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
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
Majesty and esteemed a sufficient security for the Queen of Scots And if he did find her Majesty inclining thereto then to remember her with what a person she had to do a Princess by birth in Religion Popish one that professed her self a captive and as joyned with an husband suppose in a most unlawfull conjunction and that any one of these would serve for a colour to undo whatsoever thing she agreed unto at the present for her Majesty could not be ignorant how after her escape out of Lochleven she revoked the dimission of the Crown made in favours of her son though the same was done for good respects upon a pretext of fearâ— and that she did the same being a Captive As likewise she knew the Papists Maxime of not keeping faith to Hereticks which would serve her for a subterfuge to break all Covenants when she saw her time and that to dimit her upon any surety would prove no less dangerous to her Majesties own estate then to Scotland considering the claim she had made in former times to the Crown of England and the attempts of her Rebels at home not yet well extinct upon the same grounds In regard whereof there was nothing could assure the quiet of both Realmes in their opinions but her detention under safe custody which could not be esteemed dishonourable the just causes and occasions being published and made manifest to the world As to the power of forain Princes whereof they boasted the same was not much to be feared so long as her person was kept sure And if war for that cause should be denounced the perill should be less then if she were set at liberty and restored to the Crown for so she should have her forces and friendship ready to joyne with other Princes in all their quarrells against which no Hostages could serve for assurance This was the summe of his instructions He had presence of the Queen the penult of November and perceiving that none of these Articles were concluded he did communicate all his instructions unto her as he was desired she having perused them and reasoned thereupon with her Councell returned this Answer That she found in his instructions divers things worthy of consideration which behoved to be further debated and gravely weighed because of their importance Therefore desired some men of credit to be directed unto England that an end might be put to that business for as to the restitution of the Queen seeing it appeared they had reason to oppose it she would not have the Regent or those of his party to think that she intended to wrong them in any sort for if they should make it appear that nothing was done by them but according to justice she would side with them and maintain their quarrell And otherwise if they were not able to justifie their cause by such evident reasons as might satisfie her Majesty in conscience and make her answer the world in honour she would nevertheless for that naturall love she bare to the King her near kinsman and the good will she carried to the Noblemen that stood for his authority leave no means unprovided for their safeties But in regard a great part of the time appointed in the last prorogation of the Abstinence was already spent she desired the same to be prorogated unto March next and would desire them to agree thereto in regard they that stood for the Queen had condescended to the same and as much more time as she should think fitting This answer of the date at Hampton Court the â— of December came unto the Regent the 15. who thereupon advertised the Noblemen to meet at Edinburgh with all diligence for taking deliberation of things desired The Laird of Grange whether to impede the meeting or to divert the Councell from trying a conspiracy which was then discovered and said to have been devised in the Castle against the Regents life it is uncertain raised a great trouble in the town of Edinburgh about the same time One of his servants called Iames Fleming being imprisoned by the Magistrates for a slaughter committed by his direction he in the evening whilest all men were at supper made the Garrison of the Castle to issue forth and break open the prison doors playing all the while upon the town with the Canon to tertifie the inhabitants from making resistance This being complained of to the Regent he was called to answer for the riot but refused to appear and presently brake out in open rebellion fortifying the Castle and conducing a number of souldiers who did afterwards greatly annoy the Citizens The Nobility notwithstanding did keep the meeting and made choice of the Earl of Morton the Abbot of Dunfermlin and Mr. Iames Mr. Gill to goe unto England withall they agreed to the Abstinence required adjourning the Parliament to May thereafter How soon these Commissioners were come to London The Earl of Leicester and Sussex the Lord Keeper the Chamberlain Sir William Cecill Secretary then made Lord Burleigh Sir Walter Mildmay and Sir Francis Knolls were appointed to confer with them These meeting in the Secretaries chamber at Court after salutations and some generall speeches the Lord Burleigh said That they were desired to come into England upon occasion of a Treaty begun betwixt the two Queens and that her Majesty did now expect to receive from them such evident reasons for their proceedings against their Queen as wherewith she might both satisfie her self and with honour answer to the world for that which she did Or if they could not be able so to do that matters might be composed in the best sort for their safeties which her Majesty would by all means procure The Commissioners answered that they had before that time imparted the truth of all things to her Majesty which they thought might satisfie to clear them from the crimes objected yet if she stood doubtfull in any point the same should be cleared and their doings justified by most evident reasons Nothing further was said at that time but all continued to the next day And then having again met the Earl of Morton made a long discourse of the reasons and grounds of their proceedings answering the objections which he thought could be made against what he had spoken His discourse ended they were desired to put their reasons in writing which was with some difficulty yielded unto and under condition that if the reasons proponed by them did not content her Majesty the writing should be redelivered and no Copy taken thereof Otherwise if her Majesty did like and allow them they were content the same should be put in Record if so it pleased her Higness The last of February for albeit the 20. of that moneth they came to London they presented a number of Reasons for justifying the deposition of their Queen and cited many Lawes both Civill Canon and Municipall which they backt with examples drawn forth of Scottish Histories and with the
should prefer none thereto but such as was sound in Religion and for other qualities apt and worthy That during his Regencie he should grant no respits nor remissions for hainous crimes That he should not transport the King forth of the Castle of Striveling without the advice of the Councel That he should grant no favour to the murtherers of the Kings Father and Regents That he should neither enter into league with forainers nor denounce warre without the consent of the Estates And that he should be careful to entertain the amity contracted with the Queen of England The Estates on the other part did promise to assist him with all their power against the Kings enemies and to joyn with him in the reformation of whatsoever abuses crept in by occasion of the late troubles without offending at the execution of justice upon their nearest and dearest friend Order was also taken for the entertainment of his house the setling of a resident Councel and the advancing of the revenues of the Crown to the best profit And these were the things done in that meeting Soon after came Sir Henry Killigrew Ambassadour from England partly to declare the content which the Queen had received in the choice of the Earl of Morton to be Regent and partly to renew the Abstinence which was then near the expiring Herein he prevailed so farre with the Duke and Huntley as they were brought not only to prorogate the Abstinence but also to name certain Noblemen who should meet for them at Perth with such as the Regent by advice of the Councel should nominate for concluding a perfect peace The Laird of Grange and those that remained with him in the Castle refusing to be comprehended in that treaty went on in victualling and fortifying the house for impeding whereof the Regent did levie some companies of souldiers to inclose the Castle and because the time of Parliament was approaching he caused erect Bulwarks in divers places of the street to secure the people at their meetings to Sermon and the Judges that convened to the ministration of Justice Grange finding himself thus pent up did by a Proclamation from the Castle wall command all the Queens subjects to depart forth of the town within the space of 24. hours The time expired he made the Cannon thunder upon the town to the great terrour of the Inhabitants yet there was no great hurt done that way which when he perceived he hired one of his souldiers to set fire in the night time to some houses under the wall which destroyed a number of tenements for a strong Western wind blowing in the time the fire did so rage as from S. Magdalens Chappel Westward all was consumed none daring to put hand to quench the fire because of the Canon that played still on the part where they saw any concurse of people This made him extremely hated and even they that otherwise wished him well were greatly offended with this doing The Parliament notthelesse kept and thre in divers Acts were mode partly for maintaining the Kings authority partly for preservation of true Religion which causes were held in those days so conjoyned as the enemies of the one were likewise esteemed enemies to the other Therefore was it then enacted That none should be reputed loyal and faithful subjects to the King or his authority but be punished as rebels who made not profession of true Religion And that all such as made profession thereof and yet withstood the Kings authority should be admonished by their teachers to acknowledge their offence and return to his Majesties obedience and if they refused that they should be excommunicated and cut of from the society of the Church as putrid and corrupted members The Parliament breaking up the Regent by advice of the Councel directed to the meeting at Perth the Earl of Argile then created Chancellour the Earl of Montrosse the Abbot of Dunfermlin Secretary the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Sir Iohn Ballenden Justice Clerk There met with them the Earl of Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton Commendatory of Aberbrothock authorised by the rest that maintained the Queens authority The English Ambassadour assisting them after some days conference they were brought to agree upon these Articles 1. That all persons comprehended in the present pacification should acknowledge and professe the true Religion established and professed within the Realm and maintain the Preachers and professours thereof against all opposers specially against the confederates of the Councel of Trent 2. That the Earl of Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton with their friends and followers should submit themselves to the King and to the government of the Earl of Morton his Regent and his successours in the same acknowledging themselves the Kings subjects by their oaths and subscriptions 3. That they should confesse all things done by them under colour of any other authority since the time of his Majesties Coronation to have been unlawful and of no force nor effect 4. That an Act of Parliament should be made with all their consents ordaining that none of the subjects should assist fortify supply or shew any favour directly nor indirectly to those who should happen to practise against the religion presently professed the Kings person his authority or Regent And if they should be tried to do any thing to the contrary the remissions granted to them with all other benefits of the pacification should be null and they pursued for their offences past as if they had never obtained pardon for the same 5. That all persons professing his Highnesse obedience who had been dispossessed during the late troubles should be reponed to their houses lands livings benefices and whatsoever goods belonging to them if so the same were extant in the hands of the intrometters horses and armour only excepted 6. That the Master of Forbes Iames Glen of Barre and all other persons should be set at liberty as likewise the bonds given by the Lord Semple and others for entry of prisoners or for paiment of any ransomes be discharged 7. That the Earl or Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton should dimit and cause all souldiers hired or maintained by them or any of their party to be forthwith dimitted 8. That all processes of forfeiture which had been led especially the sentences given against the Earl of Huntley Lord Iohn Hamilton and Lord Claud his brother William Bishop of Aberdene Alexander Bishop of Galloway Adam Gordon of Awchindown and the rest of their friendship for any crimes or offences done in the common cause against the King and his authority since the 15th of Iune 1567. or for any other cause contained in the summons of forfeiture raised against them should be declared null and of no force without any other special declaration And that the foresaid persons should have liberty given them to reduce the said forfeitures as they should please 9. That all persons then returning or who should return to the Kings obedience and
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
bridge of which he kept the keyes Some weak resistance was made by Colonel Stewart at the head of the Market street but he was soon put back with the slaughter of one or two of his company The borderers according to their custome fell upon the stables and made prey of all the Gentlemens horses whereof they found good store The spoile otherwise was not great as of a town not very rich in merchandise In the morning betimes the Castle was inclosed which they knew could not long hold out for it was unfurnished and scarce provided with victuals of one day in this extremity the King was advised to employ two of his Councel towards the Lords to ask what they intended Choice was made of the Secretary and Justice Clerk as men whom they would willingly hear At the first meeting the Secretary was rough enough with them saying That such violent formes were not to be approved and to deal in that manner with their King they would finde it unsure for what was extorted from him by force or fear he would soon finde means to undo and never want men to serve him in that whereunto his will was bent that humble Petitions became subjects and had been more fitting then to come in the manner they did The Lords answered that it grieved them fore to be reduced to that necessity nothing being more dear to them then the Kings honour and safety But what could they have done they were banished from their countrey put from their livings their friends used with cruelty the King not permitted to hear them in their just defence and alwayes shut up from presenting their Petitions That their coming in that manner was not to dishonour nor force the King to whom they would be most humble supplicants and upon their knees if they should find accesse beg mercy at his hands All they did was to save themselves from ruine and to be secured from their adversaries who had wronged them and the whole States of the Kingdom wherefore they besought them as their countreymen and friends to intercede with his Majesty that they might be accepted in favour and all things composed in the most quiet and honourable manner for the King and State that could be devised This reported to the King did mitigate his mind a little For my self said he I did never like that mans violence meaning Arran and howbeit I cannot but offend with their doings yet for the countreys sake and preservation of publick quietnesse I can pardon and overpasse all but one thing I desire you that have been in conference with them to look to that none in my company receive any harm I know there are quarrels betwixt the Earl of Crawford and the Master of Glammis That the Earl of Angus doth not like Montrosse and I believe that Colonel Stewart is not well beloved for things done in my service These I cannot see with mine honour hurt provide for that and that they may be in safety and I shall willingly admit them When this was shewed the Lords they said that they had not taken up Arms for any private quarrel nor would they mixe their particulars with the publick but it should be good for eschewing such inconveniences as might happen that the Noblemen whom the King had named were put in custody with some special persons and that the Colonel should be discharged from his office of the guard and the same conferred to another This being declared to the King he gave his consent to receive them Being brought unto his prefence they fell all upon their knees and the Lord Hamilton who had the precedency in regard of blood taking the speech said that they were come in most humble manner to beg mercy and his Majesties love and favour The King answered My Lord I did never see you before and must confesse that of all this company you have been most wronged you were a faithful servant to the Queen my mother in my minority and when I understood not as I do the estate of things hardly used The rest of you that have since that time been exiled and put from your livings cannot say but it was your own fault and that your misbehaviour procured the same But turning himself to Bothwel what should have moved thee Francis said he to take this course and come in Armes against me did I ever thee any wrong or what cause hadst thou to offend I wish thee a more quiet spirit and that thou mayest learn to live as a Subject otherwise thou wilt fall in trouble To you all who as I truly think have not meant any harm to any person I am pleased to give both my hand and my heart and will remember nothing that is past providing you carry your selves from henceforth as becomes men of your places and behave your selves as dutiful subjects So they arose one by one and kissed his Majesties hands It was observed that he received the Lord Hamilton with greatest kindnesse and gave him more respect then any others This was the day after their entering into Striveling Two days after in Councel the King renewing his promise did by publick Act confirm the pardon granted to them and their Assisters which was by sound of trumpet proclaimed The Earls of Crawford and Montross were commended to the Lord Hamilton who used them honourably and Colonel Stewart suffered quietly to depart Arran after his flight went unto Coile and lived private amongst his friends deprived of all his honours The charge of the guard was given to the Master of Glammis the Castle of Dumbritton put in the Lord Hamiltons custody Striveling restored to the Earl of Marre and the Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Sir Iames Home of Coldinknâ—ws In this manner did the banished Lords recover his Majesties favour and return to their places albeit Thuan deceived by some information hath otherwise related the same How soon the Noblemens peace was proclaimed Duntraith who had touched them in his deposition against Maius saying that he was told by one Iohn Home the Lords had hired every one of them two men to kill the King so comperired before the Councel undesired so the Act of Councel beareth and confessed that he was suborned by Captain Iames who is henceforth to be so named the title of Arran being returned to the right owner to make that deposition which in it self was false and untrue out of fear and to save his life For verifying whereof and to shew that he did not confesse this to please the Noblemen whom he had wronged by such a confession he declared that for the space of eight weeks before their return he had revealed the same to the Master of Gray and to the Provost of Linclouden both which upon oath testified no lesse to the King The Councel for clearing the Noblemen ordained his confession to be published which was not very needful for no man did beleive the
forces in parts remote from the Realm of Scotland the King upon signification made unto him by the Queen of England should furnish 2000 horsemen and 5000 footmen or a lesser number as it shall please the said Queen to require and should cause them be conducted from the borders of Scotland into any part of the Kingdom of England upon the charges of the said Queen And in case the said Realm of Scotland be invaded in any part remote from the borders of England by any forain force the Queen of England upon requisition made to her by the King should furnish 3000 horsemen and 6000 footmen or a lesser number at the option of the said King and shall cause them to be conducted to any part of the Realm of Scotland upon the Kings charges 6. That in case the invasion should be upon the North parts of the Realm of England within 60 miles of the borders of Scotland the King being required by the Queen should gather all the forces he could make and joyn with the English power for pursuing the said invaders and keep them together for the space of thirty days or so much longer if it be required as the subjects of Scotland are usually accustomed to stay in the fields for the defence of their own Kingdom 7. That upon any invasion or trouble arising in the Realm of Ireland the King upon notice given to him thereof should not only inhibit the repair thither of any of the inhabitants of Argile Isles and places adjacent or any other parts of his dominions but also if it shall happen them or any of them to go into Ireland with a number extraordinary and in hostile manner the King upon signification of the same should denonnce them his Rebels and pursue them as Traitors 8. That neither of their Majesties should hereafter aid supply assist or entertain the Rebels or adversaries of the other nor permit them to reside either privately or publickly in any part of their dominions but upon the first requisition of the Prince to whom they are Rebels they should undelayedly be delivered according to the old leagues and treaties or then expulsed forth of their dominions and redresse made for any injuries they should happen to commit during their abode in the same 9. That all controversies about matters of borders or wrongs committed in the Marches since the time of the Kings accepting the government in his own person and by the space of four years preceding should be friendly determined and satisfied at the sight of Commissioners to be appointed on both sides who should meet at the within six moneths after the date of the presents and decide thereupon 10. That neither of their Majesties should enter into any league or treaty without the consent of the other by letters signed with their hands under their privy signet with any other Prince or State whatsoever to the prejudice of the present Treaty 11. That all former treaties betwixt their Majesties progenitors and both Realms notwithstanding any discontinuance thereof should stand in full force so farre as they should not be found derogatory to the present treaty and that this treaty should not infringe any league made by either of their Majesties or their progenitors with other their friends and confederates in any time by-gone the cause of Religion onely excepted wherein the present league is declared to be offensive and defensive 12. That both their Majesties should confirm the league by their oathes and great Seals which should be interchanged and mutually delivered to others 13. Lastly that the King at his coming to the perfect age of 25. years should cause the present league to be ratified by the States of the Kingdome like as the Queen at the same time should cause it to be confirmed in her Parliament of England These were the Articles of the league concluded at Berwick and signed by Francis Earl Bothwel Robert Lord Boyd and Sir Iames Home of Coldinknowes Commissioners for the King As likewise by Edward Earl of Rutland William Lord Evers and Sir Thomas Randolph Commissioners for the Queen of England It was believed that this amity contracted with such deliberation should have continued firm for besides the publick league the Queen had sent to the King a letter under her own hand wherein she did faithfully promise to suffer nothing to be done that might derogate or prejudge his right and title to the Crown of England And for a further demonstration of her kindnesse had presented him with a gift of annuity answerable to the lands possessed by the Lady Lennox in her time which the King by divers Ambassadours had formerly required as due to him Yet a few moneths after brake out a businesse that put them in worse terms then before and was with no small difficulty pacified the story whereof shall next be related The Queen of Scots being touched in the trial of Babingtons conspiracy as having interchanged divers letters with him a consultation was kept concerning her and what was fittest to be done for they considered that all the conspiracies made against the Queen of England being chiefly intended in hope of the Scottish Queen her succession so long as she lived their Soveraign should never be secured and that therefore the surest course was to put her out of the way But how this should be done the opinions were different The Earl of Leicester advising to dispatch her secretly by poyson Secretary Walsingham did mightily oppose it as that which would draw upon the Queen both danger and dishonour and besides in it self was a thing injust and no better then a cruel murther Wherefore his opinion was that the course of Law should be kept and Commission given for making her process and as the trial should prove for giving sentence and judgement This opinion prevailing certain Noblemen Counsellours and Judges were chosen for the businesse who meeting at the Castle of Fotheringham where the Queen of Scots was kept the eleventh of October and calling her before them did charge her with the said conspiracy and entercourse of letters She refusing to answer and be tried as a subject being her self an absolute Queen they notthelesse went on and finding her guilty pronounced the sentence of death which was shortly thereafter confirmed by the Estates of Parliament and a supplication therewith delivered to the Queen for putting their decree in execution How soon the King was advertised hereof he sent William Keith Gentleman of his chamber to the Queen with a letter to this effect That howbeit it seemed strange to him that the Nobility and Counsellors of England should take upon them to give sentence upon a Queen of Scotland and one descended of the Royal blood of England yet he would think it much more strange if she should stain her hands with the blood of his mother who was of the same Royal condition with her self and of the same sexe which as he could not believe would enter
Spain this year returning to make good what he had undertaken with some few assisters he entered into the Isle a huge rock it is four miles in compass wherein an old ruinous Tower built on the ascent of the rock of difficult access meaning to have victualled the same Mr. Iohn Knox the same who took Mr. George Ker with the blanks some five years before getting intelligence of the purpose came upon him unlooked and landing in the Isle did encounter him in the very shore for the most of his company being gone to seek their sport he had stayed to see who those were that he espied coming to the Isle not thinking that his purpose was known or that any would pursue him but when he perceived them to be unfriends and to be set for his apprehension he ran into the Sea and drowned himself The King did esteem this as it was indeed a peece of good service and the newes thereof going to the Popish Lords made them more willing to fulfill that which they had promised So that on the 26. of Iune the Earls of Huntly and Arroll upon their solemn repentance oaths and subscriptions to the Articles of faith were absolved in the Church of Aberdene The Earl of Angus in the same manner was received by the Ministers of Mernis and Angus This businesse ended the King for repressing the barbarous fewds which abounded at that time in the North parts sent a Commission to the Bishop of Aberdene with concurrence of Sir Patrick Murray and some Ministers for taking up their quarrels and with charges to cause the parties give assurance one to another which should endure to the first of April 1598. The fewds mentioned in the instructions sent to Sir Patrick Murray were the fewds betwixt the Earl of Huntley and Lord Forbes the Earl of Arroll and the Laird of Ladwherne the Laird of Drum and young Frendraucht with a number more but the most deadly and dangerous betwixt the families of Huntley and Murray the King reserved to be his own work and ceased not till the same was removed and a friendship made up by marriage which should in all reason be most lasting Those others were by the diligence of the Bishop and Ministers setled and so the North parts reduced unto quietness In the end of Iune the King called the Commissioners of the Assembly to a meeting at Falkland where amongst other business a complaint was preferred by Mr. Iohn Lindesay of Balcarres Secretary against Mr. Robert Wallace Minister at S. Andrews for certain injurious speeches uttered in his Sermons having called him a briber and said That albeit he had made conquest of fifty Chalders victuall in Fife and built a house to the skyes yet his posterity should beg their bread which some of his Auditors should see and that it was doubtfull if ever God should grant him repentance The Secretary had complained of this to the Presbyterie but they refused to admit his accusation unlesse the same was assisted by two witnesses who could affirm that the accuser had just cause to pursue the complaint which they alledged to be the Apostles Canon in the 1 of Timothy ch 5. v. 19. and shewed themselves so partially affected as he was forced to pursue the complaint before his Majesty and Commissioners Mr. Wallace being summoned to that Diet and desired to answer to the complaint refused to acknowledge the judgment alledging That the general Assembly had given them no Commission in that particular and that the accusation once before the Presbyterie of S. Andrews ought to have been orderly taken out of their hands which was not done This Declinatour being proponed compeired Mr. Nicoll Dalgleish Moderator of the Presbyterie and in their name protested against the proceedings of the Commissioners in that cause as being once intended before them seeing by that form of doing all the Presbyteries of Scotland should be prejudged and that the Generall Assembly of whom they had their Commission would not take unto them the triall of any cause with a neglect of the inferiour judicatories Then said the King I will likewise protest that seeing one of the principall motives which induced me to crave and the Generall Assembly to yeild unto this Commission was to have the like of these offences when they did arise removed and justice done by the Ministers themselves rather then to be brought before the Councell ye either proceed in examining the complaint and doe that which is right or hold me excused if I take order with it by another form that will not please you so well The Commissioners having advised the Reasons of the Declinatour and Protestation did finde them all invalid and of no force and that they had warrant sufficient to proceed and minister justice in that action as well in respect of the generall power contained in their Commission as of the particular commended to their care in the planting of the Church of S. Andrews So the complaint was admitted and the 5 of Iuly appointed at S. Andrews for trying the same At the day the Secretary compeiring accompanied with Master Robert Mauld Commissar of Saint Andrews and Iohn Arnot Clerk to the Commissar whom he produced as assisting Witnesses to take away the Presbyteries exception did insist in his complaint Mr. Wallace being askt if he had any thing to oppose against the Witnesses refused to answer in respect of his Declinatour whereupon they were admitted and upon oath declared that they knew the accusation to be just and that the Secretary had not intended the same of any purpose to calumniate or slander the said Mr. Robert but only to be repaired to his credit and honour as one who had been greatly wronged by him The Witnesses for probation being then called and Mr. Wallace inquired if he had any exception against them refused as before to answer So they likewise were received and being sworn deponed that they heard the said Mr. Wallace utter the words complained of in his Sermon Notthelesse the Commissioners for their better information did think it meet to call to his Auditors of the University who were of better judgment and could truly relate what they heard The Masters of the new Colledge refusing to give any testimony in respect of the Presbyteries Protestation at Falkland all the rest affirmed what the Witnesses had deponed After which Mr. Wallace being again called and desired to shew what reason or warrant he had for uttering such speeches refused still to make answer nor could any perswasion break his obstinacy though he was earnestly laboured by Mr. Robert Rollock and Mr. Iames Melvill apart who did offer upon the confession of the fault that the processe should cease The Commissioners seeing no way to eschew the pronouncing of sentence in regard of his obstinacy did yet take counsell to visit the Church and inquire both of his and Mr. Blakes behaviour in that Ministery before they went
letter directed to the E. of Northumberland that we may know the wisdome and piety of the King who had sent him advertisement of the Queens weaknesse and advised him to make sure his title by apprehending possession in time he said That man can neither be religious nor just that dealeth worse with his neighbour then he would be dealt withall and in a man of quality it can be no wisdome to leap hedge and ditch and adventure the breaking of his neck for gathering forbidden fruit before it be ripe when as by attending the due time he may be sure to finde all the gates of the orchard open and with free scope enter take and tast at liberty Sure it were a great weakness and unworthiness in me to come in as an Usurper with offence and scandall to the laws and present estate of government when I may in the right time claim the Crown as nearest Heir to the Prince deceased and possesse with equity should I out of untimely ambition fall to break the long continued and faithfully preserved amity that by the proof of many kinde offices hath taken root among us it were an error inexcusable And howbeit I doe acknowledge your kinde affection in the offers you make of assistance I must tell you freely that no Prince can presume of any subjects loyalty to himself that hath been unsound and unfaithfull to his own Soveraign nor would I ever look to be secure in a Kingdome so trayterously disposed In end he advised the Earl to forbear such writing and when he wrote which he wished him to doe rarely and not but upon great occasions to beware of any thing that might justly offend the Queen lest by interception or other misadventure he might be disabled to serve him another day This was the Kings resolution which God so blessed as it brought him within a short time after against the opinions and desires of many to the quiet and peaceable possession of his right and inheritance for in the Spring the Queens disease encreasing which was judged to be a melancholy incorrigible and by some conceived to proceed from a sorrow for Essex others ascribed it to the accepting of the Rebell Tyrone to peace and all apprehending it to be deadly the hearts of people did so incline to the King as a great many in that State did write unto him That all England was grown to be Scotish The Queen her self continuing constant in her affection when she was askt a little before her death by the Lord Keeper and Secretary who were directed by the Councell to understand her will touching her Successor answered None but my Cousen the King of Scots After which words she spake not much only being desired by the Archbishop of Canterbury whom she would not suffer to go from her all that time to fix her thoughts upon God she said So I doe neither doth my minde wander from him and then commending her soul to God in devout manner died most patiently and willingly A Queen imcomparable for wisdome and fidelity of government she departed this life the 24th of March in the 70 year of her age and 44 of her Reign The same day in the forenoon the King of Scots was proclaimed King first at the Palace of whitehall next at the Crosse in Cheapside within the City of London with an infinite applause of all sorts of people The end of the sixth Book THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE SEVENTH BOOK The Contents The proceedings after his Majesties going into England unto his death THE news of the Queens death were brought the third day after by Sir Robert Cary a son of the Lord Hunsdon after whom Sir Charles Percy brother to the Earl of Northumberland and Thomas Somerset sonne to the Earl of Worcester were directed from the Councell of England with the Letter following RIght High Right Excellent and mighty Prince and our dread Soveraign Lord as we cannot but confess unto your Majesty that the grief we have conceived by the loss of our late Soveraign Lady whose soul in your palace of Richmond passed from her earthly body to the joyes of heaven betwixt two and three of the clock this morning was nothing less then our loyalty and love to her whilest she lived being a Princesse adorned with vertues meet for Government prosperous in the success of her affairs and under whose obedience we have lived in greater tranquillity these many years then commonly happeneth to Princes so we must acknowledge that our sorrow is extingushed by the impression we have of those heroicall vertues of wisdome piety and magnanimity which we know to be in your Majesties person to whose right the lineall and lawfull succession of all our late Soveraigns dominions doth justly and onely appertain wherein we presume to profess this much as well for the honour which will thereby remain to our posterity as for your Majesties security of a peaceable possession of your kingdomes that we have never found either of those of the Nobility or of any other of the Estates of this realm any divided humour about the receiving and acknowledging your Majesty to be the onely head that must give life to the present maimed body of this kingdome which is so happy as with an universall consent to have received one sole uniform and constant impression of bright blood as next of kin to our Soveraign deceased and consequently by the Laws of this realm true and next heir to her kingdomes and dominions whereof we have made outward demonstration by publick Proclamation this very day a fore noon first in the City of Westminster at your Majesties palace gate at White-Hall and next at the Cross of Cheap-side within your Majesties City of London with an infinite applause of your people and with such solemnity as the shortness of time would permit Of all which we have thought it our duty immediately to advertise your Majesty by these two Gentlemen Sir Charles Percy brother to the Earl of Northumberland and Thomas Somerset Esq son to the Earl of Worcester of whom we have made choice to be the bearers of our Letters humbly beseeching your Highness to accept the same as the first fruits and offering of our tender and loyall affections towards you our gracious Soveraign and to rest assured that the same shall be ever hereafter seconded with all faith obedience and humble service which shall be in our power to perform for maintaining that which we have begun with the sacrifice of our lives lands and goods which we with all our other means do here humbly present at your Majesties feet craving of your Highness that seeing hereby you may perceive in what estate we remain as body without a head or rather without that spirit here amongst us which from the head might give vigor to every member to exercise the duty to it belonging thereby to keep the whole body from confusion you will be pleased to enter
that it should be lawfull to Superiours and Lords of Regalities to refuse the entry of all such to their lands by precepts of Clarè constat or any other way Lastly that persons excommunicated for not conforming themselves to the Religion presently professed should neither in their own names nor covertly in name of any other enjoy their lands or rents but that the same should be intrometted with and uplifted to his Majesties use These were the Acts concluded touching Religion for the punishment of rapes which was grown as then too common his Majesty by a speciall letter did recommend to the Estates some overtures for restraining such violences As if any widow woman or maid should be forced and abused against her will the crime should be capital and not purged by the subsequent consent of the woman In like manner if any woman should be taken away albeit no further injury was done and she relieved either by her friends or by the Magistrate or by what so ever means the onely violence intended should be punished by death in regard the party had indevoured to do his worst And for those that did intice any woman to go away without their parents or tutors consent that they should be secluded from any part of the goods or lands belonging to the woman so inticed Some other Acts for the publick good of the kingdome were passed at the same time neither was it remembred that in any one convention so much good of a long time was done as in this In the beginning of February the Secretary was brought to Edinburgh and delivered to the Magistrates who received him at the neither port and conveyed him as a Prisoner to the lodging that was appointed A great gazing there was of people which troubled him not a little as he shewed by his countenance The next day he was delivered to the Lord Scone who with a guard of horse did convey him to the prison of Falkland there he remained to the 10 of March and was at that time taken to S. Andrews to abide his triall with the Justice there sate as Assessors the Earls of Dunbar Montross and Lothian the Lord Privy seal and Clerk Register His indictment was to this effect That in the year 1598 by the instigation of his Cousin Sir Edward Drummond a professed Papist he had stoln and surreptitiously purchased his Majesties hand to a letter written by the said Sir Edward and directed to Pope Clement the eighth in favour of the Bishop of Vaison for the said Bishops preferment to the dignity of a Cardinall And that notwithstanding the many denialls the King gave him in that busines he had treasonably conspired with the said Sir Edward to deceive and abuse his Majesty shuffling in a letter among others that were to be signed and filling it up after it was signed with the styles and titles usually given to the Pope and sealed the letter with his Majesties fignet the keeping whereof was intrusted to him by virtue of his office and in so doing had mostundutifully and treasonably behaved himself to the indangering of his Majesties Honour Life Crown and Estate and to the subversion of true Religion and the whole professors thereof Upon the reading of the indictment he was enquired if he would use any friends or advocates to speak in his defence as the order of the Court did allow him his answer was That he stood never in so great need of a Proloquutor the matter concerning his life estate and all that he possessed in this world yet he had choosed to keep silence and not employ either friends or advocates the offence he had committed being such as could admit no defence for howsoever he conceived that the keeping of intelligence with the Pope might advance his Majesties succession to the Crown of England yet knowing as he did his Majesties resolution never to use any crooked course but to rest upon Gods providence and his own right it did not become him to have medled in a matter of that importance Therefore did he intreat all gentlemen and others that were present to bear witness of his confession and the true remorse he had for the offence committed which he esteemed so great as neither his lands nor life may not twenty thousand lives such as his could repair onely two things he asked liberty to protest one was that he never intended to work an alteration of Religion or a toleration of the contrary the thing he had done being a meer worldly course whereby he judged some good might have been wrought at the time Next he protested that neither the love of gain nor hope of commodity had led him on that having never received nor expected benefit from any Prince living his Master the King onely excepted but an opinion he foolishly conceited that he might that way promote his Masters right In end he said that he would not make the Iudges any more business that he had confessed the truth and as he wished God to be mercifull to his soul in that great day his Majesty was most falsely and wrongfully charged with the writing of that letter to the Pope and that he never could move him to consent thereto The Jury was then called and the persons following sworn in face of Court David Earl of Crawford George Earl Marshall Iohn Earl Wigton Patrick Earl of Kingborne Iohn Earl of Tillibarden Alban L. Cathcart Iohn L. Salton David L. Scone Alexander L Garlies William Master of Tillibarden Sir Iames Douglas of Drâ—mlanrick Sir Robert Gordon of Lochinvar Sir William Levingston of Kilsith Sir Iohn Houston of the Ilke and Sir Patrick Home of Polwart These going apart returned after a short space into the Court and by the mouth of the Earl of Marshall pronounced Iames Lord Balmerinoch guilty of treasonable surreptitious fraudulent and false stealing of his Majesties hand to the letter specified in the indictment without his Majesties knowledge and contrary to his will declared As also of the treasonable affixing of his Majesties signet to the said letter and of assisting known and professed Papists in their treasonable courses to the danger of Religion the overthrow of the true professors thereof and drawing of his Majesties life estate and right of succession to the Crown of England in most extreme perill besides the bringing of most false and scandalous imputations upon his Majesty as well in Religion as honour and of art and part of the whole treasonable crimes contained in the said indictment The King being advertised of his conviction for he had commanded before any doom should be pronounced by a warrant directed to the Justice he was brought again to Edinburgh and in a Justice Court kept the first of Aprill decerned to be taken to the place of execution and there to have his head cut off his lands heritages Lordships Baronies taks steadings rooms possessions offices benefices cornes cattell c. forfeited and escheated to his
his first assault upon Birsay expulsing Bernard Stewart The Keeper and placing a Garrison therein of some thirty persons The Deputy hearing what was done went speedily thither charging them in his Majesties name to render but they despising the charge and he not able to force them he went from thence to Kirkwall the Rebels following at his heels compelled him in like sort to render the Castle of Kirkwall in which he had entred Upon report of this Rebellion Commission was given to the Earl of Cathnes as Lieutenant for the King in those bounds to recover the Castles and pacifie the Countrey which he carefully performed At his first landing a company of people to the number of five hundred who were brought together more out of fear of the Rebels then of any desire to withstand made a countenance to resist but how soon they perceived the Earls resolution to pursue they gave back their leaders flying to the Castle which they meant to defend This they made good some five weeks or more till the Canon having beaten down a great part of the walls they were forced to yeild themselves at discretion The persons taken in the Castle were Robert Stewart the Earl's base son Archibald Murray Andrew Martin Alexander Legat and Thomas King servants to the Earl These were all transported to Edinburgh and being convicted by a Jury were hanged on a gibbet at the Mercat-crosse In this siege the Lieutenant lost four men only namely William Irwin son to William Irwin of Saba Iames Richardson Andrew Adamson and William Robinson who were killed all by shots from the Castle many were wounded and hurt but thereof recovered Towards the end of the year Mr. David Lindesay Bishop of Rosse departed this life in a great age having attained to fourscore two or three years a man nobly descended and a Brother of the house of Edzell Soon after the Reformation returning from his travells abroad he applied himself to the function of the Ministery and entring the charge at Leth continued therein to his death of a peaceable nature and greatly favoured of the King to whom he performed divers good services especially in the troubles he had with the Church a man universally beloved and well esteemed of by all wise men His corps were interred at Leth by his own direction as desiring to rest with that people on whom he had taken great pains in his life The Earl of Orkney being brought the October preceding from Dumbarton to Edinburgh was in February next put to triall where together with the Justice there sate as Assessors the Earl of Dunfermlin Chancellor the Lord Bining Secretary the President Sir Iohn Preston Sir Gideon Murray Thesaurer Deputy Sir Richard Cockburne of Clackinton Lord privy Seal Sir Iohn Cockburne of Ormeston Justice Clerk Sir Alexander Hay Clerk Register Sir William Levingston of Kilsith and Sir Alexander Drummond of Medop Senators of the Colledge of Justice The substance of the Indictment was That he had caused his base son to surprise the Castle of Kirkwall with the steeple of the Church the place called the Yards and house of Birsay that he had incited the people to Rebellion and detained the said Castles and Houses treasonably after he was charged to deliver the same His Prolocutors were Mr. Alexander King Mr. Thomas Nicolson and Mr. Alexander Forbes Lawyers all of good esteem the chief defence they used was a deniall of the libell the Advocate producing the confession of his base son and those that were executed with him together with some missive Letters written by one Iohn Sharpe at his direction for the detaining of the Castle of Kirkwall and a Charter of certain lands gifted by him to Pat Halcro for assisting the Rebels the Justice remitted the verity of the Indictment to the Assise The persons chosen thereupon was Iames Earl of Glencarn George Earl of Winton Iohn Earl of Perth Robert Earl of Lothian William Earl of Tillibarden David Lord Scone William Lord Sanqhar Iohn Lord Harries Iames Lord Torphichen Hugh Lord Semple William Lord Killmaers Iohn Grant of Frenchâ—e Sir Patrick Hepburne of Waughton Robert Arnot of Farny and Sir Henry Lindesay of Kinfawnes who sworn and received according to the custome went apart by themselves for a certain space and returning unto the Court by the mouth of their Chancellor the Earl of Glencarne declared him guilty of the foresaid Rebellion and of the whole points contained in the Indictment The Justice thereupon gave sentence that he should be taken to the Mercat crosse and there beheaded and all his goods and lands confiscated The Earl taking the sentence impatiently some Preachers were desired to conferre with him and to dispose his minde towards death but they finding him irresolute intreated for a delay of the execution which was granted to the sixth of February at which time he was brought unto the scaffold guarded by the Magistrates of the City and in the sight of many people beheaded This was the end of Patrick Earl of Orkney son to Robert Stewart one of King Iames the fifth his base sons Robert was at first provided to the Abbacy of Halirâ—dhouse which he enjoyed divers years After the forfeiture of Hepburne Earl Bothwell and the obtaining of these Isles he exchanged the Abbacy with the Bishoprick of Orkney and so became sole Lord of the Countrey Patrick succeeding to an elder brother who died young by his too much resort to Court and profuse spending did involve himself in great debts and seeking to repair his estate by the indirect courses he touched fell into these incoveniencies which you have heard and may serve for a warning to all great personages not to oppresse nor play the Tyrants over the meaner sort of people About the end of the year Iohn Ogilvy a Jesuite was apprehended at Glasgow He was lately come from Grats where the Jesuits have a Colledge by the command as he said of his superiours to doe some service in these parts Theâ—e were found with him three little books containing certain directions for receiving confessions a warrant to dispense with them that possest any Church livings conceived in this form Quoad dispensationem de bonis Ecclesiasticis poter is dispensare ut rctimeant que possident dummodo in usus pios aliquid impendant pro judicio confessarii dispeâ—santis with some Reliques and a tuâ—t of S. Ignatius hair the founder of their Order which he seemed to have in great regard Upon advertisement given to his Majesty a Commission was sent to the Secretary the Lord Kilsith the Thesaurer Deputy and Advocate for his examination and triall Being presented before them and enquired when he came into Scotland what his business was and where he had resorted To the first he answered That he came in the June preccding to the second that his errand was to save souls but to the third he denied to give any answer at all saying
recover But neither this nor the other poisons that were continually put in his meats serving to dispatch him Mistresse Turner the preparer of all procured an Apothecaries boy to give him a poysoned glyster which brought him to his end Overbury thus dead was presently buried and because of the blanes and blisters that appeared in his body after his death a report was dispersed that he dyed of the French Pox which few believed and still the rumour went according to the truth that he was made away by poyson The greatness of the procurers kept all hidden for a time but God who never suffereth such vile acts to go unpunished did bring the same to light after a miraculous manner It happenned the Earl of Shrewsbury in conference with a Counsellour of Estate to recommend the Lieutenant of the Tower to his favour as a man of good parts and one that desired to be known to him The Counsellour answering that he took it for a favour from the Lieutenant that he should desire his friendship added withall that there lay upon him an heavy imputation of Overburies death whereof he wished the Gentleman to cleer himself This related to the Lieutenant he was stricken a little with it and said That to his knowledge some attempts were made against Overbury but that the same took no effect which being told to the King he willed the Counsellor to move the Lieutenâ—nt to set down in writing what he knew of that matter as he also did thereupon certain of the Councell were appointed to examine and finde out the truth From Weston somewhat was found whereupon he was made prisoner Turner and Franklin the preparers of the poyson being examined confessed every thing and then all breaking forth the Earl of Somerset with his Lady and the Lieutenant were Committed Weston at his first arraignment stood mute yet was induced afterwards to put himself to the triall of the Countrey and being found guilty was hanged at Tyburne Mistresse Turner and Iames Franklin were in like sort executed The Lieutenant who had winked at their doings was judged accessary to the crime and condemned to death which he suffered expressing a great penitency and assurance of mercy at the hands of God In the May following the Earl and his Lady were brought to their triall which by their friends they laboured earnestly to eschew but the King would not be intreated for the love he had to maintain justice The Judge by Commission was Thomas Lord Ellesmore Chancellour of England and Lord High Stewart for that time his assistants were Sir Edward Coke Lord Chief Justice of England Sir Henry Hubbart Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas Sir Laurence Tanfield Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer Judge Althared one of the Barons of the Exchequer Judge Crook Judge Dodderidge and Judge Haughton Judges of the Kings Bench and Judge Nicols one of the Judges of the Common Pleas. The Peers by whom they were tryed was the Earl of Worcester Lord Privy-seal the Earl of Pmebroke Chamberlain the Earls of Rutland Sussex Montgomery and Hartford the Viscount Lisle the Lord Souch Warden of the Cinque Ports the Lord Willowby of Eresby the Lord Dacres the Lord Monteagle the Lord Wtentworth the Lord Rich the Lord willowby of Parham the Lord Hansdon the Lord Russell the Lord Compton the Lord Norris the Lord Gerard the Lord Cavendish and the Lord Dormer With the Lady there was not much ado for she with many tears confessing the fact desired mercy The Earl who was the next day presented before the Judges made some defences but the confessions of those that were executed and a letter he had sent to his Majesty did so cleerly convincehim of being accessary to the crime at least that they were both sentenced to be taken to the Tower of London and from thence to the place of execution and hanged till they were dead It was a foul and hatefull fact on the Earles part especially who did betray his friend for satisfying the appetite of a revengefull woman yet by his Majesties clemency the lives of both were afterwards spared A new business was about the same time made by the Marquis of Huntly some eight years before he had been excommunicated and giving hopes from time to time of his reconcilement did not onely frustrate the same but breaking out in open insolencies had caused his officers discharge his Tenants from hearing the Sermons of some Ministers with whom he made shew to offend Being for this called before the high Commission he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh and had not remained there two or three days when upon the Chancellors warrant he was put to liberty The Bishops that were in Town complaining to himself of that he had done were disdainfully answered That he might enlarge without their advice any that were imprisoned by the high Commission and when it was told that the Church would take this ill said that he cared not what their Church thought of him whereupon the Ministers made great exclamations in the pulpits as against one that abused his place and power Complaints hereupon were sent from all hands to the King The Bishops complained of the Chancellour his usurping upon the Commission and to this effect directed Alexander Bishop of Cathnes to Court The Chancellour complained of the turbulency of the Ministers and the liberty they took to censure the publick actions of Statesmen in their Sermons The Marquis upon a suit he made before his imprisonment had obtained licence to come unto Court and had taken his journey thither But the King upon the Clergies complaint sent Mr. Patrick Hamilton then waiting as Secretary deputy at Court to command the Marquis to return and enter himself in the Castle of Edinburgh for satisfying the high Commission withall he carried a letter to the Councell sharply rebuking them for releasing the Marquis he being warded by the Lords of the Commission The Gentleman meeting the Marquis at Huntingdon within a daies journey to London did use his message who intreated him to go back and shew the King that he was come to give his Majesty satisfaction in every thing he would enjoyn and to beseech his Majesty since he was so farre on his journey not to deny him his presence The offer of satisfaction pleased the King very well and permitting him to come forward to Court directed him to the Archbishop of Canterbury with whom he offered to communicate His excommunication standing in the way and it being contrary to the Canons that one excommunicated by the Church should without their consent who had so sentenced him be absolved in another it was a while doubted what course they should take The King on the one side was desirous to win him home and on the other loath to infringe the Order of the Church yet inclining to have the Marquis absolved it was thought that the Bishop of Cathnes his consent in
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
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
advertised of the enterprise of the banished Lords A Proclamation to meet the King at the Castle of Crawford A Proclamation given out by the banished Lords The Ambassadour went not saluting the King A Post is sent after him and his excuse The Lords make haste to Striveling The town of Striveling taken Two of the Councel directed to the Lords The Lords Answer The Kings care of those that attented him The King is pleased to admit the Lords in his presence The Lord Hamilton in name of the rest supplicates mercy The Kings Answer The Kings speech to Bothwel The King his pardon proclaimed The Master of Glammis made Captain of the Guard Thuan. hist. 1. 43. Duntraith confesseth the deposition he made against the Lords to be false A Parliament at Linlithgow The Ministers offend with the reconciled Lords Mr. William Watson Minister committed Iames Gibson committed for the like insolence The Superintendent of Lothian his death with a short description of his life An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lord Maxwel goâ—th to Masse and is committed An. 1586. A Synod at S. Andrews called against the Bishop April 1586. The Bishop being cited compeireth and protesteth against the Judicatory His accusation He appealeth to the King and Estates The Bishop excommunicated by the Synod Mr. Andrew and Mr. Iames Melvil excommunicated by a servant and Cousen of the Bishop The Appellation with the reasons sent to the King A transaction betwixt the Bishop and the Assembly The reasons moving the King to give way to this transaction The Ministers exhorâ—ed to judge charitably one of another Acts concluded in the Assembly His Majesties answer to the advice given him by the Chancellor A trouble in the Isles betwixt Mackoâ—â—il and Macklain The Earl of Eglington treacherously murthered A league with England concluded The Articles of the league The names of the Commissioners of both Kingdomes A new breach between the King and Queen of England The proceedings against the Queen of Scots Sentence of death pronounced against her William Keith sent into England about the midst of November A letter to William Keith from the King The Queen in passion at the sight of the letter The King excuseth the sharpnesse of his letter The Master of Gray and Sir Robert Melvil sent into England The first audience The second audience and effect thereof A letter from the King to the Master of Gray The Master of Gray drawne upon another course Secretary Walsingham writeth to the Lord Thirlstan The King commandeth the Ministers to remember his mother in their prayers The third of February appointed for solemn prayers in her behalf The Bishop of S. Andrews appointed to preach Mr. Iohn Cowper usurpeth the place The Ministers at Edinburgh discharged The Queen of Scots her request to the Queen of England The Queen of England is doubtful which way to take The Queen of Scots willed to prepare her self for death Her behaviour and preparation She biddeth her servants farewell Her directions to Andrew Melvil her Steward She is brought to the place of execution The Dean of Peterburâ—ow offereth to comfort her She prayeth by her self The manner of the execution A brief description of her fortune The inscription secretly affixed on her Sepulchre The same Englished The Queen of England writeth to the King by Mr. Robert Cary. The King denieth him accesse Mr. caâ—ies Declaration in writing The Declaration giveth no content to the King The Queen laboureâ—h to divert the King from Warre A letter of Walsâ—gham to the Lord Thâ—lsâ—an A Convention of the Estates The King is informed of certain speeches uttered by the Master of Gray 20. Apr. The Master of Gray and Sir William Stewart committed Sir William Stewart insists in the challenge of the Master of Gray Sir William Stewart liberated and the Master of Gray imprisoned Captain Iame information against the Lord Thirlstane An. 1587. Thirlstane created Chancellor A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Noblemen reconciled A general Assembly of the Church The Kings propositions to the Assembly by his Commissioners Montgomery resigneth the Bishoprick of Glasgow to Mr. William Ereskin The Churches petition to the Parliament against the Prelates The temporalty of Benefices annexed to the Crown The King forthinketh the passing of the annexation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 2. pag. 43. The small Barons admitted to give voice in Parliament The Lord Hunsdon hath presence of the King A Proclamation against incursions in England The Ambassadors sent into Denmark return 15. May. Latter end of August A Proclamation against Jesuits and Priests The Jesuits find caution to depart A general Assembly of the Church A Proposition made for the dangers threatened to Religion The advice of the Noblemen and Barons The King refuseth accesse to the multitude A conference betwixt certain of the Councel and the Assembly The grievances of the Church presented to the King The Minister Iames Gibson censured for his speeches against the King An. 1588. Gibson suspended from his ministery The Lord Hereis cleared of the accusation made against him The Borders begin to stirre upon the Lord Maxwels return The Kings expedition to Dumfreis Lochmaben rendred and the Keeper executed The Lord Maxwel taken prisoner at sea by Sir William Stewart and brought prisoner to Edinburgh Sir William Stewart killed by Bothwel Penult Iulii A meeting of the Estates upon the rumour of the Spanish Navy beginning of August His Majesties speech to the Estates The Chancellor his speech seconding the King Bothwel perswadeth the invasion of England Colonel Semple his arrive at Leth. The Colonel apprehended and relieved by the Earl of Huntley * 21. Iuly Huntley offers to present the Colonel to the Councel Sir Robert Sidney sent from England to the King 29. August The History of the Spanish Navy Captain Drakes stratagem The Navy returneth to Spain The death of Archibald Earl of Angus An. 1589. His disposition in his sickness A message from the Prince of Parma to the Catholick Lords Huntley reconciled to the Church Huntley excuseth his reconcilement by a letter A letter from the Earl of Arroll to the Prince of Parma Letters sent to the King of Spain from the Catholick Lords The Jesuits stirre up the Lords to enterprise somewhat by themselves A plot for taking the King A practise against the Chancellor Huntley cometh to the King Huntley committed in the Castle of Edinburgh Huntley set at liberty A letter from the Queen of England to the King The Lords make open insurrection The Subjects warned to accompany the King His Majesties speech to the Noblemen in his Army A question for leading the Vant-guard The Lords dissolve their forces The King goeth to Aberdene He returneth to Edinburgh about the beninning of May. The Earl Marshall goeth to Denmark to accomplish the marriage 10. Iune The Rebels offer to submit themselves Huntley Crawford and Bothwel impanelled The points of their indictment The Lords found guilty and committed to several Wards An Assembly of
conference at Hampton Court His Majesties proposition at the meeting An. 1603. Doctor Reynolds speech in behalf of the Petitioners The particulars complained of The meeting continued to 18 of Ianuary The effect of the meeting and his Majesties exhortation to the Clergy The Chancellor of England his judgement of the King The number deposed for disconformity An. 1604. A Parliament in England for the union The English Commissioners The power given them by the Parliament A Parliament in Scotland to that purpose The Scottish Commissioners The power granted hâ—em Westminster appointed for the place of meetting Articles of the union Hostile lawes extinguished The name of Borders abolished Order for sentences not satisfied Participation of Commâ—dito be mutuall Inequality of priviledges to be be tried Importation to be free to both people Exportation of Goods prohibited made unlawfull to both Order for Native Commodities Order for Customes Scots may be associated in English Companies Order for transportation Punishment of such as shall transgress Caution to be given by the owners and Masters of Ships Indifferency of fraighting Poâ—â—nati declared free Exception for Offices of the Crown Reservation of his Majesties Prerogative Remanding of malefactors A scroll of the Articles presented to the King The Kings speech to the Commissioners The title of great Britain assumed Peeces of gold and silver coyned The Earl of Montrosse made Commissioner of the kingdom The Lord Fiâ—â— received Chancellor An. 1605. The generall Assembly continued A number convene notwithstanding the discharge The names of them convened The Kings Commissioner dischargeth the meeting The Ministers denounced and cited by the councell for their disobedience Some confess their fault and are pardoned Oâ—hers maintain their meeting and are Committed The proceeding of the Councell condemned by the Ministery His Majesties Declaration touching some rumours dispersed The King his resolution in making no sudden change in the Church policy The form of their Declinatour The Assembly declared unlawfull Some of the Ministers pursued criminally The Indictment Exception proponed by the Advocates The Reply to the Exception The Ministers found guilty of Treason A Proclamation that none should oppose the decision of the Justice A Convention of Estates His Majesties Letter directed to the Estates The Acts passed in the Convention The history of the Powder Treason The Jesuits approve of the enterprise The Conspirers swear secrecy A Cellar hired for the myne A deliberation for the Kings children Contribution for the enterprise Catholicks to be stopped from coming to the Parliament No forain Princes to be acquainted therewith Intention to proclaim Lady Elizabeth Queen The Conspiracy detected The Letter sent to the L d Mounteagle The secrecy of so many very strange An. 1606. Mr. Iames Melvills answer in name of the rest His Majesty proponeth three questions to them A time is desired by them and granted The second audience The Bishops judgement of the meeting at Aberdene Mr. Addrew Melvills answer touching the same Mr. Iames Balfour his answer Mr. Melvill his answer Mr. William Scot his answer interrupted by Mr. Andrew Melvill The Ministers called before the Scottish Councell They are discharged to return into Scotland The Kings pleasure touching the warded Ministers The letter to the Justice prescriving the forme of the sentence A Letter from his Majesty to the Councell The sentence pronounced by the Justice A Proclamation against Jesuits Mr. Andrew Melvill committed to the Tower The Observation of the Writer An Assembly indicted at Linlithgow His Majesties letter to the Assembly An overture sent from his Majesty to the Assembly Some brethren deputed undergoe to consider the overture The overture embraced with some cautions Cautions for the constant Moderators The cautions and overture approved A complaint of the Papists and their ininsolencie Petition from the Assembly to his Majesty His Majesties answer An. 1607. His Majesties pleasure touching the Popish Noblemen Direction to the Councell for constant Moderators The Synod of Perth discharged The Synod of Fife discharged A Provest placed in the new Colledge of S. Andrews The Ministers permitted to return from London Alexander Lord Spynie killed Trouble betwixt the Earl of Morton and Lord Maxwell Maxwell committed maketh an escape The Laird of Iohnston most treacherously killed by Maxwell An. 1608. The Earl of Argile made Lieutenant of the Isles A Parliament in Scotland for the union Provisions for the union An Assembly in Linlithgow for restraining Papists The Marquis of Huntley excommunicated The causes of the defection partly in the Church The remedies of the same The cause of the defection proceeding from others Supplication to his Majesty for redresse of these evils Petitions to his Majesty for repressing Popery The Secretaries journey to Court He is charged for writing a letter to the Pope and stealing his Majesties hand thereto The Secretary charged with the fault before the Councell His answer tothe Lords of the Councell Chancellor Egerton pronounceth sentence against him Sprot his execution The Commissioners of the Assembly have audience His Majesties answer A convention at Edinburgh An. 1609. The Chancellor admitted Counsellor of England Acts made for Religion Acts made against ravishing of women The Secretaries tryall at S. Andrews His indictment The Secretary his speech and answer to the indictment His protestation of two things The Jury sworn The doom pronounced against Balmerinoch A Parliament at Edingburgh An. 1610. An Assembly at Glasgow The moderators paid of the stipend promised A supplication in name of the Popish Lords Huntly freed of his confining The Earl of Arroll troubled for his simulation The Earl of Angus goeth to Paris The Archbishop of Glasgow called to Court The business proponed by his Majesty The Archbishop his answer The consecration questioned The High Commissioners appointed Directions for the High Commissioners and other matters Ecclesiasticall An. 1601. Directions for matters Ecclesiasticall The Clergy doth approve the directions Orders for the Councell An. 1611. A Proclamation against bearing of quarrell The troubles of Orkney The Earl of Orkney committed and his Acts of Court discharged The Clangregore to be rooted out The deuh of the Earl of Dunbarre Somerset his rising Advocate made first Clerk Register afterwards Secretary Sir Iohn Skeen dyeth of grief An. 1612 The Lord Samqhar executed in England Excommunication of persons for criminall and capitall cases if they become fugitive The Clergy agree to reform this point The death of the earl of Eglington and the disposition of his living to his Cousin A Parliament in Scotland A subsidy granted The L d Burleigh removed from Councell An. 1613. The death of Prince Henry The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palgrave The King acquireth the lands of Orkney Rebellion in Orkney The Earl of Cathnes imployed to suppresse the Rebels Persons executed for the Rebellion The death of the Bishop of Rosse The Earl of Orkney put to triall An. 1614 The Earl of Orkney his indictment The persons named for the Jury The sentence pronounced The execution of
force and credit of the spiritual Ministery and were upheld by the Popes whose designes they studied especially to advance The King who looked no further then the devout profession they made gave them all a kinde reception and to the Monks Vallis umbrosae he erected a Monastery in Pluscardy within the countrey of Murray In the countrey of Rosse the Lord Bisset founded Beawly for Monks of the same order And one Maccolloch a man of great wealth did found the Priory of Archatton in Lorne About the same time did Ada or Adhama Grandmother to the King found the Abbey of Haddington for consecrated Virgins The like was erected at Northberwick by Malcolm Earle of Fife who also founded the Abbey of Culrosse for the Cistercian Monks Dornagilla the daughter of Allan Lord of Galloway erected for the same order a Monastery at New Abbey and by a rare example Gilbert Earl of Strathern having divided his inhereitance in three parts gave one third thereof to the See of Dumblane and another to the Abbey of Inchaffray reserving to himself and his heires a third onely of the whole Shortly after in the year 1327. died William Malvoisin at Inchmurtach and as he himself had directed was buried in the new Church of S. Andrewes 21. Galfrid Bishop of Dunkeld being earnestly desired both of the Clergy and Laity the King would not permit his translation so David Benham Chamberlain to the King was elected and on S. Vincents day in the year 1238. consecrated by William Bishop of Glasgow Gilbert Bishop of Cathnes and Clement Bishop of Dumblane This Bishop kept a severe hand over the Clergy especially the Monks and others that lived in religious Orders and calling an assembly by the Kings consent at Perth in the 1242. where the King himself with divers of the Nobility did assist made many good Constitutions as well for reformation of abuses as for securing of Clergy men in their possessions and rights In his time fell out great troubles betwixt the Emperour Frederick the second and Pope Gregory the ninth for which a generall Councell was called by the said Gregory at Rome and thither were summoned all the Bishops of Christendome The pretext was the relief of the Holy land which at that time was in great distresse but Frederick apprehending the intention to be against himself resolved to hinder the meeting of the Councell and having belayed the ways made the Bishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow prisoners as they travelled through Germany Upon their promise to return home they were afterwards set at liberty not the lesse they sent their procurations thither by some religious persons who took another way but the Councell held not because of the Popes death that intervened Some few years after this King Alexander deceased at Carnire in the West Isles and as he had appointed was interred in the Abbey Church of Melrosse with an Inscription according to the rudenesse of the time yet such as shewed how greatly he was beloved of his Subjects Ecclesiae clypeus pax plebis dux miserorum Rex rectus rigidus sapiens consultus honestus Rex pius Rex fortis Rex optimus Rex opulentus Nominis istius ipse secundus erat Annis ter denis quinis Rex fuit ipse Insula quae Carneri dicitur hunc rapuit Spiritus alta petit Celestibus associatus Sed Melrossensis ossa sepulta tenet His son Alexander the third by Maria the daughter of Sir Ingram de Consey for his first wife died without children succeded and was crowned of eight years old at the age of ten years he was married to Margaret the daughter of Henry the third of England The marriage being solemnized at York and the Bishop of Saint Andrews sent thither with others of the Nobility to see all things duly performed fell there in a Feaver and departed this life on the first of May 1251. his Corps brought from thence was buried in the Abbey Church of Kelsoe some thirteen years and three moneths after his Consecration 22. The Prior and Chanons convening to elect a new Bishop did all give their voices to Robert Sutevile Dean of Dunkeld a man of great virtue and learning but this election took no effect Abel Archdean of S. Andrews by the favour of some that ruled the Court having procured an inhibition to the Bishop to proceed in the Consecration with a Mandate to the Chanons to make a new election The Chapter refusing made their appeal to Rome and Abell posting thither by the bribes he bestowed in that Court got himself preferred and was Consecrated by Pope Innocentius the fourth At his return to be revenged of the Prior and Chanons he behaved himself well insolently calling them in question for every light occasion and censuring them with great rigour whereupon he became extremely hated They write of him that in a vain-glorious humour as he was walking in his Church one day he did with a little Chalk draw this line upon the gate of the Church Haec mihi sunt tria Lex Canon Philosophia Bragging of his knowledge and skill in those professions and that going to Church the next day he found another line drawn beneath the former which said Te levant absque tria fraus favor vanasophia This did so gall him as taking bed he died within a few days having sate Bishop ten moneths and two days only 23. After Abels death Gamelinus was elected to govern the See and by a warrant from Rome was consecrated on S. Stephens day in the year 1255. Two years he stood elect his consecration being stayed by the Rulers of the Court who had sent also to Rome for cassing his election A time this was such as usually falleth out in the minority of Princes full of choppings and changes Under the last King the Cummings had ruled all publick business for they were of great power the Earls of Monteth Bughaâ— Athol and Marre being all of that name besides thirty two Barons and Knights Robert Abbot of Dunfermlin Chancellor of the Kingdome for the time enclining to their course had legitimated a base sister of the Kings who was married to one Allan Dooroward and for the same was put from his place Gamelinus being preferred thereto but he enjoyed the same a short space for upon some discontents he was likewise thrust out and Richard Bishop of Dunkeld made Chancellor This made the Court to oppose Gamelinus his election not the lesse he prevailed by his gifts at Rome and procured a warrant to VVilliam Bishop of Glasgow to proceed to his Consecration The Court highly displeased at this there fell out another occasion which did greatly incense them against him a Knight called Sir Iohn Dinmure for some oppressions committed upon the Prior of S. Andrews was excommunicated he complaining to the King obtained by Moyen a command to Gamelinus to absolve him who simply refused unless
money and not out of any purpose those Fathers had to redresse abuses The same year was one Bagimund a Legate directed hither who calling before him all the Beneficed persons within the kingdom caused them upon their oath give up the worth and value of their Benefices according to which they were taxed The table commonly called Bagiments rolls served for the present collection and was a rule in after times for the prizes taken of those that came to sue for Benefices in the Court of Rome Wishart not long after his return from this Councel being employed by the King and State in a Commission of the Borders sickned at Marbotle in Teriotdale and there died He is commended to have been a man careful in his charge and a great lover of peace then which there is no vertue more required in a Churchman he continued Bishop 5. years and 8. monthes only his corps was honourably conveyed from Marbotle and interred in his own Church nigh to the high Altar in the year 1279. There lived in the kingdome at this time Michael Scot and Thomas Lermouth men greatly admired the first for his rarest skill in the secrets of nature the other for his predictions and foretelling of things to come Picus Mirandula and Cornelius Agrippa do make honourable mention of Michael Scot in their writings and accompt him to have been a subtile Philosopher and most expert in the Mathematick sciences The prophecies yet extant in the Scottish Rymes of the other whereupon he was commonly called Thomas the Rymer may justly be admired having foretold so many ages before the union of the kingdomes of England and Scotland in the ninth degree of the Bruces blood with the succession of Bruce himselfe to the Crown being yet a childe and other divers particulars which the event hath ratified and made good Boeth in his story relateth his prediction of King Alexanders death and that he did foretell the same to the Earl of March the day before it fell out saying That before the next day at noon such a tempest should blow as Scotland had not felt many years before The next morning the day being clear and no change appearing in the aire the Nobleman did challenge Thomas of his saying calling him an Impostor he replied that noon was not yet passed About which time a Post came to advertise the Earl of the King his sudden death Then said Thomas This is the tempest I foretold and so it shall prove to Scotland Whence or how he had this knowledge can hardly be affirmed but sure it is that he did divine and answer truly of many things to come 25. William Fraser Chancellour of the kingdom was after Wishart elected Bishop and going to Rome was consecrated by Pope Nicolaus the third in the year 1280. The office of Chancery upon his resignation was given by the King to Mâ— Iohn Pebles Archdeacon of S. Andrewes At his return from Rome a pestilential feaver never before known in this kingdome brake up to the destruction of an infinite number of people This visitation was scarce ceased when all the Kings children were taken away one after another first David his yongest son died then Alexander the Prince who had married a daughter of the Earl of Flanders after him Margret Queen of Norway who left behinde her one onely daughter and last the King himself who had taken to wife after the death of his Queen Iolet a daughter to the Count of Dreux in hope to restore his issue was most unfortunately killed by the fall of his horse a little space from the town of Kingorne So many deaths falling out together in the Royal family did presage great calamities to ensue The onely hope that remained was in the Norvegian maid for whom Sir David Wemis and Sir Michael Scot two Knights of Fife were directed by the Estates The administration of affaires was in the mean time committed to William Fraser Bishop of S. Andrewes Duncan Earl of Fife and Iohn Coming Earl of Bughan for the countries on the North side of Forth and to Robert Bishop of Glasgow Iohn Lord Comin and Iohn Lord Stewart for the South parts but it was not long before that these Gentlemen that were sent to Norway returned bringing word that the maid of Norway was likewise departed this life At which newes it cannot be told whether the fears or sorrowes of the subjects were greater for as their sorrow for the losse of so worthy a King was great so their fear was no lesse because of the uncertainty of the succession for so many Competitors six they were in number claiming the inheritance of the Crown and all of them men of power and friendship they could not but divide the Realme and so beget a civil warre yet they who were trusted during the interreigne did by their mediation work them to a compromise and to remit the decision of the controversie to King Edward the first of England a Prince of long experience and much respected in that time To this purpose the Bishop of Brichen with the Abbot of Iedbrugh and Galfred Mowbray a Gentleman were sent to King Edward who finding him at Xantoign in France did expone to him the inconveniences that were feared to fall out in the kingdome and the course they had taken to prevent the same intreating his help for quieting the State King Edward glad to have an hand in the making of a King in Scotland dimitted them with many loving words assigning a Diet to the Competitors at Norham upon Tweed which he promised to keep The day come and the Competitors all present with the Prelates and other Nobles the King by a long and premeditated speech declared That albeit he might justly claim the superiority of the kingdome of Scotland as belonging to him by right yet as a friend and arbiter elected by themselves he would labour to compose the present controversie in the best sort he could for the right said he howsoever there be divers pretenders belongeth to one onely and for my self I determine to wrong no man but to do that whâ—ch is just assuring my self you will all acquiesce and take him for King who shall be pronounced so to be This said Robert Bishop of Glasgow arose and gave the King most hearty thanks in name of the rest for the good affection he bare to their countrey and the paines he had taken to come and remove their debates shewing that out of a perswasion they all had of his wisdome and equity they were well pleased to submit to him as sole Arbiter the judgement and decision of that weighty affaire But where it had pleased him to speak of a right of superiority over the kingdome it was sufficiently known that Scotland from the first foundation of the State had been a free and independent kingdome and not subject to any other power whatsoever That their ancestors
much kindnesse of this Gregory at Tholouse in the year 1527. and saith that he died in that City having left divers monuments of his ingenie to the posterity the Catalogue whereof you may see in the place With this I shall joyn another not for any commendation of his learning for he had none nor for his good qualities which were as few but for strange and extraordinary things seen in him which in the time ministred occasion of great talk and wondring to many This man named Iohn Scot having succumbed in a plea at law and knowing himself unable to pay that wherein he was adjudged took sanctuary in the Abbey of Halirudhouse where out of a deep displeasure he abstained from all meat and drink the space of 30 or 40 dayes together Publick rumour bringing this abroad the King would have it put to trial and to that effect shut him up in a private room within the Castle of Edinburgh whereunto no man had accesse he caused a little bread and water to be set by him which he was found not to have tasted in the space of 32. days This proof given of his abstinence he was dimitted and coming forth into the street halfe naked made a speech to the people that flocked about him wherein he professed to do all this by the help of the Blessed Virgin and that he could fast as long as he pleased Many did take it for a miracle esteeming him a person of wonderful holinesse others thought him to be phrentick and mad so as in a short time he came to be neglected and thereupon leaving the countrey went to Rome where he gave the like proof of his fasting to Pope Clement the seventh From Rome he came to Venice apparelled with holy vestures such as the Priests use when they say Masse and carrying in his hand a Testimonial of his abstinence under the Popes Seal he gave there the like proof and was allowed some five Duckats to make his expence towards the holy Sepulcher which he pretended to visit This voyage he performed and then returned home â— bringing with him some palm-tree leaves and a scripful of stones which he said were a part of the pillar to which our Saviour was tied when he was scourged and coming by London went up into the Pulpit in Panls Church-yard where he cast forth many speeches against the divorce of King Henry from Katherine his Queen inveying bitterly against him for his defection from the Roman See and thereupon was thrust in prison where he continued 50. dayes fasting After that being dimitted for they held him to be a mad man he came directly into Scotland and remained in company with one Thomas Doughty who a little before was returned from Italy and had built a little Chappel to the holy Virgin with the money he had begged in his travel This man by his counterfeit miracles made great advantage amongst the simple people and albeit he was known to be a cousening fellow and in life extremely vicious yet was he suffered by the Clergy to abuse the ignorant multitude for that the opinion of Purgatory Pardons and prayers to Saints which began then every where to be despised was by this mean nourished amongst the people Scot grudging that Doughty did appropriate all the gain he made to himselfe did not admit him a partner in the same retired to a house in the suburbs of Edinburgh at the Western part of the Town and therein erected a religious Altar which he adorned in the best manner he could setting up his daughter a young maid of reasonable beauty upon the Altar and placing lights and torches round about her the simple sort for a long time believed her to be the Virgin Mâ—ry and frequented the place in great numbers to do her worship but the knavery coming to be detected he forsook his Altar and forgetting all his devotion returned to his first trade and manner of life Lesley in his story saith that he prophesied many things concerning the decay of the Romish Religion and the restitution of it in a short time of the decay he might speak having seen it begun but for other things he was a dreamer rather then a Propher 40. The first act of the Cardinal after his promotion did shew what an enemy he would be to those who in that time were called hereticks for he was not well warmed in his seat when to make his greatnesse seen he brought to S. Andrews the Earles of Huntley Arran Marshall and Montrosse the Lords Fleming Lindsay 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 with divers other Barons and men of quality There came thither also Gawine Archbishop of Glasgow Chancellour William Bishop of Aberdene Henry Bishop of Galloway Iohn Bishop of Briâ—â—en and William Bishop of Dumblane The Abbots of Melross Dunfermlin Lindors and Kinlosse with a number of Priors Deans and Doctors of Theologie And they all having convened in the Cathedral Church he sitting in a Chair somewhat erected above the rest for that he was a Cardinal began to expone the dangers wherein the Catholick faith stood by the increase of hereticks and the boldnesse they took to professe their opinions openly even in the Kings Court where he said they found too great countenance In special he named Sir Iohn Borthwick commonly called Captain Borthwick whom he had caused cite to that Diet for dispersing heretical books and for maintaining divers Articles contrary to the doctrine of the Romane Church desiring their assistance in the procedure of Justice against him The heads of the accusation were read 1. That he held the Pope to have no greater authority over Christians then any other Bishop or Prelat had 2. That Indulgences and Pardons granted by the Pope were of no force nor effect but devised to abuse people and deceive poor ignorant soules 3. That Bishops Priests and other Clergy men may lawfully marry 4. That the heresies commonly called the heresies of England and their new Liturgy was commendable and to be embraced of all Christians 5. That the people of Scotland are blinded by their Clergy and professed not the true faith 6. That Churchmen ought not to enjoy any temporalties 7. That the King ought to convert the rents of the Church into other pious uses 8. That the Church of Scotland ought to be governed after the manner of the English 9. That the Canons and Decrees of the Church were of no force as being contrary to the law of God 10. That the Orders of Friers and Monks should be abolished as had been done in England 11. That he did openly call the Pope Simoniack for that he sold spritual things 12. That he did read heretical books and the New Testament in English and some other Treatises written by Melanchthon Oecolampadius and Erasmus which he gave likewise unto others 13. The last and greatest point was that he refused to acknowledge the authority of the Romane See or be subject
thereunto These accusations he not appearing nor any in his behalfe were taken as confessed and he denounced an heretick yea an heresiarch for so the sentence beareth his goods ordained to be confiscat himself burnt in effigie if he could not otherwise be apprehended and all manner of persons inhibited to relieve or entertain him under the pain of cursing or forfeiture This sentence was given against him the 28 of May Anno 1540. and the same day was his picture burnt in the open Market place of S. Andrews as likewise in Edinburgh some two dayes after Sir Iohn Borthwick hearing how they had proceeded against him fled into England where he was kindly received by Henry the eighth then reigning and by him imployed in a Commission to the Protestant Princes in Germany for a confederation betwixt him and them in defence of their common profession King Henry had some years before sent into Scotland the Bishop of S. Davids to present the King his Nephew with some English books containing an Exposition of the principal heads of Christian Religion thinking to induce him to make the like reformation which he had made in England And at that time came Lord William Howard to desire the King to meet his Uncle King Henry at York upon some occasions tending to the common good of both Kingdomes The King consenting a Diet was appointed and all things prepared for the journey But the Cardinal and Clergy fearing the effects of that conference laboured with the Courtiers to divert him and before the King himselfe they laid divers terrours as That he would be detained prisoner in England as King Iames the first had beenâ— That he should make himself suspected to the Emperour and to his old confederate the French King And which he was most to regard incurre the Popes displeasure by treating too familiarly with him that was lying under the highest censure of the Church Yet stood the King resolute for the journey foreseeing as also it happened that if he should break the Diet the same might breed the English Kings dislike and be an occasion of warre on which he would not hazard unlesse he knew of means to entertain the same The Clergy hereupon besides the representation of some moneys in hand made offer of an annuity of fifty thousand Crownes if warre should fall out declaring withall that by confiscating the goods of hereticks he might gain an hundred thousand more And with such vain hopes they brought him to send a fair excuse to King Henry by Sir Iames Learmouth his domestick After this the King being ruled wholly by the Cardinal followed in all things the appetite of the Clergy giving commission to Sir Iames Hamilton his Theasurer to call and convene all persons suspected of heresie and inflict the punishments which after trial they should be found to merit The King was also heard say That none of that sort should expect any favour at his hands nay not his own sonnes if they should prove guilty which put many in fear But this continued not long for Sir Iames Hamilton becoming suspected and accused of a practice against the King his life was shortly after executed and warre breaking out with England he found the Nobility averse from the incursions he intended to make which did greatly discontent him These thoughts with some fearful visions he had by night that much terrified him withdrew his mind wholly from the extremities on which the Clergy had set him for at Linlithgow on a night as he slept it seemed to him that Thomas Scot Justice Clerk came unto him with a company of devils crying Woe worth the day that ever I knew thee or thy service serving thee against God and against his servants I am adjudged to hell torments Hereupon awaking he called for lights and causing his servants to arise told what he had heard and seen The next morrow by the light of day advertisement was brought him of the Justice Clerk his death which fell out just at the time that the King found himself so troubled and in the same manner almost for he died in great unquietnesse iterating often these words Iusto Dei judicio condemnatus sum by the righteous judgement of God I am condemned The form of his death answering the dream so justly made it the more terrible Another vision he had in the same place not many nights after which did more affright him whilest he lay a sleeping he imagined that Sir Iames Hamilton whom he caused to be executed came unto him with a sword drawn in his hand and therewith cut off both his Armes threatening within a short time to return and deprive him of his life With this he awaked and as he lay musing what the dream could import news were brought him of the death of his two sonnes Iames and Arthur who died at S. Andrews and Striveling at one and the very same hour The next year which was the year of our Lord 1542. being overwhelmed with grief and passion for the losse of his Army received at Solway he departed this life at Falkland in the 32. year of his age Some few dayes before he died he had advertisement that his Queen was delivered of a daughter at Linlithgow at which time it is said he burst forth in passion saying It came with a lasse meaning the Crown and will go with a lasse fie upon it after which he was not heard to utter many words The Cardinal hearing that the King was deceased did suborn a Priest called Henry Balfour to form his last Will whereby it was declared that he had committed to the Cardinal the Earls of Huntley Argyle and Murray the government of the Realm during his daughters minority This Will he caused publish in Edinburgh on the Monday after the Kings death but the Nobles giving it no credit and esteeming it a meer forgery did choose the Earle of Arran Regent and Governour of the Realme Never was any Governour received with greater love and opinion of all sorts for besides the favour carried to himselfe every one was glad to be freed of the Cardinals Government and by his first beginnings a strong hope was conceived that all things should be reformed which were amisse both in Church and Kingdome But this hope soon vanished in the manner that ye shall hear King Henry of England hearing that his Nephew the King of Scots was dead and that he had left one only daughter of seven dayes old began to think of uniting the two Kingdomes and reducing the whole Isle under one Government by the marriage of Edward his son a Prince of five years old to the young Queen of Scots Hereupon he sent for the Earls of Cassils and Glancarne the Lords of Fleming Maxwell and Gray who were taken prisoners at Solway and detained in England to Hampton Court where he then lay and at their coming proponed the businesse
them to fear God and forsake the Leaven of Papistical abominations The woman desired earnestly to die with her husband but could not be permitted sentence being given against her that she should be drowned yet she followed him to the place of execution exhorting him by the way to patience and constancy for the cause of Christ. And as she parted from him said Husband be glad we have lived together many joyfull dayes and this day which we must die we ought to esteem the most joyfull of all because now we shall have joy for ever Therefore I will not bid you good night for we shall shortly meet in the Kingdome of heaven How soon the men were executed the woman was taken to a pool of water not farre of where having commended her children to the charity of her neighbours and giving a little babe who was sucking upon her breast unto a nurse she died with great courage and comfort Sir Henry Elder Iohn Elder Walter Piper and Laurence Puller with some other Burgesses were banished and the Lord Ruthven Provost of the Town discharged of his office because he was suspected to favour the hereticks his place was given to Iohn Charterhouse of Kilfawnes and the Citizens commanded to accept him for their Provost but they excused themselves saying they could make no election before the ordinary time yet the Governour out of his authority charged them to accept of Kinfawnes threatening to punish those that refused And for that it was thought after the Governour and Cardinal was gone that the Townesmen should withstand their Provost the Lord Gray and Normand Lesley son to the Earl of Rothese were desired to give their assistance In falling out as was expected Kinfawnes convened his friends to advise how the Townesmen might be forced to obey The Lord Gray undertaking to enter the Town by the Bridge Normand Lesley and his followers were appointed to enter at the South-gate and S. Magdalens day appointed for their meeting The Lord Gray came early in the morning but Normand who brought his company by water was hindred by the tide yet all being quiet in the Town and no appearance of stirre the Lord Gray resolved to enter esteeming his own forces sufficient but he was not farre advanced when in the street called Fishstreet the Master of Ruthven with his company that lay close in some houses near by issued forth upon him and compelled him to turn back The disorder in the fight was great every one hindering another so as many were trod to death and some threescore persons killed The Cardinal wished rather the losse had fallen on the Lord Ruthvens side yet he was not ill pleased with the affront that Gray had received for he loved none of them and so making no great account of the matter he went on with his work and in the countrey of Angus called many in question for reading the New Testament in English which as then was accounted an hainous crime And it is said The ignorance of these times was so great as even the Priests did think the New Testament to have been composed by Martin Luther and the old to be the only Scripture that men ought to read Iohn Roger a black Frier with certain others was brought to the Castle of Saint Andrews and within some few dayes found dead at the foot of the back wall whether he fell seeking to escape or that he was murthered as the report went in prison it is uncertain From Angus the Cardinal leading the Governour with him went to Mernis using the like inquisition and stayed there till near Christmas at which time they returned to S. Andrews and having past the holy time in feasting took journey to Edinburgh where a Convention of the Clergy was kept for censuring the lives of scandalous Priests Whilest they were thus busied advertisement was made to the Cardinal that Master George Wishart for whom he had searched a long time was in the house of Ormeston in Lothian This man being of all the witnesses that God raised in that time to advance his truth the most worthy the Reader will not mislike that I set down the story at large He was a brother of the house of Pittarrow in Mernis a man of great knowledge and pleasant utterance indued also with many rare vertues humble modest charitable and patient even to admiration some time he had spent in the University of Cambridge and out of a desire to promove the truth in his own countrey came home in the year 1544. making his chief resorts in the Towns of Dundy and Montross where he taught publickly with great profit and applause The Cardinal incensed with the following he had among the people discharged them of Dundy to receive him Whereupon Robert Mill a man of great authority in the Town either corrupted by the Cardinals gifts or because he feared some trouble might fall upon the Town for his occasion did one day as he had ended his Sermon openly prohibit him to come any more amongst them and not to trouble the Town with his Sermons He after a little silence turning himselfe to the speaker said God is my witnesse that I minde ever your comfort and not your trouble which to me is more grievous then to your selves But sure I am to reject the word of God and drive away his messengers is not the way to save you from trouble When I am gone God will send you messengers who will not be afraid either for burning or banishment I have with the hazard of my life remained amongst you preaching the word of salvation and now since your selves refuse me I must leave my innocency to be declared by God If it be long well with you I am not led with the spirit of truth and if trouble unexpected fall upon you remember this is the cause and turn to God by repentance for he is merciful The Earle Marshal and some other Noblemen who were present at the Sermon dealt earnestly with him to go with them into the North but he excusing himselfe took journey into the West parts He had not been long there when the Archbishop of Glasgow advertised of the great concourse of people unto his Sermons took purpose to apprehend him and for that effect made a journey unto the Town of Aire Alexander Earle of Glaincarne hearing what the Bishop intended hasted to the Town offering to place Master George Wishart in the Church where the Bishop was preparing to preach but he would not consent saying that the Bishops Sermon would not do much hurt and that he would teach if they pleased at the Market Crosse which he did divers of the hearers which were enemies to the truth being converted at the same time The Sunday following being desired to preach at the Church of Machlin he went thither but the Sheriffe of Aire had in the night time put in a Garison of souldiers in the
Matthews Gospel Having ended his Sermon he was by the Gentlemen his auditors counselled to leave the Town for they held his abode in that place dangerous which advice he followed remaining some time with the Laird of Brunston and sometime with the Laird of Languedry and Ormeston yet every Sunday in one Church or other he taught openly unto the time of his apprehension The last Sermon he made was at Haddington where he received from the Gentlemen of the West a letter declaring they could not keep the Diet appointed at Edinburgh which grieved him so much as calling Iohn Knox who then attended him he said I am weary of the world since I perceive men too weary of God yet he went to the Pulpit and rebuking the people of that Town for the contempt of the Gospel told them that strangers should possesse their houses and chase them from their habitations which came shortly to passe In that Sermon as he had alwayes done since his last coming into Lothian he spake of the short time he had to live and told that his death was more nigh then they did beleeve All that night he stayed in Haddington and the next morning bidding those of his acquaintance farewell as it were for ever he went on foot to Ormeston for the frost was vehement accompanied with the Laird of the place Iohn Sandelands of Caulder and Chretchton of Brunston Iohn Knox was desirous to have gone with him but he willed him to go back saying One is enough at this time for a sacrifice When they had supped he fell in a long discourse of the happy estate of Gods children and having ended that purpose said he had a desire to sleep but first appointed the 51. Psalme to be sung which done he went to bed About midnight the house was belayed with horsemen that the Governour sent to take him prisoner The Laird refusing to deliver him and thinking to get him shifted the Earl Bothwell Sheriffe of the County came and he required he should be put in his hand upon promise that his life should be safe and that it should not be in the Cardinals power to do him any hurt The Laird reporting this to Mr. George he requested him to open the gate saying The blessed will of God be done So the Earl entred the house to whom Mr. George said My Lord I praise God that so honourable a man as you are doth receive me this night in the presence of these Noble men For I am assured your Honour will not permit anything to be done unto me against the Order of the law I am not ignorant that all the law which they who seek my life use is nothing but a corruption and a Cloake to shed the blood of Gods Saints yet I less fear to die openly then to be murthered in secret The Earl answered I shall not only preserve your body from violence if any be intended against you but I will promise you on my honour in the presence of these Gentlemen That neither the Governour nor Cardinal shall be able to harme you and that I shall keep you in my own power till either I make you free or bring you back to the place where now I receive you Upon this promise was he delivered and put in the Earles hands who departed with him to Elphinston where the Cardinal was attending the successe it being told him that young Calder and Brunston were with the Laird of Ormeston he sent to apprehend them but Brunston escaped to the wood the other two were committed to the Castle of Edinburgh and thither was Mr. George first carried and afterwards brought back to the house of Hales the Earls principal house in Lothian but Queen Mother at the Cardinals desire being earnest with the Earle to have sent him again to the Castle of Edinburgh albeit in regard of his promise he refused a long time yet overcome in end by her intreaty he yielded So was Mr. George of new taken to the Castle and after a short stay there conveyed to S. Andrews where he remained prisoner unto the day of his suffering The Cardinal not thinking it expedient to delay his trial wrote to the Prelates to meet at S. Andrews the 27. of February The Archbishop of Glasgow at his coming gave advice to seek a Commission from the Governour to some man of quality that might execute Justice left all the burthen should lie upon them whereunto the Cardinal agreed supposing the Governour would make no scruple in the matter nor had he made any if David Hamilton of Preston knowing what was sought had not seriously disswaded him advising him rather to use his power in the defence of Gods servants then to arm their adversaries with his authority For it is marvelled said he that you should give such liberty to wicked and godlesse men thus to oppresse poor innocents unto whose charge no crime is laid onely they are accused for preaching the Gospel of Christ which your selfe not long since openly professed and exhorted others to professe promising by your authority to maintain the same The opinion which men had of your affection to the truth was that which chiefly procured your advancement to the place you now hold in the Realm and now consider what are mens thoughts and speeches of your proceedings or rather what a fearful unthankfulnesse it is on your part to Almighty God who hath bestowed upon you so many blessings You are rid of your neighbours at home who envied your honour without blood and slaughter you have lately reported victory of the forain enemy that was stronger by much then your selfe and now will you persecute Gods servants for the pleasure of flagitious men who neither can hide their wickednesse nor have care to dissemble it Remember how suddenly the late King was taken away when he followed these courses which now you run They who by their perverse counsels wrought his undoing are leading you on to the same destruction At the first they were your open enemies and resisted your promotion to the government with all their might but now I know not how they have snared you by their malicious devices Think upon King Saul who was exalted by God from a mean estate to be King of Israel so long as he obeyed the word of God he prospered but how soon he grew disobedient he became miserable Compare the successe you have had in your affairs with his prosperity and you will find it not unlike and of this you may be assured that except you take another course your end shall be no better then his perhaps worse wherefore be wise and suffer not your selfe to be led any more by the counsels of wicked men neither let poor innocents at their appetites be thus cruelly murthered The Governour moved with these speeches did answer the Cardinal That he should do well not to precipitate the mans trial but to delay it untill
good words praying them to use no violence and saying that she meant no ill to their Preachers that she would hear the controversie betwixt the Bishops and them and that the present Diet with the Proclamation given out should be discharged so the force ceased and all was quiet for that time Not long after there arrived a messenger from the French King with letters to the Nobility desiring that the marriage should be consummated betwixt the young Queen and the Daulphin his son and that certain Commissioners should be sent to assist the solemnity A convention of Estates being called to this purpose in December following choice was made of eight persons to go in that journey for the spiritual Estate were named Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow and Iames Stewart Prior of S. Andrews base brother to the young Queen For the Nobility Gilbert Kennedy Earl of Cassils George Lesley Earle of Rothes and Iames Lord Fleming For the Burrowes George Lord Seaton Provost of Edinburgh and Iohn Areskin of Dun Provost of Montrosse The great dysasters that happened both in their going and returning brought many to think the marriage would not prove happy and prosperous For having shipped at Leith in the moneth of February they were dispersed by a mighty tempest and one of their vessels that carried their horses cast away at S. Ebbes head before they left the Scottish shore another wherein the Earl of Rothes and Bishop of Orkney sailed with all the furniture for the marriage which was very rich and costly perished upon the coast of France nigh unto Bulloign the Earl and Bishop hardly escaping by the shipboat which carried them to land Neither had they any better fortune in their return homewards for at Deep divers of the chief persons fell sick and died The Bishop of Orkney a man of singular wisdome and experience who in his time had performed many honourable ambassages to the credit and benefit of his countrey ended there his life the 14. of September 1558. the Earl of Rothes died two-dayes after him and the Earl of Cassils Thesaurer of the Realm a vertuous Nobleman went the same way The Lord Fleming a brave young Nobleman returned to Paris suspecting some contagion and deceased in December following These deaths falling out so suddainly together bred a suspicion in many that they were made away by poison which was the rather believed because the French King was known to be displeased for their refuse of the matrimonial Crown to his son however it was the apprehension taken therefore begate a great hatred of the French amongst the people of this Realme In the moneth of April Walter Mill an old decrepit Priest having ceased from saying of Masse became suspected and was upon the same apprehended in Dysert by Sir George Strachen and Sir Hugh Torry two of the Archbishops of S. Andews Priests he was kept in the Castle and earnestly laboured to recant and acknowledge his errors but continuing firm and constant in his opinions his trial at last made and he accused in presence of the Bishops of S. Andrews Murray Brichen Cathnes and Athens the Abbots of Dunfermlin Lundors Balmerinoth and Couper Dean Iohn Winrame Sub-prior Iohn Grison a black Frier Mr. William Cranston Provost of the old Colledge and divers other Doctors of the University When he came into the Church and was led to the place where they had appointed him to stand he looked so feeble partly by age and travel partly by ill entertainment as it was feared none should hear what he answered Yet how soon he began to speak he delivered his mind with such quicknesse and courage as amazed his very enemies Sir Andrew Oliphant one of the Archbishops Priests commanded him to arise for he was upon his knees and answer to the Articles said Sir Walter Mill get up and answer for you keep my Lord here too long he notthelesse continued in his devotion and that done he arose and said he ought to obey God more then man I serve a mightier Lord then your Lord is And where you call me Sir Walter they call me Walter and not Sir Walter I have been too long one of the Popes Knights now say what you have to say Oliphant then began with this question What thinkest thou of Priests marriage He answered I esteem it a blessed bond ordained by God approved by Christ and made free to all sorts of men but you abhorre it and in the mean time take other mens wives and daughters you vow chastity and keep it not Oliphant proceeding said Thou sayest that there is not seven Sacraments He answered Give me the Lords Supper and Baptisme and take you the rest and part them amongst you Oliphant Thou sayest that the Masse is idolatry He answered A Lord sendeth and calleth many to his dinner and when it is ready ringeth the Bell and they come into the Hall but he turning his back upon the guests eateth all himself giving them no part and so do you Oliph Thou deniest the Sacrament of the Altar to be the body of Christ really in flesh and blood He answered The Scripture is not be taken carnally but spiritually and your Masse is wrong for Christ was once offered on the Crosse for mans sin and will never be offered again for then he put end to all sacrifices Oliph Thou deniest the office of the Bishop He answered I affirm they whom you call Bishops do not Bishops works nor use the Offices of Bishops but live after their own sensual pleasures taking no care for the flock nor yet regarding the word of God Oliph Thou speakest against pilgrimage and callest it a pilgrimage to whoredome He answered I say that pilgrimage is not commanded in the Scripture and that there is no greater whoredome in any place then at your pilgrimages except it be in the common brothels Oliph Thou preachest privately in houses and sometimes in the fields He answered Yea man and upon the sea too when I am sailing Oliph If thou wilt not recant thy opinions I will pronounce sentence against thee He answered I know I must die once therefore as Christ said to Judas Quod facis fac citò you shall know that I will not recant the truth for I am corn and no chaffe I will neither be blowne away with the wind nor burst with the flaile but will abide both These answers he gave with a great boldnesse to the admiration of all that were present Then did Oliphant pronounce sentence ordaining him to be delivered to the temporal Judge and burnt as an heretick but because no man could be found to supply the place of a Judge for Patrick Lermond Bailiffe of the Regalty did absolutely refuse nor in the whole City so much as a cord to be had for money to tye him after he should be condemned his life for one day was prolonged The next morning one of the Archbishops domesticks called Alexander Somervaile a wicked and
Peter and S. Pauls Isle upon the South of the Cathedral Church 18. After his death William Tulloch Bishop of Orkney was translated to Murray and lived five years onely after his consecration 19. Andrew Stewart Dean of Murray succeeded he sate Bishop 19. years and was buried in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 20. Andrew Forman sate after him Bishop 15. years and was then translated to S. Andrews 21. Next after him Iames Hepburn governed the See 9. years and was buried in our Lady Isle nigh unto the Tombe of Alexander the first Earle of Huntley 22. Robert Shaw Abbot of Paisley a man of great vertue and exceedingly beloved was next made Bishop but he lived not above two years in the place 23. Alexander Stewart Brother german to the Duke of Albany sate after him seven years and was buried in the Monastery of Scone 24. To him succeded Patrick Hepburn who was commendatory of Scone in his time the reformation of Religion was made he lived Bishop 36. years and died in the Castle of Spinie the 20. of Iune 1573. The Bishops of BRICHEN In this See since it was founded by King David which was about the year 1140. there have been many worthy Bishops yet most of them are buried in oblivion these few that follow I have gathered out of old Records 1. Urwardus or Edwardus lived about the year 1260. a Monk at first at Couper in Angus a man very zealous in his calling for it is testified of him that he went on foot through the whole kingdom with one Eustathius Abbot of Aberbrothock preaching the Gospel wheresoever he came 2. Albinus after him was Bishop some few years 3. VVilliam Dean of Brichen elected successor died at Rome in the year 1275. whilest he was attending to have his election confirmed 4. The fourth Bishop I find mentioned is one Iohn who governed the See in the year of God 1318. and got a new confirmation from King David Bruce of all the lands possessions and priviledges injoyed by his predecessors in former times because of their rights lost in the time of the last warre This confirmation is dated in the year 1359. 5. To him succeeded Adam Chancellor of the Kingdom but it seemed he sate few years 6. Then Patrick who was his successor both in the Bishoprick and in the office of Chancellary in the year 1372. 7. Steven in the year 1384. 8. Walter surnamed Forrester in the year 1413. 9. Iohn who was likewise Chancellor Anno 1434. In his time was the Church of Cortoguhy annexed to the Bishoprick by Walter Pallatine of Strathern Earl of Atholl Lord Brichen and Cortoguhy 10. George Shoreswood succeeded him in both charges anno 1483. In his time was the Church of Funeven made one of the Chapter 11. Another called Iohn was made Bishop in the year 1483. 12. William Meldrum succeeded in the year 1500. 13. And after his death Iohn Hepburn Anno 1552. 14. To him succeeded ... Sinclare Dean of Restalrig a little before the Reformation The Bishops of DUMBLANE The See of Dumblane was founded likewise by King David 1. Ionathus was the first Bishop he died in the year 1200. or thereabout and was buried at Inchaffray 2. Simon who succeeded him lived not a year 3. Abraham Chaplain to Gilbert Earl of Stratherne was consecrated in the year 1210. This was the Earl who gave a third part of his lands to the See of Dumblane and another third part to the Abbey of Inchaffray 4. William called Gulielmus de Bosco was next preferred to the See and shortly after created Chancellor 5. Osbert Abbot of Cambuskenneth succeeded he died in the year 1231. 6. The sixth Bishop was Clemens a Frier of the Dominican Order consecrated in the Stewe Church of Weddal in the year 1233. This man was an excellent Preacher learned above many of that time and of singular integrity of conversation he gave divers lands and rents to the Church of Culross and restored the Cathedral Church of Dumblane which was decayed Leander Bononiensis in his third book De viris illustribus Praedicatorum remembreth him with a special commendation The like doth Philippus Wolphius in his third book De vitis peritorum virorum He died in the year 1256. 7 Robert was after him elected This is he who was sent with Richard Bishop of Dunkeld by the rest of the Prelates in the year 1268. to protest against the proceedings of Ottobon the Popes Legate for the contribution imposed by him upon the Scottish Clergy towards the charge of the holy warre 8. Alpin after him governed the See some few years 9. Then one Nicolaus was made Bishop he gave the halfe of the Church of Strowan to the Abby of Inchaffray 10. After him succeeded Maurice Abbot of Inchaffray a Prelate of great spirit who gave great encouragement to his countreymen in that famous battel of Bonnockburn and was therefore chosen by King Robert Bruce to be his Confessor after that battel the See falling void he was preferred to the same 11. One William succeeded to him 12. Then Walter Cambuslang in the year 1363. 13. And after him was Finlaw commonly called Dermoch who built the bridge of Dumblane and died in the year 1419. 14. William Stephen one of the first Professors in the University of S. Andrews was after him preferred 15. Upon his death Michael Ochiltrie succeeded a wealthy Prelate and well esteemed he purchased to his See a great part of the forfeited lands of Stratherne adorned the Cathedral Church with many rich ornaments built the bridge of Knaig at Machant with the Church of Muthill and did in his time divers other good works 16. After him succeeded Robert Lawder who founded divers Prebendaries and Chanonries in the Church of Dumblane 17. Iohn Hepburn succeeded in the year 1471. This Bishop had a long contention with the Abbot of Inchaffray for certain Churches claimed by the Abbot but the matter was afterwards pacified He died in the year 1508. and was buried in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 18. Iames Chisholme obtained the Bishoprick after his death by the Popes provision and carried himself in his charge very commendably a severe censour he was of the corrupt manners of the Clergy and recovered many lands and possessions which were sacrilegiously taken from the Church before his time He died in the year 1534. 19. To whom succeeded William Chisholme his brother a wicked and vicious man who for hatred he bare to true religion made away all the lands of the Bishoprick and utterly spoyled the benefice The Bishops of Ross. 1. This See was also one of King Davids foundations the first Bishop I find was one Gregorins 2. Reynaldus a member of Melross who died in the year 1213. 3. Andrew Murray was chosen in his place but he shortly after resigned the same to 4. Robert Chaplain to Alexander the second 5. After him one Matthew was elected and consecrated by Pope Gregory the tenth at
Of the Bishops of the Isles I have lesse to say onely that the Isle of Man was at first the Cathedral seat as by occasion we touched before and that by the invasions of the Norvegians and English the same was translated unto Ilcolmkill In Man Amphibalus was the first Bishop I read of one Machilla likewise that was there Bishop and confirmed the holy Brigida in her purpose of single life After the translation of the seat to Ilcolmkill I find onely one Onacus mentioned about the year 1289. who is reported to have been a good and godly man with another called Mauricius whom King Edward the first of England sent prisoner to London And thus farre of the succession of Bishops unto the time of the Reformation THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE THIRD BOOK The Contents The History of the Reformation of the Church and how it was wrought THE Petitions put up to Queen Regent for reformation of the Church taking no effect some Noblemen and Barons joyning in Councel did bind themselves by oâ—thes and subscriptions to assist one another and hazard their lives and substance in advancing the cause of Religion The principals were Archibald Earl of Argyle Alexander Earl of Glencarne James Earl of Morton Archibald Lord of Lorne Sir Iames Sandelands of Calder Iohn Erskin of Dun and William Maitland of Lethington younger They meeting together after deliberation what should be fittest first to do concluded That in all Parishes the Curates should be caused read the Prayers and Lessons of the Old and New Testament on Sundayes and other Festival dayes according to the form set forth in the Book of Common Prayers and if they should refuse that the most qualified in every Parish should do the same But for preaching and interpretation of Scripture the same should be used only in private houses after a quiet manner till God should move the Queen to grant further liberty This accordingly was performed in the parts where they had Commandment and by their example in divers Townes and Parishes of the countrey the like was done to the great offence of the Clergy who complaining of that boldnesse to the Queen Regent were answered that it was no fit time to enter into those matters and that she should find occasion ere it were long to put order unto them But the Clergy fearing delayes did forthwith call a Provincial Councel at Edinburgh where professing to make reformation of abuses they renewed some old Popish constitutions which they made to be imprinted and affixed upon the doors of all the Parish Churches The Bishop of S. Andrewes advertised of the Reformation begun in Argyle sent to the Earl Sir David Hamilton his Cousen with a letter wherein after he had shewed the perill in which he did cast both himself and his house by that open defection from the Church he desired him in some honest fashion to rid himself of that defamed and perjured Apostate who had seduced him This was one Mr. Iohn Douglas whom the Earl had taken to be his Minister offering to provide him of a learned and wise Preacher for whom he would lay his soul in pawn that he should teach no other but true doctrine and agreeable to the Catholick faith The Earle answered That for peril he feared none either to himself or to his house having resolved to live in obedience to his Prince and to serve God as well as he could according to his written word and for the defection alledged seeing it had pleased God to open his eyes and give him the knowledge of his truth which he took for a great argument of his favour he would not relinquish or forsake it for fear of any inconveniences As to the man he wrote of he said that he heard him teach the doctrine of Christ condemne idolatry adultery fornication and such like wickednesse and that he should make him give an accompt thereof whensoever he should be cited But to call him defamed and perjured there was no reason seeing he was not declared to be such by any sentence and if he had in former times made any unlawful oath he had done much better in violating the same then if he had observed it Further whereas he made offer to provide him of some learned man he gave him thanks considering the necessity there was of labourers in the Lords harvest but he understood what his meaning in that was and minded not to be led with any such teachers In end he wished him not to begin the battel with him whereof the event would be doubtful for as to himself he knew God was God and should be God still whatsoever mans crast could work or devise The Bishop receiving this answer did communicate the same with the chief of the Clergy who thereby conceiving that there was some businesse in hand began to think of other defences And the feast day of S. Giles or Sanctus Egidius falling out about that time to be kept at Edinburgh they entreated Queen Regent to honour the solemnity with her presence The custome was in that time of the year to carry the image of the Saint in procession through the town for they had S. Giles to their Patron with Drummes Trumpets and all sort of musical instruments neither was there any day kept more superstitiously then this The Queen agreed the rather to accompany the procession for that some cumult was feared which she thought her presence would represse But when the time of the solemnity was come the Saint was missing for some had stolne the image out of the place where it was kept This made a stay till another little image was borrowed from the Gray Friers which the vulgar in mockery called young Saint Giles Herewith they set forward the Regent accompanying the people till the procession was nigh ended then withdrawing her self to the lodging where she was to dine she was no sooner gone then some youths provided for the purpose drawing near unto the Fertor and making a shew to carry it upon their shoulders after they had walked some few paces and perceived by the motion they made the image was fixed to the Fertor they threw all to the ground and taking the image by the heels dashed the same against the stones so as head and hands were beaten off and the idol wholly defaced The people hereupon fell a crying the Priests and Churchmen betook them to flight and a great stirre was in the streets Some houres the Fray continued and being in end setled by the authority of the Magistrates the whole Clergy that were in town assembled themselves and making the best countenance they could indicted a solemn meeting in the beginning of November next To this diet Paul Methven was summoned and not appearing was decerned for his contumacie to be banished the Realme a prohibition likewise was given to all the subjects that none of them should entertain or receive
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
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
sufficiently warranted fell to gather the voices of such as were present who all uniformly consented to her deprivation So by an Act and Decree of Councell wherein were reckoned out all the enormities alledged to have been committed by Queen Regent namely the pursuing of the Barons and Burgesses of the Realm with open hostility no proces nor order of law being first used nor they called and convict of any crime in lawful judgement The thrusting in of Magistrates upon people within Burghes against their liking and without any order of election The inbringing of forainers into the Realm without the advice and counsel of the Nobility The laying of Garisons in some Towns to the oppression of peaceable subjects The coyning of base money to the impoverishing of the country The placing of a stranger in one of the greatest offices within the Realm as the office of Chancellary which she had conferred to Monsieur Rubie a French man The sending of the great Seal forth of the Realm against the advice of the Councel The altering of the Lawes and Customes of the Realm especially in graces and pardons granted to the Lieges and the obstinate refusing of the Nobility and Barons their request when they sought redress of these evils they in name and by the authority of their Soveraigns did suspend the Commission granted to Queen Regent discharging her of all authority untill the next Parliament that should be called by their advice and consent Prohibiting likewise the officers and others serving her under colour of the said authority to exerce their offices from henceforth and to coyn either gold or silver without express consent of the Councel and Nobility conform to the lawes of the Realm This Act ordained to be published in all the head Burghes of the Kingdom was subscribed in this manner By us the Nobility and Commons of the Protestants of the Church of Scotland Assoon as this Act was by found of Trumpet proclaimed the Herald whom they had detained two dayes was dismissed with an answer conceived in this form By the letters and instructions you have sent by the Herald unto us we take up how ill you are set against God his truth the liberty of this our native countrey and the common good of all To defend these as in duty we are bound we in the name of our Soveraign Lord and Lady suspend your Commission and all administration publick which you thereby may pretend as being assured that your proceedings are direct contrary to their mindes which we know are inclined to the weal and common good of the countrey And seeing you refuse us who are natural born subjects of the Realm to be your Counsellors we will no longer acknowledge you for our Regent and lawful Magistrate considering the authority if any you have committed unto you by our Soveraignes is for most just and weighty reasons suspended by us in their name whose Counsellors we are by birth in these matters chiefly that concern the safety of the Commonwealth And howbeit we have determined with the hazard of our lives to set that Town at liberty wherein you have most injustly planted your mercenary souldiers and strangers yet for the reverence we bear unto you as being the mother of our Queen we earnestly beseech you to depart thence at this time when we constrained by publick necessity are by force of Armes to recover it We further request you to bring forth of the Town with your self all that carry themselves as Ambassadours and are come unto the countrey either for taking up of controversies or assisting the government of publick affaires within the space of twenty four houres and to cause the Captains Lieutenants and souldiers whose blood we would gladly spare because of the old amity and friendship betwixt us and the Realm of France which the marriage of our Soveraign Lady to that King ought rather to encrease then diminish to remove themselves within the same space This letter was subscribed By all the Nobility and Barons present the twenty third of October 1559. The 25. day of the same moneth was the Town summoned and all the Scots and French men of whatsoever state and degree commanded to leave the same within the space of 12. houres This denied and defiance given on both sides there followed some light skirmishings without any great slaughter The Lords had resolved to enter the Town by scalade and were preparing ladders for that use which being dressed in S. Giles Church did impede the ordinary meetings to Sermon and Prayer to the great offence to the Preachers who in their Sermons did sharply reprove that intermission of religious exercises foretelling that the enterprise could have no good successe which brought with it in the beginning such a neglect of God his service And so indeed it proved for upon the sudden they became so terrified as not only was that purpose of the scalade broken but very nigh they were to have utterly forsaken the cause The Duke grew fearful by the falling away of some to the Queen the souldiers mutinied in default of their pay they found their most secret counsels also disclosed and had lately intercepted letters with a servant of Iames Balfour as he was going to Leh giving intelligence of all their purposes These things with some others more did cast them in a great diffidence one of another But such as were of better courage taking counsel how to remedy those evils made it their first care to content the souldiers And because there was no way to do this but by present money it was devised that a collection should be made amongst the Lords and Barons by whom some being unprovided others nigardly disposed the summe could not be made up which was required Thereupon it was agreed that every Nobleman should give his silver plate to be coyned for supply of the present necessity But when that came to be done the irons and instruments of the Minthouse could not be found This failing their only hope of relief was from England and that they considered could not come in due time whereupon they resolved to use their private credit with Sir Ralph Sadler and Sir Iames Crofts who had the charge of the Town of Barwick and borrow of them some moneys In this businesse Sir Iohn Cockburn of Ormston was employed whose journey was not so closely carried but the Queen had notice both of it and his errand Thereupon she dealeth with the Earl of Bothwell to lie in Ormston his way and surprise him with the money at his return The Earl had but a few dayes before sworn solemnly to be no enemy to the Lords and had given hopes to joyn with them so as no danger was suspected from him yet not regarding his oath he came upon the Gentleman at unawares and after some wounds given him took him prisoner and robbed him of four thousand Crowns which he had received in loan The rumour hereof coming to the Lords the Earl
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
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
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
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
who formerly had given it to others The first thing they moved in the Articles was a supplication of the Barons Gentlemen Burgesses and other subjects concerning religion wherein three things were petitioned First that the Doctrine of the Romane Church professed and tyrannously maintained by the Clergy should be condemned and by Act of Parliament abolished Some particulars they named such as the Doctrine of Transubstantiation the adoration of Christs body under the form of bread the merit of works Papisticall Indulgences Purgatory Pilgrimage and praying to Saints departed These they reckoned to be pestilent errours such as could not but bring damnation to the souls of those who were therewith infected therefore desired a punishment to be appointed for the teachers and maintainers of such Doctrines Next that a remedy should be found against the profaning of the holy Sacraments by men of that profession and the true Discipline of the ancient Church revived and restored Thirdly that the Pope of Rome his usurped authority should be discharged and the patrimony of the Church imployed to the sustentation of the Ministery the provision of Schools and intertainment of the poore of a long time neglected This last clause was not very pleasing to divers of the Nobility who though they liked well to have the Pope his authority and doctrine condemned had no will to quit the Church Patrimony wherewith in that stirring time they had possessed themselves So making no answer to the last point the Ministers were desired to draw into severall heads the summe of the Doctrine they craved to be established that the same might be seen and considered by the Parliament This accordingly was done and the fourth day after which was the 17. of August exhibited to the Estates under this title The confession of the Faith and Doctrine believed and professed by the Protestants of Scotland It is the same confession word by word that you have registred in the first Parliament of King Iames the sixth which that the story may on with an uninterrupted delivery I thought not needfull here to insert The Confession read in open Parliament and put to voyces the Earle of Atholl the Lords Sommervill and Bothwick onely of all the temporall Estate disassented saying They would believe as their fathers before them had believed The Popish Prelats were silent and answered nothing whereupon the Earle Marshall brake forth into these speeches It is long since I carried some favour unto the truth and was somewhat jealous of the Romane religion but this day hath fully resolved me of the truth of the one and falshood of the other for seeing my Lords the Bishops who by their learning can and for the zeal they should have to the truth would as I suppose gainsay any thing repugnant unto it say nothing against the confession we have heard I cannot think but it is the very truth of God and the contrary of it false and deceiveable doctrine Thus was the confession of Faith approved and by publick voices of the Estates authorized At the same time there passed three other Acts in favour of the Professors one for abolishing the Popes Jurisdiction and authority within the Realm a second annulling all Statutes made in preceding times for maintenance of idolatry and a third for punishment of the sayers and hearers of Mass. With these Acts Sr. Iames Sandelands Knight of the Rhodes a Gentleman of good account who had carried himself as neuter in all these broiles was directed to France for obtaining a ratification of the same from the Queen and the King her husband and therewith was desired to clear the Noblemen and other Subjects from imputations of disloyalty cast upon them and to pacifie the mindes of their Soveraignes whom they understood to be much exasperated by all the good wayes he could use But he found his Ambassage and himself both contemned the Guisians who were the onely men then in account with the King checking him bitterly at his first audience for that he being a Knight of the holy Order should have taken a Commission from Rebells to sollicite a ratification of execrable Heresies The Gentleman did what he could to mitigate their wrath but nothing could avail So was he dismissed without answer whereof the Archbishop of Glasgow the Abbat of Dunfermlin and the Lord Seaton 〈◊〉 from Leth with the company of French were generally blamed The cold entertainment he found in that Court was soon advertised which troubled greatly the 〈◊〉 of the Professors for they were sensible of their own weakness and 〈…〉 from England if France should again invade because of the loss the 〈…〉 received in the late expedition neither had the Earl of Morton and Glencarn who upon the breaking up of the Parliament were sent into England to render thanks to the Queen and to intreat the continuance of her favour given any advertisement of their acceptance But whilest they stood thus fearfull newes was brought of the French Kings death which raised their hearts not a little neither were they more glad then the French faction were sorrowfull These meeting in the most secret manner they could took counsell to send Mr. Iohn Lesley afterwards Bishop of Rosse with letters to the Queen intreating her to return into Scotland withall to shew her that the best course she could take was to land at Aberdene where she should be honourably received and find such assistance of the Noblemen in these quarters as at her first coming she might re-establish the Catholick Religion he was also desired to warn the Queen not to give ear to the counsels of her brother who as they said was of an aspiring minde and aimed at no less then the Government of the Realm whom she should do wisely to cause be detained in France till matters at home were fully settled The letter he carried was subscribed by the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes the Bishops of Aberdene Murray and Rosse the Earles of Huntly Craford Athol Sutherland and Cathnesse On the other side the Noblemen that had assisted the expulsion of the French how soon they heard of the death of King Francis convened at Edinburgh and after counsell taken directed Lord Iames to the Queen to perswade her in like manner to return But Lesly using greater diligence came to her some dayes before him and finding her at Vitrie in Champaigne wthier she was gone to seek a secret place for her sorrow delivered the letters and credit he was trusted with The Queen hearing all answered that the Prelats and Noblemen by whom he was imployed should rest assured of her favour willing him to advertise so much and to attend till she could resolve upon her return Incontinent after Leslies coming the Queens uncles did enter in deliberation what course was best for her to take and whether or not she should return to Scotland for they conceived the passage by Sea would be dangerous she not being assured of the Queen
tongue a testimony of his learning docilitie age and parentage Those that have bin taught the Dialectick shall be examined by the Rector and Principalls and being found to have profited therein shall be promoved to the Classe of the Mathematicks None shall be admitted to the Classe of Medicine but he that shall be known to have spent his time well in Dialectick Mathematick and Physick and shall have a testimoniall of his docilitie in the last None admitted to the Classe of Laws but he that shall have a testimoniall of his time well spent in Dialectick Mathematick Ethick O Economicks Politicks and of his docilitie in the last And to the Classe of Divines they onely shall be admitted that bring a sufficient Testimoniall of their time well spent in Dialectick Mathematick Physick Ethick O Economick and Politick Philosophy the knowledge of the Hebrew tongue and of his docility in Divinity Such as will apply themselves to hear the Laws shall not be compelled to hear Medicine neither shall such as apply themselves to hear Divinity be compelled either to hear Medicine or the Laws The second University at Glasgow shall have two Colledges In the first whereof shall be three Classes one for Dialectick another for Mathematick and a third for Physick And in the second Colledge shall be four Classes one for morall Philosophie Ethicks O Economicks and Politicks another for the Municipall and Romane Laws the third for the Hebrew tongue and the last for Divinity to be ordered according to the University of St. Andrews The third Universitie at Aberdene shall be conform to the University of Glasgow in all points Unto every Colledge there must be elected forth of the body of the University a Principall who must be a man of learning discretion and diligence he shall receive the whole rents of the Colledge and distribute the same according to the erection of the Colledge adjoyning to himself weekly one of the Professors he shall hearken dayly the Diet compts and oversee the policy and buildings of the house attend that the Professors be diligent in their severall readings to the youth and shall weekly keep a meeting with the whole Members of the Colledge for punishment of faults that shall happen to be committed and shall yearly be countable to the superintendent Rector and rest of the Principalls who shall convene to that effect the first of November The election of the Principall shall be in this sort within eight dayes after the place falleth void the members of the Colledge being sworn to follow their conscience shall nominate three of the most sufficient men of the University not being Principalls already who shall be publickly propounded through the whole University This done the Superintendent by himself or his speciall Procurators with the Rector and the rest of the Principalls shall convene within eight dayes after and choose one of the three whom they think most sufficient being sworn before to do the same without favor or partiall affection There shall be in every Colledge a Steward Cook Gardiner and Porter who shall be subject to the Principall as are the rest Every Vniversity shall have a Beddale who shall be subject to serve at all times the Vniversity at the direction of the Rector and Principall There shall likewise a Rector be chosen in every Vniversity from year to year on this manner The Principalls of the Colledges with the whole Regents chapterly convened shall be sworn to nominate every man speaking in his own room such a one as in his conscience he thinketh to be most sufficient for that charge and dignity and of those who shall be most often nominated there shall be put in lite 15. dayes before Michaelmas and upon the eve of Michaelmas the whole Principals Regents and Supposts graduated or who have studied the Ethicks O Economicks and Politicks and no others every nation having protested to follow the Dictate of their own Conscience shall nominate one of the said three and he unto whom most voices are given shall be confirmed by the Superintendent and Principals who shall take his oath for lawfull administration and the oath of the rest of the Vniversitie for their submission and obedience after which he shall put on a new garment and be presented to the Vniversitie Insignia Magistratus being born before him monethly he shall visit every Colledge and trie how the exercises of Reading be kept his assessours shall be a Lawyer and Theologue by whose advice he shall decide all Civill questions betwixt the Members of the Universitie If any without the Universitie pursue a Member thereof or be pursued by any Member of the same he shall assist the Provost and Bailies and other Judges competent to see justice ministred and that as well in civill as criminall causes We think it expedient that in every Colledge of the whole Universities there be 24. Bursars divided equally in the Classes above specified that is in St. Andrewes 72. Bursars in Glasgow 48. in Aberdene as many these shall be sustained onely in meat upon the charges of the Colledge and not be admitted but upon triall taken by the Ministerie of the Town and Principalls of the Universitie as well touching their own docility as if their parents be able to entertain them or not Of Stipends and the expences nâ—cessary The summes needfull for the ordinary charges we judge may be as followeth Imprimis for the stipend of the Professors of Dialectick Mathematick Physick and Morall Philosophy for each of those 100l Item for the Professor of Medicine and Lawes 200. marks Item to the Reader of the Hebrew and Greek tongues and Divinity 200l Item to every Principall 200l Item to every Steward for his fee 16l Item to every Gardiner Cook and Porter 10. marks Item to the sustentation of every Bursar that is not in the Classe of Theologie or Medicine 20l. Item to the Bursars in these Classes 24l Summa of the yearly and ordinary expences in the Universitie of St. Andrewes extendeth to 3796l summa of the yearly and ordinary expences of Glasgow extends to 2922l Summa of Aberdene 2922l Summa of the whole ordinary charges is 9640l For the payment of these summes we think the Temporalties of Bishopricks and Churches Collegiat ought to be destinated so farre at least as the same charges do require The Beddale shall have for his stipend 2s of every Intrant and Suppost of the Universitie of every Graduate in Philosophy 3s of the Graduate in Medicine 4s and 5s of the Graduate in Theology Bursars in these studies only excepted For upholding the fabrick this order would be taken that every Earls son at his entry shall give 40s with so much at his graduation Every Lords son 30s The son of a Baron 20s the son of a Burgess or substantious Gentleman 10s and the sons of all others Bursars excepted 5s These moneys being collected shall be put in a common box and committed to the keeping of the Principall and upon
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
of no mean power who made him daily advertised of things that passed there and the small numbers that were with the Queen willing him to take the opportunity Whereupon resolving to follow his enterprise before the forces of the Queen were further increased for charge was gone to all that could bear Armes in Lothian Fife Angus Stratherne and Mernis to come and attend her at Aberdene he advanced with some 800. in company looking to find no resistance And like enough the enterprise had succeeded to his mind but that the same morning letters were intercepted sent by Sutherland and Buquhaine to Huntley which detected all their counsel Sutherland upon discovery escaped Buquhaine was pardoned upon his confession and from thenceforth served the Queen faithfully Huntley advertised of these things was advised by his friends to turn back yet hearing the Earl of Murray was coming against him he made a stay resolving to fight The place of standing he chused was naturally fenced with mosse and quagmire and so of difficult accesse 300 they were in all for many of his followers the night preceding were slipt from him Neither had the Earl of Murray any great number and few whom he might trust for howbeit of the countrey about divers gathered unto him most of them were corrupted by Huntley as appeared when the companies came in sight one of another all of them in sign of treason and that they might be discerned by the enemy putting a bush of heath or header in their helmets and how soon they came to joyn giving back and retiring in great disorder The Earl of Murray who stood a little off with an hundred in a troop discovering the treason called aloud to his men that they should bend their Spears and not suffer those that fled to enter amongst them So forced to take another course they went aside leaving him and his troop when they had taken their standing Huntley imagining upon that flight and disorder the day to be his commanded his men to throw away their lances and with drawn swords to run upon them as to a slaughter But when they were come to the place where Murray with his company stood they were born back and compelled to fly as fast as before they followed They who had played the Traytors seeing this to clear themselves turned upon Huntley and made all the slaughter which was committed that day There fell in the conflict on Huntleys side 120. near as many were taken prisoners on the other party not a man died Amongst the prisoners was the Earl of Huntley himself with two sonnes Iohn and Adam Gordon The Earl was aged and corpulent and by reason of the throng that pressed him expired in the hands of his takers the rest were carried to Aberdene late in the night The Earls of Murray Morton and Lord Lindesay for these last two had been in the field with Murray went first into the Church where Mr. Iohn Crage Minister of that City gave solemn thanks to God for the victory and their safety This ended they went unto the Queen who received them graciously yet expressed no motion of a mind either troubled or much joyed The next day was spent in taking counsel concerning the prisoners the conclusion whereof was that punishment should be taken according to the laws of Iohn Gordon That Adam his brother should be spared because of his tender age the other captives fined according to their wealth and those of meaner estate banished the countrey The day following Iohn Gordon upon a scaffold erected in the street of Aberdene was publickly executed His death was much lamented not by his friends only but even by strangers and persons unknown for he was a youth of most brave and manlike countenance of a valorous spirit and one who by his noble behaviour had raised great expectation of himself Abused he was by the hopes of a royal match and which grieved all the beholders pitifully mangled by an unskilful Executioner This defeat of Huntley brought the North parts in a great obedience and mightily discouraged those of the Popish faction throughout the whole Realm for all that sort had placed their hopes on him and his greatnesse both in the Court and countrey The eldest of his sonnes named George after the losse of that field fled to the Duke his Father in law and was delivered by him to the Queen who sent him prisoner to Dumbar In the end of Ianuary he was accused and convicted of treason his lands declared to be forfeited and himself committed to prison Shortly after Iohn Hamilton Archbishop of S. Andrews was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh for saying and hearing of Masse The Abbot of Corsragnal and Prior of Whithern were used in the like sort and divers Priests and Monks for the same cause censured The severe proceeding against Papists put many in hope that the Queen should be brought to embrace the Religion which was further assured by the countenance she gave unto the Church in the Parliament kept at Edinburgh the May following wherein divers statutes passed upon their Petitions as in the Acts of that time may be seen In this Parliament was the Act of oblivion agreed unto at the treaty of Leth first ratified but without any respect to that treaty which the Queen would never acknowledge Wherefore it was advised that the Lords in the house of Parliament should upon their knees entreat the passing of such an Act which accordingly was done The rest of this summer the Queen spent in hunting in the countries of Athol and Argyle But in August the same year there happened a thing that was like to have caused much trouble certain of the Queens family that remained in the Palace of Halirudhouse had a Priest attending them who did his ordinary service in the Chappel divers of the town of Edinburgh resorting unto it great offence was taken and the disorder complained of by the Preachers The Citizens being informed that many of their people were gone thither one day went down and being denied entry forces the gates Some were taken and carried to prison many escaped the back way with the Priest himself The uproare was great and advertisement gone to the Queen thereof she was mightily incensed avowing not to come to the Town till some exemplary punishment were inflicted upon the doers yet by the mediation of the Earls of Murray and Glencarne she was pacified Iohn Knox only was called before the Councel and charged to have been the author of the sedition as likewise for convocating the subjects by his missive letters whensoever he thought meet He answered That he was never a Preacher of rebellion nor loved to stirre up tumults contrariwise he taught all people to obey their Magistrates and Princes in God As to the convocation of the subjects he had received from the Church a command to advertise his Brethren when he saw a necessity of their meeting
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
upon it had of the same were blasphemous and grosly idolatrous And where her Majesty said she would not hazard the displeasure of the King of France and other Princes with whom she was confederated they to the contrary did assure her That true Religion is the onely bond that joyneth men with God who is the King of Kings and hath the hearts of all Princes in his hands whose favour ought to be unto her more pretious then the favour of all the Princes on earth and without which no friendship or confederacy could possibly endure Thirdly touching her answer to the Article for sustentation of the Ministery they shew It was never their meaning that her Majesty or any other Patron should be defrauded of their just rights Onely they desired when any Benefice was void that a qualified person should be presented to the Superintendent of the bounds to be tried and examined by him For as the Presentation belongeth to the Patron so doth the Collation belong to the Church Otherwise were it in the Patrons power simply to present whom they pleased without triall or examination there should be no order in the Church and all be filled with ignorance and confusion Fourthly to that which her Majesty spake of retaining a great part of the Benefices in her own hands they answered That such doing was against the Law both of God and Man and could not stand with a good conscience seeing it tendeth to the destruction of many poor souls that by this means should be defrauded of instruction And for the offer she made to provide the Ministery by assignations in places most commodious her own necessities being first supplied they said That good order did require Ministers first to be provided Schools for instructing the youth maintained the fabrick of Churches repaired and upheld and the poore and indigent members of Christ sustained all which ought to be furnished out of the Tithes which are the proper Patrimony of the Church These things done if any thing were remaining that her Majesty and Councell might use it as they should think expedient In end giving thanks to her Majesty for the offer of assignations they humbly desired the generall offer to be made more particular and that it might please her to reform the answer given to the Articles of the Church in all the aforesaid points After this sort did the Church insist with the Queen but with small success for the provision of Ministers some small supply was obtained But in the point of Religion they found no contentment During the rest of this winter matters were quiet but the next year had a foul beginning Seigneur Davie who governed all affairs at Court had onely the Queens ear being slain upon the occasion and after the manner you shall hear There had fallen out a little before some private discontents betwixt the King and Queen whereupon first she caused change the order which was kept in the Proclamations and publick Records placing the name of her husband after her own name that the Royall authority might be known to belong unto her self wholly And after a little time upon a colour that the dispatch of business was much hindred through the Kings absence she had appointed in stead of his hand a cachet to be used in the signing of Letters which was committed to the custody of Seigneur Davie This being noted as they are never wanting some in Court to stirre the coals divers tales were brought to the King of the neglect and contempt that he was held in and of the great respect carried to the stranger The vanity and arrogancy of the man himself was likewise so great as not content to exceed the chief of the Court he would outbrave the King in his apparell in his domestick furniture in the number and sorts of his horses and in every thing else So as no speach was for the time more common and currant in the Countrey then that of Davies greatness of the credit and honour whereunto he was risen and of the small account that was taken of the King This the King taking in heart he did open his grief unto his father who advised him to assure the Nobility at home and to recall those that were banished into England which done he might easily correct the insolency and aspiring pride of that base fellow A parliament being then called to meet at Edinburgh the 12. of March for pronouncing sentence of forfeiture against the Earls of Murray Glencarn Argile Rothes and other Noblemen that were fled into England as the time of meeting drew nigh the Queen laboured earnestly to have the process laid against them found good and that matters might go to her mind she designed Davie to exercise the office of Chancellour in that meeting The Earl of Morton who after Huntlies death had supplied the place unto that time interpreted this as a disgrace offered unto him dealt with the King with whom he was grown familiar to make him sensible of his own contempt and misregard and finding him apprehensive enough that way drew him to a meeting in the Lord Ruthvens lodging upon pretext of visiting the Nobleman who lay then diseased where breaking forth in a speech of the present misgovernment the blame of all was cast upon the King as having for the pleasure of a wicked villain chased his cousins and best friends out of the Realm and helped to raise a base fellow to such a heighth of credit as now himself was become by him despised The King that could not deny it to be his fault in a great part professed his readines to joyn with them for remedying those evils and from thence forth promised to do nothing but by the consent of the Nobility Yet they not esteeming it safe to trust his promises whom they knew to be facile and somewhat uxorious lest afterwards he should go from that agreement did exhibite to him a Bond in writing wherein they were all sworn to joyn for maintaining Religion reducing the Noblemen lately exiled and making Davie out of the way Unto this the King did wittingly set his hand and with him subscribed the Earl of Morton the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay for he also was present and upon the plot The night following because matters could not be long kept close and needfull it was to go presently thorough with the designe by reason of the Parliament approaching they prepared to execute the same Morton whose forces were greatest was appointed to guard the utter Court of the Palace if perhaps any stir should be made For there lodged within the Earls of Huntly Atholl Bothwell Sutherland and Cathnesse with the Lords Flemyn and Levingston a force to have resisted any sudden attempt The King taking the Lord Ruthven with him who was but lately recovered of a Fever and followed by four or five men at most entered into the room where the Queen sate at supper Ruthven seeing Davie at the table for the Queen
was accustomed when she supped private to admit others to sit by her and that night the Countess of Argile and beneath her Davie was placed commanded him to arise and come forth for the place where he sate did not beseem him The Queen starting up hastily went between Davie and Ruthven to defend him and Davie clasping his hands about her middle the King laboured to loose them willing her not to be afraid for that they were come onely to take order with that villain Then was he dragged down the stairs to the gallery where Morton with his company was walking There they fell upon him and striving who should give the first stroak killed him with many wounds It was constantly reported that he had warning given him oftner then once by Iohn Damiott a French Priest who was thought to have some skill in Magick to do his business and be gone for that he could not make good his part And that he answered disdainfully The Scots are given more to brag then to fight Some few dayes again before his death being warned by the same Priest to take heed of the bastard he replied That whilest he lived he should not have credit in Scotland to do him any hurt For he took the Earl of Murray to be the man of whom he was advertised to take heed But that prediction either fulfilled or eluded the first stroak was given him by George Douglas base son to the Earl of Angus after whom such others as were in place either serving their private malice or desiring to be esteemed associates in that conspiracy inflicted every man his wound till he was dispatched yet had they no commandment from the contrivers so to kill him It being their purpose to have brought him to publick execution which they knew would have been to all the people a most grateful spectacle And good it had been for them so to have done or then to have taken him in another place and at another time then in the Queens presence For besides the great peril of abortion which her fear might have caused the false aspersions cast upon her fame and honour by that occasion were such as she could never digest and drew on all the pitiful accidents that afterwards ensued The Queen bursting forth in many tears after a great chiding she kept with the Lord Ruthven sent one of her maids to enquire what was become of Davie who quickly returning told that he was killed having asked her how she knew it the maid answered that she had seen him dead Then the Queen wiping her eyes with her handkerchief said No more tears I will think upon a Revenge Neither was she seen after that any more to lament The rumour of this deed ran soon through the Town whereupon the people did arm and go to the Palace But they were pacified by the King who calling to them from a window shewed that the Queen and he were well and that they needed not to fear because that which was done was done by his own commandment The Noblemen that lodged within the Palace were charged to keep within their chambers yet the Lords Huntley and Bothwel escaped the same night by a window at the back of the Palace Athol and the rest had licence to depart the next morning Upon Tuesday thereafter for the slaughter was committed upon Saterday the ninth of March the Earls of Murray and Rothes with these that were exiled in England returned to Edinburgh and going first to the Parliament house took documents that they were ready to answer the summons of forfeiture directed against them and that none did insist to pursue In this doubtful estate of things the Queen not knowing whom to trast sent for her brother the Earl of Murray and having conferred familiarly a while with him by his means had her servants and guards restored for after the slaughter they were all put from her The night following she went from the Palace to Seaton and from thence to Dumbar taking the King with her in company who repenting the fact and forsaking the other Conspirators did openly by sound of Trumpet at the Market Crosse of Edinburgh protest his innocency denying that ever he gave his consent to any thing but to the returning of the Lords that were banished in England Yet was the contrary known to all men so as this served only to the undoing of his reputation and made him find few or no friends thereafter to aid him in his necessity Upon the Queens departing the Conspirators and whosoever were thought privie thereto fled some to England others to the borders and Highlands and such a change you should have seen as they who the night preceding did vant of the fact as a goodly and memorable Act affirming some truly some falsely that they were present thereat did on the morrow forswear all that before they had affirmed The Earl of Morton with the Lords Ruthven Lindesay and young Lethington remained at Newcastle in England where the Lord Ruthven falling again in the feaver departed this life Mr. Iames Macgill Clerk of Register with divers Citizens of Edinburgh that were esteemed favourers of the fact left the Town and lurked privately amongst their friends After some four dayes stay at Dumbar the Queen returned to Edinburgh accompanied with many of the Nobility and then began Inquisition to be made for the Murtherers Thomas Scot Sheriffe depute of Perth and servant to the Lord Ruthven with Sir Henry Yair sometimes a Priest being apprehended were after trial hanged and quartered William Harlaw and Iohn Mowbray Burgesses of Edinburgh convicted and brought to the place of execution had their lives spared by the intercession of Bothwel The Lairds of Calder Ormeston Halton Elphingston Brunston Whittingham Shirreâ—hall and many others being cited as conscious of the murther for not appearing were denounced Rebels The office of the Clerk Register was conferred upon Sir Iames Balfour and a conclusion taken in councel that they who should be tried to have either devised or to have been actual committers of the said murther should be pursued by order of Justice and the same executed with all severity but that the Commons and others that came to the Palace accidentally should upon their supplication be used with more clemency In all this proceeding there was none more earnest or forward then the King notwithstanding whereof the hatred of the fact lay heavy upon him nor could he ever after this time recover his former favour with the Queen The rest after a little time were reconciled Lethington by the means of Athol was first called home albeit Bothwel did strongly oppose it The Barons addressed for themselves by means of their friends that were in credit Morton and Lindesay in the winter following were pardoned at the request of the Earls of Huntley and Argyle Now the time of the Queens lying in drew nigh whereupon the Councel meeting to advise upon the place where her
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
tried to provide for afterwards against the like by a new edict it was made capital to disperse libels for defaming any person in that sort and to have keep or read any such that should happen to be affixed or cast into the streets The Earl of Lenox whilest these things were a doing ceased not to solicit the Queen by his letters for taking trial of the murther without delaying the same unto the time of Parliament as she had purposed Particularly he desired the Earl of Bothwell and others named in the libells and placard affixed on the door of the Senate-house to be apprehended and the Nobility assembled for their examination Bothwell perceiving that he was now openly attached did offer himself to triall for which the 12. of Aprill was assigned and the Earl of Lenox cited by the Justice to pursue according to the delation he had made In the mean time to fortifie himself he got the Castle of Edinburgh in his custody upon the Earl of Marre his resignation placing therein Sir Iames Balfour whom he especially trusted The Earl of Marre for his satisfaction had the Prince delivered in his keeping and caried unto Striveling where the Earl then lay heavily sick The Diet appointed for the triall being come and the Court fenced as use is Bothwell was empannelled The Earl of Lenox being called compeired Robert Cuningham one of his domesticks who presented in writing the Protestation following My Lords I am come hither sent by my master my Lord of Lenox to declare the cause of his absence this day and with his power as my Commission beareth The cause of his absence is the shortness of time and that he could not have his friends and servants to accompany him to his honour and for the security of life as was needfull in respect of the greatness of his partie Therefore his Lordship hath commanded me to desire a competent day such as he may keep and the weight of the cause requireth otherwise if your Lordships will proceed at this present I protest that I may use the charge committed to me by my Lord my master without the offence of any man This is that if the persons who pass upon the Assise and enquest of these that are entered on pannell this day shall cleanse the said persons of the murther of the King that it shall be wilfull errour and not ignorance by reason it is notoriously known that these persons did commit that odious murther as my Lord my master alledgeth And upon this my protestation I require an instrument The Justice by the advice of the Noblemen and Barons appointed to assist in that judgement did notwithstanding the said protestation grant process whereupon the Noblemen chosen for the Jury were called These were Andrew Earl of Rothes George Earl of Cathnes Gilbert Earl of Cassils Lord Iohn Hamilton Commendator of Aberbrothock Iames Lord Ross Robert Lord Semple Robert Lord Boyd Iohn Lord Hereis Laurence Lord Oliphant Iohn Master of Forbes with the Lairds of Lochinvar Langton Cambusnetham Barnbowgall and Boyne the Earl of Cassills excused himself offering the penalty which by the Law they pay that refuse to pass upon Assise but could not obtain himself freed the Queen threatning to commit him in prison and when he seemed nothing terrified therewith commanding him under pain of treason to enter and give his judgement with the rest Thus were they all sworn and admitted as the manner is After which Bothwell being charged with the inditement and the same denied by him they removed forth of the Court to consult together and after a little time returning by the mouth of the Earl of Cathnes their Chancellour declared him acquit of the murther of the King and of all the points contained in the inditement with a protestation That seeing neither her Majesties advocate had insisted in the pursuit nor did Robert Cuningham Commissioner for the Earl of Lenox bring any evidence of Bothwells guiltiness neither yet was the inditement sworn by any person and that they had pronounced according to their knowledge it should not be imputed to them as wilfull errour which they had delivered Mr. David Borthwiâ—â— and Mr. Edmund Hay who in the entry of the Court were admitted as his prolocutours askt instruments upon the Juries declaration so he went from that Court absolved yet the suspicions of the people were nothing diminished And some indeed were of opinion that the Judges could give no other deliverance nor find him guilty of the inditement as they had formed it seeing he was accused of a murther committed on the 9. day of February whereas the King was slain upon the 10. of that moneth But he for a further clearing of himself set up a paper in the most conspicuous place of the market bearing That albeit he had been acquited in a lawfull Justice court of that odious crime laid unto his charge yet to make his innocency the more manifest he was ready to give triall of the same in single combate with any man of honourable birth and quality that would accuse him of the murther of the King The next day in the same place by another writing answer was made that the combat should be accepted so as a place were designed wherein without danger the undertaker might professe his name The 13. of April a Parliament was kept for restoring the Earl of Huntley and others to their estates and honours which was not as yet done with the solemnity requisite In this Parliament the Commissioners of the Church made great instance for ratifying the Acts concluded in favour of the true Religion yet nothing was obtained The Queen answering that the Parliament was called for that onely business and that they should have satisfaction given them at some other time The Parliament being broke up Bothwell inviting the Noblemen to supper did liberally feast them and after many thanks for their kindness fell in some speeches for the Queens marriage shewing the hopes he had to compass it so as he might obtain their consents Some few to whom he had imparted the business before-hand made offer of their furtherance the rest fearing to refuse and suspecting one another set all their hands to a bond which he had ready formed to that purpose A few dayes after faigning an expedition into Liddisdale he gathered some forces and meeting the Queen on the way as he returned from Striveling whither she had gone to visit her son he took her by way of rape and led her to the Castle of Dumbar No men doubted but this was done by her own liking and consent yet a number of Noblemen convening at Striveling lest they should seem deficient in any sort of their duties sent to ask whether or not she was there willingly detained for if she was kept against her will they would come with an Army and set her at liberty She answered That it was against her will that she was
when she came in publick and divers that had set their hands and seals to the marriage fell now openly to condemn it as that which ministred too just a suspicion that she was consenting to the death of the King her husband The Earl of Athol immediately after the murther of the King had forsaken the Court and lived at home waiting some occasion to be revenged of the doers and now esteeming it fit to shew himself he came to Striveling where in a meeting of Noblemen that were desired to come thither upon his motion a bond was made for the preservation of the young Prince lest Bothwell getting him in custody should make him away as no man doubted he would as well to advance his own succession as to cut off the innocent childe who in all probability would one day revenge his fathers death The principals of this combination were the Earls of Argile Atholl Morton Marre and Glencarne with the Lords Lindesay and Boyd But Argile out of a facility which was naturall unto him detected all their counsells to the Queen and the Lord Boyd with great promises was won to the adverse party Bothwell suspecting some insurrection advised the Queen for saving her reputation in forain parts to acquaint the French King and her kinsmen of the house of Guise with her marriage and the reasons thereof desiring them sith that which was done could not be again undone to favour her husband no less then they did her self And to this effect the Bishop of Dumblane was sent into France with letters to all her friends Neither did he admit to do at home what he thought might serve to fortifie himself for divers Noblemen and Barons were invited to Court and at their coming solicited to enter into bond for the defence of the Queen and Bothwell who should on the other part be obliged to protect them in all their affairs Some of these being wrought to the purpose did set their hands willingly to the bond the rest though they would gladly have shunned it yet because they held it dangerous to refuse subscribed in like sort Onely the Earl of Murray of all that were called denied to enter in any bond with the Queen it being neither lawfull for him as he said nor honourable for her whom in all things it was his duty to obey Concerning Bothwell he said that he was reconciled unto him by the Queens mediation and would faithfully keep all that he had promised but to enter in bond with him or any other he did not think it the part of a good subject Shortly after this he obtained leave howbeit not without some difficulty to go into France for he saw troubles breeding in which he loved not to have an hand How soon he was gone choice was made of a new Councell and the Archbishop of St. Andrewes with the Lords Oliphant and Beyd received into the number for their better and more easie attendance they had their times of waiting particularly assigned The Earls of Crawford Arroll and Cassils with the Bishop of Ross and the Lord Oliphant were appointed to begin and attend from the 1. of Iune to the 16. of Iuly The Earls of Morton and Rothes with the Bishop of Calloway and the Lord Fleming were to succeed and remain from the 16. of Iuly to the penult of August After them the Archbishop of St. Andrews the Earls of Argile and Cathnes with the Lord Hereis to the 15. of October And from that day to the 1. of December the Earl of Huntley who was then created Chancellour the Earls of Atholl Marshall and Lord Boyd were appointed to wait at which time Crawford and Arroll were again to begin and the rest to follow in their order for the same space So as during the whole year the Counsellours should be tied to the attendance of 3 moneths onely It was alwayes provided that so many of the forenamed persons as happened to be at Court should during their abode notwithstanding of their severall assignments be present with the others And that it should be lawfull for the Queen to adjoyn at any time such as she thought worthy of that honour The same day a Proclamation was given out Declaring all writings purchased from the Queen for permitting Papists to use the exercise of their Religion to make no faith her Majesty being no way minded to violate the Act made at her first arrivall and often since that time renued in favours of the true Religion But this did not repress the murmurs of the people for which it was specially intended Wherefore some few dayes after the Queen by Bothwels perswasion taking purpose to visit the borders and having charged the subjects to accompany her thither with a provision for 15. dayes according to the custome it was publickly rumored that these forces were gathering for some other business and that the intention was to have the Prince her son in her own custody and taken out of the Earl of Marre his hands So as a new Declaration came forth To certify the people of her good affection and that she never meaned to make any novations in the Kingdom by altering the lawes thereof nor do any thing in the publick affairs but by the advice of the Noblemen of her Councel And for her sonne as she had trusted him to such a Governour as other Princes in former times were custome to have so her motherly care for his safety and good education should be made apparent to all But no regard was had to these Declarations and the Noblemen who had combined themselves at Striveling taking Armes and being assisted by the Lord Home environed on the suddain the Castle of Borthwick wherein the Queen and Bothwel were then remaining yet their companies not sufficing to inclose the house for Athol did not keep the Diet Bothwel first escaped and after him the Queen disguised in mans apparel fled to Dumbar The Lords upon their escape retired to Edinburgh where they expected the rest of their forces would meet There lay in the Town at that by the Queens direction the Earl of Huntley the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishop of Ross the Abbot of Kilwining and the Lord Boyd How soon they heard of the Lords coming they went to the street offering themselves to conduct the people and to assist them in the defence of the Town but they found few or none willing to joyn with them and the peoples affections wholly inclining to the Lords The Magistrates gave order to shut the gates but no further resistance was made so as the Lords entering by the gate called S. Maryport which was easily brokeup they made themselves Master of the Town Huntley and the rest taking their refuge to the Castle were received by the Keeper Sir Iames Balfour a man much trusted by Bothwel though at the same time he was treating with the Lords for delivering the Castle into their hands The
next day being the 12. of Iune the Lords gave out a Proclamation wherein they declared That the Earl of Bothwel having put violent hands in the Queens person warded her highnesse in the Castle of Dumbar and retaining her in his power had seduced her being destitute of all counsel to an unhonest and unlawful marriage with himself who was known to have been the principal authour deviser and actor in the cruel murther committed upon the late Kings person and that he was daily gathering forces and strengthening himself by all means of purpose as appeared to get in his hands the young Prince that he might murther him in the like sort as he had done his Father which the Nobility of the Realm had resolved to withstand and to deliver the Queen out of his bondage Therefore did they charge all and sundry the Lieges within the Kingdom to be in readiness upon three houres warning to assist the said Noblemen for delivering the Queen from captivity and bringing the said Earl and his Complices to underlie the trial and punishment of Law for the foresaid murther Commanding all such as will not joyn with the said Noblemen to depart forth of the Town of Edinburgh within four hours after the publication made under the pain to be reputed as enemies c. But the Queen having escaped as we shew there resorted to her from all quarters numbers of people so as within few houres she had an Army about her of 4000. men and above a force sufficient to oppose the enterprisers The Lords on the other side were cast into many difficulties for the heat of the common sort of people being quickly cooled as ordinarily it happeneth and the greater part of the Nobility being either enemies or behaving themselves as Neuters few of them came to offer their assistance yea had they been never so many lacking munition and other necessary provisions for the besieging of forts they saw no way to attain to their purpose whereupon they began to think upon dissolving their forces and quitting the enterprise at least for that time But the resolution which the Queen took altered their counsels and gave them the opportunity they wished for She partly considing in her power and numbers and partly animated by a sort of flatterers who made her believe that the Lords would flee upon the first bruit of her coming resolved to march with her Army to Leth whereas nothing had been so much to her advantage as a little protracting of time for had she remained three days longer at Dumbar the Lords without all peradventure had retired every one to his home But where mutations are destined the worst counsels seem ever the best and are most readily embraced Being advanced so farre as Glaidsmoore where she caused master her forces a Proclamation was made bearing That a number of Conspirators having discovered their latent malice borne to her and the Duke of Orkney her husband after they had failed in apprehending their persons at Borthwick had made a seditious Proclamation to make people believe that they did seek the revenge of the murther of the King her late husband and the relieving of her self out of bondage and captivity pretending that the Duke her husband was minded to invade the Prince her sonne all which were false and forged inventions none having better cause to revenge the Kings death then her self if she could know the authors thereof And for the Duke her present husband he had used all means to clear his innocency the ordinary Iustice had absolved him and the Estates of Parliament approved their proceedings which they themselves that made the present iâ—surrection had likewise allowed As also he had offered to maintain that quarrell against any Gentleman on earth undefamed then which nothing more could be required And as to her alledged captivity the contrary was known to the whole subjects her marriage with him being publickly contracted and solemnised with their own consents as their hand writs could testify Albeit to give their treason a fair shew they made now a buckler of the Prince her sonne being an infant and in their hands whereas their intention only was to overthrow her and her posterity that they might rule all things at their pleasure and without controlment Seeing therefore no wilfulnesse nor particularily but very necessity had forced her to take Armes for defence of her life as her hope was to have the assistance of all her faithful subjects against those unnatural rebels so she doubted not but such as were already assembled would with good hearts stand to her defence considering especially the goodness of her cause promising them in recompence of their valorous service the lands and possessions of the Rebels which should be distributed according to the merit of every man This proclaimed the Army did set forward the Queen lodging that night in Seaton a little before midnight word was brought to Edinburgh of the Queens approach who without long suspence made to their Armour And at Sun rising putting themselves in order they marched directly to Mussilburgh a Village two miles distant from Preston there they refreshed themselves with food and a little rest for the Queens Camp was not as yet stirring About the middest of the day the horsemen who were sent to observe when the Queens Army did advance brought word that they were marching The Lords thereupon made haste and drawing their companies forth of the Village ranged them in two battels The first was conducted by the Earl of Morton and the Lord Home the second by the Earls of Athel Marre and Glencarn the Lords Lindsay Ruthven Semple and Sanqâ—uar with the Lairds of Drumlanrig Tulibardin Selfourd Grange and divers others of good sort were assisting in number not much inferiour to the Queens Army and in this superiour that the most part of them were Gentlemen practised and of good experience in warre The Queen stood with her Army on the top of the hill called Carberry hill which the Lords because of the ascent wherewith it riseth could not come at in a direct course but to their disadvantage wherefore they inclined a little to the right hand both to find a more plain way and to get the Sun in their backs when they should come unto the fight This deceived the Queen who supposing they were flying towards Dalkeith a little Village pertaining to the Earl of Morton but when they were past the strait of the hill and that she saw them making directly to the place where she with her Army stood she perceived her errour The French Ambassadour seeing them ready to joyn interposed himself and coming to the Lords desired that matters might be composed without bloodshed for the good of both parties saying that he found the Queen peaceably inclined and disposed both to forgive the insurrection they had now made and to forget all by past oflences The Earl of Mâ—rten replyed That they had taken
to direct letters to the Earls of Argile Huntley Cathnes Rothes Crafourd and Menteith The Lords Boyd Drummond Hervis Catheart Yester Fleming Levingston Seaton Glammis Ochiltrie Gray Oliphant Methven Innermaith and Sommervaile and to the Commendators of Aberbrothock Kilwining Dunfermling St Cobuke Newbottle and Halyrudhouse who did either assist the advese party or then behaved themselves as Newters To procure the greater respect to these Letters Iohn Knox Mr. Iohn Douglas Mr. Iohn Row and Mr. Iohn Craig were chosen Commissioners and had instructions given them to this purpose That Satan by his instruments had of long time and by many subtile ways laboured to hinder the progresse of true Religion within this Realm and that now the same was in hazard to be utterly subverted chiefly through the poverty of the Ministers that ought to preach the word of life unto the people some being compelled to leave their vocation and betake them to civil callings others so distracted through worldly cares as they could not wait upon the preaching of the word so diligently as they wished In consideration whereof the Assembly of the Church being convened at Edinburgh had thought it necessary to prorogue their meeting to the 20. of Iuly and to intreat and admonish all persons truly professing the Lord Iesus within the Realm as well Noblemen as Barons and those of the other estates to meet and give their personal appearance at Edinburgh the said day for giving their advice councel and concurrence in matters then to be proponed especially for purging the Realm of Popery the establishing of the policy of the Church and restoring the Patrimony thereof to the just possessors Assuring those that should absent themselves at the time due and lawful advertisement being made that they should be reputed hinderers of the good work intended and as dissimulate professors be esteemed unworthy of the fellowship of Christs flock considering chiefly that God in his mercy had offered a better occasion for effecting these things then in times past and that he had begun to tread downe Satan under foot This they were willed to speak and by all faire perswasions to move them to keep the day and place appointed The missive letters were for the most part to the same effect but in these besides the provision of the Ministers I find the poor and indigent members of Christ also mentioned and somewhat said concerning an union to be made amongst the professors and such a conjunction as might make them able to withstand the craft and violence of their enemies But neither did the letters nor the credit given to the Commissioners prevaile with those to whom they went all almost excusing themselves some by word others by letter and saying That in regard of the present division caused by the Queens imprisonment and that the Town of Edinburgh where they were required to meet was straitly kept by a part of the Nobility and some hired souldiers they could not come to the place appointed without trouble and danger of their lives Notthelesse they did assure the Church of their willingnesse to every thing that might serve to advance the Gospel and further the provision of the Ministers for the better and more diligent attendance on their callings The Earl of Argile did answer more particularly and touching the policy desired that no novations nor alterations should be made before a generall meeting of the Estates In like sort the Lord Boyd did by his answer promise to bold hand to the forthsetting of the Policy but with an exception so farre as it might stand with law Yet had both the one and other ratified the book of Policy by their subscriptions long before and made no scruple either of law or custome at that time The Noblemen that remained at Edinburgh perceiving they could not be drawn to a meeting resolved to prosecute their purpose at all hazards and joyning with the Assembly condescended to all the Artticles proponed for the good of the Church and made great promises of performance howbeit having once attained their ends they did forget all and turned adversaries to the Church in the same things whereunto they had consented Always the Articles agreed unto were as followeth 1. That the Acts made in the Parliament holden at Edinburgh the twenty fourth of August 1560. touching Religion and the abolishing of the Popes authority should be extracted forth of the Registers and have the force of a publick law and that the said Parliament in so farre as concerning Religion should be maintained and defended by them as a Parliament lawful and holden by sufficient commission from the Queen then being in France and be ratified in the first Parliament which should happen to be kept within the Realm 2. That untill perfect order might be taken for restoring the Patrimony of the Church the Act of assignation of the thirds of Benefices for the sustentation of the Ministery should be put in due execution 3. That an Act of Councell made with consent of her Majesty touching the conferring of small Benefices within the value of 300. marks to Ministers should be put in practice as likewise the Act for annualls obits and aulterages especially within Burghes 4. That in the first lawfull Parliament which should be kept or sooner if occasion might serve the Church of Christ within this Kingdome should be fully restored unto the Patrimony belonging to the same and nothing be past in Parliament before that and other matters of the Church were first considered and approved In the mean while the Noblemen Barons and other Professors then present did willingly offer and consent to reform themselves in the matter of the Church patrimony according to the Book of God and to put the same in practice for their own parts ordaining the refusers and contraveners of the same to be secluded from all benefits of the Church It was further agreed That in the next Parliament or otherwise at the first occasion order should be taken for the ease of the labourers of the ground in the payment of their Tithes and that the same should not be disponed to any others without their advice and consent 5. That none should be permitted to beare charge in Schooles Colledges and Universities nor allowed publickly or privately to instruct the youth except such as should first be tried by the Superintendents and Visitours of the Church who being found meet should be admitted by them to their charges 6. That all crimes and offences committed against the Law of God should be severely punished according to the Word of God and Judges deputed for execution thereof or if there be no lawes as yet made nor Judges appointed for the punishment of such crimes that the same should be done in the first Parliament 7. That seeing the horrible murther of the King her Majesties husband is a crime most odious before God and tending to the perpetuall shame and infamy of the whole Realm if the same should not be
exemplary punished the Noblemen Barons and other Professors should imploy their whole forces strength and power for the just punishment of all and whatsoever persons that should be tried and found guilty of the same 8. Sith it hath pleased God to give a native Prince unto the Countrey who in all appearance shall become their King and Soveraign lest he should be murthered and wickedly taken away as his father was the Nobility Barons and others under subscriving should assist maintain and defend the Prince against all that should attempt to do him injury 9. That all Kings and Princes that in any time hereafter shall happen to reign and have the rule of the Realm should in their first entry and before they be either crowned or inaugurated give their oath and faithfully promise unto the true Church of God for maintaining and defending by all means the true Religion of Christ presently professed within the Kingdom 10. That the Prince should be committed to the education of some wise godly and grave man to be trained up in vertue and the fear of God that when he cometh to years he may discharge himself sufficiently of that place and honour whereunto he is called 11. That the Nobility Barons and others underscribing should faithfully promise to convene themselves in armes for the rooting out of idolatry especially the blasphemous Mass without exception of place or person And likewise should remove all idolaters and others not admitted to the preaching of the Word from the bearing of any function in the Church which may be a hinderance to the Ministery in any sort and in their places appoint Superintendents Ministers and other needfull members of the Church And further should faithfully binde themselves to reform all Schooles Colledges and Universities throughout the Realme by removing all such as be of contrary profession and beare any charge therein and planting faithfull teachers in their rooms lest the youth should be corrupted with poysonable doctrine in their lesser years which afterwards would not easily be removed These were the Articles agreed unto by a common consent ard subscribed in the presence of the Assembly by the Earls of Morton Glencarne and Marre the Lords Home Ruthven Sanqhuar Lindesay Grahame Innermaith and Ochiltrie and many Barons besides the Commissioners of Burgesses Upon the dissolving of this Assembly the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay were directed to Lochlevin to deal with the Queen for resignation of the Government in favours of the Prince her son and the appointing of some to be Regent who should have the administration of affairs during his minority At first she took the proposition grievously answering in passion that she could sooner renounce her life then her Crown yet after some rude speeches used by the Lord Lindesay she was induced to put her hand to the renunciation they presented by the perswasion chiefly of Robert Melvil who was sent from the Earl of Atholl and Lethington to advise her as she loved her life not to refuse any thing they did require He likewise brought a letter from Sir Nicholas Throgmorton the Ambassadour of England who was come a few dayes before to visit her but was denied access to the same effect declaring that no resignation made in the time of her captivity would be of force and in Law was null because done out of a just fear which having considered with her self a while without reading any one of the Writs presented she set her hand to the same the tears running down in abundance from her eyes One of the Writs contained a renunciation of the Crown and Royall dignity with a Commission to invest the Prince into the Kingdome by the solemnities accustomed And to that purpose a procuration was given to the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay for dimitting and resigning in presence of the three Estates the Rule and Government And to the Earls of Morton Atholl Marre Glencarne and Menteith and to the Lords Grahame and Home with the Bishop of Orkney and the Provosts of Dundie and Montross for inaugurating the Prince her son The other Writ did appoint the Earl of Murray Regent during the Prince his Minoritie if at his return he should accept of the Charge And in case of his refuse the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Lenox Argile Atholl Morton Glencarne and Marre who should joyntly govern and administrate the publick affairs Both the renunciation and Commission for government of the Realm were the next day published at the Market Cross of Edinburgh and the third day after the Publication which was the 29. of Iuly was the Prince crowned and anointed King in the Church of Striveling by the Bishop of Orkney assisted by two of the Superintendents The Sermon was made by Iohn Knox the Earl of Morton and the Lord Home took the Oath for the King that he should maintain the Religion received and minister justice equally to all the subjects The English Ambassadour though he was in town refused his presence to that solemnity lest he should seem to approve the abdication of the Queens Government Now how soon the news came to France and they came in great haste the Earl of Murray prepared to return whereof the Archbishop of Glasgow getting intelligence who lay there Ambassadour for the Queen he laboured earnestly to have him detained informing that he was the head of the faction raised against the Queen and that he was called home to be their leader But he had taken his leave some houres before of the Court and used such diligence as they who were sent to stay him found that he was loosed from Diepe before their coming Returning by England he came the 11. of August to Edinburgh where he was received with a wonderfull joy Great instance was used to have him accept the Regency at which they said no man would grudge he being named by the Queen and having given all good men experiments of his worth Some few dayes he desired to advise in which time he visited the Queen at Lochlevin and sent Letters to the Noblemen of the other faction especially to the Earl of Argile with whom he had kept an intire friendship of a long time shewing in what sort he was pressed by the Lords that maintained the Kings authority and intreating him by the bonds of kindred the familiarity they had long kept and by the love he bare to his native Countrey to appoint a place where he might confer with him and have his counsell in that business To the rest he wrote according to the acquaintance he had with them and as their place and dignity required Of them all in common he desired that they would be pleased to designe a place of meeting where they might by common advice provide for the safety of the Kingdome which in that troubled time could not long subsist without some one to rule and govern But finding them all to decline the meeting and being importuned on the other side by those
of the Kings faction to undertake the charge he resolved to accept the same and in a convention of Noblemen and others of the Estates kept at Edinburgh the 20. of August was elected Regent with a great applause of all that were present The same day was his Election published and charge given to all the subjects for acknowledging and obeying him as Regent and Governour of the Realm unto the Kings majority THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE FIFTH BOOK The Contents How matters passed in the State and Church during the Government of the four Regents his Maiestie being yet minor BOthwell after his flight at Carberry having stayed a few dayes in the Fort of Dumbar for that he feared to be inclosed made to the Sea with two or three ships which he had prepared and went into Orkney his purpose was to have remained in the Castle of Kirkwall and if any did pursue him to take himself to the ships but the keeper Gilbert Balfour would not receive him so as he was forced to return to Sea and there playing the Pirate made spoil of all that came in his way The Regent advertised of this sent William Kirkealdy of Grange with five ships well maned to pursue him who coming upon him unlooked for as he lay in one of the creeks of Orkney gave him the chase and had certainly taken him if they had not been hindered by rocks and shallow waters The Unicorn one of Granges best ships was cast away upon a rock Bothwell with his that were not of such a burthen escaping Shortly after he was taken upon the Coast of Norway and conveighed to Denmark where being detected by some Scottish Merchants he was put in a vile and loathsome prison and falling in a frensie which kept him some ten years made an ignominious and desperate end such as his wicked and flagitious life had deserved Grange at his return had the Castle of Edinburgh committed to his keeping which a little before was sold by Sir Iames Balfour to the Regent for the summe of 5000. pounds and the gift of the Priory of Pittinweeme At the same time Patrick Whitlaw keeper of Dumbar Castle being charged to render the same did at the perswasion of his friends yield up the fort which otherwise was held impregnable The Lords who were convened at Hamilton perceiving how matters went and that all things grew strong on the Regents side upon a new deliberation did write unto him and the rest that stood for the Kings authority desiring a conference and offering to send the Earl of Argile with some others to any place they would for meeting But because in the superscription they gave not the Regent his due title stiling him only Earl of Murray the letter was rejected by the Councell and the messenger dimitted without answer Argile knowing what had given the offence resolved to go unto the Regent and taking with him the Lord Boyde and the Abbot of Killwining came to Edinburgh There it being declared that the election of the Regent was not made upon any contempt or misregard of the Noblemen who were absent but upon necessity to keep the Realm in order it was agreed that a Parliament should be called for setling all affairs by advice and consent of the Estates and that the same should be kept at Edinburgh the 15. day of December next When the Diet appointed for Parliament came it was kept with such a frequency as the like was not remembred to have been seen a long time The honours accustomed of Crown Scepter and Sword were carried by the Earls of Angus Huntley and Argile and every thing done with the greatest shew of solemnity that could be used Beginning was made at the affairs of the Church and divers Acts concluded in their favours as an Act abolishing the Pope his jurisdiction and usurped authority within the Realm another for repealing the Statutes made in former times for maintenance of idolatry and superstition with the ratifying of the confession of faith and some others which may be seen in the first Parliament of King Iames the sixth The matter of policie and jurisdiction of the Church was referred to the consideration of certain Lords delegated by the Estates but for the restitution of the patrimony which was promised to be the first work of the Parliament though the Regent did what he could to have the Church possessed with the same it could not be obtained Only the thirds of Benefices were granted to the Church for provision of the Ministers the superplus or what should be found remaining after the Ministers were provided being applied to the support of the publick affairs of the Estate Touching the Queen a long consultation was held what course should be taken with her some urged that she should be arraigned and punished according to the law Others reasoned that whatsoever authority was in the Kingdom was derived from her and was revocable at her pleasure so as she could not be arraigned or brought to trial before any inferiour Judge and when it was replyed that the Scots from the very beginning of the Kingdom had been in use to censure and punish their Kings in case of grievous crimes the greater number disliking that course it was concluded that she should be detained and kept in perpetual prison Some ten days after in an Assembly of the Church the Bishop of Orkney was convened for joyning the Queen and Bothwel in marriage and deposed from his function and office The Countess of Argile being cited to appear before the same Assembly for assisting the Baptisme of the King and giving her presence at the Papistical rites then used did submit her self to censure and was ordained to make publick satisfaction in the Chappel of Striveling where the offence was committed upon a Sunday after Sermon in such manner and at such time as the Superintendent of Lothian should appoint In the moneth of Ianuary Iohn Hepburn called Bolton Iohn Hay younger of Tallow and two Chamberboyes of Bothwels powrie and Dalgleish were brought to trial for the Kings murther and found guilty by their own confessions The summe whereof was that they were enticed unto that wicked fact by Bothwel who did assure them that most of the Noblemen within the Realm had consented thereto and that a contract was shewed them subscribed by the Earls of Argile Huntley young Lethington and others but whether these subscriptions were the Noblemens own or counterfeit they could not tell They further said that Bothwel made them believe that the Lords who had subscrived would each of them have one or two of their servants present at the murther yet were they but eight persons in all besides Bothwel himself that came unto the place Namely Sir Iames Balfour the Laird of Ormeston in Teviotdale Robert Ormeston his Cousen one Wilson a man of Hadington and the four who were then to suffer The sentence upon their conviction
was that they should be hanged their heads cut off their bodies quartered and cast into the fire A manifold execution which the treacherous Parricide they had committed did well deserve At the opening of the spring the Regent purposing to hold justice Courts through the whole Kingdom made his beginning in the West parts because of some broken people in the Lenox and Highlands adjoyning whilest he remained at Glasgow for the first Court was there affixed the Queen made an escape from Lochlevin to the great contentment of many who stood in fear of the Regents severity or as the vulgar called it cruelty And even some that were the principal workers of her imprisonment having changed their minds did earnestly wish her liberty Lethington who hating Bothwel to the death was enemy to the Queen for his respect as soon as he understood of his arresting in Denmark and saw that he was no more to be feared desired greatly to have her restored as thinking his credit and safety should that way be most assured Sir Iames Balfour followed alwayes his course William Murray of Tulibardin though he had shewed great forwardnesse at the hill of Carberry where the Queen was taken yet being Popishly set upon some private discontents forsook the Regent and carried with him divers of his friendship The Hamiltons were known to desire nothing more then her freedom The Earls of Argile and Huntley howbeit they had been present at the late Parliament and given their assistance for establishing the Kings authority turned their Coats and joyned with the rest for repossessing the Queen and besides these many others some led with hopes of advancement and some trusting to have their distressed estates bettered by a change longed much to have her relieved which by this means came to passe George Douglas the Regents youngest brother a Gentleman of good spirit who remained with her in the Castle of Lochlevin allured by her courtesies and fair promises having corrupted the Keepers although he himselfe upon suspicion was some days before sent forth of the Isle got her transported whilest the rest were at dinner in a little vessel to the side of the lake where he with the Lord Seaton and some horsemen were attending The first night she lodged at Nudrie in West Lothian and the next day was conveighed to Hamilton whither repaired unto her the Earls of Argile Cassils Eglington and Rothes the Lords Sommervil Yester Borthwick Levingston Hereis Maxwell Sanqhuar and Ross with many other Barons and Gentlemen The Lords meeting in Councel the Queen declared that the resignation she had made of the Crown was extorted by fear as likewise the Commission granted for inaugurating the Prince her son qualifying the same by the testimony of Robert Melvile there present and others Thereupon was the resignation decerned void and null and Proclamations made in her Majesties name commanding all the Lieges to meet in Armes at Hamilton for pursuing the rebels that had usurped the Royal authority The news hereof brought unto Glasgow which is only eight miles distant where the Regent then abode were scarce at first believed but within two houres or less being assured a strong alteration might have been observed in the mindes of most that were there attending The report of the Queens forces made divers to slide away others sent quietly to beg pardon for what they had done resolving not to enter in the cause any further but to govern themselves as the event should lead and direct them And there were that made open defection not a few nor of the meaner sort Amongst whom the Lord Boyd was especially noted and in the mouthes of all men for that being very inward with the Regent and admitted to his most secret counsels when he saw matters like to turn he withdrew himself and went to the Queen Yet the Regent nothing discouraged and esteeming his life could not be more honourably bestowed then in the defence of the King albeit many did advise him to retire unto Striveling would not condescend to stirre saying That his retreat would be interpreted a flight and the adversaries thereby animated and his friends disheartened In the mean season he sent advertisement to his friends in Mers Lothian and Strivelingshire The Earl of Glencarn and Lord Semple with the men of Lenox and others well affected to the cause that lay near to the City made haste unto his succourse so as in a day or two his company increased to 4000. and above There was with the Queen a French Ambassadour who had arrived a few days before and moved the Regent for accesse to the Queen before the escape she made he was still posting between Hamilton and Glasgow rather to espie and observe things then to make the peace he pretended for when he saw the Regents forces to be few as at first they were and that the Queens power was much greater he did perswade her to take the fields and put it to the trial of a day which she resolved to do Thereupon warning given to make ready against the next morning the Earl of Argile was proclaimed Lieutenant and conclusion taken to march with the Army by Glasgow towards the Castle of Dumbarton where they pruposed to place the Queen and either to give battel or draw the warre at length as they pleased or if the Regent which they did not expect should meet them in the way to fight him accounting the victory certain because of their numbers The Regent advertised of the Queens intentions took the fields the next day early and stood with his companies some houres in battel array upon the Moore of Glasgow where it was believed the Queens Army should passe but when he saw them keep the other side of the River he directed the horsemen to passe the Foords the water being then ebbed and leading the foot along the bridge went towards Landside which lay in the way to Dumbarton This is a little Village upon the water of Carthe situated at the foot of a hill towards the West on the East and North the ascent unto it is somewhat steep the other parts of the hill are more even and plain both Armies contending who should first possesse it that of the Regents prevented the other by occasion of Argiles sicknesse who was on the suddain taken with a fit of the Epilepsie and so retarded the march of the Queens Army When they approached near and saw themselves prevented they went to a little opposite hill and there ranged themselves in two battels placing in the first their whole strength almost for if they should at the first encounter repulse their enemies the rest they made account would soon disband and take the chace The Regent had likewise put his troops in two battels on the right hand were placed the Earl of Morton the Lords Home Semple and Lindesay with their clients and vassals on the left the Earls of Marre Glencarn and Menteith
with the Citizens of Glasgow the Harquebusiers were planted in the Village beneath and within the hedges upon the high-way Before the joyning both sides played with their Ordinance upon others but the advantage was on the Regents part the Queens Canoniers being forced to quit their munition His Cavalrie on the other side being much inferiour to the Queens was compelled to give ground but when they entered upon the foot thinking to put them in disorder the Archers from the Regents side rained such a shower of arrowes upon them as they could not hold up their faces and were forced to turn back The left wing of the Queens Army advancing it self in the mean while howbeit greatly annoyed by the Harquebusiers that beat them in the strait on both sides got into the plain and displayed it self Then did the Armies joyn and enter into a hot fight striving in thick ranks to maintain their places and by force of spears to break and bear down one another for the space of half an hour and more the fight continued doubtful and so eagerly they strove that they whose spears were broke stood throwing their poynards stones and what came readiest to their hands in the faces of their adversaries The Regents second battel perceiving that none came against them and fearing the other should be overlaid for they saw some in the last ranks recoiling went unto their aid whereupon the Queens Army gave back and so were put to rout The Regent and those on his side shewed great manhood all their hopes consisting in the victory nor were his enemies any lesse couragious but the advantage of the ground were to those of his part no small help There were not many slain on the place most of the slaughter being made in the chace and unlesse the Regent had with his presence wheresoever he came and by sending horse into all parts stayed the fury of those that pursued the victory had been much more bloody The Queen who stood a mile off from the battel on a litle height perceiving the field lost made towards the borders The rest that escaped fled the readiest way they could find every man to his own home The number of the slain was about 300. many were taken prisoners amongst whom the most eminent the Lords of Seaton and Ross the Masters of Cassils and Eglington Sir Iames Hamilton of Avendale and the Sheriffes of Aire and Linlithgow Of the Regents side one only was slain the Lords Home and Ochiltrie wounded All the rest a few excepted that followed the chace too farre returned with him to Glasgow where they went first to Church and gave thanks to God for the victory they had obtained almost without any effusion of blood This conflict happened upon the 13th of May. the eleventh day after her escape from Lochlevin The French Ambassadour who had conceived an assured hope of her prevailing perceiving things fall out otherwise took horse and made away to England not once saluting the Regent to whom as he pretended he was sent By the way he fell in the hands of some robbers that rifled all his baggage which the Laird of Drumlanrig for the respects he carried to the title of an Ambassadour caused to be restored The rest of that day the Regent bestowed in taking order with the prisoners some he freely dimitted others upon surety but the Principals were detained they especially of the Surname of Hamilton and committed to several prisons The next day taking with him 500. horse he rode unto Hamilton and had the Castle thereof with the house of Draffan another strong hold belonging to the Duke rendered in his hands Such a terrour this defeat wrought that the whole inhabitants of Cluid did relinquish and forsake their houses upon the like fear did the Queen against the counsel of her best friends take Sea at Kirkcadbright and sail into England landing at Wirkinton in Cumberland near to the mouth of the river Derwent from which place she sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth declaring that she was come into her Kingdome upon hope of aid and assistance from her requesting she might be conducted to her with all speed because of her present distresse Iohn Beaton one of her domesticks was some days before sent with the Diamond she had received from the Queen of England for a token of kindnesse to signify her purpose of coming into England if she should be further pursued by her subjects who did shortly return with large promises of love and kindnesse if she should happen to come But as soon as her coming was known the directions sent by Sir Francis Knowles were not so loving for by him she was desired to go unto Carlile as a place of more safety whither the Lieutenant of the countrey should conduct her and stay there till the Queen was informed of the equity of her cause This direction did much displease her and then began she to see her errour but seeming to take all in good part she sent the Lord Hereis to intreat the Queen for an hearing in her own presence where she might both clear her self and shew how injuriously she had been dealt with by those whom at her intercession she had recalled from exile or if that could not be obtained to crave that she might be permitted to depart forth of England and not detained as a prisoner seeing she came willingly thither in confidence of her kindnesse often promised and confirmed as well by letters as messages Queen Elizabeth moved with these speeches said that she would send to the Regent and desire him to stay all proceeding against the subjects that stood in her defence till matters were brought to an hearing For the Regent at the same time had called a Parliament to the 25. of Iune for proceeding against those that had accompanied the Queen in the fields by course of law They of the Queens faction were in the mean time preparing to hinder the meeting and when as the Diet drew near the Earl of Argile with his forces met Lord Claude Hamilton at Glasgow the Earl of Huntley brought from the North 1000. foot with as many horsemen almost and came as farre as Perth but was not permitted to crosse the river of â—ay the channels and passages being all guarded by the Lord Ruthven and such in those quarters as maintained the Kings authority So being forced to return home the Earl of Argile and other Lords not seeing how they could hinder the meeting of the Parliament dissolved their companies and returned to their own countrey At this time came the letters promised by the Queen of England whereby the Regent was desired to delay the Parliament and not to precipitate the giving of sentence in these matters till she was rightly informed of the whole cause But the Regent considering that the delay of the Parliament would be constructed to proceed of fear resolved to keep the Diet. At the meeting it was long disputed
whether all they that had taken Armes against the King and not sued for pardon should be forfeited or if sentence should be given against a few only to terrify the rest and hope of favour left unto others upon their obedience Secretary Lethington who did secretly favour the other faction maintained the calmest course to be the best and by the perswasions he used wrought so as the processe against the better sort was continued and some of meaner note only proscribed which was interpreted even as the Regent conceived to proceed of fear and not of a mind to reclaim them The Earl of Rothes only of all the Noblemen of that side reconciled himself accepting three years exile for his punishment Some others of meaner sort the Regent received into favour and such as stood out he pursued by force of Armes making an expedition into the countries of Nidisdale Annandale and the lower parts of Galloway where he put Garisons in the Castles and strong Forts that were judged necessary to be kept others he demolished threw to the ground and had in a short space as it was thought reduced the whole countrey to his obedience if he had not been stayed by other letters by the Queen of England for the offending that he should have gone on in that manner whereas she had willed him to deferre all things till she was informed of the whole cause sent by one of her servants called Middlemore a sharp letter unto him declaring that she would not endure the sacred authority of Kings to be in that sort abused at the appetite of factious subjects and howsoever they had forgot their duties to their Soveraign she would not neglect her sister and neighbour Queen Therefore willed him to direct certain Commissioners to enform her how matters had passed men that could answer the complaints made by the Queen of Scotland against him and his complices which if he failed to do she would restore her to her Kingdome with all the power she could make The Regent took it grievously that matters determined in Parliament should be brought again in question and to plead before forain Judges he held it dishonourable yet considering the adversaries he had the Cardinal of Lorain abroad who swayed all things in the French Court and at home many of the Nobility and that if he did offend the Queen of England his difficulties should be every way great he was glad to yield to the conditions required though against his will Thus it being condescended the Commissioners should be sent when as they could not agree upon the persons the principal Noblemen refusing the imployment the Regent himself offered to undertake the journey and to accompany him choice was made of the Bishop of Orkney and Abbot of Dunfermlin for the spiritual estate of the Earl of Morton and Lord Lindesay for the temporal and of Mr. Iames Macgill and Mr. Henry Balnaves Senators of the Colledge of Justice besides these there went with him Secretary Lethington and Mr. George Buchannan The Secretary had long withstood the sending of any Commissioners thither and simply refused to go in that journey yet the Regent not holding it safe to leave him at home whom he knew to be a busie man and a practiser under-hand with the other party did insist so with him as in end he consented The Commission was given in the Kings name under the Great Seal to the Regent the Earl of Morton the Bishop of Orkney the Abbot of Dunfermlin and Lord Lindesay or to any three of them for convening with the deputies of the Queen of England at York or any other place or places they should think expedient there to make plain and ample declarations to them I keep the very words of the Commission for informing his good sister of the true causes whereupon divers of the Nobility and good subjects during the time that the Queen his Mother was yet possessor of the Crown took occasion to put on Armes to take detain and sequestrate her person for a time with all causes actions circumstances and other their proceedings whatsoever towards her or any other subjects of the Realm since that time unto the day and date of the said Commission or that should fall out untill the return of the said Commissioners whereby the Justice of their cause and honourable dealing might be manifested to the world As likewise to commune treat determine and conclude with his said sister or her Commissioners having sufficient authority upon all differences causes or matters depending betwixt the subjects of either Realm or for further confirmation or augmentation of any treaty of peace heretofore made and concluded betwixt the Realms or for contracting and perfecting any other treaty or confederation as well maintenance of the true Religion publickly professed by the inhabitants of both the Realms as for resisting any forain or intestine power that might be stirred up within the same to disturb the present quietnesse that it hath pleased the Almighty God to grant unto both the Kingdomes in the unity of the said Religion and for increase of amity peace and concord betwixt him and his said sister their Realms dominions people and subjects And generally to do and conclude all things which by them or any three of them should seem convenient and necessary for the premises or any part thereof promising to hold firm and stable c. This Commission is of the date aâ— Edinburgh the 18th of September 1568. In Iuly preceding there was an Assembly of the Church kept at Edinburgh wherein Mr. Iohn Willock Superintendent of the west being elected to moderate the meeting made difficulty to accept the place unlesse some better order was observed then had been in former times for even then the multitudes that convened and indiscreet behaviour of some who loved to seem more zealous then others did cause a great confusion Obedience being promised by the whole number he assumed the Charge And there it was enacted That none should be admitted to have voice in these Assemblies but Superintendents Visiters of Churches Commissioners of Shires and Universities and such Ministers as the Superintendents should chuse in their Diocesan Synods and bring with them being men of knowledge and able to reasâ—n and judge of matters that should happen to be proponed And that the Assembly should not be troubled with unnecessary businesse it was ordained That no matters should be moved which the Superintendents might and ought to determine in their Synods Some Acts of discipline were also concluded as that Papists continuing obstinate after lawful admonitions should be excommunicated and that the committers of murther incest adultery and other such hainous crimes should not be admitted to make satisfaction by any particular Church till they did first appear in the habit of penitents before the general assembly and there receive their injunctions A supplication also was put up to the Regent and Councel wherein amongst other
particulars it was desired That the persons nominated in Parliament for the matter of policy or juridiction of the Church should be ordained to meet at a certain day and place for concluding the same This was promised and the eighth of August appointed to that effect but the Diet did not hold and so these matters continued unresolved as before In the end of the Assembly the Bishop of Orkney who had been deposed from all function in the Church for the marriage of Bothwel with the Queen was upon his submission reponed to his place and for removing the scandal he was injoyned in his first Sermon to make publick acknowledgement of his fault and crave forgivenesse of God the Church and Estate which he had offended About the end of September the Regent and those that were joyned with him in commission took their journey into England and came to York the fifth of October the same day and almost the same hour came Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk Thomas Earl of Suffex and Sir Ralph Sadler Chancellour of the Dutchy of Lancaster having Commission from the Queen of England to hear and determine all questions controversies debates and contentions betwixt her sister the Queen of Scots and the subjects adhering unto her on the one part and the Earl of Murray and others refusing to acknowledge her authority and adhering to the Prince her son on the other as likewise to decide all matters depending betwixt them two to confirm the peace before that time contracted or establish a new confederation betwixt them their people and subjects as they should think most convenient Some two days after Iohn Lesley Bishop of Ross William Lord Levingston Robert Lord Boyd Gawan Commendator of Kilwining and Iames Cockburn of Skirling Commissioners for the Scottish Queen came to the City where being all convened and the Commissions exhibited an oath was presented to both parties by the Commissioners of England by which they were required to swear That they should proceed sincerely in that conference and treaty and neither for affection malice or any other worldly respect propone any thing before the Commissioners which in their consciences they did not hold to be true just and godly and reasonable as also not to withdraw hide or conceal any matter fit to be opened and declared for the better knowledge of the truth in the controversies standing amongst them The Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland before they took the oath protested That although the Queen their Mistresse was pleased to have the differences betwixt her and her disobedient subjects considered and dressed by her dearest sister and cousen the Queen of England or by the Commissioners authorized by her yet she did not acknowledge her self subject to any Judge on earth she being a free Princesse and holding her imperial Crown of God alone This their protestation they desired to be put in record left the Queen or her posterity should be prejudiced in their Soveraignty by the present proceedings The Commissioners of England did contrariwise protest that they did neither admit nor allow that protestation in any sort to the hurt or prejudice of that right which the Kings of England have claimed had and enjoyed as superiours over the Realm of Scotland which Superiority they protested should belong and appertain to the Queen their Mistresse in the right of the Crown of England These protestations made both parties took the oath in manner as was required and this was the Act of the first meeting The next day the Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland presented a Declaration in writing bearing that Iames Earl of Morton Iohn Earl of Marre Alexander Earl of Glencâ—rne the Lords Homes Lindesay Ruthven Simple Cathcart Ochiltrie and other their assistants had levied an Army in the Queens name against the Queen taking her most noble peron used her in vile manner and thrust into prison in Lochlevin and forcibly broken her Mint-house taken away the printing Irons with all the silver and gold coyned and uncoyned which was in the house for the time And going to the Castle of Striveling and made a fashion to crown her sonne the Prince being then but thirteen moneths old That Iames Earl of Murray taking upon him the name of Regent had usurped the Royal authority and possessed himself with the whole forts Castles Munition Jewels and Revenues of the Kingdom And when it had pleased God to relieve her out of that prison wherein she was so straitly detained by the space of eleven moneths as none of her friends and true subjects could once be permitted to see or speak with her and that she had publickly declared by a solemn oath in the presence of divers of the Nobility at Hamilton that whatsoever was done by her in prison was extorted by force threats and fear of death she out of that natural affection which she carried to her realm and subjects did appoint the Earls of Argile Eglington Cassils and Rothes to agree and make a pacification with the said Regent and his partakers but they were so farre from admitting any peaceable Treaty as they did invade her in her passing to Dumbritton with the men of Warre whom she had hired with her own moneys killed divers of her faithful subjects led others away prisoners and banished some of good note for no other cause but for serving faithfully their lawful Princesse and so after a great many injuries had forced her to flye into England to request the help of Queen Elizabeth her dearest sister and in blood the nearest Cousen she had in the world for restoring her in her former estate and compelling her rebellious subjects to acknowledge their due obedience unto her Majesty which they in her Highnesse name did most instantly intreat The day following which was the ninth of October the Regent and rest of the Commissioners for the young King appearing before they would give any answer to the preceding writ craved first to be resolved Whether the Duke and those that were appointed with him for hearing their controversies bad power to pronounce in the cause of the Kings Mother guilty or not guilty and if according to the same they meant to give sentence without delay As likewise if it should appear by the Declaration they were to make that the Queen of Scots was guilty whether she should be delivered in their hands or detained in England and if the Queen of England would from thenceforth maintain the authority of the King and the Regency established in the person of the Earle of Murray Which points they desired to have cleared before they could enter into the accusation intended The Duke of Norfolk replied that they would proceed according to the Commission given unto them and render an account to her who had trusted them therewith Lethington upon this turning himself to the Regent said That it seemed the English haâ— no other purpose but to defame and disgrace the reputation of
passe out of the fields as suspected of the Kings murther till the same might be tried and that she would go with them and follow the counsell of the Nobility which if she would do they would honour serve and obey her as their Princess and Soveraign whereunto her Majesty for the love she bare unto her subjects and to avoid the effusion of Christian blood did willingly assent In verification whereof the said Laird of Grange took the Earl of Bothwell at the same time by the hand and willed him to depart giving his word that no man should pursue him So as nothing is more clear then that he passed away by their own consents for if they had been minded against him only would they not have pursued him so long as he was in the Countrey for he remained a great space after that in his own house and might more easily have been taken there then upon the Seas where they in a coloured manner did pursue him Hereby said they may all men of found judgement perceive that they cared not what became of him if so they might advance their own ambitious purposes and designes Thirdly where she is charged to have used them with threats and menacings that they said was not to be thought strange considering their undutiful behaviour and the rude and vile usage her Majesty suffered by them For when the Earl of Morton at her highnesse first coming to them had reverently as it became him said Madame here is the place where your grace should be and we will honour and serve you as truly as ever the Nobility of the Realm did any of your progenitors in former times ratifying thereby the promise made by the Laird Grange in their names to her Majesty and that she trusting their speeches had gone with him to Edinburgh they first lodging her in a simple Burgesse house and contrary to their promises did most rudely intreat her whereupon she sent Lethington her Secretary and made offer unto them that for any thing wherewith they or any of the subjects were offended she was content the same should be reformed by the Nobility and the Estates of the Realm her Highnesse being present and permitted to answer for her self yet would they not hearken once to the motion but in the night secretly and against her will carried her to Lochivin and put her in prison As to that they say that she wearied with the molestations of government did make a voluntary resignation of the Kingdom in favours of the Prince her sonne appointing the Earl of Murray his Regent during his minority The falshood thereof did as they said many ways appear For first her Majesty is neither decayed by age nor weakned by sicknesse but praised be God both in mind and body able to discharge the most weighty affairs As also the truth is that the Earl of Athol the Lairds of Tullibardin and Lethington who were of their Councel sent Robert Melvil with a ring and some other tokens to her Majesty advising her to subscrive the letters of resignation and what else should be presented unto her to save her own life and avoid the death which was assuredly prepared for her if she should happen to refuse the same and at the same time the said Gentleman did bring unto her Majesty a letter written by Sir Nicholas Throgmorton Ambassadour of England requesting her Highnesse to set her hand to whatsoever they should desire of her To whom her Majesty answered that she would follow his counsel praying him to declare to her dearest sister the Queen of England how she was used by her subjects and that the resignation of the Crown made by her was extorted by fear which her Highnesse doubted not but the said Nicholas performed Further it is notorious that the Lord Lindesay at the presenting of the letters of resignation unto her Majesty did menace to put her in close prison if she refused to put her hand to the same adding that in that case worse would shortly follow and that her Highnesse never looked what was in the writings presented but signed the same with many tears protesting that if ever she should recover her liberty she would disavow that which he compelled her at that time to do And to testify that the said resignation was made against her will the Laird of Lochlevin who was then her Keeper refused to subscrive it as witnesse and did obtain a Testificat under her Majesties own hand declaring that he refused to be present at the said resignation Neither can that renuciation be sustained by any reason considering that no portion of Revenue was reserved for her to live upon neither was her liberty granted or any security given her of her life All which weighed in the ballance of reason will to men of indifferent judgement make manifest that the alledged dimission so unlawfully procured can never prejudge her Majesty in her Royal estate especially considering that at her first escape out of prison she did revoke the same and in the presence of a great part of the Nobility at Hamilton by a solemn oath declared that what she had done was by compulsion and upon just cause of her life For the Coronation of her Highnesse son they said that the same was most unorderly done because there being in the Realm above an hundred Earls Bishops and Lords having voice in Parliament of whom the greatest part at least ought to have consented thereto it being an Action of such consequence four Earls and six Lords the same that were present at her apprehension with one Bishop and two or three Abbots and Priors were only assisting and of the same number some did put in a protestation that nothing then done should prejudge the Queen or her successor by reason she was at that time a captive Nor can any man think that if the dimission had been willingly made her Highnesse she would ever have nominated the Earl of Murray Regent there being many others more lawful and that have better right thereto then he of whom some have been governours of the Realm in former times and during her Majesties minority had worthily exerced that place It is to as little purpose that they object of the Parliament and the ratification made therein Seeing the principalls of the Nobility disassented and put in their protestations both to the Lords of the Articles and in the open Parliament against their proceedings affirming that they would never agree to any thing that might hurt the Queens Majesties person her Crown and Royall estate further then her Highnesse self being at liberty would freely approve Lastly where they would have it seen that the authority established by them was universally obeyed in the Realm and all things well and justly administred both these are alike untrue for a great part of the Nobility have never acknowledged another authority then that of the Queen keeping and holding their Courts in her Majesties name And for the administration of affairs it
that is laid upon us to purge our selves that drawes us unto it For if our adversaries would rested content with our former answer which they know to be true no further would we needed But against our hearts in defence of our just cause they compelled us to utter the things which we wish were buried in perpetuall oblivion So if our doing seem hatefull to any let these bear the blame who force us to answer which they know we may and in the end must give One thing onely we desire that they who have brought us to this necessitie may be present and hear what is said that if we speak any untruth they may refute the same for even in point of greatest moment we will use their own testimonie This being communicated with the Agents of the Scottish Queen they answered That they did not force them to any accusations and if they did utter untruths or calumniate the Queen in any sort they would not patiently hear it That all their desires were to have their Queen restored to her Kingdome from which by force of armes she was expulsed or if it should please the Queen of England to hear any more of that matter they requested that the Queen of Scots might be sent for and permitted to speak for her self Mean while by a new Patent there were joyned to the other Commissioners Bacon keeper of the great Seal the Earls of Arundell and Leicester with the Lord Admirall and Sir William Cecill and a time assigned to the Regent for producing the reasons for the Queens rejecting When the day was come he presented the confessions of some that were executed for the Kings murther the Statutes of Parliament ratifying her resignation of the Crown and her sons Coronation subscribed by divers of her own party certain amatory verses and epistles written to Bothwell as they said with her own hand three severall contracts of marriage betwixt her and Bothwell with a number of presumptuous likelyhoods and conjectures to make it appear that she was privy to the murther Bothwell had committed The Queen of England having seen and perused all these stood doubtfull what to do for albeit she was content to have some blot rubbed upon the Queen of Stots as many supposed yet the pity of her misfortune made her sometimes to think of composing matters betwixt her and her subjects The terms besides wherein she stood with the French King who was dayly by his Ambassadours soliciting the Queen of Scots liberty made her uncertain what course to take for if she should simply deny his request it would be esteemed a breach of friendship and to yield to his desire she thought it scarce safe for her own estate Therefore keeping a middle course she resolved to suspend her Declaration unto another time and willed the Regent seeing he could make no longer stay to leave some of his company to answer the criminations which possibly his adversaries would charge him with after he was gone But he replying said That he was not so desirous to return home but he would willingly stay to hear what they could alledge against him Nor was he ignorant of the rumours they had dispresed and what they had spoken to some of the Councell and to the French Ambassadour which were more convenient to be told whilest he was himself in place and might make answer then to bely and calumniate him in his absence wherefore he did humbly intreat her to cause them utter the things plainly that they muttered in secret Hereupon were the Queen of Scots Commissioners called and it being inquired Whether they had any thing to object against the Regent which might argue his guiltiness of the Kings murther they answered That when the Queen their Mistress should bid them accuse they would do it but for the present they had nothing to say The Regent replied That if the Queen or any other would accuse him he should ever be ready to give an account of his actions and neither decline place nor time but in the mean while till she should intend her accusation it was reason they should declare if they themselves had any thing to lay unto his charge After divers subterfuges in end they professed that they knew nothing which might make him or any of his associates suspected of the murther The Regent now at the point to depart a new let was made by the Duke of Chattellerault who coming from France by England drew himself into a contestation for the government pleading that the same did belong to him as being the nearest of bloud and lawfull heir of the Crown next after the Queen of Scots and her succession This he said was the Law and practice of all Nations and a custome perpetually observed in Scotland for proof whereof he alledged the Regency of Robert Steâ—art uncle to King Iames the first with that of his son Duke Murdack after the fathers death the government of Iohn Duke of Albany in the minority of King Iames the fifth and his own Regency in the nonage of the present Queen Contrary to which custom a few Rebels as he complained had most injuriously to his disgrace and which was most unsufferable to the contempt of the lawfull blood preferred one base born unto the supreme dignitie which honour if it should be restored to him the Civill troubles he said would cease and the Queen without any tumult be ressored to her content Whereupon he requested the Queen of Englands favour and that by her authority the Earl of Murray might be caused cease from his usurped Government To this in behalf of the Regent it was replied That the Dukes Petition was most injust and contrary to the custome and Lawes of the Countrey which provided that at such times as the Crown should fall in the hands of Minors one or more of the most sage and powerfull in the Estates should be elected for the administration of affairs unto the Kings ripe age This course they said the Scots had constantly kept the last six hundreth years and thereby secured the Kingdome and transmitted the same free and safe to their posterity As for instance after the death of King Robert Bruce Thomas Randolph Earl of Murray was elected Governour upon his death Duncan Earl of Marre after him Andrew Murray and then Robert Stewart who were all chosen Regents one after another In the minority of King Iames the second Sir Alexander Levingston was elected a man neither of bloud of the King nor a Nobleman of degree but for his worth and wisedome preferred In like sort King Iames the Third had four Tutours appointed to him by the Estates none of them for any respect of propinquity And for the examples adduced of Duke Murdack and Iohn Duke of Albany they made nothing to the purpose The last of the two in the minority of King Iames the fifth being called to the government by the Nobility and confirmed therein by the Estates
punish the committers of that insolence The Councel returning many thanks to the Queen for her kind Ambassage excused themselves by the present troubles that no determinate answer could as then be given to his propositions and therefore besought him to have patience unto the first of May at which time the Estates of the Realm were to meet by whom her Majesty should receive all satisfaction The Estates convening at the day William Douglas of Lochlevin brother uterine to the late Regent preferred a Petition to the Councel for some course to be taken in the revenge of his brothers murther considering he was taken away in the defence of the common cause of the Realm and not upon any private quarrel The Petition was held reasonable by all that were present every one consenting to the pursuit and punishment of the murtherer and his complices But in the manner they agreed not some advising that not the murtherer only but all who were suspected to have had a hand in the treachery should be called to underlie the ordinary trial of law at a certain day Others esteeming such a form of processe unnecessary with them who had already taken Arms to maintain the fact and that the best course were to pursue with all hostility both these that were delated of the recent crime and such as had been forfeited in the Parliament preceding Many inclined to the last course yet because it was opposed by divers of special note there was nothing concluded in the businesse which was generally ill taken of the people who construed the delay to proceed of some private favour carried to the enemies and to be done of purpose that either with time the hatred of the murther might be lessened or the adversaries might have leisure to make themselves more strong The Assembly of the Church in the mean while which was then convened at Edenburgh to declare in what detestation they had the murther committed did ordain the murtherer to be excommunicated in all the chief Burghs of the Realm and whosoever afterwards happened to be convicted thereof to be used in the same manner In this Assembly divers constitutions were made for discipline and amongst others an Act for the publick inauguration of Ministers at their entry whereunto the revolt of some Preachers gave occasion that forsaking the Pulpit took them to the pleading of causes before the Lords of Session It was then also condescended that forth of the thirds five thousand merks should be yearly paid for the furnishing of the Kings house and the Church burthened with no further duty Some few days after the principals of the Queens faction being convened at Glasgow the Earl of Argile and Lord Boyd did write to the Earl of Morton and offer to joyn with the rest of the Nobility in the trial and punishment of the Regents murther so as the meeting were appointed at Striveling Falkirk or Linlithgow for to Edenburgh they would not come This letter as he was desired he communicated with the Secretary who was after the Regents death come forth of the Castle and by the Earl of Atholl brought again unto the Councell having first purged himself of the accusation laid against him and promised to submit himself unto the most severe triall that could be taken his advice to the Earl Morton was that the Noblemen should all be brought to Edenburgh which for those of the Queens party he undertook to do and to that effect he sent letters unto the principalls of that faction shewing that they had no cause to fear being in forces superiour to the others and having the Lord of Grange on their side for he had then plainly declared himself for the Queen who was both Provost of the Town and commanded the Castle Thus about the midst of March the Earls of Huntley Atholl and Crawford with the Lords Ogilvy Home and Seaâ—on did meet at Edenburgh The Earl of Argile the Hamiltons and the Lord Boyde came as far as unto Linlithgow but by occasioned of a tumult raised amongst some souldiers they were forced to disperse their companies and return home to their dwellings Within a few dayes the Earls of Marre and Glencarne came likewise to Edenburgh after whose coming the Lords of both factions meeting to confer did think fit to continue all things till the Earl of Argile was advertised whose authority was great in those times And when it was known that he was gone back from Linlithgow the Earl of Huntley followed to perswade his return but he would not consent They write the Secretary should have privily disswaded him as one who loved to keep all things loose but I do not see what advantage he could expect that way and think rather that as his estate then stood he did earnestly desire to have matters accorded The true cause of Argiles declining that conference seems to have been the averseness of his brother and others of his friendship who refused to follow him in that quarrel and carried a constant affection to the maintaining of the Kings authority When as the other Noblemen perceived that Argile would not come they began to treat of the choice of a Regent in place of him who was taken away Here first they fell to question their own power and authority which some maintained to be sufficient because of the Patent the Queen had given at first for the administration of affairs in her sons minority in which seven Noblemen were named besides the late Regent and that of this number they might choose as they said any one Others reasoned that no respect ought to be had to that Patent the same being expired by the creation of the last Regent for which only at the time it was granted The more moderate gave their opinon that all proceeding in that businesse should be delayed till the convention of the Estates in May next This was likewise opposed by a number that esteemed the protracting of time dangerous and thought that it concerned the Noblemen who had first assisted the Coronation of the King and continued firm in his obedience to nominate a Regent that would be careful of the young King his preservation and of the quiet and tranquillity of the Realm But this opinion as tending to the fostering of discord was rejected So that meeting dissolved without any certain conclusion At the same time one Monsieur Verack Cubiculare to the French King landed at Dumbarton bringing letters to the Noblemen of the Queens faction full of thanks for the constant affection they had shewed in maintaining the cause and promises of present succours This did so animate them as in a frequent meeting kept the first of April at Linlithgow they began to discover the intention which before they had concealed of making war upon England for this as they judged would serve to oblierate the late Regents murther And to give the more authority to their proceedings they took purpose to remove to
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
this point made answer That the Secretary could claim no benefit by the Abstinence seeing he was the Kings subject and stood to the defence of the Kings cause both in England and Scotland professing himself as much displeased with the Proclamation of the Queens authority as any man else And howbeit of late he had accompanied the contrary faction yet he never declined his subjection to the King That being required to attend his office he had refused whereupon the same was justly taken from him and for the confiscation complained if he would yet declare on what side he was he should be reasonably used The Secretary who had often changed his party finding that now he must declare himself on the one side or the other sent to the Earl of Sussex this answer That he did think it strange the Regent should enquire on which side he was seeing his speeches writings and actions had declared the same Always now he would plainly professe that he was not of the Lord Regents side nor would he acknowledge him for Regent That he was of that side which would perform their duties to the Queen of Scotland and to her son so as neither of them should have cause to find fault with him that he was of that side which wished to either of them the place which in reason and justice they ought to possesse and that he was of that side which requested the Queen of England to enter into good conditions with the Queen whereby Scotland might be brought in an union and she restored to her liberty and Realm He confessed that he did not allow of the proclaiming of the Queens authority nor of the Parliament indited by those of he part because he foresaw the same would impede the Treaty betwixt the two Queens and might do hurt many ways and hinder the good he was about to do But that would not inser an allowance of their doings And this he said might give the Regent to understand on what side he was This answer neither expressing a reason of his falling away from the Kings obedience nor discovering plainly as was desired of what side he should be esteemed being delivered to the Regent received this reply That it was no marvel he should not acknowledge him for Regent having deserved so ill at his hands and being attainted of the soul and cruel murther of his son the Kings father That his Declaration did not satisfy that which was demanded for where he made a shew to observe a duty both to the Queen and to her son and would have it appear that he was about the effecting of great matters the duties he had done to either of them were well enough known neither could any man look for any good to proceed from him Therefore howsoever he had against his promise and subscription declined from the Kings party he must still be subject to answer such particulars as should be laid against him in the Kings name And seeing it was neither her Majesties meaning that any person guilty of the Kings murther should enjoy benefit by the Abstinence he that was challenged thereof in the late Regents time and had in Councel offered himself to the severest trial that could be taken could not complain of the breach of Abstinence for any thing done or intended against him But that neither this particular nor any other should be an occasion to dissolove that Treaty begun he said that he was content the notes of all injuries alledged on either side should be delivered in writing to the Earl of Sussex and the trial or redresse thereof continued till it should appear what effect the Treaty brought forth The prorogation of the Abstinence in the mean time as was desired by the Queen of England was yielded unto and subscrived the fourth of November with this provision That the goods and the ships of the Scottish Merchants arrested at that time in France should be released and no stay made of such as should happen to repair thither during the time of the Abstinence Whilest these things were debating the copy of the Articles proponed by the Commissioners of England to the Queen of Scots for the surety of the Queen were sent to the Lords of her faction to be considered which were as followeth 1. That the Treaty at Leth should be confirmed and that she should not claim any right nor pretend title to the Crown of England during the life of Queen Elizabeth 2. That she should not renew nor keep any League with any Prince against England nor yet receive forein forces into Scotland 3. That she should neither practise nor keep intelligence with Irish or English without the Queens knowledge and in the mean time cause the English fugitives and rebels to be rendered 4. That she should redresse the wrongs and harms done by her faction in the borders of England 5. That she should not joyn in marriage with any English man without the consent of the Queen of England nor with any other against the liking of the Estates of Scotland 6. That she should not permit the Scots to passe into Ireland without licence obtained from the Queen of England 7. That for the performance of these Articles her son should be delivered to be brought up in England and six other hostages such as the Queen of England should name should be sent thither The Castles of Home Fastâ— Castle kept by the English for the space of three years and some Fort in Galloway or Cantire be put in the English mens hands for restraining the Irish Scots from going into Ireland 8. That she should do justice according to the law upon the murtherers of her husband and the late Earl of Murray 9. That she should set her hand and cause the Commissioners to be appointed by her party set their hands and seals to these Articles 10. And lastly that all these particulars should be confirmed by the Estates of Scotland Now albeit divers of these Articles were misliked by the Lords of her faction yet conceiving thereby some hope of her restitution they dispersed certain copies in the countrey to encourage those that professed her obedience holding back such of the Articles as seemed most hard trusting to obtain a mitigation thereof in the conference And she indeed I mean the Scottish Queen shewed her self pleased withall onely she remitted the full answer to her Commissioners that should come from Scotland The rumour of the Accord held good a few days and amused the Regent and other Noblemen not a little till a letter directed by Sir William Cecil from Chattesworth in Derbyshire where the Queen of Scots then lay did otherwise inform which was to this effect That he was put upon that imployment much against his heart and yet had not dealt therein but with a great regard of the safety of the young King and whole Estate And that all he had done touching Scottish affairs was under protestation that it should be in
the power of those whom the Queen and Regent should send in Commission to change diminish or augment the Articles at their pleasures Therefore did he advise the Regent to send a Nobleman with some other well learned and practised in the affairs of the countrey to deal in these matters taking care that the persons he choosed were constant and firm and such as would not be wonne from him nor from the cause This Letter of the date the thirteenth of October 1570. written in so friendly and familiar a manner for therein he named some whom the Regent had lately imployed of whom he willed him to beware gave him to understand that matters were not so farre gone as his adversary did bragge After a few dayes the Earl of Sussex advertised the Regent that the Lords of the other faction had made choice of certain Commissioners to attend the treaty begun betwixt their Queen and the Queen of England desiring that no trouble nor molestation should be made to them and their train in that journey as also to send some speciall persons instructed with Commission from the King and the Nobility of his side to give their best advice for the surety of the King and his dependants if matters should happen to be accorded And if it fell out otherwise to consider what should be the most sure course for continuance of amity betwixt the two Realms the preservation of the young King the reducing of the subjects to his obedience and the defence of the Isle against forain invasions These Commissioners he desired to be sent with expedition for that her Majesty longed to have an end of the business and could not grow to any resolution till she had conferred with them and understood their minds This he did by direction from the Queen his Mistris as he wrote howbeit he himself had thought of some particulars that he held convenient to be thought upon but for the Kings security and theirs if his mother should be set at liberty wherein he prayed him familiarly to shew what was his opinion As first if she should happen to be restored to her Crown and the King to be made to dimit the authority it might be upon condition that in case of her death or the breach of the present agreement he might reenter to the kingdome without any Solemnities to be used Next that a Councell of both parties might be provided to her by the Queen of England for avoyding all sorts of practises Thirdly that the young King should be educated in the Realm of England under the custody of such persons as the Nobility of his party should appoint which would be the greatest sureâ—y for those that depended on him and tie his mother to the performance of the Articles Fourthly that a new Act of Parliament should be made for the establishing of true Religion and oblivion of all injuries committed on either side Fifthly that the Queen should give some principall men of her side Hostages to remain in England for fulfilling the heads of the agreement Lastly he advised the Regent to send with the Commissioners that should be imployed in that errand a writing signed and scaled by all the Noblemen of the Kings party to shâ—w who they were that stood on that side Because besides the credit it would bring to the cause the same would be to good purpose howsoever matters went For if the Treaty should break off it would be seen who would maintain and defend the King Or if otherwise an accord were made it would be known for what persons the Queen of England was to provide a surety Whether these Propositions were made as he gave out of his own head or which would rather appear that he was set on by the Queen of England to try the Regent and Nobilities mind he answered very advisedly and beginning at the last he said That he held his opinion good touching the sealing of a writing by the Nobility of the Kings party whose number would not be found so great as he wished because there were divers Neuters that adhered to no side and many that desired to keep things loose some for impunity of crimes whereof they were suspected and others hoping to better their condition in an unquiet time yet he trusted to obtain the subscriptions of a sufficient number who had sincerely continued in the profession of true Religion and his Majesties obedience and from their hearts abhorred the murtherers of the King his sonne and the late Regent For the other points he said that he could not give his private opinion in matters so important by reason of his oath made at the acceptation of the government to have no dealing in matters of that kind without the knowledge of the Nobility and Councell And touching the Commissioners which the Queen required to be sent there should be diligence used therein how soon they understood of what quality the others were that the Lords of the Queens party did choose Neither should any molestation be made to them in their journy so as their names the number of their train and the way they minded to take were notified For otherwise as he said the King and Estate might receive hurt and some that were culpable of those odious murthers steal away privately in their company Mean while he shewed that till Commissioners might be chosen by the advice of the Noblemen then absent the Councell had appointed the Abbot of Dunfermlin Ambassadour to the Queen of England and given him such instructions as they held needfull for the time by whom she should be more fully advertised of their minds in all matters About the midst of November the Abbot of Dunfermlin then made Secretary went into England He was desired to shew the Queen How it was the expectation of all the good subjects in Scotland that she would never forget the motherly care she had professed to have of the innocent person of their young King nor yet be unmindfull of the Noblemen and others professing his obedience who had studied to maintain peace betwixt the two Realms ever since her Majesties entry to the Crown and that they being required as well by letters from her Lieutenant in the North as by her Ambassadour resident amongst them to direct some speciall persons towards her for communicating such things as they thought requisite for the surely of their King and themselves although they had resolved upon a number sufficient for that Legation yet they deferred to send away till they should understand who were nominated for the Lords of the other party to the end they might equall them in birth and quality That in the mean time lest they should be thought more negligent then became them in matter of such importance they had laid upon him the charge to come and signifie to her Majesty the opinion that was held in Scotland of the Articles framed at Chattesworth which the adversaries gave out to have been craved by her
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
from the Regent at Corstorphin had the foot souldiers left with him to withstand the enemy if he should make any suddain attempt Nor did there many days passe when the Earl of Huntley and Lord Claud Hamilton with their forces enterprised the burning of Dalkeith Morton who remained there being forewarned of their coming took the fields and entertained a long fight with them though in number he was far inferiour divers on either side were killed 25. of the Earl of Mortons men taken prisoners and of the adverse party Captain Hackerston Neither had the conflict ended so soon if they had not been separated by an accident that happened in the time The Earl of Huntley and Lord Claud had carried with them a great quantity of powder wherewith the souldiers striving to furnish themselves and one of the matches falling amongst the powder it took fire and with a terrible noise overthrew all that stood by Captain Iames Melvil and number of his company were thereby killed in the place many died a few days after of the hurt they received at that time The Earl of Morton by this invasion being taught to look unto himself did hire a band of souldiers that was lately come from Denmark under the command of Captain Michael Weymes or as others write Captain David Weymes The Lords that remained at Edinburgh thinking to intercept him and his company as he crossed the river of Forth imployed Mr. Iames Kircaldy brother to the Lord of Grange who a few days before was come from France with a supply of money and Arms and Capt. Cullen a man well skilled in sea affairs to lie in wait for their landing But the purpose being detected to the Earl of Morton he came upon them at Leth as they were taking Boat so unexpected as 16. of the number were taken prisoners which served to redeem certain of Captain Weymes company that were the next day taken at sea for he himself with the greatest part arrived safely at Leth. The Regent having advertised the Queen of England of those troubles and by the common danger of both the Realms intreated that she should no longer remain a neuter she sent Sir William Drury Marshal of Berwick to try the estate of things the power that the Regent had and the means whereby the Castle of Edinburgh might be recovered and perceiving by the information returned that without her assistance neither could that strength be regained nor the waged souldiers be kept long together because as yet she held it not fit to declare her self for the King she began of new to treat with both parties for a surceasance of arms and that the town of Edinburgh might be freed of the souldiers left patent for the Court of Justice the Captain of the Castle having in the mean time a convenient revenue for guarding the house allowed unto him But this turned to no effect for the conditions for the surceasance required could not be agreed unto by either side for the Regent would have the town of Edinburgh put in the estate wherein it was at the going of the Commissioners to the Court of England in Ianuary preceding and Grange to content him self with such an ordinary garrison as other Keepers of the Castle were accustomed to entertain The other faction was content to leave the town patent but so that neither the Regent nor the Earl of Morton should come unto it And for the surety of the Castle they would have Grange to retain 150. souldiers besides the ordinary guard who should lodge in that part of the town which was nearest unto the same The conditions of either side rejected they of Edinburgh not to be wanting of the authority of a Parliament kept a publick meeting in the town-house the twelfth day of Iune to which day they had indicted a Parliament where a supplication was presented in name of the Queen bearing That it was not unknown how certain of her rebellious subjects having imprisoned her person in the Tower of Lochlevin did hereafter constrain her to make a dimission of the Crown in favours of her son which by the advice of Mr. Iohn Spence of Condy her Advocate she had lawfully revoked albeit otherwise the same could not subsist being done without the consent and advice of the Estates and upon a narrative of her inability and weakness which any of mean judgement may consider to be a meer forgery seeing her weaknesse to govern cannot be esteemed so great as is the weaknesse of an insant lying in the cradle neither can he who hath the present administration of affairs compare with her in any for aptness and ability to govern Therefore was it desired that the Nobility and Estates there convened after they had examined the grounds of the said dimission and found them in reason naught should discern the same to be null in all time coming The supplication once or twice read it was pronounced as followeth The Lords Spiritual and Temporal with the Commissioners of Burghs presently assembled being ripely advised with the supplication presented have by authority of Parliament ordained the said pretended dimission renunciation and overgiving of the Crown by the Queen consequently the Coronation of her son the usurped government of his Regents and all that hath followed thereupon to have been from the beginning null and of no force nor effect for the reasons contained in the said supplication and other considerations notour to the whole Estates And therefore commands all the subjects to acknowledge the Queen for their only Soveraign notwithstanding the said dimission and as it had never been in rerum naturâ Herewith to conciliate the favour of the Church and people by another statute they ordained That none should innovate alter or pervert the form of Religion and ministration of Sacraments presently professed and established within the Realm but that the same should have free course without any let or impediment to be made thereto And therewithall the Superintendents Ministers Exhorters and Readers in Churches were commanded in their publick service to pray for the Queen as their only Soveraign the Prince her son the Councel Nobility and whole body of the Commonwealth These statutes they caused to be proclaimed at the Market Crosse the day following which was the 13th of Iune Sir William Drury finding his labours unprofitable and preparing to depart the Lords of Edinburgh would needs of courtesie bring him on the way The Earl of Morton who lay then at Leth pained with a Cholick hearing that they were in the the fields and taking it to be done for ostentation of their power arose from his bed and putting his men in order marched to Restalrig which way they were to passe Sir William Drury perceiving the companies of Leth in the way and sorry that his Convoy should have given the occasion travelled between them and by his perswasions made them both to retire But then the question fell who should first retire
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
fire This will be a hard battel I grant but there is a second will be harder that is to withstand the mercilesse devourers of the Church patrimony If men will spoil let them do it to their own peril and condemnation but communicate not ye with their sinnes of what estate soever they be neither by consent nor silence but with publick protestation make known to the world that ye are innocent of such robbery and that ye will seek redresse thereof at the hands of God and man God give you wisdom strength and courage in so good a cause and me an happy end From S. Andrews the thirteenth of August 1571. In this meeting the Churchmen began to think somewhat more seriously of the policy of the Church then before for the first draught being neither liked universally among themselves nor approved by the Councel they saw it needful to agree upon a certain form of government that might continue Unto this time the Church had been governed by Superintendents and Commissioners of countreys as they were then named The Commissioners were alterable and were either changed or had their Commissions renued in every Assembly The Superintendents held their office during life and their power was Episcopal for they did elect and ordain Ministers they presided in Synods and directed all Church censures neither was any excommunication pronounced without their warrant They assigned the stipends of Ministers directing the Collectors who were then chosen by the General Assembly to distribute the thirds of Benefices amongst them as they thought convenient If any surplusage was found in the accounts the same was given by their appointment to the supply of the publick state and in such respect were they with all men as notwithstanding the dissensions that were in the countrey no exception was taken at their proceedings by any of the parties but all concurred to the maintenance of Religion and in the treaties of peace made that was ever one of the Articles Such a reverence was in those times carried to the Church the very form of government purchasing them respect But the Church considering that things could not long continue in that estate the Superintendents being grown in years and most of them serving upon their own charges which burthen it was not to be hoped others when they were gone would undergo thought meet to intercede with the Regent and Estates for establishing a sure and constant order in providing men to those places when they should fall void and setling a competent moyen for their entertainment To this effect Commission was given to the Superintendents of Lothian Fife and Angus and with them were joyned Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Andrew Hay Mr. Iohn Row and Mr. George Hay These were appointed to attend the Parliament and deal with the Regent and Estates that some course might be taken in that businesse But the Regents death and the troubles which thereupon issued made all to be continued for that time The Regents funerals performed with such solemnity as the time would suffer and his corps interred in the Chappel of the Castle of Striveling the next care was for using a Governour in his place Archibald Earl of Argile who was then returned to the Kings obedience Iames Earl of Morton and Iohn Earl of Marre being put in lites the voices went with the Earl of Marre The fifth of September the election was made after which the Parliament went on wherein besides the confirmation of the Regencie certain other Acts passed in favours of those that should happen to be slain in defence of the King his authority And the Regent bending all his thoughts to the besieging of Edinburgh brought an Army thither about the midst of October with nine pieces of Artillery taken forth of the Castle of Striveling Having battered the walls of the town on the South-side but to small purpose because of the Rampiers and ditches which the defendants had cast up within he retired himself and his Army to Leth. The rest of the winter was spent in light skirmishes wherein none of the parties did suffer any great losse They in Edinburgh had the advantage for the Castle being situated in an high place and having a long prospect into all the parts about gave them warning by a certain sign when their enemies did issue forth so as seldom they came to handy stroakes once only it happened that in an Ambush laid by them of Leth two Captains Hackerton and Michel who served the Lords in Edinburgh with 60. of their companies were taken prisoners This made them of Edinburgh more circumspect in their outgoing ever after that time In the North parts Adam Gordon who was Deputy for his brother the Earl of Huntley did keep a great stirre and under colour of the Queens authority committed divers oppressions especially upon the Forbesses Arthur Forbes brother to the Lord Forbes commonly called Black Arthur a man both of wisdom and courage had from the beginning of the civil warres allways allowed the Kings party and was at that time labouring to pacifie quarrels amongst those of his name for they were striving one with another that they might be the more able to withstand their enemies In end he prevailed so far as he brought his friends to condescend upon a time and place of meeting for taking up their controversies and building them together in a sure friendship Adam Gordon smelling his purpose and fearing the consequence of it used many policies to keep them still divided but when he perceived the meeting would keep he resolved to come unto the place and one way or other to impede the agreement At his coming he found them treating upon matters and standing in two companies a good space one from another and as if he had been ignorant of the purpose sent to enquire wherefore they made such Convocations They answered that they were doing some private affairs wherein he had no interess And being commanded to separate and return to their houses they refused whereupon he invaded them and falling on that part where Arthur Forbes stood in the very joyning killed him The rest seeing him fall took the flight and in the chase many were slain they reckon 120. to have died at that time Not long after he sent to summon the house of Tavoy pertaining to Alexander Forbes The Lady refusing to yield without direction from her husband he put fire unto it and burnt her therein with children and servants being 27. persons in all This inhumane and barbarous cruelty made his name odious and stayned all his former doings otherwise he was held both active and fortunate in his enterprises The Lord Forbes having escaped in the conflict came to the Regent and complained for a present supply he had granted to him 200. footmen under the conduct of two Captains Chisholm and Wedderburn with letters to the Noblemen of the countrey that lay adjacent to assist Forbes gathering his friends and thinking
himself strong enough with the supply he had obtained made out to search and pursue his enemies Adam Gordon lay then at Aberdene and being advertised that the Forbesses were drawing near to the City he went forth to meet them The encounter at the beginning was sharp and furious but the Forbesses were young men for the greatest part of small experience and not under command and the souldiers not being well seconded by them after they had fought a while gave over and yielded The slaughter was not great for the conflict happened in the evening which helpt many to escape Captain Chisholm with most of his company and some 15. of the name of Forbes were killed the Master of Forbes and some others were taken prisoners This good successe of the Queens party in the North gave hearts to all the faction and now they began every where to take new courage In the South the Lairds of Fernherst and Bacleugh did affail Iedburgh a little town but very constant in maintaining the Kings authority Lord Claud Hamilton belyed Paslay The Castle of Braughtie on the river of Tay was surprised by ... Seaton of Perbroath and in divers other parts troubles were raised of purpose to divide the Regents forces and to withdraw him from Leth that the town of Edinburgh which was then in some scarcity of victuals might be relieved In the moneth of Ianuary an assembly of the Church convened at Leth where after great instance made with the Regent and Councel for setling the policy of the Church it was agreed that six of the Councel and as many of the Assembly should be selected to treat reason and conclude upon that businesse For the Councel Iames Earl of Morton Chancellour William Lord Ruthven Treasurer Robert Abbot of Dunfermlin Secretary Mr. Iames Macgill Keeper of the Rolls Sir Iohn Bellenden Justice Clerk and Colin Campbel of Glenorchy were named and for the Church Iohn Ereskin of Dun Superintendent of Angus Mr. Iohn Winraine Superintendent of Fife Mr. Andrew Hay Commissioner of Claddisdale Mr. David Lindesay Commissioner of the West Mr. Robert Pont Commissioner of Orkney and Mr. Iohn Craig one of the Ministers of Edinburgh These twelve convening after divers meetings and long deliberation grew to the conclusions following 1. That the Archbishopricks and Bishopricks presently void should be disponed to the most qualified of the Ministery 2. That the spiritual jurisdiction should be exerced by the Bishops in their Dioces 3. That all Abbots Priors and other inferiour Prelates who should happen to be presented to Benefices should be tried by the Bishop or Superintendent of the bounds concerning their qualification and aptnesse to give voice for the Church in Parliament and upon their collation be admitted to the Benefice and not otherwise 4. That so the Bishopricks presently void or that should happen hereafter to fall the King and the Regent should recommend fit and qualified persons and their elections to be made by the Chapters of the Cathedral Churches And forasmuch as divers of the Chapters Churches were possessed by men provided before his Majesties Coronation who bare no office in the Church a particular nomination should be made of Ministers in every Dioces to supply their rooms untill the Benefices should fall void 5. That all Benefices of Cure under Prelacies should be disponed to actual Ministers and to no others 6. That the Ministers should receive Ordination from the Bishop of the Dioces and where no Bishop was as yet placed from the Superintendent of the bounds 7. That the Bishops and Superintendents at the Ordination of Ministers should exact of them an oath for acknowledging his Majesties authority and for obedience to their Ordinary in all things lawful according to the form then condescended Order also was taken for disposing of Provestries Colledge charges and Chaplanries and divers other particulars most profitable for the Church as in the records extant may be seen which were all ordained to stand in force untill the Kings majority or till the Estates of the Realm should otherwise appoint In August thereafter the Assembly of the Church meeting again at Perth report was made of these conclusions and exception taken by some at the titles of Archbishop Dean Archdeacon Chancellor and Chapter as being Popish and offensive to the ears of good Christians whereupon it was declared that by using these titles they meant not to allow of Popish superstition in any sort wishing the same to be changed in others not so scandalous As the name of Bishop to be hereafter used for Archbishop the Chapter to be called The Bishops assembly the Dean to be called The Moderator of the said assembly And for the titles of Archdeacon Chancellour Abbot and Prior that some should be appointed to consider how farre these functions did extend and give their opinion for the interchange thereof with others more agreeable to the Word and the policy of the best reformed Churches reporting their opinions at the next Assembly But I do not find that any such report was made like it is the wiser sort esteemed there was no cause to stumble at titles where the office was thought necessary and lawful A protestation always was made that they received these Articles for an interim till a more perfect order might be obtained at the King his Regent and the Nobilities hands According to these conclusions Mr. Iohn Douglas Provost of the New Colledge of S. Andrews was provided to the Archbishoprick of that See Mr. Iames Boyd to the Archbishoprick of Glasgow Mr. Iames Paton to the Bishoprick of Dunkeld and Mr. Andrew Ghram to the Bishoprick of Dumblane About the end of Ianuary the Regent advertised of the peril wherein the town of Iedburgh stood and of the great preparation that Fernherst and Bacleugh made to surprise it for they had besides their own forces drawn all the people of Esk Ewis and Liddesdale to joyn with them in hope of spoil and from the English Borders divers that were given to robbery to the number of 3000. and above sent the Lord Ruthven with some forces to defend them Before his coming Walter Ker of Cesford a man of good worth who had ever assisted the Kings party was joyned with them Their enemies notthelesse esteeming themselves strong enough by reason of their numbers went forwards with an assurance of victory The Lord Ruthven having notice given him by the way of their diet and the time they had appointed to invade the town did use the more speed and came in sight thereof just as the enemies appeared They fearing to be inclosed betwixt the town who shewed themselves in the fields ready to fight and the forces the Lord Ruthven brought with him did presently retire and give back Fernherst and Bacleugh went to Hawick and were followed the next day by the Lord Ruthven who came upon them so unlooked for as they were cast into a great fear The principals that had horses fled away
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
all the late treaties as however she favoured the Kings party most the other party did never despair of her good will The two Ambassadours having tried the minds of both parties they found them more tractable then they expected and after some travel taken amongst them obtained a cessation of Arms and for the space of two moneths continuing from the first of August to the first of October upon the conditions following 1. That the Regent and all other subjects of the Realm partakers with them in the present troubles should faithfully promise during the said space to abstain from all hostility 2. That before expiring of the said Abstinence the Nobility and Estates should convene and advise upon the best means to establish a final peace and if any difficulty should arise in the said treaty which amongst themselves could not be composed that the same should be remitted to the determination of the most Christian King and Queen of England 3. That the town of Edinburgh should be set at liberty and made patent to all the subjects and no place thereof be withholden or fortified with Garrisons the Castle only excepted which before these troubles arose was accustomed to be kept and guarded with souldiers 4. That all the subjects of whatsoever quality and condition they were should freely converse together without trouble or molestation to be offered them by word or deed excepting such as should be found guilty of the murther of the King his Father and Regents The thieves and broken men of the Borders and Highlands with the disturbers of the publick peace betwixt the Realms of Scotland and England none of which should be comprised in the present Abstinence but remitted to the trial and censure of the Common law and wheresoever they might be apprehended presented 5. And last because there were divers persons who in the time of these troubles had possessed themselves in other mens lands and the tenth whereof in that season were to be collected To the effect no impediment should be made to the peace intended it was agreed that the corns and fruits growing upon the said lands should be gathered and put in Granges or stalked upon the fields and not applied to any private use before the expiring of the Abstinence These Articles were published the first day of August both at Edinburgh and Leth and the same day the Duke with the Earl of Huntley and their followers departed from Edinburgh leaving the town free and patent as was agreed This beginning of peace joyed not a little the good subjects for which publick thanks were given in all the churches and solemn prayers made for the continuance and perfection thereof At this time or much about the same the Earl of Northumberland who had been kept a long time at Lochlevin was delivered by the Earl of Morton to the Lord Hunsden Governour of Berwick and shortly after beheaded at York Hereat many did offend esteeming the fact dishonourable and a discredit to the whole nation others did excuse it by the necessity of the time and the inconvenience that the publick affairs might receive if the Queen of England should be in any sort displeased But so much the worse it was taken that as the rumour went Morton received for his delivery in England a great summe of money and so the Nobleman thought rather to be sold then delivered The next day after the publication of the Abstinence the Regent and Nobility adhering to the King did enter into Edinburgh where the Ambassadours after thanks given them for their pains they had taken were courteously dimitted It was the 27 of September some three days only before the expiring of the Abstinence that the Noblemen â—id meet as was appointed to consult upon the means of a perfect peace Whereupon it was first agreed that the Abstinence should be prorogued unto Ianuary next after that falling to treat of the businesse it self they agreed in many points and even then had made a final accord if the Laird of Grange had not marred the same with his petitions These were as followeth 1. He craved a discharge to himself and all that were in the Castle of all things which they or any of them had committed since the beginning of the troubles and that all Acts Decrees and Sentences pronounced against them either in Parliament secret Councel or before the Justice general and his Deputies might be declared null and of no effect 2. That they should be repossessed in their rooms heritages and possessions without any challenge to be made thereafter of the same by whatsoever person or persons 3. That the heirs of the Lord Fleming the Lord of Wormeston and others who were slain in the Queens cause might enter to their heritage and rooms as though they had never been forfeited 4. That the Castle of Edinburgh should be consigned in the hands of the Earl of Rothes with the whole furnishing munition and rent belonging there to the Captain making an account of the Jewels and other goods which he received with the house As also restoring all the goods of the people of Edinburgh that were put in his custody which he was content to do he being freely discharged of all and secured by Act of Parliament 5. That the Castle of Blacknes should be put in the keeping of some one of their side and the rents appertaining thereto assigned for the entertainment of a Garrison within the same 6. In respect of the great debt he had contracted in these warres he craved the summ of twenty thousand merks to be given him for satisfying his creditors 7. That the Earl of Morton should resign the superiority of the lands of Grange and other lands annexed thereto to be holden of the Crown in all time coming And lastly that the Lords within the Castle might be licenced to go into the Kingdom of France or any other countrey they pleased forth of Scotland and that the Earl of Rothes should be surety for the accomplishment the whole premises These Articles being presented to the Regent and Councel were for the first three judged reasonable but to commit any places of strength to others then those who had constantly adhered to the King they esteemed it not safe and to give him any recompence that was known to be the author of the last troubles they said it would be a matter of ill ensample For the licence craved to those of the Castle to goe out of the countrey they held the petition very suspicious and could not think there was a sound meaning in them that had moved the same yet was it not thought meet to answer him by a simple denial at that time but rather to keep him in hope and appoint a new diet for pursuing the treaty begun Thus by consent the Abstinence was prorogued and the last of Octob. assigned for a new meeting at Perth The delay grieved the Regent exceedingly and as it was supposed partly for this and partly for
the crossings he found in the publick affairs he contracted a sicknesse whereof he died at Striveling the eighth of October The adversary faction flattering themselves in their own conceits made the like construction of his death which they had made of the other Regents that proceeded saying that it was an evident sign of Gods displeasure with the present courses and that none of those who joyned in the enterprise against the Queen could prosper better But to measure Gods love or hatred by these outward accidents is folly seeing they fall out alike to all both good and wicked and for this Nobleman howsoever he was taken away to the countrey untimely he died happily for himself and well reported of all Before his dying he commended the care of the Kings person in most earnest manner to his Lady and to Alexander Ereskin his brother appointing him keeper of the Castle till his son should be grown up and be of a perfectage and giving most wise directions both for the one and the other ended his days in great quietness and in the assurance of that better life In the next moneth Iohn Knox who had returned a little before to Edinburgh departed this life The Reader will pardon me if here I make a little digression to shew what a man this was both in his life and death the rather because some malicious and wicked spirits have studied by many forged lies to deprave his fame only out of hatred of true Religion whereof he was a zealous promover He was born in Gifford within Lothian of a mean but honest parentage and being put to school made such profit in his studies under that famous Doctor Mr. Iohn Major as he was held worthy to enter into orders before the years allowed By reading the ancients especially the works of S. Austen he was brought to the knowledge of the truth and for the profession thereof endured many troubles as well in the Cardinals life as after his death Having happily escaped these dangers he went into England and became a Preacher of the Gospel making his chief abode in the towns of Berwick and Newcastle In the beginning of Queen Maries persecution he fled in the company of some other Ministers to Geneva and served with them in an English Congregation which was there gathered untill the year 1559. at which time he was called home by the Noblemen that enterprised the Reformation and how soon the Church got liberty placed Minister at Edinburgh in this charge he continued to his last for the civil troubles which forced him to leave the town ceased no sooner then he returned to the place But his body grown infirm and his voyce so weak as people could not hear him teaching in the ordinary place he made choice of another more commodious within the town reading to his auditory the history of the Passion in which he said It was his desire to finish and close his Ministery Thus he continued preaching though with much weaknesse two moneths and more after his return and knowing that he was not to remain a long time with them he was instant with the Councel of the town to provide themselves of a worthy Parson to succeed in his place Mr. Iames Lawson who at that time professed Philosophy in the Colledge of Aberdene being commended for a good Preacher Commissioners were directed from the Superintendent of Lothian the Church of Edinburgh and Mr. Iohn Knox himself to desire him to accept the charge To the letter that the Commissioners carried after he had set his hand he added this Postscript Accelcra mifrater alioqui serò venies make haste brother otherwise you come too late meaning that if he made any stay he should find him dead and gone These last words moved Mr. Lawson to take journey the more quickly when he was come to the town and had preached once or twice to the good liking of the people order was taken by the Superintendent for his admission and the Diet appointed at which Iohn Knox himself would be present and teach though he could scarcewalk on foot to the chaire At no time was he heard to speak with greater power and more content to the hearers and in the end of his Sermon calling God to witness that he had walked in a good conscience amongst them not seeking to please men nor serving either his own or other mens affections but in all sincerity and truth preached the Gospel of Christ with most grave and pithy words he exhorted them to stand fast in the faith they had received and having conceived a zealous prayer for the continuance of Gods blessings upon them and the multiplying of his spirit upon the Preacher who was then to be admitted he gave them his last farewell The people did convey him to his lodging and could not be drawn from it so loth they were to part with him and he the same day in the afternoon by sicknesse was forced to take bed During the time he lay which was not long he was much visited by all sorts of persons to whom he spake most comfortably amongst others to the Earl of Morton that came to see him he was heard say My Lord God hath given you many blessings he hath given you wisdom riches many good and great friends and is now to preferre you to the government of the Realm In his name I charge you that you use these blessings aright and better in time to come nor ye have done in times past In all your actions seek first the glory of God the furtherance of his Gospel the maintenance of his Church and Ministery and next be careful of the King to procure his good and the welfare of the Realm If ye shall do this God will be with you and honour you if otherwise ye shall do it not he shall deprive you of all these benefits and your end shall be shame and ignominy These speeches the Earl nine years after at the time of his execution called to mind saying that he had found them to be true and him therein a Prophet His last speech to the Ministers A day or two before his death he sent for Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Iames Lawson and the Elders and Deacons of the Church to whom he said The time is approaching for which I have long thirsted wherein I shall be relieved of all cares and be with my Saviour Christ for ever And now God is my witnesse whom I have served with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son that I have taught nothing but the true and solid doctrine of the Gospel and that the end I proponed in all my preaching was to instruct the ignorant to confirm the weak to comfort the consciences of those who were humbled under the sense of their sinnes and bear down with the threatenings of Gods judgements such as were prou◠and rebellious I am not ignorant that many have blamed and yet do blame my too great rigour
for any crime committed in the said common cause since the time aforesaid had been dispossessed of their lands heritages Benefices Pensions heritable offices and other profits whatsoever whether the same had proceeded upon sentences of forfeiture or barratry or any other way should be effectually restored and be rehabiliated to their blouds and honours to the end they might enjoy the same as freely as if the said troubles had never happened 10. That all actions crimes and transgressions committed by them and their sollowers since the 15th of Iune 1567. incest witchcraft and theft excepted should be freely remitted so as the same did not extend to the murther of the first and second Regents which are matters of such importance as the Regent now in place would not meddle with And yet in respect of the present pacification if the same be moved to the Queen of England by the Commitrees thereof whatsoever she should advise to be done therein should be confirmed in Parliament and the remission under the hand of the Clerk of the Rolles be as sufficient as if the same were passed the great Seal And if any of them should crave a pardon for other crimes committed before the said 15th day the same upon notice given of the persons and crimes should be granted the murtherer of the Kings father fire raising theft and the resset of theft with incest and witchcraft being excepted 11. That all civill decrees given since the said 15. of Iune wherewith the said persons or any of them do find themselves grieved should be reviewed by the ordinary Judges that pronounced the same and the parties upon their supplications be heard to propone any lawful defence which they might have used in the time of the deduction of the proces providing the supplications be presented and their petitions exhibited within six moneths after the date of these Articles 12. That all persons comprehended in the pacification after publication thereof should indifferently be received in all parts of the Realm as his Majesties good subjects and that nothing done or that hath occurred during the troubles should be esteemed a cause of deadly feud and enmity nor admitted as an exception either against Judge party or witnesses 13. That the heirs and successours of persons forfeited and now departed this life who are comprehended in this pacification should be restored to their lands and possessions and that it should be lawful for them to enter thereto by Breves as if their fathers and predecessors had never been forfeited and had died at the Kings peace specially the heirs of Iohn sometime Archbishop of S. Andrewes Gawan Commendator of Kilwining Andrew Hamilton of Cocknow and Captain Iames Cullen Unto these Articles some other particulars were added which were all confirmed by the oathes and subscriptions of the Commissioners and Noblemen in presence of the English Ambassadour and a time given to Grange and those of the Castle to accept or refuse the benefit of the peace But that none excepted in the former Abstinence nor any at that time forth of the Realm should think themselves comprehended therein it was declared that the benefit of the present pacification should not be extended to them This was done to exclude the Archbishop of Glasgow and Bishop of Rosse Ambassadours for the Scottish Queen the one in France and the other in England against whom the sentence of Barratry had been pronounced About this time Sir Iames Kirkaldy brother to Grange who had been directed to France for supply of those within the Castle returned bringing with him a years rent of the Scottish Queens Dowry but finding the house inclosed and that there was no safe accesse thereto he went to Blackness which then professed to hold for the Queen The Captain had betrayed the same as we shewed before to the Hamiltons and now turning his coat to make his peace with the Regent he offered to put in his hand both the man and the money The bargain made the money was given to the Regent and Kirkaldy detained as prisoner A few days after the Captain going abroad to do some businesse Kirkaldy enticed the souldiers by great promises to joyn with him and lay hands upon the Captains brother and a few Gentlemen left to attend him which they following their Captains ensample were easily induced to do Thus the house was possessed in Kirkaldies name and he of a prisoner turned to be chief commander But he did not long enjoy this place for his wife being come thither to visit him when she was the next morrow to depart desired the convoy of some souldiers for a mile or two fearing as she pretended to be robbed by Captain Lambie who lay with a company at Linlithgow not far from thence and as he to save her went forth himself to bring her on a part of the way suspecting no treachery he was in his return intercepted by Lambie and carried first to Linlithgow then to Dalkeith where he was kept some days and afterwards dimitted In this sort did fortune sport her self with that Gentleman changing his condition up and down three several times within the space of a few dayes Peace now made with the chief Noblemen of the Queens faction it was supposed that Grange and his partakers would likewise be moved to embrace it Whereupon the Ambassadour taking with him the subscribed Articles went to the Castle and shewing how things had passed used many perswasions to make them content to be comprehended therein But they would not affirming the conditions to be shameful and so far to the prejudice of their Queen as till they were allowed by her self and by the French King they should never admit them After the Ambassadour had ceased to treat with them the Earl of Rothes and Lord Boyd travelled to the same effect representing the danger and inevitable ruine they should fall into if they did not yield in time But they scorned these threats thinking the strength they were in impregnable and looking still for some succours from France and the Duke of Alva or if that should fail they made no doubt to obtain their peace at easier conditions then the Noblemen had accepted The Regent offended with their obstinacy discharged all further dealing with them and sent to the Queen of England for a supply of men and munition which was granted and Sir William Drury Marshal of Berwick commanded to joyn with him in besieging the Castle How soon the Regent understood that the direction was given to the Marshal the Lord Ruthven was sent to confer with him of the order that should be kept in the service They meeting at the Church of Lamberton in the Mers for preventing all debates that might arise did agree as followeth 1. That neither the Regent nor the General should without the advice and consent of the other transact or make any composition with the besieged 2. That if it happen the house to be taken by assault 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
advice take order for preventing the troubles that might arise by their dissensions The King liking the advice commanded letters to be written for all the Noblemen in the countrey to meet at Striveling the tenth day of March yet the advertisement went only the two Earls having the direction of the letters to those that were their own friends and enemies to the Regent Amongst others the Lords Maxwel and Ogilvy were invited to come of whom the first had been lately dispatched from his office of Wardanrie in the West Marches and committed in the Castle of Blackness the other had of a long time been confined in the City of S. Andrews How soon the Regent was advertised of Argile and Athols being with the King and that they had moved him to call the Nobility to a meeting upon a pretext of trying Argiles complaint he sent the Earl of Angus the Lord Glammis Chancelcellour and the Lord Ruthven Thesaurer with a letter and certain notes under his hand to be communicated to the King In the notes he made a particular relation of the contempt done by the Earl of Argile to his Majesties authority and of his practises with Athol to disturb the common peace desiring to know his Majesties pleasure concerning them that if his Highness would allow him to follow the course of law he might do his duty if otherwise his Majesty thought fit to oversee their disobedience that he would be pleased to disburthen him of his office and not suffer his own name and authority to be despised in the person of his servant for as he had at sundry times made offer to dimit the Regiment whensoever his Majesty was pleased to take it in his own hands so will he now most willingly resign the same so as a substantial course were taken for the preservation of his Highness person the ordering of his Majesties house and the dispensing of the revenues of the Crown Herewith he recommended the keeping of the peace contracted with England because of the danger that a warre might bring not only to the Realm but also to his Highness title and right of succession in that Kingdom And having recounted the services done by himself from his Majesties birth unto that present specially his assistance at the Kings Coronation the danger whereunto he exposed himself and his friends in Lanside field and at the siege of Brichen The legations which he had undertaken to England the recovery of the Castle of Edinburgh the pacification of the Realm which at his entry to the government he found in great trouble the redeeming of the jewels and moveables pertaining to the Cown and the restoring of the royal Patrimony to some reasonable estate in regard of all these services he craved no more but an allowance of what he had done in his office and a discharge of his intromissions by the Estates of Parliament These notes being shewed to the Noblemen who were about the King for numbers were come upon the rumour of a change that was in hand they did all advise him to take hold of the offer of dimission made by the Regent and accept the government in his own person after which he might deliberate upon such things as the Regent had moved Some were of opinion that the King should write to the Regent and require of him a dimission but the greater part misliking delays did reckon it more sure to do that which was meant at once and not to protract time with a communing such as that manner of proceedings would necessarily breed The King liking best the perswasions that were given him to reign a thing natural to Princes resolution was taken to discharge the Regent of his authority and publish the Kings acceptation of the government This conclusion was the same day imparted to the Regent who thereupon sent the Laird of Whittingham to desire the King before any innovation was made to reconcile those of the Nobility that were in variance with others thinking this way to hold off the publication intended at least for some days But it availed nothing for immediately were the Chancellour and Lord Hereis sent with this Commission to him in writing That his Majesty considering the dislike which many had of his government and the apparent troubles to fail upon the Realm had by the advice of the Nobility determined to accept the rule in his own person and because delay of time might breed some further grudge and inconvenience he did therefore require him to send his Declaration in writ with all speed for testifying his obedience and allowance of what was done and to abstain from all further administration or exercise of the office of Regency As concerning his desires for the surety of his Majesties person the ordering of his house and revenues of the Crown with preservation of the peace with England and the setling of the Borders and Highlands his Highnes should omit nothing that lay in his power to do for effecting the same and therein would follow the counsel which he and the rest of the Nobility should give unto him and for the discharge of his administration he should have all granted which with reason he could require the form whereof his Majesty did will him to draw up that he might deliberate with his Councel what was fit to be done therein assuring him that he should be well and graciously used With this Commission they did likewise carry a letter written by the King himself in very loving terms declaring that because he saw no other way to maintain concord amongst his subjects he had accepted the government in his own hands and that he was confident to have the defects of his age and experience supplied by his Nobility especially by himself whom he would ever love and acknowledge as his trusty Coâ—sen most tender to him in blood these be the words of the letter and one of his true and faithful Counsellours In the mean time the Kings acceptation was published at Striveling and the next day being the 12th of March proclaimed at Edinburgh where the Regent himself was assisting and took instruments of his dimission in the hands of two Notaries It grieved divers of his friends that he had so easily condescended to quit the place which they thought he might with good reason have kept till a Parliament had been called for that purpose Amongst others the Lord Boyd who was most intire with him and came to Edinburgh some few houres after his dimission did chide him bitterly speaking to this effect That he did presume too much of his own wit who in a matter of so great moment would not once ask the opinion of his friends and that in a short time he should find that he had done unwisely to forsake the place committed to him by the whole Estates of the Kingdome at the pleasure of his enemies For it is sufficiently known said he that the King is a childe and that these motions
rest well satisfied But a pitiful accident that fell out in the time gave an hinderance to these business The Chancellour going to the Castle to make his report to the King as he returned to his lodging did encounter the Earl of Crawford in the street called commonly the Schoolhouse wynd There had been an old grudge bewixt the two families whereupon the Noblemen passed by others without salutations the street being narrow and the companies of each side great when they were almost parted two base fellowes fell a strugling for the way and by thrusting one at another raised a tumult in the very beginning whereof the Chancellour was killed with the shot of a Pistol It was certainly known that the Noblemen did purpose no harm to others for Crawford did call to his followers to give way to the Chancellour as he on the other side called to give way to the Earl of Crawford yet by this unhappy accident were the old dissensions that had long slept revived and a fresh enmity raised which turned to the great hurt of both The death of the Chancellour was much lamented falling out in the time when the King and countrey stood in most need of his service He had carried himself with much commendation in his place and acquired a great authority most careful was he to have peace conserved both in the countrey and Church and laboured much to have the question of Church policy setled upon which subject he interchanged divers letters with Theodore Beze Some have blamed him of too great curiosity in that matter but his intention certainly was pious and commendable Upon his death the Earl of Athol was preferred to be Chancellour at which the Church did mightily offend as likewise of the admission of the Earls of Cathnes and Eglinton with the Lord Ogilvy upon the Councel who were all thought to be Popishly inclined This being meaned to the King was in some sort satisfied by their promises and subscriptions to the Articles of religion yet the suspicions of their unsoundness still continued And now began they who longed for the change of Mortons government to repent the alteration that was made for howsoever he did not favour the novations in Church policy urged by some Ministers he kept a severe hand over Papists permitting none to enjoy and publick office who was not sincerely affected to the truth The first of April the Castle of Edinburgh was delivered to the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay who were appointed by the King to receive the house and a discharge given to the Earl of Morton of the jewels munition and moveables within the same And the same day Iohn Seaton of Touch and Iohn Cunningham of Drumwhassil received the keys in name of Alexander Areskin Uncle to the Earl of Marre upon a warrant directed to them for that effect The Earl of Morton resolving to live private and to have no more medling in publick affairs retired to Lochlevin where he stayed not long being recalled to Court by this occasion The friends of the house of Marre of whom the principals were the Abbots of Driburgh and Cambuskenneth out of some jealousie they conceived of Alexander Areskin his courses and a fear that the young Nobleman who was then grown to some years might be prejudged of his right in keeping the Castle practised secretly to exclude him and entring one morning with a number of his followers seised upon the keeper of the gate took the keys from him by force and putting him and his men forth placed others in their rooms whom they caused swear fidelity to the Earl of Marre How soon the Councel which then remained at Edinburgh was advertised of this change they prepared to go to Striveling and for their greater security were furnished with some companies of men by the Town of Edinburgh but by letters from the King they were stayed In these letters the King shewed that it was a private dissension only that had happened betwixt the friends of the house of Marre which he would have peaceably composed and therefore desired them to come unto him after a day or two in quiet and sober manner and assist the reconcilement They obeyed and coming to Striveling in a frequent Councel kept the third of May the controversy was in these termes composed That the Earl of Marre being new come to a reasonable age he should attend the Kings person and have the custody of the Castle of Striveling and that the Master his Uncle should remain Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh and when he came to Court have his table kept as before and enjoy the place of a Gentleman of his Majesties chamber The conditions prescrived to the Earl of Marre were That he should guard the Castle attend the Kings person therein and not remove him to any place whatsoever without the knowledge and consent of the Councel That he should not receive any within the house whom he knew not to be well affected to the King admitting an Earl with two only in train a Lord with one and Gentleman single that Mr. George Buchannan and Mr. Peter Young should continue his instructers and no others be admitted without the Councels consent nor any religious exercise kept within the Castle but that which the Parliament had approved For the observing of these Articles the Earls of Athol Angus Argile and Montross with the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay became sureties For the Master his Uncle and his fidelity in keeping the Castle of Edinburgh with the jewels munition and other moveables the Earls of Athol Argile Montross and the Lord Ruthven gave their bond and obligation Some days after this broile the Captain his eldest son called Alexander a youth of great hopes departed this life as it was thought of a grief he conceived for the indignity done to his Father This agreement being made and the Lords being then to return to Edinburgh the King did signify unto them that because the Parliament was indicted to the tenth of Iuly he would before that time call a number of every estate together for the preparing of matters and that all emulations laid aside they might concurre and joyn their counsels for the publick good of the Realm The Diet for this meeting he appointed at Striveling the tenth of Iune the Convention at the time was frequent of the Clergy eight Bishops and as many Abbots were present of the Nobility nine Earls and eleven Lords and divers Commissioners of Burghs The Earl of Morton at the Kings earnest intreaty came also thither and at his coming was admitted upon the Councel having the precedency allowed him with the consent of the rest because of the Regency he had a long time sustained In the first meeting the King after he had given thanks to the whole number for the readinesse they had shewed to convene in that place proponed two things One was touching the Parliament and the place where it should
hold The other concerned an Ambassage which he intended to send into England For the Parliament he said that he longed to see a meeting of the Estates and would have the time to which it was called precisely observed wishing them all to addrâ—sse themselves thereto in time and to come in a peaceable manner as men disposed to do good and seeking the common profit of their countrey And for the place seeing his own presence was necessary and that he could not conveniently remove from Striveling he desired the Parliament to be fenced at Edinburgh at the day appointed and then prorogated some four or five days and brought to Striveling For the Ambassage he gave divers reasons First that having assumed the government in his own hands he was bound in courtesie to visit the Queen of England and give her thanks for the kindnesse he had received of her in his minority Next that the disorder lately fallen out in the borders for about that time some borderers had entred into England and committed great robberies laid a necessity upon him to clear the countrey of that fact and make offer of redresse Thirdly that he had a private business which touched him nearly his Grandmother the Lady Lennox being newly deceased and he being her only heir it concerned him he said to inquire what her last will was and to see that no prejudice was done to him in his succession to the lands she possessed in England Lastly if they did think meet but this he remitted to their wisdomes he shewed that he could like well to have a motion made of a more strict league betwixt the two Realms during the Queens life and his It grieved the ordinary Counsellours much that the place of Parliament should be changed who therefore laboured to disswade the King from it but perceiving him resolved that way they gave their consents though most unwillingly When they came to speak of the Ambassage to England they acknowledged the necessity thereof but took exception at the league pretending the ancient league with France It was replied That the case of things was much altered from that in former times that England and Scotland had now the same enemies because of their common profession so as for their own safety it was needful they should joyn together in strict friendship and that the league with England might be so contracted as the old amity with France should remain inviolate The King further declared that he did not mean to give power to his Ambassadour for concluding a league wherein he would do nothing rashly nor without the advice of the Estates only be desired the same should be moved and upon the report of the Queens liking thereof that the conditions of the league should be well and gravely advised After long reasoning the matter being put unto voices it was by plurality agreed that the same should be made one of the Ambassadours instructions against which the Earls of Argile Montross and Cathnes the Lords Lindesay and Innermaith with the Commendatary of Deir took publick protestation These things bred a new heart-burning amongst the Noblemen for they took Morton to be deviser of all and that he was craftily drawing back the administration of affairs unto himself which albeit they dissembled for the present brake forth after a few days in an open dissension The Citizens of Edinburgh were much offended with the Kings remaining in Striveling and the remove of the Parliament from their town and as it happeneth in such times of discontent rumors were dispersed that the King was detained captive and was shortly to be sent into England and the ancient league with France dissolved This being in the mouthes of all men and talked of not in corners but in open and publick meetings a Proclamation was given out the sixth of Iuly Declaring the falshood of those rumors and that the same were raised by some seditious spirits that could not live quiet under any sort of government for as to the Kings detention it was known to be most false and that it was his own choice to remain at Striveling attended by those whom the Councel by common consent had appointed for the safe custody of his person And for the Parliament which they said was to treat of the dissolution of peace with their old confederates and to make up new leagues with others there was no such matter it being his Majesties only purpose to have such things intreated in that meeting as might tend to the advancement of Gods honour the safety of his Royal person and the establishment of good laws for the quietnesse of the Realm Whereof if any made doubt they might be resolved at their coming to the Parliament which was now approaching Therefore were all good subjects advertised not to believe those seditious reports nor suffer themselves to be led by such wicked suggestions into rebellion This declaration prevailed little with the most part for the mindes of men were much exasperated And the time of Parliament come the Lords that remained at Edinburgh took counsel not to go thither but to send of their number one or two to protest against the lawfulnesse of it The Earl of Montross and Lord Lindesay were chosen to that purpose who coming to Striveling shew the King the Noblemens excuse and declared all they had in Commission to say wishing his Majesty to prorogate the Parliament unto a better time and make choice of a fitter place But he resolved by the counsel of those that were present to go on and coming the next day which was the 16th of Iuly to the great Hall where the Estates were advertised to meet he made a short speech touching the liberty of Parliaments and the necessity he had to keep one at that time and in that place assuring all persons who had any thing to move or propone that they should have free accesse and receive satisfaction according to Justice After the King had closed his speech the Earl of Montross and Lord Lindesay arose and in the name of the Councel and others of the Nobility adhering to them protested against the lawfulnesse of the Parliament in so far as it was kept within the Castle whither they could not safely repair the same being in the enemies power The King offended with the protestation commanded them to keep their lodgings and not to depart forth of Striveling without his licence which the Lord Lindesay obeyed but Montross the next day early in the morning went away and returned to Edinburgh where it was given out that he had brought from the King a secret direction to the Lords to convene the subjects in Arms and liberate him out of Mortons hands Thereupon a Declaration was published bearing that his Majesty having assumed the government in his own person because of the enormities committed in the time of Mortons Regiment had appointed the Councel to remain at Edinburgh for the better ministration of Justice
And that by the care they took of affairs all things had gone well and peaceably till Morton out of his ambitious desire to rule did suborn some instruments to surprise the Kings house and person at Striveling injuriously displace the Captain and put his family and servants to the gates Of which seditious enterprise although he did pretend ignorance yet the progresse of his actions continually since that time did shew that he was the chief plotter of that businesse for after his coming to â—ourt and admission to be one of the Councel he had disordered all things thralling the King so farre that his best subjects could have no free accesse unto him and usurping the jurisdiction of his Majesties ordinary Councel in translating the Parliament from Edinburgh the Principal â—ity of the Realm unto the Castle of Striveling Like as to bear out his wicked and violent designes he had of late presumed to levie souldiers at the Kings cost and charge intending thereby to maintain his usurped authority and oppresse his Majesties obedient and lawful subjects In consideration of which abuses and lest notorious presumptions should by their continual patience grow to a further height they had resolved laying aside all difficulties to withstand the violences practised by him under the title of the Kings authority and to hazard their goods lives and lands for the delivery of his Majesties person out of his thraldom protesting that the inconveniences which should ensue upon the present troubles should not be imputed to them in as much as they were forced unto it for their own just and necessary defence the restitution of their native Prince to liberty and the delivering of the Church and Commonwealth from the Tyranny of such as have ever sought and still do seek the ruin and overthrow of both This declaration published all parts of the Realm were in a commotion Souldiers were levied on either side Horse and Foot and Proclamations sent to the Sheriffdomes of Edinburgh Hadington Linlithgow Clackmannan Kinress Perth Fife Forfar Lanark Dumbarton and to the Bailiaries of Kyle and Cunningham to prepare themselves with victuals for 15. days and be in readinesse to follow the King or his Lieutenants upon six hours warning as they should be directed Herewith a Commission of Lieutenandry was given to the Earl of Angus for convocating the subjects and pursuing the rebels who had usurped the Kings authority with all sort of rigour charges were also directed to command the Earls of Athol and Argile to depart forth of Edinburgh within the space of 24. houres and return to the places of their dwelling under the pain of treason the Magistrates of Edinburgh were enjoyned to apprehend the persons that had taken Armes within their Town and not to suffer any armed men to enter in the same except such as should have direction from his Majesty Which when the Provost Archibald Stewart came to excuse as not being in the Towns power to withstand the forces of the Noblemen he himself was sent prisoner to the Castle of Down The Parliament in this mean time went on and all things proceeded therein as in a time of most secure peace Upon their dissolving when it was told the King that the Lords were gathering forces and that they gave out the same to be done by warrant from him he commanded by a new Proclamation all that were assembled in Armes to separate and return to their dwellings within the space of six houres promising pardon to such as obeyed And lest any should be deceived with the rumours of his captivity and secret warrants from himself he again declared That it was his own desire to remain at Striveling and be served by the Earl of Marre with whom he knew his surety was greater then if he should be at the devotion of those that caused the present troubles whose meanings towards him could be no better then it had been in times past For the Warrants they pretended he called God to witnesse that they had neither word nor writ from him therefore willed all his good subjects to live quiet and not to be misled by such false informations This Proclamation the Lords would not suffer to be published at Edinburgh but making the greater expedition drew together their companies and marched towards Striveling the first night they camped at Linlithgow and the day following having mustered their Army which they found to be about 4000. they went to Falkirk The Earl of Angus as Lieutenant for the King took the fields and displaying the Royal Banner made towards them In number he did not equall the others but they were Gentlemen all active and resolute Sir Robert Bowes the English Ambassadour riding betwixt the Armies travelled earnestly to bring them to an agreement and by his intreaties and the proponing of honourable conditions did keep them from joyning In which time one Tait a follower of Cesford who as then was of the Lords party came forth in a bravery and called to the opposite horsemen asking if any among them had courage to break a lance for his Mistress he was answered by one Iohnston servant to the Master of Glammis and his challenge accepted The place chosen was a little plain at the river of Carron on both sides whereof the horsemen stood spectators At the first encounter Tait having his body pierced through fell from his horse and presently died This was taken by those of Mortons side to be a presage of victory But by the Ambassadours travails the parties were drawne to the conditions following 1. That the forces on either side should presently separate and a few horsemen only be retained upon his Majesties charges who should be imployed for quieting the borders and not against the Lords convened at Falkirk or their adherents in the present action 2. That the proceedings of the Lords and other partakers with the Chancellour since the tenth of Iuly last should be allowed as good service done to the King in respect his Majesty was assured of their good affection towards his own person 3. That the Chancellour and Earl of Argile should have their lodging within the Castle of Striveling with the like numbers that were permitted to other Noblemen 4. That all the Noblemen Barons and other Gentlemen who pleased to come unto the King should be freely admitted to his presence and have liberty to propone their own affairs 5. That the Earl of Montross and Lord Lindesay should be received in the number of the Councel 6. That the King calling to himself eight Noblemen that is four of each party to be nominated by themselves should consider the griefs and offences of either side take order for removing the same and make up a perfect reconcilement amongst the Nobility 7. That the Commission of Lieutenantry granted to the Earl of Angus should be discharged 8. And last that the Captains of the Castle of Edinburgh and Dumbarton should enjoy their offices till the
reconciliation intended was brought to an end These Articles being signed by the King and subscrived by the principals of both parties the accord and heads thereof were published at Striveling and Falkirk the fourteenth of August upon which the Armies dissolved No stirre in our memory was more happily pacified for should it have come to the worst as it was not far off such was the heat and hate of both factions that the mischief could not but have been great which would have ensued The place and time of the Noblemens meeting for considering the grievances of both parties being left to the Kings appointing because delay might breed greater difficulties his Majesty did assign the 20. of September to meet at Striveling whereof he caused the Ambassadour give the Chancellour notice and to desire him to name the four Noblemen whose advice he and the rest would use in that treaty The Chancellour answered by letter That neither he nor Argile could agree to meet at Striveling nor could they design the four Noblemen whom they would use because death sickness and other accidents might hinder one or more of them to convene but if it should please the King to appoint the place of meeting at Edinburgh about the end of November they should keep the day and for the present nominate ten of which number hey should choose some four at that time as arbiters for their party The ten they named were the Earls of Montross and Cathnes the Lords Lindesay Maxwel Hereis Ogilvy and Innermeath the Abbot of Newbottle and the Lairds of Bargenny and Drumwhassil Herewith he desired three things to be granted One was that licence might be given to such an one as they would choose to pass into England next that they who were dispossessed of their places and offices since the tenth of July might be restored namely Mr. Mark Ker sonne to the Abbot of Newbottle Master of Requests and William Cunningham sonne to the Laird of Drumwhassil Gentleman of the Kings Bedchamber Thirdly that none should be called in question for their absence upon the late Proclamations seeing all they who came not to Striveling must be understood to have been their adherents This answer communicated to the King did highly offend him First that they should usurp the appointing of the time and place of meeting which was left in his power next that they would presume to send a message into England they being his subjects and neither acquaint him with the person nor the message For the other Petitions he judged them impertinent and more fit to be proponed at the meeting of the Noblemen wherefore in a letter sent by Mr. William Areskin to the Chancellour he shewed that since they had delayed to nominate the four Noblemen he himself would make choice of four of them whose names they had given to the Ambassadour to wit the Lords Lindesay Ogilvy Innermeath and Hereis to whom he would joyn the Earls of Rothes and Buchan with the Lords Ruthven and Boyd and by their advice proceed in the reconciliation by him intended which if they should refuse he would notifie to the Queen of England and other Christian Princes the care he had taken to perform all things as they had been lately accorded To this letter no answer was given but that they should advise with their friends and afterwards signify their minds wherewith the King being discontent he summoned the Noblemen to meet at Striveling the 20. of September warning all the subjects whom that businesse concerned to addresse themselves thither against the day At the day none of them appeared and the more careful the King was to have peace made the more they seemed to draw back protracting time upon frivolous excuses Wherefore the King for the last Diet appointed the 20. of October which most of them kept Being all assembled the King spake to them to this effect Ye do all understand what an earnest desire I have that you should joyn in friendship one with another which cannot be more contentment to me then it is benefit to your selves although I have many occasions given me to fall from that desire yet I abide in the same mind and shall wish you to lay aside your needless jealousies and suspicions For as to me I will sindy to be indifferent and bestow my favours unpartially and never repose my self upon any one so much as to deny others the regard which is due to them Ye that are Noblemen have a special interest in me and unlesse there be a correspondence of wills and mindes amongst you I shall never find that concurrence that ought to be for mine honour and the good of the Commonwealth It is not long since at your own desires I accepted the government of the Realm being perswaded by you that this was the only way to cease all grudges but now that I see them increased it repents me to have yielded to your desires and intangled my self in such businesse What should let you to be reconciled and become perfect friends I know not if there by any grief or offence that hath exasperated your minds will ye shew it I am here with the advice of my Lords to remove it and see satisfaction made by those that have done the wrong I hope you do not carry mindes irreconcilcable ye professed that ye laid down Arms for the love ye bare to your King by the same love I intreat you to lay aside jealousies and suspicâ—ons which ye will doubtlesse do except ye mind to expose your countrey and your selves to utter ruine The Lords moved with this speech professed themselves willing at his Majesties desire to bury all discords and that their agreement might be the more sound they were required to set down in writing the injuries and unkindness whereof they complained that satisfaction might be made at the sight of the King and Noblemen whom he had named Hereupon the Chancellour and Argile presented their grievances in some short Articles bearing the unkindnesse they had received from the Earl of Morton in the time of his Regiment Whereunto he answered first generally that what he did in that time was done by order of law and that they themselves had allowed his proceedings and were sureties for ratifying the same in Parliament Then replying more particularly to every Article he gave the King and other Noblemen full satisfaction and made it seen that on the part of the other Lords there was a great mistaking for what he did he could not leave undone without a manifest violation of justice Yet for himself he said although he had been ill rewarded by them for his pains taken in the publick service and received more unkindnesse at their hands then he had deserved he would freely remit all at the Kings desire After some days spent in such reckonings they were brought in end to joyn hands During these contentions in the State Mr. Andrew Melvil held the Church
form of proces kept with them others judged that there needed no such formality seeing the Authours were known and the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against them stood unreduced To use a citation they said was to give them warning to flee whereas otherwise they might be taken unprovided and brought to their censure At last it was agreed that a Commission should be given to some Noblemen that had power and affected the businesse to apprehend them This Commission was given to the Earls of Morton Marre and Eglinton and to the Lords of Ruthven 〈◊〉 and Boyd which was not so closely carried but advertisement went to the Lord Hamilton and his brother Lord Claud so as they escaped The Lord Hamilton going on foot through the most part of England in the habit of a Seaman fled into France Lord Claud after he had lurked a while amongst his friends at home found refuge in the North parts of England others of their friendship who stood in fear saved themselves where best they could Upon the report of their escape charges were directed for rendering the houses of Hamilton and Draffan which belonged to the Earl of Arran their elder Brother and were possessed by the Lord Hamilton as administrator to his brother because of his disease The Earl of Arran himself they had kept in the Castle of Draffan attended by some servants and he was known to have no part in any of these facts wherewith they were charged so as by way of justice his estate could not fall under forfeiture yet some colour of right behoved to be made for bringing the same under the Courts disposing To this effect it was devised that a complaint should be preferred in the name of the Earl of Arran and his Majesties Advocates bearing the miserable condition of the said Earl and how he was detained in close prison by his two brothers without fire aire and the company of his honest friends his living violently possessed by the Commendators of Aberbrothock his Sheriffeship of Laâ—rick usurped himself denied the benefit of marriage and debarred from succession against all law for if he was an idiot or furious as they gave out he ought to have had Curators given him by the King and if he was mentis compos it was an intolerable wrong to use him in that sort Therefore desired letters to be directed for his exhibition before the Councel that it might be known in what estate he was and an honourable provision appointed unto him such as befitted his birth and condition This desire being judged reasonable summons were directed against the two brothers that were fled and they not appearing at the day were denounced Rebels But this not sufficing to work their ends the disobedience of the Keepers in not rendring the strengths when they were charged was made the Earls crime and he found to have incurred the pain of treason an act of the greatest injustice that could be done Notthelesse upon this ground were both the Castles at that time demolished and Captain Iames Stewart afterwards preferred to the Earldome of Arran Whilest these things were doing Monsieur No a Frenchman Secretary to the Queen of Scots came to Striveling with letters and some presents to the King but because in the superscription of the letters he was only intituled Prince of Scotland the messenger was denied accesse and neither his letters nor presents received The rest of this summer was spent for the most part in summoning the Gentlemen of the name of Hamilton and putting them under surety that they should not give supply to the fugitives and be always ready to answer before the Councel when they should be called Dame Margaret Lion Countesse of Cassils who not long before had married the Commendator of Aberbrothock was suffered to possesse the Joincture she had by her first husband upon the like condition And because many were put in fear by this proceeding that the pacification of Perth should be altogether annulled his Majesty made a publick declaration That what was done in the present pursuit was only for the murther of his Father and Regents unto which both in honour and conscience he was tied And that no Article of the pacification should be infringed or called in question In the beginning of Iuly the Earl of Athols funerals were performed with great solemnity and his body interred in the Church of S. Giles at Edinburgh after which Colin Earl of Argile was created Chancellour in his place The King then resolving to shew himself to his people and to fall into the exercise of his Princely authority caused proclaime a Parliament to be kept at Edinburgh the twentieth of October Whilest things were preparing for his remove the Lord D' Ambigny arrived from France of purpose to visit the King as being nigh of blood and Cousen german to his Father The King receiving him kindly after a few days entertainment at Striveling took him in company to Edinburgh when he grew into such favour by his courteous and modest behaviour as the King would not permit him to return unto France and moving his grand Uncle to resign in his favours the Earldom of Lennox he gave to him in recompence the title of the Earldom of March Soon after the Abbacy of Aberbrothock which was fallen by Lord Iohn Hamiltons forfeiture was bestowed on him and he preferred to be one of the privy Councel This suddain and unexpected preferment got him much hatred and being of the Roman profession his enemies filled the countrey with rumours that he was sent from France only to pervert the King in his Religion Notthelesse in the Parliament which held at the time appointed divers good acts were made in favour of the Church but the matters of jurisdiction which the Ministers did chiefly urge was put off to a new Commission Some moneths before the King had required them by a letter directed with Iohn Doncanson his Minister to abstain from making any novation in the Church policy and to suffer things to continue in the state wherein they were unto the Parliament approaching without prejudging the decision of the Estates by their conclusions But they neglecting the letter went to examine the conference kept at Striveling the year preceding and whereas in that conference divers heads were remitted to a further consultation they ordained nothing to be altered either in form or matter of that which amongst themselves was concluded They further called the Archbishop of S. Andrews in question for granting collations upon some Benefices and for giving voice in Parliament not being authorized thereto by the Church This did so displease the King as from that time forth he did not countenance the Ministers as in former times and upon the complaint of persons who otherwise deserved not much regard that the Church might find in what need they stood of his favour he suffered divers sentences to passe in Councel suspending their
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
came in end to desire the Assemblies approbation of their proceedings as that which would incourage them much and dishearten the common adversary This proposition made first it was voyced whether the dangers of the Church and disorders of State were such as in their hearing were related which being affirmatively answered by the whole Assembly Mr. Iames Lawson Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Iohn Craig were appointed to signifie unto the King what the Assembly had found and to require his own judgement therein The King esteeming it most sure for himself to temporize said That he believed Religion was in hazard and indirect courses taken to overturn the same wherewith he acknowledged his own danger to be conjoyned and for abuses crept into the Commonwealth as they were too many so he expected that all good subjects and they for their own parts would help to remove the same This answer returned to the Assembly they concluded an Act in this form For as much as the Noblemen and others joyned with them in the late action of reformation out of a desire to have the Church and whole professors of the true Religion understand the grounds and occasions moving them to repair towards the Kings Majesty to seek redress of the disorders fallen out in the Commonwealth have made publick attestation to the whole Assembly that the motions and grounds of their enterprise were and are to deliver the Church of God within this Realm and the true Religion therein professed from the evident peril and danger wherein all men perceived the same to stand as likewise to guard and preserve the innocent person of the King his Majesty and Estate being in no less hazard then the other and to remove the corruptions and confusion entered into the body of the Commonwealth wherein as they are well perswaded themselves to have done good service to God and to have performed their duty to their Soveraign and countrey so they wished all that feared God should judge and esteem well of their action especially that the brethren of this Assembly should declare their good liking and approbation thereof and ordain all the Pastors and Ministers within the Realm to publish in their particular Churches the causes and grounds moving them to the said enterprise exhorting all Noblemen Barons and other faithful subjects to give their best concurrence and assistance thereto The Assembly having weighed the said desire with the whole circumstances thereof have in the fear of God after mature deliberation resolved found and voted no man gainsaying That not only the Church of God within this Realm and true Religion professed in the same but also the King his most noble person and royal estate were and stood in extreme danger and hazard besides the manifold grosse abuses that had invaded the Commonwealth before the late enterprise which his Majesty had acknowledged and professed to the Commissioners of the present Assembly And that therefore the said brethren could not but think their Honours imploying themselves hereafter for averting the like dangers to have done good and acceptable service to God their Soveraign and native countrey And the prosecution thereof all partiality aside will be acceptable to all that fear God and tender the preservation of the Kings person and prosperous estate of the Realm And to the effect the same may be made the more manfest and notorious it is thought expedient that all the Ministers within the Realm upon the first occasion shall publickly declare unto their particular flocks the peril wherein the Church of God and true Religion the King his most noble person and estate stood with the grounds that moved the said Noblemen unto the late action recommending the same to the consideration of all good subjects exhorting them as they tender the glory of God and love the preservation of the King and countrey faithfully to concurre and joyne with the said Noblemen in prosecuting the said grounds to the full deliverance of the Church and perfect reformation of the Commonwealth And if any should be found either by word maliciously or violently by way of deed to oppose to that good cause they shall be called before the particular Elderships and order put unto them by the censures of the Church and in case of their wilful and obstinate continuing therein be delated to the King and Councel to be punished for their offence civilly This Act of the date the thirteenth of October 1582. was published in all the Churches of the Realm to the offence of many good men who were grieved to see had cause thus coloured and defended But the Lords knowing that this approbation could not secure them had laboured the King to convocate the Estates for the same purpose The eighteenth of the same moneth being appointed for their meeting there came to the convention for the Church estate the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld and Orkney the Abbots of Dunfermlin Newbottle Paisley Driburgh Cambuskenneth Culrosse Inchaffray Coldingham and Pittinweyme of the Nobility there were present the Earls of Marche Arrol Marshal Bothwel who some few moneths before returned from beyond Sea Marre Rothes Glencarn Eglinton Gowrie and Morton the Lords Lindesay Home Ogilvy Hereis Boyd ... and Sinclare But from the Burghes there came not any Commissioners nor could they be moved to countenance this action in any sort conceiving as it fell out that how soon the King obtained his liberty he would censure and condemn the fact as treasonable To these alwayes that convened the King had a speech much to this effect That of all the vexations he had tried since his acceptation of the government in his own person the distraction of the Nobility was the greatest and at the present did grieve him most for the removing whereof he had called them together and expected their best counsel and help In other things he said that needed reformation he would be willing to follow their advice One of the Lords I find him not named made answer that the dissensions of the Nobility were caused chiefly by some that having his Majesties ear did abuse his favours ruling all things at their pleasure and disdaining the advice of other fellow counsellors Then falling into particulars he said that the Duke of Lennox and Earl of Arran had misgoverned all affaires and brought divers abuses into the State which unlesse some Noblemen had taken a course to remedy by their repairing to his Majesty both Religion and State in a short time had been subverted After this the Earl of Marre Gowry and Glencarne who had been the chief actors in that attempt rose up and having declared the cause which moved them to take that action in hand did humbly offer to submit themselves to the censure of his Majesty and the Estates and thereupon removing themselves forth of the Convention it was found and declared That in their repairing to the King upon the 22. of August last and abiding with him since
sorted to no effect by the contrary courses the two Commissioners took after their coming to the Court of England The King foreseeing the same when they were first imployed had moved Mr. David Lindesay Preacher at Leth a man wise and moderate to accompany them and pacify the contentions which possibly might arise amongst them but their emulations were so great as all he could do scarce served to keep them from open discord Before I enter upon the accidents of the next year the death of Mr. George Buchannan which happened in the end of September must not be passed a man so well deserving of his countrey as none more he was of an excellent wit and learning incomparable born nigh to the Highlands within the Parish of Killern and of the house of Drunmakill his Uncle by the mother called Herriot took care to have him trained up in letters perceiving his inclination to be set that way wherein he profited so much as he went beyond all his instructors Nature it seems having formed him thereunto In the year 1539 being called in question by the Franciscan Friers upon the malice they bare him for some bitter verses written against them and their profession which he did to please King Iames the fifth whom they had in some things offended he was committed as suspected of Lutheranisme but made an escape to France where he lived a long time and became acquainted with many learned men with which that countrey did then abound His paraphrase of the Psalmes a rare work and other Poems he wrote for most part whilest he stayed abroad and for his learning and quick ingenie was admired of all men Returning into Scotland about the year 1560. after he had professed Philosophy some yeares in S. Leonards College within the University of S. Andrews he was chosen to attend the King and bring him up in letters In his age he applied himself to write the Scottish History which he penned with such judgement and eloquence as no countrey can shew a better Only in this is he justly blamed that with the factions of the time and to justify the proceedings of the Noblemen against the Queen he went too farre in depressing the Royal authority of Princes and allowing their controllment by subjects his bitternesse also in writing of the Queen and troubles of the time all wise men have disliked But otherwise no man did merit better of his nation for learning nor thereby did bring to it more glory He died in a great age at Edinburgh and was buried in the common place though worthy to have been laid in marble and have had some Statue erected for his memory But such pompous monuments in his life he was wont to scorne and despise esteeming it a greater credit as it was said of the Roman Cato to have it asked why he doth lack a Statue then to have had one though never so glorious erected The summer following the King found the occasion to free himself of his attenders For being at Falkland and pretending to visit his Uncle the Earl of March who did then reside in the Abbey of S. Andrewes after he had taken some little refreshment he went to take a view of the Castle accompanied with Colonel Stewart Captain of the Guard to whom he had communicated his purpose and having entered into the Castle commanded the gates to be shut and these that followed to be excluded The Earls of Argile Marshal Montross and Rothes came thither the next morning and were all welcomed by the King Of the Noblemen that had waited on him since his restraint at Ruthven only the Earl of Gowry was admitted into the Castle by the Colonels means for he had sometimes followed him as a servant The Earl how soon he came in presence fell on his knees and craving pardon for the fact of Ruthven did humbly submit himself to the Kings mercy who after he had checked him in some few but grave speeches for his ingratitude to the Duke of Lennox accepted him in favour upon condition of a more loyal behaviour in time coming Some few days the King abode in the Castle and in a Councel keptthere the second of Iuly made choice of the Earls of March Argile Gowry Marshal Montrosse and Rothes to remain with him as Noblemen that he held of best judgement most indifferent and freest of faction the rest he commanded to retire to their houses till he should take further order In the same meeting was Colonel Stewarts service approved and a Proclamation ordained to be made charging all the subjects to contain themselves in quietnesse and prohibiting any to come towards Court accompanied with a greater number then was appointed to wit 15. with an Earl as many with a Bishop ten with a Lord and as many with an Abbot or Prior with a Baron six and all these commanded to come in a peaceable manner under great penalties Then the King to shew himself at liberty went to Edinburgh and from thence he went to Falkland then to Perth where he remained some weeks Being there the Earl of Arran by Gowries procurement was brought again to Court after whose coming a Declaration was published by the King to this effect We with advice of the Lords of our Privy Councel having thought expedient to notify unto the world but especially to all our good and loyal subjects our true mind touching the things that fell out in the year past declare the same to be as followeth That is howsoever for preserving of publick quietnesse we did patiently endure the restraint of our person at Ruthven with the secluding of our Counsellors from us and all that ensued thereupon yet did we take it deeply to heart and did account no otherwise of it then a fact most treasonable attending till it should please God to restore us to our former estate and liberty which having now by his goodness obtained to make known our indifferent disposition towards all our good subjects and that we do not seek the harm and ruine of any one whomsoever we have resolved to forgive and forget all offences bygone especially that which was committed in August last and hath been since that time strongly maintained providing the Actors and assisters do shew themselves penitent for the same ask pardon in due time and do not provoke us by their unlawful actions hereafter to remember that attempt Willing all our subjects by the example of this our clemency whereof some already have made proof to discharge all quarrels amongst themselves and not to malice one another for whatsoever cause by gone all which we will have buried in oblivion and to this have ordained publication to be made hereof in all the principal Burghs c. The discontented Lords notwithstanding of this declaration were still convening and making the best provision they could for their own surety For at Arrans hand who had now the disposing of all things they expected no good The
King hereupon took purpose to confine some of the principals in several countreys and to commit others who were reckoned most turbulent The Earl of Angus was confined beyond Spey Iohn Levingston of Dunypace and Patrick Drummond of Carnock in the countrey of Galloway Lochlevin and Buchan in Innerness the Master of Glammis Abbot of Dunfermlin and Lord of Cleish were charged to enter themselves in the Castle of Dumbritton William Commendator of Paisley in Blackness and Mr. Iohn Colvil commanded to keep Ward in Edinburgh The whole Angus only excepted disobeying the charge were denounced rebels and Proclamations made commanding all the subjects to be in readinesse for resisting the practises of seditious subjects An oath also was taken of all the Kings domesticks that they should not keep intelligence with any of the rebels or others known to be in his Majesties mal-grace and at this time was Mr. Iohn Metellan who came afterwards to be Chancellour admitted Counsellour of Estate The Queen of England being advertised of this alteration in Court sent Sir Francis Walsingham her principal Secretary to the King to challenge him for breach of promise in readmitting the Earl of Arran and casting off the Noblemen who had maintained his authority and hazarded their lives and estates in defence of his Crown The King answered that he was a free Prince and in ruling his affaires might follow the course which he thought to be most convenient that the Queen would not take it well if he or any other should direct her in matters that concerned her subjects and for the promise alledged he said it was made in time of his restraint to the performance whereof he was not tied As to these subjects of whom the Queen seemed so careful he said that he had freely offered to pardon them upon the acknowledgement of their offence and promise of amendment which he would faithfully observe expecting of the Queen his sister that neighbourhood which became Princes living in amity and friendship and that she would not countenance his subjects in their rebellion The Ambassadour replying Sir the Queen my Mistris will never meddle with your affaires but to work your good and quietnesse Yet she taketh it unkindly that the promises made unto her are so lightly regarded One Holt an English Jesuit who is thought to have an hand in Throgmortons treason that was of late detected being in your prison at the request of the French Ambassadour was permitted to escape whereas the Queen my Soveraign looked daily to have been delivered in England as was promised Nay said the King it was not promised that he should be delivered but as the Queen answered my Ambassadours when I desired Mr. Archibald Douglas to be rendered who is known to be guilty of my Fathers murther I said that the man was charged with certain suspicious practises in my Kingdom which I believed first to try and if the Queen had been pleased to have delivered my subject to me whom I had more then reason to remand I would have made no delay in the rendering of Holt. But for his dimission or my connivence at his escape there is no such thing and if you know or can learn that any indirect means have been used for letting him go the trial and punishment of the doers shall clear my part This said the Ambassadour who was a most worthy and discreet Gentleman declaring that he was satisfied fell to speak of the preservation of peace betwixt the two Kingdomes and of a new league to be made with the Queen whereof the King did shew a good liking and in these termes they left for that time In October next the Church Assembly convened at Edinburgh where great regrates were made and presented in certain Articles to the King First they complained that the benefit of pacification was extended to Mr. David Chalmers a professed enemy to Religion and suspected of the murther of his Majesties Father Next that Papists were grown too familiar in Court and namely the Laird of Fintry who had made defection from the true Religion in which he was educated 3. That Holt a wicked Papist sent to the countrey to traffique against Religion and the State was suffered to escape and no trial taken of the workers thereof 4. That his Majesty seemed to favour too much the enemies of the truth both in France and at home 5. That he had received in his service men of dissolute life and who had never given any testimony of their good meaning either to Religion or the state of the countrey and put others from his service that were known to be zealous of Gods cause and faithful to his Majesties self from his very tender age 6. That since his acceptation of the government the Church had received many fair promises without any performance and that to the contrary the liberties and priviledges thereof were daily infringed 7. That the thirds were set in taks or leases in defraud of the Church 8. That Abbacies were disponed against the Acts of Parliament and no care taken for provision of the Ministers that served at the Churches annexed 9. That spiritual livings were conferred to children and erected in temporal Lordships 10. That there were no punishment for incest adultery witchcraft and the like abominations 11. That there was an universal murmur that no man could be assured of his lands and life the laws of the countrey being wholly perverted 12. That his Majesty did interpone his authority to stay the execution of the Churches Acts in matters properly Ecclesiastical Lastly they regrated the division of the Nobility one part seeking the ruine and overthrow of another for which they did intreat his Majesty to call unto himself the most wise and indifferent amongst them and by their advice to take some moderate course for uniting the hearts of all good subjects to the maintenance of Gods truth the preservation of his Highnesse person and estate and the comfort of all that were grieved at the present division The King desiring to give the Church satisfaction made answer the next day to all these particulars And first concerning Mr. David Chalmers he said that he was only forfeited for the common action for being at Landside field field for which pardon had been given to many so as it should not be thought strange to give him the like benefit especially at their request who had moved him therein and that he no ways intended to grant oversight to him or any others that should be found culpable of his fathers murther or yet professed themselves adversaries to the Religion Touching Fintry he said that he had not impeded the proceedings of the Church against him or any other Popishly affected nor had he been countenanced at Court if the Minister of Edinburgh had not testified that he was willing to conform That for Holts escape he had satisfied the English Ambassadour and that it was no uncouth thing to see
committing of the fact he had satisfied his dislike thereof The King acknowledging the same to be of truth made his protestation to be admitted Then began all the faction to fall asunder every man suing his pardon which was granted upon condition they should depart forth of the Realm and not return without his Majesties licence The Earl of Marre the Master of Glammis with the Abbots of Driburgh and Cambuskenneth went into Ireland the Lord Boid Lochlevin and Easter Weymis unto France others of the meaner sort were confined within certain bounds The Earl of Gowry notwithstanding he was reconciled to Arran fearing to be troubled obtained licence to go into France but whilest he delayes to go and putteth off his journey from day to day he falleth into new practises which brought him unto his end The rest of the winter was quiet but now and then the Court was kept in exercises by the Sermons of some Preachers who were therefore called in question Iohn Dury Minister at Edinburgh had in one of his Sermons justified publickly the fact of Ruthven for which being cited before the Councel he stood to the defence of that he had spoken yet after advice taken with Mr. Iames Lawson his Colleague he was moved to submit himself to the King who continued the declaration of his pleasure till he had proof of his better behaviour The businesse with Mr. Andrew Melvil was greater for he being cited to answer for certain speeches uttered by him in a Sermon preached at S. Andrewes declined the judgement of the King and Councel affirming That what was spoken in Pulpit ought first to be tried and judged by the Presbytery and that neither the King nor Councel might in primâ instantiâ meddle therewith though the speeches were treasonable When by no perswasion he could be induced to submit himself and that the King and Councel finding themselves Judges did proceed to examine the witnesses he burst forth in undutiful speeches against the King saying he perverted the lawes both of God and man which unreverent words proceeding from a Divine in whom moderation and humility should chiefly have appeared did greatly offend the Councel Thereupon was he charged to enter his person in Blackness within the space of ten hours but in stead of obeying he turned his back and fled that night to Berwick Then did all the Pulpits sound and every day were the Ministers exclaiming that the light of the countrey for learning and he that was only most fit to resist the adversaries of religion was exiled and compelled for safety of his life to quit the Kingdom Pity it is to think how the King was then used for though he cleared himself by Proclamations shewing that the mans flight was voluntary and that he meant not to have used him with any rigour yet nothing was believed and every where people began to stirr Hereupon charges were directed commanding those who had obtained leave to depart out of the Realm to use the benefit of their licences and inhibiting all intelligence by letters or otherwise with those that are already gone This wrought not much only made those that travelled to and fro with advertisements the more wary and circumspect The Earl of Gowry to liberate himself of suspicion came to Dundy and conducing a ship gave out that he would forthwith depart yet still he lingred attending the return of the Earl of Marre and the Master of Glammis from Ireland at which time he and others of that faction were to joyn and take Arms for reformation of abuses the securing of Religion and preservation of the King his person and estate for that was made the pretext The King having notice given him of these practises sent Colonel Stewart Captain of the guard to apprehend the Earl of Gowry who was suspected because of his lingring The Colonel coming upon him unexpected as he lay in the house of William Drummond Burgesse of Dundy he made to defend the lodging and stood to it some space but the Town concurring with the Captain he was forced to yield and the next day conveyed to Edinburgh and committed to the custody of Arran A night or two after the Earls of Angus and Marre with some of their friends and followers surprised the Town and Castle of Striveling intending there to fortify themselves But the suddain expedition which the King made compelled them to fly into England and leave the Castle victualled for some days and in it a few Gentlemen whom they promised to relieve Such a readinesse the King found in his subjects at this time as upon a short warning a greater Army and better appointed was in no mans memory known to have been assembled The Town of Edinburgh shewed a great forwardnesse for both they advanced moneys to levy souldiers and put divers of their own inhabitants in Armes to attend the King It was the 19th of April when knowledge was given first of the taking of Striveling and before 24. all the Army was in readinesse to march The same day advertisement came of the Rebels flight whereupon the Wardens and Keepers of the Marches were directed to pursue them The King himself with the Army marching towards Striveling Alexander Master of Levingston was sent to inclose the Castle which yielded upon the hearing of his Majesties approach and was delivered in keeping to the Earl of Arran The Earl of Gowry after he had been kept some days in Kinneil was brought to Striveling Before his transporting from Edinburgh the Earl of Montrosse the Lord Down and Mr. Robert Melvil were directed to examine him and hopes given that he should find favour if he would discover the conspiracy and what the Rebels had intended to do he upon promise that what he declared should not be made an endictment against himself disclosed all the plot setting down the same with his own hand as followeth Perceiving his Majesties favour altered towards me by misreport of my unfriends and my life and my living aimed at I was of necessity forced to seek my relief by concurring with others of the Nobility who laboured to secure themselves and their estates And hearing that there was some trafficking betwixt the Noblemen in Ireland and others at home I used all means though I was suspected by them to know what their courses and hopes were after some diligence I made that way I met with Mr. Iames Areskin who travelled to and fro betwixt them And he at first obscured himself from me and would not be plain till I promised my assistance Then he shewed me that he had been with the Earl of Angus whom he found cold and in some hope to make addresse for himself and so lesse careful of their relief who were absent Yet he believed if the Nobleman saw any good concurrence of others he would give his assistance but refused to deal in these matters till they should return and things be determined
with a common consent This I thought likewise fittest but in the mean time I prepared to depart and would have been gone if contrary winds had not stayed me The same Gentleman came afterwards unto me and shewed that they were returned and would shortly be seen at Striveling This moved me to remain albeit doubting of a sufficient concurrence of Noblemen I was not resolved what course to take and lay in a carelesse security at Dundy more inclined to go then to stay I protest always before God that I never heard nor was in counsel of any plot against his Majesties Person Crown or Estate but only studied to keep my self from ruine by the assistance of others At our meeting together unto which time all was deferred it was thought that a course should be taken by common advice for securing our selves in his Majesties favour And whereas I am asked what Noblemen were privy to the enterprise and what was looked for from England I will truly declare all upon the firm assurance of his Majesties clemency At home it was expected that all those who subscribed the bond in that first alteration would joyn themselves with us and besides those divers others namely the Earl of Marshal and Bothwel with the Lord Lindesay and some of the West parts So it was affirmed to me but how truly I cannot say From England we expected a supply but no certain time was appointed and it was said that the Queen minded to intercede for restitution of the Hamiltons if she found the King tractable This is all I know and if there by any other particular tending to his Majesties well or hurt which I do not at the present remember I shall plainly reveal the same whosoever be offended therewith At his coming to Striveling he sent to the King a letter penned in this form Please your Majesty it is neither diffidence nor despair in your Highnesse favour and clemency towards me nor any desire I have to live in this world that moves me to require some short audience of your Majesty But there is a purpose of so weighty importance which I desire to impart unto your Highnesse which might have endangered the life and estate of your mother and your self if I had not stayed and impeded the same the revealing whereof may avail your Majesty more then the lives and livings of 500. such as my self most humbly therefore I beseech your Highnesse that my Petition may be granted I assure my self of your Majesties gracious answer Striveling the last of April 1584. In a Postscript this was added The matter I have to speak is not the concealing of treason but the revealing of a benefit This Petition was denied and the same made a part of his indictment for being brought to his trial the fourth of May Mr. Iohn Grahame sitting as Justice and assisted by Sir Iohn Gordon of Lochinvar Alexander Master of Levingston Alexander Bruce of Airth and Iames Edminston of Duntraith he was indicted of four points First that in the beginning of February Mr. David Home servant to the Earl of Marre came to him privately in the town of Perth under silence of night and communicated to him the treasonable device of surprizing the Burghs of Perth and Striveling at least of one or other of them and that he agreed to the taking and fortifying of the said towns whereby he had incurred the crime of Treason as well in concealing as consenting to that wicked purpose 2. That understanding Mr. Iames Areskin to be a trafficker betwixt Marre Angus and others he did belay the ways to the end he might speak with him and after meeting kept conference with him touching the surprise of the Castle of Striveling and the furnishing thereof with men and ammunition 3. That being charged in Dundy by his Majesties letters to render himself to the Lord Petten Weyme his Majesties Chancellor and Captain of his Highnesse guard he did enter into the house of William Drummond Burgesse of Dundy and with his Complices defended the same by the space of 6. houres making exclamations to the people that he was pursued for Religion and desiring them to aid and assist him 4. That he being obliged to maintain his Majesties person life honour and Crown and having intelligence of a most weighty purpose that concerned the life and estate of the King and the Queen his mother he had treasonably concealed the same and did as yet keep up the specialties thereof albeit he professed he knew it so perfectly that in his letter written to the King he saith that it had not failed to have taken effect if he had not stayed and impeded the same The indictment read he first excepted against Lochinvar that he could not be assessor to the Justice in his trial in regard of the deadly enmity betwixt Gartland who had married his Ladies sister and him This exception was repelled because the propinquity alledged was only affinitas affinitatis Then he complained that the Noblemen who were sent to examine him had not kept their word having promised that whatsoever he had confessed should not be laid to his charge It was answered that the Noblemens word could not warrant him Thirdly he said that being indicted for treason he ought to have been cited upon 40. days and a delation made by some accuser which was not observed The Advocate replied that in matters of Treason the King might arrest any person upon the space it pleased him Fourthly he alledged the license granted him to depart the countrey This was found nought except he did therewith produce a respit or permission To the last point of the indictment he said that what he offered to reveal tended to his benefit if he had vouchsafed him hearing and was no matter of treason It was answered that the concealing of that might tend to the hurt of the Kings life and mothers was treason So the indictment was found relevant and the persons of the Jury called These were Colin Earl of Argile David Earl of Crawford Iohn Earl of Montrosse Iames Earl of Glencarne Hugh Earl of Eglinton Iames Earl of Arran George Earl of Marshal Alexander Lord Seaton Hugh Lord Sommervil Iames Lord Down William Lord Levingston Patrick Lord Drummond Iames Lord Ogilvy Alexander Master of Oliphant and Iohn Murray of Tillibardin They retiring themselves as the custom is and returning within a short space pronounced him guilty whereupon sentence was given that he should be taken to the Market Crosse have his head cut off and be dismembred as a traitor The last part thereof was dispensed and he in the evening beheaded His servants were permitted to take the head with the body and bury it This was the end of that Nobleman who in his life was much honoured and imployed in the chief offices of Court a man wise but said to have been too curious and to have consulted with Wizards touching the state of things in future times yet was
he not charged with this nor seemed he to be touched therewith in his death which to the judgement of the beholders was very peaceable and quiet He was heard to make that common regret which many great men have done in such misfortunes That if he had served God as faithfully as he had done the King he had not come to that end but otherwise died patiently with a contempt of the world and assurance of mercy at the hands of God The same day Archibald Douglas called the Constable and Mr. Iohn Forbes servant to the Earl of Marre were executed the rest who were taken in the Castle had their lives spared and were banished the countrey and David Home of Argaty and one Iohn Shaw were pardoned The King after this returned to Edinburgh where he gave order for charging the houses of the fugitive Lords and their friends and upon information made that certain of the Ministery had dealing with the Rebels summons were directed to charge Mr. Andrew Hay Parson of Ranfrew Mr. Andrew Polwart Subdean of Glasgow Mr. Patrick Galloway and Mr. Iames Carmichael Ministers to compeir before the Councel Mr. Andrew Hay compeired and nothing being qualified against him was upon suspicion confined in the North. The other three not compeiring were denounced Rebels and fled into England The Parliament declared current at the time for the more speedy dispatch of businesse convened the 22. of May In it his Majesties declaration concerning the attempt of Ruthven was ratified The King his authority over all persons in all causes confirmed The declining of his Majesties judgement and the Councels in whatsoever matter declared to be Treason The impugning of the authority of the three Estates or procuring the innovation or diminution of the power of any of them inhibited under the same pain All jurisdictions and judicatures spiritual or temporal not approved of by his Highnesse and the three Estates discharged and an Ordinance made That none of whatsoever function quality or degree should presume privately or publickly in Sermons Declamations or familiar conferences to utter any false untrue or slanderous speeches to the reproach of his Majesty his Councel and proceedings or to the dishonour hurt or prejudice of his Highnesse his parents and progenitors or to meddle with the affaires of his Highnesse and Estate under the pains contained in the Acts of Parliaments made against the makers and reporters of lies Whilest these statutes were in framing the Ministers who were informed thereof to work at least a delay sent Mr. David Lindesay to intreat the King that nothing should pass in Act concerning the Church till they were first heard Arran getting intelligence of this caused arrest him as one that kept intelligence with England so as he was not permitted to come towards the King The first night he was kept in Halirudhouse and the next morning sent prisoner to Blackness where he was detained 47. weeks Mr. Iames Lawson and Mr. Walter Balcanquell Ministers of Edinburgh hearing that he was committed forsook their charge and fled into England leaving a short writing behind them to shew the reasons of their departing Iohn Dury some weeks before was removed and confined in the Town of Montrosse so as Edinburgh was left without any Preacher Mr. Robert Pont Minister of S. Cutberts and one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice because of the misregard of the Church as he pretended in concluding these Acts as the Heraulds were proclaiming them according to the Custome took instruments in the hands of a Notary of the Churches disassenting and that they were not obliged to give their obedience thereto which done he likewise fleeing was denounced Rebel and put from the place in Session Rumours hereupon being dispersed that the King was declined to Popery had made divers Acts to hinder the free passage of the Gospel and abolish all order and policy in the Church Command was given to form a brief declaration of his Majesties intention in those Acts that concerned the Church and to publish the same for detecting the falshood of those rumours In this declaration the occasions that enforced the King to the making of these statutes were particularly set down and the equity thereof maintained by divers reasons Amongst the occasions were reckoned the allowance of the fact of Ruthven by the assembly of the Church Mr. Andrew Melvil his declining of the King and Councel the fast kept at the feasting of the French Ambassadors general fasts indicted through the Realm without the King his knowledge the usurping of the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction by a number of Ministers and Gentlemen the alteration of the lawes at their pleasure and a number of like abuses And for satisfying good people strangers as well as subjects touching his Majesties good affection towards the maintenance of Religion certain Articles were drawn up and subjoyned to the said Declaration to make it appear that his Majesty had intended nothing but to have a setled form of policy established in the Church But these things gave not much satisfaction so great was the discontent and were replied unto in Pamphlets defamatory libels and scurril poems which daily came forth against the Court and the rulers of it To furnish the vacant places of Edinburgh till some were moved to undertake the charge the King did appoint his own Ministers Mr. Iohn Craig and Mr. Iohn Duncanson the Archbishop of Saint Andrews supplying the ordinary preaching at Court Soon after there came a letter from the Ministers directed to the Session of the Church at Edinburgh and to the Councel of the town of this tenour That seeing they were assured many calumnies would be forged against them for absenting themselves from their flock they had good to write unto them the true causes thereof which were as they said The great indignation conceived against them by the rulers of the Court for resisting the dangerous courses then in hand the Acts made in the late Parliament repugnant to the word of God and doctrine oftentimes by them preached the iniquity committed in the passing the said Acts and violence wherein they were defended the Articles penned and presented to some Ministers for submitting themselves to the tyrannical Regiment of Bishops whom they called gross libertines belly-gods and infamous the charge given to the Provost and Bayliffes of Edinburgh to take and apprehend all Ministers that should convene to the Eldership and those that in Sermon should utter any thing against the Acts and present unhappy course with the insolent words cast forth against them That if they followed the same course they were in though their heads were as haystacks they should be laid at their heels These things they said did cast them in a grievous temptation for to go from their good course they could not unlesse they should be traitors to God to continue in it and stay would be counted treason against the King and be hazardous of their
Notwithstanding they all three were convicted and declared guilty of treason doom was only pronounced against Drumwhasill and Mains and they the same day hanged in the publick street of Edinburgh The Gentlemens case was much pitied Mains his case especially Hamilton who made the delation lived after this in a continual fear and abhorred of all men he kept still in the company of Arran unto the alteration of Court at Striveling at which time Iames Iohnston of Westraw pretending a vow that he had made to revenge Mains his death did kill him as he was flying through the Park on the South side of the Town These cruel and rigorous proceedings caused such a generall fear as all familiar society and intercourse of humanity was in a manner left no man knowing to whom he might safely speak or open his mind Arran in the mean time went on drawing into his own hands the whole managing of affairs for he would be sole and supreme over all The Earl of Argile having departed this life the year preceding he was created Chancellour The office of Secretary he gave to Mr. Iohn Metellan Lethingtons son having banished the Abbot of Dunfermlin who formerly possessed the same The Castles of Edinburgh and Striveling he had himself in custody then made himself be chosen Provost of the Town and as if all this had not been enough he was declared General Lieutenant over the whole Kingdom In a word whatsoever he was pleased was done and without him nothing could be done This stirred up great emulation against him in Court The Master of Gray a great favourite at that time did take it disdainfully that every thing should be governed by him Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk a man of brave spirit did also hardly endure it and Mr. Iohn Metellan though he had followed still from Mortons execution to that time began to fall away and work his own credit those things were cunningly dissembled as among Courtiers and all outward respect given him by those that were plotting his ruine To his felicity nothing as he thought was wanting but the friendship of England this he was advised by the Master of Gray to seek by the Lord Hunsdons means who lay then Governour of Berwick a meeting whereupon wrought betwixt them and at Foulden some three miles from Berwick whither Arran went matters so dressed as upon the assurance of his service to the Queen of England it was promised that the exiled Lords who lay near the borders waiting to raise some stirres should be called to London and upon verification of the conspiracy wherewith Mains and the rest were charged put forth of England In this hope the Master of Gray is sent into England and Commission given him for remanding the fugitive Rebels or if that could not be obtained for removing them further off from the Borders of Scotland more privately he was desired to use all means for winning the Queens favour to the Earl of Arran And for preparing the way to his Legation the Archbishop of S. Andrews was sent some weeks before to inform the Queen of the King his sinccerity in Religion because of the rumour which the Ministers who fled thither had dispersed to the contrary The Queen professing to have received great content by his information recommended to the King above all things constancy in his profession assuring him in that case of her unchangeable friendship The Master of Gray as his coming had favourable acceptance though he was known to be a Catholick Romane and for the point of remanding was answered that she did not think those Gentlemen whom the King called Rebels intended any harm to his person but if the contrary was made to appear they should be suffered to remain in her Kingdomes And for that the King required touching their further remove from the Borders the same was promised and the Lords accordingly called from thence and commanded to stay at Norwich This answer reported to the King by the Master of Gray at his return drew another Legation wherein Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk was imployed the thing committed to him was the accusation of the banished Lords and verifying against them the conspiracy for which Mains and Drumwhasill had suffered The Lords upon this were brought from Norwich to London and there challenged by the Ambassadour who as appeared insisted with great servour against them But the Master of Glammis answering for the rest made their innocency in that particular to be clearly seen which was heard no lesse willingly by the Judges then delivered by the Speaker Neither was the accuser any worse minded towards them for all the shew he made and at the same time were grounds laid both for their restitution and Arran his subversion the Queen and Councel of England being privy to all and secretly advancing their enterprise Arran in the mean time had assurance given him of the Queens friendship and supposing all things to be right went on in his accustomed manner not caring what enmity he drew upon himself The Earl of Athol the Lord Home and Master of Cassils were committed to prison The first because he refused to divorce from his wife a daughter of the Earl of Gowry and intaile his lands to him the next for that he denied him his part of the lands of Dirleton and the third for denying him a loan of some moneys which it was thought he might spare His last falling out in that kind was with the Lord Maxwel for an excambion of the Barony of Mernis and the lands of Maxwel heath with the Barony of Kinnel which he possessed by the forfeiture of the Hamiltons Maxwel not liking to change his old inheritance with such a new and uncertain purchase excused himselfe and would not hearken to the change but he thinking to force him thereto by some indirect means travelleth with the Lady Iohnston who gave attendance at Court to cause her husband to accept of the Provostry of Dumfreis and moveth the King to write unto the Town to elect Iohnston their Provost for that he being Warden of the West marches would thereby be made more able to keep good order in these parts Maxwel interpreting this to be done as it was to his disgrace at the time of Election convocated his friends and debarring Iohnston from entring the Town procured himself to be continued in the office Hereupon informations were made to the King that there could no quietnesse be expected in these parts unlesse Maxwel his power was curbed Charges were also directed to cause him present certain of the name of Armestrong for whom he was obliged which he not performing was denounced Rebel and Commission given to the Laird Iohnston to pursue him for whose better enabling he had two companies of hired souldiers allowed him under the charge of two Captains Lamby and Cranston Maxwel hearing of these preparations gathered his forces and with a part
Kinloss Lindors Blanire and Pettin Weyme representing the spiritual estate by the Earls of Arran March Athol Montrosse Marshall and Rothes the Lords Oliphant Thirlstane Gray Sinclare Down and Fleming for the Nobility and by the Commissioners of Burghs and all the Officers of Estate amongst the rest by the Master of Gray who though he did professe himâ— himself a Romane Catholick would in nothing that the King affected be thought refractary It was thought that the Ambassadour did rest well satisfied with the Kings forwardnesse towards the league and that he should have presently returned But he had some other businesse in trust which was carried more closely This was to make friends to the exiled Lords and labour their restitution as had been concluded in England To this effect he kept divers private meetings with the Master of Gray the Secretary and Justice Clerk giving the Lords intelligence from time to time of his proceedings among other means he thought expedient that they should reconcile their private quarrels with the Lord Hamilton and his brother Claud who were likewise exiled and lived then in England he wrought so as they were brought as it seemed to a perfect accord promising to take one course and joyn all in the same cause But Claud fearing either the event of the enterprise or not having buried his former grudges did afterwards separate and by discovering their purpose procured to himself liberty to return yet did he not find that acceptance which he expected being shortly after his coming confined in Aberdene and within a little while commanded to leave the countrey and goe into France There came this Summer from Denmark certain Ambassadours to redeem as they pretended the Isles of Orkney and Shetland alienated of old from that Crown yet the true errand was to propone that marriage unto the King which was some four years after happily perfected The King receiving them kindly and excusing himsel for the matter of Orkney because of the Pestilence which raged as then in Edinburgh Where the Registers of the Kingdom were kept promised how soon commodity served to give all reasonable satisfaction and to send some in Commission to treat of those matters How soon they were dimitted the King went into Striveling and from thence to Hamilton to recreate himself as he was accustomed where he received advertisement that the banished Lords were come down to the borders and that Maxwel was to joyn his forces with them Hereupon he returneth to Striveling and sending for Arran made Proclamations to go through the countrey commanding all the subjects to meet him at the Castle of Crawford the 22. of October for resisting the attempts of the Rebels But things were so prepared at Court by the English Ambassadour as the Lords did prevent the King in his expedition They had appointed their rendezvous at Linton in Tweddale and meeting there did solemnly swear not to separate nor give over the profecution of their enterprise till the King should be moved to accept them in favour and put Arran forth of his company Maxwel brough with him 300 souldiers that had served against Iohnston and about 700 horsemen all the others did scarce equall that number though Bothwel Home Yester Cesford and Drumlanrig had joyned with them To justify their proceedings they gave forth a Proclamation in all the places they came unto declaring the causes of their enterprise to be the defence of the truth the deliverance of the King from corrupt Counsellors and the preserving of amity with England In this Proclamation nothing was left unsaid that might make Arran odious and hateful amongst other things he was charged to have bragged of his descent from Duck Mordoch who was beheaded in the time of King Iames the first and to lay claim to the Crown by that title calling himself King Iames the seventh It is true that in the Parliament held the year preceding he took protestation in open Court that he renounced any title that he might pretend to the Crown that way which I suppose he did to purge himself of that aspersion but the protestation was laughed at in the time by the wiser sort and gave them to think that such a folly had once possessed his mind The Proclamation did often mention him and Col. Stewart as abusers of the King Of the rest of the Counsellours there was no speech which increased Arrans jealousy of them Now how soon the Ambassadour heard that the Lords were entred in the countrey fearing that some notice should be taken of his dealing he left Striveling and went in haste to Berwick without saluting any man They sent a Post after him with a letter desiring to know the cause of his suddain departure and whether he was directed by the Queen his Soveraign to go away in such sort Being overtaken at Anwick he answered that he had no such direction from the Queen when he was first imployed but that of late he had received a command to retire because she saw no hope of the delivery of that wretched Farnherst This he made the pretext of his departure yet in reason he could not alledge it Farnherst lying bedfast at the time in Aberdene where he was committed which was notified to him and he knew to be a truth In the conclusion of his letter he said that he could not grant that he had departed insalutato hospite seeing he performed that office both with his heart and hand and that he should by all possible means endevour that his departure should rather help to maintain then dissolve the amity betwixt his Soveraign and him That which he speaketh of his hand was a letter that he left to be given to the King the day after he was gone in which he laid the cause upon Arrans credit without whom he saw nothing could be obtained Arran seeing the letter that he left to be given to the King began to think that all was not sound and accused the Master of Gray as being privy to the Ambassadors departure which he denied yet all that time nothing was done that was sitting either for the Kings safety or reputation and not so much as the Castle furnished with victuals which might have easily been provided Neither were the Lords ignorant of this which made them use the greater speed marching directly to Falkirk and the next day which was the last of October to Striveling At the Church called Sanct Nineans a half mile or lesse from the Town they put themselves in order of battel and stood so till night fell at which time upon warning given them by their friends within the Town they advanced and knowing all the passages entred by a certain back way without any resistance Arran had taken upon him to watch that night and was keeping the Town gate when a cry was raised that the Town was taken The Earl of Crawford who watched with him fled to the Castle but he escaped by the
into her heart to do so if it should be he desired her to consider how much it touched him in honour that was both a King and a sonne to suffer his mother an absolute Prince to be put to an infamous death No answer being returned to this upon new advertisement that the Queen was like to be drawn by the importunity of her Estates to give way to the execution he wrote to William Keith more sharply requiring him to shew the Queen how unjust he held that proceeding against his mother and that it did neither agree with the will of God who prohibiteth to touch his anointed ones nor with the law of Nations That an absolute Prince should be sentenced and judged by subjects and if she would be the first to give that pernicious example of profaning her own and other Princes Diadems to remember her that both in respect of nature and honour it concerned him to be revenged of so great an indignity which if he should not do he should peril his credit both at home and abroad and therefore willed him for to labour for a delay untill he should send an Ambassadour with overtures that might content and satisfy her Majesty For by a letter sent from Mr. Archibald Douglas that stayed as Leiger in England he found him not well disposed in the businesse and thereupon resolved to employ a more honourable person and one of greater trust William Keith having intreated the Queen for a delay when as he could not obtain the same did shew her the direction he had received from the King at which she grew into such a passion that if Leicester and others of the Councel who stood by had not pacified her saying that the King did only request that his mother might be well used which was a thing natural and in him an honourable part and that some ill affected persons possibly had stirred him up to write so sharply she had simply refused him any more hearing But after she had calmed a little she said That she would give no answer in anger and would think of it to the next morning At which time calling him again she said That no precipitation should be used and if any did come from the King within a few days she would stay all proceeding to that time and be glad to hear such overtures as might save the Queen of Scots life and assure her own The King advertised of this and conceiving some hope that matters would draw to an agreement wrote of new to the Queen and shewed he was sorry to understand that his letter sent to William Keith had been construed as if he did threaten her and her Estates whereas his purpose was only to inform her of the rumours going in the countrey and how much his subjects were moved at these forms of proceeding with their Queen That for himself he knew well enough how hardly she was pressed by objecting unto her the perill of her own life and that he never blamed her directly for any thing that was done Therefore prayed her to accompt him her most honest and stedfast friend since he never had nor should deserve any other at her hand and that for his sake she would continue any proceeding against his mother till his overtures should be heard which the Master of Gray should bring with him who was to take journey on the Saterday following This letter was speedily carried to the Queen which gave her some content for thereby she perceived the rumours to be vain which were dispersed that he was minded to break the league and denounce warre The King in the mean time having convocated the Estates and imparted to them the case wherein his mother stood had very liberal promises given him and a present supply of money granted for dispatch of his Ambassadour And being advised by the Estates to joyn Sir Robert Melvil in Commission with the Master of Gray as one that had served his mother long and was truly affected unto her the Commission was given to them both and they put in equal trust So parting from Halirudhouse the 20th of December they came to London the penult of the moneth The next day Master Archtbald Douglas being sent to desire audience the same was refused upon information that they had been with Monsieur Bellieur the French Ambassadour who was imployed in the same errand and had parted from the Queen in wrath yet the contrary being shewed and that they refused to make any visit till they had prefence of her Majesty they had accesse granted the first of Ianuary At her first meeting she quarrelled the letter sent to William Keith asking if they were sent with the like threats They answering that his Majesties letter might receive a good construction and that he had interpreted himself by another directed since that time to her Majesties self she brake forth into these speeches I am unmeasurably sorry that there can be no means found to save the life of your Kings mother and assure mine own I have laboured to conserve the life of us both but now I see it cannot be done The Ambassadour replied that the case was nothing so desperate and that means would be found to put her Majesty in assurance yet because they perceived her to be somewhat commoved they did not think meet to enter at that time more deeply in the businesse At their second audience which was on the tenth day the Queen begun with them in this sort A thing long looked for should be good when it cometh I would now hear what are your Kings offers The Master as having the first place answered no man makes offer but for some cause If it like your Majesty we desire to know if the person be extant for whom we offer for the rumour went constantly that the execution was past As yet said the Queen I think she be but will not promise an hour Nay said the Master we come not to shift but to offer from our Soveraign whatsoever in reason can be required specially that he shall interpose his credit in behalf of his mother and give the chief of his Nobility for pledges that no plot nor practise should be contrived against your Majesty with her knowledge or privity or if that be not sufficient and that it shall please your Majesty to set her at liberty and send her into Scotland a course shall be taken for securing your Majesty from all such attempts by her occasion The Queen calling the Earl of Leicester with the Lords Admiral and Chamberlain who were nigh by repeated in their hearing these offers setting them all at nought whereupon the Master took occasion to ask What should move any man to attempt against her Majesty for the Queen of Scots Because said the Queen they think she shall succeed to me and that she is a Papist And if these means shall be taken away said the Master apparently the danger will cease This
overthrow both with the one and the other party neither having cause to repose any confidence in him The Protestants because he had renounced the Religion wherein he was with great care brought up the Papists because they could not be assured in short space that he was truly turned to their faith Yea all men should have reason to forsake him who had thus dissembled and forsaken his God And where it was given out that divers do insinuate unto your Soveraign that his honour and reputation is so deeply interessed herein as it must necessarily turn to his perpetual ignominy and reproach if he give not some notable testimony to the world of the affection and dutiful love he bare to his mother your King being of that singular judgement that he is thought to have cannot be ignorant how farre true honour ought to possesse a Christian Prince that is not whither passion or fury useth to carry men but whether reason and wisdome have laid the bounds that is within the compasse of possibility decency and justice If the late Queen had been innocent revenge had been necessarily just and honourable but being culpable contrary in all reasonable mens judgements he hath sufficiently discharged the duty of a son in mediating for his mother so long as she was alive and so farre as he was able to prevail They which require more at his Highnesse hands may be presumed not to regard what beseemeth his place and dignity but to seek the satisfaction of their own particular passions and desires And whosoever perswadeth his Highnesse that the mediation used by him for his Mother contrary to the humble pursuit of the whole Parliament hath already given that offence to the Nobility and people of this land as it behoveth him of force to have recourse to forain supports doth greatly abuse both his Highnesse and this Realm for as they were not ignorant what nature might and ought to move his Highnesse unto so long as there was any hope of her life so they do not doubt but that reason will induce him to leave sorrowing and thinking of her in due time Thus have I troubled you with a long discourse whereunto the desire I have of the continuance of amity between the two Crowns hath carried me unawares further then I purposed all which I referre to your good consideration not doubting but you will afford most readily and willingly all good offices that shall lye in your power to the end that a happy conclusion may ensue hereof which shall tend to the common good of the whole Island and so I commit you to God From the Court at Greenwich the 4th of March 1586. Your Lordships assured Friend FRA. WALSINGHAM THis letter shewed to the King served much to allay his anger as afterwards appeared In the May after the Estates being assembled at Halirudhouse they shew a great forwardnesse all of them for assisting the revenge of his Mothers death every man offering to spend his goods and life in that quarrel yet the businesse was so timed out that summer by the private dealing of certain Counsellors as hopes were given to the Queen that matters should compose and a more peaceable course be taken It was at this time that Sir William Stewart brother to Captain Iames returned again to Court and gave his attendance upon the Master of Gray The Master then was plotting a change of Court and had conspired with the Lord Maxwel to kill the Lord Thirlstane Sir Iames Home of Coldingknowes and Mr. Robert Douglas Collector whose power with the King he greatly envied This he reveales to Sir William as one that he believed would take part in the businesse and to make him the more forward tells that it was Thirlstane the Iustice Clerk Blantyre and himself that brought in the Lords at Striveling and put his brother from Court which he repented and would help so farre as he could to recall him Sir William knowing the mans nature and that he was not to be trusted gave him some hopes of joyning with him but in the mean time related all to the King This coming to Thirlstanes knowledge he complaineth thereof in Councel and desireth a trial The Master denied that any such purpose had passed betwixt them whereupon Sir William was called and standing to that he had told the King they two fell a contesting after some bitter speeches Sir William taking him up roundly said that he deserved no credit as having abused his ambassage to England and treacherously consented to the death of the Kings Mother There had a rumour gone of a letter written by the Master to the Queen of England after his parting from that Court advising her to put the Queen of Scots out of the way and the words he had used Mortui non mordent Dead folks bite not were in every mans mouth and now the challenge being made publick the Councel moved the King to put the Master to trial and commit both the one and the other So were they both the same night sent to the Castle of Edinburgh The Lord Thirlstane and those others that were touched with the enterprise of Striveling made great instance to be cleared in that point but the King not liking to search too deeply in those businesses said That their own purgation with the Declaration of the Noblemen that came home at that time was sufficient There were present of that number the Lord Hamilton the Earls of Marre and Bothwel who upon oath declared that they had no assurance from any about the King at the time of their coming till they were received by his Majesty in favour The like purgation was made by the Lord Thirlstane the Justice Clerk and the rest and so that businesse ceased After some two or three days the Master of Gray and his accuser were brought again before the Councel where the same things that before we heard being repeated by Sir William Stewart he added further That he knew the Master to be a traffiquer against Religion and that he had written divers letters to the King of France and Duke of Guise declaring that the King was to seek their assistance in revenge of his mothers death but intreated them not to grant him any help unlesse he did grant toleration to the Catholicks for exercise of their Religion The Master being desired to answer and as he lookt for any favour to deal ingenuously and confesse the truth said That he could not deny his dealing for toleration of Catholicks and that he disliked some of the officers of State and could have wished an alteration but that â—e never had so much as a thought against his Majesties person beseeching to impute these things wherein he had offended to his youth and foolish ambition Being enquired touching the letter sent to the Queen of England he confessed That when he perceived her inclining to take the Queen of Scots life he advised her rather to take her away in some
bear forth the honour of his Estate and not burthen his subjects with taxations for his support This was the publick pretext and the King made to believe that the reservation of the Prelates houses and precincts with the tithes of the Churches annexed to their benefices would suffice to maintain their dignity and estate But privately to such of the ministery as sought the subversion of Episcopal government it was whispered That this was the only way to undoe the Prelacy for there being no livings to maintain them as in this case there would be little or nothing remaining most of the Bishopricks being founded on temporal lands and having but Churches annexed none would be found to accept those places which also proved true Hopes besides were given to those Ministers that they should have the tithes to use and dispone at their pleasure yet was it not long ere the King did find himself abused the temporalities formerly disponed which were not a few being all in the same Parliament confirmed and those that remained in a short time begged from him and given away to the followers of Court so as nothing was left to benefit or reward any well deserving servant When as he saw this and that the spiritual Estate was by this mean utterly decayed the Priors and Abbots being all turned temporal Lords he did sore forthink the passing of the Act calling it a vile and pernicious Act and recommending to the Prince his son the annulling thereof The Ministers that lookt for restoring the tithes perceiving themselves likewise deluded began also to exclaim and condemn the course howbeit somewhat too late In the same Parliament an Act was made in favour of the small Barons giving them by their Commissioners a voice in Parliament and Conventions with the others Estates The Earl of Crawford did strongly oppose and in name of the Nobility protested against their receiving That which the King intended by this was to free the Barons of their dependence upon Noblemen and have the Estates more particularly informed at their meeting of the abuses in the countrey But so farre was he from obtaining these ends as to the contrary they did work him great businesse in all the ensuing Parliaments Soon after the Estates dissolved the Lord Hunsdon Governour of Berwick sent to intreat presence of the King who yeilded the more willingly because he of all the Nobility of England had medled least in the proceedings against his Mother The Nobleman proposing the same reasons in effect which Walsingham had used in his letter to the Chancellour and laying before the King the danger wherein he might bring the title and right of succession which otherwise was undoubted if he should enter into open warre with England did earnestly beseech him seeing that which was done could not be undone to give place unto necessity promising because it was still beaten into the Kings ears that the execution of his Mother did barre his succession to bring unto him a Declaration under the hands of all the Judges of England that the sentence given against his Mother was no hurt to his right nor could work any prejudice to his succession This conference did break the King very much from his resolution yet the outcries of the countrey were great and their desires so vehement for revenge that he parted with Hunsdon in doubtful terms But when the Declaration of the Judges which he had promised was brought unto him and therewith the sentence given against Davison in the Starre Chamber whereby it appeared that the execution was done without the Queens knowledge he became more appeased and suffered Proclamations to go out inhibiting all that dwelt in the Borders to make incursions upon England as they were begun to do About the same time did Patrick Vaus of Barnbarrough and Mr. Peter Young his Majesties Elemosynar who had bin sent unto Denmark to treat of the marriage return making report of their agreement whereupon conclusion was taken that in the opening of the spring a Nobleman should be directed to accomplish the ceremonies and bring home the young Queen But the death of King Frederick her Father who departed this life in the moneth of April next with other occasions that intervened made the businesse to be delayed certain moneths In the end of the year there came from beyond Sea divers Jesuits and Priests to deal with the Catholick Noblemen for assisting the Spanish Armada which was then preparing to invade England if possibly they should take land in Scotland for their hope was to find the King favourable because of the Queens proceedings against his Mother and that he should joyn his forces with the Spanish for revenge of that wrong But he considering his own danger if strangers should set foot in the Isle and not trusting that the Spaniard would take the pains to conquer for him the Crown of England for that also was proffered refused to give ear unto such motions Mr. Iames Gordon Jesuit and Uncle to the Earl of Huntley had been all the summer before in the countrey and was overseen because of his Nephew whom the King intended to match with the Duke of Lennox his eldest sister neither was he much feared as being a simple man and not deeply learned Mr. Edmond Hay brother to Peter Hay of Megnish a Jesuit also but of greater account and more politick and wise did thereafter arrive pretending that he came to take his farewel of his friends and after him came divers others which made the King give out a Proclamation against the resetters and for apprehending their persons In this Proclamation besides Mr. Iames Gordon and the said Mr. Edmond Hay I find named Mr. Gilbert Brown Abbot of Newbottle Mr. Iohn Drury son natural to George Drury sometimes Abbot of Dunfermling Mr. Alexander Mackwhirry Mr. Iames Cheyn Mr. Alexander Meldrum Mr. William Crichton Mr. Iames Seaton and Mr. Iohn Morton most of these upon their supplications and sureties given to depart in the first ships obtained a protection unto the last of Ianuary which did so offend the Ministers as they did call a number of Noblemen Barons and Commissioners of Burghs to meet at Edinburgh the sixth of February for advising upon some remedy against the present dangers The meeting was frequent and Mr. Robert Bruce by the suffrages of all chosen to preside He had preached ordinarily at Edinburgh a year or somewhat more and was in great respect with all sorts of people but had not entered as yet unto the ministerial function Certain assessors chosen according to the custome the first thing proposed was touching the dangers threatened to Religion and the readiest means for quenching the fire of Papistry kindled through the whole countrey which they were all greatly exhorted to take to heart and to consider what course was best to obviate these dangers And to the end things might be done advisedly the Noblemen were advised to
conflict perished the Gallion of Biskay and two other great ships Two Gallions of Portugal the one called S. Philip the other S. Matthew having lost their tackling and being torn with shot made towards the coast of Flanders and were taken by the Zelanders Once as it seemed the General with the rest of the Navy bent their course towards Scotland but not knowing what favour they should find there and the wind blowing fair they resolved to make home by the North Isles The General himself with the best provided vessels took the main Ocean towards Biscay and arrived safely in Spain The rest seeking to take in fresh water partly in the Isles and partly in Ireland were so tossed with tempests and contrary winds that 40. and above were cast away in those Seas A ship of Florence driven upon the West coast of Scotland was spoiled and set on fire by certain Highlanders Shortly the destruction was so great as of the 134. Ships that set fail from Lisbone 53. onely returned to Spain of the souldiers besides the mariners 13500. were lost by one way or other And as they write not a family in Spain of any note there was which suffered not in this expedition having lost either a son or a brother or some nigh kinsman Such was the successe of the Spanish Navy which had been four years in preparing with no small cost and in a few days was thus overthrown one English ship onely being lost and about 100. men in all The King caused solemn thanksgiving for this deliverance to be given to God in all Churches of the Kingdome beginning in his own Court for an ensample to others This was the marvellous year talked of so long before by the Astrologues which this defeat and the accidents that fell forth in France about the end of the same year did in a part make good In this kingdom which we ought ever to remember with thankfulnesse to Almighty God happened no dysaster for which we had cause to be grieved the death of Archibald Earl of Angus excepted who deceased in the moneth of Iuly a Nobleman as in place and rank so in worth and virtue above other subjects of a comely personage affable and full of grace a lover of Justice peaceable sober and given to all goodnesse and which crowned all his virtues truly pious A long time he lived in exile in England not through his own fault but the misfortune of his friends whom he could not forsake After he was restored to the Kings favour no man did carry himself in better sort and in that time which was full of factions he kept himself free of all partakings being imployed in the Lieftenandry of the Borders he discharged himself to his Majesties great content and to the liking of all the subjects and not long after fell into that disease whereof he died leaving no heir male and one only daughter by his second marriage who did not long survive him Never died any Nobleman with greater regrate and so much the more was his death lamented that as it was then thought and afterwards confessed that he was taken away by forcery and incantation In the time of his sicknesse when the Physicians found his disease not to proceed of any natural cause one Richard Graham who was executed some years after for witchcraft being brought to give his opinion of it made offer to cure him saying as the manner of these Wizards is that he had received wrong But when he heard that the man was suspected to use unlawful arts he would by no means admit him saying That his life was not so dear unto him as for the continuance of it some years he would be beholden to any of the Devils instruments That he held his life of God and was willing to render the same at his good pleasure knowing he should change it for a better Thus after a long and languishing disease he died in Smeton near to Dalkeith and was buried in Abernethy in the sepulchre of his progenitors The houses of Angus and Morton which within his person were conjoyned went by provision of Taile to the Lairds of Glenbervy and Lochlevin The hopes that our Catholicks conceived of the Spanish Navy being now frustrated they had lost heart quite but that the Prince of Parma did of new encourage them by his letters shewing that the losse was nothing so great as it was given out to be and giving them hopes of another Army that set out more timely and to be with them the next spring These letters were sent by one Mr. Robert Bruce and delivered to Huntley to be communicated with the rest of that faction Shortly after came one Iohn Chesholme bringing with him ten thousand Crowns which were delivered to Bruce to be used as he thought most fit for advancing the cause The Earl of Huntley made instance to have the third part of the summe Lord Claud Hamilton pleaded for as much and Maxwel lying then in prison held no lesse to be due to him But Bruce excused himself by the charge he had to dispone the mony by the advice of David Graham of Fintrey who was warded at the same time in Dundey and payed them all with one answer The Lord Claud more covetous then the rest because he could not come by any part of the money grew more cold in the business Maxwel had some sent him for his consolation in the prison But Huntley having at the Kings desire subscrived the confession of faith and reconciled himself to the Church was wholly neglected This he excused afterwards by a letter to the Prince of Parma professing That after the escape of Colonel Semple he found himself so busied on all hands and in such sort pressed by the King as it behoved him either to yeild or depart out of the countrey or then to have taken the fields which well he could not do all hope of help being taken from him by the return of the Navy of Spain but in what he had failed he should endevour to amend by some good service tending to the advancement of the cause of God who had put him he said in such credit with the King as he had broken his former guards and made him establish others about his person by whom at all occasions he might assure himself and be Master of the King and so when the support promised should arrive spoile the hereticks of his authority and make sure the Catholicks enterprises Therefore besought him to be perswaded of his unchangeable affection albeit in outward action he was forced to accommodate himself to the necessity of the time This letter was dated at Edinburgh the 24. of Ianuary 1589. Another of the same date was sent by the Earl of Arrol whom Mr. Edmond Hay the Jesuit had seduced and brought on that course to Parma bearing That since his conversion to the Catholick faith he did ever think himself obliged to procure the
advancement of the Catholick Kings enterprises tending principally to that end and to another civil cause which had great affinity and conjunction with things at home in regard whereof he said that ever before his conversion he had been in his affection one of his friends and servitours and that Religion which was the greatest and most important cause of the world being now joyned to the other he was become altogether his This he did intreat his Highness to signify to his Catholick Majesty and to assure him that in Scotland he had not a more affectionate servant then himself The like he did professe to the Prince remitting his intentions to be more fully declared by him that should deliver the letters There went other Letters at the same time from the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Morton so did the Lord Maxwel style himself to the King of Spain wherein after they had expressed their great regrate for the disappointment of his preparations they said That if his Naval Army had visited them the same should have found no resistance in Scotland and with the support they would have made given enough to do to England but that it seemed the English Catholicks who had their refuge in Spain out of an unchristian enmity did extenuate the means of the Scottish aid to magnify their own and to have it thought that they were able to do all by themselves Therefore they prayed his Majesty to make such account of the one as he neglected not the other and to serve himself with them both to the ends he did aim at Then remitting to the Declaration of some of his own subjects who had been in those parts the commodity and advantage of landing an Army in Scotland they said That having 6000. men of his own countrey with money to levie as many more they might within six houres of their arrivall be well advanced in England to assist the forces that he should send thither and that the expence bestowed upon ane Galliass would profit more being so imployed then many of them put to Sea could do Withall they advised him not to make any more Armies by Sea but to send a part of his forces to Scotland and another by the back of Ireland toward England and so divide the English forces which should be partly attending at Sea partly employed in Scotland where they should believe all their forces to be landed A further Declaration hereof they remitted to Colonel Semple and so praying God to give him a full accomplishment of all his holy enterprises they took their leave Neither were the Jesuits that lurked in the countrey in this mean time idle of these the principals were Mr. Edmond Hay and Mr. William Creichton who had been prisoners some few moneths in the Tower of London They advising the Popish Lords to attempt somewhat by themselvus which would make the King of Spain more earnest to give succourse a plot was laid to take the King out of the Chancellor and Thesaurers hand by whose counsel they thought he was only ruled and that the pretence should be the neglect of the Nobility and the ill managing of publick affairs This way they hoped to procure the assistance of other Noblemen that were discontented and that no mention being made of Religion the countrey would be more cold in resisting their enterprise The time and place of meeting being condescended on Fintrie undertook to bring the Earle of Montrosse to the party and of Bothwell they held themselves assured as well for the malice he professed to the Queen of England as because in a conference with Bruce the Spanish Agent he had promised if he should assure him of the two Abbeys of Coldingham and Kelso which he possessed he should presently turn to their side To bring about this their purpose the device was that they should meet all at the quarrel holes betwixt Leth and Edinburgh and go from thence to Halirudhouse and settle themselves about the King secluding those two Counsellors or if they found them with the King that they should presently kill them But this device was overthrown by the Kings remaining in Edinburgh who suspecting some plots against the Chancellor did for his security stay in the same lodging with him Bothwel abode at that time in his house at Creichton and kept about him the souldiers that he had conduced pretending a journey to the Isles and the collecting of the Kings duties in those parts Crawford and Arrol came with their friendship to the North Ferry Montross saigned a visit of his Cousen Mr. Iohn Graham at Halyards some six miles from Edinburgh and upon advertisement that the King did keep lodging within the Town advanced no further But Huntley who resided then with his Lady at Dunfermlin presuming much of the Kings affection held on his way and in the evening on which they had appointed to meet came unexpected to the Kings lodging where he found him in conference with the Chancellor The King seeing him brack of his purpose askt whence he came and how he fell to be so late and from that falling into another discourse the Chancellor stept aside to the window Huntley had brought with him the Laird of Kinfawns brother to the Earl of Crawford and some of Arrols men that were esteemed of best courage and action These filling the presence and looking as men that had some purpose in hand the Chancellors friends began to suspect the worst whereupon the Laird of Ormeston Carmichael and the Provost of Linclowden drew nigh and stood by him after the King had talked a while with the Earl he retired to his Cabinet and staying somewhat longer then was expected the Chancellor asking the Usher if it was time of supper he answering that it was more then time then said he Let us go and with those three that kept fast by him passed forth of the Chamber and through the company that stood in the presence all of them making way to his own lodgings which were just above the Kings rooms How soon he came there he sent one to shew the King how unseemly it was to fill the presence with such companies and men armed as they were saying that he would not have permitted the same if he had been alone in the lodging nor have cast himself in such danger Presently the roomes were ushed and the Earl with his company went forth The next morning the King sent for him and at his coming began to examine wherefore he came to Town and why in that manner his answers not satisfying he was committed in the Castle By advertisement given the same day of the companies that were with Crawford and Arroll at the North Ferry and there dissolving the whole purpose was discovered whereupon the Earls of Arroll and Bothwel were cited to appear before the Councel and for their disobedience denounced Rebels Montrosse and Crawford were not called having excused themselves as it was
said and promised to meddle no more in that businesse Huntley upon the like promise after a few dayes obtained his liberty and went into the North. In his going thither whether of purpose or by accident it is uncertain the Earl of Crawford did meet him at Perth where at first they concluded to fortifie the town as a place most convenient for drawing forces together from all quarters but doubting how they should make good the enterprise they gave it over and getting intelligence that the Thesaurer was come to Angus and had appointed a meeting of some friends at the Church of Megle they belayed the wayes and gave him the Chase unto the house of Kiâ—khill where he was received being desired to render upon his refuse fire was cast to the house and he forced to yield himself as he did to his Cousen the Laird of Achindown who kept him some weeks prisoner in the North. The Letters written to the King of Spain and Prince of Parma whereof we made mention and some others from Mr. Bruce directed to the same Prince being about this time intercepted laid open all the practises of these Noblemen which being reported to the Queen of England she wrote to the King a sharp letter wherein complaining of his remisnesse in punishing these treacheries of the entertainment he gave to the Spaniards that had fled into Scotland after their wrack in the Irish Seas she besought him not to overslip such happy occasions as itâ— had pleased God to offer him by revealing these practises as likewise to rid the Realm of those strangers and send them away with speed Hereupon order was taken for their dispatch and ships conduced to transport them unto West-Flanders The Hollanders advertised of their coming sent forth some ships to intercept them and meeting them some two miles from the coast of Flanders took one of the vessels and put to the sword all the Spaniards that were therein the rest ran their vessels on ground where a number seeking to save themselves by swimming were pitifully drowned A Proclamation was likewise renewed against the Jesuits and their ressetters and Mr. Edmond Hay Mr. William Creichton Mr. Robert Bruce and David Graham of Fentry commanded under pain of death to depart the Realm But they contemning the charges did stir up the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Arrol to make open insurrection These three taking Arms and assembling all the forces they could gather came to Aberdene in the beginning of April where they made Proclamations in the Kings name Declaring that he was held captive forced against his mind to use his Nobles more rigorously then he desired requiring all the Lieges to concurre and assist them for setting his person at liberty Their hopes were that Bothwel with his friendship in the South should make the King such businesse as they needed not to fear any suddain pursuit but the King having caused denounce Bothwel and the chief of his followers Rebels resolved to begin with them and leave him to his return So charges being directed to warn all the subjects remaining on the South of Aberdene to accompany the King and they gathering somewhat slowly he made forward with those he had in his company toward the middle of April and having advanced as farre as Cowy a little Village some ten miles off Aberdene was there advertised that the Earls were 3000. strong and marching directly towards him The King nothing dismayed called the Noblemen that were in the Army together and spake cheerfully unto them saying That they had a great deal of advantage of their enemies the better cause and the King on their part Neither oaths nor subscriptions said he can assure these men and if benefits or good deeds could have made them loyal and obedient I have not been sparing to them all Now that I am drawn against my will by their open Rebellion to use force I do assure my self of your fidelity and that you will not forsake me I shall desire you stand no longer then ye see me stand and howbeit I do not think they dare set their faces against me yet I shall pray you to dispose all things in the best order you can This speech he delivered with such a grace as thereby the Noblemen and others that stood by were greatly incouraged every one avowing to do their uttermost for his Majesties honour But a question falling between the Lord Hamilton and the Earl of Angus for leading the Vant-guard was like to have caused some trouble Angus claiming the place by the priviledges granted to his predecessors and the Lord Hamilton alledging that none ought to contend with him in honour because of his proximity to the Royal blood but the King interposing his authority gave the leading of the Vant-guard for that time to the Lord Hamilton reserving the rights and priviledges of the house of Angus whereunto nothing was done at that time should work any prejudice All that night the King did watch himself and kept his Army on foot In the morning early he was advertised that the Rebels were dispersed and gone back for Huntley understanding that the King was resolved to put it to a day declined the fight because of the danger that might come to the Kings person Crawford for the same reason seemed not very bent but Arroll insisting to have gone forward when he saw they would not be moved parted from them at the bridge of Dee in great wrath The King came the same day to Aberdene and calling the Magistrates did threaten them sharply for receiving the Rebels into their City They excused themselves by their weaknesse and the want of power to resist the great forces which was admitted upon promise that they should look better to their town in after times Whilest the King stayed there the Noblemen and Barons of the countrey came in and made offer of their service giving surety not to reset nor intercommune with the Rebels and to concurre with his Majesties Lieutenant when they should be required This done the King returned to Edinburgh for he was then about the directing of the Earl of Marshall to Denmark for the accomplishing of his marriage and bringing home the Queen there went with him Andrew Lord Dingwell Sir Iames Scrymgeour of Dudap Mr. Iohn Sheen Advocate and Mr. George Young Archdeacon of S. Andrewes For defraying the Ambassadours charges a Subsidy of an hundred thousand pounds was granted by the Councel according to a warrant given them in the Parliament 1587. whereof the subjects made ready payment so great was their desire to have the King matched and the royal succession established in his race The enterprise of the Rebels being in this sort defeated the Thesaurer was put to liberty and at his coming to Court did solicit the King in favours of the Earl of Huntley and Crawford who forthinking the attempt they had made did offer to enter their persons in
Ward and submit themselves to the punishment his Majesty should be pleased to impose The Chancellor made the like intercession for Bothwell but for Arroll none did speak After the King had thought a little of it he was content they should enter and present themselves to the Justice but would give no condition For this effect the 24. of May was assigned at the day Mr. Edward Bruce Mr. William Oliphant and Mr. Iames Wardlaw sitting Judges in the criminal Court by Commission the three Earls compiered Of Noblemen and others charged to passe upon their Assise there were present the Lord Hamilton the Earls of Angus Morton Atholl Marre and Marshall the Lords Seaton Somervill Dingwell and Cathcart the Lairds of Pittarrow Closburn Lagg and the Constable of Dundy These taking oath as the manner is the indictment was read which consisted of seven or eight points First they were charged with practising with Jesuits seminary Priests and other strangers against Religion receiving of Spanish gold and hiring souldiers therewith to disturb the quiet of the Realm 2. That they had entered in bond and confederacy with the Earls of Arroll Montrosse and others contrary to the Lawes kept Conventicles and treasonably surprised the Town of Perth of purpose to have fortified the same against his Majesty 3. That they had conspired to take the King prisoner at Halyrudhouse and kill his servants and Counsellours especially Sir Iohn Maitland of Thirlstane Chancellor 4. That they had besieged the house of Kirkhill put fire to the same and forced the Master of Glammis Thesaurer to render himself captive 5. That they had convocated the subjects by open Proclamation and given out that the King was detained prisoner against his will 6. That they came with displayed banners to the Bridge of Dee of mind to invade the King whom they knew to be upon an expedition to the North parts 7. That they had taken the Kings Herauld at Arms in the City of Aberdene spoyled him of his Coat and Letters when he was about to proclaim them The 8. and last concerned Bothwell particularly who besides the rest was charged to have hired souldiers as well strangers as men within the countrey entertaining them in Dalkeith and threatning to invade the town of Leth at his Majesties being in the North. Bothwell confessing that he had waged souldiers and entered in bonds with other Noblemen did therefore put himself in his Majesties will the rest of the points he denied remitting himself to the trial of his Peers Crawford confessed that he was in the fields at the taking of Kirkhill and with the Earl of Huntley in Aberdene but denied the other points Huntley come in will for the whole The Assise removing by themselves found Bothwell guilty of the enterprise at the quarrel holes besides that which he confessed They filed Crawford of surprising the Town of Perth and coming in Arms to the Bridge of Dee Huntley by his own confession was found guilty in all The sentence upon the Kings Warrant was suspended and they committed to divers places Bothwell in Tantallon Crawford in Blacknesse and Huntley in the Castle of Edinburgh In Iune following the Assembly of the Church convened at Edinburgh where the King giving his presence after he had spoken a little of his good affection towards the Church shewed that he was come to desire Mr. Patrick Galloway to be appointed one of his Ministers the Assembly by the mouth of their Moderator rendring his Majesty humble thanks for the beginnings he had made in suppressing the enemies of Religion did intreat him to prosecute the businesse and made offer of their humble service and assistance to the uttermost of their power As to that which he desired they acknowledged that his Majesty might command any Minister wheresoever he served to attend himself and his Court and so ordained Mr. Patrick Galloway to leave his charge at Perth and wait upon the King It was a good beginning and this gave no small content to all well disposed men But things continued not long in that case for before that meeting took an end a fresh offence was given The year preceding the King having contracted his Cousen the Duke of Lennox his sister to the Earl of Huntley had caused the Bishop of S. Andrews celebrate the marriage at which the Ministers of Edinburgh taking exception they complained of the same in a preceding Assembly and had obtained a Commission to the Presbytery for calling and censuring the Bishop according to the Acts of the Church Whether the Bishop would not ackowledge them for Judges or that he esteemed his Majesties command a Warrant sufficient for what he had done whilest as he neglected their proceedings they pronounce him deprived from all office and function in the Church and presenting the processe in this assembly the same was found formal the sentence ratified and ordained to be published in all the Churches of the Kingdome only to make the Bishop hateful and contemptible He complaineth to the King who shewed himself extremely displeased with their doings but what course he should take he was doubtful for every day he was expecting the arrival of his Queen and loved to have all things quiet and setled at her coming especially in the Church with whom it grieved him not a little to be still in question but espying no better way he resolved in end to dissemble his anger towards them and to take the imprisoned Lords in favour lest he should make himself too much businesse Thereupon he returneth to the Northâ— gives Arroll a pardon putteth Crawford to liberty and fully remits him Huntley and Bothwell he freeth from imprisonment but to hold them in awe he deferres the Declaration of his will concerning them The Lord Maxwel upon his bond not to practise against Religion under the pain of an hundred thousand pounds is likewise dimitted And in this case stood things when advertisement came that the marriage was accomplished and the Queen ready to take Sea All diligence was thereupon used to prepare for her reception and nothing left undone that was required for so great a solemnity But a second and unlookt for message cometh shortly after shewing that the Navy appointed for her conduct was driven by a tempest into Norway and that it was thought she should stay in those parts unto the spring The King taking this impatiently concludeth with himself to go thither in person and because he knew many impediments would be made if his purpose were known he giveth out that he would send the Chancellor and Justice Clerk to transport her in Scottish Vessels if the Danes would not adventure theirs in that season How soon the ships were prepared for their journey no man expecting any such matter he taketh Sea himself leaving direction to the Councel for the government of affaires during his absence with the following Declaration written all with his own hand but not seen to
peace and quietnesse observed then was before or since that time known to have been kept And notwithstanding our expectation is nothing lesse of the good behaviour of our subjects in this our absence we have taken order for the better government of the publick affairs that our privy Councell should reside at Edinburgh and ordained the Duke of Lennox our Nephew to be President thereof and to be assisted by our Cousen Francis Earl of Bothwel whom we appoint to attend him with the other officers of State namely the Thesaurer Comptroller Master of requests Privy Seal the Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh Advocate and Clerk of Register who shall ever be present five of them at least with our said Nephew We have likewise given order that some Noblemen in their courses shall attend at Edinburgh the space of 15. dayes the Earls of Angus and Athol with the Lords Fleming and Innermeth to begin and the next course to be kept by the Earls of Marre and Morton with the Lords Seaton and Yester The Barons of Lothian Fife Sriveling-shire and Strathern we appoint to attend as they shall be warned and directed by the Councel For the South parts we have made the Lord Hamilton our Lieutenant that is within the three Wardenries and Sheriffdom of Lanrick and to be assisted when need is by the Lords Boyd Hereis Maxwell Home Cesford and other chief Barons within the Marches his residence to be at Dumfreis or Jedburgh and his charges to be furnished out of the readiest of the Taxation by Mr. John Colvill Collector thereof And that peace and quietnesse may be the better observed we discharge all Conventions for any cause whatsoever unto our return Finally we require the Ministers and Preachers of the Word to exhort the people to peace and obedience and commend us and our journey in their prayers to the protection of Almighty God As this is our desire so we expect that all our good subjects will follow the same especially they who have tried our favour of late and that they will persist in the loyalty promised by them certifying those that do in the contrary that they shall incurre our high displeasure and be punished with all rigour as on the other part we shall remember the peaceable and obedient thankfully when occasion presents By another Missive presented at the same time to the Councel the Earl Bothwel was declared second to the Duke of Lennox Sir Robert Melvil Vicechancellor Alexander Hay Secretary for the Scottish language and Mr. Iames Elphinston for the Latin and French The King having thus provided for the publick affairs took with him in company Sir Iohn Maitland Chancellor Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk Mr. Robert Douglas Provost of Linclowden the Gentlemen of his Chamber and other ordinary officers of the house He took also with him Mr. David Lindesay Minister at Leth leaving Mr. Patrick Galloway his ordinary Preacher to attend the Councel and having a prosperous wind arrived safely in a Sound or Haven of Norway not farre from Upslo where the Queen remained the fourth or fifth day after his embarking The Sunday following he solemnized the Marriage in his own person Mr. David Lindesay performing the ceremony in the French language After which consultation being taken for his return unto Scotland because it was held dangerous to go to Sea in that season and that the Counsellors of Denmark did oppose the journey advising him rather to visit the Queens mother and her son Christiern elected King of Denmark he was easily induced to follow their advice and send back the Scottish ships with Mr. Iames Sir Krymgeour and Mr. Iohn Skein Whilest the King lay at Upslo the Earl Marshall in Councel made report of his proceedings in the Ambassage and how according to the contract past and interchangeably sealed and signed the Marriage was compleated and a form of Attestation taken touching the Isles of Orkney bearing that the King and Regents of Denmark should supersede all claim of right to the said Isles unto the Kings perfect age reserving to each Kingdome their own Right which by that treaty should not be prejudged as the Copy thereof subscrived by the four Governours presently exhibited did shew together with the attestation he produced the form of an oath given by him and his associats for his Majesties performing of all things promised on his part concerning the Marriage and was in all and every one of these found to have done good service and have carried himself honourably according to his Commission Soon after this came certain Ambassadors from Denmark to invite the King thither who parting from Upslo with his Queen the 22. of December came to Bahouse a Castle standing in the Borders of Norway and Sweden the first of Ianuary There he remained seven dayes attending a safe conduct from the King of Sweden which Captain William Murray was employed to bring from Stockholme where that King kept his residence The conduct brought he removed from Bahouse the eighth of Ianuary and was met by a Captain of Sweden upon the River then frozen with 400. horsemen and by the space of two Dutch miles conveyed unto the land of Denmark The next day he went to the Castle of wertbury where he remained five days and from thence journeying by Falkenburgh the Town of Holmestade and Castle of Cowholm he came to Elsingburgh where he was stayed some three days from crossing the Ferry by tempest of weather and on the 21. of Ianuary was received at Crownenburgh Castle by the Queen-Mother the young King the Duke of Holstat his brother and the four Regents of the Realm with all magnificence possible There he remained to the end of February royally entertained and because he was to stay upon the marriage of his Queens eldest sister with the Duke of Brunswick which was appointed in April next he directed home William Shaw Master of Worke to advertise the Councel of the reason of his stay and to cause some ships and expert Pilots be sent with all diligence for his more safe convoy The Councel upon this advertisement employed Collonel William Stewart with six well furnished ships together and with him Mr. Patrick Galloway the Kings Minister was sent to further his Majesties return They arriving at Elsingore about the middlest of April in the very time that Brunswicks marriage was solemnizing did signify to the King the longing that the subjects had for his return and the peace that had been observed since his going from Scotland For all that while which considering the feuds of the countrey was strange two riots only did happen one committed by Archibald Wachop of Nudry a wicked and insolent man another by the Clangregore in Bachudder It rejoyced the King to hear that the subjects had been so quiet as he did likewise accompt it a great happinesse that in his own company there had no quarrels fallen out either amongst themselves or with the strangers whereas
upon the Gates take the keyes from the Porter and go after that to the Kings Chamber and make him sure Within the Palace were divers privy to the conspiracy especially Colonell William Stewart Iohn Neswith Chirurgeon to the King and Iames Dowglas of Spot who was brought to take part in that enterprise by this occasion Some days before it happened George Home of Spot his father in law to be killed by certain Mersemen of the surname of Home and Craw. Sir George Home Nephew to Spot and one of the masters of the Kings Esquiry did charge Iames Dowglas as author or accessary to the murther because of a fear he had conceived that his Father in law should by a new right possess his Nephew Sir George in some part of the lands to which he had right by his mariage upon this suspicion three of his servants were apprehended and detained prisoners within the Palace till they should be tryed by torture The Chancellor on whom Iames Dowglas depended laboured all he could to free his servants from that extraordinary form of trial but the presumptions being pregnant the King would have them to be tortured which when Spot understood and saw that the same would not be eschewed he thrust himself desperately in the action which but a few hours before was communicated to him by one of the Associates This fell out happily for the King and was it that marred the whole conspiracy for when Bothwell with his company had entred by the way named and was come to the inner Court of the Palace Iames Dowglas that minded nothing but the relief of his servants drew a number to break open the doors where they were detained and by the noise thereof all in the palace were put upon their guard The King was then at supper and being told that armed men were in the nether Court leaving the rooms wherein he lodged went up to the Tower as to a place of greater surety Bothwell having directed some to enclose the Chancellors lodgings lest he should escape made towards the Queens rooms where he expected to find entry and perceiving all shut upon him called to bring fire But ere they could find any Sir Iames Sandilands one of his Majesties chamber who had supped without the palace with a number of the people of Edinburgh entring by the Church of Halirud-house did beat him and his company from the doors and was in possibility to have taken them all if there had been any lights but those being all extinguished Bothwell with the principals of his company made shift in the dark and escaped returning by the same way that he entred in his out-going he was encountred by a Gentleman of the Esquiry named Iohn Shaw whom he killed with a Pistoll yet lost some nine of his followers men of small note who were executed the next morning The enterprise thus defeated Bothwell went into the North looking to be supplyed by the Earl of Murray his Cousen germane which the King suspecting Andrew Lord Ochiltry was sent to bring Murray unto the South of purpose to work a reconcilement betwixt him and Huntly But a rumour being raised in the mean while that the Earl of Murray was seen in the Palace with Bothwell on the night of the enterprise the same was entertained by Huntly who waited then at Court to make him suspected of the King and prevailed so far as he did purchase a Commission to apprehend and bring Murray to his triall The Nobleman not fearing that any such course should be used was come to Dunybirsill a house situated on the north side of Forth and belonging to his mother the Lady Downe Huntly being advertised of his coming and how he lay there secure accompanied onely with the Sheriffe of Murray and a few of his own retinue went thither and beset the house requiring him to render The Earl of Murray refusing to put himself in the hands of his enemy after some defence made wherein the Sheriffe was killed fire was set to the house and they within forced by the violence of the smoak and flame to come forth The Earl stayed a great space after the rest and the night falling down ventured among his Enemies and breaking through the midst of them did so farre out-run them all as they supposed he was escaped yet searching him among the rocks he was discovered by the tip of his head-peece which had taken fire before he left the house and unmercifully slain The report went that Huntlies friends fearing he should disclaim the fact for he desired rather to have taken him alive made him light from his horse and give some stroaks to the dead corps This done Gordon of Buckie was dispatched to advertise the King what had happened and Huntly himself took journey Northwards in such hast as he left Captain Gordon his Cousen that was lying on the ground wounded behinde him This Captain was brought the next day to Edinburgh and publickly executed The death of the Nobleman was universally lamented and the clamours of the people so great especially against the Chancellor upon whom all the blame was laid that the King not esteeming it safe to abide at Edinburgh removed with the Councell to Glasgow where he remained untill Huntly did enter himself in Ward in Blackness as he was charged But he stayed not there many dayes being dimitted upon Caution to answer before the Justice whensoever he should be called The corps of the Earl and Sheriffe of Murray were brought to the Church of Leth in two coffines and there lay diverse Moneths unburied their friends refusing to commit their bodies to the earth till the slaughter was punished Nor did any man think himself so much interessed in that fact as the Lord Ochiltry who had perswaded the Earl of Murray to come south whereupon he fell afterwards away to Bothwell and joyned with him for revenge of the Murther The Parliament which had been now twice prorogated did keep in the moneth of Iune In behalf of the Church it was there petitioned 1 That the Acts of Parliament made in the year 1584. against the Discipline of the Church and liberty thereof should be abrogated and annulled and a ratification granted of the discipline whereof they were then in practise 2. That the Act of annexation should be repealed and restitution made of the Churches Patrimony 3. That the Abbots Priors and other Prelates bearing the titles of Churchmen and giving voice for the Church without any power and Commission from the Church should not be admitted in time coming to give voice in Parliament or conveen in their name And 4. That a solid order might be taken for purging the Realm of idolatry and blood wherewith it was miserably polluted The second and third Petitions rejected consultation taken about the other two and satisfying the last it was condescended That saying of Masse receiving of Iesuits Seminary Priests and trafficking Papists against the Kings Majesty and
knew her to be the principall Maid in the Chamber conveighed him to the door of the Bed-chamber and making a stay without as they were commanded the Gentlewoman did let him down at a window by a cord that she had prepared The keepers waiting upon his return stayed there till the morning and then found themselves deceived This with the manner of the escape ministred great occasion of laughter and not many dayes after the King being pacified by the Queens means he was pardoned and took to wife the Gentlewoman who had in this sort hazarded her credit for his safety These dealings at Court increased not a little the boldness of others in the Countrey so as some of all ranks both Barons Gentlemen and Burgesses became followers of Bothwell and feared not to entertain him openly All Teviotdale ran after him whereupon the King made an expedition to Iedburgh 12. October and finding some of his ressetters tooke bonds of them for their better behaviour At his return he found new vexations by a faction made at Court against the Chancellour whereof the heads were the Duke of Lennox the Earls of Argile and Morton the master of Glamis and Lord Home with these the Earls of Angus and Arroll who were released from their wards by the Queens intercession did afterwards joyn That which gave the occasion was a claim made by the Queen of the Lordship of Mussylbrugh as being a part of Dumfermelin which she desired the Chancellour to resign for he had acquired an heritable right thereof at the making the act of Annexation The Chancellour excusing himself and in effect denying to satisfie her desire she grew offended and drew in these Noblemen to oppose him whereupon he withdrew himself from Court and remained in Nidisdale the rest of that year In the North there was likewise great unquietness for the Clanhattans conducted by Angus Williamston to revenge the Earl of Murrayes death made great spoil upon the Earl of Huntlies lands in Strathspey and Glemmuck killing divers and amongst others an honest aged man called Gordon of Barcklay against whom they could pretend no quarrell Huntly to be revenged of this wrong made an incursion upon the lands of Pettie which the Clanhattan did then possess exercing great crueltie and understanding that William Malcolmtoshe was at the same time spoyling the lands of Colerick encountred him at the head of Staplegate hill where after a short conflict some threescore of the Clanhattan were killed a few onely falling on his side Shortly after in another expedition upon the same lands having drawn together a number of High-landers from Lochabar Badenoch and Strathdawn he wasted burnt and spoyled all that Countrey killing a great many people The King to pacifie these troubles directed the Earl of Angus with a Commission of Lieutenandry unto the North where he wrought so much as the publick incursions of both sides did cease and in this time was Mr. George Ker brother to the Lord Newbotle intercepted as he lay at the Isle of Cumray intending a journey towards Spain with him were deprehended divers missive letters and blanks signed by the Earls of Angus Huntly and Arroll and by Sir Patrick Gordon of Aughendown Mr. Andrew Knox then Minister of Pasley who was afterwards made Bishop of the Isles upon some discovery made to him did interprise his taking and making him to be conveighed with a strong guard delivered him to the Provost of the City the King being then in Alloway at the Christmasse with the Earl of Marre who but a few payes before had married the Duke of Lennox his sister Advertisement made of his apprehension and of the letters deprehended with him the King made haste to return The night before his coming was the Earl of Angus returned from the North and not having heard any thing of Mr. George Kers taking went as he was accustomed to his lodging in Edinburgh but was presently arrested by the Provost and Baylifes and sent prisoner to the Castle The King esteeming this too great a presumption in them to have used a Nobleman and Counsellour lately returned from such a publick imployment without warrant in that manner was not a little offended yet because of the hainous accusations laid against him their forwardnesse was excused and his imprisonment allowed for good service by Act of Councell Mr. George Ker at his examination did ingenuously confesse all that he knew of the businesse the summe whereof was as followeth That upon a letter sent from Mr. William Creichton the Iesuit then residing in Spain and assurance given of the King of Spains aid for the alteration of Religion Mr. James Gordon and Mr. Robert Abercrombie Iesuits had devised to send one to Spain to certifie the King of the concurrence of the Scottish Catholicks in his service and that for the greater secrecy the three forenamed Earls should undertake for the rest and by their letters testifie the same That this being proponed to the Noblemen they did willingly consent and accordingly set their hands to eight blanks six whereof were to be filled as missives from them to the King of Spain and the two other with procurations one for the messengers credit the other for the Articles that should be drawn up in Spain That the filling of the blanks was trusted to Mr. William Chreichton and Mr. James Tyrie and that Sir James Chisholm one of the Kings Master housholds was first chosen to be carrier of the blanks but that he being impeded through some private businesse they were delivered to him subscribed in the moneth of October he being then in Edinburgh He further declared that by conference at the same time with the Earls of Angus and Arroll he understood that the King of Spain was to send an Army of thirty thousand men into Scotland whereof 15000. should remain in the Countrey and with the assistance of the Catholicks either alter the present Religion or procure liberty to their own profession and that the rest of the army should invade England being conveyed thither by the Catholick Lords who were to meet the Army at their landing which was appointed to be either at Kirkudbright in Galloway or in the mouth of Clâ—ydo This was the summe of his confession The Earl of Angus charged with these points denied affirming the blanks and subscriptions to be counterfeited But David Graham of Fintry who was apprehended upon suspicion at the same time declared that Mr. Robert Abercrombie had revealed the purpose to him and shewed that the blanks were trusted to Master George Ker. This so manifest a discovery of Popish plots tending not onely to the overthrow of Religion but also of the Realm which by this treasonable practise should have been reduced to a miserable slavery did animate the King much against the Jesuits whereupon he published his resolution to spare none that should try guilty of the Treason but make them an example to all postâ—rities requiring
in most serious manner all his good subjects to beware of these Iesuits traitors to their native Countrey and in their prayers to implore the mercy of God for preservation of themselves their wives and children from the conspiracy intended The Ministers of Edinburgh esteeming it their duty to make the Churches of the Countrey foreseen of the conspiracy that was detected gave notice thereof by their letters to such as were most nigh at hand desiring them to meet at Edinburgh the 8. of Ianuary for giving their advice touching these dangers and how the same might best be prevented The meeting was frequent for the report of the discovery drew many thither Mr. Robert Bruce in a short speech having related the perill wherein the Countrey and Church were brought by these practises it was thought meet by some Commissioners to entreat of his Majesty the execution of the lawes against Jesuits and their ressetters with the punishment of such as should be found guilty of the present conspiracy The King accepting graciously those that were sent unto him and giving the whole Assembly thanks for the readinesse they shewed to assist him in the prosecution of that triall wished them to consider of what importance the businesse was and not onely to give their advice for the course that should be taken but also to let him know what help they would contribute for strengthening him in his proceeding against the unnaturall Subjects His Majesties desire being reported to the Meeting their advice was that a Parliament should be indicted and the subscrivers of the blanks cited thereto and because it was not expected that they would appear so as his Majesty should be compelled to pursue them by force of Armes they did humbly offer their attendance upon his Majesties person till they should be apprehended or expulsed the Countrey as likewise to entertain a guard to his Majesty of three hundreth horsemen and an hundreth foot so long as any necessity was and till the laws of the Countrey had taken effect against the rebells providing it should not be drawn into a custome nor prejudge the liberty of the Realm in time coming The offer was thankfully accepted and a Proclamation made to meet the King at Aberdene the 20 of February for settling the North parts and for a beginning of Justice David Graham of Fintrie was arraigned and being found guilty beheaded in the publick street of Edinburgh the 16. of February Some two dayes before his execution Mr. Iohn Graham one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice being charged because of the businesse he made in behalf of Fintrie to depart forth of the Town and keep ward in Strathern was killed as he was going to the tide at Leith There had been a question long depending betwixt Sir Iames Sanderlands and him for the lands of Halyards and by reason thereof a professed enmity amongst them and it falling out at the same time when he was going to Leith that the Duke of Lennox accompanied with Sir Iames and divers others was making towards their sport in the sands Mr. Iohn Graham apprehending that they did pursue him made a turn upon that ascent which is without the gate of the town as if he would stand there to his defence which S. Iames taking for a sort of provocation he made towards him and entering in conflict Sir Alexander Stewart a grave Gentleman servant to the Duke of Lennox was killed by the shot of a pistoll presently after M. Iohn Graham by another shot was stricken in the breast and fell to the ground they who did give him the convoy seeing him fall did all flie and the companies separating he was led to a poor Cottage near unto the place and as he lay in bed killed by the said Sir Alexander his Page in revenge of his Masters death A man he was but meanly born and descended of that unhappy race which had an hand in the murther of King Iames the first a long time he served as Deputy to the Earl of Argile in the Justice Courts and after his death waited on Captain Iames Stewart by whose means he was preferred to be one of the Senatours of the Colledge of Justice in the place of Mr. Robert Pont of a quick wit and a good and ready utterance but was excessively proud covetous and unhonest in his dealings as appeared in suborning of the Notary of whom we spake and the fraud which he used to Mr. Andrew Polwart subdean of Glasgow a man of great learning who being forced to fly into England in the year 1584. with the other Ministers that took their refuge thither had intrusted him with his living and rent upon assurance to be repossessed when the time should change yet being returned and having obtained his peace could he never bring him to fulfill his promise whereupon after a long plea at law not finding an outgate the honest man conceived a displeasure and died The Earl of Angus the same day that he was killed made an escape out of the Castle of Edinburgh by the connivence of the keepers and flying to the North joyned with Huntley and Arroll They upon the report of the Kings coming to Aberdene left their houses and betook themselves to the mountains sending their Ladies to intercede for them and make offer of the keyes of their houses which they had been charged to render The King receiving the Ladies courteously told them that if their husbands would enter and abide triall they should receive no wrong otherwise the crime laid to their charge did so highly touch the Estate as he could not stay the course of Justice In the mean time for preserving the Countrey in peace the Earl of Atholl was made Lieutenant within the bounds of Elgin Forres Narne Innernesse and Cromartie and the like Commission given to the Earl of Marshall of the Sherifdoms of Kincardin Bamffe and Aberdene This done the King returned to Edinburgh where the Lord Burgh did meet him He was sent from the Queen of England to congratulate the discoveries of these treacherous practices and make offer of her assistance in pursuing and punishing those that should trie culpable wherein she wished him to doe as a King ought in such a case and if he could not apprehend their persons to confiscate their lands and rents whereby he should undoe them and better the Estate of his Crown And seeing the cause was common and touched all Princes professing the same Religion she desired to be certified what his resolution was that she might assure other Princes her confederates of the course taken in both their dominions for resisting the attempts of Spain The King thanking the Queen for her friendly offer and advice said That he knew Sir Robert Bowes her resident Ambassadour had advertised her of the whole particulars and of the blanks and letters intercepted that he had made a beginning and was fully resolved to prosecute the
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
more nigh and then relating the many indignities he had endured at Bothwells hands which they all knew he desired to have their advice touching the Conditions granted to him of late and whether they did think him tyed to the performance thereof the same being extorted by the importunity of those that took on them to mediate betwixt him and Bothwell and yeelded unto by him upon just fear The answer of the Convention was That they judged the fact of Bothwell Treasonable and the Conditions granted in such a manner to carry no necessity of performance that for the remission promised to him and his followers the same depended upon his Majesties own pleasure and that he should doe therein what seemed to him good but to be tyed not to receive in his company his servants and officers they held it not to stand with the honour and dignity of a King For the remission said the King I could be content for the quiet of the Realm to grant the same upon his humble suite and supplication when I am now at liberty but to be forced thereto and by way of capitulation to grant the same I do not think it agreeth with mine honour That which I require of you since I judge the conditions unlawfull and that neither in law nor conscience I am bound to observe them is that by publick Act the same be declared and that as a free Prince I may presently and in all time coming admit and receive into my company such of the Nobility Councell Officiars and other good subjects as I shall think good to use in the administration of my affairs All esteeming this to be most reasonable an Act was made declaring That his Majesty with the advice of the Estates had recalled the grant made to Bothwell in August last and that being a free Prince he might use the service of any of his subjects and call them to him at his pleasure This Declaration made the Prior of Blantyre and Sir Robert Melvill were directed to Bothwell to shew him that albeit the King did not think himself bound in law or hnour to perform the Conditions made at Halyrudhouse yet if he should now make humble suit for pardon to himself and his followers the same should be granted with a double Proviso first that he should supplicate his pardon and pass the same formally before the 20 of November secondly that the remission being exped he should depart forth of the Realm and abide in such parts beyond Sea as the King should appoint and not return into the Countrey without his Majesties licence Bothwell at first did take the offer well and seemed therewith content but when he was returned to Edinburgh for the intimation was made to him at Linlithgow and heard that the Lord Home and those others against whom he took exception were received in Court he was greatly commoved and falling to his wonted forms threatned to make the King observe the Conditions and keep what he had promised To this purpose he advertised the Earl of Atholl desiring he should meet him at Striveling the first of October with his forces Atholl kept the Diet accompanied with the Earl of Montrosse and a great number of men but the King was parted from Striveling and remained then at Linlithgow attended by the Lord Hamilton and divers other noble men which made Bothwell change his purpose and disappoint the interprise The King understanding that Atholl with his forces was come to Striveling sent a messenger to charge him to return home and dissolve his companies which he obeyed pretending that his business was onely to hold a Court at Down Castle a house pertaining to the Earl of Murray whereof he had the Ward and that the messenger might witness the truth thereof he took him along with him the next morning to Down The stay of the messenger put the King in suspicion that the Charge was not obeyed and that Atholl did wait upon Bothwells coming Whereupon he went back to Striveling and understanding that Atholl was gone to Down he followed thither The Lord Home who was appointed to ride before and view the fields encountring the Earl of Montrosse made him prisoner and used him and his men somewhat roughly But he professing to be sent by Atholl to the King for making his excuse and declaring the true cause of his coming in those parts was dimitted the next day upon his promise to appear before the Councell whensoever he should be charged After this the King going to Edinburgh Bothwell was cited before the Councell and not appearing was of new denounced Rebell Leaving these affairs for a while we will now return to the Popish Lotds They had been cited to the Parliament which was kept in Iuly preceding but upon some informalities and defects in the libell the process was remitted by the Estates to the King and Councell This being ill interpreted and taken to be done in their favour the Ministers of the Synode of Fife meeting at S. Andrews in the beginning of October did summarily excommunicate the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll the Lord Home and Sir Iames Chisholme They sent letters also to all the Presbyteries desiring their excommunication to be published in all the Churches and particularly required the ministers of Edinburgh to call a meeting of some principall ministers and well affected Barons to advise what course was fittest to be taken for the defence of Religion and repressing the practises of enemies The King upon advertisement of these proceedings called M. Robert Bruce who was then in great favor and willed him to stay the publication of sentence as being unjust and altogether informal for that neither were these persons subject to the Synod of Fife nor were they cited to answer And if this be your order said he that the Ministers of one Synod may excommunicate and at their desire all the rest shall make intimation who can be sure or how shall it be eschewed but number shall this may be brought in troubles M. Robert answering that it was not in his power to stay the publication the brethren having already concluded the same and that the Ministers of Fife had their own reasons and were answerable to the generall Assembly Well said the King I could have no rest till ye got that which ye call the Discipline of the Church established now seeing I have fonnd it abused and that none amongst you hath power to stay such disorderly proceedings I will think of a mean to help it The intimation in the mean time went on and according to the motion made for convening some principal Ministers and Barons there assembled a good number at Edinburgh the 17 of October The King was gone then to Iedburgh for pacifying some tumults in the borders and in his going thither was met at Falaw by the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll who humbly intreated a trial and that they should not be condemned
which purpose some was left at Edinburgh to make timely warning to the rest The King being informed of this conclusion at his return to Edinburgh called the speciall Ministers that were in town and shewed that it was an undutifull part in them to convocate the subjects and cause them take armes without his warrant prohibiting any such advertisement to be given as was appointed They excusing themselves said That it was the cause of God and in defence thereof they could not be deficient Hereupon a Proclamation was made Declaring the course that his Majesty had taken to try the Conspiracy of the Popish Lords and how after some pâ—ins taken in that businesse he had indicted a Parliament in Iuly last for that cause at which time nothing being done albeit not in his default and he impeshed a long time after by the practises of Bothwell and other troubles in the Countrey was no sooner received forth of his hands then he fell again upon the same thoughts and that now he had appointed a Convention of Estates at Linlithgow for taking their advice touching the surety of his own person the relief of the subjects oppression and the ordering of all that businesse especially since the said Lords had by their letters and otherwise most humbly desired a triall which he doubted not the Estates would consider and so proceed therein as might best serve to the preserving of Religion and the quietnesse of the Countrey his own intention being no other but to have them satisfie the Church or if they refused to cause them to be expulsed and banished the Countrey And for that end he had commanded them to remain at Perth and attend the resolution of the Estates dissolving their forces if any they had assembled Whereof his Majesty did think meet to give all his subjects notice that they might know his care for the maintenance of true Religion against all the enemies thereof And therefore inhibited the subjects to make any Convocations or if any were already made by the sinistrous informations of ill disposed people they were commanded to dissolve and turn to their houses till they should be advertised either by missive Letters or Proclamations and not otherwise under the pains appointed for seditious persons and disturbers of the publick peace Notwithstanding of this discharge there came great companies to Edinburgh and in all parts of the Countrey were people stirring so that the Convention which was called to meet at the same time being not very frequent kept a short while together The offers and Petitions of the Popish Lords being onely read the consideration thereof was remitted to certain chosen by the Estates These were the Lord Thirlestane Chancellour the Earls Marshall Marre Montrosse and Rothes the Lord Levingston Scot of Balwery Iohn Murray of Tullibarden Alexander Bruce of Airth Mr. George Lowder of Basse William Scot of Abbotshall Mr. David Carnagie of Colluthie Sir Alexander Hume of North-Berwick Provost of Edinburgh Clement Core Baily with the Commissioners of the towns of Dundie Couper Striveling and Linlithgow to these or any four of every estate together with his Majesties Officers power was given to consider the Petitions and offers of the said Lords to try their accusations purgations and the truth thereof and to conclude therein as they should think most expedient for the surety of Religion and redressing of disorders within the Realm ordaining their determination to be as valid and effectuall as if the same had been concluded in Parliament or Convention It was likewise ordained that Mr. Robert Lindesay Mr. Robert Bruce Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Patrick Calloway and Mr. Iames Carmichael and Iohn Duncauson should be admitted to the said conference if they should desire And that in the absence of any of the Estates nominated such as were present should appoint others at their pleasure The Commissioners nominated having conveened at Edinburgh the 12. of November after many dayes reasoning grew to this conclusion That the King for the publick peace of the Realm and to remove all troubles and the occasion thereof after mature deliberation and conference kept with the Ministers had by the advice of the Commissioners elected by the Estates declared and by irrevocable Edict ordained That the true Religion established in the first year of his Majesties reign should be onely professed and exercised in all time coming within the Realm and that none should supply or resset any Iesuits Priests and other adversaries of Religion under the pains contained in the Acts of Parliament That such as have not embraced Religion or made defection from the same should conform themselves before the â— of February next satisfie the Church and obey such things as shall be prescribed to them by the King and the Church or if any of them did think it difficile so to do for any scruple of Conscience that they should depart forth of the Realm to such parts beyond Sea as his Majesty should appoint betwixt and the said day and not return till they were resolved to imbrace the truth and satisfie the Church they alwaies and their heirs enjoying their lands and livings and their procurators being licensed to appear before the ordinary Iudges for debating their actions notwithstanding of any prâ—cesse laid against them That the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll the Laird of Achindowne and Sir James Chisholme should be unaccusable of the crimes contained in the summons executed against them by occasion of blanks and letters intercepted and concerning their traficking with strangers to the prejudice of Religion and the said processe extinct for ever discharging the Iustice Advocate and other Officers present and to come of all calling and proceeding against them and their heires therefore in time coming But in case they have sent or after this time shall send any pledges forth of the Realm for fulfilling of Conditions tending to the overthrow of Religion in that case the said abolition should be null neither should it be further extended then to the crimes contained in the summons and no way comprehend any murders fire-raisings or other crimes committed by them That such of the said Earls and others as should resolve to obey his Highnesse Lawes in professing the true Religion before the 1 of February should remain in the places and bounds to be appointed for them and forbeare all practising or intelligence with the Iesuits Priests and other Papists debarring them from and forth of their company That they should neither dispute nor permit disputing at their Tables against the truth or in favour of Popery and entertain in their houses a Minister and be ready to hear conference and resolve themselves of doubts that they may be the better prepared to subscribe the Confession of Faith at the day appointed unlesse it please the Chrrch to prorogate their subscription for some longer space That the Earls of Huntley and Arroll should before the 1 of February remove out of their company Mr. James
when the Ambassadour understood that they had lost the benefit of that grant in their own default and that the King had proceeded so farre as to make publick Declaration thereof he was satisfied and insisted to have the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against them This not proceeding with such haste as he desired he fell to treat secretly with Bothwell who was making new stirrs and had drawn numbers of all sorts to follow him yea with some specialls of the Ministery he found such credit as both in their publick Sermons and otherwise by their private dealings they did incourage people to joyn with them and which did most offence the King sent one Mr. Andrew Hunter a Minister to be his Preacher and attend him as a Chaplain nor did their folly or madnesse rather subsist here but even the moneys which had been collected in the Churches for the supply of Geneva which was then in trouble and deposed in the hands of Mr. Iames Melvill Minister of Anstruther were given to Robert Melvill and George Strong two Captains for leavying Souldiers to assist him Bothwell was then gathering new forces and had appointed with the Earls of Argile and Atholl to meet at Leith for the banishing of the Popish Lords and revenge of the Earle of Murray his slaughter that was the pretext and with them did the English Ambassadour keep intelligence This being discovered to the King one of his servants who had been spied in Bothwells company was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh Being examined he confessed that by direction of his Master he had spoken with Bothwell and Mr. Iohn Colvill and that he believed they had some enterprise in hand but what it was he knew not The King perceiving by his Confession that the Ambassadour had a secret dealing with Bothwell was greatly offended yet because he would not seem to infringe the priviledges of Ambassadors after he had checkt him with some sharp words he dimitted his servant and the Ambassador departed the King not vouchsafing him a farewell Bothwell in the mean time with the forces that he had gathered in the Borders being about 400 horsemen or thereby advanced and came to Leith the 2. of April at 3 of the clock in the morning The King remained at the time in Edinburgh not well accompanied yet hearing that Bothwell was come so high he commanded the Citizens and those that were with him to arm He himself going to Church made a speech at the end of the Sermon to the people for the removing the suspicions conceived of his favouring the Popish Lords and recounting Bothwells treacherous attempts desired them to remember that he was their King to whom they owed all fidelity and to consider in what case they themselves should be if Bothwell with his Borderers men given to theft and robbery should get the upper hand The hearers moved with his speeches shewed great forwardnesse and went incontinent to armes The Lord Hume was commanded to take the fields and lead the horsemen that were in town The King stayed with the foot and before them marched the Canon which was brought forth of the Castle and making directly towards Leith How soon Bothwell understood that the Kings forces were marching considering he could not equall them in number he removed from Leith and dividing his men in three troops took the way by Restalrig towards Dalkeith The Lord Hume with the horsemen followed to observe what course he held and the King with the foot removing to the other side of the town made his stand in the field called the Borrow moore Hume with his company being advanced so far as Muddry edge Bothwell turned upon him and being far superiour in horsemen gave him the chase which they that stood by the King perceiving advised him to return into the town but he refusing to stir answered That he would never quit the fields to a Traytor yet the danger was great and in the opinion of many if Bothwell had taken his course directly to the King and not pursued the chase so hotly he might have carried the day but in following it happened his horse to stumble and fall to the ground and he bruised with the fall was forced to retire That night he went to Dalkeith and on the morrow dissolved all his troops which when Atholl heard he also went back into his Countrey The Fiffe Captains with their souldiers arriving at Leith about midnight when they understood how things had passed turned saile and went sundry wayes This purpose so defeated the King sent the Lord Colvill and M. Edward Bruce to the Queen of England to complain of the misdemeanor of her Ambassador and the resset that Bothwell found in her kingdome In his letter to the Queen using a round plainness he said That although it had pleased her to commend the Ambassador she had imployed for a wise religious and honest man yet he had in his opinion been fitter to carry the message of an Herauld then a friendly Commission betwixt two neighbour Princes That he had seen nothing in him but pride and wilfulness and that therefore denying to give him any answer he chused to send the same by his own messengers whom he desired her to credit as himself in all that they had in charge to deliver For Bothwell he said That he wondred how notwithstanding of the many solemn promises made as well by her Ambassadors as by letters of her own hand that he should have no harbor within her Countrey yet was he not only resset by her people but suffered to reside in some of her proper houses and had received a good summe of English monie wherewith he waged both Scots and English in this late treacherous attempt To think this was by her direction or privity he would not so farre it was against all princely honour on the other part that she being so wise and prudent a Prince and having so long and so happily governed her kingdoms should be so slighted and contemned by a number of her subjects as that such things should be done without her knowledge it could hardly be believed wherefore leaving it to her self to solve these doubts he would onely remember her of the promise made at the delivery of Ororick an Irish rebell and desire her not to put him in ballance with such a traiterous counterpoise lest he should be constrained to say with the Poet Flectere si nequeo superos c. This was the substance of the letter the credit committed to them was to assure the Queen That seeing the Popish Lords had not imbraced the conditions offered he should prosecute the Lawes against them proscribe their persons and confiscate their lands and to crave of her as one whom that cause equally touched a supply of moneys till either they were expulsed the Realm or their persons apprehended and presented to justice The Queen excusing the oversight given to Bothwell by the
slow pursuit of the Popish Lords and the favour shewed to them promised that from thenceforth he should find no more resset in her Countrey and for pursuing the Popish Earls the King should lack no supply that was in her power to give With this answer did Mr. Edward Bruce return for the Lord Colvill went from that into France to congratulate the victorious and happy successe of the French King against those of the League and invite him to assist the Baptisme of the Prince which was to be in Iuly next The Queen of England immediately upon the Ambassadours return by a Proclamation in all the Borders did inhibit the resset and harbouring of Bothwell and the aiding of him in any sort which the king did so kindly accept as rendring her many thanks for the same he did therewith intreat her to assist the Baptisme of the Prince his son The like imployment Peter Young his Majesties Elemosynar received for Denmark the Dukes of Brunswick and Megleburgh and to the generall Estates Sir William Keith and Captain William Murray the Provost of Saint Andrewes were directed The Parliament being in the mean time indicted to the 27. of May the Assembly of the Church conveened at Edinburgh the seventh of the same moneth where the Excommunication of the Popish Lords was ratified and ordained to be published in all the Churches of the Kingdome The King did reside then at Striveling and thither were Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Patrick Simson Mr. Iames Melvill and Mr. Iames Nicholson directed by the Assembly to represent the dangers wherein his Majesties Person Crown and Liberty of the Countrey stood and to propone such remedies as in their judgement were fittest for preventing the same Both the one and the other were conceived in this form The perills which oft before were threatned by the pernicious practices of Jesuits and the malicious unnaturall and treasonable conspiracies of the Earl of Huntley Arroll and Angus and their complices in betraying their native Countrey to the cruell and mercilesse Spaniard are no lesse urgent and now more to be feared then when the danger seemed to be greatest as may appear by the reasons following 1. It is certain that the Spaniard who with so great preparations in the year 1588. enterprised the Conquest of the whole Isle retaineth the same intention wanting an occasion onely to accomplish his promise as is manifest by the intelligence he hath kept with the Popish Lords ever since the disputation of that Navie 2. The open rebellion of the said Lords at the bridge of De Falkland c. with their continuance in the like treasonable attempts notwithstanding his Majesties clemency in pardoning the same doth evidence their obstinacy in prosecuting the same conspiracies 3. Whereas the Church hath not ceased at all occasions to lay open these dangers and humbly intreated that some remedy should be provided nothing hath been obtained to the emboldening of the enemies in their practices and attempts 4. Notwithstanding that it was enacted in Councell that none should presume to request for the said Popish Lords under the pain of losing their places and Offices yet none are in such credit as their favourers who contrary to their promises labour still to procure them oversight and immunitie 5. The Masses openly celebrated in the house of Balgawy pertaining to Mr. Walter Lindesay the house of Birnes appertaining to the young Laird of Bonyton the houses of Douglas Strathbolgy Logyamont and Slams pertaining to the said Earles do shew that either they think themselves assured of favour in the Court or of such assistance in the Countrey as may maintain their cause or then that they are perswaded to be supplyed by strangers 6. The Act of oblivion offered to them with the great discontent of all good subjects would not have been rejected except they had looked for greater favour and better conditions 7. The disobedience they have shewed in entering to their wards when they were charged doth prove that they think themselves assured of the aid and concurrence of others 8. The arriving of the Spanish Bark lately at Montrosse declareth that they have some practice to be put in execution presently if the same shall not be timely prevented 9. The open conventions they keep since the arriving of the said Bark do shew that they esteem their plots so substantially laid as they regard not what can be done for resisting the same 10. The diligence they use in preparing and putting their friends and followers in armes specially in the North parts is an argument of some interprise they go about 11. And last whereas his Majesty and Estates did upon the first discovery of their plots and practices apprehend a great danger to Religion the Kings Estate and liberty of the Countrey notwithstanding that the cause is not removed there is no care taken to withstand their courses which declareth that there is either a purpose to cover extenuate and bear forth their wickednesse or that the Lord hath in his judgement blinded and hardened the hearts of all Estates that while the danger is greatest they can neither see nor apprehend the same The remedies of the foresaid dangers were proponed as followeth 1. That the Parliament indicted to the 27. of the same moneth should not be prorogated but the time thereof precisely kept and the Popish Lords forfeited and to that effect the Advocate sufficiently instructed for maintaining the relievancy of the summons and probation in due time provided 2. That none suspected in Religion be chosen upon the Articles 3. That after the forfeiture they be pursued with all extremity their Lands and Rents annexed to the Crown and no part thereof disponed in favours of the persons forfeited 4. That the Guard be imployed for apprehending Mr. Walter Lindesay the Abbot of New-Abbey Iames Wood of Bonyton younger Mr. George Ker who had made an escape out of the Castle the year before Mr. Alexander Lesley Thomas Tyrie and other Traffiquers and Jesuits 5. That the houses of the Rebells be possessed and their livings intrometted with to his Majesties use 6. That all persons be inhibited to resset supply or entertain any intelligence with the said Lords especially their vassals and dependers and that none under whatsoever pretext contravene the same 7. That the subjects be charged to put themselves in armes by all good means and be in readinesse to pursue and defend as they shall be warned by his Majesty or otherwise upon urgent occasions 8. That the Bark arrived at Montrosse be apprehended and the persons that were within her with such others as have had any dealing with them and that they be examined diligently for the discovery of the practice they have presently in hand Somewhat was adjected concerning the Lord Hume but he compeiring in the same Assembly gave satisfaction to the Church and was absolved from the sentence of Excommunication All the remedies the King allowed
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
enter into action against them she would have an honourable consideration of him and his burthens And that now the sentence of forfeiture being pronounced it concerned him both in honour and safety not to permit their longer stay in the Realm For the support desired and quantity thereof he was commanded to follow the instructions given to Sir Robert Melvill in his last Ambassage and was injoyned to complain of one Mr. Lock his intertainment in the Court who professed himself an Agent for Bothwell as likewise of Mr. Iohn Colvill his publick residence in Twedmouth In the last points he received satisfaction and shortly after Mr. Iohn Colwill wearied of Bothwells courses by mediation of friends obtained his pardon But for the matter of moneys divers shifts and excuses were made onely some part of the money was advanced which was due otherwise to the King In the beginning of September the Ambassadours were dimitted with many thanks nor were they sooner gone then a new conspiracy was detected Bothwell having joyned himself with the Popish Lords and received a part of the forain gold sent to them did undertake to raise such perturbations in the South parts as the King should be compelled to relinquish the expedition he intended to the North and if he could apprehend his person to carry him to Blacknesse the keeper whereof he had corrupted and there detain him captive till they might come and make their own conditions This enterprise was concluded in an hostlary at the Church of Memmure in August where Huntley Arroll Angus Bothwell Achindown and divers others convened and subscribed a Bond which was given in custody to Sir Iames Scot of Balwery By the apprehension of Mr. Allan Orme servant to Bothwell and some papers that were found with him the whole purpose was discovered which the King caused to be published that people might see what trust was to be given to Bothwells religion This Gentlemans case at his dying was greatly pitied and much intreaty made aswell for him as for Iames Cockram keeper of Blacknesse but the clemency shewed in former times to the followers of Bothwell was judged so hurtfull as the King against his nature was compelled to use rigour Thus the two Gentlemen were condemned and executed in the publick street of Edinburgh in the beginning of October Immediately after the Parliament upon intelligence had arrived in the Barque at Montrosse and brought with them some gold for supply of the Popish Lords Commission was given to the Earl of Argile and Atholl the Lord Forbes and a number of Barons to go and expulse them forth of the Countrey But Argile being young and the rest declining the imployment till his forces or he himself should take the fields nothing was done Whereupon Mr. Robert Bruse taking with him Mr. Iames Balfour made a journey to Argile and partly upon promises of recompence from the Queen of England partly upon hopes given that the lands of the Rebels should be at his bestowing perswaded the Earl to undertake the Comission So gathering his forces he set forward about the end of September and travelling through the mountains came to Badenoch the 27. of that moneth where he laid siege to the Castle of Ruthven but this was by the Clampherson so strongly defended as he was forcedto leave the siege turn unto the Low-lands for joyning with the Lord Forbes the Lairds of Balqhain Drum and Mackenze who were all preparing to meet him In his own company was the Lairds of Tillibarden Grant Macklain Mackintosh Clangregory and Mackneill of Baray with their friends and followers reckoned in whole to 10000. and above Huntley advertised of his coming did resolve to fight him before his joyning with Forbes and those of the Inland and was thereunto encouraged by the Earl of Arroll who brought with him a small number of five or six score at most but resolute Gentlemen all They of Huntleys part were thought not to exceed 900. With this small number did he adventure marching the first day from Strathbolgie to Achindowne where he encamped the second of October Captain Ker that had served him many years a man of good experience being sent the next morning to try what way Argile took did quickly return and shew that the enemy was at hand The two Earls hereupon diving their forces Arrol tooke the leading of the Vantguard wherein were 300. the rest abode with Huntley and made the battell How soon the forces came in sight one of another Argile was somewhat troubled for he was made to believe he should see no enemy yet trusting to his numbers he command Macklain who had the leading of his Vant to advance he himself keeping the advantage of the ground made the army stay on the side of a hill which was full of moss and bogs Huntley he carried with him certain Field peeces wherewith he plaid upon them in his approach and therewith put them in great confusion for the Highlanders casting themselves on the ground as their custome is could hardly be raised so long as they heard the noise of the Ordinance Arroll perceiving this made to give the charge but by reason of the steep ascent he was driven to make a little compass turning his side to the adversaries who by that time were got on foot and resuming a new courage did rain upon Arroll and his men in their passing such a shower of darts and arrows that as they affirmed who were present for the space of a quarter of an hour the light of day was palpably eclipsed Achindown was at this time killed and Arroll dangerously wounded in his arme and and leg many had their horses killed and were compelled to take them to their feet Macklain whose number were greater environing Arroll and his company held them so engaged betwixt himself and Argile as they had been all cut in pieces if Huntley had not with speed come to their relief But he perceived the danger and charged with such fury as the Vant and many of both Armies being joyned they entred into a cruell fight which continued almost two hours in the end Argiles men were disordered and put to rout the Earl himself laboured all he could to rally them again together but it would not be so amazed they were as without once looking back down they went to the other side of the hill with all the speed they could make Macklain with a few Isles men stood long unto it after the rest were gone and retired in good order with the smal company he had Huntley persued the chace to the foot of the hill though the steepness of it be such that a man can scarce walk down it on foot but the eagerness made all dangers forgotten There in a little burn or brook called Alwhaunachy he had his horse killed and before he could be again mounted the enemy was gone to another hill whereas horsemen could not follow and so the chace ceased In this conflict Argile lost two cousens
were suspected to have suffered her in those conceipts he shewed himself much displeased and chiding them bitterly followed the Queen to Striveling where he remained not long but returning to Falkland left to the Earl of Marre a Warrant written with his own hand and conceived in this form My Lord of Marre because in the surety of my son consisteth my surety and I have concredited unto you the charge of his keeping upon the trust I have of your honesty this I command you out of my own mouth being in the company of those I like otherwise for any charge or necessity that can come from me you shall not deliver him And in case God call me at any time see that neither for the Queen nor Estates their pleasure you deliver him till he be 18 years of age and that he command you himself Striveling the 24 of July 1595. This warrant as it shewed the Kings displeasure at those that had combined in the plots so it declared the great trust he put in the Nobleman Shortly after the Chancellor taking to heart the Kings offence contracted a hearty sickness at his house of Lawder and sending his Cousen the secretary to the King who remained then at Hamilton did by him excuse the dealing in that matter and with a solemn protestation of his fidelity in all his Majesties services seriously commend his Lady children and friends now that he was to end his life to his Majesties protection The King was much troubled with the news and wrote unto him with his own hand the letter following Chancellor how sorry I am of these newes I leave it to your self to judge I was never a dissembler of my affections And yet I trust that God will not spoil me of you so untimely Therefore will pray you so farre as you may with a valiant heart resist the assaults of your sickness hoping in the goodness of my fortune that God will reserve you yet to me as Hezekiah was to his people for the necessity between Prince and subject is reciproque nor can any sickness how heavy soever it be take away the life if God cut not the threads thereof As to your suits if God calls you I need no remembrance for since I made you a pattern of my constant favour during your life as your self hath oft time said I am much more bound of Princely duty to make your wife and posteritie that bears your image a vive representation of my thankfull memory And to comfort you in this remember what I have done to the Duke and my Lady Huntley for their fathers sake This may assure you that in case of the worst which God forbid your thoughts shall be prevented herein by my thankfull behaviour to them and for your cousin the Secretary he shall be the better at my hand in losing you But I green to hear better newes And if time and distance of place could have permitted me in any way I should not have spared to have carried my own message my self God send you your health and keep you to me and to your Native Countrey This shewed in what account the King held him and in truth he deserved nothing lesse for he was a man of rare parts and of a deep wit learned full of courage and most faithfull to his King and Master In that last businesse which the Queen went about of taking the Prince from the Earl of Marre he was consenting for the two Noble men had their private emulations but it was ever with a reservation of his Majesties pleasure No man did ever carry himself in his place more wisely nor sustain it more courageously against his enemies then he did Being visited in his sicknesse by Mr. Robert Bruce and the Ministers of Edinburgh he expressed a great contempt of the world and of the vanities of it lamenting that he had not done the good which he would and might have done in his place being impeded as he said by the malice of his adversaries who were ever plotting his death and ruine Two moneths he continued under that languishing sicknesse and ended his dayes most happily the 3. of October 1595. The King did greatly lament his death and honoured him with this Epitaph Thou passenger that spies with gazing eyes This Trophy sad of deaths triumphant dart Consider when this outward Tombe thou sees How rare a man leaves here his earthly part His wisedome and his uprightnesse of heart His pietie his practice of our State His quick Engine so verst in every Art As equally not all were in debate Thus justly hath his death brought forth of late An heavy grief in Prince and Subjects all That virtue love and vice do bear at hate Though vitious men rejoyces at his fall So for himself most happy doth he die Though for his Prince it most unhappy be Others for all this spared not to expresse their malice in Libells and Rythmes after his death some whereof were cast in the Kings Chamber at Linlithgow and other places but as the Authours were not known so were the Rythmes despised and contemned by all good men His body was some dayes after conveyed to Hadington and solemnly interred in the Sepulchre of his fathers This year was by the vulgar people reckoned among the ill years because of the dearth and scarcity of Corns which the aboundance of winds in the Harvest time had caused yet for the bloodshed and slaughters committed in all quarters of the Countrey was it more justly to be so accounted For in the South parts the Iohnstons and Maxwells had a bloody conflict wherein divers were killed the greatest losse falling upon the Maxwells that went from the West parts besides Glasgow to assist their friends in the South In the Isles and Highlands were likewise great troubles nor was the Incountrey more quiet bloods and slaughters dayly falling out in every place Among which none was more odious then the slaughter of David Forrester Citizen of Striveling killed as he was returning from Edinburgh by some that lay in wait for his life The Lairds of Arth and Dunnypearce were thought to have hounded out the committers upon a spleen conceived against the Gentleman for the credit he had with his Master the Earl of Marre for no other quarrell could be pretended The Nobleman taking this greatly to heart caused to bring the body of his servant to Linlithgow for he was killed nigh to Linlithgow with his whole friendship conveyed the same to Striveling there to be interred carying along the portraite of the dead with the wounds he had received in a white sheet to move the beholders to a great detestation of the fact The Corps buried the Earl following the course of Law the Lords Levingston and Elphingston did partie the Committers And though the King by his Proclamation did prohibit the assisting either of the pursuit or defenders commanding Justice to be done nothing could take effect in
State considering their continuance in the same disposition to work mischief as before of these things they were desired to inform their flocks and both in publick doctrine and private conference to stirre up the Countrey-people to apprehend the danger and to be in readiness to resist the same so farre as lawfully they might It was further thought meet that publick humiliation should be indicted through the whole Countrey the first Sunday of December and the cause thereof declared to be the return of the excommunicated Lords and dangers thereby threatned to Religion which the Ministers should enlarge according to their discretions as also that the Presbyteries should call before them their Entertainers Reffetters and such as kept company with them and proceed summarily with the Censures of the Church una citatione quia periclitatur salus Ecclesiae Reipublicae Lastly they concluded that a number of Commissioners selected out of all the Quarters of the Countrey should reside at Edinburgh and convene every day with some of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh to receive Advertisements as should be sent from other places and take counsell upon the most expedient in every case The Brethren nominated to this purpose were Mr. Alexander Douglas M. Peter Blaickborure M. George Gladstaves and M. Iames Nicholson for the North parts Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. Thomas Buchannan Mr. Alexander Lindesey and Mr. William Striveling for the middle part of the Countrey Mr. Iohn Clapperton Mr. Iohn Knox Mr. George Ramsey and Mr. Iames Carmichaell for the South and for the West Mr. Iohn Howson Mr. Andrew Knox Iohn Porterfield and Mr. Robert Wilkie Their attendance was ordained to be monethly and to begin in November At which time Mr. Iames Nicholson Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. Andrew Knox Mr. Iohn Howson and Mr. George Ramsey were appointed to wait Mr. Robert Bruce Mr. Robert Pont Mr. David Lindesey Mr. Iames Balfour Mr. Patrick Gallaway and Mr. Walter Balcanquell observing ordinarily all the meeting These Conventions were by a new name called the Councell of the Church and appointed to be kept once every day at least for taking advice in every business that occurred by direction of this Councell Lord Alexander Seaton President of the Session was called before the Synod of Lothian for keeping intelligence with the Earl of Huntley and by them remitted back to that Councell before whom with many attestations he purged himself of any dealing with Huntley or any of the Papist Lords and upon promise not imploy his credit that way was dimitted The King suspecting their beginnings should end in some trouble but not like to fall in contrary terms with the Church if by any means the same could be eschewed commanded the President Secretary Advocate and Laird of Colluthle to conferre with the most moderate of the Ministery and use their best means for satisfying them touching the return of the forfeited Lords Mr. David Lindesey Mr. Patrick Gallaway Mr. Iames Nicholson and Mr. Iames Melvill being sent for to this Conference were desired to give their opinions Whether or not due satisfaction being made to the Church by the Lords for otherwise the King did not mean to shew them any favour they might be pardoned and restored to their estates The Ministers answered They came only to hear what was proponed and in a matter of that importance could say nothing unacquainting their brethren The Conference was delayed till afternoon At which time returning they said That the brethren were glad of the respect carried by his Majesty to the Church and that his resolution was to give no favour to those Rebels till the Church was first satisfied But in their judgments they having by Gods law deserved death and being by the most soveraign Court of the Kingdome sentenced to have lost their estates they could not be lawfully pardoned nor restored And if the King and his Councell would take on them to doe it they had God and the Countrey to answer unto but for them they would give no assent but protest to the contrary that they were free thereof before God and man This answer seeming rather to proceed of passion then any good zeal it was next urged Whether upon their humble and submisse suite to be reconciled the Church could not deny to receive them it being commonly held thâ—t the bosome of the Church should ever be patent to repenting sinners They answered That the Church indeed could not refuse their satisfaction if it were truly offered neverthelesse the King stood obliged to doe justice When by no reasoning they could be wrought from these extremities the Conference brake off and the effects thereof being reported to the King he was greatly commoved inveighing against Ministers at his table in Councell and every where The wiser sort that foresaw the ill effects this rancour would breed advised the Ministers to send some of their number to understand what it was that did offend the King and offer all satisfaction on their parts withall to lay open their grievances and in humble manner entreat a redress of the things which they esteemed hurtfull Herein the same Brethren being employed they found the Kings answers more biting and peremptory then they expected for being desired to shew what it was that made his majesty so offended wth the Church and professing to amend it so farre as lay in them he said There could be no agreement so long as the marches of the two Iurisdictions were not distinguished that in their preachings they did censure the affaires â—f the Estate and Councell convocate Generall Assemblies without his license conclude what they thought good not once desiring his allowance and approbation and is their Synods Presbyteries and particular Sessions meddle with every thing upon colour of scandall besides divers other disorders which at another time he would propound and have reformed otheâ—wise it was vain to think of any agreement or that the same being made could stand and continue any while The Ministers not willing to dip in these matters after they had in sober manner replied to each of these points fell to speak of their own grievances as first the favour granted to the Popish Lords in the late Conventions at Falkland and Dunfermlin the countenance given to the Lady Huntley and her invitation to the Baptisme of the Princesse the putting her in the hands of the Lady Levingston an avowed and obstinate Papist and which grieved them more then any thing else the alienation of his Majesties heart from the Ministers as appeared by all his speeches publick and private To this last the King did first reply saying That they had given him too just cause by their railing against him and his proceedings in their Sermons for the Popish Lords he had granted nothing to them but what the Estate had found needfull for the peace and quiet of the Realm As to the Lady Huntley he esteemed her a good discreet Lady and worthy of his
troubles of the Church he made a particular relation of the proceedings and treacherous forms so he called them wherewith they were used by the Court laying the whole blame upon the President Controller and Advocate whom he particularly named and used with most reproachfull tearms Then turning to the Noblemen and Barons he put them in minde of the zeal which their predecessours had shewed in planting Religion and exhorted them with the like courage and constancy to maintain the same Having closed the Sermon with a Prayer as use is he requested the Noblemen and Barons to meet in the little Church for assisting the Ministery with their best advice There assembled in the place many people besides those that were desired and so great was the throng as the Ministers could hardly finde entrance Mr. Robert Bruce at last having made way unto himself went to the table where the Noblemen and Barons were placed and after a short Prayer declared in what danger the Church was brought by the return of the Popish Lords how they had regrated the case to the King and when they expected that order should have been taken therewith a new business was moved and one of their Brethren called in question for his preaching about which they had been in long conference but could come to no end and that now at last the best affected of their people were charged to leave the Town whereby they were brought to suspect some worse practises They did therefore request them humbly to intercede and intreat his Majesty that they might be permitted to serve God in their callings without molestation The desire seemed reasonable the Lords Lindesey and Forbes with the Lairds of Bargenny and Blaquhan Mr. Robert Bruce and Mr. William Watson were chosen to preferre the Petition By some occasion the King was that day come to the Session and being in the Upper House the Lords with these others were admitted where Mr. Robert Bruce taking the Speech said That they were sent by the Noblemen and Barons convened in the little Church to bemoan the dangers threatned to Religion by the dealing that was against the Ministers and true professours What dangers see you said the King Under communing said he our best affected people that tender Religion are discharged of the Town the Lady Huntley a professed Papist entertained at Court and it is suspected that her husband is not farre off The King leaving that purpose askt who they were that durst convene against his Proclamation The Lord Lindesey in passion replied That they durst doe more then so and that they would not suffer Religion to be overthrown Numbers of people were at this time thronging unmannerly into the room whereupon the King not making any answer arose and went down to the Lower House where the Judges doe sit commanding the doors to be shut They that were sent returning to the Church shew that they were not heard nor was there any hope so long as the Counsellours remained about the King that they should receive any favourable answer and were therefore to think of some other course No course said the Lord Lindesay but one let us stay together that are here and promise to take one part and advertise our friends and the favourers of Religion to come unto us for it shall be either theirs or ours Upon these speeches followed such a clamor and lifting up of hands as none could hear what another spake The sedition increasing some cried to Arme others to bring out Haman for whilest the Lords were with the King M. Michael Cranstone Minister of Cramond had been reading to the people that story others cried The sword of the Lord and of Gideon and so great was the fury of people as if one of the Deacons of Crafts-called Iohn Wat had not kept them back with a guard of Crafts men that followed him they had undoubttedly forced the doors and wrought some mischief Sir Alexander Hume Provost of the Town was then lying sick yet being told what a tumult was raised he came to the street and as he was wise and skilfull in handling the people with his fair speeches brought them after a little time to lay down their weapons and retire to their lodgings The commotion thus raised the King directed the Earl of Marre the Lord Pittenweem and Laird of Traquair to confer with the Ministers and ask the cause of the tumult They were then walking at the back of the Church for the tumult had scattered the meeting and professing a great dislike of that which had happened besought the Noble men to shew the King that they were not in fault and had done their best to appease the multitude The cause they said to their conjecture was that his Majesty refused to hear their Petition which they knew came not from himself but of others The Earl of Marre replied that any reasonable Petition would be heard and answered being preferred in a dutifull manner wherefore they should do wisely to go together and supplicate his Majesty for remedy of these things wherein they were grieved Whereupon they returned to the little Church and after a short deliberation sent the Lord Forbes the Laird of Bargenny and M. Robert Rollock with these Petitions First that all which have been done in prejudice of the Church the last four or five weeks might be rescinded Next that in the things that concerned the Church the President Controller and Advocate should have no voice as being suspected in Religion and opposite enemies to the Church Thirdly that the Citizens of Edinburgh who were charged to leave the Town might be permitted to stay at home upon surety to appear whensoever they were called The King answered very calmly That his doings had been greatly mistaken by the Ministers and that as these controversies were moved against his will so he wished nothing more then to have them quietly setled But that it could not stand with his honour to rescind so hastily the conclusions taken in Councell nor to remove Counsellors from their places upon naked suspicions except somewhat could be verified that might disable them At afternoon he should call the Councell and satisfie them in every thing which with reason they could desire For the Citizens he said that the supplications made in their behalf would come better from the Provost and Baylifs of the Town and the same upon their Petition should be granted With these answers the Lord Forbes and the rest returned and with them the Lord Ochiltry and Laird of Cesford were sent by the King to desire them to put their Petitions in reasonable terms and await on the Councell at two of the clock Matters thus quieted the King with the Lords went down the street peaceably to his palace At afternoon the Noblemen and Barons assembling with the Ministery after long reasoning did condescend upon the supplication and Articles following In most humble manner we the
meet in the same place where the dishonor was done unto him and would follow their advice both in the triall and punishment With this answer they were dimitted The last of December which was the day preceding the Convention the King came to Leth and stayed there all night giving order for his entry into the Town the next morning which was in this manner The keys of the Town being delivered to one of the Kings Officers a guard of armed men was placed in the streets and the Citizens being commanded to stay within their houses and forbidden to carry any weapon The Earl of Marre with the Lord Seaton and Ochiltrie had the charge of the Town given them without the admission of the Magistrates and they having disposed all things in the best fashion the King accompanyed with a great train of Nobles entered the Town and riding up the street lighted at the Tolbuith where the Estates were appointed to meet after some generall discourses of the Tumult the King was advised to call the Magistrates and hear what they could say in behalf of the Town Sir Alexander Hume of North-berwick Provost Roger Matmath George Todrick Patrick Cothran and Alexander Hunter Bayliffes with a number of the Town Councell compeiring and falling on their knees after some few words delivered by the Provost did present in writing the offers following That for pacifying his Majesties wrath and satisfying the Lords of Councell they should upon their great oath purge themselves of all foreknowledge and partaking in that seditious Tumult And as already they had made a diligent search to find out the authors so they should not cease till they had brought the triall unto the uttermost point or if his Majesty and Councell doe think any others more fit to take the examination they should willingly resigne their places to such as his Highnes would appoint and assist them at their power And because his Majesty had taken that Tumult to proceed from certain Sermons preached by their Ministers who were now denounced Rebels they should promise never to readmit any of those Ministers unless his Majesty did command otherwise As also that the like should not fall out thereafter the Town should be obliged never to receive any Minister in time coming but by his Majesties advice and approbation and in the election of their Magistrates they should yearly present their lites to his Majesty and the Lords of Session to be allowed or disallowed at their pleasure and propone such others as his Majesty should think more apt and sufficient for the Charge and to that effect should alter the time of their election and make the same on some day of November when the Lords of Session were conveened aâ—d might give their advice thereto They did lastly offer to fulfill whatsoever his Majesty and Councell should think fit to be done in the premises under protestation that they did not take upon them the crime and that it should not be thought to have been committed of their foreknowledge Thus it proved true which Tacitus saith that all conspiracies of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty for by this Tumult was the Kings authority in matters Ecclesiasticall so farre advanced as he received little or no opposition thereafter The offers of the Town howbeit made in great submission were not accepted and counsell given by some Noblemen to raze the Town and erect a Pillar in place thereof for a monument of the insolency committed and the just punishment taken thereof Others were more mild in their opinions but for that time nothing was concluded The Queen of England upon notice sent to her of these broiles did write to the King a letter which for the loving advice it contained I thought meet here to insert My deare brother If arare accident and ill welcomed news had not broken my long silence I had not used now Pen-speech as being carefull of your quiet and mindfull of your safety To omit the expressing of both by letting you know how untimely I take this new begun phrensie that may urge you to take such a course as may bring into opinion the verifying of such a scandall as ye avowed to me to be farre from your thought In this sort I mean it some members of the Church with their companies have over audaciously emboldened themselves to redress some injurious acts that they feared might overthrow their profession which though I grant no King for the manner ought to bear with yet at the instant when the new banished Lords returned and they seen to be winked at without restraint and the spring time going on when promised succour is attend together with many letters from Rome and elsewhere sent abroad to tell the names of men authorized by you as they say though I hope falsly to assure your conformity as time may serve you to establish the dangerous party and fail your own I wail in unfeigned sort that any just cause should be given you to call in doubt so disguised acts and hope that you will so try this cause as that it harm not you though it ruine them Of this you may be sure that if you make your strength of so sandy a foundation as to call to your aid such as be not of your flock when as the one side be foolish rash headstrong and brainsick yet such as may defend you having no sure anchorage for themselves if you fail them and the others who have other props to sustain them though they lack you yea such as though your private love to their persons may inveigle your eyes not to pierce in the depth of their treason yet it is well known that their many petitions for forain aid might have tended to your perill and your Countreys wrack for seldome comes a stranger to a weaker soyl that thralleth not the possessour or indangereth him at least I trust you think no less or else they must justifie themselves to condemne you for without your displeasure not feared for such a fact no answer can shield them from blame Now to utter my folly in seeming busie in anothers affairs I suppose you will not mislike since the source of all is care of your good to desire that nought be done that may embolden the enemy decrease your love and endanger your surety This is in summe the line whereto I tend and God I beseech to direct your heart in such sort as ye please not your worst subjects but make all know in a measure what is fit for them and make difference between errour and malice So God bless you with a true thought of her that means you best Your most affectionate sister ELIZABETH R. This letter was to the Kings mind for albeit he judged the offence great yet it was not his purpose to use rigour but to assure the obedience of the subjects in time coming and make his own advantage of their disorders Therefore in the
the sentence be a stay unto them considering it was done many moneths after the pronouncing of the sentence and that the absolution they should give might in the like manner be ratified at the next Assembly much lesse ought the prohibition of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh whereof his Majesty was informed be any hindrance to them seeing they were neither subject nor subordinate to them but as free in all respects as themselves And if any doubt should arise upon the form of the Earls satisfaction he was to remember them that the same is expresly defined in the Act of Parliament An. 1572 made against Apostates and other adversarâ—es of the true Religion where it is said That they which have made defection from the truth should not be received to our Soveraigne Lords mercy and favour till they have given of new the confession of their faith and promised to continue in the profession thereof all time coming and to fortifie the Preachers of the same against whatsoever enemies Last of all he was appointed to deliver them a Copie of the imprinted Questions and to desire the most discreet of their number to be sent Commissioners to the Assembly appointed at Perth with promise of speciall favour to them in all their businesse his good will towards the Ministery being no way altered by the wrong he had received from those insolent Ministers of Edinburgh This was the substance of his instructions The Ministers with the reverence that was due That for the Tumult of Edinburgh they were ignorant of the Ministers behaviour therein as likewise of their flight and having no jurisdiction over them they could give forth no judgment or censure only in the generall they would say that whosoever with just triall should be found authors of that Insurrection deserved to be punished as Traytors and if they were Ministers to be doubly punished For their subscription to the Bonds They answered That at their acception of the Ministery they had taken oath for acknowledging his Majesties power and authority and would not decline the same but where the Bond did mention speeches uttered in pulpit because the same concerned application of doctrine which his Majesty had proponed as a Question to be decided in the approaching Assembly they did humbly entreat his Majesty to spare them in that point unto that time which they promised precisely to keep For the Earl of Huntley they said His repentance should be most acceptable to them that they were content to give him conference and use all means for his resolution but they did not finde him so willing to conform as they wished nor very earnest for his absolution This was the summe of their Answer which the King did accept the better because of the hopes given to his servant of all satisfaction on their parts at the meeting of Perth which they also performed for both then and afterwards in all Assemblies and conventions they did stick fast unto him But the King being made to understand that Huntley did linger and delay to make offers for satisfying the Church he sent him the Letter following written all with his own hand My Lord I Am sure ye consider and doe remember how often I have incurred skaith and hazard for your cause therefore to be short resolve you either to satisfie the Church betwixt the day that is appointed without any more delay or else if your conscience be so kittle as it cannot permit you make for another Land betwixt and that day where ye may use freely your own conscience your Wife and Barns shall in that case enjoy your living but for your self look never to be a Scotish man again Deceive not your self to think that by lingring of time your Wife and your Allies shall ever get you better conditions And think not that I will suffer any professing a contrary Religion to dwell in this Land If you obey me in this you may once again be setled in a good estate and made able to doe me service which from my heart I would wish The rest I remit to the bearer whose directions ye shall follow if you wish your own well Farewell From Dunfermlin JAMES R. Such was the Kings care for reclaiming the Nobleman to the profession of the truth whilest people suffered themselves to be abused with rumors that he himself was declining Letters in the mean time were directed to all the Presbyteries advertising them of the meeting at Perth and desiring they should send their Commissioners thither instructed with power to treat and conclude in all matters proponed When the day came the Assembly was frequent enough but divers Commissioners bearing a power only to convene hear and report and not to question any thing concluded in former Assemblies the King sent Sir Iohn Cockborne of Ormeston Sir Iohn Preston and Mr. Edward Bruce to ask those that were convened Whether they did accompt that meeting a lawfull Generall Assembly having power sufficient to treat and conclude in the Articles that should be proponed according to his Majesties missive Letters directed to the severall Presbyteries After long reasoning answer was made That they did esteem the meeting to be a lawfull Generall Assembly called extraordinarily by his Majesties Letters and that they would hear treat and conclude of things that should be moved unto them according to the Commissions wherewith they were authorized This Answer given note they presented the Articles following Seeing the quietnesse of the Church and the freeing of the same from slander which upon the contrary effects would necessarily follow is the principall scope and end at which his Majesty aimeth in this present Assembly foreshewing fashions and long disputes whereupon controversies and debates might arise his Majesty hath thought good to remit the decision of a great number of the Questions imprinted to better opportunity and will content himself with the determination of a few that he hath made choice of which with a greater could not be longer delayed As first that it be not thought unlawfull either to the Prince or any of the Pastors at any time hereafter to move doubts and crave reformation of any points in the externall policy and discipline of the Church which are not essentiall concerning salvation nor expresly defined in Scripture providing it be done decenter in right time and place animo aedificandi non tentandi 2 That seeing the civill and politick government of the Countrey belongs properly to the Kings office and his Counsellours and it is no way pertinent to the spirituall Ministery of the Word that no Minister should thereafter meddle with matters of Estate in Pulpit or with any of his Majesties laws statutes or ordinances but if any of them seem hurtfull to Religion they should complain to the King and Councell 3 That it should not be lawfull to Ministers to name any particular mens names in Pulpit or so vively to descrive them as may be equivalent to their naming except upon the
should not so much promove the business as offend her Always they should advise and take counsell with their confederates and allies and follow the course which was most likely for his benefit This was the summe of the answer they returned The 24 of December the Queen was brought to bed of another daughter who was christened in the Chappell of Halirudhouse the 15 of Aprill by Mr. David Lindesay Minister of Leth and named Margaret The Earle of Montross created Chancellor in Ianuary preceding with the Lord Hamilton and Earl of Huntley assisted as witnesses These last two were at the same time preferred to the honour and dignity of Marquesses There died within the compass of this year divers worthy men amongst whom Mr. Iohn Lindesay of Batharres Secretary to the King shall first be named a man honourably descended of exquisite learning and a sound judgement held worthy by all men of the place he had in the Senate both for his wisedome and integrity he died of the Stone wherewith he had been pained many years Next to him Mr. David Carnegy of Colluthy a wise peaceable and sober man in good credit and estimation with the King and taken into his privy Councell for his skill and knowledge in civill affairs And in the Church Mr. Thomas Buchannan Provost of Kirkhench and Minister of Syres a man learned wise and a strong defender of the Churches rights having attained to a good age he dyed of a bruise which he received of a fall from his horse David Ferguson Minister of Dunfermlin of the age of 65 departed also this life the same year A good preacher wise and of a jocund and pleasant disposition which made him well regarded both in Court and Countrey But the death of Mr. Robert Rollock taken away in the 43 year of his age and in the time when the Church had greatest need of his service was beyond all the rest lamented This man was born not farre from Striveling and trained up in letters under Mr. Thomas Buchannan who did then keep a famous School in that time He passed his course in Philosophy at S. Andrews and no sooner received the degree of a Master in Arts then he was chosen Regent of the Colledge of S. Salvator where he had studied In the year 1583 he was removed to Edinburgh and made Principall of a Colledge which the Town had there erected where by his Lectures of divinity in the Schools and his Sermons to the people in both which he was assiduous he came to be greatly esteemed But the 17 days tumult and troubles that followed thereupon withdrawing him against his minde to the keeping of Assemblies and other Commissions of the Church he was thereby much weakned for he was of an infirm body and grievously pained with the Stone whereof at last he died In his sickness being visited by his brethren of the Ministry amongst other pious exhortations he did earnestly beseech them to carry themselves more dutifully towards the King lamenting he should be so ill used by some of their number and gave them a most comfortable farewell His torments were extreme yet was he not heard to use an impatient word but was still calling on God with these and the like sayings Hast Lord Iesus and tarry not put in thy hand and take this soul away to thy self At other times Goe out silly life that the better life of God may enter in Drawing neer his end he repeated a part of the 6 Psalm and framing a most pithy prayer out of the same as one exulting after victory he cried aloud Christ hath taken my yoake to bear and now strengthened by his grace I will follow with which words he yeelded up his spirit A rare example of holiness he was both in his life and death albeit now dead still preacheth by his learned works which it is pity should not be collected in one volume and preserved to posterity He deceased the last of February and had his corps honourably interred in the buriall place an innumerable multitude accompanying the same to the grave To return to the Estate the necessities of the King by forain Ambassages and other extraordinary employments daily encreasing he was forced to look the more narrowly to the administration of his rents for the ill managing whereof the Laird of Wedderburne was put from his place and the office of Controllerie given to Sir David Murray who was afterwards preferred to the Lordship of Scone The Prior of Blantire who was Treasurer for that he had offended the King by his partiall behaviour in an action betwixt Mr. Robert Bruce and the Ministers of Angus was committed to the Castle and forced to resigne his office which was conferred upon the Earl of Cassils by his Ladies procurement She was the widow of the Lord Thirlstan and said to be wealthy which induced him to take her to wife against the counsel of all his friends who could not away with the imparity of their age he being a young Nobleman never matched to any and she a woman past childbirth But the desire he had to keep his estate made him take that course and she loving to stay at Court and have her husband a ruler of affaires made offer to advance some moneys so as he might carry the place which was readily accepted Yet was it not long before they did both forthink the bargain being pressed with a multitude of precepts for the laying forth of money and so were glad to quit the office with the losse as was said of Fourty thousand marks which he did advance at his entry In his place was the Lord Elphingston chosen by the recommendation of his brother then Secretary Whilest these things were a doing in Court Sir William Bowes came Ambassadour from England upon some rumours that the King wes declining to Popery and had offered his obedience to the Bishop of Rome by a letter the copie whereof was brought by the Master of Gray from Rome and shewed the Queen of purpose to divide the two Princes and dissolve the amity which was amongst them The Queen though she did take the letter to be faigned and that the same was devised to breed a jealousie between her and the King thought meet to advertise what was rumoured and to advise him not to build upon the friendship of Rome The King did take the advertisement well and made the Ambassadour very welcome assuring him that they were false and faigned calumnies neither did the King think any other at that time Such a letter indeed was sent to the Pope and the Kings hand surreptitiously gotten thereto for which the Secretary Mr. Elphingston was some years after upon his own confession convicted as we shall hear Whilest this Ambassadour remained in the Countrey there fell out an accident which had almost wrought great trouble an English man called Ashfield who had brought some hunting horses to the
afterwards Earl of Kelly to follow him but Mr. Alexander turning at the door after the King was entered said that the King willed him to stay below whereupon Sir Thomas went back Thus the door was shut and Mr. Alexander guiding him to an inner room the King did perceive a man standing alone whereupon he asked if that was the man nay said Mr. Alexander there is another business in hand and with that word covering his head You remember said he how you used my father and now must you answer for it Your father answered the King I was not the cause of his death it was done in my minority by forme of Iustice. But is this your purpose and have you trained me hither to murther me Did you learn this lesson of Mr. Robert Rollock your Master or think you when you have done your will to goe unpunished Mr. Alexander stricken with the speeches and the man who was placed there to assist him trembled for fear desired the King to be quiet and make no noise for that he would go speak with his brother and pacify him this said he went down a back way as it seemed to the Court below Whether he did meet with his brother at that time or not is unknown but his stay was short and when he returned he said to the King There is no remedy you must die Then making as though he would tie the Kings hands they fell a wrestling and the King drawing him by force to a window in the corner that lookt toward the street as he espyed the Earl of Marre cryed Help Earl of Marre help The voice and words were discerned by all the Lords and Gentlemen who thereupon ran to seek the King by the way that went up but the doors being shut there was no entry that way till the same was broke by force which took up a large time Upon the first cry Sir Thomas Areskin suspecting treason did flee upon Gowrie and taking him by the gorge said Thou art the traitour but they were quickly sundered by his servants that stood by The first that came to the King was a Page called Iohn Ramsey who falling upon a back passage by which the Traitours after the deed committed had purposed to escape found the King and Mr. Alexander strugling the King calling to him and bidding him strike the Traitour he gave Mr. Alexander two or three wounds with his Dagger and so parted him from the King The man who was placed there to assist Mr. Alexander did steal away secretly and he himself perceiving that the treason was discovered made down the stairs where being encountred by Sir Thomas Areskin and askt how the King was because he gave no direct answer and only said that he took God to witness that he was not in the fault he thrust him through the body and killed him outright Sir Thomas was followed by Hugh Hereife Doctor of Medicine and a Foot-boy named Wilson who seeing the King safe were not a little joyed and placing him in a little room and shutting the door they prepared to defend the entry Gowry accompanied with three or four servants breaketh presently into the chamber and with his two swords one in each hand puts them all to their shift and had undoubtedly overthrown them but that one of the company crying You have killed the King our Master and will you also take our lives He became astonished and setting the points of his two swords to the earth as if he minded to cease from any more fight he was instantly stricken by the Page with a rapier which pierced the heart so as he fell down dead The servants seeing him fall made away only Master Thomas Cranston being sore wounded and not able to shift for himself was apprehended In this fight Sir Thomas Areskin and Doctor Hereife were both hurt but nothing dangerously By this time the doors of the other passage being made open the Lords and a number with them entred into the room who hearing what happened went all to their knees and the King himself conceiving a prayer gave thanks to God for his deliverance and that the device of those wicked brothers was turned upon their own heads The danger that ensued was not much lesse for the people of the Town taking up armes did inviron the house crying to give them out their Provost otherwise they should blow them all up with powder The rage of the multitude was great for they loved the Earl as being their Provost beyond all measure and with great difficulty were they kept back from using violence at last the Bayliffs and certain of the Citizens being admitted to enter and brought to the King when they were informed of the truth of things returned and pacified the people After which the King took horse and returned to Falkland where he was welcomed the rumour of the danger having prevented his coming with great acclamations of joy It was observed not without some wondering that after Gowrie was killed there issued no blood for a good space from his body till his girdle being loosed and taken from him the same gushed from him in abundance this was supposed to be the effect of some Characters that he did alway carry in a little bag at his girdle which being viewed were found to be certain spells of Necromancers and added much to the infamy of his death A diligent search was made the daies following for the man the King saw standing in the room and large rewards promised to those that should finde him out In this search one of the Earls servants called Henry Younger hiding himself out of an idle fear among some growing corns was killed and for some daies was supposed to have been the man till Andrew Henderson Chamberlain to Gowrie discovering himself to the Controller did offer upon promise of his life to enter and shew all that he knew in that business An other of Gowries servants surnamed Craigengelt was some 2 daies after apprehended and both he M. Tho Cranston executed at Perth though at their dying they declared that they knew nothing of the Earls purpose and had only followed him as being their Master unto that room where if they had known the King to have been they would have stood for him against their Master and all others Henderson at his examination declared That the night preceding the attempt the Earl had directed him to attend his brother Mr. Alexander and doe what he commanded That accordingly he accompanied him the next morning to Falkland and when they were returned being commanded by Mr. Alexander to dresse himself in armour and go wait til he came unto him in an upper room he obeyed But that he could not imagine any purpose against the King either in him or in the Earl nor would have believed it unlesse he had seen the same with his eyes Being demanded why he did not take the Kings part when
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
will answer that it is not their purpose presently and out of hand to enforce obedience but by fatherly admonitions and conferences to induce such as are disaffected But if any be of an opposite and turbulent spirit I will have them inforced to a conformity Neither tell me that the wearing of a surplice or using the Crosse in Baptism will diminish the credit of Ministers that have formerly dissallowed the same for that is just the Scotish Argument when any thing was concluded that sorted not with their humour the only reason why they would not obey was that it stood not with their credit to yield having been so long of a contrary opinion I will none of that but that a time be limited by the Bishops of every Diocese to such and they that will not yield whatsoever they are let them be removed for we must not preferre the credit of a few private men to the generall peace of the Church Throughout all this conference in every point that was moved or came to be talked of the King did shew such knowledge and readiness as bred not a small admiration in the hearers Chancellour Egerton wondering to see him so expedite and perfect in all sort of Divinity said That he had often heard and read that Rex est mixta persona cum Sacerdote but that he saw never the truth of it untill that day Let me adde that which I was afterward told by Richard Bancroft Archbishop of Canterbury for Whitgift died the next moneth after the conference one of the great glories of the English Church that when the Rolles were brought in of those that stood out and were deposed which was some years after they were found to be fourty nine in all England when as the Ministers of that Kingdome are reckoned nine thousand and above such a noise will a few disturbers cause in any society where they are tolerated In the March thereafter a Parliament was kept in England where the King after he had given thanks to the State for the generall applause they shewed in receiving him to the place which God by birthright and lineall descent had provided for him did earnestly move the union of the two Kingdomes that as they were made one in the head so among themselves they might be inseparably conjoyned and all memory of by-past divisions extinguished A motion that took well at first and seemed to be generally desired of both Nations but did not succeed as was wished The Parliament alwaies at his Majesties desire and for a demonstration of their obedience did nominate Thomas Ellesmore Lord Chancellor of England Thomas Earl of Dorset Thesaurer Charles Earl of Nottingham Lord high Admirall Henry Earl of Southampton William Earl of Pembroke Henry Earl of Northampton Richard Bishop of London Toby Bishop of Durham Anthony Bishop of St Davids Robert Lord Cecill principall Secretary to his Majesty Edward Lord Souch Lord President of Wales William Lord Monteagle Ralph Lord Eure Edmond Lord Sheffeild Lord President of the Councell of the North Lords of the higher House And Thomas Lord Clinton Robert Lord Buckhurst Sir Francis Hastings knight Sir Iohn Stanhop knight Vice-chamberlain to the Kings Majesty Sir George Carew knight Vice-chamberlain to the Queens Majesty Sir Iohn Herbert knight second Secretary to his Majesty Sir Thomas Strickland knight Sir Edward Stafford knight Sir Henry Nevill of Barkshire knight Sir Richard Buckly knight Sir Henry Billingsly knight Sir Daniell Dunne knight Dean of the Arches Sir Edward Hobby knight Sir Iohn Savile knight Sir Robert Wroth knight Sir Thomas Challoner knight Sir Robert Mansell knight Sir Thomas Ridgway knight Sir Thomas Holcraft knight Sir Thomas Hasketh knight his Majesties Attorney of the Court of Wards and Liveries Sir Francis Bacon knight Sir Lawrence Cawfield knight Serjeant at Law Sir Henry Hubbard knight Serjeant at Law Sir Iohn Bennet knight Doctor of the Lawes Sir Henry VVitherington Sir Ralph Grey and Sir Thomas Lake knights Robert Ashwith Thomas Iames and Henry Chapman Merchants Knights and Burgesses of the house of Commons Giving them or any eight or more of the said Lords of the higher house and any twenty of the said Knights and Burgesses of the said house of Commons full power liberty and Commission to assemble and meet at any time or times before the next Session of Parliament â—or treating and consulting with certain selected Commissioners to be nominated and authorized by authority of the Parliament of the realm of Scotland of and concerning such an union of the said realms of England and Scotland and of and concerning such other matters causes and things whatsoever as upon mature deliberation and consideration the greatest part of the said Lords Knights Citizens and Burgesses being assembled with the Commissioners to be nominated by the Parliament of Scotland shall in their wisdome think and deem convenient and necessary for the honour of his Majesty and the weal and commmon good of both the said realms during his Majesties life and under all his progenie and royall posterity for ever which Commissioners of both the said realms shall according to the tenor of their said Commissions reduce their doings and proceedings into writings or instruments tripartite every part to be subscribed and sealed by them to the end that one part thereof may in all humility be presented to his most excellent Majesty the second part to be offered to the consideration of the next Session of Parliament for the realm of England and the third to be offered to the consideration of the next Parliament for the realm of Scotland that thereupon such further proceeding may be had as by both the said Parliaments may be thought fit and necessary for the weal and common good of both the said realms A Parliament in Scotland for the same purpose was indicted to the tenth of Aprill and thereafter prorogated to the eleventh of Iuly at which time the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assembled by virtue of his Majesties Commission did ordain the persons following they are to say Iohn Earl of Montrosse Chancellor of Scotland Francis Earl of Arroll high Constable of Scotland Iames Earl of Glencarn Alexander Earl of Linlithgow Iohn Archbishop of Glasgow David Bishop of Rosse George Bishop of Cathnes Walter Prior of Blantire Patrick Lord Glammis Alexander Lord Elphingston Alexander Lord Fyvie President of the Session of Scotland Robert Lord Roxbrugh Iames Lord Abircorn Iames Lord Balmerinoth Principall Secretary of Scotland David Lord of Scone Sir Iames Scrimgeour of Dudop knight Sir Iohn Cockburn of Ormston knight Sir Iohn Hume of Couldenknowes knight Sir David Carnegie of Kinnard knight Sir Robert Melvill elder of Murdocarmie knight Sir Thomas Hamilton of Binnie knight Sir Iohn Lermouth of Balcony knight Sir Alexander Straton of Lawriston knight Sir Iohn Sheen of Curry-hill knight Mr. Iohn Sharp of Howston Lawyer Mr. Thomas Craig Lawyer Henry Nisbit George Bruce Alexander Rutherford and Mr. Alexander
King and that one of the Privy Counsellors had said that the conspiracy proceeded of a meer discontent the people had conceived at his Majesties Government he was mightily offended and from that forth held his affection to his service continually suspected Information was made at the same time that some of the Ministers imprisoned at Blackness did blame the Chancellor for their meeting at Aberdene offering that they had warrant from him to meet and his promise that they should incur no danger for the same The King to understand the truth thereof directed his servant Sir VVilliam Irwyn to inquire at the imprisoned Ministers what dealing they had with the Chancellor in that business their answer was That a little before their meeting at Aberdene Mr. Iohn Forbes and Mr. Iohn VVelsh had sought his advice touching their convening and that he asking them what they intended to do they answered that fearing the establishment of Bishops they were to do their best for withstanding the same And that he to encourage them did promise all the assistance he could give that way which they took to be an allowance of their meeting A letter hereupon was directed to certain of the Councell to call the Ministers and if they stood to their saying to hear what the Chancellor would answer They maintaining that which they had said and the Chancellor called to his Answer affirmed that he was intreated by them to oppose the restitution of Bishops temporalities which then was in working promising that he should not be questioned for his Religion which they understood to be Popish This denyed by the Ministers they fell in a sharp contest which continued some space withwords not seemly on either part The Ministers for clearing his approbation of their Assembly did further alleadge that he had uttered so much to Mr. VValter Balcanquell and Mr. Iames Balfour Ministers at Edinburgh who being examined touching their knowledge Mr. VValter Balcanquel Balcanquell did affirm That the Chancellor in private to himself had commended them for maintaining the liberty of the Church which was not a little prejudiced as he said by the continuation of Assemblies from year to year The same he was said to have spoken to Mr. Iames Balfour but he excused himself by forgetfulness saying he did not remember any such speeches This report made to the King he said That none of the two deserved credit and that he saw the Ministers would betray Religion rather then submit themselves to government And that the Chancellor would betray the King for the malice he carried to the Bishops By this contest always the Chancellor was made more tractable in the restitution of Bishops temporalities which he had strongly resisted unto that time And in the Parliament kept at Perth in the beginning of Iuly shewed a great desire to promote the same This Parliament had been indicted to keep at Edinburgh in Iune preceding and the Earl of Dunbar imployed to see all matters carried therein to his Majesties minde The Chancellor whether out of emulation to shew his greatness or that he feared some affront by the Earl of Dunbar went on the streets accompanied with the Burgesses in great numbers who otherwise then was their custome did walk with their swords Dunbar taking this in ill part yet dissembling his offence caused adjourn the Parliament to the first of Iuly and therewith presented a warrant for removing the same to the Town of Perth which coming unlooked for made the Burgesses forthink their doing At Perth it happened the very first day the Lord Seaton and Alexander his brother to encounter the Earl of Glencarn in the Bridgegate where drawing their weapons against others a great tumult was raised which continued a certain space and disturbed the Councell that as then was sitting the Lord Seaton being tryed to have invaded the other which he did for revenge of his uncles slaughter he was cited before the Councell for troubling the Parliament but leaving the town he went home and for his not appearing was denounced Rebell It was held an ominous beginning and gave many to think that matters would not succeed well but the Earl of Dunbar did so wisely and with so great care prevent every thing that was like to breed trouble as all things were carried from that time forth in a most peaceable sort There were attending in the town aboundance of Ministers labouring all they could secretly to make some perturbation The Earl calling them to his lodging did rebuke them sharply saying That it seemed strange to him that they who had so often petitioned to have the Act of annexation dissolved should go about to hinder the same now when the King was to do it in part specially considering there was nothing to be moved in prejudice of their discipline And that for removing the differences that were amongst them in that point his Majesty had resolved as they knew by the letters some of them had received to call the most learned and discreet of both sides before himself and have matters composed so far as might be to their content More fitting he said it were for you to whom his Majesty hath addressed his letters to have been preparing your selves for the journey And I should advise you for your own good and the peace of the Church not to write to the King any more but rather study by your peaceable behaviour to procure favour to your brethren that are in trouble With these speeches he did quiet them and so the Parliament went on and after some few days ended in great peace In this Parliament divers good constitutions were made but the two principall were the Acts of his Majesties Prerogative and the Act entituled The restitution of the estate of Bishops which title giveth many to mistake the truth of things and think that before this time the estate of Bishops was overthrown and cast down whereas the same was never so much as intended Only by this Act the temporalities of Bishopricks which by the Act of Annexation were made to belong to the Crown were restored in regard it was seen that the Bishops were disabled to attend their service in the Church and State by the want thereof Soon after the Parliament dissolved such of the Clergy as his Majesty called to Court went together of the one side went the Archbishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow the Bishops of Orkney Galloway and Mr. Iames Nicolson who was destinate Bishop of Dunkeld on the other part were Mr. Andrew Melvill Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. Iames Balfour and Mr. William Watson Mr. William Scot Mr. Iohn Carmichall and Mr. Adam Colt All these arriving at London about the beginning of Sept. had warning given them to attend the 20th of that moneth at Hampton Court The King had appointed some of the Bishops of England to attend during the conference and preach by course upon the subjects presented to them Dr. Barlow Bishop of Lincoln began taking for his text the 28 verse
of the Church The Synod being cited before the Councell for this presumption was discharged to meet thereafter and the Presbyteries within the bounds commanded under pain of Rebellion to accept their Moderators In Fife the resistance was no lesse for the Synod being continued twice first from April to Iune then from Iune to September meeting at that time in Dysert and pressed by the Lords Lindesay Scone and Halirudhouse Commissioners from the Councell to accept the Archbishop of S. Andrews for their Moderator did obstinately refuse and dissolved without doing any thing hereupon was that Synod likewise discharged and all the Burghs inhibited to receive them if perhaps they should reassemble after the Commissioners were gone The Presbyteries of Mers were also very troublesome and the Councell so vexed with complaints of that kinde as not a day passed without some one or other But all this opposition proved vain and they in end forced to obey did finde by experience this setled course much better then their circular elections A Commission came in this mean time for planting some learned and worthy person in the place of Mr. Andrew Melvill at S. Andrews The Commission was directed to the Archbishop of Saint Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld Rosse and Birchen the Lord Balmerinoch the Advocate the Laird of Balcomy and Commissar of S. Andrews who meeting in the new Colledge the 16 of Iune after the reading of his Majesties Letter whereby it was declared That the said Mr. Andrew being judged by the Councel of England to have trespassed in the highest sort against his Majesty and for the same committed to the Tower till he should receive his just punishment was no more to return to that charge they according to the power given them did proceed and make choice of Mr. Robert Howy to be Provost of the said Colledge ordaining him to be invested in the said office with all the immunities and priviledges accustomed which was accordingly performed in the Iuly thereafter and he entred to his Charge the 27 of that moneth It remained that some course should be taken with the Ministers that were stayed at London as it was once purposed were to be provided with some Livings in England but that Church not liking to entertain such guests they were all permitted to return home upon their promise to live obedient and peaceable M. Iames Melvill was only retained who lived a while confined at Newcastle was after some months licensed to come to Berwick where he deceased A man of good learning sober and modest but so addicted to the courses of Mr. Andrew Melvill his Uncle as by following him he lost the Kings favour which once he enjoyed in a good measure and so made himself and his labours unprofitable to the Church Now let us see what happened in the Kingdome during this time The King was ever seriously commending to the Councell the removing of the barbarous fewds wherewith he had been so greatly troubled divers whereof by their travells were this year agreed yet new occasions daily arising they were kept in a continuall business David Lindesay younger of Edyell seeking to revenge the slaughter of his Uncle Mr. Walter Lindesay whom David Master of Crawford had killed as he lay in wait of the said Master who was then by the decease of his Father succeeded in the Earldome through a pitifull mistake did invade Alexander Lord Spynie and killed him in stead of the other The Noblemans death was much regrated for the many good parts he had and the hopes his friends conceived that he should have raised again that noble and antient house of Crawford to the former splendor and dignity all which perished with him he that was in place and escaped the perill being a base unworthy prodigall and the undoer of all that by the virtue of his Ancestors had been long kept together Another business no lesse troublesome did also then happen betwixt the Earl of Morton and the Lord Maxwell for holding of Courts in Eskdale unto which both did pretend right The preparation on both sides was great and like to have caused much unquietness if the same had not been carefully prevented both parties being charged by the Councell to dissolve their forces and not to come towards the bounds the Earl of Morton obeyed Maxwell contemning the charge went on and by a cartell did appeal Morton to the combate whereupon he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh and after some two moneths stay made an escape No sooner found he himself at liberty then he fell a plotting the Laird of Iohnstons murther which he wrought in a most treacherous manner he pretending to use his friendship in obtaining his Majesties pardon employed Sir Robert Maxwell of Orchardtowne whose Sister Iohnston had married to draw on a meeting betwixt them as he did at a little hill called Achmanhill they did bring each of them one servant only as was agreed the said Sir Robert being present as a friend to both At meeting after they had courteously saluted one another and conferred a little space very friendly the two servants going aside the one called Charles Maxwell a Brother of Kirkhouse the other William Iohnston of Lockerby Charles falleth in quarrelling the other shooteth a pistoll at him the Laird of Iohnston making to part them the Lord Maxwell shooteth him in the back with two bullets whereupon he falleth and for a while keeping off the Lord Maxwell who made to strike him with his sword expired in the place it was the 6th of April in the year 1608 that this happened The fact was detested by all honest men and the Gentlemans misfortune sore lamented for he was a man full of wisdome and courage and every way well inclined and to have been by his too much confidence in this sort treacherously cut off was a thing most pitifull Maxwell ashamed of that he had done forsook the Countrey and had his estate forfeited some years after stealing quietly into the Kingdome he was apprehended in the Countrey of Cathnes and beheaded at Edinburgh the 21 of May 1613. The purpose of civilizing the Isles was this year again renewed and a long Treaty kept with the Marquis of Huntley thereupon but he breaking off by reason of the small duty he did offer for the North Isles the Earl of Argile was made Lieutenant thereof for the space of six moneths in which time it was hoped that some good should be wrought and the people reduced to good manners yet nothing was done to any purpose the great men of those parts studying only the increase of their own grandeur and striving whose command should be greatest In the Parliament of England that held in November preceding the matter of union received many crossings and of all the Articles condescended among the Commissioners only that was enacted which concerneth the abolishing of hostile laws The King grieved at this exceedingly and conceiving that the
Commissioners chosen to present these Petitions were the Archbishop of Glasgow the Earl of VVigton the Lord Kilsith Mr. VVilliam Couper Minister at Perth and Iames Nisbit Burgess of Edinburgh together with the Petitions they received a Letter from the Assembly conceived in these terms HAving convened in this Generall Assembly by your Majesties favourable licence and permission and shadowed under your Majesties wings with the presence of your Majesties Commissioners we did set our selves principally to consider the cause of the late growth of Papists among us and found by an universall complaint the chief cause to be this that where the Church in these parts was accustomed to be nourished by your Majesties fatherly affection as the most kinde parent of piety and Religion we have been left in the hands of unkinde stepfathers who esteeming us an uncouth birth to them have intreated us hardly and cherished our adversaries by all means they could as your Majesties highness will perceive more clearly by the overtures for remedy which in all humble submission we present to your Majesty by these honourable Commissioners and brethren humbly intreating your Majesty to take compassion upon us your Majesties loving children in this land that we may be taken out of the hands of these who are more ready to deliver the heads of the Kings sons to Jehu if the time were answerable to their wishes then to nourish and bring them up to perfection There is no cause Sir why the Apostates who have lately grown up in this land should be feared whatever they be in estate or number for with them are the golden Calves which God will destroy with them is Dagon whose second fall shall be worse then the first but with your Majesty is the Lord your God to fight for you and under your standard are the best of the Nobility the greatest number of Barons and all your Majesties Burgesses unspotted in Religion and resolute all of them for Gods honour and your Majesties preservation to spend their goods and lives and whatever is due to them VVe also your Majesties humble servants the Bishops and Ministers of the Gospel in this land now reconciled to others with a most hearty affection by your Majesties only means and the carefull labours of your Majesties trusty Counsellor and our very good Lord the Earl of Dunbar are for out parts most ready to all service in our callings to stirre up your Majesties subjects by the word that God hath put in our mouths to the performing of that obedience which God and nature doth oblige them unto and by Gods grace shall go before them in all good eâ—sample These things we leave to be delivered by our Commissioners whom we beseech your Majesty to hear graciously and after some favourable consideration of our case and present suits to give such answer as in your Highness wisdome shall be thought fittest And now with our humble thanks to your Majesty for the liberty granted to meet in this Assembly and our most hearty prayers to God Almighty for your Highness long life and prosperous reign we rest This letter was subscribed by the Earls of Crawford Glencarne and Kinghorne the Lords Lindesay Baclugh Salton London Torphichen Blantire Scone Halirudhouse and a great number of the Clergy and Barons The Chancellor hearing of the Assemblies proceedings and supposing himself to be specially aimed at in all that business wherein he was not mistaken moved the Secretary to take journey to Court for obviating these courses so farre as he might But he at his coming did meet with a business that concerned himself more nearly for about the same time Cardinall Bellarminâ— had published an Answer to the Kings Apology and therein charged him with inconstancy objecting a Letter that he had sent to Clement the eighth whilst he lived in Scotland in which he had recommended to his Holiness the Bishop of Vaison for obtaining the dignity of a Cardinall that so he might be the more able to advance his affairs in the Court of Rome The Treatise coming to the Kings hands and he falling upon that passage did presently conceive that he had been abused by his Secretary which he remembred had moved on a time for such a letter and thereupon began to think that among the letters sent to the Dukes of Savoy and Florence at the time another might have been shuffled in to the Pope and his hand surreptitiously got thereunto The King lay then at Royston and the Secretary coming thither he inquired if any such letter had been sent to the Pope at any time The Secretary apprehending no danger and thinking that his policy in procuring the Popes favour to the King should not be ill interpreted confessed that such a letter he had written by his Majesties own knowledge But perceiving the King to wax angry he fell on his knees and intreated mercy seeing that which he had done was out of a good minde and desire to purchase the Popes favour which might at the time have advanced his title to England The King then putting him in minde of the challenge made by the late Queen in the year 1599 for writing the same letter and how being at that time questioned thereupon he had not onely denyed his own knowledge thereof but likewise moved Sir Edward Drummond who carried the letter to the Pope to come into Scotland and abjure the same he answered That he did not think the matter would be brought again in hearing and that fearing his Majesties offence he had denyed the letter and had moved his Cousin Sir Edward to do the like but now that he saw that which he had done in the politick course turned to the Kings reproach with many tears he besought his Majesty to pardon his fault and not to undo him who was own creature and willing to suffer what he thought meet for repairing the offence The King replying that the fault was greater then he apprehended and that it could not be so easily passed enjoyned him to go to London and keep his chamber till he returned thither After some eight days the King returned to White Hall where the Secretary was brought before the Councell and charged with the fault which the Lords did aggravate in such manner as they made the same to be the ground of all the conspiracies devised against the King since his coming into England especially of the Powder Treason For the Papists said they finding themselves disappointed of the hopes which that letter did give them had taken the desperate course which they followed to the endangering of his Majesties person posterity and whole estates The Secretary having heard their discourses kneeled to the ground and fetching a deep sigh spake to this effect Curas leves loquuntur ingentes stupent My Lords I cannot speak nor finde words to express the grief I have conceived for the offence committed by me against my gracious Soveraign for on the one side when I call to minde
his Majesties favors bestowed upon me having raised me out of the dust to a fortune farre exceeding my merit and on the other side I look to my foul fault in abusing his Majesties trust bringing thereby such an imputation upon his innocency as will hardly be taken away but with the forlorn childe to say Pecavi in coelum terram my offence is great I confess nor am I worthy to be reckoned any longer among his Majesties subjects or servants his Majesties rare piety singular wisdome and unspotted sincerity in all his actions whereof I had so long experience might have taught me that when he refused to have any dealing with the Pope the event of the course I took could not be good but I unhappy man would needs follow the way which to me seemed best and whereof I finde now the smart If no other thing can liberate his Majesty of this imputation caused by my folly let neither my life nor estate nor credit be spared but as I have all by his Majesties favour so let all go even to the last drop of my blood before any reproach for my offence be brought upon his Majesty Then rising up he said It shall not be necessary to remit my tryall to Scotland which I hear your Honours do intend for I do simply submit my self to his Majesties will and had much rather not live then lye any longer under his Majesties displeasure Therefore my humble suit to your honours is that in consideration of my miserable estate and ignominious confession you would be pleased to move his Majesty for accepting me in will and that without delay whatsoever may be done for reparation of his honour may be performed whereunto most willingly I submit my self The Chancellor Sir Thomas Egerton without taking any notice of these last words declared that his Majesties pleasure was to remit the tryall of his offence to the Judges in Scotland and that he should be conveyed thither as a Prisoner the Sheriffes attending him from shire to shire till he was delivered in Scotland in the mean time he did pronounce him deprived of all places honours dignities and every thing else that he possessed in England Whether or not I should mention the arraignment and execution of George Sprot notary in Eymouth who suffered at Edinburgh in the August preceding I am doubtfull his confession though voluntary and constant carrying small probability This man had deponed that he knew Robert Logan of Restalrig who was dead two years before to have been privy to Gowries conspiracy and that he understood so much by a letter that fell in his hand written by Restalrig to Gowry bearing that he would take part with him in the revenge of his fathers death and that his best course should be to bring the King by sea to Fascastle where he might be safely kept till advertisement came from those with whom the Earl kept intelligence It seemed a very fiction and to be a meer invention of the mans own brain for neither did he shew the letter nor could any wise man think that Gowry who went about that treason so secretly would have communicated the matter with such a man as this Restalrig was known to be as ever it was the man remained constant in his confession and at his dying when he was to be cast off the ladder for he was hanged in the publick street of Edinburgh promised to give the beholders a sign for confirming them in the truth of what he had spoken which also he performed by clapping his hands three severall times after he was cast off by the executioner To return to the Commissioners of the Assembly they had presence of the King in Hampton Court the 10 of September where the Archbishop of Glasgow having declared the occasion of their coming did present the Assemblies letter together with their Petitions The King having read both the one and other said That the difference between the lawfull and unlawfull meetings might be perceived by the fruits arising from both for as that unlawful conventicle at Aberdene had caused a schisme in the Church and given the enemies of Religion a great advantage so in this Assembly they had not onely joyned in love among themselves wich is the main point of religion but also had taken a solid course for the repressing of Popery and superstition that he did allow all their Petitions and would give order for a Convention which should ratifie the conclusions of the Assembly assuring them that the Church keeping that course should never lack his Patrociny and Protection Letters were immediately directed to publish his Majesties acceptation of the Assemblies proceedings and the Councell joyned to commit the Marquesse of Huntley in the Castle of Striveling the Earl of Angus in the Castle of Edinburgh and the Earl of Arroll in Dumbritton A convention was likewise indicted at Edinburgh the sixth of December which was afterward prorogued to the 27 of Ianuary The Archbishop of Glasgow was in the mean time sent home to inform the Councell concerning Balmerinoch his business and how these matters had been carried in England This report made The Chancellor who had been much ruled by the Secretary was greatly afraid as suspecting the next assault should have been made upon him self But the King who knew his disposition and expected that the Chancellor would carry himself more advisedly especially in the matters of the Church the Secretary being gone did hast the Earl of Dunbar home with a warrant to receive the Chancellor in the number of the Counsellors of England and therewith appointed him Commissioner with Dunbar in the Convention of Estates all which was done to make it seem that his credit was no way diminished with his Majesty In this convention divers Acts were made in favours of the Church As first that Noblemen sending their sons forth of the Countrey should direct them to places where the reformed Religion was professed at least where the same was not restrained by the Inquisition and that the Pedagogues sent to attend them should be chosen by the Bishop of the Dioces wherin if they should happen to transgress the Nobleman being an Earl should incur the pain of four thousand pounds if he was a Lord five thousand Marks and if a Baron three thousand Marks And if their sons should happen to decline from the true Religion that their Parents should withdraw all entertainment from them and finde surety to that effect That the Bishop of the Dioces should give up to the Treasurer Controller Collector and their deputies the names of all persons excommunicated for Religion to the end they might be known and that no confirmations resignations nor infestiments should be granted to any contained in that Roll. That the Director of the Chancery should give forth no briefes directories precepts of returns nor precept upon comprisement till they produced the Bishops Testificate of their absolution and obedience and
had borne the charge certain of the discontented sort did interpret it to be a sort of corruption giving out That this was done for obtaining the Ministers voices Howbeit the debt was known to be just and that no motion was made of that business before the foresaid conclusions were enacted In the Assembly a Supplication was presented in the names of the Marquiss of Huntly and the two Earls of Angus and Arroll for their absolution and a Commission given to that effect upon their satisfaction they subscriving the confession of faith and swearing to continue in the profession of the Religion presently established The Marquiss of Huntly was at that time confined in Styiveling and to him were the Archbishop of Glasgow the Bishops of Cathnes and Orkney directed They found him not unwilling to subscrive the confession of Faith and make satisfaction for his Apostasie but in regard of his many relapses did not judge it fitting to absolve him wheresore they gave order that he should conferre with Mr. Patrick Sympson the Minister of the Town a learned and moderate man that so he might subscrive with knowledge and resolution not to fall back In the December following having professed himself resolute in all points he was liberated from his confinement at Striveling and licensed to goe home to Strathbogy With the Earl of Arroll the difficulty was greater for when in a publick meeting of the Councell within the Castle of Edinburgh he had professed his conformity in every point of Religion and made offer to subscrive the very night after he fell in such a trouble of minde as he went near to have killed himself Early in the morning the Archbishop of Glasgow being called he confessed his disinclination with many tears and beseeching them that were present to bear witness of his remorse was hardly brought to any setling all that day The Nobleman was of a tender heart and of all that I have known that most conscientious in his prosession and thereupon to his dying was used by the Church with greater lenity then were others of that sect The Earl of Angus who lived confined at Glasgow took another course and upon license obtained from his Majesty went to France where he might enjoy the exercise of his Religion with liberty and dyed at Paris in a voluntary banishment some years after Shortly after the Assembly dissolved the Archbishop of Glasgow was called to Court and commanded to bring with him two others such as he thought fit The Archbishop taking with him the Bishops of Brichen and Galloway came to Court in the midst of September At their first audience the King declared what the business was for which he had called them speaking to this purpose That he had to his great charge recovered the Bishopricks forth of the hands of those that possessed them and bestowed the same upon such as he hoped should prove worthy of their places but since he could not make them Bishops nor could they assume that honour to themselves and that in Scotland there was not a sufficient number to enter charge by consecration he had called them to England that being consecrated themselves they might at their return give Ordination to those at home and so the adversaries mouths be stopped who said that he did take upon him to create Bishops and bestow spirituall offices which he never did nor would he presume to doe acknowledging that authority to belong to Christ alone and those he had authorized with his power The Archbishop answering in the name of the rest That they were willing to obey his Majesties desire and only feared that the Church of Scotland because of old usurpations might take this for a sort of subjection to the Church of England The King said That he had provided sufficiently against that for neither should the Archbishop of Canterbury nor York who were the only pretenders have hand in the business but Consecration should be used by the Bishops of London Ely and Bathe The Scots Bishops thanking his Majesty for the care he had of their Church and professing their willingness to obey what he would command the 21 of October was appointed to be the time and the Chappell of London house the place of Consecration A question in the mean time was moved by Dr. Andrewes Bishop of Ely touching the consecration of the Scottish Bishops who as he said must first be ordained Presbyters as having received no Ordination from a Bishop The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Bancroft who was by maintained That thereof there was no necessity seeing where Bishops could not be had the Ordination given by the Presbyters must be esteemed lawfull otherwise that it might be doubted if there were any lawfull vocation in most of the reformed Churches This applauded to by the other Bishops Ely acquiesced and at the day and in the place appointed the three Scottish Bishops were consecrated At the same time did the King institute a High Commission in Scotland for the ordering of Causes Ecclesiasticall and therewith sent to the Clergy the directions following 1 That every particular matter should not be brought at first before the high Commission nor any thing moved unto itexcept the same was appealed unto or complained by one of the Bishops as a thing that could not be rectified in their Dioces or then some enorme offence in the triall whereof the Bishops should be found too remiss 2 That every Archbishop and Bishop should make his residence at the Cathedrall Church of his Dioces and labour so farre as they could and were able to repaire the same 3 That all Archbishops and Bishops be carefull in visitation of their Dioces and every third year at least take inspection of the Ministers Readers and others serving cure within their bounds 4 That every Archbishop visit his Province every seven years at least 5 Whereas there be in sundry Dioceses some Churches belonging to other Bishops that care be taken to exchange the Churches one with another that all the Dioceses may lie contigue if possibly the same may be performed As likewise in regard some Dioceses are too large and others have a small number of Churches Scarce deserving the title of a Dioces that a course be taken for enlarging the same in a reasonable proportion by uniting the neerest Churches of the greater Dioces thereto 6 That the convention of Ministers for the exercise of Doctrine exceed not the number of ten or twelve at most over them a Moderator placed by the ordinaâ—y of the Dioces where the said Conventions are licensed with power to call before them all scandalous persons within that Precinct and censure and correct offenders according to the Canons of the Church yet are not these Moderators to proceed in any case either to excommunication or suspension without the allowance of the Ordinary And if it shall be tryed that these Ministers doe usurp any further power then
that he would not utter any thing that might work prejudice to others nor could he be induced either by perswasion or threatning to detect the persons with whom he had resorted The Commissioners offending at his obstinacy and meaning to extort a confession from him advised to keep him some nights from sleep and this indeed wrought somewhat with him so as he began to discover certain particulars but how soon he was permitted to take any rest he denied all and was as obstinate in denying as at first His Majesty being certified that without torture nothing would be drawn from him made answer That he would not have those forms used with men of his profession and if nothing could be found but that he was a Iesuit and had said Mass they should banish him the Countrey and inhibâ—t him to return without licence under pain of death Bâ—t if it should appear that he had been a practiser for the stirring up of subjects to Rebellion or did maintain the Popes transcendent power over Kings and refusâ—d to take the Oath of Allegeance they should leave him to the course of law and justice mean while his pleasure was that the questions following should be moved unto him and his answers there to required 1 Whether the Pope be Judge and hath power in spiritualibus in over his Majesty and whether that power will reach over his Majesty in tempor alibus if it be in ordine ad spiritualia as Bellarmine affirmeth 2 Whether the Pope hath power to excommunicate Kings especially such as are not of his Church as his Majesty 3 Whether the Pope hath power to depose Kings by him excommunicated and in particular whether he hath power to depose the Kings Majesty 4 Whether it be no murther to slay his Majesty being so excommunicated and deposed by the Pope 5 Whether the Pope hath power to assoile subjects from the oath of their born and native allegeance to his Majesty These Questions were sent inclosed in a Letter to the Archbishop of Glasgow who assuming to himself the Provost of the City the Principall of the Colledge and one of the Ministers as Witnesses did in their hearing read the Questions and receive his Answer which he gave under his hand as followeth I acknowledge the Pope of Rome to be Iudge unto his Majesty and to have power over him in spiritualibus and over all Christian Kings But where it is askt whether that power will reach over him in temporalibus I am not obliged to declare my opinion therein except to him that is Iudge in Controversies of Religion to wit the Pope or one having authority from him For the second point I think that the Pope hath power to excommunicate the King and where it is said that the King is not of the Popes Church I answer that all who are baptized are under the Popes power To the third where it is askt if the Pope hath power to depose the King being excommunicate I say that I am not tied to declare my minde except to him that is Iudge in controversies of Religion To the fourth and fifth I answer ut supra Being reasoned with a long time and the danger exponed wherein he did cast himself by maintaining such treasonable opinions he answered That he would not change his minde for any danger that could befall him and speaking of the Oath of Allegeance that it was a damnable Oath and treason against God to swear it Some daies being allowed him to bethink himself better of these points When as no advice could prevail and answers were sent to his Majesty subscribed by himself and therewith a testification of such as were present at the giving thereof Hereupon the Councell was commanded to passe a Commission to the Provost and Bayliffs of Glasgow for putting him to a triall there were assisting Iames Marquis of Hamilton Robert Earl of Lothian William Lord Sanqhar Iohn Lord Fleming and Robert Lord Boyd Some daies before he was brought to the Barre it was told him That he was not to be charged with saying of Masse nor anything that concerned his profession but only with the Answers made to the Questions proponed which if he should recall there being yet place to repentance the triall should be suspended till his Majesty were of new advertised His reply was That he did so little minde to recall any thing he had spoken as when he should be brought to his answer he should put a bonnet on it And this indeed he performed for when he was placed on pannell and the Indictment read which was grounded all upon the Acts of Parliament made against those that declined his Majesties authority or maintained any other Jurisdiction within the Realm and upon answer made to the above-written demands subscribed with his hand he brake forth in these speeches Under protestation that I doe no way acknowledge this judgment nor receive you that are named in that Commission for my Judges I deny any point laid against me to be treason for if it were treason it would be such in all places and all Kingdomes which you know not to be so As to your Acts of Parliament they were made by a number of partiall men and of matters not subject to their forum or judicatory for which I will not give a rotten figge And where I am said to be an enemy to the Kings authority I know not what authority he hath but what he received from his predecessors who acknowledged the Pope of Rome his jurisdiction If the King will be to me as his predecessors were to mine I will obey and acknowledge him for my King but if he doe otherwise and play the runnagate from God as he and you all doe I will not acknowledge him more then this old hat At these words being interrupted and commanded to speak more reverently of his Majesty he said That he should take the advertisement and not offend but the judgment he would not acknowledge And for the reverence I doe you to stand uncovered I let you know it is ad redemptionem vexationis not ad agnitionem Iudicii The persons cited upon the Jury being then called and he desired to shew if he would except against them said That he had but one exception against them all which was that either they were enemies to his cause or friends if enemies they could not sit upon his triall and if friends they ought to assist him at the Bar. Only he should wish the Gentlemen to consider well what they did and that he could not be judged by them That whatsoever he suffered was by way of injury and not of judgement and that he was accused of treason but had not committed any offence nor could he beg mercy And proceeding in this strain I am said he a subject as free as the King is a King I came by commandement of my Superior into this kingdome and if I were even now forth of it
I would return neither do I repent any thing but that I have not been so busie as I should in that which you call perverting of subjects I am accused for declining the Kings authority and will do it still in matter of Religion for with such matters he hath nothing to do and this which I say the best of your Ministers do maintain and if they be wise will continue of the same mind some questions were moved to me which I refused to answer because the proferers were not Judges in controversies of Religion and therefore I trust you cannot infer any thing against me But I hope said the Archbishop you will not make this a controversie of Religion Whether the King bâ—ing deposed by the Pope may be lawfully killed To this he replied It is a question among the Doctors of the Church many hold the affirmative not improbably but as that point is not yet determined so if it shall be concluded I will give my life in defence of it and to call it unlawfull I will not though I should save my life by saying it His speeches the more liberty was given him growing the more intolerable the Jurors were willed to go apart who quickly returning declared by the mouth of their Chancellor Sir George Elphingston that they found him guilty of all the treasonable crimes contained in the indictment Whereupon doom was pronounced and the same day in the afternoon he was hanged in the publick street of Glasgow He was as it seemed well instructed in that Iesuitical doctrine of deposing dethroning Kings and like enough to have played another Ravilliack if he had not been intercepted which was the rather believed that in lamenting his mishap to one that he esteemed his friend he did say That nothing grieved him so much as that he should be apprehended in that time for if he had lived unto Whitsunday at liberty he should have done that which all the Bishops and Ministers of Scotland and England should never have helped and to have done it he would willingly have been drawn in peeces with horses and not cared what torments he had indured But this did not burst forth till after his death Mr. Iames Moffet another of the same Society being apprehended neer about the same time took a safer course for having condemned Ogilvies positions he was suffered to depart the Countrey the King professing as he ever did That he would never hang a Priest for his Religion only these Polypragmatick Papists that were set upon sedition and to move disturbance in Countreys he could not away with The next spring Mr. George Gladstaves Archbishop of S. Andrews departed this lite a man of good learning ready utterance and great invention but of an easie nature and induced by those he trusted to do many things hurtfull to the Sea especially in leasing the titles of his Benefice for many ages to come esteeming which is the error of many Churchmen that by this mean he should purchase the love and friendship of men whereas there is no sure friendship but that which is joyned with respect and to the preserving of this nothing conduceth more then a wise and prudent administration of the Church rents wherewith they are intrusted He left behinde him in writing a declaration of his judgement touching matters then controverted in the Church professing that he had accepted the Episcopall function upon good warrant and that his conscience did never accuse him for anything done that way this he did to obviate the rumours which he foresaw would be dispersed after his death either of his recantation or of some trouble of spirit that he was cast into for these are the usuall practises of the Puritane sect whereas he ended his days most piously and to the great comfort of all the beholders His corpes was interred in the South east Isle of the Parish Church and the funerall preached by Mr. William Cowper Bishop of Galloway who was lately before preferred upon the decease of Mr. Gawin Hamilton Bishop of that Sea a man for courage true kindness and zeal to the Church never enough commended S. Andrews falling thus void divers translations were made in the Church as of the Archbishop of Glasgow to S. Andrews the Bishop of Orkney to Glasgow the Bishop of Dumblane to Orkney in whose place succeeds Mr. Adam Ballendene Rectoâ— of Falkirk In the end of this year there was at Court a great business for trying the murther of Sir Thomas Overbury who had dyed in the Tower some two years before The occasion and secret contriving of the murther with the strangeness of the discovery and his Majesties impartiall proceeding in the triall deserve all to be remembred The occasion was Overburies free and friendly counsells to the Earl of Somerset for diverting him from the marriage he intended with Lady Francis Howard who by a sentence of nullity was freed from the Earl of Essex her husband Often had he disswaded Somerset presuming upon the familiarity that he vouchsafed him to forbear that Ladies company and one night more freely for that he saw Somerset going on in the Match came unto him and spake to this effect My Lord I perceive you are proceeding in this match which I have often disswaded as your true servant and friend I now advise you not to marry that woman for if you do you shall ruine your honour and your self adding that if he went on in that business he should do well to look to his standing The Earl taking his free speech more impatiently because he had touched the Lady with whom he was bewitched in her honour replyed in passion that his legs were strong enough to bear him up and that he should make him repent those speeches Thus he parted in anger at that time Overbury interpreting this to be a sudden passion onely and not thinking that their long continuing friendship would break off by this occasion continued in his wonted attendance neither did the Earl wholly abandon him howbeit having discovered to the Lady Overbury his counsell and the words he had uttered to her prejudice she never ceased to inflame him against the Gentleman and by all means sought to practise his overthrow It falling out that Overbury was about this time to be employed in an Ambassage to â—ussia the Earl whose counsell he askt advised him not to embrace the service but to make some fair excuse This advice he followed taking the same to proceed of kindness and for his refuse was committed to the Tower The Lady now had him where she wished and meaning to dispatch him by poyson wrought so with the Lieutenant Sir Iervis Elways as he did admit one Richard Weston upon her recommendation to be Overburies keeper by whom the very evening after he was committed a yellow poyson was ministred unto him in a broth at supper which provoked such extreme vomits and purging as it was lookt he should not
part and that the Treaty was only entertained till the King of Spain had reduced Germany in his power resolved to be gone and declaring the necessity he had to return did leave a Proxie in the hands of the Earl of Bristoll the Ambassadour legier for espousing the Infanta how soon the Articles returned from Rome So the King of Spain having conveyed the Prince a little way towards the sea they parted in most loving tearms and in hope the Match should take effect But the Prince being after that informed of a conclusion laid That if the Match should be further pressed the Infanta to eschew the same should presently enter into the house of los Discalceatos a Monastery of bare-footed Nunnes after he was parted sent and commanded Bristoll not to make use of the proxie till he should advertise The Prince having for his convoy home eleven of the Kings ships and some Merchants arrived at Portsmouth the 5 of October with his whole retinue and went the next day to Royston where the King lay The joy was exceeding great of all sorts of people and publick thanks given to God throughout all the Churches of both the Kingdoms for his safe return Soon after when the King perceived by the report that neither was the Match truly meant nor the Palatinate like to be restored he directed the Earl of Bristoll to insist for the restitution and if he was put off with delaies to take his leave and come home which also he did Thus was the marriage which had been long treated of quite dissolved the King saying That he would never marry his Son with a Portion of his only Sistes tears The year following the Ministers of Edinburgh were greatly vexed by a sort of mutinous people who separating themselves from the publick Assemblies kept private Conventicles and went so far as to oppose publickly the order established for receiving the holy Communion The leader of those was William Rigge elected one of the Bailiffs for that year This man puffed up with a conceit of his own abilities did dream of no lesse then the overturning of the Church orders and reforming of the Ministery in such things as he held to be amisse hereupon in a meeting ordinarily kept before the celebration of the holy Sacrament he did publickly challenge Doctor William Forbes who was afterwards preferred to the Bishoprick of Edinburgh for divers points of doctrine delivered by him in his Sermons and when as he refused to be judged by him and the Laicks that assisted the said Baliffe did openly threaten them all that unlesse they returned to the old form of ministring the holy Communion the whole people should forsake them Herein he was assisteed by Iohn Hamilton an Apothecary Iohn Dickson William Thomson Iohn Meene and some other base companions who being called before the Councell were charged to leave the Town and the Bailiffe William Rigge deprived of his Bailiwick and declared incapable of any publick office in time comming This trouble gave occasion of setling the state of that Church in a better case then in former times the Ministers being ordained to reside in their own Parishes and have allowed to them a sufficient maintenance the popular election of Ministers when as places by any occasion fell void discharged and the presentation appointed to be made by the Provost Bayliffs and Councell the Sessions to be choosed yearly by the Magistrates and Ministers for the particular Parishes who should convene every year some ten daies after the election of the Magistrates for that business the meeting before the Communion wherein the Ministers were accustomed to be censured by the people simply prohibited with divers other particulars serving to the orderly ministration of all things in the Church The 16 of February Lodovick Duke of Richmond and Lâ—nnox deceased to the great regrate of all that knew him a Nobleman of excellent parts whose very aspect and countenance did promise much good He was thrice married first to a Sister of the Earl of Gowry by whom he had no children his second Wife was a Sister of the Lord London by whom he had a daughter and son that died both young In his third and last marriage with the Countesse of Hartford he found more content then in both the other but lived with her only some few years being taken away in the 48 year of his age His brother a noble Gentleman succeeded but did not survive him long for he died the next year leaving a hopefull succession of children behinde him The next year in the moneth of March Iames Marquis of Hamilton deceased also a Nobleman of rare gifts and fitted for the greatest affairs which he shewed at his deputation to the Parliament 1621 and at other divers occasions his death was the more grievously taken that it was thought it was procured by poyson whereof the monstrous swellings in his face and body afore his death gave great appearance his corps brought to Scotland by sea was interred at Hamilton with his predecessours These two deaths affected the King exceedingly and when it was told him that the Marquis was dead he said If the branches be thus cut down the stock cannot continue long which saying proved too true for shortly after he fell into the feaver that the Physitians call Hemitritaeam a dangerous feaver to those that are grown in years and thereof died at Theobalds the 27 of March being Sunday about twelve of the clock in the forenoon The Thursday preceding his death he desired the blessed Sacrament to be ministred unto him which he received with great devotion professing to the Prince his son and those that stood by that he had received a singular comfort thereby wishing all men to doe the like when they were visited in that sort From that time to the hour of his death he was still almost praying and some one sentence or other of piety ever in his mouth As he drew neer to his end the prayer usually said at the hour of death being ended having repeated once or twice these words Veni Domine Iesu he gave up the ghost without any pangs as are commonly seen in persons that are dying He was the Salomon of this age admired for his wise government and for his knowledge of all manner of learning for his wisdome moderation love of justice for his patience and piety which shined above all his other virtues and is witnessed in the learned works he left to posterity his name shall never be forgotten but remain in honour so long as the world indureth We that have had the honour and happiness many times to hear him discourse of the most weighty matters as well of Policy as Divinity now that he is gone must comfort our selves with the remembrance of these excellencies and reckon it not the least part of our happinesse to have lived in his daies Many dolefull Epitaphs in all Languages were composed to expresse the sorrow
conceived by his death This following penned by a learned Divine in our vulgar language did affect me so as I thought good to subjoin it ALL who have eyes awake and weep For he whose waking wrought our sleep Is fallen asleep himself and never Shall wake again till wak'd for ever Deaths iron handhath clos'd those Eyes Which were at once three Kingdoms spies Both to foresee and to prevent Dangers as soon as they were meant That Head whose working brain alone VVrought all mens quiet but its own Now lies at rest O let him have The peace he lent us in his grave If that no Naboth all his Reign Was for his fruitfull vineyard slain If no Vriah lost his life Because he had too fair a wife Then let no Shimei's curses wound His honour or profane his ground Let no black-mouth'd no rank-breath'd cur Peacefull JAMES his Ashes stir Princes are Gods ô doe not then Rake in their graves to prove them men For two and twenty years long care For providing such an Heir VVho to the peace we had before May adde twice two and twenty more For his daies travels and nights watches For his craz'd sleep stoln by snatches For two fair Kingdoms joyn'd in one For all he did or meant t' have done Doe this for him write on his dust IAMES the Peacefull and the Iust. The End A brief Table directing to the Principall Matter of this HISTORY A St. Andrews made an University by the Bishop of the place procuring it Page 57 Made an Archiepiscopal See 58 Aidanus in Northumberland within seven dayes after his first arrival converteth and baptizeth 15000 14 Augustine The King of Northumberland with an army by instigation as was supposed of Augustine the Monk slayeth 1200 Monks that refused to receive the Rites of Rome 12 Alcuinus born in Scotland 22 B BIshop The ancient manner of a Bishop in Scotland 4 Anciently in Scotland all the moveable goods of any Bishop belonged to the King and were seized for his use 55 An English Army put to flight by a Bishop 99 A Bishop went on foot through the whole Kingdome preaching the Gospel wheresoever he came 108 The ancient variance between the Scots and Holland reconciled by a Bishop 105 The difference between Iames III. of Scotland and Lewis XI of France reconciled principally by the prudence of a Bishop ibid. A Bishop barbarously maimed by an Earl in the Kings absence and the Justice done upon him for it 40 110 A very pious Bishop lived to the age of 185 years 112 Iohn Dury a reformed Minister at his death giveth advice to the Assembly of the Church to restore the Episcopal government 457 Bishops restored in the Church and to their temporalities in Scotland 496 Cautions whereby the Episcopal power was moderated in Scotland 501 Scottish Bishops came to England for consecration 514 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth by his great authority the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Buchannan by his verses he incenseth the Franciscans 67 His death 525 Benefices the temporality of them annexed to the Crown 365 Bothwell in open Rebellion is encouraged by the English Ambassadors 402 The King would have it inserted into the Acts of the Church that Ministers shall make publick declaration in the Church the Sunday following after they have baptized any privately first refused 529 After passed by the Church 539 C CArdinals by the Popes Law the placeâ—s are to be ruinated where Cardinals are slain 88 Charles after King of Great Britain born 461 His Journey to Spain 544 His return 545 A Letter to him from Gregory XV. then being Suitor in the Spanish Court 544 Church A form of Church-policy presented to the Convention of Estates at Edinburgh drawn up by Knox 152 The Church and Regent cross one the others proceedings 271 A model of Church-policy presented to the Parliament at Striveling 289 The Church appointeth a Fast on the same day that the King appointeth a Feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador with a design to cross the King 322 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject the Protestation 318 Contentions between the King and Church 319 They allow not the Councel authority to judge of Treason spoken by them in the Pulpit 330 The Ministers yield more to the desires of the basest people then to reasonable Propositions of the King 394 They provide a Chaplain of their own interest for Bothwell endevouring Rebellion 402 They refuse to submit their doctrine to the triall of the King and Councel 420 They style the Queen of England Elizabeth an Atheist in their Sermons 419 422 One of them affiâ—med in his Sermon that it is lawful for subjects to take arms against their King 430 They sollicite the Lord Hamilton and people to take arms 431 Articles proposed in the form of Question by the King concerning affairs of the Church 435 The bosome of the Church ought alwaies to be open to Penitents 437 The Assembly vote that it is lawfull for Ministers to sit in Parliament 449 Some of them refuse to give thanks in their Churches for the Kings deliverance from the attempts of Gowrie 460 Catholikes are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their religion so as in minde they continued firme 308 Covenant is taken by the Ministers obliging them to a better discharge of their duty 416 A Scottish prisoner rescued out of the Castle of Carlisle by a strange attempt 414 A strange event at a Councel held in Wiltsh 27 The Charity of a certain man saved his life 462 Conference at Hampton Court 478 Another Conference there between Scottish Bishops and Ministers of the Presbytery 497 D DRuids what they were 3 Are expelled by Cratilinth 3 The Diocese of Dunkeld divided into two Bishopricks 98 The Synod of Dort in Holland 540 Did not ratifie the Acts of Perth ibid. E A Controversie between six Competitors for the Crown of Scotland referred to the arbitration of Edward I of England 48 England the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland united upon the intended marriage of Edward VI. being about five years old and Mary daughter of Scotland being about one year old 72 That Contract broken by Scotland 73 The King of Scots with many of his Nobles swear subjection to Edward I. of England at Newcastle 49 The King of Scots and the Parliament of Scotland convened at Berwick do homage to the King of England ibid. The King of England refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 The Earls and Barons of Scotland in a Parliament at S. Andrewes swear obedience the third time to the King of England ib. The Scottish Lords of the Congregation have aid from England 140 The Articles of Contract between England and Scotland 142 Scottish Bishops come to England to be consecrated 514 Easter The ancient manner of observing it in Scotland not the same with that of the Roman 15
But agreeth with the Iewes 13 Augustine the Monk endevoureth to perswade the Saxons in Britain to observe Easter according to the Roman account but they refuse 12 A dispute held in England in Yorkshire concerning the computation of Easter between a Scottishman a Bishop and the abettors of the Roman Church 15 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the content of the Church of Scotland 527 The tryall of the Earl of Somerset 525 The Earl of Essex his death and the cause 463 Edinburgh Castle surrendred by the Queens party 271 The Town having maintained tumults against the King submit themselves 432 Elizabeth Queen of England is styled an Atheist by the Ministers of Scotland in their sermons 419 423 The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave 19 Excommunication of persons of capitall crimes if they are fugitives forbidden 517 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the content of the Scottish Ministers 527 F FAst one fasteth fourty daies without any the least kinde of food another time thirty daies 69 Francis II of France husband to Mary Stewart Queen of Scots dâ—eth 69 H PRince Henry baptized 406 His death 510 The death of Iames Marquiss of Hamilton 546 I IReland Patrick a Scot converteth that Nation 8 Ignorance Some Priests so ignorant as that they thought the New Testament written by Luther 76 Iames VI. born 196 Baptized according to the rites of the Roman Church 197 His Father attempted by poyson ibid. His Father murthered by Bothwell 200 Crowned in the Church of Striveling being thirteen moneths old Some Lords rebel against him at Edinb 287 He is offended at some proceedings of the Church and does not favour them much 308 Surprised by a combination of Nobles and sequestred from the Duke of Lennox 321 Temporiseth with the Church 322 He appointeth a feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador the Ministers to cross him on the same day appoint a fast 322 A promise made in time of restraint he judgeth not obliging 327 He giveth clear testimony of the care of the Church 347 A letter written by Walsingham to perswade the King to pass by the revenge of his Mothers death 359 An offer made by an English Ambassador and accordingly done to bring a Declaration signed by all the Judges in England to shew that the sentence against his Mother did not invalidate his right 365 Married to the King of Denmarks daughter 377 Goeth in person to Norway 377 Giveth directions for government in his absence 378 Bringeth his Queen to Scotland 380 Bothwells plot to surprise him discovered and prevented 386 He is surprised by Bothwell 394 He writeth an Epitaph on the death of his Chancellour 411 His just complaint against the petulancy of Churchmen 419 Publisheth his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 455 Gowry's conspiracy against him 457 A letter written to him from the Councel and Nobility of England 473 Crowned at Westminster 478 He would never hang Priests of the Roman profession onely for their Religion 523 He foretelleth his own death therefore not likely to be poisoned 546 He died of an Hemitritaea a disease very dangerous for the aged 546 A Witch had not power to kill him 383 K KIngs Iohn Knox his opinion concerning deposing them for ill-government 137 Reasons why they are not to be punished by their Subjects ibid. The Scots cannot resolve to arraign their Queen 214 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject their Protestation 318 A Minister of Scotland affirmeth in his Sermon that it is lawful for Subjects to take arms against their King 430 Rebellion of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 Conspiracies against Princes not thought true unless they are slain 460 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Knox his death 266 Proved that he was not the Author of the book published in his name under the title of the History of Scotland 267 A form of Church policy drawn up by him 152. L LAws Malcolm repealeth that wicked Law of Eugenius III which appointed the first night of the new married woman to belong to the Lord of the ground 29 Lollards Articles of Religion taught by them 61 The Earl of Lennox Grandfather to Iames VI and Regent slain in fight 256 The Lord Aubigny Earl and after Duke of Lennox embraceth the Protestant faith 308 He dieth in the Protestant Religion 324 M JOhn Maior Hector Boeth Gilbert Crab William Gregory learned men lived in Scotland A. D. 1539. 68 The Earl of Murray Regent of Scotland murthered 233 Earl of Marre Regent of Scotland dieth a natural death 264 The Earl of Morton then Regent his covetousness and sacrilege 271 Executed upon suspicion that he consented to the murther of the Father of Iames VI 314 Rabanus Maurus born in Scotland 22 O OAths The Catholicks are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their Religion so as in minde they continued firm and laboured secretly in promoting the Roman faith 308 Ordination One Bruce being to be made Minister of a Parish in Edinburgh refuseth Ordination 451 Had preached many years before without Ordination ibid. Ordination by Presbyters in case of necessity that it is lawful 514 The death of Sir Thomas Overbury 514 P PRiests called Culdees and why 4 Pope his league not suffered to enter into Scotland 43 The Clergy will acknowledge no Statute imposed upon them by the Legate 45 A Collection demanded by the Pope denied and the Legate not permitted to enter the Realm ibid. VRbane IV. ordained that every Bishop and Abbat elect of Scotland should travail to Rome for consecration 46 A Councel held at Lyons by the Pope the Acts thereof ibid. The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 One thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of Rome and are all slain 12 Prayer A great question arose among the Churchmen whether the Pater noster were to be said to the Saints or God only Protestants the Queen Regent Dowager of Iames V. dieth in the faith of Protestants 146 The Queen of England contriveth a counter-league against the Holy league made in France for the extirpation of Protestants 389 The Articles of that League 349 Election of Ministers by the People discharged by authority in Scotland 545 The same Portent interpreted to contrary significations 542 Presbyters excluded from intermedling with the making of Ecclesiastical laws in Scotland 531 Ordination by them in case of necessity is lawfull 514 The marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth 519 The history of the Powder-treason 491 This conspiracy carried on in secrecy a whole year 492 R ROme one thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of the Roman Church and are all slain 12 A ploâ—to reintroduce the Roman religion 390
The Scottish Preachers that lived in the Province of York chose rather to forsake their Benefices then admit the rites of Rome 18 Reformation the first proposals made 119 First artempted at Perth 121 The death of Lodowick Duke of Richmond 546 S SCotland converted before Pope Victor 2 Patrick a Scot converted Ireland 8 The Universities of Pavia and Paris founded by Scottish men 22 Scotus the Schoolman Claudius Clemens Rabanus Maurus Flaccus Albinus al. Alcuinus born in Scotland 22 Invaded and subdued by Edward I. of England 49 The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes arbitration concerning his incursions upon England and the title that the King of England had to Scotland 52 Edward III of England promiseth by Charter to release the Scots from all duties of subjection and homage 53 Divers prodigies in Scotland 94 The Articles of contract between England and Scotland 142 English Ambassadors sent to mediate a peace in Scotland 146 A Scottish prisoner rescued out of the Castle of Carlisle by a strange attempt 414 The Archbishop of Canterbury in a Letter acknowledgeth the independent Jurisdiction of the Church of Scotland 527 The King of Northumberland obtaineth of the King of Scots the assistance of some learned Bishops 13 Scottish Bishops preach the Christian faith and convert many in England 15 Pope Sixtus IV. giveth sentence in favour of the Church of Scotland that the Scots should have a Primate of their own 58 Celius Sedulius proved that he was a native of Scotland and not of Ireland 8 Iohn D. Scotus proved that he was born in Scotland and not in England 55 Subjects rebellion of the Subjects if it succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 The history of the Spanish Armada 370 Schisme in the Presbytery of S. Andrewes 386 A great one in the See of Rome 56 Mary Stewart sent into France 90 Returneth into Scotland 178 Queen Elizabeth acknowledgeth her to be next heir to the crown of England 180 But refuseth to declare it openly 181 She marrieth Henry son to the Earl of Lennox 191 Discontents arise between them 193 She putteth her husbands name after her own ibid. Married to Bothwell after the manner of the reformed Church 203 Surrendereth her self to the Lords and is received and kept as a Prisoner 207 The Scots cannot resolve to arraigne her 214 She escapeth out of prison 215 Her army overcome at Glasgow 216 She seeketh refuge in England 217 Loseth her expectation ibid. Consultations in England about putting her to death 350 The Queen of England signeth a warrant for her execution 355 The circumstances of her death 356 King Iames her son interposeth for her exemption from tryall 351 He offereth pledges of the chief of his nobility to be given for his mothers faithfulness toward the Queen of England 352 The King commandeth the Ministers to make publick intercession in their Prayers for his Mother and they refuse 354 The Queen of England taketh cognisance by her Commissioners of the dealing of the Regent of Scotland toward the Queen-mother of Scotland 219 Queen Elizabeth in her Patent to the Commissioners is so much a friend to the right and cause of Mary that she giveth not the title of Regent to the Earl of Murray 219 T TEmplars The dissolution of them 51 They were condemned and suffered unjust torments partly for their great riches partly for their freedome of taxing the vices of the Court of Rome ibid. U UNion The Articles of Union between both Kingdomes of England and Scotland 481 They are not passed in the English Parliament 505 Objections made against the Ceremony of Vnction in the solemnity of Coronation answered 381 W WItches Agnes Sampson a Witch apprehended 383 Her familiar Spirit had no power to kill the King ibid. Y YEar The account thereof changed from March to Ianuary in Scotland 456 THE KINGS Of SCOTLAND From the first Plantation of Christian Religion there mentioned in this History DOnald I. Converted and Baptized Page 2 Ethodius 3 Cratilinth ibid. Fincormachus 4 Eugenius ibid. Hergustus ibid. Ethodius alià s Echadius 5 Erthus ibid. Fergus ibid. Eugenius II. Greem Regent 6 Congallus II. 9 Kinnatellus ibid. Aidanus 10 Eugenius IV. 14 Donald IV ibid. Ferqhard 18 Eugenius VI. ibid. Eugenius VII ibid. Achaius An. D. 800. 23 Alpin ibid. Kenneth 24 Constantine II. 25 Gregory the Great 26 Constantine III. ibid. Kenneth III. 27 Malcolm II. 28 Duncan I. ibid. Mackbeth an Usuper ibid. Malcolm III. 29 Edgar 31 32 Alexander the Fierce ibid. David ibid. 36 Malcolm IV. 36 William 37 Alexander II. 42 Alexander III. 44 Iohn Baliol 48 Robert Bruce 52 David Bruce 55 Edward Baliol ibid. Robert Stewart ibid. Iames I. 57 Iames II. ibid. Iames III. 58 Iames IV. 61 Duke of Albany Regent of Scotland 62 Iames V. 70 Earl of Arran Governour during the minority of Mary Stewart 71 He resigneth the Regency to the Queen-mother 92 Mary Stewart Queen taketh into her hands the Government 178 She resigneth the Government 211 Iames VI. Crowned ibid. Earl of Murray Regent 212 Earl of Lennox Grandfather to the young King chosen Regent 241 Iohn Earl of Marre Regent 258 Earl of Moreton Regent 267 The King himself accepteth of the Government 280 Bishops that lived in Scotland or the adjacent Isles before the distribution of the Kingdome into DIOCESES AMphibalus Bishop in the Isle of Man 4 Regulus 5 Ninian 6 Palladius 7 Hildebert 8 Columba 9 Servanus 11 Colman 15 Adamannus or Adamnamus 18 19 Wiro and Plechelmus consecratâ—d at Rome by Pope Honorius 19 Bonifacius an Italian 20 Mocharius Glacianus and Gervadius 23 Archbishops and Bishops of the See of S. Andrews 1 Adrian 25 2 Kellach 26 3 Malisius ibid. 4 Kellach II 26 5 Malmore 26 6 Malisius II 26 7 Alwinus 26 8 Muldwin 26 9 Tuthaldus 26 10 Fothadus 27 11 Gregorius 28 12 Turgot 30 13 Godricus 32 14 Eâ—dmerus a Monk of Canterbury 33 15 Robert Prior of Scone 34 16 Arnold Abbot of Kelso 36 17 Richard ibid. 18 Hugo by the Kings mandate 39 Iohn Scot by the Pope in opposition to the King ibid. 19 Roger son to the Earl of Leicester succeedeth Hugo 41 20 William Malvoisin a Frenchman ibid. 21 David Benham 43 22 Abel 44 23 Gamelinus 45 24 William Wishart 46 25 William Fraser 47 26 William Lamberton 51 27 Iames Bane 55 The See vacant nine years ib. 28 William Landells 55 29 Stephen ibid. 30 Walter Traill ibid. 31 Thomas Steward son of Robert II chosen but refuseth it The See vacant during his life 56 32 Henry Wardlaw ibid. 33 Iames Kennedy ibid. 34 Patrick Graham first Archbishop of S. Andrews 58 35 William Shevez 59 36 Iames Stewart 61 37 Alexander Steward ibid. 38 Andrew Forman 62 39 Iames Beaton ibid. 40 Beaton Nephew of the former Archbishop and Cardinall 67 69 41 The base brother of the Earl of Arran Governor of Scotland made Archbishop 84 42 Iohn Dowglas 261 43 Patrick Adamson 276 44 George Gladstaves
of the Church The Cardinal set at liberty A Convention of the Clergy at S. Andrews Buchan l. 15. The Ambassadour of England complaineth of the indignity offered to him The Governours excuse Buchan l. 15. Warre denounced by England The countrey goeth into factions The Earle of Lenox recalled from France Buchan l. 15. The Earle of Lenox welcomed by the Queen-mother and the Cardinal The young Queen removed to Striveling The Governor forsaketh his party and receiveth absolution from the Cardinal Buchan l. 15. The Cardinals care to be rid of the Earl of Lenox Buchan l. 15. The Earl of Lenox finding himself abused goeth to England The persecution of the professors in Perth The inditement of the persons delated They are found guilty and their behaviour at their suffering Burgesses exiled and the Lord Ruthven put from his Provostry Kinfawn elected Provest seeketh to force the town to obedience Buchan l. 15. The Lord Gray invading Perth is repulsed The Cardinals proceeding against the Professors in Angus and Meâ—nis Buchan l. 15. An. 1544. Roger a black Frier imprisoned at Saint Andrews The history of Mr. George Wishart Wishart discharged from preaching at Dundy History of the Church He goeth to the West where the Archbishop of Glasgow seeketh to apprehend him Wishart returneth to Dundy the pestilâ—nce theâ—e raging A Priest apprehended that intended to kill him History of the Church He visiteth Montrosse A plot of the Cardinals for his intercepting and his wonderfull escape His journey to Edinburgh and what befell him in the way An. 1545. Wishart preacheth at Leith He goeth to East Lothian and preacheth at Haddington He goeth to Ormeston and dimitteth Iohn Knox. There he is apprehended and delivered to the Earle Bothwell upon promise History of the Church The Lairds of Calder and Ormeston committed Wishart carried to S. Andrews The Cardinal sends to the Governour for a Commission David Hamilton of Presson disswadeth the Governour Buchan l. 15. The Governour desires the Cardinal to deferre the trial A citation for his appearance History of the Church At his trial the Sub-prior preacheth He is accused by Master Iohn Lawder a Priest Buch. n. l. 15. His answer Mr. George Wishart his appellation Sentence of death pronounced against him Two Friers sent to confesse him The conference with the Sub-prior He communicateth with the Captain of the Castle Buchan l. 15. Two executioners lead him to the place of his suffering History of the Church His death and the manner of it 2. Martii 1545. An. 1546. His prophesie of the Cardinals death Buchan l. 15. Prayers inhibited to be made for him after his death The Priests extoll the Cardinal He contracted his base daughter to the heir of Craford Buchan l. 15. A conspiracy against the Cardinal The proceeding of the conspirators Grange entereth into the Castle The servants and workmen put to the gate The Cardinal killed A tumult in the City Buchon l. 15. The Cardinal his description How the fact was interpreted in the Countrey A great stirre in the Church by this occasion The murtherers accursed The Governours base brother elected Bishop The Castle besieged and supplied from England A câ—pitulation with the besieged The Governor sendeth to France for a supply Divers joyned with those within the Castle Iohn Rough and Iohn Knox preach to the besieged Iohn Rough preaching in the city is oppugned by the Clergy Iohn Knox maintained his doctrine in a Sermon The substance of Iohn Knox his Sermon The Archbishop offended with the Sub-prior for permitting these preachings The two preachers convened before the Sub-prior Iohn Knox his judgement of tithes Iohn Knox his answer to the Sub-prior and Clergy An. 1547. A consultation of the Clergy how to stay the defection of the people Iohn Rough for saking those in the Castle goeth into England He is brought in question and examined by Bonner Bishop of London He suffered Martyrdom and is burnt in Smithfield The absolution returned from Rome doth not satisfy them The Castle of S. Andrews again besieged at the coming of the French Gallies The Castle besieged and battered by land and sea The Castle reduced upon capitulation The Castle demolished The Duke of Somerset invadeth Scotland His letter to the Governour and Nobility An. 1548. The Duke of Somnsets letters suppresâ—â—d The battel of Pincâ—ie The young Queen conveyed to Dumbartom The siege of Haddington A counsel taken for sending the young Queen to France An. 1550. Peace made with England The prisoners taken in the Castle of Saint Andrews put at liberty Norman Lesley his fortune and death The countrey vexed with Justice Courts Adam Wallace accused of heresie His answer History of the Church Acts of Martyrs A contention among Churchmen for saying of Pater noster The foolish preaching of a Frier in Saint Andrews upon this subject An. 1543. Acts of Martyrs p. 1274. A pleasant discourse and jest of the Subprliors servant The decision of the Provincial Synod The Catechisme called The two-peny faith A Provincial Synod kept at Linlithgow An. 1553. King Edward the sixth of England dieth Queen Regent admitted to rule by dimission of the Governour An. 1554. William Harlow a Minister Iohn Willock a Convert Iohn Knox returneth into Scotland Iohn Knox his conference with young Lethington touching the presence at the Masse The Priests offended at the dishant of the Masse Iohn Knox cited and the Diet deserted An. 1556. He goeth to Geneva He is condemned as an heretick and burnt in effigie Divers prodigious signes The esteem of the Clergy decayeth Mr. Iohn Douglas a Carmelite forsaketh his Order The Preachers cited before the Councel A Proclamaon for the borders The Gentlemen of the West complain of their oppression An. 1558. Commissioners chosen for the young Queens marriage with the Daulphin The misfortunes that happened in that voyage The history of Walter Mill Martyr His examination Sentence pronounced against Walter Mill. The Bailiffe of the Regality refuseth to be Judge His constancie at his suffering The people exceedingly moved at his speeches His Epitaph His death the death of Popery in this kingdome The worthy men that lived in this time Sir David Lindesay of the Mont. Mr. Patrick Cockburn Iohn Mackbrair Robert Wachop Archbishop of Armagh An. 1130. Dunkeld erected to be a Bishoprick The succeession of Bishops in that See An. 1210. An. 1376. An. 1010. The succession of Bishops in the See of Aberdene An. 1300. An. 1480. An. 1514. An. 1160. The succession of Bishops in the Dioces of Murray An. 1140. Since the writing of this Catalogue I have found four Bishops succeeding Edwardus one after another Turpimis Rodolphus Hugo and Gregonus But how long they sate Bishops I cannot say The succession of the Bishops of Dumblane An. 1210. The succession of the Bishops of Rosse An. 1066. The succession of the Bishops of Cathnes An. 1245. The Bishops of Orkney An. 1137. The succession of the Bishops of Glasgow An. 1207. An. 1325. An. 631. The Bishops of Galloway The
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.
Agreed 2. Agreed 3. Agreed that the Church is sometimes taken for them that exercise the spiritual function in particular congregations 4. Continued to further reasoning and when it is said this power sheweth from God to his Church whether this should be understood of the whole Church or of the office-bearers and wheither it sheweth mediately or immediately 5. Referred to further reasoning 6. The last words of the Article are thought not necessary and therefore to be delete 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Say in stead hereof For this power is spiritual not having-deleting the other words 10. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed changing these word they should not be called Lords over their flock 13. Change the last words of Ecclesiastical government and Ecclesiastical discipline according to the word of God 14. Referred to further reasoning when the order of Bishops shall be discussed 15. Referred till they come to the attribution of the power 16. Agreed as the words are conceived 17. Disserreth this to be resclved with the 15. 18. Referred 19. 20. Agreed that neither ought the Magistrate preach nor minister the Sacraments nor execute the censures of the Church which is to be understood of excommunication and referreth the second part of this Article to further reasoning 21. Referred 22. Referred 1. The name of the Church in this Article is taken for the Church in the first signification to wit for the whole Church Agreed with the rest of the Articles 2. Referred 3. Referred 4. Referred 5. Referred 6. Referred to reasoning of the head of Visiters 7. Referred 8. Referred 9. Referred 10. Referred 11. Referred 1. Agreed 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Agreed 6. 7. Referred 8. Agreed with the generality hereof 9. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed 13. Agreed 14. Agreed 15. Agreed 16. Agreed 1. Agreed saving the word Bishop is referred to the place of Visitation 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Referred 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Agreed that the Minister of the Word may pronounce the sentence of excommunication after lawful proceeding 10. Agreed with the present orders concerning marriage This whole Chapter referred to further reasoning 1. Passed over 2. Agreed that name of Elders be joyned with Ministers 3. The perpepetuity of Elders referred to further deliberation 4. Agreed 5. Referred 6. Referred 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Agreed 10. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed 13. Agreed 1. Agreed that Ministers and Elders may judge spiritual things within their owne bounds 2. Agreed 3. Agreed that Synods be kept twice in the year by him that hath the charge of visitation 4. General Assemblies once yearly his Majesties authority being interponed and from the General Assembly Noblemen and such as please to come shall not be excluded providing that fifteen onely with his Majesties Commissioner have voice therein 5. Agreed 6. Agreed 7. Agreed 8. Differed to the head of Bishops and their Reformation 9. Agreed 10. Agreed joyning in the end of the Article these words or spiritual things onely 11. Agreed that as they make Acts in spiritual things so they may alter the same as the necessity of time requires 12. Referred 13. Referred 14. Referred 15. Referred 16. Referred 17. Referred 18. Referred 19. Referred 20. Referred 21. Referred 22. Referred 23. Referred 24. 25. Referred 26. Referred 27. Referred 28. Referred 29. Referred 30. Passed over 31. Answered before 32. The last part of the Article referred to the heads of Bishops 33. Diffâ—rred 34. Agreed in spiritual matters 35. Referred 1. The Chapter of Deacons and 〈◊〉 of the Church are thought to be suppressed till the head of corruptions be teasoned 1. For this whole Chapter it is thought meet that an Article be presented to his Majesty and Estates craving a punishment to be appointed for those that put violent hands in Ministers and likewise to desire such immunities and priviledges to them as shall be thought convenient 3. Let his Majesty and Estates be supplicated for dissolving these Prelacies that Ministers may be provided to the several Churches at least after the death of the present possessors 4. Passed over 5. Passed over 6. Answered by the act of dissolution 7. An Act to be sought for disposing these united Churches to Ministers after decease of the present possessors 8. Referred 6. The last part of the Article differred 10. Agreed that Bishops have a particular flock 11. Let the Diocese be divided in such sort as a man may reasonably visit and for the perpetuity of Visitors it is referred to further reasoning 13. Passed over 14. Agreed 15. Passed over 16. Passed over 17. Agreed 18. Referred 19. Agreed â—hat an Act be made that none hurt or diminish the patrimony of the Church 5 Agreed 21. Answered before 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Differred untill joyning of Churches 6. Agreed as depending on the former 7. Passed over in the Article of Provincial Assemblies 8. Agreed as before 9. Agreed to the general 10. Referred 11. To be sought of the Parliament 12. Referred to the head of Deacons This was the course the Assembly took for admitting this form of policy The Archbishop of Glasgow urged to submit himself The Archbishops answer presented in writing The answer doth not content be Assembly The Archbishop contracts sicknesse and dieth The conditions prescribed to Bishops A tumult in Glasgow for pulling down the Cathedral The matter brouâ—ht before the Councel The Abbot of Dunfermlin returned from England The report of his Commission The Lord Ruthven made Lieutenant of the Borders An. 1579. Articles presented by the Lord Hereis The Lord Maxwel excepteth against the Articles The Earl of Athol dieth Certain Libellers executed at Striveling Commission for apprehending the Lord Hamilton and his brother Lord Claud. They escape and depart forth of the Realm Charges directed for the rendring the houses of Hamilton and Draffan A complaint presented in name of the Earl of Arran The Queen of Scots her Secretary denied accesse to the King The Gentlemen of the name of Hamilton put under surety The Earl of Argile created Chancellor A Parliament indicted An. 1580. The Lord D' Aubigny cometh from France He is created Earl of Lennox The Earl of Lennox hated because of his credit with the King The King writeth to the Assembly of the Church The proceedings of the Church displease the King Jesuits and Priests resort to the countrey The King his care for reclaiming the Earl of Lennox The Earl joyns himself to the Church but is still suspected A confession of faith formed because of the dispensations from Rome A rumour raised against the Earl of Morton A motion of electing a Chamberlain The Earl of Lennox created Chamberlain A trouble betwixt Oliphant and Ruthven The Earl of Lennox charged by the Ambassadour of England Alexander Home sent into England He is remitted to the Lord Thesaurer The Thesaurers conference with Alexander Home Alexander Homes his answer to the Thesaurer Vlt. Deâ—emb The Earl of Morton challenged for the murther of the Kings father The Earl of Morton his
the Church at Edinburgh The Bishop of S. Andrews deprived for the marriage of Huntley The course taken with the imprisoned Lords Advertisement to the King of the marriage with the Queen The King intendeth a journey to Norway * 22. October He leaveth a Declaration under his hand Directions to the Councel The marriage solemnized at vpslo The Earl of Marshals proceedings ratâ—fied The Kings journey from Norway to Denmark An. 1590. Colonel Stewart sent with ships to the King Penult Martii The King and Queen return to Scotland Bothwel his satisfaction to the Church A difference among the Clergy for anointing the Queen The ceremony of Unction not Jewish The Queens Coronation at Halyrudhouse The Queens entry into Edinburgh The Ministers challenged for permitting Iames Gibson to preach The King offended with the alliance of Morton with Arrol An Assembly of the Church The King Commended to the Assembly the removing of the deadly feuds A trouble betwixt the Earl of Huntley and the Earl of Murray An. 1591. A sorceresse Agnes Samson apprehended Bothwell committed for consulting with witches The Laird of Dun his death Bothwell breaketh his Ward The doom of forfeiture pronounced against him His Majesties Declaration concerning Bothwell Bothwell layeth the blame of his rebellion upon the Chancellor A contest between the Church and Lords of Session Mr. Iohn Graham questioned by the Church The Archbishop of S Andrews his recantation A revocation made in name of the Church A Schisme in the Presbytery of S. Andrews Bothwells attempt upon Halyrudhouse The success of the attempt The Earl of Murray slain at Dunybâ—issell 7 Feb. 1692. The murther universally ill taken The Lord Ochiltrie maketh defection to Bothwell An. 1592. Petitions in behalf of the Church The first Petition granted and in what manner Bothwells attempt at Falkland Arroll and Collonell Stewart committed Bothwell and his company flyeth The King pursueth and cometh to Edinburgh Nidry taken by the Lord Hamilton and dimitted by his Lady Pardon granted to those that would forsake Bothwell The Lord Spinie delated for practising with the Lord Bothwell Iohn Weymis of Logie committed for his practises with Bothwell escaped A faction made against the Chancellor Troubles in the North betwixt Huntley and the Clanhattan The Earl of Angus imployed in a Commission to the North in November The Earl of Angus imprisoned in the Castle Mr. George Ker his Confession The Earl of Angus denieth the blanks The Kings resolution published for punishing that conspiracy A Meeting of the Mininistery The King his desire proponed to the Meeting An offer made by the Meeting Fintry beheaded An. 1593. The disposition and qualities of Mr. Iohn Graham The Earl of Angus escapeth The houses of the rebels rendered Atholl and Marshall made Lieutenants of the North. * 26. March A message from the Queen of England The Ambassador intercedeth for Bothwell An. 1592. Midst of April An Assembly of the Church at Dundiâ— Articles sent by his Majesty to the Church The Assemblies Answer A change of the Mondayes Mercat urged at Edinburgh An. 1593. Sir Robert Melvill sent into England The King surprised by Bothwell The manner of the surprise The Citie in armes Conditions granted to Bothwell by the Ambassadors mediation Articles subscribed by the witnesses The King goeth to Falkland A Convention at Striveling 7. Sept. The Estates finde the Conditions given to Bothwell dishonorable The Prior of Blantyre and sir Robert Melvill directed to Bothwell Bothwell falleth to his wonted forms Atholl coming to Striveling is charged to return home in the beginning of October Montrosse taken by the Lord Home Bothwell denounced Rebell The Popish Lords excommicated by the Synod of Fiâ—e The King dealeth with with M Robert Bruce to stay the publication of the sentence The Popish Lords meeâ—ing the King at Falaw desire a triall They are commanded to enter themselves in Perth Petitions of the Church sent to the King at Iedburgh The Conference betwixt his Majesty and the Commissioners of the Church The assembly resolved to keep the Diet appointed for the Lords trial A Proclamation inhibiting all convocations A Convocation of the Estates Certain of the Estates selected to judge of the Lords offers Conclusion taken touching the Popish Lords Troubles betwixt the Maxwells and the Iohnstons Iohnston preventeth the Lord Maxwell and killeth Captain Oliphant Maxwell invadeth Annandale The Lord Maxwell killed 6. December The Lord Here is and Barons of the Countrey appointed to remain at Drumfreis A Convention of the Estates The Popish Lords declared to have lost the benefit of Abolition An. 1594. The Queen delivered of a son at Striveling The Lord Souche Ambassadour from England Mr. Andrew Hunter Minister waiteth upon Bothwell as his Chaplain Bothwell prepareth of new to invade the King The Ambassadours dealing with Bothwell discovered The Roade of Leith The King Commanded the people to Arm. Bothwell removeth from Leith The Conflict betwixt Bothwell and Hume The Lord Colvill and Mr. Edward Bruce directed to England The Kings letter to the Queen of England The Commission given to the Ambassadours The Queen of Englands answer The Queen dischargeth Bothwell his resset in England An Assembly of the Church Petitions directed from the Church to the King A Remonstrance of the perills threatned to Religion The remedies of the dangers The Lord Hume reconciled to the Church Instructions sent from the King to the Church and Assembly A Parliament wherein the Lords are forfeited An. 1595. The bond betwixt the Popish Lords and Balwery exhibited Sir Iames Duglas of Spot excommunicated An. 1695. An assembly of the Church at Montrose Articles sent from the King to the Assembly An. 1595. The Assemblies answer The Queen seeketh to have the Prince in custody The King diverteth her from that course The Kings letter to the Earl of Marre for receiving the Prince The Chancellor contracteth sickness and dieth The Kings letter to the Chancellor The Chancellor his qualities His Epitaph written by the King Great death of Corns and great bloodshed in the Countrey David Forester Citizen of Striveling treacherously betrayed A Commission to eight of the Councel to rule the Exchequer The tenor of the Commission The King his promise to the Commissioners The Commissioners make faith Exception taken at the ampleness of the Commissioners The Commissioners possesse themselves with offices of Estate An. 1596. William Armstrong called Will of Kinmouth taken Prisoner The Laird of Baclugh complaineth of the breach of truce No satisfaction made Baclugh sets the Prisoner at liberty The Castle of Carlile surprised and the Prisoner freed The Queen of England greatly offended with the enterprise This matter debated in Councell The trouble quieted by Baclugh in England Col. Stewart design'd Lieutenant for the Isles An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh A search of the causes of the present fear of invasion A new Covenant made by the Ministers for abiding to the profession of the truth and living according to the same Advice for resisting the enemies of
Religion The King desireth to have the Noblemen reclaimed He communicated his mind with M. Robert Bruce M. Robert Bruce his answer and advice The King reasoneth with him to the contrary of his advise Mr. Robert's saucy Reply to the King Shortly after the Lords exiled return The Earle of Arroll intercepted in the Low Countreys escapeth A Convention at Falkland The King's judgment of Huntley's supplication A Convention at Dunfermling The Commissioners for the Church upon the report of the Lords meet at Edinburgh A publick humiliation indicted Persons nominated to attend at Edinburgh for the Church The Lord Seaton President of the Session cited to appear before the Synod of Lothian A Conference betwixt certain of the Councell and some moderate men of the Ministery The King offended wâ—th the pertinacy of the Ministers Commissioners directed to his Majesty His Majesties peremptory answer to the Commissioners The grievances of the Church proponed The King his answer A new trouble by Mr. David Blake a Minister at S. Andrews Mr. Andrew Melvill labourreth to make it a common cause The Conditions proponed to Huntley The Conditions give no content A Declinatour advised to be droponed M. David Blake his Declinator M. Blakes answer to the Diet. The Declinatour sent to the Presbyteries to be subserived A Proclamation discharing the meeting of the Commissioners The Commissioners of the Church upon this discharge enter into a new consultation They sent a Commission to the Octavians Commissioners sent to his Majesty for surceasing M. Blakes proeess His Majesties offer to the Commissioners The wiser sort of the Ministers advise to accept of the offer but they are over-ruled M. Blake cited to the last of November The Baptisme of the Princess Elizabeth A Petition presented by the Commissioners to his Majesty and Councell The Petition rejected The points laid to M. Blaks charge Mr. Robert Pont protesteth for the liberties of the Church Mr. Blake declineth the Councell of new The Councell write the Declinatour The Kings care to keep peace with the Church The King conferreth with some Ministers touching Mr. Blakes businesse The Ministers desire a declaration to be made in favour of Church Assemblies His Majestie consenteth to the Declaration Mr. Blake refuseth to acknowledg his offence to the Queen The witnesses examined and Mr. Blake found guilty A new treaty for making an accord Conditions craved by his Majesty The Commissioners refuse to agree to any censure of M. Blake The Ministers indict a fast and complain of wrong done to the kingdom of Christ. His Majesties Declaration published A Bond of obedience subscrived by the Ministers Master Blake charged to go to his ward and the Commissioners to leave the Town A new motion of agreement overthrown by the practise of some of his Majesties Chamber The Ministers deluded by a counterfeit Letter M. Walter Balcanquall in his Sermon inveigheth against the Counsellors He exhorteth the Noblemen and Bâ—rons to a meeting A Petition directed to the King from the meeting Mr. R. Bruce his Speech to those that convened The King offended with the meeting The L d Lindesey his insolent words to the King Atumult raised in the Church and City A Deacon of the Crafts appeaseth the fury of the people Noble men directed from the King to inquire the cause of the tumult The Ministers purge themselves A new Petition moved to the King The Kings answer to the Petions proponed Articles condescended upon to be proponed to his Majesty The Commissioners chused to present the Articles Bargenny declineth the charge the business ceaseth The King with the Councell departeth to Linlithgow A Proclamation discharging all Judicatories to sit in Edinburgh A great alteration in the mindes of people A Bond for mutuall concurrence The excommunication of the President deferred A Fast in the City M. Welch and his Sermon A rumour dispersed that Arroll had some forces assembled The copie of the Letter sent to the Lord Hamilton shewed to the King This Letter did offend many of the better sort A charge for apprehending the Ministers The King refuseth the purgation offered by the Town The tumult declared treason by act of Counsell The Town employed others towards the King The Proposition made by those that were sent by the Town His Majesties answer The King cometh to Leth and the next day to Edinburgh Offers made by the Town for pacifying his Majesties anger The effects of the mutiny contrary to that which was intended Advice given to raze the Town The Queen of Englands letter to the King The letter pleased the King well The tumult declared Treason in the Convention of Estates The Town of Edinburgh charged to appear at Perth The Octavians quit their Commission of the Exchequer Captain Iames Stewart killed A Nationall Assembly indicted at Perth Articles published in print for the better preparation to the Assembly The Ministers greatly perplexed with these Questions Sir Patrick Murray directed to the North to deal with the Ministers The Ministers Answer His Majesties Letter to the Earl of Huntley Letters directed to the Presbyteries for keeping the Assembly The Assembly declared to be a lawfull Generall Assembly Articles presented by his Commissioners to the Assembly The advice of certain Brethren set apart to consider the Articles The Assembly required to meet with the Estates Protestation made by Mr. Tho Buchannan in name of the Church The answers of the Articles reformed Persons nominated to reason the questions Commission given for absolving the Popish Lords The conditions required of the Earl of Huntley The like condition prescrived to Angus and Arroll The King taketh the Ministers in his protection The Assembly intercedes for the Ministery of Edunburgh and others charged with the tumuls The Kings answer The death of Mr. Iohn Lesly Bishop of Rosse The Town of Edinburgh denounced Rebels An. 1597. The Town received into favour at the intercession of Noblemen Articles injoyned to be performed by the Town The Ministers of Edinburgh suffered to return but inhibited to preach An Assembly at Dundy Mr. Robert Rollock elected to preside Order given for absolution of the Popish Lords Proceedings of the Assembly The rest of the questions determined A generall commission foâ— Church affairs Sir Patrick Murray directed to the North. A Proclamation against Mr. Iames Gourdon The Laird of Lady-land having surprized the rock Elsa is drowned The Kings care for removing of deadly fewds A meeting of the Commissioners of the Assembly at Falkland The Secretary complaineth of Mr. Robert Wallace Minister at S. Andrews Mr. Wallace declineth the Commissioners Mr. Nicoll Dalgleish protesteth against the Commissioners proceedings The declination and protestation declared invalid The Witnesses examined doe verifie the complaint Mr. Wallace his obstinacy A visitation of the Church of S. Andrews Sentence given for removing Mr. Blake and Mr. Wallace from the Ministery of S. Andrews Master George Gladstaves admitted Minister of S. Andrews Abuses in the University reformed In the new Colledge all things found out of order
A Councell appointed for the University The Doctors Professors and Regents exempted for the Church-meetings A discovery of Witches A discharge of proceedings against Witches except in case of voluntary confession Troubles in the Borders A Parliament at Edinburgh Articles presented in the name of the Church Voice in Parliament granted to such Ministers as shâ—uâ—d be provided to the places as Bishops Abbots or other Prelates The office for the spirituall government remitted to the Assembly An. 1598. A General Assembly at Dundie Ministers might give voice in Parliament The number to be aâ—se many as of old in the Papisticall Church The election of those that should give voice to be made by the King and Church Commission for discussing the rest of the points Ministers of Edinburgh permitted to preach upon condition Four others named to be joyned with the Edinburgh Minâ—sters Exception taken at two of the number The providing of the Commissioners in the planting of Edinburgh allowed Anact desining the number of Commissioners from Presbyteries to Assemblies His Majesty pleaseth to remit all offences past of the Ministers Mr. Iohn Dividson protesteth against the conclusions of the Assembly Question moved for Mr. Robert Bruce who refused the imposition of hands A declaration made for his satisfaction A tumult in the Church as his admission Mr. Robert Bruce cited before the Commissioners purgeth himself of the tumult He is admitted and receives imposition of hands Commissioners directed to Synod of Fife A meeting at Falkland for determining the vote of Parliament Caveats for eschewing of corruption His Majesties purpose in giving way to these conclusions Ambassadors directed to the Princes of Germany The success of that Ambassage The Queen brought to bed of a daughter Hamilton and Huntley created Marquesses Mr. Iohn Lindesay Secretary dieth The Lord of Colluthy his death Mr. Thomas Buchannan his death David Ferguson his death The death of Mr. Robert Rollock most lamented His behaviour in the time of his sicknâ—ss and at his dying An. 1599. Alteration of some officers of State The Earl of Cassills made Treasurer Lord Elphingston succeeded Treasurer Sr. William Bowes Ambassadour from England One Ashfield conveighed privately to Berwick by two of the Ambassadours servants A visitation of the University of S. Andrewes Discourse of his Majesties Title to the Crown of England The King publisheth his Basilicon Doron by occasion of a libell Mr. Iohn Dikes fugitive for the libell The book well received in England A trouble for receiving some English Comedians A generall Assembly of the Church The voice in Parliament determined Two Cavears more added The state of Bishopricks at that time Bishops appointed for Rosse and Cathnes An. 1600. Iohn Dury Minister at Montrosse his death with a short description of his life The conspiracy of the Earl of Gowry The Kings kindness to his brethren and sister The plot contrived for entrapping the King The King goeth to Perth Gowry meeting the King was much troubled Mr. Alexander did move the King to goe with him Mr. Alexander professeth what he was about The Kings voice heard and is discerned Sir Thomas Areskin challengeth Gowrie Iohn Ramsey doth first relieve the King The Kings servants prepare to defend Gowrie entereth and after a little space is killed The Lords come to the King The danger by the people of the Town The Caracters found at the Earls girdle Some servants of Gowrie executed Andrew Henderson his confession The Ministers of Edinburgh required by the Councell to give thanks for his Majesties deliverance Their excuse and refusing to obey The Bishop of Rosse giveth thanks at the Market-cross The King cometh to Edinburgh Master Patrick Galloway his preaching at the Crosse. 1000 l mortified to the poor at Scone A solemne thanksgiving appointed for the Kings deliverance The Ministers of Edinburgh removed from their places Three of the number acknowledging their fault are pardoned Mr. Iames Balfoure remitted Master Robert Bruce banished A Parliament wherein Gowrie and his brother are forfeited The fifth of August to be kept yearly in remembrance of his Majesties delivery Acts concluded in this Parliament The King goeth to Dunfermlin to visit the Queen Prince Charles born at Dunfermlin The death of M. Iohn Craig with a description of his life Accidents that befell M. Craig in his flight A strange accident and singular testimony of Gods care over him He preacheth to Maximilian the Emperour but is forced to leave those parts He cometh to Scotland and is appointed Minister at Halirudhouse An. 1601. A trouble in the Court of England The Earl of Marre sent Ambassadour to England Pope Clement sends his Breves to England for excluding the King A Proclamation against some Jesuits An Assembly at Brunt-island Mr. Iohn Hall elected Modederator The defection in Religion complained of and the causes searched The remedy of the evils Mr. Iohn Davidson his letter to the Assembly The letter offended greatly the wiser sort A combustion touching the Ministers of Edinburgh A Proposition was made for a new Translation of the Bible and correcting the Psalmes The liberty of Application restrained The Ministers of Edinburgâ— received in favour New troubles by the Lord Maâ—well The Duke of Leâ—nox directed Ambassador to France The Queen of France lying of her first born The Duke returneth to Edinburgh An. 1602. Certain undertakers conqueâ— the Isles The Laird of Balcomy taken prisoner and dieth in Oikeney Neill betrayeth his brother Murdach The Lewis lost by the undertakers security Mr. Robâ— Bruce licenced to return upon promise of satisfaction Mr. Rob Bruce his inconstancy A Generall Assembly in the Chappell of Halirudhouse Petitions to his Majesty in name of the Church Overtures for provision of the Ministers The overtures deferred to another time Grievances of the Synod of Fife An answer to the grievances Acts concluded in the Assembly The businesse of Jesuits in England The story of Francis Mowbray and an Italian The Queen of England groweth sick A Conference betwixt the French Ambassadour Secretariâ— Cicill The King advertised of this conference His Majesties letter to the Secretary A letter from the King to the Earle of Northumberland An. 1603. The Queen of England her death The King advised of the Queens death A letter from the Councell and Nobility of England to the King The contents of the letter published The Borders make incursions upon the report of the Queens death The King giveth order for his journey The persons chused to attend the King in his journey He goeth to S. Giles to hear sermon The King makes a speech to the People which is followed with a great lamentation of the hearers The King cometh to Berwick The Councellors meet him at York The death of Mr. Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow The Queen falleth sick at Striveling The Prince delivered to the Queen The King and Queen inaugurated at Westminster A conspiracy detected a-against the King George Brook and two Priests executed The Noble-men and others spared Ann. 1604. The