a Scaffold erected for their Execution ibid. Is made Regent by the Three Estates during the minority of Charles the Ninth p. 30. Seems inclinable to the Protestant Religion intending to joyn with the Protestant Princes ibid. Makes a Peace after the battle of Drues p. 36. Queen Regent of Scotland receives the Government from Hamiltoun p. 24. Issues out a severe Proclamation against Protestants ibid. Is disturbed at the discourse of the Prior of St. Andrew's and others and resolves to persecute the more p. 25. Sends to France about the disorders in her Country for help ibid. She during the Controversie with the Congregation retires with Monsieur Dosel and other French-men to Lieth which is fortified expecting French supplies p. 29. But being indisposed retires to the Castle of Edinburgh atd dies with regret that she followed the advice of her French friends ibid. Queen of Scotland married to King James from Denmark is Crowned p. 184. Shews Melvil no great countenance at first p. 194. But at length seems well satisfied with his Service ibid. Is offended with the Chancellour for delaying her Marriage with the King of Scots p. 198. Usually speaks in favour of those Officers that are misrepresented to the King p. 199. Is offended with the Chancellour but reconciled p. 200. Gives the English Danish and Dutch Ambassadours Audience p. 204. St. Quintin and several other Towns lost by the French to the Spaniard p. 22. R RAndolph Thomas Queen Elizabeth's Agent in Scotland p. 40. Denies the Queen of England made any promises to those who would oppose the Marriage of the Queen of Scots p. 60. Is sent with the Earl of Lennox Ambassadour unto Scotland to set him forward with his power p. 107. Is a double dealer and Sower of Sedition ibid. Glories that he had kindled such a fire in Scotland as would not easily be extinguished p. 109. Designs to have Mortoun Regent in the lieu of Lennox but failed p. 115. Returns home and why ibid. Is sent again Ambassadour to Scotland p. 127. Hears that the Author was designed to be sent Ambassador into England and opposeth it proposing other persons in that juncture of time p. 173. Rixio David a mean fellow who came to Scotland with the Ambassador of Savoy is made Secretary to the Queen of Scots p. 54. A Musician perswaded to sing with others the occasion of his promotion ibid. Is suspected to be Pensioner and Favourite to the Pope p. 55. Is kill'd in the Queens Presence to her great regret she being with Child by consent of the King p. 64. Russel Sir Francis Warden of the English Borders p. 166. Is kill'd at a meeting between the two Wardens ib. Ruxbie sent to sift what he could get out of Mary Queen of Scots as to her right to the Crown of England p. 68. Which he is to send to Mr. Secretary Cecil p. 68. Addresseth himself to the Scots Queen ibid. Writes to Cecil in her prejudice p. 69. Is promised a reward but his intrigues are discovered and he secured ibid. S SEatoun Comptroller to King James of Scotland p. 198. Segie Lord made one of the Kings Council p. 138. Chosen to accompany Melvil in the entertainment of the Danish Ambassador p. 162. Senarpon Monsieur Lieutenant in Normandy for the French King p. 160. Shaw William Master of Wark is chosen to accompany Melvil in his entertainment of the Danish Ambassadors with the Lord of Segie p. 162. Skeen a Lawyer chosen to go to Denmark with the Author p. 178. Sinclare Oliver promised by the Clergy to be made Lieutenant of the Army against England if King Henry the 8th should War against Scotland p. 4. Is proclaimed Lieutenant over the whole Army yet the Lords disdaining so mean a person would not fight under him but suffered themselves to be taken Prisoners p. 6. Simson Amy a Midwife and Witch p. 194 Is burnt with others p. 195. Smith is made Secretary to Queen Elizabeth p. 157. Sommer Secretary to the English Ambassador in France p. 160. Spanish Navy is rumour'd to be bound for England Scotland and Ireland p. 175. Is three years preparing ibid. The Commanders knew nothing of the Design but what they understood by the opening of their instructions at every Landing place p. 175 and 176. A violent storm of Wind dissipates the whole Navy and many of their Vessels suffer'd Shipwrack ibid. Spiny Lord and the Master of Glams at variance p. 198. Spiny is in great favour with his Majesty ibid. For which he is envied and accused as a dealer with Bothwel for which he is displaced and imprisoned ibid. But escapes out of a Window in Dalkieth by the help of a Danish Gentlewoman whom he afterward married ibid. Is in disfavour with the King p. 199. Spinze Lord is Gentleman of the Chamber to King James p. 198. Stuart Colonel is sent to St. Andrews with Mr. John Colvil p. 133. Is made Captain of King James his Guards p. 137. Writes to the Author to repair to Court p. 156. Is one of the Kings Council p. 138. Rides to overthrow the Banished Lords at their entry upon the Borders p. 168. But his design is frustrated ibid. Is committed to the care of the Lord Maxwel being in danger for espousing too violently the Earl of Arran's Interest p. 170. Obtains leave to go to Denmark about his own Affairs being that Kings Pensioner p. 171. Has a Commission to treat about the Marriage of King James with the Eldest Daughter of the King of Denmark ibid. Goes to Denmark several times at his own charge to complete his Masters Marriage with the King of Denmark's Daughter p. 177. Stuart James Son to the Lord Oghiltrie a Favourite in Scotland p. 126. Perswades the King to a Progress p. 127. Accuses the Earl of Mortoun of the late Kings Murther ibid. Takes upon himself the Title of Earl of Arran p. 128. Marries the Earl of March his Relict ibid. Casts off his true friends p. 129. His Character p. 131. Is kept Prisoner by the Lords in the Custody of the Earl of Gaury p. 133. Obtains the favour of being confin'd to his own House at Kinneal p. 137. adviseth the King but is opposed by Gaury ibid. Gets access to Court and stays there contrary to promise ibid. Is reconciled to Colonel Stuart by the Authors means p. 139. He and Melvil the Author clash in Council p. 139. His insolent carriage p. 142. He and Gaury are reconciled by his Majesty ibid. He and his Wife ruling all perswades his Majesty to go to Sterling p. 143. He is Captain of the Castle and Provost of the Town ibid. Adviseth his Majesty to send the Author Ambassador to Queen Elizabeth intending thereby to ensnare him ibid. Desires a familiar Conference with Secretary Walsingham who refuseth it p. 148. At which being incensed he puts several Indignities upon him ibid. Endeavours to be made Chancellor and Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh p. 152. Useth his Craft to pervert the effect of
to win thanks at his hands But he would credit nothing but such things as came out of the mouths of those who had crept into his favour by flattery In the mean time the Queen was convoyed out of Lockleven by George Duglas the Lairds Brother and the Regents half Brother who was for the time in some evil tearms with them The old Lady his Mother was also thought to be upon the Councel My Lord Seatoun and some of the House of Hamiltoun and divers of their dependers received her Majesty at her landing out of the Logh and convoyed her to Hamiltoun The Regent being for the time at Glascow holding Justice Eyrs Proclamations and Missives were incontinently sent abroad by both sides to convene so many as would act for them in the Country One French Ambassadour was come to Edinbrugh ten days before called Monsieur de Beumont Knight of the Order of the Cockle whom I had convoyed to Glascow and had procured to him a sight of the Queen while Captive He said to me that he never did see so many men so suddenly convened for he rode to Hamiltoun to the Queen and dealt between the parties for Peace but was not heard Her Majesty was not minded to fight nor hazard battel but to go unto the Castle of Dumbartoun and endeavour by little and little to draw home again unto her obedience the whole Subjects But the Bishop of St. Andrews and the House of Hamiltoun and the rest of the Lords there convened finding themselves in number far beyond the other Party would needs hazard Battle thinking thereby to overcome the Regent their great Enemy and be also masters of the Queen to Command and Rule all at their pleasure Some alledged that the Bishop was minded to cause the Queen to marry my Lord Hamiltoun in case they had obtained the victory And I was since informed by some who were present that the Queen her self feared the same therefore she pressed them still to convoy her to Dumbartoun and had sent me word with the French Ambassadour the same morning before the battel to draw on a meeting for concord by the means of the Secretary Lidingtoun and the Laird of Grange And for her part she would send the Lord Herris and some other She had also caused my Brother Sir Robert to write a Letter to me that same morning for that same effect but the Queen's Army came on so fiercely that there was no stay The Regent went out on foot and all his Company except the Laird of Grange Alexander Hume of Manderstoun and some Borderers to the number of 200. The Laird of Grange had already viewed the ground and with all imaginable diligence caused every Horse-man to take behind him a Foot-man of the Regent's to guard behind them and rode with speed to the head of the Long'sid'-hill and set down the said Foot-men with their Culverings at the head of a straight Lane where there were some Cottage-houses and Yards of great advantage Which Soldiers with their continual shot killed divers of the Vaunt-guard led by the Hamiltouns who couragiously and fiercely ascending up the Hill were already out of breath when the Regents Vaunt-guard joined with them Where the worthy Lord Hume fought on foot with his Pike in his hand very manfully well assisted by the Laird of Cesfoord his Brother-in-law who helped him up again when he was strucken to the ground by many stroaks upon his face by the throwing Pistols at him after they had been discharged He was also wounded with Staves and had many stroaks of Spears through his Legs for he and Grange at the joining cried to let their adversaries first lay down their Spears to bear up theirs which Spears were so thick fixed in others Jacks that some of the Pistols and great Staves that were thrown by them which were behind might be seen lying upon the Spears Upon the Queens side the Earl of Arguile commanded the Battel and the Lord of Arbroth the Vaunt-guard On the other part the Regent led the Battle and the Earl of Mortoun the Vaunt-guard But the Regent committed to the Laird of Grange the special care as being an experimented Captain to oversee every danger and to ride to every Wing to incourage and make help where greatest need was He perceived at the first joining the right Wing of the Regent's Vaunt-guard put back and like to fly whereof the greatest part were Commons of the Barony of Ranthrow whereupon he rode to them and told them that their Enemy was already turning their backs requesting them to stay and debate till he should bring them fresh Men forth of the Battel Whither at full speed he did ride alone and told the Regent that the Enemy were shaken and flying away behind the little Village and desired a few number of fresh Men to go with him Where he found enough willing as the Lord Lindsay the Laird of Lockleven Sir James Balfour and all the Regents Servants who followed him with diligence and reinforced that Wing which was beginning to fly which fresh Men with their loose Weapons struck the Enemies in their flanks and faces which forced them incontinent to give place and turn back after long fighting and pushing others to and fro with their Spears There were not many Horse-men to pursue after them and the Regent cried to save and not to kill and Grange was never cruel so that there were but few slain and taken And the only slaughter was at the first rancounter by the shot of the Soldiers which Grange had planted at the Lane-head behind some Dikes After the loss of the Battel her Majesty lost all courage which she had never done before and took so great fear that she never rested till she was in England thinking her self sure of refuge there in respect of the fair promises formerly made to her by the Queen of England by word to her Ambassadours and by her own hand-writ both before and after she was Captive in Lockleven But God and the World knows how she was kept and used for not only she refused to see her of whom she appeared so oft so desirous of a sight and a meeting but also caused to keep her Prisoner and at length suffered her life to be taken away or else it was subtilly taken against her intention This puts me in remembrance of a tale that my Brother Sir Robert told me The time that he was busiest dealing betwixt the two Queens to entertain their friendship and draw on their meeting at a place near York One Bassintoun a Scots-man who had been a Traveller and was learned in high Sciences came to him and said Good Gentleman I hear so good a report of you that I love you heartily and therefore cannot forbear to shew you how that all your upright dealing and honest travel will be in vain For whereas you believe to obtain advantage for your Queen at the Queen of England's hands you do but lose your time and
by the shiver of a Spear engaging with the Earl of Montegomery at the Iustings of his Daughter's Marriage with the King of Spain p. 28. And dies Eight days after ibid. Henry Prince King James his first Son born at Sterling 202. Herreis Lord is Imprisoned in the Castle of Edinburgh p. 101. Hume George turns William Kieth out of his place of Master of the Wardrobe when King James was in Denmark p. 182. Being Knighted is made Master of the Wardrobe p. 198. Hume Lord takes part with the Hamiltouns and Queens Faction p. 106. With whom the Regent Mortoun durst not meddle standing in awe of his Party p. 122. Dies shortly after being a Prisoner in Edinburgh Castle ibid. Hunsdon Earl hath a Conference on the Borders with the Earl of Arran p. 158. Contrives a secret Plot ibid. Huntley Earl is Chief of the new Faction about his Majesty p. 175. Endeavours to turn out the Master of Gray and Martland the Chancellor ibid. Procures the Gift of the Benefice of Dumfarmling ibid. Great disorders occasioned by the Dissention between him and other Earls p. 200. Is sent home hereupon p. 201. Triumphs and takes advantage of the Earl of Murray's Lands giving him just cause of Complaint ibid. Kills the Earl of Murray ibid. I JAmes the Fifth of Scotland his resolute Speech to the Prelates p. 4. Gives the Ward and Marriage of Kelly in Angus to the Second Son of the Lord Grange ibid. Gives ear to the Clergy to put off the Convention with King Henry the 8th at York ibid. Is forced to raise an Army to defend his Country upon that account p. 6. Is much troubled at the Defeat of his Army and useth severe Language against the Prelates who fearing his displeasure poison him with an Italian Posset ibid. His Character p. 7. James Lord Prior of St. Andrews the Natural Son of James the Fifth p. 25. Hears of Queen Mary's Resolution to return to Scotland and goes to France to request it p. 31. Returns to Scotland to prepare them for her Reception ibid. James the Sixth King born p. 69. When of Age he causeth the Heirs of the Lord Grange to be restored p. 123. Orders his bones to be taken up and honourably buried at Killingborn ibid. Is brought up at Sterling by Alexander Areskine and the Layd Mar p. 125. Hath Four Masters their Character ibid. The Earl of Mortoun being deposed he takes the Government into his own hands p. 128. Is surprised by the Lords in the House of Huntingtoun p. 132. Is conveyed afterward to Sterling and there retained ibid. Laments his mishandling during that Captivity ibid. Invites by Letters some of the Nobility to a Convention p. 133. Goes from Falkland to St. Andrews some few days before the Convention to the Earl of March p. 135. Thinks himself there at liberty ibid. Lodgeth in an old Inn there ibid. Becomes Master of the Castle p. 136. And declares his moderate intentions toward all the Lords ibid. Orders 4 Lords to retire and retains the rest as his Council ibid. Causeth a Proclamation to be made according to his moderate intentions p. 137. Returns the Author thanks as the only instrument of procuring his liberty ibid. Is gently inclined to all the Nobility and Treated particularly by the Earl of Gaury ibid. Solicits the Author to prevail with the Lord Gaury that the Earl of Arran might come to Court and kifs his hand p. 138. Promising he should not stay there ibid. Sends a Letter in Answer to Queen Elizabeth's p. 140. The Contents thereof p. 140 141 and 142. His Majesty is taken again p. 142. Gives Secretary Walsingham Audience p. 147. Sends a Letter to Queen Elizabeth promising not to bring again the Earl of Arran into Court p. 148. Is taken at the Road of Ruthven p. 149. And retain'd Captive ibid. Takes little care to prevent inconveniences yet obtains his liberty ibid. Assures the Author that he would Convene a Council of Lords at Edinburgh p. 150. His Dream concerning the Earl of Gaury p. 156. Writes for Melvil the Author to come and advise him p. 157. As also to come and entertain Wotton being sent to him by the Queen of England p. 159. Whom he loved before he saw by reason of the advantageous Character which the Master of Gray gave him ibid. Orders the Author to entertain the Danish Ambassadours 162. And because they were three in Commission wisheth him to choose two more to accompany him which he did ibid. Gives them Audience at Dumfarmling and is much dissatisfied at their ill handling ibid. Grows impatient to hear the Author speak against Wotton p. 164. Acquaints the Author that he was informed the King of Denmark's Descent was from Merchants ibid. But after he was informed of the truth he sends for the said Ambassadors p. 165. Promiseth them a speedy dispatch to their satisfaction ibid. Orders a Banquet for them is hindred from being present at it but being informed how matters stood goes thither and drinks to the King Queen and Ambassadors of Denmark to their great content p. 166. causeth their dispatch to be ready according to promise ibid. Sends to the Earl of Arran for a great Gold Chain which he got from Sir James Balfour to present it to the Three Ambassadors which was done accordingly ibid. Sends to agree with the Banished Lords at their coming to Sterling p. 169. Where it was agreed his Majesty should be in their hands and no rigour used to those about him ibid. Calls them Traytors at first but after grants them a Pardon ibid. Acknowledgeth the Earl of Arran to have been a bad Minister of State and that he should never be readmitted to Court p. 170. Hears the news of his Mothers Execution which highly displeas'd him p. 173. Convenes a Parliament desiring the Assistance of his Subjects ibid. When he at first hears they were about the Conviction of his Mother he sent Two Ambassadors on her behalf ibid. Sends for the Author to prepare him to go Ambassador to England ibid. Goes to the Western Borders to reform some disorders between the Maxwels and Johnstouns p. 175. Resolves to wait an opportunity to revenge his Mothers Death rather then trouble the Peace of the Kingdom of England ibid. Is Courted in Marriage by many great Princes p. 177. Asks Council of God by Prayer Fifteen days and then resolves to Marry the King of Denmark's Daughter ibid. Makes choice of the Author to go Ambassador to Denmark ibid. Perswades him to undertake that Embassy p. 178. Consents that his Brother the Lord Yungland should be joyned in Commission with him and gives him Commission by word of mouth ibid. Is angry-with the Author p. 179. Is advised to send to Queen Elizabeth to desire her Consent to his Marriage with Denmark ibid. Her Answer thereunto ibid. Is incensed with his Council for Voting against that Marriage ibid. Deals privately with those at Edinburgh to threaten the Council and Chancellor menacing him with Death if
to the Governour and Queen mother Sister to the Duke of Guise And when the said Ambassadour was to return to France it pleased the Queen mother to send me with him to be placed Page of Honor to the Queen her Daughter I being then 14 years of Age. But the said Bishop went first to Ireland commanded thereto by theK his Masters Letter to know more particularly the motions and likelihood of the Offers made by Oneel Odoneel Odocart and Callock willing to shake off the Yoke of England and become subject to the King of France providing that he would procure the Popes gift of Ireland and then send to their help 2000 Hacbutiers 200 Light Horsemen and 4 Cannon We shipped for Ireland in the Moneth of January and were stormsted by the way in a little Isle called Sandisle before Kintire where we were compelled to tarry 17. days by reason of the Storm Thence we hoised Sail toward Ireland but the Storm was yet so extreamly violent that with great danger of the Ship and our lives we entered in at the mouth of Loghfeul in Ireland upon Shrove-tuesday in the year 1545. for the Skipper and Mariners had lost all hopes of safety having left their Anchors behind them the night before Ere we landed we sent one George Paris who had been sent to Scotland by the great Oneel and his Associates who landed at the house of a Gentleman who had married Odocarts Daughter dwelling at the side of a Lake who came to our Ship and welcomed us and convoyed us to his house where we rested that night The next morning Odocart came there and convoyed us to his house which was a great dark Tower where we had cold chear as Herring and Bisket for it was Lent There finding two English Gray Friars who had fled out of England for King Edward VI. was yet alive the said Friars perceiving the Bishop to look very kindly to Odocarts Daughter who fled from him continually they brought to him a Woman who spoke English to lie with him Which Harlot being keept quietly in his Chamber found a little Glass within a Case standing in a window for the Coffers were all wet with the Sea Waves that fell into the Ship during the Storm She believing it had been ordained to be eaten because it had an odoriferous smell therefore she licked it clean out which put the Bishop into such a rage that he cried out for impatience discovering his harlotry and his choler in such sort as the Friars fled and the Woman followed But the Irish men and his own Servants did laugh at the matter for it was a Viol of the most pretious Balm that grew in Egypt which Solyman the Great Turk had given in a Present to the said Bishop after he had been two years Ambassador for the King of France in Turkey and was esteemed worth 2000 Crowns In the time that we remained at Odocarts house his young daughter who fled from the Bishop came and sought me where-ever I was and brought a Priest with her who could speak English and offered if I would marry her to go with me where-ever I pleased I gave her thanks but told her that I was but young and had no Estate and was bound for France Now the Ambassadour met in a secret part with Oneel and his Associates and heard their Offers and Overtures And the Patriarch of Ireland did meet him there who was a Scotchman born called Wachop and was blind of both his eyes and yet had been divers times at Rome by Post. He did great honour to the Ambassadour and conveyed him to see S. Patricks Purgatory which is like an old Coal-pit which had taken fire by reason of the smoke that came out of the hole From Odocarts house we went to a dwelling place of the Bishop of Roy not far from the narrow Firth that runs thorough Loghfeul to the Sea The said Irish Bishop had been also at Rome and there we rested other three weeks waiting for a Highland Bark which James Machonel should have sent from Kintire with his Brother Angus to carry us back to Dunbarton Which being come for us we parted to a Castle which the said Machonel had in Ireland and from that we imbarked and rested a night in the Isle of Jura and the next night in the Isle of Bute But by the way we lost our Rudder and were in great danger when we came to Kiltire Iames Maconel did treat us honourably and told the Bishop that he was the welcomer for my sake because he had been kindly used by my Father when he was warded in the Castle of Dumbar during the time that my Father was Captain thereof of whom he made an honourable report to the Bishop Which occasioned him the more kindly to notice me After he had caused us to be landed at Dumbarton we went streight to Sterling where after eight days the Ambassadour took leave of the Queen and went again to Dumbarton where there were two French Ships that had brought Silver to Scotland to pay the French Souldiers in Service there ready to receive us So sailing by the Isle of Man along the South Coast of Ireland we landed at Conquet in Brittany eight days after our Embarking not without some danger by the way both from English Ships and a great Storm so that once at Midnight the Mariners cried that we were all lost At Brest in Britany the Bishop took Post toward the Court of France which was in Paris for the time And because I was young and he supposed I was not able to endure the toil of riding Post he directed two Scottish Gentlemen whose Fathers he had been acquainted with in Scotland to be careful of me by the way And we bought three little Nags to ride to Paris He desired the two Brothers to let me want for nothing by the way which he would recompense at the next meeting He left with me as much money as would buy a Horse and bear my expense upon the Road to Paris Now we three enquired after other company and found other three young men the one a French man the other a Brittain and the third a Spaniard who were to ride the same way We were all six lodged in one Chamber at the first Inn we did quarter at in which were three Beds the two French men had one Bed the two Scots another the Spaniard and my self the third I over-heard the two Scotch men discoursing together that they were directed by the Bishop to let me want for nothing therefore says the one to the other we will pay for his Ordinary all the way and shall accompt twice as much to his Master as we disburse when we come to Paris and so shall gain our own expence The two French men not thinking that any of us understood that Language were saying to themselves These Strangers are all young and know not the Fashion of the Hostlaries therefore we shall reckon with the Host at
any promise be made to them and not kept the King nor I are not to be blamed If they desire any other Lieutenant in place of Dosel the King will send one who I hope shall please them After that the Constable had ended his instructions the King laid his hand upon my shoulder and said do as may Cousin hath directed you and I shall reward you So I kissed his Majesty's hand and taking my leave I went through England and found the Queen Regent within the old Tower of Falkland Because that same day her Army under Duke Hamilton and Monsieur Dosel was ranged in battel upon Couper Moor against the Lords of the Congregation at what time her Majesty made a hard complaint unto me of her disobedient Subjects And even as I was speaking with her the Duke and Monsieur Dosel returned from the said Moor without Battel Whereat the Queen was much offended thinking they had lost a very fair occasion I laid my self wholly out to be informed if my Lord James intended as was reported of him to make himself King Mr. Henry Balneavs was then in great credit with him and loved me as I had been his own Son by reason of some acquaintance I had with him in France and small services I had done him there during his banishment He first acquainted me fully so far as he knew of my Lord James his intention and encouraged me to be plain with the said Lord James assuring me of secresie and honest and plain dealing He was a godly learned wise and long experimented Councellor He went with me to the said Lord Prior having shew'n him my Commission which was very acceptable to him he delayed not to advise with any other of his Councel what answer he should give me but instantly and plainly told me his mind in presence of the said Mr. Henry First he declared what acceptable service he and his associates had done to the Queen Regent chiefly of late when the Bishop of St. Andrews had drawn the most part of the Clergy against the transporting the Crown Matrimonial to France Albeit he had been mainly instrumental of sending the Queen thither and in perswading the Governour his Brother to break the Contract of Marriage with Edward of England He told what liberty of Conscience her Majesty had granted unto them until the time that the Master of her Houshold Monsieur Bettancourt returned from France with the news of the Peace and that though since that time she had changed her behaviour and countenance toward him and those who had done her best service he knew well enough that it proceeded not from her own nature but was occasioned by the perswasions and threat'nings of her Brother and friends in France And further he rehearsed unto me all her and their former proceedings whereof mention is made already affirming still his good will to her Majesty's service And he further declared That the more effectually to remove all suspicions from his Sovereign and her Husband of his design'd Usurpation he was content to banish himself perpetually out of Scotland if it would please the Queen and the King of France to grant him and his associates such liberty as the Queen Regent had permitted them till the home-coming of Bottancourt Providing that his rents might come to him to France or any other Countrey where he should reside And for security hereof he offered that sufficient pledges of the Noble-mens Sons in Scotland should be sent to France So that no King nor Queen of Scotland did ever receive more chearful obedience then her Majesty should do notwithstanding of her absence With this answer I took my Journey through England to France and at Newcastle fell in company with an English man who was one of the Gentlemen of the Queens Chamber a Man well skill'd in the Mathematicks Negromancy Astrology and was also a good Geographer Who had been sent by the Council of England to the borders to draw a Map of such Lands as lye between England and Scotland which part was alledged to be a fruitful Soil though at that time it served for no other purpose but to be a retreat to thieves For Queen Elizabeth of England was lately come to the Crown and had been advised by her Council to this course as tending not only to the enlarging of her bounds but rendering these parts civil I know not the reason why they followed it not though I conjecture that the variance which fell out between the Two Kingdoms hindered it The English man and I by the way entered into great familiarity so that he shewed me sundry secrets of the Country and of the Court. Among other things he told me that King Henry the Eighth had in his life-time been so curious as to enquire at Men called Diviners or Negromancers what should become of his Son King Edward the Sixth and of his two Daughters Mary and Elizabeth That answer was made unto him again that Edward should dye having few days and no Succession and that his Two Daughters should the one succeed the other That Mary his eldest Daughter should marry a Spaniard and that way bring in many strangers to England which would occasion great strife and alteration That Elizabeth should Reign after her who should marry either a Scottish man or a French man Whereupon the King caused to give poison to both his Daughters but because this had not the effect he desired for they finding themselves altered by vehement vomitings and purgings having suspected poison had taken remedies he caused to proclaim them both bastards But the Women that attended about Queen Mary alledged that her matrix was consumed For she was several times supposed to be with Child to King Philip of Spain yet brought forth nothing but dead lumps of flesh Therefore to be revenged upon her Father the English man told me that she had caused secretly in the night to take up her Father's bones and burn them This the honest Gentleman affirmed to be truth though not known to many He was a Man of great gravity about fifty years of age When he came to London he shewed me great kindness and made me a present of some Books Upon my return to France I found a great change King Henry the Second being hurt in the head with a shiver of a Spear by the Count of Montgomery at the Triumphal Justings of his Daughter's marriage with the King of Spain dyed Eight days after at Paris And the Constable my Master was commanded to retire him from Court to his House by the new King Francis the Second Husband to our Soveraign who was wholly guided by the Duke of Guise and the Carâ—â—â—al Lorain competitors to the said Constable in Court Emulation Which occasioned that my Voyage and the answer I had got was all in vain for the House of Guise were the chief instruments of all the troubles in Scotland When I did shew the Constable at his House the answer of my
slaughter to be made that the Borders might break loose In this complaint the said Ambassadour was well assisted by the Master of Gray and his Companions So that the Earl of Arran was Commanded to Ward within the Castle of St. Andrews and was kept strictly there three or four days So that being in fear of his life he sent for Colonel Stuart the Laird of Segie and me and lamented to us his hard handling purging himself as he might justly do of that accident that fell out upon the Borders requesting us to intercede for his liberty He declared unto us a secret to be shewn unto His Majesty in case his life was taken from him which was a promise made unto the Queen of England That the King should not marry with any for the space of three years whereof I have formerly made some mention Nevertheless he forgot not to travel for himself for he sent his Brother Sir William to the Master of Gray at midnight promising to get unto him the Abbey of Dumfarmling so that he would obtain his liberty at His Majesty's hand Which was incontinently granted and also the said Benefice disposed unto the said Master Whereupon the English Ambassadour was in a great rage at the Master but their discord was afterward agreed Only Mr. John Maitland Secretary and the Justice Clerk and the Earl of Arran were ordered to retire home to their houses But before Arran's journey His Majesty was informed to desire him with all possible diligence to lend him a great Gold Chain which he had got from Sir James Balfour which weighed Fifty-seven Crowns to be given unto the Danish Ambassadours Which if he had refused to do he would have lost His Majesty and in delivering it he lost the Chain In the mean time the Ambassadours understanding that their dispatch was in a readiness took their leave of His Majesty who was also ready to part from St. Andrews I informed His Majesty not to deliver them the Dispatch because the Chain was not yet come For they were minded incontinently to make Sail having stayed so long and that the Winter Season was at hand Albeit that I had shewn to one of their familiar Servants that certain rewards were to come within two days praying them to stay so long Which they would not grant to do but went to their Ships Whither I promised to bring their dispatch which I requested His Majesty to cause deliver into my hand to be kept till the Chain should come which was divided in three parts for it was large When I came to their Ships they were going to Supper Which being done I delivered to them their answer in writing with the Chains and some excuses for their long stay and small reward So they parted well satisfied assuring me that they would be good instruments of Amity Albeit by the harsh usage they had first met with they had once resolved otherwise They were not commanded to speak of marriage whereof there was some groundless bruit The King their Master had fair Daughters with any whereof it was supposed the claim of Orkny would go They thanked me for the good Offices they had received from me seeing my staying them from parting discontent had preserved the two Countries from being ingaged in War Which they said they would not fail to declare unto the King their Master with whom they would not fail to make me acquainted not doubting but that the King my Master would one day say That I had done him good Service So I did take leave having rewarded the Gunners Trumpeters and Musicians At my return to Court I acquainted His Majesty that the Danish Ambassadours had set Sail for their own Country very well contented I gave him a particular accompt of all Speeches that past betwixt them and me at their parting Whereupon His Majesty took occasion shortly after to send one to Denmark offering that Commission to me which I shifted perceiving those who had His Majesty's Ear and had most Credit with him to be altogether averse from his marriage that way holding still one course with England I named Mr. Peter Young Almoner as very fit for that Errand who was sent to Denmark to thank that King and to see his Daughters that he might make report again of his liking of them with a promise That e're long His Majesty would send a more honourable Ambassage The Earl of Arran being sent home as said is the English Ambassador and his Scotch friends as the Master of Gray Secretary Maitland and the Justice Clark had chief credit and handling of His Majesty's Affairs The said Ambassadour had procured such favour and familiar access about His Majesty at all times that he was upon an enterprise to have brought in secretly the banished Lords to have fallen down upon their knees in the Park of Sterling before His Majesty at such a time as they should have so many friends in Court as that His Majesty should have remained in their hands as Masters of the Court for the time But this enterprise failed him for they durst not yet take such hazardous course till they might lay their Plots more substantially Then the said English Ambassadour interprised to transport His Majesty out of the Park of Sterling unto England And failing thereof His Majesty was to be detained by force within the Castle of Sterling Whither Companies of Men were sent to be there at an appointed day of which design my Brother Sir Robert got intelligence and told it incontinently to the King's Majesty giving him the Names of the chief enterprisers And because it came to one of their Ears who stoutly affirmed the contrary my Brother offered to maintain the truth thereof by Combat Which His Majesty would not permit because at last the person granted it to His Majesty Whereupon my Brother perswaded His Majesty with great difficulty to depart out of Sterling for ten or fifteen days and hunt at Kincairdin before the enterprise were ripe Which so soon as the Ambassadour understood he fled in great fear and haste without Good night or leave-taking of His Majesty Well instructed and furnished with the promises of such as had assisted him in our Court to perswade the Noblemen who were banished in England to come home where they should find friends enough before them at Court to put His Majesty in their hands The Master of Gray also absented himself and went to Dunkel and there remained with the Earl of Athol And upon some bruits of enterprises there was a Proclamation set out in His Majesty's Name by such as had his Ear to purchase to themselves the more Credit to be true and careful Councellors to His Majesty Which Proclamation was afterward delayed by craft that the banished might prevent the day and come in and get the King in their hands whereby they might discharge the Proclamation at their pleasure In the mean time I received a Letter to be at His Majesty with all possible
to Hamiltoun p. 90. After the loss of the Battle of Langside she quite loseth her courage never thinks her self secure till she arrives in England p. 92. Is kept Prisoner in the North parts here p. 99. Endeavours to get her self declared second person of England p. 152. but it proves ineffectual ibid. Receives warning of her death from the Council the night before p. 172. Her carriage and deportment thereupon ibid. Takes her death patiently and dies couragiously p. 173. Receives divers strokes with the Ax through the Executioner's cruelty ibid. Master of Glams is Treasurer of Scotland p. 198. Designes to get the Office from Sir Robert Melvil and manage the Treasury solely ibid. Master of Gray is in great favour with the King of Scots and why p. 158. His Character ibid. Is sent Ambassadour to England and returns with great Credit and Approbation notwithstanding he is misrepresented by the Earl of Arran whom he begins by degrees to Eclipse ibid. Acquaints his Majesty that Mr. Wotton a Man of great Parts is upon his journy from the Queen of England and upon what account p. 158 159. Procures the Earl of Arran's liberty p. 166. Is rewarded for it with the Abby of Dumfarmling ibid. At which the English Ambassadour is enraged but afterward reconciled to him ibid. He retires to Dunkel p. 168. Is sent for again to Court p. 169. And in as great favour as ever ibid. Is deprived of his Benefice of Dumfarmling p. 175. And discharged from the Court ibid. Maurice Duke God-son to the Landgrave of Hesse p. 11. perswades his God-father to come to the Emperor who retains him Captive ibid. Is Cousin to the Duke of Saxony and obtains the Electorate as a gift from the Emperor p. 12. Sollicits the Emperor for the liberty of his God-father but in vain ibid. Lays Siege to Magdeburgh being the Emperor's Lieutenant ibid. A subtile man ibid. Surpriseth the Emperor at Isburgh compels him to fly so clearly out of Dutchland that he never set foot in it again p. 13. Yet he and the Emperor is after reconciled and lay Siege to the Town of Metz tho to no purpose ibid. Maximilian King of the Romans by his Politick carriage between Protestant and Catholick obtains the Empire p. 33. Is skill'd in several Languages p. 34. Proves an enemy to the Match with his Brother Charles the Arch-Duke of Austria and the Queen of Scots though seemingly a friend p. 35. Melvil Sir Andrew one of the undertakers to keep the Castle of Edinburgh p. 120. Is Master of the Houshold to Queen Elizabeth p. 173. After Master of the Houshold to King James p. 180. Marries Jane Kennedy who had been a long time in England with Queen Mary ibid. Melvil Sir James the Author and Brother to Sir Andrew Melvil is sent by the Queen-Mother with the Bishop of Valence to be Page of Honour to her Daughter there Married to the Dauphin p. 8. The kindness of Odocart's Daughter to him promising him Marriage p. 9. His pleasant Discovery of the Two Scots-mens Deceit to whose care he was committed in their Iourney to Paris p. 10. Is design'd to be promoted by the Bishop but prevented and by what means p. 14. Is entertain'd in the Service of the Constable of France by the consent of the Bishop of Valence p. 15. Is Commissionated by the French King and afterward by the Constable to go into Scotland and the purport of his Commission p. 25 and 26. Endeavours to be inform'd of the Prior of St. Andrews intentions who declares his mind to him at large p. 27. In his return to France meets with an English Mathematician and the Discourse between them p. 27 and 28. Gets licence of the Queen of France to Travel the reason thereof he takes his leave p. 29. Is recommended to the Elector Palatine by the Constable his Master and entertain'd as one of his Servants ibid. And is thereupon sent by the Elector to Condole the death of Francis the 2d French King ibid. Receives great Favour from the King of Navarre and Queen Regent dispatching him back with thanks and a gift p. 30. Returns visits the Queen of Scotland Mary in her return home at Janvile with a comfortable Letter from Duke Casimire p. 31. Receives thanks from the Queen for it with favourable offers when return'd from Travel ibid. Is desired by the Duke and his Father to go into England about a Match with that Queen and the Duke but refuseth p. 32. And why ibid. Receives a Letter from Scotland to inquire about the Arch-Duke of Austria p. 33. Is sent for by Maximilian and goes with a Letter from the Elector to him p. 34. The passages between them ibid. Finds the proposition of a Match with the Arch-Duke would prove ineffectual and therefore presseth for a dispatch which at length he obtains p. 35. Receives a Letter from Maximilian to the Queen of Scots ibid. Is sent by the Prince Elector to the Queen-Mother of France with an Answer and Picture to her Propositions of a Match between her Son Charles the 9th and Maximian's eldest Daughter p. 36. Is introduced into her Presence by the Constable ibid. Is profer'd very large offers of Preferment by the Queen Mother if he would reside there p. 38. Receives Letters from Queen Mary to return home ibid. Parts with a Commission to the Queen of England p. 39. Presents the Pictures of Casimire and his Relations to the Queen ibid. Which she returns next day p. 40. Refusing to accept of them ibid. Writes back to his Father and himself a disswasive from that Marriage and receives thanks ibid. Returns into Scotland and presents the Queen with Letters from Forraign Princes p. 43. Receives great proffers from the Queen but refuseth them and upon what ground ibid. Is sent with instructions to Queen Elizabeth and her Friends to procure a Reconciliation ibid. The instructions at large p. the 44th and 45th Being Arrived at London he next morning receives his Answer from the Queen p. 46. Perswades her Majesty to tear the angry Letter she intended to send to Queen Mary in answer to hers p. 47. Which she did ibid. The private Conference between the Queen of England and Melvil being a Character of the Two Queens full of diversion p. 47 48 and 49. Takes his leave and returns to Scotland with many Presents p. 52. Acquaints his Queen with Queen Elizabeth's Answer ibid. After the Queens Marriage begs leave to Travel which she refuseth p. 58. Upon her promises stayes and adviseth her p. 59. Officiates as her Secretary Lidington being absent upon some suspicion p. 67. Rides Post to London to give an account to the Queen of the Birth of a Son in Scotland p. 69. Has a satisfactory Audience p. 70. Shews a Letter to her Majesty from Tho. Bishop against her Marriage with Bothwel and is forced to fly for it p. 79. But returns Bothwel's rage being allayed ibid. Is afterward taken Prisoner when Bothwel seized
I assured him That the King's Majesty and all his Subjects except some who were corrupted by England were determined to entertain and increase a continual friendship with the King and Country of Denmark Praying their wisdoms-couragiously to resist and not feebly and foolishly to give place to the said crafty practices of their scornful enviers by retiring abruptly thereby suffering themselves to be made evil Instruments directly against their own Intention and Commission and they should shortly see good success to follow thereupon to their great contentment Promising unto them for my part That I should go instantly unto his Majesty and with all hazard that might be should discover unto him how both he and they were deceitfully abused by the double dealing of the English Ambassadour and such Courtiers as assisted him Upon this discourse and promise they went to councel all three together as their custom was And after long conference they gave me answer That their coming was for to do good Offices And albeit they had suffered sundry injuries they would be sorry to be made Instruments of discord so far against their Commission and Intention and therefore would yet stay upon hope of better handling and upon my promise albeit to that hour few or none had been kept to them After this I shewed unto His Majesty what great inconveniencies might ensue upon the long delaying and ill handling of the Danish Ambassadours And yet that I marvelled not that he made so little accompt of them in respect of the great care and fine practices that were used to make him undervalue them by the English Ambassadour and his Assistants who had His Majesty's Ear for the time At the first His Majesty was impatient to hear this language spoken of Persons he had so good liking of and said that he was informed That the King of Denmark was descended but of Merchants and that few made accompt of him or his Country but such as spoke the Dutch Tongue For this was put in his head to prevent any of my perswasions in their favour lest they should get place or credit I answered That neither could the King of France or Queen of England speak Dutch and yet they made great accompt of the King and Country of Denmark France having their Ambassadour lying there and paying yearly to the King of Denmark a great Sum of Gold to the value of Twenty Thousand Crowns His Majesty said The more shame was his I said Rather to the King of France who must buy his kindness Neither could the Queen of England said I speak Dutch yet she made much accompt of the King and Country of Denmark and durst not offend him nor none of his Ships both by reason of the straight passage at Elsoonure and also because he had great Ships to make himself amends in case she did him or his any wrong I said moreover That whereas it hath been reported to Your Majesty the Race of their Kings not to be of Noble and Royal Blood I shall shew Your Majesty that it is but manifest invention to cause you to despise them For this late King Frederick is descended of an Old and Royal stock to wit Christianus of Denmark the first of that name who had two Sons and one Daughter called Margaret married into Scotland to James the Third his Eldest Son John was King after him his second Son Frederick was King of Norway and Duke of Holstein Iohn had a Son called Christianus the Second also King of Denmark who married Charles the Fifth his Sister who did bear him two Daughters Whereof the Eldest was given in marriage to Frederick Elector Palatine the Second to the Duke of Millain and afterward being a Widow married the Duke of Lorrain Himself was taken and kept in Prison by his Subjects for some rigorous Execution upon his Barons and his Father's Brother Frederick was made King After this Frederick the Earl of Altenbourg was chosen by assistance of the Town of Lubeck but Christianus the Third Son to the said Frederick put him out and conquered the Kingdom Nevertheless this Christianus being a good Prince would not change their old Priviledges but caused himself to be chosen and likewise his Son Frederick in his time to Reign after him who is now present King and hath sent this honourable Ambassage to Your Majesty as to his good friend and kinsman descended of the Kingly Race of Denmark And whereas he requires again the Isles of Orkny it is for the discharge of his Oath because every King of Denmark at his Election is sworn to claim again the said Isles which he hath done for the fashion and for no other effect but to draw on a greater familiarity and friendship Or else he had not sent so honourable a Company but rather an Herauld of Arms if he had been earnestly bent either to get the said Isles or to quarrel about them After that His Majesty had heard this Discourse far different to his former Informations he was exceeding glad and said he would not for his head but that I had shewn the verity unto him and that same afternoon he sent for the said Ambassadours and acquainted them how near Allied he was to the King of Denmark He excused their long delay and promised instantly to see them dispatched himself and that within three or four days He called for Wine and did drink to them and sent them home very well content and satisfied to their Lodgings He commanded a Banket to be prepared for them which His Majesty's Controller and Officers were quietly forbidden to do alledging the scantness of Provisions Which the Laird of Segie and I perceiving we dealt with the Earl of March who prepared a great Banquet for them in His Majesty's Name to the great dissatisfaction of Mr. Wotton and his Partisans who durst not appear And though they would not suffer His Majesty to be present at the Banquet but to Dine in his own Chamber yet His Majesty being informed by me how matters went he rose from his own Dinner and went to the Banquet-house and drank to the King Queen and Ambassadours of Denmark and so contented them And he caused their dispatch to be in readiness conform to his promise But when I advertised His Majesty That there was no Present prepared for to reward them withal he was wonderfully troubled saying They who had the management of his affairs were resolved to affront him Now at this time was the Earl at Court not so much in favour as formerly During the which time there chanced a strange misrule to fall out at a day of meeting upon the Borders which was set between the two Wardens where Sir Francis Russel upon the English side was killed Whereupon the English Ambassadour took occasion to lay the blame upon the Earl of Arran alledging That the Laird of Fernthast who was Warden upon the Scots side had married the Earl of Arran's Brother's Daughter And that the said Earl had caused the