alexander Halliberton a man of good spirit and forward in the cause of Religion staying behinde to hold off the French received divers wounds whereof the same night he died In this conflict there fell some 25. or 30. men The Master of Buchan with the Lairds of Pitmilly Fairnay and some others of smaller note were taken prisoners A little before this time William Maitland of Lethington Secretary to the Queen perceiving that he was hated of the French for the freedom he used in his counsel did secretly withdraw himself and joyned with the Lords He was earnest to have them abide together laying before them the dangers that might ensue upon their dissolving but few or none consenting conclusion was taken to leave the Town and after midnight to depart towards Striveling The day after the Lords departing the French went up to Edinburgh and took possession of the Town All that professed the Religion were compelled to flie and seek their refuge in other places Mr. Willock the Minister went unto England and immediately was the Romane service restored The Church of S. Giles as if infected with some contagion by the Sermons preached therein was of new hallowed by the Bishop of Amiens with a number of Ceremonies and such triumphing was amongst the Popish sort as they thought the game to be theirs The Queen sent advertisement to France requiring new forces with expedition to make the victory absolute Whereupon the Marquesse D'Elbeuf and Count Martiques a young Nobleman were directed with some companies both of foot and horse but they imbarking at Deep were dispersed by tempest 18. Ensignes cast away upon the coast of Holland and the rest driven back into France A while after the Marquesse putting to Sea arrived at Leth about the beginning of the spring with a thousand foot and some few horsemen The Lords at their coming to Striveling were in great heavinesse and doubtful what course to take till encouraged by a Sermon that Iohn Knox made unto them they gathered new spirits resolving to send unto England for supply and till answer should come to divide their companies The Duke and Earl of Glencarne with the Lords Boyde Ochiltry and their friends were appointed to remain at Glasgow the Earles of Arrane and Rothes Lord Iames the Master of Lindesay and their friendship to stay together in Fife and for making intelligence one to the other Mr. Henry Balnaves was ordained to attend the Noblemen at Glasgow and Iohn Knox these of Fife The Duke at his coming to Glasgow caused all the Images and Altars to be pulled down and took the Castle pertaining to the Bishop Upon the report of this the Bishop taking with him a number of French men and assisted by the Lords Semple Seaton and Rosse marched hastily thither recovered the Castle for the Lords advertised of their coming had left the Town and staying there one onely night returned to Edinburgh In Fife there was more quietnesse all things continuing peaceable till a little before Christmas at which time answer was returned from England and hopes given of support from thence William Maitland younger of Lethington and Robert Melvil brother of the Laird of Raith had been intrusted with that businesse They at their coming to the Court of England did inform the Queen of the troubles of the countrey the difficulties whereunto it was reduced and the danger that England should fall into if Scotland were once subdued by the French entreating her aid and assistance for their expulsion She remitting the matter to the Councel it was long debated whether or no any supply should be granted some maintaining that it was a thing of ill example to assist the subjects of another Prince in their Rebellion and that the same might draw upon themselves a dangerous warre Others holding that they were obliged in conscience to defend their neighbours from the oppression of strangers and that to suffer the French who
the Firth which they did apprehend to be a supply sent unto them but when they saw them fall upon the ships that carried their victuals they became doubtful and shortly after were assured by a boat which had spoken them that it was an English Navy sent to the support of the Congregation and that a land Army was also prepared to come into Scotland These newes troubled them not a little and made them doubtful what course to take for to return by Striveling was a long way and to transport the souldiers to the other coast there were no vessels so as they feared to be kept from joyning with their fellows at Leth. Their resolution therefore was to make the longer journeys as they did and setting to the way the same night they came on the third day to Leth having lost divers of their company by the way Fife thus delivered from their oppressions publick thanks were given to God in the Church of S. Andrews This done the Lords took purpose to besiege the houses of Weimes Seafield Bagome and Dury which were taken without resistance and the Lords thereof made prisoners but shortly after they were dimitted and the houses restored upon condition not to assist the French any more The Earl of Huntley at the same time being advertised that the Barons of Mernis were come to Aberdene to make reformation in that City hastened thither to withstand their proceedings and by his coming saved the Cathedral Church the houses of the Dominicans Carmelites and other Religions being already demolished and cast down Yet when he heard that the English forces were advancing he sent to the Lords and made offer to joyn with them A meeting to this effect was appointed at Perth whither he came and staying some three dayes departed homewards upon promise to return unto the Army in the beginning of April for Proclamatinos were gone through the countrey charging all the subjects to meet in Armes at Linlithgow the last of March and from thence to passe forwards in pursuit of the French that had fortified at Leth. For fulfilling the Article whereby the Lords were tied to send pledges unto England Colin Campbel Cousen to the Earl of Argyle Robert Douglas brother to the Laird of Lochleven and ... Ruthven son to the Lord Ruthven were delivered to the Englâ—sh Admiral and by sea conveyed to the Town of Newcastle After which the English forces consisting of 2000. horse and six thousand foot entered into Scotland conducted by the Lord Gray under whom commanded the Lord Scroop Sir Iames Crofts Sir Henry Percie and Sir Francis Lake The Scottish Army joyned with them at Preston the fourth of April whereof the principal leaders were the Duke of Chattellerault the Earles of Argyle Glencarn and Menteith Lord Iames. the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Ochiltrie who were assisted by all the Barons and Gentlemen professing Religion in Lothian Fife Angus Mernis and the West countries The same day the Queen Regent removed her family to the Castle of Edinburgh and was received by the Lord Aresken a Nobleman of approved honesty and wisdom he was not ignorant of the Queens intentions and the desire she had to have the French Masters of that strength yet he would not at that time deny her entrie but used such circumspection as she and the house both were still in his power The Noblemen resolving to fall presently to work did yet think to move the Queen of new for dismissing the French companies and to that effect they directed a letter of this tenor Madame We have often before this time by letters and messages been instant with you to remove the French souldiers out of the Realm who now the space of a year and more have oppressed the poor people with evils intolerable and threaten to bring this Kingdom under a miserable servitude But seeing we could not prevaile by our lawful requests we were forced to mean our estate to the Queen of England our nearest neighbour and intreat her support for expulsing these strangers by Armes if otherwise we cannot obtain it And now albeit she pitying our distresses hath taken us and our cause in her protection yet for the duty we owe unto you as the Mother of our Queen and the desire we have to eschew the shedding of Christian blood we have advised once again to intreat the dismission of these French men with their Captains and Commanders for whose commodious transport the Queen of England will be pleased to lend her Navy and give to others of them a safe passage by land If this condition shall be rejected we take God and men to record that it is not malice nor hatred which moveth us to take Armes but that we are driven by necessity to use extreme remedies for preserving the commonwealth and saving our selves our estates and posterities from utter ruine neither shall we for any peril that can happen howsoever we suffer many wrongs and indignities and are daily in expectation of worse forsake that dutiful obedience which we owe to our Queen or yet resist the King her husband in any thing that shall not tend to the subversion of the ancient liberties of this Kingdome Therefore most gracious Queen we beseech you again and again to weigh the equity of our Petition the inconveniences of warre and to consider how needful it is that thus your daughters afflicted Kingdom should be put to some rest and quietnesse If so you do you shall give to all nations a testimony of your moderation and procure the peace of the greatest part of Christendome This letter dated at Dalkeith the fifth of April was subscrived by all the Noblemen that were present The English General did in like manner direct Sir George Howard and Sir Iames Crofâ—s to make offer that if the French would peacably depart forth of Scotland they likewise should return into their countrey without molesting any person Her answer was that she would think of what was propounded and give answer the next day But the Army not liking to admit these delayes advanced the next day which was Saterday towards Leth keeping along the sea coast till they came to Restalrig The French issuing forth of Leth to the number of 1300. or thereby and planting themselves upon a little hill called the Hawkhill where they knew the English Army would encamp for the space of five houres continued in fight the one striving to make good the place the other to carry it At last the Scottish horsemen did charge the French with suh a fury that they not able to maintain it any longer took the flight and retired to the Town from which they had been quite cut off if the English horse had seconded the Scots as was appointed In this conflict three hundred of the French were killed and some few of the English Then begun the Army of England to place their Pavilions betwixt the Town of Leth and Restalrig
The Lord Gray lodging in the Deans house in Restalrig and the most part of his horsemen in the same village the foot lay all in the tents upon the South and South-east side of Leth and near unto them were the Scots Noblemen encamped trenches cast and a little mount erected which was called Mount Pellain from the name of the Captain whereupon eight Canons were placed to play upon S. Antonies Steeple on which the French had planted some Ordinance These thundering night and day battered the steeple and forced the French to dismount their artillery The English after this growing negligent and supposing the French would make no more fallies followed their sports some of the Captains going to Edinburgh and the souldiers falling to play at Dice and Cards as though there had been no enemies to fear wherefore the French getting intelligence they issued forth and entring the English trenches before they were perceived put many to the sword The slaughter was great and esteemed to exceed the losse of the French in the first encounter This accident taught them to be more watchful all the time that the siege continued and because their numbers were so few for besieging the Town in all parts they devised to raise certain mounts in every quarter and to remove the Canon to the West side of the water of Leth. more near the walls then before The last of April a sudden fire kindling within the Town burned all that night which destroyed many houses and consumed a great part of the souldiers provision During this burning the English playing continually with the Canon upon the places where they saw the flames rising to stop the quenching of the fire and entring the ditches did in the mean time measure the height of the walls to provide ladders for the scaling which they intended The seventh of May having resolved to give an assault they brought the ladders a little before day towards the walls but they proved too short and so that purpose failed The English lost 160. at this enterprise such as were affected to the French did hereupon take courage trusting the siege would rise and the English Army depart but the accident did no way dismay either the English or Scots every man animating another to constancie and continuance and about the time came letters from the Duke of Norfolk which greatly confirmed their mindes Thereby he charged them not to break up the siege by any means assuring they should not lack men so long as any could be had between Twede and Trent for in those bounds he commanded as Lieutenant and giving hopes to come in person to the Camp he caused his Pavilion to be set up and sent thither his officers and provision Shortly after a fresh supply came from England of 2000. men which made all former losses to be forgotten The French for some dayes made divers fallies but were ever put to the worst for all the hurt which fell either to Scottish or English from that time untill the rendring of the Town was only the losse of two men Robert Colvil of Cleish Master houshold to Lord Iames a Gentleman much commended both for wisdom and valour he was wounded in the thigh by the shot of a great piece from the town and died of it within two houres and Alexander Lochart brother to the Laird of Barre who lying too open in the trenches was discovered by the enemy and shot in the head The French King hearing in what distresse the companies at Leth were and by reason of other affaires not able to supply them in time sent Count Randon and Monsieur Monluâ—k Bishop of Valence Ambassadours to the Queen of England desiring her to retire her Army out of Scotland with offers to restore the town of Callais if she would call them back her answer was that she did not value that fisher Town so much as to hazard for it the state of Britain The French perceiving that peace could not otherwise be made but by calling back the French souldiers and thinking it dishonorable for the King and Queen of France to treat with their own subjects they intreated the Queen of England to send her Ambassadours to mediate an agreement which was easily assented unto and Mr. William Cecill principal Secretary of England with Doctor wotton Dean of Canterbury and York appointed to go with the French Ambassadours into Scotland and use their best means for pacifying the present troubles Whilest they were in their journey Queen Regent partly out of sicknesse and partly of displeasure died in the Castle of Edinburgh the tenth of Iune 1560. Before her death she desired to speak with the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Argyle Glencarn Marshall and Lord Iames to whom she expressed her grief for the troubles of the Realm commending earnestly the study of peace unto them advising them to send both French and English forth of the countrey and beseeching them to continue in the obedience of the Queen their Soveraign and to entertain the old amity with the King and Realm of France After some speeches to this purpose bursting forth in tears she asked pardon of then all whom any way she had offended professing that she did forgive those who had injured her in any sort and imbracing all the Nobles one by one kissing them she took her farewell To others of meaner sort that stood by she gave her hand and so they departed Afterwards disposing her self for another world she sent for Iohn Willock the Preacher who was then returned from England and conferring with him a reasonable space openy professed that she did trust to be saved only by the death and merits of Iesus Christ and thus ended her life most Christianly She was a Lady of honest and honourable conditions of singular judgement and full of humanity a great lover of justice helpful to the poor especially to those that she knew to be indigent but for shame could not beg Compassionate of women in travel whom she did often visit in her own person and help both with her skill and counsel In her Court she kept a wonderful gravity tolerating no licenciousnesse her maids were alwayes busied in some virtuous exercise and to them she was an ensample every way of modesty chastity and the best vertues A great dexterity she had in government which appeared in the composing the tumults in the North and in pacifying the Isles which by her wisdome were reduced to perfect obedience â—s to those warres which afficted the Kingdome in her last dayes it is not to be doubted but the same happened much against her will neither had they fallen out at all if affaires had been carried according to her mind But she was to govern by direction and in all matters of weight must needs attend responses from the French Court which were the Oracles whereby all affairs at those times were framed This made her in matters of Religion more
bind the King or Queen but that they may give where and when they should think expedient 9. That the Estates of the Realm should convene and hold a Parliament in the moneth of August next for which a Commission should be sent from the French King and the Queen of Scotland and that the said convention should be as lawful in all respects as if the same had been ordained by the express Commandment of their Majesties providing all tumults of warre be discharged and they who ought by their places to be present may come without fear 10. That for the better government of this Realm choice should be made of a Councel which should consist of twelve worthy men of the Kingdom of which number the Queen should chuse seven and the Estates five which twelve in their Majesties absence should take order with the affaires of Government and without their authority and consent nothing should be done in the administration of publick businesse And that the said Councel should convene as oft as they might conveniently but no fewer then six together or if any matter of importance occurred they should all be called or the most part of them providing it should not be prejudicial to the King and Queen and to the Rights of the Crown 11. That the King and Queen should neither make peace nor warre in these parts but by the counsel and advise of the Estates according to the custome of the countrey as it was observed by their predecessors 12. That none of the Lords of the Nobility of Scotland should make convocation of men of warre except in ordinary cases approved by the lawes and custome of the Realm nor should any of them cause men of warre strangers to come into these parts much lesse attempt to do any thing against the King and Queen or against the authority of the Councel and other Magistrates of the Realm and in case any of them had occasion to take Armes the same being first communicated to the Councel their Majesties likewise should be made acquainted therewith and nothing to be done by them that ought not to be done by good and faithful subjects that love the quietnesse of the Realm and will abide in the obedience of their Soveraigns 13. That Lord David son to the Duke of Chattellerault detained prisoner at Bois de Vincennes should be put to liberty and suffered to return into Scotland at his pleasure 14. That with the French men no Artillery should be transported forth of the Realm but those which were sent and brought in since the decease of Francis the first and that all other Artillery and Munition especially that which hath the Armes of Scotland should be put into the places out of which they were taken 15. That the Army of England should return home immediately after the embarking of the French and that all the Scottish men of warre should be broken and licenced to depart 16. That for the Articles concerning Religion presented for the part of the Nobility and people of Scotland which the Commissioners would not touch but referred to their Majesties it was promised that a certain number of Noblemen should be chosen in the next Convention and Parliament to be sent to their Majesties to expone unto them the things that should be thought needful for the estate thereof and for the Articles presently decided they should carry with them the ratification of the same by the Estates and return a confirmation thereof from their Majesties Lastly that the Queen of Scotland and King of France should not hereafter usurp the titles of England and Ireland and should delete the Arms of England and Ireland out of their scutchions and whole housholdstuffe This accord made the French prepared to depart and for returning the ships of England that were lent to transport them the Bishop of Amiens and Monsieur le Broche remained hostages On the sixteenth day of Iuly the French embarked and the same day did the English Army depart towards Berwick the third day after their parting a solemn thanksgiving was kept in the Church of S. Giles by the Lords and others professing true Religion and then were the Ministers by common advice distributed among the Burghs Iohn Knox was appointed to serve at Edinburgh Christopher Goodman at S. Andrews Adam Heriote at Aberdene Iohn Row at Perth William Christeson at Dundy David Ferguson at Dunfermlin Paul Methven at Iedburgh and Mr. David Lindesay at Leth besides these they did nominate for the direction of Church affaires some to be Superintendents as Mr. Iohn Spotswood for Lothian and Mers Mr. Iohn Winram for Fife and Iohn Areskin of Dun for Angus and Mernis Mr. Iohn Willock for Glasgow and Mr. Iohn Kerswel for Argyle and Isles with this small number was the plantation of the Church at first undertaken The time appointed for the Parliament approaching warning was made to all such as by law or ancient custome had any voice therein to be present and at the day the meeting was frequent In the beginning there was great altercation divers holding that no Parliament could be kept seeing their Soveraigns had sent no Commission nor authorized any to represent their persons Others alledging that Article of the peace whereby it was agreed That a Parliament should be kept in the moneth of August and that the same should be as lawful in all respects as if it were ordained by the expresse commandments of their Majesties maintained that the said Article was a warrant sufficient for their present meeting and this opinion by voices prevailed So after some eight dayes spent in these contentions they began to treat of affairs but as they had no commission so the solemnities accustomed of Crown Scepter and Sword which are in use to be carried at these times were neglected There were present of the spiritual Estate the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld Dumblane Galloway Argyle and Isles The Prior of S. Andrews the Abbots of Couper Landors Culross S. Colmes Inch Newbottle Halirudhouse Kinlose Deire and New-Abbey with the Priors of Coningham and S. Mary Isle Of the Nobility the Lord Duke the Earls of Arrane Argyle Marshal Cassils Cathnes Athol Glencarne Merton and Rothes The Lords Ruthven Glammis Areskin Boyd Ochiltrie Carlile Levingston Ogilvy and Somervil with many of the inferiour Barons and of the Commissioners of Burghs none were absent In electing the Lords of the Articles the Noblemen that had the nomination of the Clergy passing by such amongst them as they knew to be Popishly affected made choice of the Bishops of Galloway and Argyle the Prior of S. Andrews the Abbots of Abberbrothock Kilwining Lundors Newbottle and Culross at which the Prelates stormed mightily alledging that some of them were meer Laicks and all of them Apostates for they had openly renounced popery and joyned themselves with the Professors of the truth but there was no remedy the course was changed and now it behoved them to take law
have presumed to have said Masse nor have minâ—stred the Sacraments but Priests and those of the shaven sort Now men are so bold as without all vocation to minister the Sacraments in open Assemblies and some presume to do it in houses without all reverence where there is neither Minister nor Word preached Our desire is that some strict punishment be inflicted upon such abusers which albeit we will not take upon us to prescribe yet we fear not to say that both of them deserve death For if he who falsifyeth the seal and subscription of a King be adjudged worthy of death much more he that falsifieth the seal of Christ Iesus who is the Prince of all the Kings of the earth King Darius gave out an edict that he who did let the reedifying of the material Temple in Ierusalem should have some wood taken out of his house and be himself hanged thereupon And what shall we think those do merit who manifestly do hinder the building of the spiritual temple and the edifying of the souls of Gods people by the true preaching of the Word and right administration of the Sacraments The Papistical Priests have neither power nor authority to minister the Sacraments of Christ because in their mouths God hath not put the word of exhortation And it is not shaving of their crowns the crossing of their fingers the blowing of the dumb dogges called the Bishops nor the laying on of their hands that maketh them true Ministers but the Spirit of God first moving the heart to enter in the holy calling then the nomination of the people the examination taken by the learned and publick admission in manner aforesaid are the things that make men lawful Ministers of the Word and Sacraments We speak of the ordinary vocation in Churches reformed and not of the extraordinary whereby God is pleased sometimes to raise up men by himself for doing his work Therefore notwithstanding the usurpation they have made in time of ignorance inhibition would be given them in the strictest manner not to presume upon the like heâ—eafter as likewise to all others who are not lawfully called to the holy Ministery This was the policy desired to be ratified It had been framed by Iohn Knox partly in imitation of the reformed Churches of Germany partly of that which he had seen in Geneva whence he took that device of annuall Deacons for collecting and dispensing the Church rents whereof in the sixth head he speaketh I cannot say A Noble man being askt his judgement thereof answered that it was a devout imagination wherewith Iohn Knox did greatly offend yet was it no better then a dream for it could never have taken effect The Church men that went before had been provident enough in these matters and good it had been for these that succeeded to have kept fast that which they found established to their hand as the Archbishop of St. Andrewes did at the same time advise them For he imploying Iohn Brand a Munk of Halyrudhouse who served many years after Minister at the Caâ—ongate to go unto Iohn Knox willed him to say from him That albeit he had innovated many things and made reformation of the Doctrine of the Church whereof he could not deny but there was some reason yet he should do wisely to retain the old policy which had been the work of many ages or then put a better in place thereof before he did shake the other Our Highlandmen he said have a custome when they will break young Colts to fasten them by the head with strong tethers one of which they keep ever fast till the beast be throughly made The multitude that beast with many beads would just be so dealt with Master Knox I know esteemeth me an enemy but tell him from me he shall finde it true that I speak The Estates alwayes not thinking it meet to enter at that time in examination of the policy deferred the same to a more convenient season onely an Act was passed for demolishing Cloysters and Abbey Churches such as were not as yet pulled down the execution whereof was for the West parts committed to the Earles of Arrane Argile and Glencarn for the North to Lord Iames and for the in-countries to some Barons that were held most zealous Thereupon insued a pitifull vastation of Churches and Church buildings throughout all the parts of the Realm for every one made bold to put to their hands the meaner sort imitating the ensample of the greater and those who were in authority No difference was made but all the Churches either defaced or pulled to the ground The holy vessels and whatsoever else men could make gain of as timber lead and bells were put to sale The very Sepulchres of the dead were not spared The Registers of the Church and Bibliotheques cast into the fire In a word all was ruined and what had escaped in the time of the first tumult did now undergo the common calamity which was so much the worse that the violences committed at this time were coloured with the warrant of publick authority Some ill advised Preachers did likewise animate people in these their barbarous proceedings crying out That the places where idols had been worshipped ought by the Law of God to be destroyed and that the sparing of them was the reserving of things execrable as if the commandement given to Israel for destroying the places where the Canaanites did worship their false gods had been a warrant for them to do the like The report also went that Iohn Knox whose sayings were by many esteemed as Oracles should in one of his Sermons say That the sure way to banish the Rookes was to pull down their nests which words if any such did escape him were to be understood of the Cloysters of Monks and Friers only according to the Act passed in the Councell But popular fury once armed can keep no measure nor do any thing with advice and judgement After the convention dissolved notwithstanding of the answer given concerning the Book of Policy diverse Noblemen and Barons moved by Iohn Knox did convene and set their hands to the same The subscribers were the Duke of Chattellerault the Earl of Arrane Argile Glencarn Marshall Menteith Moreton and Rothes Lord Iames the Lord Yester Boâ—d Ochiltrie Sanquhar and Lindesay the Bishop of Galloway the Dean of Murray the Lairds of Drumlanrigge Lonchinvar Garlees Barguency and divers Burgesses with this provision adjected That the Bishops Abbots Priors and other beneficed men who had joyned themselves to the Religion should enjoy the rents of their benefices during their lives they sustaining the Ministers for their parts as was prescribed in the said book But all this turned to no effect for the Churchmen that were Popish took presently a course to make away all the Manses Gleibs Tithes and all other rents possessed by them to their friends and kinsmen and most of these that subscribed getting into their hands the possessions of
right and reason surely I my self would never think my estate assured if once my successor were known to the world This is the summe of that which passed at this second audience Not many days after getting accesse he askt the Queen what answer she would give to the Nobility she said At this time I have no answer to give but that I approve the affection and sedulous care they have of their Soveraigns good estate but the matter is of such weight as I cannot on a suddain or directly answer it When your Queen shall perform her promise concerning the treaty of Leth it will be time to require a proof of my affection towards her till then I cannot with safety of mine honour gratify her in any thing Lethington replied as before that he had no Commission in that businesse and that in the matter of succession he had shewed more his own judgement then the mind of the Queen his Mistresse for he could never think the confirmation of the treaty of Leth to be a thing of that importance as for the delay or refusal of that the Queen of Scots and her posterity should be excluded from the succession of the Crown of England Neither will I now saith he enquire by whom that treaty was concluded at what time in what manner by what authority and for what cause it was done for I have no warrant to speak of these things but this I dare affirm that albeit the Queen following her husbands direction had ratified the treaty she should have found her self thereby so farre interessed as she would doubtless used all means to free her self of the same And this I say not in the Queens name but only to make it seem that our Noblemen have reason to travel that all debates and controversies may cease and a firm and perpetual peace may be established This and some other speeches interchanged amongst them touching the treaty moved the Queen of England to agree that the same should be revised by some Commissioners and corrected after this form That the Queen of Scots should thenceforth abstain from using the English Armes and from the titles of the Crown of England and Ireland during the life of Queen Elizabeth and her posteriy That on the other part the Queen of England should oblige her self and the children begotten of her to do nothing in prejudice of the Queen of Scots her succession These were the things acted in this legation Now at home the Queen keeping a progresse in the countrey went from Edinburgh to Striveling from thence to Perth Dundy and S. Andrews and other special Burghs where she was received with much honour and triumph returning to Edinburgh a little before the feast of Michaelmas at which time the Burgesses are wont to elect their annual Magistrates and to set down statutes for the good of the town amongst other acts one was published inhibiting that any adulterer fornicator drunkard Masse Priest or obstinate Papist should be received in the town under such pains as the law did prescribe The Queen interpreting that to be an usurpation of royal power did commit Archibald Douglas Provost to the Castle of Edinburgh charging the Councel of the Town to make a new election which they obeyed chusing Mr. Thomas ... in his place A Proclamation was likewise made granting liberty to all good and faithfull subjects to repair and remain within the Burgh at their pleasure for doing their lawfull and ordinary business These things ministred great offence who seeing the Queen take more liberty then she did in the beginning keeping her Masses more publick and causing them to be celebrated with a greater pomp did mightily complain thereof in their Sermons but profited little for some of the Noblemen who had in former times shewed themselves most jealous against the toleration of idolatrie were grown a little more cold by the flatteries of Court and all of them emulous of others greatness were striving who should be in most favour with the Queen She had some while before this taken to be of her privy Councell the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Huntly Argile Atholl Morton Marshall Glencarn Montrosse and Arroll Lord Iames her brother the Lord Ereskin and Mr. Iohn Lesly Bishop of Rosse Huntly was created Chancellor one that in matters of religion had behaved himself very unconstantly and to win the Queens favour was now become altogether Popish This animated the Priests and others of that faction which before were quiet and put them in some heart One Ninian Winyet Schoolmaster at Linlithgow a man of reasonable learning set forth a Book of questions against the confession of Faith which went currant in the Court and was much esteemed by them of his Profession Being cited and divers conferences kept with him to make him acknowledge his errors he continued obstinate and was therefore sentenced by the Church wherefore he forsook the Countrey and flying to Germany was preferred to be Abbot of the Scottish Monastery at Ratisbone where he lived many years The Abbot of Corsragnell in the West published about the same time another Faith Whereunto Iohn Knox having made a reply and the Author in regard of his age and quality of birth for he was of the house of Cassils was thought fit to be overseen Mean while the Court was busied in a consultation how to supply the charge of the Queens house which the ordinary revenues of the Crown could not so honourably maintain as was required Divers being thought upon the readiest seemed to fall upon the Church rents and draw somewhat from the Prelates and beneficed Persons To this purpose they were convened before the Councell and after a long Treaty and many perswasions used considering with themselves how they subsisted merely by the Queens favour and that by refusing a part they might endanger the whole they were induced to yield the third part of their benefices to be disposed of at the Queens pleasure and assumed forth of what places her Collectors should choose her Majesty securing them of the two parts during their lives and liberating them of the Ministers with whose maintenance they were continually boasted It carried some shew of commodity this at first but turned to little or nothing the Prelates and beneficed men undervaluing their rents and making up a third which did afterwards when the number of Ministers increased scarce suffice to their provisions Much about this time a rumour was raised in the Court and went a while uncontrolled that the Earl of Arran intended to ravish the Queen whom he was known to love most passionately She whether counterfeiting a fear or that there was any cause given that way it is not known did leavy a guard of horse and foot to attend her person which put divers in fear and opened the mouths of discontented people as if some grounds of tyranny had been thereby laid But she not regarding these surmises and
Estates convened in Parliament should appoint About the midst of Iuly the dispensation of the marriage being brought from Rome the Queen was espoused to the Lord Darnelie after the Popish manner in the Chappel of Halirudhruse by the Dean of Restalrig and the next day was he by the sound of the Trumpet proclaimed King and declared to be associated with her in the Government The discontented Lords sent forth their complaints upon this alledging That the Kingdome was openly wronged the liberties thereof oppressed and a King imposed upon the people without advise and consent of the Estates a thing not practised before at any time and contrary to the Laws and received custom of the Countrey Desiring therefore all good subjects to take the matter to heart and joyn with them in resisting these beginnings of Tyranny But few or none were thereby won to shew themselves openly of their party so as when the Queen with her husband went against them they left the town of Striveling where the first convened and fled into Paislay The King to make himself more popular and take from the Lords the pretext of Religion wherewith they coloured their designes took purpose to go unto St. Giles Church in Edinburgh and hear Sermon Iohn Knox either doubting his sincerity or favouring the faction of the Noblemen fell upon him with a bitter reproof for which being cited before the Queen and Councell he not onely stood to that he had spoken but added That as the King for her pleasure had gone to Masse and dishonoured the Lord God so should he in his Iustice make her the instrument of his ruine The Queen incensed with this answer burst forth in tears whereupon he was inhibited preaching by the Councell and silenced for some moneths Mr. Iohn Craig who a little before was brought to Edinburgh because of the prohibition given to his Colleague refused to do any service there which put the people in a stur yet upon better advice he was moved to continue in his charge In the end of August the King and Queen accompanied with five thousand or thereabouts went to Glasgow to pursue the Lords They removing from Paisley to Hamilton an Herald was sent thither to summon the Castle which they denied to render giving out that they would try the matter in battell the next day But the manifold distractions amongst themselves did let this resolution and divers falling away from their side they went to Edinburgh where supposing to finde assistance the Captain of the Castle forced them by his continuall playing on the town to quit it After which they tooke their course to Dumfreis allured by the fair promises of Iohn Maxwell Lord Hereis A new expedition upon this was concluded and the Lieges warned to meet at Bigger the 9. of October in the mid time the King and Queen leaving the Earl of Lenox Lieutenant in the West parts made a Progress through Fife to punish those that had assisted the Lords The Lairds of Grainge Balcomie Pitmillie and Ramormie were fugitive some others of meaner sort taken prisoners and the towns of Perth Dundie and St. Andrewes fined in great summes This done they returned to Edinburgh and from thence went into Dumfrâ—is where the Lords had stayed all that while The Lord Hereis pretending to make their peace concluded his own advising them to fly into England as they did Thither went the Duke of Chattellerault the Earl of Murray Glencarne and Rothes the Lord Ochiltrie the Commendatory of Kilwinning and divers others of good note A few dayes they abode in Carlile with the Earle of Bedford Lieutenant at that time in the North. Then going to Newcastle they sent the Earl of Murray to the English Court to intreat the Queens intercession for them she incontinent dispatched a Gentleman of her Privie Chamber named Tamerorth with Letters to the Queen of Scots requesting that Murray and the rest might be received in favour The Gentleman not vouchsafing to give her husband the title of a King nor bringing any Commission to him was denied presence and had his answer delivered him in writing to this effect That Queen Elizabeth should do well to have no medling with the subjects of Scotland but leave them to their Princes discretion seeing neither she nor her husband did trouble themselves with the causes of her subjects The Duke perceiving that by these means their peace would not be hastily made and knowing his reconcilement to be more easie resolved to sever his cause from the rest and sent the Abbot of Kilwinning to entreat favour to himself and his friends which he easily obtained for he was known to be nothing so guilty as the others and to have been craftily drawn upon that faction so he returned into Scotland in December following In this moneth a generall Assembly of the Church convened again at Edinburgh where the answer made by the Queen to their last petitions was presented and replied unto by the same Assembly in this manner First they said That it was no small grief to the hearts of good and Christian subjects to hear that notwithstanding the Evangel of Christ had been so long preached in the Realm and his mercy so plainly offered her Majesty should yet continue unperswaded of the truth of that Religion which they preached and professed it being the same which Christ Iesus had revealed to the world which he commanded his Apostles to preach and ordained to be received of all the faithfull and firmly retained by them untill his second coming A religion that had God the Father his onely Son Christ Iesus and the Holy Spirit for the Authors thereof and was most clearly grounded upon the Doctrine and practice aswell of the Prophets as Apostles which no other religion upon the face of the earth could justifie alledge or prove For whatsoever assurance the Papist had or could alledge for his profession the same the Turk had for his Alcoran And the Jews more probably might alledge for their rites and traditions whether it be antiquity of time or consent of people or authority of Princes or multitudes and number of Professors or any the like cloakes they do pretend Wherefore in the Name of the eternall God with the reverence that became them they required her highness to use the means whereby she might be perswaded of the truth such as the preaching of the Word of God the ordinary mean that he hath appointed for working knowledge and begetting faith in the hearts of his chosen ones conference with learned men and disputation with the adversaries which they were ready to offer when and where her Grace should think expedient Next where she could not believe any impiety to be in the Mass they made offer to prove the whole Mass from the beginning to the ending to be nothing else but a mass of impietie and that the Priest his actions the opinion which the hearers or rather the gazers
Majesty should stay made choice of the Castle of Edinburgh as the part most commodious and ordained the Earl of Arrane who was there kept prisoner to be removed to the Castle of Hamilton with a liberty to travel by the space of two miles about providing he should do nothing to the prejudice of his house and enter himself unto 20. days warning in the Castles of Edinburgh Dumbar and Dumbarton or any of them for observance whereof the Earls of Murray and Glencarn became sureties The Queen at her first entrie into the Castle did feast the Nobility and made them all friends Argyle Murray and Athol had lodgings assigned them within the Castle Huntley Bothwel and others of the Nobility remained in the Town The 19. of Iune betwixt nine and ten of the clock in the evening she was brought to bed of a son to the exceeding joy of the subjects for which the Nobles and whole people assembled the next day in the Church of S. Giles gave solemn thanks to God Presently was Sir Iames Melvil sent to carry the newes to the Queen of England who to congratulate her safe and happy delivery sent Sir Henry Killigrew to Scotland by Post. The Assembly of the Church convened the same time in Edinburgh sent the Superintendent of Lothian to testify their gladnesse for the Princes birth and to desire that he should be baptized according to the form used in the reformed Church To this last she gave no answer otherwise the Superintendent and his Commission were very graciously accepted The Queen calling to bring the Infant that the Superintendent might see him he took him in his Armes and falling upon his knees conceived a short and pithy prayer which was very attentively heard by her having closed his prayer he took the babe and willed him to say Amen for himself which she took in so good part as continually afterwards she called the Superintendent her Amen This story told to the Prince when he came to years of understanding he alwayes called him his Amen and whilest he lived did respect and reverence him as his Spiritual Father The Queen waxing strong went by water to Alloway a house pertaining to the Earl of Marre and kept private a few dayes In that place brake out first her displeasure against the King her husband for the following her thither was not suffered to stay but commanded to be gone and when at any time after he came to Court his company was so loathsome unto her as all men perceived she had no pleasure nor content in it such a deep indignation had possessed her mind because of the disgrace offered to her in the slaughter of her servant Davie the envy whereof was all laid upon the King as she could never digest it Secretary Lethington who by his subtle flatteries was crept again into favour did wickedly foster this passion by putting in her head a possibility to divorce from the King which he said was an easie work and a thing that might be done only by abstracting the Popes dispensation of their marriage And the Earl Bothwel a man sold to all wickednes did likewise by himself and by his instruments of whom Sir Iames Balfour was the chief take all occasions to incense her and by exaggerating the Kings ingratitude towards her wrought her mind to an hatred implacable In the beginning of October the Queen went to Iedburgh to keep some Justice Courts where she fell dangerously sick the King coming there to visit her had no countenance given him and was forced to depart At her return from the Borders being in Craigmillar Lethington renuing the purpose of divorce in the hearing of the Earls of Argyle and Huntley did perswade her to take some course for her separation from the King seeing they could not live together in Scotland with security The Queen asking him how that could be done without some blemish to her honour he replied that none would think ill of her part therein she being so ungratefully used by him but that all might know the murther of Davie to have been his fact her Majesty should do well to pardon the Lords that were fled to England and call them home Nay said the Queen I will rather have matters to continue as they are till God remedie them Yet within few days Morton and Lindesay were recalled at the intreaty of the Earls of Argyle and Huntley as was touched before Preparation was then making for the Baptisme of the Prince who about the end of August had been transported to Striveling To honour this solemnity the Counte de Briance was sent Ambassadour from the French King Monsieur de Croke from the Duke of Savey and the Earl of Bedford from the Queen of England who brought with him a Font of gold weighing two stone weight with a Bason and Ewer for the Baptisme At the day appointed for the solemnity which was the fifteenth of December they all convened in the Castle of Striveling The Prince was carried by the French Ambassadour walking betwixt two ranks of Barons and Gentlemen that stood in the way from the Chamber to the Chappel holding every one a proket of wax in their hands The Earl of Athol went next to the French Ambassador bearing the grear fierge of wax The Earl of Eglington carried the Salt the Lord Semple the Cude and the Lord Ross the Bason and Ewer all these were of the Romane profession In the entry of the Chappel the Prince was received by the Archbishop of S. Andrews whose Collaterals were the Bishops of Dunkeld Dumblane and Ross there followed them the Prior of Whithern sundry Deans and Archdeans with the Gentlemen of the Chappel in their several habits and Copes The Countesse of Argyle by Commission from the Queen of England did hold up the Prince at the Font where the Archbishop did administer the Baptisme with all ceremonies accustomed in the Romane Church the spittle excepted which the Queen did inhibit The Earl of Bedford entered not in the Chappel during the service and without the dores stood all the Noblemen professors of the reformed Religion The rites performed the Prince was proclaimed by his name and Titles Iames Prince and Stewart of Scotland Duke of Rothesay Earl of Carrick Lord of the Isles and Baron of Renfrew then did the Musick begin which having continued a good space the Prince was again conveighed to his chamber It was night before the solemnity took end for it was done in the afternoon The feasting and triumphal sports that followed were kept some days with exceeding cost and magnificence yet the content the people received thereby was nothing so great as their offence for the Kings neglect for neither was he admitted to be present at the Baptisme nor suffered to come unto the feast To some his ill disposition was given for an excuse others more scornfully were told that his fashioners had not used the diligence they ought
Queen of England requesting her advice in the choice and an answer to the other Petitions moved by the Abbot of Dunfermlin The Queen who was put in hope that Westmerland and the other Rebells of England entertained by the Queen of Scots faction should be delivered unto her had shewed her self very favourable unto them but hearing that they were escaped she made answer as followes That she did kindly accept the good will of the Noblemen testified by their seeking her advice in the choice of a Regent being a matter of such importance and so nearly touching the estate of their King and Realm That her minde once was they should do best to continue the election for a time but now considering the disorders that were raised and possibly thereafter might arise if some person was not placed in that charge she did allow their resolution And seeing the abilities of men for that place were best known to themselves she should be satisfied with their choice whatsoever it was Howbeit out of the care she had of the young King she would not dissemble her opinion which was that the Earl of Lennox her cousin whom as she was informed they had made Lieutenant of the Realm would be more carefull of his safety then any other But in any case desired them not to think that in so doing she did prescribe them any choice but left it free to themselves to do what was fittest Further she desired them to rest assured notwithstanding of the reports dispersed by their adversaries that she had neither yielded nor would yield to the alteration of the state of their King and Government unlesse she did see a more just and clear reason then had yet appeared For howbeit she condescended to hear what the Queen of Scots would say offer as well for her own assurance as for the good of that Realm a thing w th in honor she could not refuse yet not knowing what the same would be she meant not to break the order of Law and Iustice either to the advancing or prejudging of her cause Therefore finding the Realm governed by a King and him invested by Coronation and other solemnities requisite as also generally received by the three Estates she minded not to do any act that might breed alteration in the Estate or make a confusion of governments But as she had found so to suffer the same continue and net permit any change therein so far as she might impede the same except by some eminent reason she should be induced to alter her opinion In end she desired them beware that neither by misconceiving her good meaning towards them nor by the insolent brags of their adversaries they should take any course that might hinder or weaken their cause and make her intentions for their good ineffectual This letter communicated to the Estates convened at Edinburgh the twelfth of Iuly and a long discourse made to the same effect by Mr. Thomas Randolph her Ambassadour they were exceedingly joyed So following the advice given them they made choice of Matthew Earl of Lennox declaring him Regent and Governour of the Realme unto the Kings majority or till he were able by himself to administrate the publick affaires This was done with the great applause of all that were present and published the next day at the Crosse of Edinburgh In an Assembly of the Church kept the same moneth there was some businesse moved by Mr. Iames Carmichal then Master of the Grammar School of S. Andrews against Mr. Robert Hamilton Minister of the City for some points of doctrine delivered by the said Mr. Robert in Pulpit The points are not particularly expressed but in the sixt Session of that Assembly Mr. Iames Macgill Clerk of Register Mr. Iohn Bellenden of Auchnoâ—le Justice Clerk and Mr. Archibald Douglas one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice were directed from the Chancellor and Councel to require them to forbear all decision in that matter seeing it concerned the Kâ—ngs authority and contained some heads tending to treason so is it there said which ought to be tried by the Nobility and Councel willing them notthelesse to proceed in such things as did appertain to their own jurisdiction which was judged reasonable and agreed unto by the Church So farre were they in these times from declining the King and Councel in doctrines savouring of treason and sedition as they did esteem them competent Judges thereof In the same Assembly Commission was given to Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Andrew Hay to travel with the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Argile Eglington and Cassils the Lord Boyd and other Barons and Gentlemen in the West parts for reducing them to the obedience of the King and his authority The like Commission was given to the Laird of Dun for the Earl of Crawford the Lord Ogilvy and their assisters in Angus and certification ordained to be made unto them that if they did not return to the Kings obedience the spiritual sword of excommunication should be drawn against them which I cannot think was really intended considering the quality and number of the persons The Regent immediately upon his creation and oath taken according to the custom for maintaining true Religion and observing the lawes and liberties of the Realm prepared to keep the Diet appointed at Linlithgow by the Lords of the Queens party who were said to be gathering forces for holding the Parliament they had indicted And because much depended upon the success of that business he sent to the Earl of Sussex for assistance of his forces And to the Laird of Grange with whom he kept some correspondence for some Field-pieces and other things belonging to their furniture Grange at first made fair promises but shifting those who were sent to receive the munition said This his service should not be wanting to the making of a concord but he would not be accessary to the shedding of the blood of Scotâ—ish men The Earl of Sussex deferred his answer likewise till the Queen should be advertised Notthelesse the Regent observed the Diet accompanied with 5000 Gentlemen none of the adverse party appearing Thereafter a Parliament was indicted to hold at Edinburgh the tenth of October and the Regent understanding that the Earl of Huntley had sent some 160. souldiers to Brichen and given order for providing victuals to the companies who were there to meet him made an hasty expedition thither having sent the Lords Lindesay and Ruthven with Sir Iames Haliburton Provost of Dundy a little before himself went nigh to have intercepted the Earl of Crawford the Lord Ogilvy and Sir Iames Balfour who were there attending Huntley But they escaping the souldiers fled to the Steeple of the Church Castle which they had fortified The steeple at the Regents first coming did yield so many as were therein had their lives saved the Castle held out some days till they heard the Canon was at hand
ready to be restored to the Crown if the Queen his Mother break the Covenants agreed betwixt her and the Queen of England 10. That for his entertainment he should not only have the revenues which the Princes of Scotland in former times possessed but also the Rents and Offices belonging sometime to the Earl of Bothwel 11. And last that a convenient number of Hostages being all Noblemen and of those who have adhered to the Queen and solicited her delivery should enter in England to remain there for assurance of observing the conditions made both to the King of Scots and the subjects under his obedience and to the Queen of England for the peace and quiet of her dominions And that the said Hostages should be entered in England before the Queen of Scots shall be put to liberty These Articles delivered to them were answered the next day as followeth We have seen and considered the note of the Heads which we received from your Lordships for pacifying the controversies between the Queen our Soveraigns mother and the King her Son and his Subjects touching the Title of the Crown of Scotland if it be found that her dimission either was or may be lawfully revoked by her And therewithall having diligently perused our Commission and Instructions to know how far we might enter in Treaty upon the same Heads for satisfaction of the Queens Majesty and your Lordships to whom the hearing of the cause is committed We find our selves no ways able nor sufficiently authorised to enter into any treaty or conference touching the King our Soveraign his Crown the abdication or diminution of the same or yet the removing of his person from the place where he abideth For as we confesse our selves his Highnesse subjects and have all our power and Commission from him to treat in his name in matters tending to the maintenance of true Religion his honour and estate and for the continuance of amity betwixt the two Realms So we cannot presume to abuse our Commission in any thing that may prejudge him wherein we trust your Lordships shall allow and approve us At the same time some others were appointed to conferre with those of his Mothers party And to them it was proposed that for the security of the Queen of England and the Noblemen that followed the King of Scots the Duke of Chatteller ault with the Earls of Huntley Argile the Lord Home and any other Nobleman they pleased to name should be delivered as pledges and the Castles of Dumbar and Home be put in the hands of English men to be kept for three years The answer they gave was that she who of her own motive committed her self to the protection of the Queen of England would most willingly give her satisfaction in all things which conveniently might be done but to deliver those great men and the Fortresses required was no other thing but to spoil and deprive the distressed Queen of the succour of her most faithful friends and the strength of those places yet if in all other points they did agree they made offer that two Earls one whereof should be of the number nominated and two Lords should enter as Hostages and remain in England for the space of two years but for the Holds and Castles they could not because of the League with France put them in the hands of English men unlesse others were put also in the hands of the French The Queen of England perceiving that there were on both sides great impediments sent for the Kings Commissioners and told them how she had considered that the Articles proponed could not be resolved but in a Parliament and therefore leaving the Treaty for a time seeing she understood there was a meeting of the Estates appointed in May next she held it meetest they should return and in that meeting condescend upon an equal number of both parties that should have power to compose matters The Abstinence in the mean time being renewed in hope that all differences should be taken away and matters peaceably agreed This she would cause signify to the Agents of their Queen and doubted not but they would assent thereto yet when it was moved unto them they refused to agree to any delay till they should know what was her own mind Hereupon the Kings Commissioners were commanded to stay till her Answer should be returned In this time the Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston trusting to speed better by conference with the Earl of Morton and the rest sent to desire a meeting of them which was yielded unto provided the Bishop of Ross came not in their company for him they would not admit as being the Kings Rebel Having met they talked kindly one to another But that the Queen should be restored to her authority in no condition though divers were proponed could be admitted which when she heard and that the Queen of England had taken a course to delay things she grew into a great choler and inhibited her Commissioners to treat any more This reported to the Queen of England she sent for the Earl of Morton and his Associates and told him that their Queen took in evil part the motion she had made And seeing it is so saith she I will not detain you longer ye shall go home and if afterwards she be brought to agree to this course as I hope she shall I have no doubt but you will for your parts do that which is fitting Thus were they dimitted Whilest these things were doing in England the factions at home notwithstanding of the Abstinence were not idle but taking their advantage of others Lord Claud Hamilton ejecting the Lord Semple his servant forth of the house of Paslay placed therein a number of souldiers and by them kept all these parts in in fear The Regent upon this gathering some forces besieged the house and had it rendered to him within a few days The Souldiers were conveyed to Edinburgh and hanged on the Gallows without the Town Not long after upon intelligence that the Castle of Dunbarton was negligently kept and might easily be surprised he sent three companies under the command of Captain Crawford Captain Home and Captain Ramsey to give the attempt Ladders and other necessaries for scaling being prepared they went thither in the night conducted by a fellow that had served in the house and as then had quit his service upon a private discontent A little before day carrying the ladders with the least noise they could make they placed the same in the most commodious part for ascent and notwithstanding of sundry difficulties that happened got up in the end to the top of the Rock There having a wall of stone likewise to climbe Captain Alexander Ramsey by a ladder which they drew up after them was the first that entered and for a short space defended himself against three watchmen that assailed him Crawford and Home following quickly with their companies the
watchmen were killed and the munition seâ—sed The Lord Fleming who commanded the Castle hearing the tumult fled to the neather Balze so they call the part by which they descend to the river and escaped in a little Boat The souldiers and other servants yielding were spared and freely dimitted Within the Castle were the Archbishop of S. Andrews Monsieur Veras the French man the Lady Fleming Iohn Fleming of Boghall Alexander Levingston sonne to the Lord Levingston and Iohn Hall an English man who were all made prisoners The next morning the Regent came thither for he was lying at Glasgow and using the Lady honourably suffered her to depart with her plate jewels and all that appertained either to her or to her husband Veras was sent to be kept at S. Andrews and permitted afterwards to depart The English man Hall was delivered to the Marshal of Berwick Boghall and the Lord Levingstons son were deteined The Archbishop was sent to Striveling and the first of April publickly hanged on a gibbet erected to that purpose This was the first Bishop that suffered by form of Justice in this Kingdome a man he was of great action wise and not unlearned but in life somewhat dissolute His death especially for the manner of it did greatly incense his friends and disliked of divers who wished a greater respect to have been carried to his age and place But the suspicion of his guiltinesse in the murthers of the King and Regent made him of the common sort lesse regrated It is said that being questioned of the Regents murther he answered That he might have stayed the same and was sorry he did it not But when he was charged with the Kings death he denied the same Yet a Priest called Thomas Robinson that was brought before him affirmed that one Iohn Hamilton commonly called Black Iohn had confessed to him on his death-bed that he was present by his direction at the murther Whereunto he replied That being a Priest he ought not to reveale Confessions and that no mans Confession could make him guilty But for none of those points was he condemned nor the ordinary form of Trial used though he did earnestly request the same Only upon the forfeiture laid against him in Parliament he was put to death and the execution hastened lest the Queen of England should have interceded for his life They who stood for the Queen upon advertisement that the Treatie was dissolved and that she had recalled the Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston did presently take Armes The Laird of Grange to keep the Town of Edinburgh under command did plant in the steeple of S. Giles some souldiers and transport all the Armour and Munition which was kept in the Town-house to the Castle After a few days the Duke of Chattellerault came thither with the Earls of Argile and Huntley the Lords Hereis Boyd and divers others to stay the holding of the Parliament which had been adjourned to the fourteenth of May. At their coming they compelled the Clerks and Keepers of the Register to deliver the books of Councel and Parliament and seised on every thing which they thought might hinder the States to convene The Ministers were commanded in their publick prayers to make mention of the Queen their Soveraign Princesse which they resused Iohn Knox withdrew himself and retired to S. Andrews Alexander Bishop of Galloway preaching in his place The Regent on the other side with the Nobility that adhered to the King came into Leth with a resolution to hold the Parliament whatsoever should follow and because it would be a difficil work to recover the town conclusion was taken to keep the Parliament in that part of the Canon gate which is subject to the townes jurisdiction the Lawyers having resolved that in what part soever of the towne the Estates should convene their meeting would be found lawful Thus on Munday the fourteenth of May which was the Diet appointed the Parliament according to the custome was fenced in a house without the gates yet within the liberties of the town The Saterday preceding the Regent had by advice of the Councel sent some men of warre to possesse that part of the town who were assisted by certain Noblemen voluntiers that joyned in the service And notwithstanding the continual playing of the Ordinance upon that part from the Castle both that day and all the time the Parliament sate not a man a thing most strange of the Regents side was either hurt or killed there were cited to the Parliament young Lethington his brother Mr. Iohn Maitland Prior of Coldingham Gawan Hamilton Abbot of Kilwining with his eldest son and a base son of the late Archbishop of S. Andrews who were all declared culpable of treason Young Lethington because of his foreknowledge and counsel given to King Henry his murther the rest for their rebellion against the King and his Regents As in such a troubled time the Parliament was very frequent for of the Nobility were present the Earls of Morton Marre Glencarn Crawford who some moneths before had forsaken the Queens faction and submitted himself to the King Buchan and Menteith the Lord Keith and Graham as proxies for their Fathers the Earls of Marshal and Montrosse with the Lords Lindesay Ruthven Glamis Zeister Methven Ochiltrie Cathcart two Bishops nine Abbots and Priors with twenty Commissioners of Burghs The forfeiture pronounced the Estates took counsel to dissolve because the danger was great and prorogued the Parliament to the third of August appointing the same to meet at Striveling A new Civil warre did then break up which kept the Realm in trouble the space of two years very nigh and was exherced with great enmity on all sides You should have seen fathers against their sons sons against their fathers brother fighting against brother nigh kinsmen and others allied together as enemies seeking one the destruction of another Every man as his affection led him joyned to the one or other party one professing to be the Kings men another the Queens The very young ones scarce taught to speak had these words in their mouthes and were sometimes observed to divide and have their childish conflicts in that quarrel But the condition of Edinburgh was of all parts of the countrey the most distressed they that were of quiet disposition and greatest substance being forced to forsake their houses which were partly by the souldiers partly by other necessitous people who made their profit of the present calamities rifled and abused The nineteenth day of May the Regent and other Noblemen leaving the Canon gate went to Leth and the next day in the afternoon took their journey towards Striveling where the ordinary Judges of Session were commanded to sit for ministring justice to the Leiges As they were taking horse the forces within Edinburgh issued forth making shew to sight yet still they kept themselves under guard of the Castle The Earl of Morton parting
and for this Sir William proponed that he should stand between the companies and upon a sign to be given by him both should turn at one instant The Earl of Morton accepted the condition lest he should offend the Gentleman who had taken such pains amongst them the others refused giving forth great brags that they should make them leave the fields with shame if they did it not willingly How soon Morton was advertised of the difficulty they made he cried aloud On on we shall see who keeps the fields last and therewith gave so hard a charge upon them as they disordered both the horse and foot The Chase held towards the Watergate where by reason of the skant and narrow passage many were killed and trod to death but the number of prisoner were greater for there were 150. taken amongst whom were the Lord Home and Capt. Iames Cullen the Abbot of Kilwining was killed a Gentleman of good worth and greatly lamented for he was of all that faction esteemed most moderate There died some 50. in all most of them common souldiers and of mean accompt On Mortons side Captain Weymis with one only souldier was slain this conflict happened on Satturday the 28. of Iune 1571. Advertisement hereof sent to the Regent he came the next day to Leth where first order was taken with the prisoners and the Lord Home sent to Tantallan But he stayed not long there for the Lord of Drumlanrig being intercepted by Sir David Spence of Wormston as he was making homewards an exchange was made of the Lord Home with him Captain Cullen a man infamous and who in the last wars had used great cruelty was hanged on a Gibbet The rest upon promise not to serve against the King were dimitted Resolution then was taken for the Regents abode at Leth and the countreys attendance upon him by quarters to keep the adversaries busied and hinder the victualling of the town During which time no day passed without one conflict or other wherein sometimes the Regent and sometimes the Queens party had the better at this time upon a report carried to the Laird of Grange that he was commonly called by those of Leth the Traytor he sent a Trumpet to appeal any one of their side to combat that should dare to affirm so much The Laird of Garleys offering to maintain it time and place were appointed for the sight and when all were expecting the issue of it Grange excused himself by the publick charge he bare saying that it was not thought convenient he should hazard the cause in his own person Notwithstanding of this great heat amongst the parties the Queen of England ceased not to mediate an accord and by a letter to the Marshal dated the 19th of Iuly willed him to move them of new for an abstinence offering to send persons of authority and credit to the borders who should travel to agree them and remove all differences as well concerning the title of the Crown as other private matters and because it was given her to understand that both parties had indicted Parliaments to August next she desired that no proceeding should be made therein either by making of lawes or by denouncing any persons forfeited and that only they should authorize certain persons to meet with her Commissioners for consulting upon the best means to conclude a solid peace There was also a letter of safe conduct sent for any one that Grange would direct unto England for this he had desired Lethington excepted and those that were suspected of the late Kings murther But whether this exception gave the cause or the daily incouragements sent by the French none was directed thither The Regent by his answer of the 27. excused the not yielding to the abstinence which he said without evident prejudice to the Kings cause could not be granted so long as Edinburgh was detained For other points he answered That by himself without the consent of the Nobility and Estates he could say nothing but at their meeting in August her Majesty should receive all reasonable satisfaction The adversary party in the mean time nothing relenting of their course did keep a form of Parliament at Edinburgh the 22. August and though they were but five persons in all present that had any voice in the State to wit two Bishops and three Noblemen they pronounced above 200. persons forfeited The Regent advertising the Queen of England how they had proceeded and what disorder did shew the necessity whereunto they that lived in the Kings obedience were brought and how it concerned him and the rest to prosecute what they had justly intended in regard of their enemies precipitation So in the Parliament kept at Striveling the 28. of the same moneth sentence of forfeiture was pronounced against the Duke of Chatteller ault and his two sons the Abbot of Aberbrothock and Lord Claud the Earl of Huntley the Laird of Grange and some others And for satisfying the Queen of Englands desire the Earl of Morton Marre and Glencarn the Lords Semple Ruthven and Glamis with the Bishop of Orkney the Abbots of Dunfermlin and S. Colmes Inche Sir Iohn Ballendine Justice Clerk and Mr. Iames Mr. Gill Clerk of Register were nominated by the Estates and Commission given or to any four three or two of that number to treat with such as the Queen of England should appoint upon the differences arisen amongst the subjects by occasion of the late troubles and for contracting a League offensive and defensive betwixt the two Realms Of all that did the Regent give notice to the Queen beseeching her not to presse them with any thing that might seem to call the Kings authority in question But before these letters came to her hands he was killed as ye shall hear Lord Claud Hamilton having intelligence given him of the security wherein the Regent and Nobility lived at Striveling and how as in a time of setled peace they did not so much as keep a watch by night took resolution to invade them and was therein greatly incouraged by Cap. George Bell a man born in Striveling one that knew all the passages streets who made offerto put him the company he should bring with him safely in the town This he communicated to the Earl of Huntley Walter Scot of Bacleugh and David Spence of Wormeston who were all content to joyn in the enterprise The second of September they went from Edinburgh a little before Sun-setting accompanied with 200. horse and 300. foot and lest their journey should be suspected they made the rumour go that they went towards Iedburgh to compose a discord fallen out betwixt the town and the Laird of Fernherst To ease the footmen they had taken all the horses which came the day before to the Market and as many as they could otherwise purchase by the way and so marching with a wonderful confidence for by the wayall their discourse
the rest betook them to a little bush of wood where being environed on all sides they yielded at discretion the prisoners were many of whom some few were retained as pledges and the rest dimitted upon promise to enter themselves at a certain day The rest of the winter and all the next spring was spent in light skirmishes with small losse on either side for they of the Queens faction did seldom come to the open fields or if they shewed themselves at any time upon the first onset they took the flight and retired to the town Whilest matters did thus proceed in the Queen of Scots quarrel at home the Bishop of Ross in England renewed the purpose of marriage with the Duke of Norfolk and practised with divers for setting the Queen at liberty This being discovered the Duke was committed to the Tower of London and being arraigned at Westminster Hall the 16. of Ianuary was convicted of Treason and condemned to die yet was the execution delayed to the Iune after The Bishop of Ross called also in question defended himself by the priviledges of his Ambassage saying That he had done nothing but what his place and duty tied him unto for procuring the liberty of his Princess and that he came unto England with sufficient authority which he had shewed and was at the time accepted When it was replied that the priviledges of Ambassadours could not protect them who did offend against the Majesty of the Princes they were sent unto and that they were not to be reputed other then enemies who practised rebellion against the State He answered that he had neither raised nor practisâ—d rebellion but perceiving the adversaries of his Princess countenanced and her out of all hope of liberty he could not abandon his Soveraign in her affliction but do his best to procure her freedom And that it would never be found that the priviledges of Ambassadours were violated via juris by course of law but only via facti by way of fact which seldom had a good success After long altercation he was sent to the Isle of Ely and from thence brought and imprisoned in the Tower where he remained nigh two years Some ten days after Norfolks execution the Queen of England directed certain of her Councel to the Queen of Scots to expostulate with her for making suit to the Pope and King of Spain and for receiving letters from the Pope together with a sentence declaratory published against her self whereunto after protestation that she was a free Queen and subject to none she answered that she had indeed by letters solicited both the Pope and King of Spain for restoring her unto her Kingdom which was no prejudice to the Q. of England that she had received godly and consolatory letters from the Pope But for the sentence given by him she never knew thereof till a printed copy was brought unto her which after she had read she did cast into the fire These answers did not satisfy the Q. of Engl. who having understood that she had entered in a secret confederacy with the Spaniard kept her from that time in a more strict custody then before Yet at the request of the French King she sent of new Sir William Drury unto Scotland to treat for peace and if that could not be wrought to procure a cessation of Arms for a certain space But he prevailed nothing the warres being then very hot and the parties mightily incensed against others No quarters were given nor interchange of prisoners made but all that were taken on either side presently executed This device was held to proceed from the Earl of Morton who thought the troubles would not hastily cease if a greater severity were not used towards them who withstood the Kings authority But whose device soever it was it proved exceeding hateful The common sort taking it to have come of Morton called the warres of that time the Douglasses warres This form of doing continued from the 16. of April to the 8. of Iune at which time both parties wearied of execution daily made were content to cease from such rigour and use fair warres as in former times In the North Adam Gordon after the Forbesses were defeated found no resistance and following his fortune reduced all beyond the river of Dee to the Queens obedience To impede his proceedings for he had entered then into the countrey of Mernis and was besieging the house of William Douglass of Glenbervy The Regent directed the Earl of Crawford and Buchan with the Lord Glamis and Master of Marshell These Noblemen meeting at Brichen and waiting there till forces should assemble Adam Gordon came upon them in the night and killing the watches that were placed at the Bridge on the North side of the town had very nigh taken them all in bed but they wakened by the noise of the Trumpets espcaped many were taken prisoners and some 39. persons slain within the City This done he besieged the town of Montross and forced them to pay a great summe of mony which put the town of Dundy in such fear as they were driven to seek aid of their Neighbours in Fife At the same time the Castle of Blacknes a Fort on the South-side of the river of Forth was sold by the Keeper to the Hamiltons and thereby the Navigation betwixt Leth and Striveling barred at Edinburgh were divers skirmishes betwixt them and the companies that lay at Leth and which was greatly lamented of both parties the Lord Methven killed by a shot of Cannon from the Castle The Duke in the mean time having proclaimed a Justice Court at Hamilton and divers persons within the Sheriffdom of Ranfrew and Lennox to answer to certain crimes whereof they were delated The Regent prepared to keep the diet and leaving the Earl of Montross and the Lord Lindesay to follow the service at Leth took journey to Glasgow and from thence to Hamilton But neither the Duke nor any in his name appearing to hold the Court he appointed the Lord Semple Lieutenant in those West parts for the King and returned to Striveling He had intended an expedition in the North but upon advertisement that two Ambassadours were arrived at Leth he turned thither The one was Monsieur de Crock imployed by the French the other Mr. Randolph by England who professed both of them to be sent for negotiating a peace amongst the parties yet was it thought the French did not much affect the peace For even then the Lord Fleming came from France with moneys to pay the souldiers that served the Lords at Edinburgh This Nobleman some ten days after walking in the street was unhappily wounded in the knee by the shot of an Harquesk whereof he died the sixth of September As to the Queen of England howbeit she desired peace to be made yet she would have it in such manner as both factions might depend on her and so she had carried her self in
justly with me and that I am to suffer nothing but that which I have merited yea worse This confession reported to the King the rigour of the sentence was mitigated and order given that he should be beheaded only and his body committed to burial In the afternoon when it was told him by his Keeper that the time was come and all things were in a readinesse he said I praise God I am also ready And making forth was met by the Earl of Arran in the very entry who desired him to stay and subscribe his confession he answered I pray you trouble me not for I am now to prepare my self for death and cannot write in this estate The Earl ceasing to urge that point any further desired he might be reconciled with him protesting that he had done nothing upon any particular grudge he answered It was no time to reckon quarrels I forgive you and all others When he was come to the scaffold which was erected in the publick street he repeated the substance of his confession and in some few words exhorted the people to continue in the profession of the true Religion and maintain it at their power intreating them to assist him with their prayers to God The chief Minister did then conceive a prayer during the time whereof he lay prostrate upon his face and was greatly moved as appeared by the rebounding with many sobbes and sighs The prayer ended divers came to be reconciled with him whom he received very kindly all the rest that were on the scaffold he took by the hand bidding them farewell and going towards the Block laid down his head and cried aloud In thine hand O Lord I commit my spirit Lord Iesus receive my soule Which words he was still uttering when as the axe fell and cut off his head His corps left on the place lay from the hour of execution to Sunne-seting covered with a beggerly cloak every man fearing to shew any kindnesse or so much as to expresse a sign of sorrow his corps was afterwards carried by some base fellowes to the common sepulchre and his head fixed on the Tolbuith Never was seen a more notable example of fortunes mutability he who a few years before had been reverenced of all men and feared as a King abounding in wealth honour and number of friends and followers was now at his end forsaken of all and made the very scorne of fortune to teach men how little stability there is in honour wealth friendship and the rest of these worldly things which men so much admire He was of personage comely of a men stature and a graceful countenance and singular courage whereof in the civil troubles he gave many proofes wise and able for government a lover of justice order and policy but inclined to covetousness which the wants and necessity he indured in his younger years was thought to have caused and given too much to the pleasures of the flesh as at his dying he acknowledged with a great remorse In this lastly most happy that though his death in the worlds eye was shameful and violent yet did he take it most patiently quitting this life with the assurance of a better The day following the Earl of Arran in Councel made a discourse of his proceedings in the trial of Morton declaring what he had done and how to come to the knowledge of the fact for which he had suffered he was forced to use some rigorous dealing towards his servants and put certain of them to the torture lest this should be imputed to him as a crime his desire was to have his Majesties and the Councels approbation This was easily obtained and an Act made ratifying all that he had done in that business as good service to his Majesty and the Estate Yet was it well enough known that the inquisition he made upon Mortons servants was to find out where his gold and money was hidden and for no purpose else Near about the same time he took to wife the Earl of Marche his Lady a woman intolerable in all the imperfections incident to that sexe She had forsaken her husband not long before and obtained sentence against him for alleadged impotency yet was she known to be with child even then by Arran which made the Proces on her part more shameful nor was his part a whit better nay rather much worse having been a long time entertained in the Noblemans house and furnished by him in every thing necessary whilest his estate was but yet mean to have repayed the Nobleman so dishonourably was accounted a vile ingratitude The marriage alwayes went on and their unlawful love held that way legitimated In August next the Earl of Lennox was created Duke of Lennox Lord Robert Stewart Uncle to the King by his Mother made Earl of Orkney William Lord Ruthven Earl of Gowry and Iohn Lord Maxwel Earl of Morton Arran although he had assumed the title before would then also be created Earl which was done with great solemnity and the first place bestowed on him for he would not endure to be second to any and took so ill the credit which he saw the Duke carried with the King as he spared not to affront him at all occasions The Laird of Farnherst was then newly returned from France where he had lived divers years in exile and by the Dukes favour to whom the King could deny nothing had respit given him for certain crimes committed in the Kings minority As it was passing in Councel the Earl of Arran did protest against it alleadging an oath made at Striveling by the Counsellors not to give way to respits or remissions granted to the Kings enemies Herewith the Duke offended and a great heart-burning grew amongst them which in the Parliament kept at Edinburgh in the moneth of October following burst forth in an open breach The question was about some priviledges belonging to the Chamberlain in time of Parliament which Arran would not acknowledge taking upon him as Captain of the Guard to place near unto the King whom he pleased The Duke not induring this insolency absented himself from Parliament which did so irritate the King as the next day he went to Dalkeith taking the Duke with him and charged Arran not to come towards Court Many were glad to see them thus committed amongst themselves and for a while matters went so hot as it was not expected the discord should be suddenly appeased The Duke had the advantage of the Kings favour Arran strengthened himself with the common cause giving out that the quarrel was for religion and for opposing the Dukes courses who craftily sought the overthrow thereof And all this time this frowning of the Court continued you should have seen him and his Lady repair so devoutly to Sermon and prayers that the people believed this to be the ground of the dissension and that he was only disliked for his sincerity in Religion But Arran knowing this
gave not an end to the business for how soon he returned to the Court and perceived the King countenance cast down upon him for that he had done he undertook of new to settle himself at Glasgow and had letters from his Majesty to the Gentlemen of those parts to assist him At his coming to Glasgow with purpose to preach the Sunday following a number of the Students in the Colledge entered into the Church on Saturday at night and excluding him did keep the Chair for Mr. Thomas Smeton their Principal who taking for his Theam that saying in the Gospel He that enters not by the door but by the window is a thief and a robber inveighed against the Bishop for his simonaical entry and the levity he had shewed in all his proceedings The next Sunday the Bishop with a great convocation of Gentlemen came to the Church and displacing the ordinary Preacher Mr. David Weymes made the Sermon himself The Presbytery of Glasgow intending proces against him for molestation of the Church and usurping the place of the ordinary Preacher Matthew Stewart of Minto Provost of the City came and presented a Warrant from the King to stay all proceedings against the Bishop willing them to desist Mr. Iohn Howeson Minister of Cambustange moderating in his course as the custome then was and replying somewhat peremptorily that notwithstanding his Warrant they would proceed some words of offence passed whereupon the Provost pulling him from the Seat made him prisoner in the Tolbuith The rumour of this fact ran quickly through the Kingdom and a solemn fast being kept by the appointment of the former Assembly the causes whereof were made to be the abundance of sin the oppression of the Church the dilapidation of the rents and the danger wherein the King stood by the company of wicked persons who did seek to corrupt him in manners and Religion the insolency committed at Glasgow was likewise adjected and furnished matter of long discourse to the Preachers Amongst others Iohn Dury did exclaime mightily against the Duke of Lennox upon whom the blame of all things was laid and thereby did so irritate the King as he would needs have him removed forth of the Town Charges to that effect were directed commanding the Magistrates within the space of 24. houres to remove him who not daring disobey yet being unwilling to use their Minister in that sort travelled with him to depart quietly and leave the Town The Minister proponing the case to the General Assembly for upon advertisement given by the Ministers of Edinburgh they were there convened desired their advice for to leave his flock at the pleasure of the Court he said might work a prejudice to the Church and to depart privately as the Magistrates advised him might be imputed to fear or then make him to be thought guilty of some fault The brethren after a short consultation did advise him to stay till he should be commanded to depart and then obey Mean while Mr. Thomas Buchannan and David Ferguson were sent to the King who was then at Striveling to intreat his Majesties favour unto him and therewith to request a continuation of the Diet for the appearing of the Ministers of Glasgow at Perth The King desiring to have matters quieted answered the last proposition first saying That if the Assembly would delay the proces which they had against the Provest of Glasgow and his assisters he would likewise dispense with the appearing of the Ministers at the appointed time And as to Iohn Dury he said that upon his suppliâ—ation how soon the Duke returned to Court whose interesse was greatest in that business order should be taken with him and consideration had of the Assemblies request But they not satisfied herewith striving to make good what they had taken in hand went on with the proces of Glasgow and leading probation against Minto and the rest decerned them to be excommunicated and cast forth of the society of the Church onely the pronouncing of the sentence was delayed till they saw what course was kept with their brethren before the Councel Mr. Iohn Davidson then Minister at Liberton pretending a warrant from the Church had in his private Parish pronounced Bishop Montgomery excommunicate which albeit done against all form was allowed and intimated in all the Churches of the countrey The Duke of Lennox notwithstanding did still entertain him in his company and at some occasions had made him to preach publickly Thereupon Mr. Alexander Archbuthnet and Mr. Adam Iohnston were directed by the Assembly to intimate unto the Duke his excommunication and the Acts of the Church against such as kept excommunicate persons in their company The Duke taking them up somewhat hotly asked them Whether the King or the Church were superiours and thereafter answered them directly That he was commanded by the King and Councel to entertain him which he would not forbear to do for any fear he had of their censures This amongst other grievances of the Church was ordained to be represented to his Majesty by the Commissioners appointed to attend the Councel at Perth But touching this the King answered That the excommunication was null and declared such by the Councel as being pronounced against equity and all lawful form no citation being used nor any admonition preceding which all lawes and even their own discipline appointed to be observed To their other grievances they received general answers and for the brethren of Glasgow their trial was continued to the tenth of September next Before which time the surprise of the Kings person at Ruthven fell out which altered the state of all affairs some of the Nobility combining themselves for defence of Religion and the liberty of the Kingdom as they pretended upon notice of the Duke of Arrans absence from the Court placed themselves about the King and detained him some dayes at the house of Ruthven The principals in this attempt were Iohn Earl of Marre William Earl of Gowry Patrick Lord Lindesay Robert Lord Boyd the Masters of Glammis and Oliphant the Abbots of Dunfermlin Paisley Driburgh and Cambush keneth the Lairds of Lochlevin Easter Weemes Cleish and the Constable of Dundy The King at their first coming suspected there was some practise in hand yet dissembled the matter thinking to free himself the next day when he went abroad to his sport but as he was about to go the Master of Glammit stept to the dore of the Parlour and told him he must stay The King askt the reason he answered he should know it shortly When he saw it to be so and found his liberty restrained he grew into a passion and after some threatening speeches burst forth in tears The Master seeing him weep said It is no matter of his tears better that bairnes should weep then bearded men which words entered so deeply into the Kings heart as he did never forget them The newes went quickly of the
Noblemens being at Court in such numbers which made the Earl of Arran haste thither for he held himself assured of the Earl of Gowries friendship as being of his alliance and having kept one course in the pursuit of the Earl of Morton his only fear was that he should be stayed by the way therefore having crossed the ferry he singled himself from his company and taking one only servant with himself directed his brother William Stewart to keep the high way with the rest By this mean he did escape those that lay in wait for him and came in the evening to Ruthven where when he had entered the gate he asked what the King was doing as meaning to go directly to him but was conveyed to another room and told that he must have patience and think his fortune good that he was come to that place with his life saved as he himself judged when a little after he heard that the horsemen which lay in wait of him and encountred his brother near unto Dublin after divers wounds given him had taken him prisoner A day or two after some Noblemen imployed by the Duke of Lennox who remained then in Dalkeith came to Court but were not permitted to speak with the King nor see him except in Councel Being examined what their businesse was they told that the Duke of Lennox had sent them to learn of the King in what condition he was and if he was detained against his will as the rumour went he might with the assistance of other good subjects see him made free The King presently cried out that he was captive which he desired all his subjects know and that the Duke should do what he might to procure his liberty The Lords prayed his Majesty not to say so for that he should not be denied to go whither he pleased only they would not permit the Duke of Lennox and Earl of Arran to mislead him any longer and oppresse both Church and Kingdom as they have done Wherefore he should do well to cause the Duke retire himself quietly to France otherwise they would be forced to bring him to an accompt of his doings and proceed against him with rigour of law This they willed the same Noblemen whom he had sent to signifie unto the Duke and that they were resolved to maintain what they had undertaken at the utmost hazard of their lives and estates After they were gone the Kings anger being somewhat asswaged and fearing the Dukes case more then his own he was moved to send forth a Proclamation to this effect That for pacifying the present commotions and removing some differences fallen out amongst the Nobility his Majesty had thought it expedient to interpose himself a Mediator and for the better working of an union amongst them had resolved to make his residence in Perth for a time till he saw what good effects his travels might produce And lest his stay in these parts should be interpreted to be a detention of his person because of the Noblemen and others that had lately repaired to Court his Majesty declared that it was his own free and voluntary choice to abide there and that the Noblemen and others who did presently attend had done nothing but what their duties obliged them unto and which he took for a good service performed both to himself and to the Common-wealth Therefore inhibited all the subjects to attempt any thing that might tend to the disturbance of the Realm commanding them also that had levied any forces upon pretext of his Majesties restraint to dissolve the same within six houres under the pain of death This Proclamation was dated at Perth the 28. of August some six dayes after the surprise of his person at Ruthven The Duke in the mean time was gathering forces and grown to be strong by his friends and others that repaired unto him when a letter came from the King signifying that it was his pleasure he should leave the Realm and depart forth thereof before the 20. of September The letter he communicated to his friends who did all advise him to retire unto Dumbritton where he might with more safety stay for a while and if he found not an opportunity to right himself should have good occasion of shipping for France When he was come thither the resort of Noblemen and Barons and others were so great unto him that the Nobility offending therewith directed letters charging him to live more private with his ordinary retinue and all others that were in his company to return to their houses within 12. houres after the charge and not to come nigh the part where he remained or should happen to reside during the time of his abode in the Countrey The bruit of this change being carried to England the Queen sent Sir Henry Cary and Sir Bobert Bowes unto the King to advise him in regard of the danger he was fallen into by the perverse counsels of the Duke and Earl of Arran to take in good part the Lords enterprise and restore the Earl of Angus who had lived exiled in England since the time of Mortons execution This last they obtained with no great difficulty so as the Nobleman was soon after reconciled accepted in favour but to the first point the King having a suspicion that the attempt was not made without the Queen of Englands knowledge he gave good general answers whereby it was hoped that upon the Noblemans good behaviour in a short time his offence would be mitigated The King also conceiving that a gentle usage would bring them to reconcile with the Duke of Lennox began to give them a more gracious countenance then before But he found them untractable and not without great instance did purchase their consents to a few dayes prorogation of his departing upon promise that he should be pursued as a Rebel if he went not away at the time appointed wind and weather serving yet was his going put off upon divers occasions till the middest of December at which time he was forced to depart as we shall hear The Lords in the mean while careful to strengthen themselves brought the King to Halirudhouse in the beginning of October knowing that the people of Edinburgh did affect their enterprise as appeared by the reducing of Iohn Dury their Minister immediately upon the newes of the Kings restraint and the triumph they made singing as they went up the street the 124. Psalm Now Israel may say c. They understood also that the Assembly of the Church was to convene in the same town the nineth of that moneth and doubted not to find them favourable enough To this Assembly Mr. William Areskin styled then Commendatory of Paisley was sent by the Noblemen to declare that the causes moving them to that enterprise were the evident perill they perceived the Religion was brought unto with the disorders and confusions introduced into the State whereof having discoursed a while he
into consideration how soon and in what manner it shall seem best to your Majesties excellent wisdome to inspire a new life into this languishing body the circumstances whereof are wholly to be left to your Majesty holding it enough for us humbly to acknowledge our selves your true subjects ready to obey all your commandments assuing you with all that as we have hereby as many of us as have underwritten this letter declared our recognition and humble submission to your Majâ—sties soveraign power and right so we do know by all good proofs that the minde of the rest of the Nobility and all others who are absent in their severall qualities places and charges whom the time permitted not without the prejudice of your affairs to assemble so soon as we were desirous this should be performed are wholly and absolutely with us in all zeal and duety for all things that shall be imposed upon them by your royall will and pleasure Further we have thought meet and necessary to advertise your Highness that Sir Robert Cary this morning departed from hence towards your Majesty not onely without the consent of any of us who were present at Richmond at the time of our late Soveraigns decease but also contrary to such commandement as we had power to lay upon him and to all decency and good manners and respect which he ought to so many persons of our degree whereby it may be that your Majesty hearing by a bare report onely of the death of the late Queen and not of our care and diligence in establishment of your Majesties right here in such manner as is above specified may conceive doubts of other nature then God be thanked there is cause you should which we would have clearly prevented if he had born so much respect to us as to have stayed for a common relation of our proceedings and not thought it better to anticipate the same for we would have been loath that any person of quality should have gone from hence who should not with the report of her death have been able to declare the first effects of our assured loyalties And lastly it may please your Majesty to receive this advertisement that of late there was made ready by the commandement of the Queen our Mistresse a good fleet of eight or ten of her ships well manned and furnished under the charge of Sir Richard Lawson Knight to have been employed upon the coast of Spain which employment by her decease is ceased for want of Commission to exercise the saine and now is kept together in the narrow Seas to prevent any suddain attempt against the Low Countreys and that now there is nothing either of land or sea that is not yours it may please your Majesty to signifie your pleasure concerning that Fleet and whether you will have it or any part thereof resort to your coast of Scotland where it may serve you either for the safe convoy of your person to this realm if there shall because to use it in this manner or to transport any of yours whilest you come by land or any other service In which point we humbly beseech you to make known under whose charge it shall beyour pleasure the whole Fleet or any part thereof shall come unto you And this being all that for the present doth occurre to be advertised to your Majesty by us whose mindes are occupied about the conservation of this your realm in peace as farre forth as by any power for your Majesties service onely assumed the interruption thereof may be prevented saving that we have sent a Copy of the Proclamation made here to your Majesties deputy of Ireland to be published in that kingdome we will and with our humble prayers to Almighty God that we may be so happy as speedily to enjoy the comfortable presence of your Highness royall person amongst us the onely object of that glory and those felicities which in the earth we have proponed to our selves Written in your Majesties City of London the 24 of March 1603 at ten hours of the clock at night This Letter was subscribed by Robert Leigh Mayor John Canterbury Thomas Egerton Thomas Buckhurst Nottingham Northumberland Gilbert Shrewsbury William Darby Edward Worcester Geo. Cumberland R. Suffex Henry Lincoln Pembroke Clanrickard G. Hunsdon Tho. Howard Richard London Robert Hartford John Norwich Morley Henry Cobham Thomas Laware Gray Edward Cromwell R. Riche Lumley Chandois W. Compton W. Knowlles Edward Wootton John Stanhop Raleigh John Fortescue and John Popham The King having imparted this letter to the Councell it was thought meet that the Contents thereof should be published for begetting a greater kindness betwixt the people and the two Kingdomes whereupon a Proclamation was made shewing That the Queen before her death continuing in that loving affection which she professed to his Majesty all the course of her life had declared him her only true heir and successor in the imperiall Crownes of England France and Ireland and that the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assisted by the Lord Maior of London and others of the Gentry of good quality had upon the 24 of March last proclaimed him their only liege Lord and undoubted Soveraign which being the most cleer demonstration that a people could give of their affection and a sure pledge of their future obedience ought to move all true hearted subjects to account of them no otherwise then as their brethren and friends and to forget and bury all quarrels and grounds of former dissensions That therefore none should pretend ignorance nor carry themselves in any unkind sort towards the inhabitants of England his Majesty with the advice of the Lords of Councell had ordained Proclamation to be made of the premisses assuring them that should so apply themselves of his gracious favour when occasion presented and certifying such as did in the contrary that they should incurre his wrath and extreme displeasure This notwithstanding the word no sooner came of the Queens death then the loose and broken men in the borders assembling in companies made incursions upon England doing what in them lay to divide the two Kingdomes which the year following was severely punished the principals that were tried to have been partners in that business being all executed to the death The King in the mean time giving order for his journey did appoint the Queen to follow him some twenty dayes after and for his children ordained the Prince to remain at Striveling the Duke of Albany his brother to abide with the Lord Fyvie President of the Session and the Princess Elizabeth their sister with Alexander Earl of Linlithgow To the Lords of Councell an ample Commission was given for the administration of all affairs receiving resignations hearing the accounts of the Exchequer continuing daies of law adjoining assessors to the justice granting of licences to depart forth of the Realm altering the place of their residence as they should find it convenient repressing the troubles of the
Borders and for creating Lieutenants one or more upon occasions The persons he chused to attend him in the journey were the Duke of Lennox the Earls of Marre Murray and Argile the Lord Hume Sir George Hume Treasurer Mr. Iames Elphingston Secretary Sir David Murray Comptroller Sir Robert Ker of Cessord with the ordinary Gentlemen of the Chamber and of the Clergy David â—ishop of Rosse Peter Bishop of Dunkeld Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Andrew Lamb Mr. Iohn Spotswood Mr. Gawen Hamilton and Mr. Alexander Forbes Ministers Things thus ordered the King went the next morning to S. Giles to hear a Sermon Mr. Iohn Hall whose course it was preaching took occasion to remember the great mercies of God towards his Majesty reckoning the peaceable succession to the Crown of England none of the least This he said was Gods own proper work for who could else directed the hearts of so numerous a people with such an unanime consent to follow the way of right Thereupon he did exhort his Majesty to thankfulness to the maintenance of Gods truth and that he would send home some of those commendable orders he would find whither he was going The King accepting his exhortation in good part did upon the end of the Sermon make a speech to the people which at the time were frequently convened and promising to have care of them and their good gave them a most loving and kind farewell This was followed with such a mourning and lamentation of all sorts as cannot be well expressed For albeit they joyed not a little at first to hear of that accession of honour to their King yet considering they should be deprived of his presence and have no more a resident King among them they were grieved out of all measure This affection of the people moved also the King greatly therefore when the Magistrates Ministers and others of the better sort came to receive his commandments he spake gratiously unto them willing them not to be troubled with his departing for that they should finde the fruits of his government as well afarre off as when he was neer at hand and as his power was now encreased and made greater so his love towards them should not be a whit diminished In this sort did he part and beginning his journey on Wednesday the fourth of Aprill came the day to Berwick there he was welcomed with a most eloquent Sermon by Toby Matthew Bishop of Durham for he went first to the Church which finished he was conveyed to the Palace by the Governor and garrison the munition playing from the walls and the Citizens with showts and acclamations testifying their gladness The ninth of that moneth he went to Newcastle where he aboad some few days and because multitudes of people from all quarters were daily coming to see the King and offer their service Order was taken that no strangers should have access granted till the Chamberlain or Master of the Guard was acquainted with their business At York he was met with the Councellors and from thence by easie journeys travelled to London how his Majesty was there received and what other things happened in the time I remit to the English History my purpose being only to relate the things passed in Scotland or had some reference to matters of that Church and Kingdome Being at Burleigh house neer unto Stamford the King was advertised of the death of Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow who deceased at Paris in the same moneth This man was descended of the house of Balfoure in Fife and consecrate Bishop at Rome in the year 1552 and at the time of reformation forsook the Countrey out of the hatred he bare to those that had hand in that work and carried with him all the writs and evidents of the Sea of Glasgow with the vessels and ornaments of the Cathedrall Church things of exceeding great worth for besides those of ordinary use there belonged to that Church the Image of our Saviour in beaten gold and the portraits of the twelve Apostles in silver The Queen returning from France did establish him Ambassadour in these parts for her affairs under the government of the Regents he was forfeited and deprived of his living which as we shewed before was conferred upon Mr. Iames Boyd Trochrig and after him went through divers hands till the King at his majority did restore him to his dignity honour and living employing him likewise for his Ambassadour in France a man honourably disposed faithfull to the Queen while she lived and to the King her son a lover of his Countrey and liberall according to his meanes to all his Countreymen in his last Will he bequeathed all his means to pious uses leaving as was said ten thousand Crownes for the education of poor Scholars being Scottish men born The evidents vessels and ornaments of the Sea of Glasgow he consigned in the hands of the Carthusians of Paris appointing the same to be redelivered how soon Glasgow should become Catholick and this year being the 66 of his age departed peaceably this life The King having destinated Mr. Iohn Spotswood for his successor sent him back to attend the Queen in her journey and serve her for elemosynar Soon after his coming her Majesty went to Striveling of mind to bring away the Prince her son and carry him along with her self to England but being denied by the friends of the house of Marre she became so incensed as falling into a feaver she made a pitifull abortion Advertisement of this being sent unto the King he caused the Earl of Marre to return and after him sending the Duke of Lennox with a warrant to receive the Prince and deliver him to the Queen he was brought unto her at Halirudhouse about the end of May yet she not satisfied herewith complained bitterly of the dishonour she had received and by a letter written to the King full of passron and anger which she gave her Elemosynar to carry required a publick reparation by the punishment of the Earl of Marre and his servants The King who knew the Earl himself to be blameless and desired not to be troubled with such business especially at that time returned this answer That she should doe wisely to forget the grudges she carryed to the Earl of Marre and thank God of the peaceable possession they had obtained of these Kingdomes which next unto God his goodness he ascribed to the last negotiation of the Earl of Marre in England This reported to the Queen for the messenger was commanded to speak so much she in a great choler replyed That she rather would have wished never see England then to be in any sort beholden to him for the same Yet as she was a most mild Princess and very carefull to please the King in every thing at her coming to Windsor which was about the end of Iune she was reconciled to the Earl of Marre and he by Act of Councell declared to
answer Captain Iames Stewart his reply Morton is commited 2Ì„â— Ianuarii 18. Ianuar. An Assembly of the Church with their proceedings against the Bishops The iniquity of their proceedings A letter from the Earl of Lennox to the Assembly Iohn Dury committed to the Castle The death of Mr. Iohn Row An Ambassadour from England His Majesties answer to the Ambassadour An Assembly of the Estates The Ambassadour laboureth with Noblemen to take Arms for Mortons liberty Forces sent by the Queen of England to the Borders An. 1581. The proceeding against Mortons friends at Court The Ambassador departeth secretly to Berwick Sir Iohn Seaton denied passage into England Morton brought from Dumbritton to Edinburgh Morton his indictment Sentence pronounced The Ministers conference with the Earl of Morton The sentence mitigated Arran desireth Morton to subscribe his confession Morton his Answer Morton his behaviour at his death Mortons qualities and good parts Arrans proceeding against Morton and his servants approved Arran his marriage with the Countesse of Marche Montgomery his Simoniacal bargain for the Bishoprick of Glasgow Inquisition made of Montgomehy his life and doctrine The Articles against Montgomery communicated to the King Mr. Walter Balcanquel questioned for speeches in Pulpit Balcanquels answer The King ceaseth from pursuing the complaint Balcanquels Sermon approved by the Assembly An. 1582. Montgomery suspended by the Presbytery of Striveling He is cited to appear before the Synod of Lothian The Synod inhibited to proceed An Assembly at S. Andrews Mr. Mark Ker sent to discharge the Assemblies proceeding The Assembly discharged under pain of Rebellion to desist The Assembly proceedeth and findeth him culpable of divers crimes Montgomery falling from his resolution submits himself to the Assembly Montgomery changeth and returneth to his first course Mr. Thomas Smeton his Sermon at Glasgow Montgomery processed for preaching at Glasgow The Moderâ—tor of the Presbytery imprisoned in the Tolbuith A solemn Fast kept Iohn Dury Minister at Edinburgh was removed from his charge Ministers directed to the King Mr. Iohn Davidson excommunicated Montgomrie The surprise of the King at Ruthven 23. Aug. 1582. The King stayed from his sport by the Master of Glammit Arran withholden from the the King The Duke of Lennox sendeth to enquire of the Kings Estate The Duke of Lennox willed to retire to France A Proclamation declaring the Kings contentment with his stay at Perth The Duke is advised to go unto Dumbritton An Ambassador from England September 12. The Earl of Angus received in favour October 12. The Lords bring the King to Halirudhouse Octob. 8. An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lords â—end to obtain the Assemblies approbation The Assemblies ratificacation of the attempt at Ruthven A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh The Kings speech to the Estates The attempt of Ruthven declared to be good service The Earl of Arran ordained to be detained till the Duke was gone The Duke falling sick at Seat taketh journey by land The Duke dering to see the King before he went away is denied Two Ambassador from France La Mott and Menevil The purpose of association renued The Ministers declared in their Sermons against the Ambassadors The Magistrates of Edinburgh desired to feast the Ambassadors The Ministers proclaim a fast Febr. 16. The Duke of Lennox dieth at Paris 26. May 1583. The King directeâ—h Amâ—assadours to England An. 1583. The negotiation took no effect The life and death of Mr. George Buchannan The King freeth himself of his attenders Ianuar. 28. The Earl of Gowry confesseth his fault and is pardoned An Act following the service of Colonel Stewart The Earl of Arran called again to Court His Majesties Declaration touching the attempt of Ruthven The discontented Lords confined All of them Angus except for their disobedience were denounced Rebels Ambassage from England the beginning of September His Majesties answer to the Ambassador The Ambassador complains of a Jesuits escape His Majesties answer An Assembly of the Church Grievances presented to his Majesty by the Church The King his answer to the grievances The answer did not satisfy the Church Lodowick son and heir to the late deceased Duke of Lennox cometh into Scotland Novemb. 13. The King his kindnesse to the Duke his children A Convention of Estates Prorogation granted to those that were charged to enter in Ward An offer of pardon to those who will acknowledge their offence at Ruthven The Earl of Rothes his protestation Iohn Dury questioned for allowing the attempt of Ruthven An. 1584. Mr. Andrew Melvil fleeth into England The King his Proclamations misregarded The Earl of 〈…〉 Being at Dundy he is apprehended by Colonel Stewart April 16. The Castle of Striveling surâ—â—â—ed April 18. The King 〈◊〉 to go towards Striveling The Rebels flee into England The Castle rendred April 27. Gowry examined touching the conspiracy His confession set down by himself in writing A letter from Gowry to his Majesty He is denied audience and put to the trial of a Jury The points of his endictment His exceptions repelled The names of the Assisers Gowry found guilty and sentence pronounced His execution and manner of death Archibald Douglas and another executed The houses of the Rebels charged Ministers called in question for the conspiracy Mr. David Lindesay Minister at Leth committed The Ministers at Edinburgh flee to England Mr. Robert Pont protesseth against the Acts. Libells and pamphlets against the Rulers of the Court. A letter from the Ministers of Edinburgh to the Session of the Church and Councel of the Town By the Kings direction an answer is returned in this form The letter grieveth the Ministers exceedingly Mr. Iames Lawson died at London Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet his death Mr. Thomas Smeton his death The Ministers charged with the subscription of certain Articles Mr. Nicol Dalgleish condemned David Home and his brother executed Robert Hamilton of Eglismachan delateth the Lairds of Dâ—uwwhasil and Mains Drumwhasil and Mains put to a trial They are found guilty and executed The unhappy end of Hamilton the delator Arran his power and credit at Court Arran laboureth to gain the Queen of England 12. Augusti An. 1585. The Master of Gray sent into England the beginning of October The Archbishop of S. Andrews sent into England The Queens answer to the Master of Gray The Justice Clerk directed into England April 1585. The banished Lords challenged by the Justice Clerk Arran draweth much envy upon himself His falling out with the Lord Maxwel Troubles betwixt the Maxwels and Iohnstons Johnston taken prisoner and shortly after dieth Sir Francis Russel sonne to the Earl of Bedford killed at a meeting in the Borders Arran and Farnherst confined Farnherst dieth at Aberdene Sir Edward Wotton Ambassador to Scotland about the beginning of Iune 1585. A convention of the Estates at S. Andrews A league continued with the Queen of England Lord Claud after his agreement with the banished Lords taketh a course by himself Ambassadors from Denmark Iuly 12. The King
assembled in great numbers and invading the Cloysters made spoile of all they found therein The Franciscans had store of provision both of victuals and houshold-stuffe amongst the Dominicans the like wealth was not found yet so much there was as might shew the profession they made of poverty to be faigned and counterfeit The Carthusians who passed both these in wealth were used in like manner yet was the Prior permitted to take with him what he might carry of gold and silver plate All the spoile was given to the poor the rich sort forbearing to meddle with any part thereof But that which was most admited was the speed they made in demolishing these edifices For the Charterhouse a building of exceeding cost and largenesse was not onely ruined but the stones and timber so quickly taken away as in less then two dayes space a vestige thereof was scarce remaining to be seen They of Cowper in Fife hearing what was doen at Perth went in like manner to their Church and defaced all the Images Altars and other instruments of idolatry which the Curate took so heavily as the night following he put violent hands in himself The report of these things being brought to Queen Regent she was greatly incensed especially against those of Perth and presently dispatched letters to the Duke of Chattellerault the Lord Hamilton was so styled and to the Earls of Argile and Athol desiring them to come to her with diligence The French garrison were likewise called her purpose being to surprise the town at unawares But they within the Town receiving advertisement of her preparation sent messengers to all the parts of the kingdom for aid and assistance Many came to their succours from Angus Mernis Fife and the adjacent Shires some also from Lothian But the celerity which Alexander Earle of Glencarn used was most admired for he upon warning given him of the danger wherein the town stood taking his way through the mountains travelled night and day till he came to Perth bringing with him two thousand and five hundreth men a good and opportune support The Lord Ruthven having a little before fallen from them and gone to the Queen which bred a great discouragement to the rest The principalls that came in Glencarns company were the Lords of Boyde and Ochiltrie the Sheriffe of Aire the Lairds of Cragie Sesnok Carnall Bar and Garthgirth The Queen getting intelligence that the Earle of Glencarn was come to assist them and that in the town there was seven thousand Gentlemen besides the Burgers resolute men all sent the Earle of Argile and the Prior of Saint Andrewes called then Lord Iames to enquire the reason of their Convocation and mediate an accord The Earle of Glencarn and Laird of Dun selected to treat with them answered to the first point that they were come thither to defend their friends and save the town from destruction As to the accord they professed to mediate they said that â—f Queen Regent would cease from troubling the professors of true Religion and suffer the reformation begun in the town to proceed they should in all other things be obedient to her commandments The Noblemen employed in this treaty were known to be well affected to the cause which made them within the town hearken to the conditions proponed and so much the rather that the Noblemen did promise if the Queen did either refuse to accept reasonable conditions or the same being accepted did violate the least jot thereof they should in that case joyne themselves openly with the Congregation and undergo the like hazard that they did Thus at their perswasion the Articles following were drawn up and agreed unto by both parties 1. That both the Armies dissolving the Towne should be left patent to the Queen 2. That none of the Inhabitants should be molested or called in question for the alteration they had made in Religion 3. That no French men should enter into the Towne nor approach to it by the space of three miles and that when the Queen retired there should no French garrison be left in the Town 4. That all other controversies should be delayed unto the next Parliament or meeting of the Estates This appointment was made the 29 of May anno 1559. after which publick thanks being given by Iohn Knox for the good issue of the present trouble the Congregation departed forth of the towne having first obliged themselves one to another that they should all concurre in maintaining the true Religion and be ready at all occasions to defend the Professours thereof for still they feared that promises should not be kept with them And that the Queen would finde occasions to violate the Articles whensoever she pleased as the successe also declared For immediately upon their departing she entered into the towne with some French souldiers in her company contrary to the Articles one of whom marching by the house of Patrick Murray a Citizen who was known to be most forward in the cause of Religion whether casually or of purpose it is uncertain killed with a shot his son a boy of 13. yeares old that was beholding the Queens entrie The childe being brought and laid before the Queens lodging she asked whose son he was answer made that he was the son of one Patrick Murray she said that the case was to be pitied and the more that it had fallen on the son and not on the father but she could not help misfortune Before three dayes passed all the heads of the Capitulation were broken some of the Citizens exiled others fined in great sums the present Magistrates thrust out of Office new Rulers intruded and foure Companies of souldiers left in the town for a Garrison who were charged to permit no other Service but that of the Romane Church which against promise she had of new established Some that desired matters should be more peaceably carried told her that the placing of a Garrison would be interpreted a breach of the Articles she answered that the promise was to leave no French souldiers in the towne which she had done for they were all Scottish men that were there and it being replied that all who took wages of the French King would be counted French souldiers she said that promise was not to be kept to Hereticks and if she could make as honest an excuse after the fact committed she would take upon her conscience to kill and undo all that Sect. But Princes saith she ought not to have their promises so strictly urged These speeches being divulged did procure to her much ill will Some reason indeed she had to assure the towne it being the town of all the Kingdome most commodious for the assembling of forces out of all quarters and the people by nature bellicose and at that time greatly inclined to those of the Congregation but the advantage she made of this was little or nothing to the malice she incurred by the breach of promises
Neither did â—he after this time ever see a good day but was of all sorts of people despised and misregarded The Earle of Argile and Lord Iames thinking their honours touched by the breach of the peace which they had mediated did forsake her and went to the Congregation whereupon they were charged to appear before the Councell but they answered That seeing the Queen had broken Conditions which by warrant from her selfe they had made with the Lords of the Congregation they would have no more medling in such dishonest courses and do the best to repair things The Noble men remained at that time in Saint Andrewes and because they foresaw this their answer would not be well accepted and feared some sudden attempt for the Queen with her French men lay then at Falkland they sent to the Lords of Dun and Pittarrow and others that favoured Religion in the Countries of Angus and Mernis and requested them to meet at Saint Andrewes the 4. day of Iune Mean while they themselves went to the town of Craile whither all that had warning came shewing great forwardness and resolutions and were not a little incouraged by Iohn Knox who in a Sermon made unto them at the same time put them in minde of that he foretold at Perth how there was no sincerity in Queen Regents dealing and that conditions would not be kept as they had found Therefore did he exhort them not to be any longer deluded with fair promises seeing there was no peace to be hoped for at their hands who took no regard of Contracts and Covenants solemnly sworn And because there would be no quietness till one of the parties were masters and strangers expulsed out of the Kingdome he wished them to prepare themselves either to die as men or to live victorious By this exhortation the hearers were so moved as they fell immediately to the pulling down of Altars and Images and destroyed all the Monuments which were abused to idolatry in the town The like they did the next day in Austruther and from thence came directly to Saint Andrewes The Bishop hearing what they had done in the Coast-towns and suspecting they would attempt the same reformation in the City came to it well accompanied of purpose to withstand them but after he had tried the affections of the townsmen and found them all inclining to the Congregation he went away early the next morning towards Falkland to the Queen That day being Sunday Iohn Knox preached in the Parish Church taking for his theame the History of the Gospel touching our Saviours purging of the Temple and applying the corruption which was at that time in Ierusalem to the present estate in the Church and declaring what was the duty of those to whom God had given authority and power he did so incite the Auditors as the Sermon being ended they went all and made spoil of the Churches rasing the Monasteries of the Black and Gray Friers to the ground The report of this carried to Queen Regent she was sore incensed and presently gave order for the marching of the French companies towards Saint Andrewes directing Proclamations to all the parts about for meeting her in armes the next morning at Couper The Lords taking purpose to prevent her coming went the same night thither accompanied with 100. horse onely and as many foot but such was the readiness of men in that quarrell as before 10. of the clock on the next day their number grew to 3000. The Earle of Rothes and Lord Ruthven brought with them many Gentlemen from Lothian the Lairds of Calder Ormston Halton Restarig and Coalston brought only a few for the warning they got was late yet their presence did greatly incourage the rest The towns of Dundy Saint Andrewes and Couper shewed great resolution and courage In the morning early the Noble men had drawn forth their Companies to the Moore on the West side of the town and committed the direction of all things to Mr. Iames Halleburton Provost of Dundy a man of good experience and much esteemed both for valour and counsell who made choice of a plot of ground most convenient for defence for it lay so as the Munition might play on all sides upon the enemy without receiving any annoyance from them till it should come to handy blows A little river ran also between the Armies which the enemies behoved pass before they gave the onset The Lord Ruthven with the horsemen was placed in the vantguard the other Lords with the Gentlemen of Angus Mernis Fise and Lothian made the battell The townesmen of Dundy Saint Andrewes and Couper were set in the rear and a certain space from them were the serving men and followers of the Camp appointed to stand which made shew of an auxiliary force provided against all accidents In Queen Regents Army the French were commanded by Monsieur de Offell and the Scots by the Duke of Chatterault the morning was dark and the fields covered with a foggy mist which hindered the Armies that they could not see one another About noontide when the aire began to clear the French sent some of their company to view the numbers and order kept by the Congregation who beholding them from a farre as they stood ranged in three battells and perceiving behind them the multitude of serving people which they took to be a supply of French men affirmed at their return the numbers to be greater then in truth they were Upon this a Post was directed to the Queen who was not as yet come from Falkland to enform her how matters went and to shew that the Lords were much stronger then was supposed and very forward to fight as likewise that they perceived a secret muting in their own Army some openly professing that they would not fight against their friends and Countreymen for the pleasure of strangers She hearing this was content they should treat for peace so the Lord Lindsey and Waâ—ghton were imployed by the Duke to confer with the Lords who at first were not suffered to approach nigh to the Army and had answer that they knew the Queen had sent those forces to pursue them and if they would invade they should finde them prepared to defend But they professing all their desires to be for peace and that they were sent to that effect were afterwards permitted to goe to the Lords who told them that they had been so often abused with the Queen Regents promises as they could not trust her words any more but if she would send back the French men that troubled the Countrey and give surely that no violence should be used to those that professe the true Religion they should not be found unreasonable It was ansvvered that for dimitting the French men she could say nothing till the French King was advertised and for the security craved she could give no other but her own word nor stood it with her honour to doe
otherwise Thus because a present peace could not be concluded a truce for eight dayes was made upon condition that the French souldiers should be transported unto Lothian and promise given that before the expiring of that time some indifferent men should be sent to Saint Andrewes authorized with sufficient power for making a firm and solid peace This truce made at Garlibank the 13. of Iune 1559. was signed by the Duke and Monsieur de Oâ—sell in name of the Queen This done the Lords of the Congregation departed leaving the fields first at the Dukes request and returning to Corvper gave publick thanks for that the enemies had failed of their purpose The next day dismissing the multitude they went to Saint Andrewes where attending some days but in vain the coming of these indifferent persons who were promised to be sent thither for concluding a finall peace complaints were dayly brought unto them of the oppressions used by the Lord of Kinfawns whom Queen Regent had placed Provost in the town of Perth The Earle of Argile and Lord Iames did hereupon write to the Queen shewing how at her speciall desire they had travelled with the Congregation then being at Perth and brought them to accept of the conditions propounded by her self the breach whereof chiefly in one point that is the placing of a Garrison of souldiers in the town of Perth was no lesse dishonourable to them who had given their promises to the contrary then it was grievous to the people Therefore they desired the Garrison might be removed and the town restored to the former liberty No answer returning the Lords resolved to expulse the Garrison by force and coming to Perth the 24. of Iune they summoned the Provost Captains and Souldiers to render assuring them if they held out and that it happened any one to be killed in the assault all their lives should pay for it The Provost and Captains answered That they had promised to keep the town for Queen Regent and would to the last drop of their bloud defend the same As these things were in doing the Earle of Huntley the Lord Areskin and Mr. Iames Bormatyne Justice Clerk came by direction of the Queen to perswade the Lords to delay the siege at least for some dayes but they refused to defer it the space of one houre praying them if they loved the safety of the besieged to advise them to render for if any harm should be done in the assault their lives should answer it 〈◊〉 offending that his intercession availed not left them without a farewell Then were the Provost and Captains again summoned but they exspecting no sudden assault and being confident that the Queen would send relief answered as before whereupon the Lord Ruthven that lay on the West quarter began to batter the walls with his munition The men of Dundy who lay upon the East side played upon the town in like manner with their peeces which put the besieged in fear so as considering their own weakness and doubting the succourse should come too late they demanded a Parlee wherein it was agreed that if the Queen did not send relief within the space of 12. houres they should depart and go forth of the town with their weapons and ensignes displayed Thus was the town yeilded Kinfawns expulsed and the Lord Ruthven repossessed in his charge and the inhabitants restored to their Liberties The next day the Abby of Scone situate a mile above Perth was burnt to ashes by the townesmen of Dundy The Noble men were earnest to have the Church and house saved from fire but the people were in such fury because one of their company was killed by a shot from the house as by no means could they be pacified Intelligence in the mean time coming to the Lords that the Queen was of minde to place a Garrison of French souldiers in Striveling to stop that passage and seclude the Professors beyond the river of Forth from those of the South they made haste to prevent her and rising at midnight came early in the morning to the town and immediately after their coming pulled all the Monasteries to the ground The Altars and Images in all the Churches within and about the town were broken and defaced and the Abbey of Cambuskenneth ruined and cast down Three dayes they abode at Striveling and on the fourth marched towards Edinburgh doing the like at Linlithgow which is in the way The rumour of their approach though they were but few in number for they passed not three hundred men in ally did so terrifie the Queen and the companies that were with her as with all the haste they could make they fled to Dumbar The Lord Seaton who for the time was Provost of Edinburgh and took upon him the protection of the Black and Gray Friers abandoned the charge and left all to the spoile of the multitude who before the arriving of the Lords had demolished all the monasteries within the Town and carried away whatsoever they found in the same It is strange to think how by so weak means in such a disorderly way those things should have been wrought seeing upon the least shew of resistance the enterprisers would in all probability have lest their attempt But God put such a fear in the adversaries hearts as they did flee none pursuing Queen Regent not knowing how to redresse these things gave forth a Proclamation wherein she declared That having perceived a seditious tumult to be raised by a part of the Lieges who named themselves the Congregation and under pretence of Religion had taken Armes she by the advice of the Lords of the Privie Councel for satisfying every mans conscience and pacifying the present troubles had made offer to call a Parliament in Ianuary next or sooner if they were pleased for establishing an universal order in matters of Religion by the advice of the Estates and in the mean time to suffer every man live at Liberty serving their conscience without any trouble untill further order were taken And because much appeared to consist upon the state of the Town of Edinburgh she in like manner had offered to permit the inhabitants to use what manner of Religion they would during that time to the end none might have just cause to say that they were forced to any thing against their mindes But that they of the congregation rejecting all reasonable offers had by their actions clearly shewed that it is not Religion nor any thing pertaining thereto that they seek but onely the subversion of authority and the usurpation of the Crowne In testimony whereof they daily brought English men into their houses that come with messages unto them and returned answers back to England and of late had violently possessed the Palace of Halirudhouse and intromitted with the Irons of the Mint-house one of the chief things that concerned the Crown Wherefore she commanded all persons belonging to the said congregation the
before they did shew themselves manifest contemners of the Authority by surprising Townes and making bonds both amongst themselves and with the ancient enemies of the Kingdome and to omit other things Could they think it lawful to them to keep an Army at Edinburgh for pursuing her who was their Regent and her Councel and that it should not be lawful to her to entertain a few companies at Leth for her own safety Belike they would have her to flee from place to place as hitherto she hath done declining their fury In their whole letters was there a word sounding to obedience any overture of peace or so much as an intimation of willingnesse in them to have debates composed and all things reduced to their former estate They might cover it as they pleased with the pretexts of the Commonwealth and their care of the good and quiet thereof but nothing lesse was meaned by them For if they desired peace she hath often shewed the way unto it Neither could they be ignorant that the French souldiers would long before that time have been recalled by the command of their King if they themselves had not been a let and hinderance thereto Further he was required to say that if as yet they would live obedient to their Soveraigns she for her own part would refuse no meanes of concord nor should she omit any thing that made for the good of the Commonwealth Neither was this her mind alone but the mind likewise of their Soveraigns who had sent two chief men one of the Church estate and the other an honourable Knight to signifie so much unto them whom they so farre despised as they would not vouchsafe them either answer or audience Lastly the said Herald as he was enjoined did charge the Duke the Noblemen and others their assisters and partakers to depart forth of the Town of Edinburgh and dissolve their forces under the pain of lese Majestie The Herald having in this sort delivered his credit the Lords convened in Councell with a number of Barons and Burgesses whom they called to assist In this meeting the Lord Ruthven presiding declared how the Queen had refused their Petitions and that there was no expectation of the yeelding up the Town of Leth or dimitting the French companies by a peaceable treaty so as now they were to think of the next course The reverence of authority which as yet was in the person of Queen Regent deterred many at first from uttering their mindes yet after some short silence they began to speak of discharging the Queen of her Regencie The motion seemed dangerous to some as wanting example at least for a long time The like they said had been sometimes done but it was alwayes carried under the shew of authority they in whose hands the King was at that time taking upon them in his name to suspend the present Government But that the Nobility and Estates without and against the Princes consent should assume that power to themselves was never heard and would be thought strange Others held that she being a Regent only might very well be prohibited to use the name of the King and Queen for authorising of her proceedings especially when they were known to be hurtful and pernicious to the whole Kingdomes In this variation of judgements it was thought meet to take the opinion of the Preachers and to that effect Mr. Iohn Willock and Iohn Knox being called they delivered their mindes one after another in this sort Mr. Iohn Willock first speaking said That albeit Magistracie be Gods Ordinance and that they who bear rule have their authority from him yet their power is not so largely extended but that the same is bounded and limited by God in his word And albeit God had appointed Magistrates his Lieutenants on earth honouring them with his own title and calling them Gods yet did he never so establish any but for just causes they might be deprived for even as subjects said he are commanded to obey their Magistrates so Magistrates have direction given them for their behaviour towards those they rule and God in his word hath defined the duties both of the one and the other In deposing Princes and those that have borne authority God did not alwayes use his immediate power but sometimes he used other means such as in his wisdome he thought good As by Asa he removed Maacha his own Mother from the honour and authority which before she did exerce By Jehu he destroyed Joram and the whole posterity of Achab and by divers others he deposed from the Government those whom he established before by his own word Of these ensamples he inferred That since Queen Regent had denied her chief duty to the subjects of the Realme which was to minister Iustice indifferently to preserve them from the invasion of strangers and to suffer the word of God to be freely preached seeing also she was a maintainer of superstition and despised the counsell of the Nobility he did think they might justly deprive her from all regiment and authority over them Iohn Knox being next desired to speak after he had approved all which his brother had said did adde this more That the iniquity of the Queen Regent ought not to withdraw their hearts from the obedience due to their Soveraigns nor did he wish any such sentence to be pronounced against her but that when she should change her course and submit her self to good counsel there should be place left unto her of regresse to the same honours from which for just causes she ought now to be deprived It had been a better and wiser part in these Preachers to have excused themselves from giving any opinion in these matters for they might be sure to have it cast in their teeth to the scandal of their profession Neither was the opinion they gave sound in it self not had it any warrant in the word of God for howbeit the power of the Magistrates be limited and their office prescribed by God and that they may likewise fall into great offences yet it is no where permitted to subjects to call their Princes in question or to make insurrections against them God having reserved the punishment of Princes to himself And for the ensamples they alleadged they are nothing to the purpose for Asa was King of Iudah and in possession of the Crown and Maacha though in nature his Mother was by condition his subject and might lawfully be discharged from the authority which by his favour she enjoyed after she fell to the erecting and worshipping of Idols As to the ensample of Iehu it is nothing better seeing what he did was by Gods expresse Commandment who giveth and taketh away Kingdomes as he pleaseth but no man hath this power and they that presume otherwise go expresly against the Commandment of God and the duty of Christian profession Alwayes the Lords and others then assembled as having now their determination
betwixt the Queen of Scots and the French King and a year after should employ her best means for and in their defence 2. That her Majesty should send with all convenient diligence into Scotland a sufficient aid of men of warre horse and foot with artillery munition and other instruments of warre as well by sea as by land to joyn with the forces of Scotland for the expelling the French forces presently within that Realm and stopping so farre as may be all others to enter therein in time coming 3. That her Majesty should continue her aid to the Nobility and subjects of Scotland untill such time as the French enemies to the said Realm should be utterly expelled thence and should transact agree nor conclude any league with the French except the Scots and French should be also agreed and the Realm of Scotland left in freedom neither should she leave the maintenance of the said Nobility and other subjects whereby they might fall as a prey into their enemies hands so long as they did acknowledge their Soveraign Lady and Queen and should endevour themselves to maintain their own liberty and the estate of the Crown of Scotland 4. If in case any Forts or Strengths within the Realm shall be recovered out of the hands of the French by her Majesties aid the same shoudl be immediately demolished or delivered to the Duke of Chattellerault and his partakers at their election neither should the power of England fortifie within the ground of Scotland but by the advice of the said Duke Nobility and Estates of Scotland 5. That the said Duke and Nobility as well such as be already joyned as such as hereafter shall joyn with him for defence of the liberty of the Realm should to the uttermost of their power aid and support her Majesties Army against the French and their assisters with horse and foot and all manner of other aid they possibly can make and shall provide victuals to the Army by land and sea and continue so doing during the time her Majesties Army shall remain in Scotland 6. That they should be enemies to all such Scottish men and French as shall in any wayes shew themselves enemies to the Realm of England for the aiding and supporting of the said Duke and Nobility and should never assent nor permit the Realm of Scotland to be conquered or otherwise united to the Crown of France then it is at the present only by the marriage of the Queen their Soveraing to the French King and as the Lawes and liberties of the Realm do allow 7. That if it should happen the French men at any time thereafter to invade or cause the Realm of England to be invaded they should furnish the number of 1000 horsemen and 2000. footmen at the least or such part of either of them as should be required at the charge of the Queen of England and should conduct the same to any part of the Realm of England that should be appointed upon the charges alwayes of the Queen of England And in case the invasion should be made on the North part of England either upon the North of the water of Tyne towards Scotland or against Berwick on the North side of the water of Twede they should convene and gather their whole forces upon their own charges and should joyn with the English power and continue in an earnest pursuit of the quarrel of England during the space of 30. dayes or so much longer as they are accustomed to abide in the fields for defence of Scotland 8. That the Earl of Argyle Lord Justice of Scotland being presently joyned with the said Duke should employ his force and good will when he should be required by the Queen of England for reducing the North parts of Ireland to her obedience conform to a mutual contract which should be made betwixt her Majesties Deputy of Ireland for the time and the said Earl wherein should be expressed what each of them should do for support of others in case either of them had businesse with Macc-o-neale or any other of the Isles of Scotland or Realm of Ireland 9. That the Scots for performance and sure keeping of their part of this contract should deliver such pledges to the Duke of Norfolk before the entrie of her Majesties Army in Scottish ground as the said Duke did presently name who should remain in England for the space of six moneths and be exchanged by deliverance of new hostages for six moneths to six moneths or four moneths to four moneths at the pleasure of Scotland the pledges alwayes being of the like or as good condition as the former and the lawful sonnes brethren or heirs of some of the Earls or Barons of the Parliament and the time of the continuance of the said hostages should be during the marriage of the Queen of Scots to the French King and a year after the dissolution of the same till further order may be had betwixt both the Realms for peace and concord 10. That the Duke and Nobility joyned with him being Earles and Barons of Parliament should subscrive and â—eale these Articles within the space of twenty or thirty dayes at the furthest after the delivering of the said hostages and should procure and perswade all others of the Nobility that should joyn themselves thereafter with the said Duke for the cause above specified to subscrive and seal the same Articles within the space of twenty dayes after their conjunction upon requisition made by them of England 11. That the said Duke and Nobility joyned with him certainly understanding that the Queens Majesty of England was moved to grant the present support only upon respect of Princely honour and neighbourhood for defence of the freedom of Scotland from conquest and not of any sinister intent did by these presents testifie and declare that neither they nor any of them do mean by this contract to withdraw their due obedience from their Soveraign Lady the Queen or yet to withstand the French King her husband in any lawful thing which tendeth not to the subversion of the just and ancient liberties of Scotland for the preservation whereof they acknowledge themselves bound to spend their goods lands and lives This contract of the date at Berwick the 27. of February 1559. was confirmed by the Queen of England and a Patent thereof delivered under the great Seal of England to the Duke and Nobility the Lords of Scotland did in like manner ratifie the same by their subscriptions at the Camp before Leth the tenth of May following How soon the French heard that the Lords were removed from Dysert they marched forward according to their first purpose towards S. Andrews and kept the Coast partly because of the ships which carried their victuals partly by reason of a great snow which then was fallen and made the nearest wayes unpassable After that they had crossed the water of Leven and were come unto Kincraige they espied a fleet of ships bearing up
Edinburgh using all means to draw the Town to be of their party which they thought would be easily obtained by reason of Grange his Commandment and if they should once compasse this they put no doubt to draw the rest of the countrey their way in a short time But first they resolved to advertise the Town of their coming and to intreat their favour The Magistrates answered That their gates should be patent to all that professed themselves subjects to the King but they would neither receive the English Rebels meaning the Earl of Westmerland and Lord Dacres who were in company with the Lords nor the Hamiltons and others suspected of the Regents murther nor yet to permit any Proclamations to be made derogatory to the Kings authority These conditions seemed to them hard yet hoping by conversation to winne the people to their side they came forward The next day after their coming to the Town they gave out a Proclamation Declaring their good affection towards the maintenance of true Religion their Soveraign the liberty of the countrey and the setling of the present divisions which must as they said unlesse timous remedy were provided bring the Realm to utter destruction They desired therefore all men to know that they had esteemed the enterprise taken by some Noblemen against the Earl of Bothwel for revenging the murther of the King and setting of the Queen at liberty both good and honourable whereunto they would have given their assistance if the same had been duly required And for the things that had intervened which they did forbear to mention lest they should irritate the minds of any their desire was the same might be in a familiar and friendly conference calmly debated and a peaceable course taken for removing the differences Mean while because they understood that some unquiet spirits gave out that their present convening was for the subversion of the religion presently professed as they could not but give notice to all the subjects that they who were now assembled were for the most part the first and chiefest instruments in advancing Religion and had still continued in professing the same with a resolution to spend their lands and lives in maintenance thereof So they desired to have it know that their meeting at that time did only proceed from a desire they had to see a perfect union and agreement established in the Realm for which they were ready to meet with those of the Nobility that differed from them in judgement and condescend after the ground of the differences was ript up upon such overtures as should be found agreeable to the setting forth of God his honour the strengthening of the Royal succession the preservation of the young Prince the entertaining of peace with forain Nations and the setling of accord amongst the Noblemen and other subjects This they declared to be their sole intention and rather then the same should not take the wished effect they were content to yield unto any conditions that should be thought reasonable under protestation that if this their godly and honest purpose for the reunion of the State was neglected and despised the inconvenients that ensued might be imputed to the refusers and the Noblemen presently convened be discharged thereof before God and man This was the substance of the Proclamation in the end whereof the lieges were charged to concurre with them in forthsetting that godly purpose and a prohibition made under great pains to joyn with any others that should attempt under the cloak of whatsoever authority to hinder the same But neither did this declaration nor the great travel taken by the Earl of Athol at the same time prevail with the other Noblemen to bring them to this meeting for still they excused themselves by the Convention appointed in May which they said there was no necessity to prevent or if any extraordinary occasion did require it the same being signified to the Earl of Morton who lay at Dalkeith upon his advertisement they should be ready to meet So finding their hopes this way disappointed by advice of the Secretary whose directions only they followed they took purpose to deal with the Earl of Morton apart To this effect the Earl of Athol the Prior of Coldinghame brother to the Secretary and the Lord Boyd were selected to confer with the Earl of Morton and Abbot of Dunfermlin but they could come to no agreement For the Earl of Morton of whom they had conceived some hope would not hearken to any conditions except they did acknowledge the King for their Soveraign Hereupon they â—ell to other counsels and first to have the Town of Edinburgh at their direction they craved the keys of the gates to be delivered which being refused they resolved to contribute moneys for hiring of souldiers and to draw so many of their friends and followers thither as with help of the Castle might command the Town But as they were about these devices advertisement was brought of an Army come to Berwick under the command of the Earl of Sussex which troubled all these projects To remain in Edinburgh they held it not safe yet lest it should be thought that they left the Town for fear the Magistrates were privately desired to intreat them to depart lest the English should fall upon the Town and make a spoil of it So making a shew to please the Town by whom they had been very courteously used they went to Linlithgow and abode there the rest of that moneth Before their parting they gave a warrant to the Laird of Grange for fortifying the Castle and dimitting the Lords Home and Hereis who had been committed by the late Regent The Duke of Chattellerault was some days before put to liberty The Lord Home had a part of the moneys which were contributed for levying of souldiers given him to defend his bounds against the English but when the Lairds of Bacleugh and Farnherst desired the like they were refused and went away in a great discontent About the end of April the Army of England entring into Teviotdale burnt the Towns of Lynwick and Crawling with the Castles of Farnherst and Brauxholm and divers houses belonging to the Kers and Scots And in their return to Berwick besieged the Castle of Home which was rendred by the Keepers to Sir William Drury at the Lord Home his direction for he reposed much in his friendship The Lord Scroop at the same time invading the West borders made a great spoil upon the Iohnstons and others who had accompanied Bacleugh in his incursion The Lords that kept together at Linlithgow having advertisement of these proceedings of the English and suspecting they had some other intentions then the spoiling of the borders sent a Gentleman to the Earl of Sussex to request a truce till they might inform the Queen of England of the estate of things and receive her Majesties answer The Earl opening the letters that were directed to the Queen
for he had warrant so to do and seeing them full of vain and idle brags for to shew the strength of the faction they had set down a Roll of all the Noblemen of their party inserting there in both some of their opposites and some that had carried themselves newters in all these broyls returned answer by the messenger that he would do as he was directed and not grant any truce nor keep the Army at their pleasure without imployment The time of the Convention approaching they who favoured the King his authority came in great numbers to Edinburgh At their first meeting it was thought convenient seeing the adverse party professed a desire of peace to make trial of their disposition and thereupon a Gentleman was sent with this message that if they would joyn for revenge of the murther of the Kings Father and Regent and would acknowledge the King for their Soveraign whatsoever else in reason they could crave should be granted unto them The answer was short and peremptory on their part That they acknowledge none for their Soveraign but the Queen and that she having committed the Government of affairs to the Earls of Arrane Argile and Huntley they would follow and obey them in her service Then they caused proclaim the Queens authority with the several Commissions of their Lieutenandries and in the Queens name indicted a Parliament to be kept at Linlithgow in August ensuing The Estates perceiving there would be no agreement gave forth a Proclamation to this effect First they said that it was not unknown to all the subjects in what a happy state the Realm stood under the government of the late Regent and what calamities it was fallen into by his death divers Lords and other subjects conspiring with them having presumed to erect another authority under the name of the Queen his Majesties mother But as such treasonable attempts had been often taken in hand and as often through Gods favour disappointed to the shame and ignominy of the enterprisers so they wished all men should understand what sort of people they were that had massed themselves together in the present conspiracy The Conspirators they ranked in three orders the principles they said were the authours of the cruel murthers of the King his father and Regent Others were manifestly purjured as having bound themselves by their oathes and subscriptions to defend the King his authority which now they impugned A third sort were such as had servile minos and without regard to conscience or honour did follow those to whom they had addicted themselves All which did pretend the maintenance of true Religion the liberty of the Countrie and the preservation of peace both abroad and at home But with what probability any man of judgement might consider for neither could he who was known to have been a persecutor of the truth and now carried the chief sway amongst them meaning the Archbishop of St. Andrews be thought a maintainer of Religion nor could they be esteemed favourers of their Country and the quietness thereof who without any just provocation had invaded the neighbour Realm of England and publickly entertained the Queens Rebells professing enemies to God and Religion As to the care they professed of the Kings preservation any man might conjecture how he should be preserved by them who exiled his Grandfather murthered his father did wickedly counsell his mother led her on courses that had brought her to shame and dishonour and now at last had unworthily cut off his Uncle and Regent by suborning a mischant to kill him treacherously It is like said they that they will be content to live subjects to a King discended of that house which they have so long a time persecuted and will they not fear if God shall bring him to perfection of years that he will be avenged of his fathers and uncles murther Neither can any be ignorant what the hope of a Kingdome will work in ambitious spirits especially when they finde themselves in a possibility to succeed unto the present possession And these are the men said they who seek to rule and command under the name of her whom they have undone by their wicked practices Of this they thought fit to advertise the subjects and to inhibit them from giving any assistance to the said conspirators under pain of death Such as of simplicity or ignorance had joyned with them they commanded to separate and return to their houses within the space of 24. houres promising in that case impunity and pardon for their by-past defection those onely excepted who were suspect of the foresaid murthers and had resset the Queen of Englands Rebells and violated the publick peace betwixt the two Realms This Proclamation was indited with much passion and matters now reduced to these termes that each side prepared to maintain their quarrell with the destruction of their adversaries The Queens faction dispatched Veraâ— to France to inform how matters went and to further the supply promised The Lord Seaton was sent to Flanders to intreat the Duke of Alva at that time Governour of the Neatherlands for the King of Spain for some aid of moneys and men and to impede the traffique of the Scottish rebells so they termed them that acknowledged the Kings authority in those parts For the point of traffick the Duke excused himself saying That he could not inhibit the same it being against the liberty of the Low-countreys but in other things he would do his best to further the Queen of Scots cause Like as shortly after he sent Mr. Iohn Hamilton Parson of Dumbar who lay Agent with him for the Scottish Queen to the Earl of Huntley with great store of Armor and gunpowder and the summe of ten thousand Crowns to levie Souldiers The Lord Seaton in the mean while who could not be idle wheresoever he was and had a great desire to approve himself by some service to the King of Spain dissembling his habit went into the United Provinces and dealt with Scottish Captains and Under officers to make them leave the service of the Estates and follow the King of Spain which being detected he was apprehended and by sentence of the Councell of Warre condemned to ride the Canon yet by some help he escaped and fled to the Duke of Alva who sent him home loaden with promises and rewarded with some little present for himselfe because of his good affection The Lords on the other side who stood for the Kings authority sent to the Earl of Sussex intreating the assistance of his forces or some part thereof because of the common danger and to move him the more they advertised that the Earl of Westmerland and other English Rebels were with the Lords convened at Linlithgow in Armes with intention as it seemed to work some mischief which had need for the good of both Realms to be prevented which they doubted not so the letters bear having his assistance to
do and to put them off the fields whereas if supply were not sent in time and that matters should happen to be put to a day amongst themselves the issue might prove dangerous Answer was made that the forces should be sent upon sufficient hostages for their surety during their remaining in Scotland Withall he craved that the English Rebels whom the Lords had in their hands and such others as should happen to be apprehended might be delivered to him as the Queens Lieutenant and left to her Majesties disposition For the hastages it was condescended that the chief Noblemen should deliver some of their friends to remain in England during the abode of the English forces and their safe return assured the chance and fortune of Warre only excepted which should be common and alike both to the Scots and them But touching the delivery of the English Rebells the Lords intreated that the same might be continued unto the return of her Majesties answer to the instructions sent by the Abbot of Dunfermlin who was upon his journey and had warrant from them to satisfie her Majesty in that point To this the Earl consented providing the Noblemen would give their bonds for the safe custody of the Rebels and the performance of that which her Majesty and the Ambassadour should agree unto The Laird of Grange and Secretary Lethington who as yet made a show to desire peace laboured by their letters to keep back the English forces offering what satisfaction the Earl of Sussex in name of her Majesty would require That the Earl answered that if the Lords of Linlithgow would disannull the Proclamation of the Queen of Scots authority and discharge all capitulations for aid out of France and all other parts beyond the Sea remitting the present dissension to the hearing and ordering of the Queen his Mistress and oblieging themselves by their subscriptions to stand at her Majesties determination he should stay his forces and detain them with himself till he received new direction from her Majesty Though these answers did in no wayes please them yet to gain some time they gave hopes that after conference with the Lords at Linlithgow he should receive all satisfaction But he smelling their intentions after he had received the bonds and pledges from the Noblemen of the Kings party sent Sir William Drury Governour of Berwick with a thousand foot and three hundreth horsmen into Scotland How soon the Lords that were convened at Linlithgow heard of their coming and that the Earl of Lennox was in their company they departed towards Glasgow and besieged the Castle purposing to raze it lest it should be usefull to the Earl of Lennox who was now returned from England But the house was so well defended by a few young men they passed not 24. in all that the siege after it had continued the space of five or six dayes brake up upon the rumour of the Noblemen and the English forces their approaching The Duke of Chattellerault went with the Earl of Argile into his Countrey the Earl of Huntley and the rest into the North. The Noblemen assisted with the English forces coming to Glasgow after a short stay marched to Hamilton and laid siege to the Castle which at the sight of the Ordinance that was brought thither for the battery was yielded to the English by Andrew Hamilton of Meryton Captain upon promise to have their lives spared The Castle was set on fire and pitifully defaced as also the Dukes palace within the town of Hamilton and divers other houses in Cliddisdale In their return to Edinburgh they destroyed the houses and lands pertaining to the Lords Flemyn and Levingston with the Dukes lodging in the town of Linlithgow the houses of Kinneill Powdowy Peill of Levingston and others that appertained to the Hamiltons in that shire This done the English forces returned to Berwick and were accompanied thither by the Earl of Morton who received again the hostages that were delivered in England Whilest these things were a doing at home the Abbot of Dunfermlin was following his legation in England His instructions from the Noblemen of the Kings party were First to shew the Queen that by the delay of her Majesties Declaration in the cause of the Kings Mother all these commotions had been raised and therefore to intreat her Majesty plainly to declare her self and take upon her the protection of the young King Secondly to inform her of the difficulties they had in electing of a Regent and crave her opinion therein Thirdly to shew what a necessity there was of intreating some forces of foot and horse till the present troubles were pacified and in regard of the publick burthens to request her for moneys to maintain 300 horse and 700. foot which was esteemed sufficient for repressing the adversaries power Lastly concerning the Rebells of England who were in hands to give her Majesty assurance that they should be safely kept and to beseech her Highnes if she would have them delivered that some respect might be had to their credit and mercy shewed so far as could stand with her Majesties safety and the quiet of the Realm For the other Rebells that were as yet in the Countrey he was desired to promise in their name all diligence for their apprehension and if it should happen them to be taken that they should be committed in sure custody till her Majesties pleasure was known These things proponed to the Queen she answered That having heard nothing from the Lords since the late Regents death and being dayly importuned by forain Ambassadours she had yielded to a new hearing of the controversies betwixt them and their Queen and that she intended to have a meeting of the Commissioners of both parties ere it was long Therefore desired them to cease from using further hostility and not to precipitate the Election of a Regent the delay whereof would work them no prejudice This answer reported to the Lords did trouble them exceedingly from the one part they saw a necessity of accommodating themselves and their proceedings to the Queen of Englands pleasure and on the other they did find a great hurt by the want of a Regent That adverse faction having thereby taken occasion to erect another Authority and divers of their own partakers falling back from their wonted forwardness as not knowing on whom they should depend After long consultation this expedient was taken That a Lieutenant should be appointed for certain time with full authority to administrate all affairs and notice sent to the Queen of England of the necessity they stood in of a Regent and that there was no other way to keep the subjects in obedience Choice accordingly was made of the Earl of Lennox grandfather to the King and a Commission of Lieutenandry given him to indure to the 11. of Iuly next at which time the Estates were warned to meet for the election of a Regent Letters were also directed to the
sins and departed this life with a constant and comfortable assurance of mercy at the hands of God By this defeat of the Castilians so they were commonly named the Queens faction fell quite asunder nor did it ever after this time make head The Bishop of Ross who had followed her businesse as Ambassadour in England being at the same time put to liberty and commanded to depart forth of the Kingdom went privately to France for he feared the Earl of Southampton and Lord Henry Howard brother to the Duke of Norfolk whom he had touched in his examination When he came to France to mitigate the anger they had conceived he published an Apology for the depositions he had made and whilest he lived ceased not to do the duty of a faithful subject and servant to the Queen soliciting both the Emperour and Pope the French King and other Catholick Princes in her behalf who gave many good words but performed nothing So little are the promises of strangers to be trusted and so uncertain their help to Princes that are once fallen from their Estates At home the Regent applying himself to reform the disorders caused by the late warre begun with the borders who had broken out into all sorts of riot and committed many insolencies both on the Scottish and English side Thither he went himself in person where meeting with the English Wardens he took order for redresse of by-past wrongs And to secure the peace of the countrey caused all the Clannes to deliver pledges for the keeping of good order and made choice of the fittest and most active persons to rule and oversee those parts Sir Iames Home of Cauldinknowes was made guardian of the East Marches the Lord Maxwel of the West and Sir Iohn Carnichal of the Middle who by the diligence and strict jastice they observed resetters and entertainers of thieves reduced the countrey to such quietness as none was heard to complain either of theft or robbery The next care he took was to order the revenues of the Crown and recover such lands as had been alienated from it or in any sort usurped the jewels impignorated by the Queen he relieved by paiment of the moneys for which they were ingaged He caused repair all the Kings houses especially the Castle of Edinburgh and furnished the same with munition and other necessaries and by these doings did purchase to himself both love and reverence with the opinion of a most wise and prudent Governour Yet was it not long before he had lost all his good opinion by the courses he took to enrich himself Breaking first upon the Church he subtilly drew out of their hands the thirds of Benefices offering more sure and ready paiment to the Ministers then was made by their Collectors and promising to make the stipend of every Minister local and payable in the Parish where he served To induce them the more willingly to this promise was made that if they should find themselves in any sort hurt or prejudged they should be reponed to their right and possession whensoever they did require the same But no sooner was he possessed of the thirds then the course he took for providing Ministers was to appoint two three and four Churches in some places to one Minister who was tied to preach in them by turns and to place in every Parish a Reader that in the Ministers absence might read prayers who had allowed him a poor stipend of 20. or 40. pounds Scots As to the Ministers they were put in a much worse case for their stipends then before for when the Superintendents did assign the same the Ministers could come boldly unto them and make their poor estate known and were sure to receive some comfort and relief at their hands but now they are forced to give attendance at Court begging their assignation and precepts for paiment or as their necessities grew seeking augmentation which seldom they obtained or if any petty thing was granted the same was dearly bought with the losse both of their time and means The Superintendents were no better used the means allowed to them for their service being withholden and when they complained they were answered that their office was no more necessary Bishops being placed in the Dioces and the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction belonging to them These things lost him the Church which then growing sensible of their oversight in denuding themselves of the thirds craved to be reponed according to promise But herein divers shifts were made and after sundry delayes it was directly told them That seeing the surplus of the thirds belonged to the King it was fitter the Regent and Councell should modify the stipends of Ministers then that the Church should have the appointment or designation of a superplus They not able to help themselves did in the next Assembly take order that the Ministers who were appointed to serve more Churches then one should take the charge of that only at which they resided helping the rest as they might without neglect of their own charge And because the placing of Bishops was taken for a pretext to withhold the Superintendents means the Bishops were inhibited to execute any part of the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction within the bounds where the Superintendents served without their consent and approbation This crossing of one anothers proceedings did set the Church and Regent so far asunder that whilest he continued in office there was no sound liking amongst them The discontents of the countrey were so great by the Iustice Aires as they called them that went through the countrey and were exerced with much rigour people of all sorts being forced to compone and redeem themselves from trouble by paiment of moneys imposed The Merchants called in question for the transport of coyn were fined in great summes and warded in the Castle of Blackness till they gave satisfaction Nor left he any means unassayed that served to bring in moneys to his Coffers which drew upon him a great deal of hatred and envy I find at this time a motion made for compiling a body of our Law and making a collection of such ancient statures as were meet to be retained in practice which were ordained to be supplied out of the Civil law where was any necessity to the end Judges might know what to determine in every case and the subjects be foreseen of the equity and issue they might expect of their controversies This was entertained a while and of good men much desired as a thing beneficial to the countrey and like to have cut off the occasion of many pleas But it sorted to no effect by the subtle dealing of those that made their gain of the corruptions of Law It happened Iohn Ormeston commonly called Black Ormeston because of his Iron colour to be apprehended and brought to trial at the same time for the murther of the Kings Father This man was thought to be privy unto all Bothwels
would not long bear out and fearing to lose the Kings favour altogether he imployed some friends to make offer of satisfaction to the Duke and in end things were so composed as Arran did quit the commandment of the Guard and the charge thereof was given to the Duke To return to the matters of the Church there was a general Synod this year kept at Glasgow in the moneth of April wherein the question of Bishops was again agitated and because of the scruples which some brethren had at the Act concluded in Dundy the year preceding especially where it was said that the office of a Bishop had no warrant of the word of God the Assembly declared that their meaning was to condemn the estate of Bishops as they were then in Scotland A number of the more wise and moderate sort interceded that the conclusion of that matter might be for a time deferred because of the inconveniences it would draw upon the Church but they were cried down by the multitude Amongst others one Mr. Robert Montgomery Minister at Striveling was so servent in the cause as he would have the Assembly censure those that had spoken in defence of that corrupted estate Yet before the end of that year this zealous man did suffer himself to be more pitifully corrupted the story whereof shall now be related The See of Glasgow being then voyd it was suggested to the Duke of Lennox by some flatterers that he had a fair occasion presented to make himself Lord of that City and of the lands pertaining to that See if he should only procure a gift thereof to some one that would make a disposition of the same to him and his heirs The offer was made to divers who refused all because of the condition required At last the agents in that businesse fell upon this Montgomery who was content to accept it A gift was thereupon formed and a Bond given by him That how soon he was admitted Bishop he should dispone the Lands Lordships and whatsoever belongeth to that Prelacy to the Duke and his heirs for the yearly paiment of one thousand pounds Scots with some horse-corn and poultry A vile bargain it was for which justly he ought to have been repulsed But the Church passing this point made quarrel to him for accepting the Bishoprick which the King would not acknowledge to be a reason sufficient If they could charge him with any fault in doctrine or life he was content they should keep their order but to challenge him for accepting the Bishoprick he would not permit the same having lately ratified the Acts agreed upon at Leth Anno 1571. touching the admission of Bishops and ordained the same to stand in force untill his perfect age or till a change was made thereof in Parliament This related to the Church they did appoint Montgomehy his life and doctrine to be inquired upon if possibly they could find any matter against him which done an accusation was framed and he cited to answer in the next Assembly The Articles laid to his charge were these 1. That he preaching at Striveling had proponed a question touching the circumcision of women and affirmed they were circumcised in the skin of their forehead 2. That teaching in Glasgow he should say the discipline was a thing indifferent and might stand this or that way 3. That he called the Ministers captious and men of curious braines 4. That he laboured to bring the Original languages in contempt abusing the words of the Apostle in the 1. Cor. 14. and jeastingly asked In what School were Peter and Paul graduated 5. That to prove the lawfulnesse of Bishops in the Church he had used the examples of Ambrose and Augustine 6. That in his doctrine he said it was sufficient to baptize in the name of the Father onely or in the name of the Sonne or in the name of the holy Ghost seeing they are all one God and to that effect alleadged the nineteenth of the Acts. 7. That he should have called matters of discipline and the lawful calling of the Church trifles of policy 8. That he charged the Ministery with sedition warning them not to put on or off Crownes for if they medled therewith they would be reproved 9. That he condemned the particular application of Scripture disdainfully asking In what Scripture they found a Bishop for a thousand pounds horsecorne and poultry c. 10. That he oppugned the doctrine of our Saviour speaking of the number of the wicked and them that perish 11. That he denied any mention to be made in the New Testament of a Presbytery or Eldership 12. That he accused the Ministers of Pasquils lying backbiting c. 13. That the Church being traduced with infamous libels he did not only not find fault therewith but seemed to approve the same having used in his preaching the very words of the Libel cast in the Kings chamber against the Ministers 14. That these three moneths past he had been negligent in doctrine and discipline and giving no assistance to the Eldership The Articles were sent to the King by some Ministers who were desired to shew his Majesty that the accusation was not founded upon the accepting of the Bishoprick but upon erroneous points of doctrine The King answered That whatsoever colour they gave to the process he knew that his yielding to accept the place was the true quarrel and for himself albeit he loved the Religion and agreed fully therewith he allowed not divers heads of their policy alwayes for the particular in hands he would leave the man to make his own answer This reported to the Assembly they went on with the accusation and Montgomery being called Mr. Andrew Melvil became his accuser The Articles upon his denial were admitted to probation but few of them were verified yet the conclusion of the Assembly was that he should continue in his Ministery at Striveling and meddle no more with the Bishoprick under pain of excommunication Mean while the Presbytery of Striveling for they had now erected Presbyteries in divers places of the countrey was enjoyned to try his conversation and how he did exercise discipline if possibly any thing might be found against him that way It fell out at the same time that Mr. Walter Balcanquel one of the Ministers of Edinburgh did utter some reproachful speeches in a Sermon against the Duke of Lennox saying That within these four years Popery had entered into the countrey and Court and was maintained in the Kings Hall by the tyranny of a great Champion who was called Grace But if his Grace continued in opposing himself to God and his word he should come to little Grace in the end The King advertised of this sent Iames Melvil his servant to complain to the Assembly requiring some order to be taken therein The Minister being put to his answer said That he praised God for two things First that he was not accused for any thing done against
that time they had done good thankful and necessary service to the King and countrey Also that their taking of Armes making of Conventions entring in conflicts taking and detaining of prisoners contracting of leagues and bonds and all other deeds done by them which might appear to be against his Majesties authority in so farre as the same was done without his Highness warrant should be reputed and esteemed good service done to the King and State And that they and their partakers should be exonered of all action civil or criminal that might be intended against them or any of them in that respect Inhibiting therefore all the subjects to speak or utter any thing to the contrary under the pain to be esteemed calumniators and dispersers of false rumors and to be punished for the same accordingly The declaration passed it was ordained that the Earl of Arran should be detained in the Castle of Ruthven till the Duke was gone out of the Realm after which he should be confined on the North of the water of Iern and that four companies should be levied upon the publick charges two of horsemen and as many foot to guard the King and Noblemen who did attend him till the present troubles were quieted Then were some grievances proponed in name of the Church but these laid by till another time the Lords not willing to irritate the King for such matters having once secured themselves The Duke to keep the word which the King had given for his departing took shiping in the West parts about the midst of October and being hindred by contrary winds fell sick at Sea The King advertised of his ill disposition advised him to travel through England in regard of the winter season and to remain at Blackness till a safe conduct was procured from the Queen He had not stayed many dayes there when a rumour was raised as was thought by his enemies that he was to be brought again to Court and the Lords turned out or used with more violence This made a new stirre whereupon the Lord Hereis was sent to command him to begin his journey and to be in Berwick the 22. day of December he craved to see the King and be permitted only to salute him but this being denied he departed in great heavinesse In the beginning of Ianuary two Ambassadours arrived sent by the French King the one named Monsieur la Motte the other Monsieur Menevel La Motte came by England with whom came alongst Mr. Davidson Ambassadour from Queen Elizabeth the other by Sea both having the same instructions which were to work the Kings liberty in the best sort they could to confirm his mind in the love he bare to the French and to renue the purpose of Association This last businesse was set on foot the year before and almost concluded in this sort That the Queen of Scots should communicate the Crown with her sonne and both be joyned in the administration of affaires that so he might be acknowledged for a lawful King by all Christian Princes and all domestick factions suppressed But upon the Dukes sequestring from Court it was left off and not mentioned again till now The Assembly of the Church in the last meeting had made this one of their special grievances and complained of it as a most wicked practise And now the Ministers of Edinburgh hearing that purpose to be moved of new by the French Ambassadours declaimed bitterly against them in their Sermons especially against La Motte who being a Knight of the order of S. Esprit did wear the badge of a white Crosse upon his shoulder This they called the badge of Antichrist and him the Ambassadour of the bloudy murtherâ—r meaning the Duke of Guise who they said procured him to be sent hither It grieved the Ambassadours much to hear these out-cries which daily were brought unto them but perceiving the Kings authority not able to restrain the liberty which the Preachers had taken they did not complain but urged earnestly their dimission The King desirous to entertain the ancient amity betwixt the two nations and dimit them with some contentment desired the Magistrates of Edinburgh to give them the Feast before their parting To impede this Feast the Ministers did on the Sunday preceding proclaim a Fast to be kept the same day on which the Feast was appointed and to detain the people at Church the three ordinary Preachers did one after another make Sermon in S. Giles Church without any intermission of time thundering curses against the Magistrates and other Noblemen that waited on the Ambassadours by the Kings direction nor stayed their folly here but the Ambassadors being gone they pursued the Magistrates with the censures of the Church and were with difficulty enough stayed from proceeding with excommunication against them for not observing the Fast they proclaimed Of all this the King seemed to take no notice for he saw not a way to represse these disorders and much perplexed he was with the reports of the Duke of Lennox his death who partly of grief partly through the long and troublesome journey he made in that cold and rainy season contracted a fever at his coming to Paris whereof after a few days he died Some hours before his expiring there came to him a Priest or two to do their accustomed service whom he could not admit professing to die in the faith of the Church of Scotland and to keep the oath he had given to the King inviolate This the King made to be proclaimed at Edinburgh that the people might see what wrong the Duke had sustained during his abode in the Realm by the uncharitable suspicions both of Ministers and others But this belongs to the year following Meanwhile the King ceascth not to think of his own liberty using all means to put the Lords that attended him out of an opinion that he had any meaning to free himself And the Duke being gone whom they feared most they esteemed the danger the lesse for Arran was not well loved because of his violent courses and Morton who had the greatest following was put from his charge in the Borders and the same given to the Laird of Iohnston The King had likewise by their advice sent Colonel Stewart and Mr. Iohn Colvil in a joynt Commission to the Queen of England to move her for restoring the lands in that Kingdome which appertained to his Grandfather the Earl of Lennox and the Lady Margaret his Grandmother together with the by-run profits intrometted by the Thesaurer or Master of Wards as likewise to communicate unto her the course he had taken for quieting the Realm and to desire her aid and assistance therein Some instructions besides were given them to propone as touching the Kings marriage the matters of the Border and the contracting of a defensive league by all which they held themselves secured of his Majesties favour But for the negotiation it
renew the former complaints of Bothwel his resset and entertainment in the borders of England and to crave his delivery according to the league But while he was pressing that businesse in England Bothwel surprised the King at home and for a while made all these purposes to sleep so as he returned without effecting any thing The occasion and manner of the surprise was this The Chancellour who had all that year been absent from Court upon a discontent the Queen conceived against him had sent to the King a Letter requesting his licence to depart forth of the Countrey since he could not with safety attend his service for that to remain at home and live deprived of his Majesties presence he said was to him a very hell which he could hardly indure promising to return at such time as his Majesty should find convenient to recall him to his service The King did shew the letter to the Queen because in the same he had protested much of his sincere affection towards her and being loath to quite him whom he had tried to be so able a servant moved her to forget all quarrels so as he would resigne the Lordship of Mussilbrugh which had bred this dissension The resignation made and the Chancellour being on the point to return to Court the Duke of Lennox by the advice of Atholl Ochiltrie and others of the name of Stewart resolved to prevent his coming by the inbringing of Bothwell The Parliament had broke up some two dayes before and the Noblemen resorting to the Palace to take their leave of the King the Gates were kept patent and lesse heed taken of those who entred Atholl with his Lady had lodged all that time in the house then pertaining to the Earl of Gowry at the back of the Palace and kept Bothwell private with Mr. Iohn Colvill one of his followers So early in the morning the Lady pretending to bid the King farewell and making her entry through the Postern Gate taketh Bothwell and his companion along with her and bringeth them unperceived of any into the Kings bedchamber The King was then private in a retiring room and when he came back and saw them stand with their swords in their hands cried aloud Treason treason They falling on their knees called for mercy Nay said the King you have dishonoured me and placing himself in his chair Strike Traitor saith he to Bothwell and make an end of thy work for I desire not to live any longer He protesting with many oaths that he came only to beg pardon and to put himself in his Majesties will the King replyed That mercy extorted by violence was not mercy and that it was not the form of supplicants to come with weapons in their hands Whilest the King was thus talking the Earl of Marre and Sir William Keith entred into the Chamber and presently after them a number of Bothwells faction who by this time had possessed the utter Court and assumed the charge of the Gates The report of this accident going to the City the people went to armes and conducted by Sir Alexander Home their Provost made towards the Palace to give the King relief but he was then become somewhat pacified and following the Earl of Marre his advice after he had shewed himself from a window to the people and given them thanks for their readiness he willed them to return to their houses attend his advertisement All that day matters were caried fairly in a sort 〈◊〉 using speeches and offering himself to trial for the consultation which began his trouble for his other misdemeanors he desired mercy excusing himself by the want and necessity whereunto he and his friends were driven But when he perceived the Kings countenance not to be towards him as he wished he changed his forms and letting some words fall that sounded not well gave divers to suspect that he should attempt some violence This did set the English Ambassador on work who being assisted by the Ministers of Edinburgh did after long travell and much perswasion induce the King to set his hand to the Articles following 1 That remission should be granted to Bothwell his friends and partakers for all attempts against his Majesties person and authority in any time past and promise made never to call or pursue him and his foresaids for any by-past fact as likewise to repossess them in their houses and lands notwithstanding whatsoever process laid against them 2 That a Parliament should be called in November next and such an Act past in his and their favours as was made at Linlithgow Anno 1585 for their greater security 3 That during that time the King should not receive in his Company the Chancellor the Lord Home the Master of Glammis and Sir George Home knight 4 That from henceforth the Earl Bothwell his friends and followers should be esteemed as good and lawful subjects and used with much favour as if they had never offended These Articles the King did in the word of a Prince promise to perform and for Bothwells greater satisfaction after he had signed the same with his own hand caused so many of the Councell as were present together with the Magistrates and Ministers of Edinburgh subscrive as Witnesses The subscribers were the Duke of Lennox the Earl of Atholl the Lords Forbes Ochiltry Spiny and Urquhart the Master of Gray M. Iames Elphinston Mircarny the Clerk of Register Nicoll Edward Iohn Morison George Fodrick and David Williamson Baylifes of Edinburgh M. David Lindesay M. Robert Bruce M. Robert Rollock M. Walter Balcanquell and M. Patrick Galloway Ministers For Bothwell it was promised that he should leave the Court and not come towards the King till he was called by his Majesty These things were done at Halirudhouse the 14 of August 1593. some twenty days after the surprise The next day the King went to Falkland attended by the Duke of Lennox the Lord Ochiltry and Chreichton of Clany a follower of Atholl who did promise to waite upon the the King unto November and debarre those others that by the Articles were not to be admitted The rest of the moneth the King stayed at Falkland and in that time Bothwell did obtain himself purged by an Assise of practising and consulting with Witches which had been the original of his mischief In the beginning of September the King went to Striveling where he had appointed a Convention to meet for taking order with the broken men of the Highlands and borders Thither came the Lord Hamilton the Earls of Marre Morton Glencarne and Montrose with the Lords Lindesay and Levingston of the Church estate the Bishops of Dunkeld and Aberdene the Prior of Blantyre and Abbot of Lundors and divers Commissioners of Burghes After some speeches concerning the borders and Highlands and the means to quiet them which was the errand pretended the King declared that he had called them to that meeting for business that touched him
promising how soon the forfeiture was past to follow forth the same Onely at the 7. he tooke exception where it was desired that the subjects should put themselves in armes upon urgent â—ccasions for he had not as yet forgotten the stirs of the year preceding and would have none to arm but upon his own warrant Withall he sent Sir Robert Melvill and Alexander Hume of North Berwick with certain instructions to the Assembly whereof one was That they should inhibit the Ministers to utter any irreverent speeches in Pulpit against his Majesties person Councell or Estate under pain of deprivation and because one of their number called Iohn Rosse had in a Sermon preached before the Synod of Perth uttered divers treasonable and irreverent speeches of his Majesty it was craved that they should censure him as his fault had deserved Another was That they should excommunicate Mr. Andrew Hunter for the scandall he had brought upon their profession he being the first open Traitor of their function against a Christian King of their own Religion and their naturall Soveraign A third instruction was That by Act of Assembly Ministers should be ordained to disswade both by publick and private exhortation their flocks from concurring with Bothwell in his treasonable attempts or any other that should make insurrection against the authority established by God in his Majesties person The last was assented unto and an Act made thereof but the censure of the Minister Rosse was carried more slightly and he onely admonished to speak in time coming so reverently and discreetly of his Majesty as there might be no just cause of complaint against him Hunter was deposed from the Ministery as a desertor of his flock and one suspected to have joyned himself with the Kings rebells but the excommunication was not pronounced The Parliament did hold at the time appointed yet because the Noblemen convened slowly 3 or 4. dayes were spent without doing any thing In end when by the excuses that divers made a greater number was not expected they that were present assembled in the Parliament house and keeping the form accustomed made choice of a number for the Articles of Noblemen there were three Earls and six Lords onely present Beginning was made at the summons of forfeiture the Letters and blanks intercepted with Mr. George Ker presented and the hand-writs cognosced by witnesses Some question there was about the Blancks and that which should have been insert in them but the presumptions were so clear as none would doubt what the subject should have been Yet the Noblemen urged a delay of the triall to a more full convention which the King would not admit knowing what misinterpretings that would make and so by pluralities of voices the crimes of Treason were found to be sufficiently proved and the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against the three Earls and Achindown their Scutcheons of Arms as the manner is torn by Herauld and they declared to have lost their honours lands and estates for treasonable practises against the King and their Native Countrey In this Parliament divers Statutes were concluded some in favours of the Church and others very beneficiall to the Countrey as the Stature made for punishment of theft robbery and oppression another against usury and a third against buying of Pleas by Judges and other members of the Court of Justice The next moneth passed in receiving the Ambassadors that came to assist the Baptisme which in the latter end of August next was performed with great solemnity from England the Earl of Sussex was sent the King of Denmark the Duke of Brunswick Megelbrugh with the Estates of the united Provinces had their Ambassadours present But from the French King there came not any though they also were expected at the day appointed for the solemnity The Prince was brought from his own chamber to the Queens Chamber of presence and laid in a bed dressed in a most stately form the Ambassadours entered into the Chamber the Countess of Marre accompanied with a number of Ladies took up the Prince and delivered him to the Duke of Lennox who presented him to the Ambassadors Sussex as having the first place received him and carried him in his arms to the Chappell the rest marching in their ranks and followed by the Ladies of honour the Mistresse nurse and others of inferiour note Before them went the Lord Hume carrying the Ducall Crown the Lord Levingston carried the Towell or Napkin the Lord Seaton the Bason and the Lord Semple the Laver. Above the English Ambassadour there was a Pale or Canabie born by the Laird of Cesford Buclerogh Duddope and Traquier The Princes train was sustained by the Lords Sinclar and Urqhart In this manner they walked toward the Chappell a guard of the youths of Edinburgh well arrayed standing on each side of the way and the trumpets sounding Being entred the Chappell the King arose from his seat and received the Ambassadours at the doore of the Quire and then was the Prince delivered to the Duke of Lennox who gave him to the Nurse After which the Ambassadours were conveyed to their places which were ordered in this manner Upon the Kings right hand a chair was set for the French Ambassadour but this was empty next to him the Ambassadour of Denmark was placed on the left the English Ambassadour and Legier did fit and next after them the Ambassadours of Brunswick Megelburgh and the States every chair had a tassell boord covered with fine Velvet and the Ambassadour of England besides the others had office men standing by him to wait The Service did then begin and upon the end thereof the English Ambassadour arose and presented the Prince to the Bishop who was appointed to administer the Sacrament This was Mr. David Cunningham Bishop of Aberdene The action finished Mr. David Lindsey Minister at Leith had a learned speech in French to the Ambassadours After which they returned to the Chappell in the same order that they came Then was the Prince laid upon a bed of honour and his Titles in this sort proclaimed by the Lyon Herauld Henry Frederick Knight and Baron of Renfrew Lord of the Isles Earl of Karrick Duke of Rothsay Prince and Stewart of Scotland This done certain pieces of silver and gold were cast forth at a window among the people and a number of Knights created at night for it was in the afternoon that the Baptisme was ministred The Ambassadours with their train and the Noblemen present were royally feasted nothing lacking that was required to such a triumph The rest of the moneth was spent in Playes running at Tilt and such other exercises as might give delight to the strangers Amidst these joyes the King was not forgetting his own serious affairs sent his Secretary Sir Richard Cockborne of Clerkinton to England to desire the Queens assistance in pursuing the Popish Lords according to the many promises made by the Lord Souche and Mr. Bowes that how soon he should
Archibald Campbell of Lochinzell his brother Iames Campbell Mackneill Baray and about 700 common-souldiers on Huntleys part besides his uncle Achindown 12 only were killed but many were hurt and wounded This fight happened on Thursday the 3 of October 1594 and is called by the Countrey people the battell of Glenlivat albeit it was fought on a hill three quarters of a mile distant The victory fell happily on Huntleys side for the Countrey people who should otherwise been miserably spoiled if Argile with his forces had prevailed The Lord Forbes with the Lairds of Bughan and Drumchat were advancing to assist Argile upon advertisement of his defeat and that he was turned back made after him thinking to perswade him return But by the way a gentleman of the name of Irwyn being killed by the shot of a Pistol in the dark of the night there entered such a distrust and jealousie amongst them none knowing who was the doer as presently they separated and went home The King had the news of Argiles defeat brought him to Dundee which made him hasten his journey to the North. The 16 of October he came to Aberdene where councell was taken for demolishing the houses of Strathbolgy Slains and Newton In this service the Earl of Marshall was imployed having some Companies of horse and foot allowed him till the same was accomplished Huntley and Arroll during that time did lurke in Sutherland thinking how soon the King returned Southto come back into their Countreys but the Duke of Lennox being left Lieutenant in those parts by the counsell and assistance of those that were appointed to attend him put them to such extremity as they made offer to depart forth of the Realm and laid surety neither to return without his Majesties license nor to practise against Religion and the State whilest they stayed abroad It was debated a while whether or not such a capitulation might stand with the Kings honour and his Majesty being thereupon consulted in regard of the many difficulties that pressed him in the time and that it made for the quietness of the kingdome to have them put away the surety offered was accepted which done the Duke of Lennox having stayed in those parts three moneths returned about the third of February to Edinburgh Bothwell now was in miserable plight being hated of the Queen of England for his combining with the Popish Lords Excommunicated by the Church and forsaken of his fellowes especially M. Iohn Colvell who had followed him in all his troubles and knew the places of his resset for he had made his peace and as the rumor went betrayed Hercules Stewart Bothwells brother who the same time was executed publickly in the street of Edinburgh These things did so increase his fears as not knowing whom to trust he stole away privately to France The King hearing that he was gone and had taken land at New haven in Normandy sent a Gentleman to the French King to demand him as one who was declared a traitor and if that was denyed to desire that he might be banished France The answer of the French King was That he should give him no Countenance but since he had taken his refuge thither he could not but suffer him enjoy the free ayre of his Countrey Some moneths he remained there till either wearied of the bad entertainment he found or as it was said for challenging a Gentleman to combate against the Kings edict he was forced to quit those partes and fly into Spain from thence he went to Naples where he lived in a poor estate unto his death which happened some years after the King his going into England How soon Bothwell was gone all his followers did sue for pardon Sr. Iames Scot of Balwery offering to exhibite the bond made at the Church of Menmore betwixt Bothwell and the Popish Lords which he had in custodie was brought before the Councell and having produced the same laid open all their plots By his deposition it appeared that Sir Iames Duglas of Spot was the principal worker of that agreement Whereupon the Ministers of Edinburgh were called and the bonds shewed unto them bearing a mutuall concurrence in all things Religion not excepted Whereupon they were desired to pronounce Spot excommunicated as one that had made defection from the truth and was otherwise suspected of haynous crimes but they excusing themselves the Commissioners of the generall Assembly were called to meet at Striveling who after some debating the sentence was pronounced against him Balwery after a few days imprisoned was set at liberty and remitted but never prospered after that time and ruined his house utterly for an ensample to all that will be medling with factious and seditious Rebells The year following an Assembly of the Church was kept at Montrose in the moneth of Iune where the Commissioners for the King did urge these Articles First Whosoever did medle or practise in any treasonable enterprise against his Majesties person and estate being found and declared culpable by law they should likewise incurre the sentence of Excommunication that so there might be an inseparable union betwixt the two swords Secondly that no Excommunication should be pronounced at the appetite of particular men but that a sufficient number of the Church should be first Assembled and the same determined by publick consent Thirdly That none should be Excommunicated for civill causes crimes of light importance or particular wrongs of Ministers lest the censure should fall into contempt and become like the Popes cursing Fourthly That no summare Excommunication should be thenceforth used but that lawfull citation of parties should go before in all causes whatsoever To the first the Assembly agreed with the clause Legitimâ cognitione Ecclesiasticâ praeeunte To the second they likewise condescended But to the third and fourth they answered that those being points of great weight and craving a mature deliberation could not on the sudden be determined and so continued the resolution thereof to the next Assembly discharging in the mean time any summary Excommunication to be used with this exception Nisi salus ecclesiae periclitetur The exception displeased the King for he thought it would serve the turbulent sort for a colour to all their proceedings But there fell out in the mean time a business which made all these things be forgotten The Queen moved by some that envied the Earl of Marre his credit laboured to have the Prince her son in her own custody and had drawn the Chancellor and divers of the Councell to promise their assistance Advertisement given of this to the King who was then at Falkland he came to the Queen at Halyrud-house and inhibiting any of the Councell to come towards him till he should call them dealt so with the Queen that he diverted her from that course and made her go and remain at Striveling How soon she was gone calling the Chancellor and such of the Councell as
King and cunningly abused the English Warden did make his aboad at Court and was there well entertained The Ambassadour whether desired by the Queen or the Warden it is uncertain caused some of his servants keep company with the man and allure him one day to Leth where having drunk liberally he was by Coach instead of returning to Court carried to Berwick This being told the King he was greatly offended and giving order to watch the Ambassadours lodging 〈◊〉 to Berwick to bring back the man The Governour prayed the King to have him excused for that the man being come within his charge he could not dimit him without the Queens knowledge The King receiving this answer did challenge the Ambassadour as not having carried himself dutifully and wronged both him and the Countrey but he denying the fact affirmed the same to have been contrived by two of his servants without his knowledge and direction This none did believe neither did the King vouchsafe him any more countenance Whereupon he parted in a great discontent Soon after the King went to S. Andrewes for a new visit of the Universitie where it was ordained That there should be yearly upon the 3 of March a Dean of facultie of Theologie elected by the Doctors the Ministers resident within the City and the principall Masters of the Colledges which Deane so chosen should have the like priviledge and jurisdiction upon the students and professors of Theologie that the Deans of Philosophy had by the foundation over the professors thereof with expresse provision that that he who was elected Dean should not till after three years space be received again into the office Other conclusions were taken for distributing the Students of Theologie in Classes and their yearly examination but were ill observed At this time came forth sundry Discourses touching the succession of the Crown of England some oppugning some maintaining the Kings title amongst others Mr. Iohn Colvill taking upon him one of the opposite Treatises did publish a recantation wherein having confuted all the contrary reasons he professed that in malice in time of his exile he had penned the Treatise which then out of conscience he refuted This was believed of many and helped greatly to discredit the adversary writings yet was he not the Author of that which he oppugned only to merit favour at the Kings hands he did profess the work that came forth without a name to be his and indeed a more pithie and perswasive Discourse was not penned all that time in that subject The same year did the King publish his Doron Basilicon upon this occasion Sir Iames Semple one of his Majesties servants whose hands was used in transcribing that Treatise upon an old familiarity with Mr. Andrew Melvill did give it him to read who offending with some passages that touched the Ministery and present discipline took copies thereof and dispersed the same amongst the Ministers thereupon a Libell was formed and cast in before the Synod of St. Andrews wherein the passages at which they excepted being first set down it was asked What Censure should be inflict upon him that had given such instructions to the Prince for that Treatise was directed to Prince Henry and if he could be thought well affected to religion that had delivered such precepts of Government Sir Patrick Murray and Mr. Iames Nicolson being present in the Synod as Commissioners for the King and apprehending the libell to concern his Majesty made diligent enquiry to find out the presenters The whole number pretending ignorance the Commissioners commanded the doors to be shut and the Roll of the Ministers names to be called who being put to their oath one by one did purge themselves yet was it tried the very next day to be laid on the table by Mr. Iohn Dikes Minister at Anstruther who being therefore cited before the Councell was fugitive and denounced Rebell The rumor by this occasion dispersed that the King had left certain directions to his son prejudiciall to the Church and Religion he took purpose to publish the work which being come abroad and carried to England it cannot be said how well the same was accepted and what an admiration it raised in all mens hearts of him and of his piety and wisdome Certain it is that all the Discourses that came forth at that time and those were not a few for maintaining his right to the Crown of England prevailed nothing so much as did the Treatise against which such exceptions had been taken In the end of the year happened some new jarrs betwixt the King and the Ministers of Edinburgh because of a company of English Comedians whom the King had licensed to play within the Burgh The Ministers offending with the liberty given them did exclaim in their Sermons against Stageplayers their unruliness and immodest behaviour and in their Sessions made an Act prohibiting people to resort unto their plaies under pain of the Church censures The King taking this to be a discharge of his Licence called the Sessions before the Councell and ordained them to annull their Act and not to restrain the people from going to these Comedies which they promised and accordingly performed whereof publication was made the day after and all that pleased permitted to repaire unto the same to the great offence of the Ministers The next year which by publick Ordinance was appointed to have the beginning at the Calends of Ianuary and from thenceforth so to continue for before that time the year with us was reckoned from the 25 of March there was an Assembly kept at Montrosse the 28 of March where the King himself was present Therein that great business of the Churches voice in Parliament was determined and first the conclusions taken at Falkland in Iuly 1598 were ratified Then touching the continuance of those that should be chosen to give voice for the Church it was after much debating concluded That be who was admitted should yearly render an account of his Commission to the generall Assembly and laying the same down at their foot should be therein continued or if his Majesty and the Assembly did think fit to employ another he should give place to him that was appointed Two points more were adjoyned to the former one was That they who had voice in Parliament should not have place in the generall Assembly unless they were authorised by a Commission from the Presbyters whereof they were members The other caveat was That crimen ambitus should be a sufficient reason to deprive him both of his place and office And now there rested no more but to nominate persons to the Bishopricks that were void Aberdene and Argile had their own incumbents at the time both actual preachers S. Andrewes and Glasgow were in the hands of the Duke of Lennox Murray possessed by the Lord Spinie Orkney by the Earl of Orkney Dunkeld Birchen and Dumblane had their own titulars but these
the Duke did follow him and was entertained with hunting and the like sports unto the Queens delivery which fell out the 17 of September Going then unto the Countrey to salute his mother Madam D' Aubigney and other his friends whilest he was about these offices of kindness the King went by post to Callais upon some intelligence as it was said from England that the Queen was fallen sick he himself gave out that the affairs of Flanders did occasion his journey for as then the Archduke was besieging Ostend But whatsoever the businesse was no man doubted but that he had an eye upon the succession of England and if he could have found a faction would have foisted in another Bastard of Normandy which oftentimes in a merriment and gallantry he spared not to utter The Duke after his return to Paris made no long stay but taking his leave of the French King who was then come back from Callais took journey towards England and came to London in the beginning of November A Parliament was then sitting at VVestminster the last that Queen Elizabeth held which with his coming upon that instant gave many to think that he was come to urge a Declaration of the Kings right of succession and not a few they were nor of small note that offered to assist if he should move any such business but he told them that neither had he any such Commission nor would the King ever agree to any thing that might breed a jealousie in the Queen And his Commission indeed was no other but to salute the Queen in the Kings name and let her know the kinde and filiall affection he carried unto her whereof he should be willing to give proof at all occasions And for that he was given to understand that the Irish Rebells had drawn in some Spanish forces into Ireland to fortifie themselves in their Rebellion he would if his ayde should be thought necessary employ the same for their expulsion The Queen giving the King many thanks said That if those troubles continued she would take his help and hire some of his High-landers and Isles men but she trusted to hear other news shortly and not be vexed long with those strangers As also it came to passe for the very next moneth the Lord Montjoy her Deputy did in a battell fought neer Kinsale defeat the Irish utterly and afterwards forced the Spaniards that had taken the Town to render upon condition of their lives saved and that they might be transported again into their Countrey The Duke after three weeks stay being feasted by the Queen and entertained with all complements of amity returned home and came to Edinburgh in the end of December where having related his proceedings in Councell they were all approved The Lord Elphingston had in his absence resigned the office of Treasury upon an offence as was thought he conceived for adjoyning some others unto him in the componing of Signators and now was Sir George Hume one of the Masters of the Quirie preferred to the office which he discharged by his Deputy Sir Iohn Arnot both to his Majesty and the Countreys content The next sommer the King having resolved to plant Lowland-men in the Isles and transport the inhabitants into the main land where they might learn civility made a beginning at the Isle of Lewis The undertakers were Patrick Abbot of Lendors Colonell William Stewart Captain William Murray Mr. Iohn Lermouth of Balcolmy Mr. Iames Spence of wormeston Sir Iames Anstruther of that ilke and Iames Forret of Fingaske These Gentlemen furnishing themselves with armes and shipping and having conduced a number of souldiers took sea and in the third or fourth day arrived in the Lake of Sternoway within the same Isle Murdoch Macklond base son to old Macklond who carried himself as Lord of the Isle made at the first some resistance but after a little conflict distrusting the people for he had used them with great tyranny he fled and forsook the Isle leaving the Indwellers to the discretion of the Invaders they how soon he was gone did all submit themselves and accept such conditions as were offered by the undertakers Being thus peaceably possessed the Laird of Balcolmy either sent by the rest to signifie their good successe and to make preparation against the Winter or for some private business of his own took purpose to return home and being lanched alittle from the coast and by reason of the calm forced to cast anchor was suddenly invaded by the said Murdach Macklowd with a number of Birlings so they call the little vessels those Isles men use the ship boarded the mariners killed and himself made prisoner The Gentleman being detained some daies and hourly threatned with death was afterwards ransomed by one of his friends and conveyed to Orkeney where contracting a feaver he died The rest of the Gentlemen to repair this injury conduced Neill Macklowd brother to the said Murdach to betray and deliver him in their hands which he performed shortly after having by an ambush laid for his brother apprehended him and some twelve more that were in his company The twelve he presently beheaded Murdach he delivered to the Gentlemen as he had promised who was afterwards transported to S. Andrews and there executed The undertakers thinking themselves now secured began to build and made a partition of lands letting the same to the Countrey people who did all swear fidelity to them but whilest they expected no trouble Norman Macklowd son to old Macklowd did on the suddain beset them put fire to their lodgings and force them to the Conditions following First that they should purchase to them remission from the King of all crimes and offences past Next that they should resigne to Norman all the right that they had acquired of the Isle of Lewis And thirdly that Sir Iames Spence with his son in law Thomas Monypenny of Kinkell should remain as pledges untill the remission was brought unto him and such a surety given of the Isle as he could devise This condescended unto Sir Iames Anstruther departed with the whole company that was left for many were killed before their yeilding and for relief of the pledges obtained of the King both the remission and security of the Isle that was desired which was sent to Norman by Iames Lermouth son to the Laird of Darcie By this mean were the pledges freed and for that time the whole enterprise defeated some three years after the same was of new attempted with what successe we shall hear in the own place Master Robert Bruce who as we shewed before was exiled in France obtained licence to return in the beginning of this Summer by the intercession of the Earl of Marre whom he had intreated to mediate his peace upon promise at his return to satisfie the King and declare his resolution in that matter of Gowries The King who never shewed himself difficile especially to Ministers
An. 1561. The Queen prepareth to return from France Her conference with the Earle of Bedford Monsicâ—r d' Oyfell sent into England The Queen of Englandâ— answer The Queen of Scots offended with it Her conference with Nicoolas Throgmorâ—on The Queen of Scots reasons for delaying the ratification Throgmorton his answer The Queen of Englands letter to thâ— Noâ—ility The Councels answer He◠〈◊〉 with the English Ambassadour at 〈◊〉 The Qâ—een 〈◊〉 at Leâ—h The Nobility assembles to congratuâ—ate her return No change to be made in religion and a private Masse pâ—rmitted to the Queen The Earl of Arran opposeth A tumult in the Abbey The Nobles that came from France with the Queen return home William Maitland directed to England The Queen of Englands answer A second conference with Lethington The Queen of Englands reply The Queen of Englandsâ—easons â—easons for her refuse Lethingtons third audience The conclusion taken by the Queen of England The Queen of Scots her progresse in the countrey Aâ—chibald Douglas Provost of Edinburgh committed The Preachers are displeased The Queen maketh choice of a Councell Ninian Winyet a Priest exiled The thirds of Benefices granted to the Queen A guard of horse and foot levied to attend the Queen Lord Iames sent to the borders is at his return made Earl of Marrâ— He is preferred to the Earldome of Murray and the Lord Ereskiâ— made Earl of Marre Huntly offendeth with thesâ— prefermenâ—s He chargeth Murray with the affectation of the Crown Bothwell stirreth up the Earl of Murray against the Hamiltons Practice against the Earl of Murray The practice discovered by the Earl of Arrane Arrane becometh distracted New devices for cutting oft Murray An. 1562. Letters sent from beyond sea in favour of Huntly An interview of the two Queens moved The interview stayed Petitions of the Church to the Queen The Queen goâ—th to Aberdâ—ne The Lady Huntley intercedes for her son The Queen taketh journey to Innernesse The Castle of Innâ—â—nâ—sse denied to the Queen The Castle beiseged and rendered Huntley resolves to invade the Queen The battel of Corrichie The Earl of Huntlâ—y taken prisoner and dieth Thanksgiving for the victory Iohn Gordon beheaded at Abâ—rdene The Lord Gordon forfeited and commitâ—ed The Archbishop of Saint Andrews committed An. 1563. A Parliament at Edinburgh A trouble at Halirudhouse Iohn Knox called before the Councel The Earl of Lenox restored Henry Lord Darnely son to Lenox cometh into Scotland The Queen intendeth to take him to husband An. 1564. Enemies raised up against the Queen The Lord Gordon restored Signeur Davie an atâ—endant on the Queen favoureth the mariage Secretary Lâ—thington sent into England A Convocâ—tion of the Estates at Striveling The Lord of Darnely created Duke of Rothâ—say A mutiny at Edinburgh The Queen cometh to Edinburgh and the mutiners fly An Assembly at Edinburgh Petittions of the Church The Queens answer to the Petitions The Queen married to the Lord Darnly The complaints of the discontented Lords The king heareth a Sermon at St. Giles Iohn Knox cited before the Councell The Lords pursued by the King and Queen The Lords flie into England The Queen of England intercedeth for the Lords The Duke received in favor A generall Assembly of the Church A reply to the answer of their last Petitions An. 1565. The slaughter of Signeur Davie conspired A Parliament at Edinburgh deserted The slaughter of Davie Damiott a French Priest willed him to be gone The Queens behaviour after Davies murther The exiled Lords return The King protesteth his innocency The Conspirators flye into England Inquisition of the murtherers An. 1566. The Castle of Edinburgh made choice of for the Queen her lying in The Queen feasts the Noblemen The Queen delivered of a son Sir Henry Killigrew sent from England The desire of the Church for the Baptisme of the Prince The Queen goeth to Alloway Secretary Lethington soffereth her Majesties anger against the King The Queen goeth to Iedburgh Lethington renueth the purpose of divers Preparation for the Princes Baptisme The King withheld from the solemnity The King falleth sick in the way to Glasgow The Archbishop of S. Andrewes restored to his priviledges The Churches complaint for the same Master Knox goeth into England A letter from the Assembly of the Church to the Bishops of England Assignation of Ministers stipends The Queen visiteth the King at Glasgow He cometh to Edinburgh and there is murthered by Bothwel A rumour dispersed by Bothwel that Murray and Morton had murthered the King The names of the murtherers cast forth in the street The Earl of Lenox soliciteth the Queen to take trial of the murther An. 1567. The Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Bothwell and the Prince delivered to the Earl of Marre Bothwell put to a triall Robert Cuningham protesteth against the proceedings in the name of the Earl of Lenox The persons chused upon the Jury Bothwell acquited with a protestation of the Jury Bothwell offereth to try his innocency by combat The offer accepted upon security of the place A Parliament at Edinburgh Bothwell seeketh the consent of the Lords to the Queens marriage He ravisheth the Queen in her return from Striveling His design in committing this rape Bothwell his divorce from his wife The Queen cometh to the Castle of Edinburgh The banes of Bothwell with the Queen asked Mr. Iohn Craig protested Mr. Craig called before the Councell with the reasons of his opposition His publication thereof to the people The marriage of the Queen with Bothwell celebrated The Noblemens bond for preservation of the young Prince The Bishop of Dumblane sent to France Noblemen solicited to enter in bond with the Queen and Bothwell The Earl of Murray refused and is licensed to goe into France The Queen maketh choice of a Councell The order of their attendance A Proclamation to accompany the Queen to the borders The Castle of Borthwick invironed The Queen Bothwell escape The Lords retire to Edinburgh A Proclamation given out by the Lords The Queen gathereth forces Difficulties amongst the Lords The Queen giveth thâ—m the opportuniy they wished for The Proclamation of Glaidsmore The Lords cast themselves in the Queens way The order of the Lords Aâ—my The meeting at Carberry hill The French Ambassadour laboureth to compose matters Bothwel offereth to try the cause in combat It is accepted and the Queen inhibiteth the fight The Queens Army unwilling to fight Bothwel flyeth and the Queen rendereth herself to the Lords The Queen sent prisoner to Lochlevin Sir Iames Balfour betrayeth his trust to Bothwel The Earl of Glencarn demolisheth the Altar The Lords write to the Noblemen of the Queens party The Noblemen made a motion to the Assembly and the Assemblies Commission to the Lords Instructions given to those that were sent from the Assembly The Earl of Argile his answer The Lord Boyd his answer Articles agreed in the Assembly of the Church The Articles subscribed The Queen moved to make resignation of the Crown The King crowned at Striveling
The Earl of Murray returneth from France He visiteth the Queen at Lochlevin The Earl of Murray elected Regent Bothwell taketh the Sea and is pursued by Grange The custody of Edinburgh Castle committed to Grange The Lords convened at Hamilton write to the Regent An. 1566. The first Parliament of King Iames the 6. The Acts concluded in Parliament The Queen ordained to be kept in prison The Bishop of Orkney deposed for marrying the Queen The confession of these that were executed for the Kings murther An. 1568. The Queen escapeth from Lochlevin The manner of the Queens escape The Queens resignation decerned null The Regent advertised of the Queens escape The Lord Boyd falleth to the Queen The Regent resolveth to stay at Glasgow and assemble forces The battel of Landside 13 May 1568. The order of the Regents Army The number of the slain The ptisoners that were taken The Castles of Hamilton and Darffan rendered to the Regent The Queen flieth to England and writes to Queen Elizabeth The Queen of Scots begins to see her error A Parliament called by the Regent The Queen of England desires the Parliament to be delayed The Râ—gent refuseth The Queen of England writeth to the Regent Commissiooners choosed to go into England The tenour of the Commission An Assembly of the Church Who should have voice in Assemblies Acts of discipline The Bishop of Orkney reponed A meeting of the English and Scots Commissioners at York Commissioners for the Scottish Queen Protestation for the Queen of Scotland Commissioners of Eâ—gland protest in the contrary A declaration in behalf of the Queen of Scotland The Regents â—etire to the â—ommissioners oâ— England The Duke of Norfolks answer Lethington disswadeth the Regent from accusing the Queen The information presented against the Queen of Scots The Commissioners of the Queen of Scots reply The Commissioners of England desire the Regent to give better reasons 〈◊〉 disperied of the Râ—gents imprisonment A Declaration presented in writing by the Râ—gent The answer of the Commissioners for the Queen of Scots The Queen of England doubteth how to cary her self in the business The Queens Commissioners purge the Regent of the Kings murther The Duke of Chattellerault claimeth the Regency A reply to the Dukes petition The Queen of Scots letters intercepted The Regent returneth to Scotland The Duke made Deputy by the Queen of Scots He writeth to the Assembly of the Church The Assemblies answer Commissioners from the Churches the Regent Petitions in behalf of the Church Orders for giving degrees in Divinity The Regent and Duke agreed An. 1569. He forthinketh his yielding The Duke and Lord Hereis commitâ—ed to the Castle of Edinburgh A treaty with Argile and Huntley Huntky remitted upon some conditions The Regents expedition into the North. The Lord Boyd briageth letteâ—s from both Queens to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas Throgmorion to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas to Lethington A Convention of Estates at Perth Their judgement of the Letters sent from the two Queens A message sent into England The Abbot of Dunsermling sent into England The Earl of Northumberland imprisoned in Lochlevin Lethington charged with the Kings murther The Laird of Grange counterâ—â—en the Regents hand and taketh Lethington to the Castle The Regent makes an expedition to the borders He is informed of practices against his life Lethingtons triall deferred Iames Hamilton of Bothwell-haugh taketh in hand the Regents murder The Regent killed by the shot of a bulbullet The murtherer escapeth Thuanus 46. The death of the Regent greatly lamented A prediction of Iohn Knox. An Ambassadour sent from England The Ambassadours speech in Councell An. 1570. The Laird of Lochlevin urgeth a revenge of the Regents murther The delay ill taken of the people The principals of the Queens faction writ to the Earl of Morton Lethington offereth himself to a trial A meeting at Edenburgh of the Noblemen of both parties in March They deliberate upon the choice of a Regent An Ambassadour from France A meeting at Linlithgow of the Noblemen that stood for the Queen They give out a Proclamation They deal wiâ—h the Earl of Morton but he will not hearken to them An Army cometh to Berwick under conduct of the Earl of Sussex The Lords forsake Edinburgh upon the report They give warrant for fortifying the Castle The Army of England entereth in Scotland The Lords desire a Truce from the Earl of Sussex which he refused A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh An offer of peace to those of the Queens party The Queens authority proclaimed A Proclamation made by the Estates The Conspirators ranked in their Orders All prepare for Warre The Lord Seaton sent to Flanders The Parson of Dumbar brings moneys and Armour to Huntley The Lords who stood for the King send to Sussex for supply Grange and Lethington seek to stay the English forces upon offers Sir William 〈…〉 in Scotland with an Army The Castle of Hamilton rendered The Abbot of Dunfemlin Ambassadour in England His instructions The Queens answer to the instructions The Earl of Lennox made Lieutenant of the Countrey The Queen of Englands answer to the Lords that stood for the King The Earl of Lennox created King An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh Commissioners directed from the Assembly of the Church to the Lords of the Queens party The Regent goeth to impede the Parliament indicted at Linlithgow A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Regents expedition to Brichâ—n An Ambassadour to Denmark An Abstinence agreed unto A Treaty with the Queen of Scots Tâ—is Regents letter to the Queen of England Secretary Lethington denounced Rebel and loses his office The Secretaries Declaration The Regents Reply Articles propounded to the Queen of Scotland Sir William Cecil his letters to the Regent The Earl of Sussex his advertisement to the Regent His particular advice The Regents answer The Abbot of Dunfermlin made Secretary and sent into England The Queen of Englands answer ult November 1570. The Laird of Grange raiseth a trouble in Edinburgh and breaks out in open Rebellion Commissioners sent into England Reasons justifying the Queen of Scots deposition Articles proponed to the Commissioners of Scotland Answer to the foresaid Articles Propositions made to the Queen of Scots Commissioners The Answer The Treaty continued to a more convenient time The Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston conferre with the Earl of Morton Paslay taken by Lord Claud Hamilton and recovered by the Regent The Castle of Dunbartâ—n surprized The Archbishop of S. Andrews executed His Declaration at his death They who stood for the Queen take Arms and come to Edinbugh The Regent resolveth to hold the Parliament An. 1571. Persons forfeited in this Parliament The civil war renewed The Regent goeth to Striveling A conflict betwixt Morton and the Lords at Edinburgh The Eaâ—l of Morton hireth souldiers The Queen of England sendeth to Sir William Drury to try the estate of things The Lords on the Queens party hold