with some Troops to join Percy Iohn Gordon had notice of his March and laid an Ambush for him into which he fell and imagining his Enemy to be more numerous than he was he sought to Fly but was taken with his Party in the pursuit and brought back again Moreover in the Western Borders Iohn Iohnston carried it so that he obtained both Honour and Booty too for he so exercised his Neighbouring Foes with small but frequent Incursions that he did them as much mischief as a great Army would have done Thus all things succeeded prosperously with Robert for the First Two Years of his Reign but in his Third Year Eufemia Daughter to Hugh Earl of Ross dyed The King had three Children by her Walter afterwards made Earl of Strathearn David Earl of Athol and Eufemia whom Robert Douglas Married as I said before Robert not so much for the Impatience of his Widow'd and unmarried Estate as for the Love of the Children which he had before begot on the Body of Elizabeth More took her to Wife This Woman was exceeding Beautiful the Daughter of Adam More an Illustrious Knight the King fell in Love with her when he was young and had Three Sons and Two Daughters by her and he bestowed her in Marriage on one Gifard a Nobleman in Lothian It happened that Eufemia the Queen and Elizabeth's Husband died about one and the same time Whereupon the King either induced by the old Familiarity he had with Her or else as many Writers report to Legitimate the Children she had born to him took their Mother to Wife and presently advanced her Sons to Riches and Honour Iohn the Eldest Son was made Earl of Carrick Robert of Mâ—nteith and Alexander of Buchan to which Badenock was adjoined Neither was he content with this Munificence but he prevailed upon the Assembly of Estates met at Scone to pass by the Children of Eufemia and to observe the Order of Age in making his Son King after him which Matter was in aftertimes almost the utter Ruin of that numerous Family During the next Two years there was neither assured Peace nor open War but light Incursions or rather Plunderings on both sides In the mean time Edward the Third died and Richard the Second his Grandchild by his Son Edward born at Bourdeaux succeeded him being Eleven years of Age at which time Ambassadors were sent by Charles the Fifth King of France into Scotland The Cause of their Embassy was To renew the ancient League with Robert and to desire him to invade England with an Army and so to take off the Stress of the War from France In the interim whilst they were treating with the Assembly Alexander Ramsay as the English Writers report out of Frossard being accompanied with Forty young Fellows in the middle of the Night when the Sentinel was asleep took the Castle of Berwick all that were in it being either killed or made Prisoners The Townsmen being amazed at this suddain surprize send for Percy who came and laid Siege to the Castle with Ten thousand Men When the News hereof was brought to the Assembly of the Estates at Scone Archibald Douglas being concerned for the danger his Kinsman was in took with him a flying Body of 500 Horse only and speeded thither but all Passages to the Besieged were intercluded and stopp'd so that he was forced to return again without any Action And the Castle after a valiant Defence for some days was at length taken by Storm and all put to the Sword except Alexander alone Thus the English but Our Writers say That the Castle was taken by the help of six Country People of Merch who not being able to keep it were fain to desert it Not long after the Assembly Iames the First Earl of Douglas gathered together an Army of Twenty thousand Men and entred England and coming unawares to a Town called Penrith on a Fair-Day he took plundered and burnt it and then marched his Army back again in safety laden with Spoil but withal he brought the Pestilence home with him which was greater than any before so that it raged over all Scotland for the space of Two years The English to cry Quits with the Scots passed over the Solway and entred Scotland Talbot a fierce General led them being 15000 Men with which Number he made a great Desolation far and near and as his Army was returning back laden with Spoil he pitch'd his Tents in a narrow Valley not far from the Borders of England about 500 Scots came upon them in those Streights being secure unprovided and generally without their Arms and at the first Assault they killed all who were in their way so that the Tumult and Fear diffusing it self they were wholly put to Flight many were slain upon the Place 250 taken Prisoners and a great Number in such a sudden Trepidation taking the River were drowned the rest left their Prey behind them and ran home the nearest way they could In the mean time the English carried on a fierce War both by Sea and Land against the French and besides part of their Forces were sent into Portugal so that it was resolved by their Parliament That Iohn Duke of Lancaster the King's Uncle should be sent Embassador into Scotland to Treat about a Peace that so they being engaged in so many Wars might have Quiet on that side at least which lay most exposed and open The Scots being made acquainted with his coming by an Herald appointed Iames Earl of Douglas and Iohn Dunbar Earl of Murray to Treat with him a Truce was made for Three Years But whilst they were Treating about a Peace there a most grievous Civil War broke out in England The First Author of it is said to be one Iohn Ball a Priest He perceiving that the Commonalty was grievously offended because Poll-Money of Four English Pence an Head was imposed on Them First of all obliquely and in private Confessions Discourses and Meetings inflamed the Minds of the Commons against the Nobility and perceiving that his Speech was well entertained then he discoursed it openly besides this New Occasion there was also another more Ancient one viz. That the Greatest Part of the Commons were made little better than Slaves to the Great Ones A great many Tradesmen and Day-Labourers came in to them and others also who in point of Estate or Credit had nothing to lose insomuch that they raised so great a Tumult and Combustion that the Main Chance seemed greatly to be hazarded and to lie at stake These things were known at the Meeting of the Embassadors yet Both of them dissembled the Matter till they had Treated and made a Pacification Then Douglas told Iohn of Lancaster That he knew from the beginning in what State the Affairs of England stood but they were so far from laying hold on the Opportunity either to make a War or to hinder a good Peace That they
no great matter when God their Creditor called upon them for it That if only Wicked Men were subject to Death then a Man might justly grieve at the Decease of his Kindred but when we see Good Men also Dye all Christians said he ought to be throughly setled in this persuasion That no Evil can happen to the Good either alive or dead and therefore Why should we be so much troubled at a short Separation especially from our Kindred who have not so much left us as they are gone before us to our common Country Whither we also thô we should live never so long must yet at last follow As for my Son if he hath undertaken this Voyage before us that so he might visit and enjoy the Fellowship of my Parents and Brethren those precious Men before-hand if we are troubled at it let us take heed That we seem not rather to envy his Happiness than to Mourn for our own Loss As for you Worthy Lords as I am beholding to you for many Offices of Respect so both I and my Son for I shall undertake also for him are much obliged for your Loves to me and your Grateful and Pious Memory of him This Greatness of Mind in the King as it added much to his own Veneration so it increased the Sense of the loss of his Son in the Minds of all when they considered What a Prince they and their Children were deprived of And David that he might make use of the only way of Consolation which was left him caused his Nephews and his Sons Children to be brought to him and to be trained up in Court-discipline which was then most Pious In Fine he provided for their Security as far as Human Counsel could foresee He commended Malcolm the eldest of the Three to the Care of the whole Nobility and particularly of Mackduff Earl of Fife a very powerful and prudent Man and he caused him to carry him all over the Land that so he might be received as the undoubted Heir of the Kingdom William the next Son he made Earl of Northumberland and sent him presently to take Possession of that Country David the Third Son he made Earl of Huntington in England and of Garioch in Scotland He made the more haste to prefer them because being Sick of a mortal Disease he foresaw his Time could not be long in this World He dyed in the Year of Christ 1553. the Ninth of the Calends of Iune He was so well beloved That all Men thought they had lost rather a Father in him yea the best of Fathers than a King For thô his whole Life was so Devout as no History records the like yet some few Years before his Death he Devoted himself to the Preparation for his later End So that his Deportment then did much increase Mens Veneration for the former part of his Life For thô he equalled former Kings who were most Praise-worthy in the Art of War and excelled them in the Study of Peace Yet now leaving off contending with others for Superiority in Virtue He maintained a Combat with himself alone wherein he advanced so much That if the Highest and most Learned Wits should endeavour to give the Idea or Pattern of a Good King they could never comprehend in their Thoughts such an exemplary Prince as David shewed himself in his whole Life to be He Reigned 29 Years 2 Months and 3 Days Malcolm IV. The Ninety Second King HIS Nephew Malcolm succeeded him who thô yet Under-age gave great hopes of his future Ingenuity For he was so Educated by his Father and Grandfather that he seemed to resemble them asmuch in the Virtues of his Mind as in the Lineaments of his Body In the beginning of his Reign a great Plague raged all over Scotland whereby great Numbers of Men and Cattle also were destroyed At that time one Somerled was Thane of Argyle whose Fortune was above his Family and his Mind above his Fortune He conceiving some hopes to enjoy the Kingdom by reason of the King's Non-age and the present Calamity gathered a Band of his Confidents together and invaded the adjacent Countries Yea the Havock he made was spoken of far and neer and the fear of him spreading itself further many Bad Men coming in to him and some Good good being forced to joyn with him too in a short time he made up a vast Army Upon the report of this Tumult Donald also the Son of Malcolm Macbeth made another Bustle but being taken at Whithorn in Galway and sent to the King he was committed to the same Prison with his Father But soon after the King was reconciled to them and they were both released Gilchrist Earl of Angus was sent with an Army against Somerled who defeated and killed many of his Men and caused him with some few more to fly into Ireland This Victory thus unexpectedly and suddainly obtained produced Tranquillity at home but Envy abroad For Henry King of England an Ambitious Prince and desirous to inlarge his own Dominions resolved with himself to curb the growing Greatness and Power of Malcolm But he could not well make open War upon him out of Conscience of that Pact and Oath which he had sworn to him For when he received the Military Girdle as the Custom is from King Malcolm's Grandfather at Carlisle he promised and took his Oath on it as William of Newberry besides our own Writers say That he would never go about to deprive either David himself or any of his Posterity of any part of those Possessions which David then held in England He being somewhat bound up by this Oath That he might find out some colour for his Calumniations he resolved to try the Kings Patience in a lesser Matter When Iohn Bishop of Glascow was Dedicating Churches Shaving Priests and performing the other Parts of his Episcopal Office as then they were judged to be all over Cumberland Henry by Trustine Archbishop of York sent a new Bishop into that Country called the Bishop of Carlisle Iohn was so moved at the Injury that seeing no sufficient Safeguard neither in the King nor in the Law he left his Bishoprick and retired into the Monastery of Tours in France Whence he returned not untill the Pope at Malcolm his Request drew him unwillingly out of his Cell and made him return to his own Country Malcolm bore the wrong better than some hoped so that not thinking it a sufficient Cause for a War he went to Chester in the Street there to quiet Suspicions and to cut off occasions of Discord Being arrived there by the Fraud of Henry he was Circumvented and made to take an Oath of Fidelity to him whereas it was not the King himself but his Brothers who had Lands in England according to an old Agreement who were to take that Oath But this was Craftily and Maliciously devised by the English King to sow the Seed of Discord amongst Brethren which
of the Estates he was by a General Suffrage named Heir Presumptive of the Crown But this was done some Years after The King spent the next Five Years in appeasing the Discords at home in which time there happened Two great Calamities One reached but to a few by an Inundation of Water for the Heavens sent down so much Rain that Lothian seemed to be all a Float yea the force of the Water was such that it carried away Bridges Water-Mills Country Houses with their Owners and Cattle into the Sea it rooted up Trees and almost quite destroyed the Towns which stood near the Banks of Rivers This Misery was seconded by Another namely a grievous Pestilence which consumed many of all Ranks and Ages In the Year 1363. the state of things grew Calmer and then in the Assembly of the Estates the King propounded to the Lords of the Articles That the King of England or else his Son might be sent for into Scotland to undertake the Kingdom if he should chance to Die This he did either by his weariness of War or foreseeing That it would be for the Good of both Kingdoms or as others think because of his Oath which the English had made him to Swear but his Speech was so Unacceptable and Offensive to them all that before every ones Vote could be asked in order they all confusedly cried out upon it as an abominable Propose and it was almost come to That that they who had most freely spoken against it fearing his Displeasure were meditating a Revolt But he understanding their Fears abated his Anger and received them into Favour When he had quieted all things elsewhere yet the Highlanders continued still in Arms and did not only commit Outrages upon one another but also made Havock of the adjacent Countries The King tried all probable Means to bring them to a mutual Concord but being not able to do it his next Plot was To suborn some Crafty Fellows to foment and heighten their Dissensions that so when the feircest of them had destroyed one another the rest might become more Tractable and Pliant The King having performed these Exploits both at home and abroad departed this Life in the Castle of Edinburgh on the Seventh Day of Iune in the Forty Seventh Year of his Age about the Thirty Ninth of his Reign and of our Lord 1370. He was certainly a Man eminent in all kind of Virtue but especially in Justice and Clemency and though he had been exercised with Good and Bad Events alternately yet still his Fortune seemed rather to fail him than his Industry Robert II. The Hundredth King AFter David's Decease the Nobles met together at Linlithgo to Congratulate Robert at the beginning of his Reign who had before been designed King by his Uncle but here the Ambition of William Douglas had almost cast things into a Sedition and Uproar For he demanded the Kingdom as his Hereditary Right in regard he was descended from Baliol and the Cumins's But finding that his Suit was unacceptable to them all and especially to his most intimate Friends as the Two Brothers George and Iohn Dunbars of which one was Earl of Merch and the other of Murray as also to Robert Erskin Governor of the Three well-fortified Castles of Dunbarton Sterling and Edinburgh he desisted and promised to obey Robert as his Liege King and the King to oblige him in a more strict Bond of Friendship espoused his Daughter to Earl William's Son This year the Truce made for Fourteen years was broken by the English There was a great Fair usually kept the Third of the Ideâ— of August whether huge Numbers of both Nations even from very remote Places used to resort thither came the Inhabitants of Merch and it happened that one of Dunbar's Familiar Friends was slain there George according to the Law which was observed among the Borderers sent Heralds to demand the Murderers to be given up to him or else That they would Punish them Themselves but perceiving that Favour did outvy Equity he dissembles the Affront and against the next day appointed for the Fair he secretly prepared a Band of Men and setting upon the Town unexpectedly he slew all the Youngsters burnt the Houses and returned home with a great Booty The English to revenge this Injury did with like Cruelty ravage over all the Lands of Iohn Gordon a Noble Knight and not long after Gordon entred England and took away a great Prey of Men and Cattle but as he was returning home Iohn Lilburn met him with a far greater Force than he had A terrible Fight began betwixt them and Victory seemed a long time to flutter over both Parties with doubtful Wings but at last she inclined to the Scots The Commander of the English Forces was taken Prisoner with many of his Allies and Tenants Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland a Man of a great Spirit being then Lord Warden or Governour of the Eastern Marches or Borders took this Overthrow of his Countrymen in great Disdain and thereupon gathered together a Body of above 7000 Men and encamped at a Village called Duns remarkable for being the Birth Place of Iohn Scotus Sirnamed Subtilis rather than for any thing else There the Countrymen and Shepherds gathered themselves together having no other Arms but such Rattles and Gimcracks wherewith they frighten Stags and other Cattle which do pasture there up and down without any Keeper and so by night they placed themselves on some Risings of the Lamormore Hills which were near to the said Village of Duns The Form of the Gimcrack is This On the top of a long Spear or Pole they fasten some Staves or Hoops of Wood made crooked and bent into a Semicircle all over them they stretched a Skin after the same Form as the Lanterns which the Vulgar Parisians call Falots are made into these Lanterns or Concavities they put small Stones but very hard ones which when they are stirred and tumbled up and down make such a rattling noise as drives away the Beasts and Cattle from the Corn. With these Rattling Instruments they made a mighty Noise on the Hills hanging over Duns wherewith the English Horse were so affrighted that they broke the Headstalls they were tied with and ran up and down the Fields and so were taken by the Countrymen And in the whole Army there was such a Tumultuous Bustle that they cried out Arm Arm and thinking the Enemy had been at their Heels they passed that night without sleep But in the morning perceiving their mistake in regard they had lost many of their Baggage Horses as well as those for Service they retreated six Miles for that Place is so far distant from England on Foot leaving their Baggage behind them almost in the Posture of such as Fly away The same day that Percy retired back from Duns Thomas Musgrave Governor of Berwick had issued out of his Garison
the King 's good Liking and that on no dishonourable Terms neither no nor unrevenged one upon another To this Motion they seemed inclinable so that the Condition was proposed That 300 of each side should Try it out in Fight before the King Armed only with their Swords They that were Conquered should have an Amnesty for all past Offences and the Conquerors should be Honoured with the King's Favour and the Nobles too Both sides were well pleased with the Terms so that a day was fixed for the Combate and at the time appointed the Heads of the Families with their Parties came to Court and part of a Field on the North side of the Town of Perth which was severed from the rest by a deep Trench was appointed for the place of Combate and Galleries built round for Spectators Hereupon an huge Multitude was Assembled together and sate ready to see the Dispute but the Fight was delayed awhile because one of the 300 of the One Party had hid himself for Fear and their Fellows were not willing to engage without having just an equal number with their Adversaries neither was any one found to supply the Place of him who was absent And of the other Party not a Man would be drawn out or exempted from the Fight lest he might seem less valued and not so couragious as the rest After a little pause an ordinary Tradesman comes forth and offers to supply the Place of him that was absent Provided That if his Side Conquered they would pay him halfe a Gold Dollar of France and also provide for him afterward as long as he lived Thus the Number being again equalled the Fight began and it was carried on with such great Contention both of Body and Mind as old Grudges inflamed by new Losses could raise up in Men of such fierce Dispositions as were accustomed to Blood and Cruelty especially seeing Honour and Estate was propounded to the Conqueror Death and Ignominy to the Conquered The Spectators were possessed with as much Horror as the Combatants were with Fury as detesting to behold the ugly and deformed Mutilations and Butcheries of one anothers Bodies the Detruncation of their Limbs and in a word the Rage of Wild Beasts under the shape of Men. But all took notice that none carried himself more valiantly than that Mercenary and Supposititious Hireling to whose Valour a great Part of the Victory was to be ascribed Of that Side that he was of there were Ten left alive besides himself but all of them grievously wounded Of the contrary Faction there remained only One who was not wounded at all but seeing there was so much odds that he alone must encounter with so many he cast himself into the River Tay which was near at hand and in regard his Adversaries were not able to follow him by reason of their Wounds he escaped to the other Side By this means the forwardest of Both Parties being slain the promiscuous Multitude being left without Leaders left off their Trade of Seditioning for many Years after and betook themselves to their Husbandry again This Fight or Combat happened in the Year 1396. About Two Years after in an Assembly of the States at Perth the King made David his Son being 18 Years before old of Rothes and Robert his Brother Earl of Menteith and Fife Dukes of Albany This vain Title of Honour then was first Celebrated in Scotland a great increase to Ambition but none at all to Virtue neither did it afterwards thrive with any who enjoyed it The King would have bestowed the same Title of Honour upon the Earl of Douglas also but he being a grave and solid Person absolutely refused that nominal Shadow of empty Honour and if any Man told thim that he should be a Duke he rebuked him sharply for it Some say That the Name of Governour which was given by his Father to Robert the Kings Brother was this Year confirmed by the King as also That the Family of the Lindsys had the Earldom of Crawford added to their former Honours But they do not fully clear Whether the Name of the First Earl of that Family were Thomas or David The next Year after Richard the Second King of England was enforced to resign the Crown and Henry the Fourth succeeded him In the Beginning of his Reign before the Truce was quite ended new Seeds of War with the Scots were sown George Dunbar Earl of Merch had betrothed his Daughter Elizabeth to David the King's Son and had already paid a good part of her Dowry Archibald Earl of Douglas storming That so powerful a Man and his Corrival should be preferred before him alleging That the Consent of the Estates was not obtained in the Case which no Man ever remembred but was asked in any of the King's Marriages before offered his Daughter Mary with a larger Dowry and by means of Robert the King's Brother who could do All at Court He brought it about that the Condition was accepted and the Marriage was Consummated by the Decree of the Estates George was much affected at this Injury as well as Reproach and made great complaint to the King but seeing what was once done could not be undone he desired at least the repayment of the Dowry This his just Demand being denied and perceiving that he was not like to obtain any Right in regard the Minds and Ears of all the Court were prepossessed by his Rival he departed upon very angry yea threatening Terms and so giving up the Castle of Dunbar to Robert Maitland his Sisters Son he went for England Robert presently yielded up the Castle to an Herald sent by the King to demand it and Douglas was admitted into it with a Garison so that when George returned home he was denied entrance Hereupon he took his Wife Children and some intimate Friends and returned into England Being there as he was a Man powerful at home and famous abroad he joyned Counsels with Percy a mortal Enemy to the name of the Douglas's and in regard he was well beloved by the bordering Scots of which many were either his Tenants Allies or otherwise obliged to him he made an Inroad into the whole Province of Merch and drove great Preys from the Country especially from the Lands of the Douglasses The King of Scots first proclaimed George a Publick Enemy and confiscated all his Estate next he sent an Herald to England to Demand That he might be given up as a Fugitive according to the League made betwixt them and also to complain of the violation of the Truce Henry of England gave a peremptory Answer to his Demands That he had given the Publick Faith to George for his Protection and that he would not break his Royal Word as if a private Pact with a Runagate were more Religiously to be observed than That which had been publickly confirmed by Embassadors and Heralds for the Days of the Truce made with Richard were not yet expired In
Peace with England it was no hard matter to make up such a Number of Men being only Voluntiers Iohn Earl of Buchan the Governours Son was made General of the Forces and many eminent Persons followed him but Archibald Earl of Wigton the Son of Archibald the Second Earl of Douglas was far more eminent than all the rest When they came into France they were sent by the Dolphin so they call the Eldest Son of the King of France into Turein a Country very plentiful in all sorts of Provision and near to the Enemy For the Duke of Clarence Brother to the King of England was then in France instead of the King himself and made great Havock of the Country of Anjou whose Inhabitants remained in their Obedience to the French King And it was thought he would have come as far as the Town of Beujeu This was done Two Days before Easter whereupon the Scots thinking that the General would cease from any Military Action those few days of that Feast as the custom is and apply himself to Ecclesiastical Duties or as others say presuming upon an Eight Days Truce which was made carried themselves more securely than otherwise they were wont to do The Duke of Clarence was informed thereof either by Andrew Fregose an Italian or else by some Scots Foragers whom his Horse had taken Prisoners and having gotten a fair opportunity for Action as he thought he rose up presently from Dinner and with his Horse only marched toward the Enemy he himself besides his other Gallant Furniture and Armour had a Royal Diadam on his Head beset with many Jewels Some few French who were quartered nearest the Enemy in a Village called Little Beaujou being terrified with his sudden coming fled into the Tower of a Church adjoyning whilst he was assaulting of these the Alarum was given to the rest of the Army and presently in great dismay they all cryed out To your Arms. The Earl of Buchan whilst the rest were sitting themselves sent out 30 Archers to take possession of a Bridge which was the only Passage over a Neighbour River There a Skirmish begun and Hugh Kennedy who quartered in a Church hard by came in to them with One hundred Men who in so sudden a Fright were but half-armed This Party with their Arrows hindred the Horse from passing over whereupon Clarence with the forwardest of his Men leapt from his Horse and maintained the Combat on foot so that in a Lusty Charge they repelled the Scots who were some unarmed and some but half-armed from the Bridge and this opened the Passage for his Men. In the mean time whilst Clarence was mounting his Horse and his Men were passing the narrow Bridge a few at a time the Earl of Buchan was at hand with 200 Horse who being very earnest to shew themselves on Both sides a sharp Fight began with equal courage and hatred For the Scots were glad that they had gotten an Opportunity to give the first Proof of their Valour and so to refute the Reproaches of the French who were wont to upbraid them as Men given more to Eating and Drinking than Fighting The like Reproach do the same French use to cast upon the Britains The Spaniards on the French and the Africans on the Spaniards On the other side the English took it in great disdain That they should be attack'd by such an implacable Enemy not only at home but even beyond the Seas and so they fought stoutly but none more fiercely than Clarence himself He was known by his Armour Iohn Swinton ran at him and with his Lance grievously wounded him in the Face and the Count of Buchan also smote him with a Truncheon and struck him from his Horse when he was fallen the English ran away and were slain in the pursuit even until night This Battel was fought the day before Easter when the days are short in cold Countries a little after the Vernal Equinox There fell of the English in the Fight above 2000 amongst which were 26 of eminent Rank Many Prisoners were taken of good Accompt in their own Country and especially some of the Dukes Allies Few of the Scots or French were lost and those of no great Note neither This is the most common report concerning the Death of Clarence but the Pluscarty Book says that he was slain by Alexander Maccasland a Knight of Lennox who took off the aforesaid Diadem from his Head and sold it to Iohn Stuart of Derneley for 1000 Angels of Gold and he again pawned it to Robert Huston to whom he owed 5000 Angels This he says was the Vulgar Opinion The chief Praise of this Victory was ascribed to the Scots neither could their greatest Detractors deny it Whereupon Charles the Dolphin created the Earl of Buchan Lord High Constable which is the highest Office in France next the King The rest of the Commanders had also Honours bestowed on them according to their Rank and Valour Whilst these Things were acted in France in the year 1420 Robert Governor of Scotland died the same year in the Third of the Nones of September and Fifteen years after the Death of King Robert the Third His Son Murdo succeeded in his place a Man of a sluggish disposition and scarce fit to govern his private Family much less the Common-wealth So that either by his Slothfulness or else his too much Indulgence he so spoiled his Children for he had Three that in a short time he brought both them and himself into great Calamity and at last Destruction This change of Domestick Affairs caused the Earls of Buchan and Wigton with many of their Kindred to return from France But Matters being soon setled at Home the Dolphin recalled the Earl of Buchan who with his Son in Law Archibald Iames his Son and the Flower of the Scotish Soldiers sailed into France leaving his other Son the Earl of Wigton behind him who being grievously sick could not follow him They landed with 5000 Soldiers at Rochel and so came to the Dolphin at Poâ—ctou where they were joyfully received and Douglas was made Duke of Turein When Henry of England heard of the Death of Clarence he substituted Iohn Earl of Bedford his other Brother in his place and sent him before into France with 4000 Horse and 10000 Foot He himself followed soon after and took with him Iames King of Scots in the Expedition thinking by that means either to insinuate himself with the Scots who fought against him in France or else to render them suspected to the French But he obtained neither of his Ends nor could he prevail with them at the desire of their own King so much as to return home and to be Newters and Spectators only of the War For addressing to all the Garisons held there by the Scots They made him one General Answer That they could not acknowledge him for their King who was under the Power of another Man
was dead he ran headlong into all flagitious Courses and amongst the rest of his Mistresses he took away this young Madam Semple from her Husband who was his Country-man and Ally and kept her almost in the Place of a lawful Wife though she were not handsom nor of good Report neither but only noted for Wantonness After this followed the Death of Iohn Melvil a a Noble-Man of Fife who was a great Intimate of the last King's Some Letters of his were intercepted written to a certain English-man in the behalf of his Friend a Prisoner there and though there could be no suspicion of Treason in the Case yet the Author of them had his Head cut off And that which made the Matter more foul was That his Estate was given to David the Regent's youngest Son the Loss arising by these wicked Practices reach'd but a few but the Envy of them extended to many and the bad Example almost to all This Unskilfulness of the Regent's managing the Government together with the Sluggishness of all his former Life did mightily offend the Commons so that he every day grew more cheap than other especially after the Suffering of George Wiseheart for Most did impute the following Calamities to the Death of that Religious Man especially they who knew the Purity of Doctrine which George held forth and admired the Unblamableness of his Life and moreover who look'd upon him as Divinely inspired because of the many and true Predictions which he had made Hereupon the Authority of the Regent grew every day less than other and soon after these followed another and that a more spreading Mischief which drew a general Complaint not at all to be hid against him There were Juridical Conventions appointed to be held throughout the whole Kingdom the Pretence was to suppress Robberies but the Event shewed that 't was nothing else but to cover Oppression under a plausible Name For Mony was extorted from all Good and Bad as much from honest Men as Thieves and both were punish'd not according to greatness of Crime but of Estate Neither could he keep off his Cruelty and Avarice from the Reformed though he himself had formerly profess'd to be one of the Party and now he had not the Cardinal as a Blind for his Crimes yea the Mony thus basely got in the Name of the Regent was as profusely and unadvisedly spent by the Lust of his Brother The Sixteenth BOOK MAtter 's being thus composed at home the Queen Dowager took up a Resolution to sail over into France partly to visit her own Country her Daughter and Kindred partly to secure her hopes in attaining the supream Power which seemed to be freely cast upon her and accordingly she chose those to attend her on her Journy who were Favourers of her Design For the crafty and ambitious Woman was full of hopes that the Regent would by his own Vices ruin himself that so she might be advanced in his room she staid with the French King above a Year in which time she informed him in the state of Affairs of Scotland who heard her graciously and by means of her Brothers she easily obtain'd of him what she desired The King of France the better to bring about his Designs without any Tumult in Scotland advanc'd to Honours all those of the Scotish Nobility each Man according to his Degree who had adhered to the Queen Dowager They also which were of kin to the Regent were highly advanced his Son Iames was made Captain over all the Scotish Auxiliaries in France and a yearly Pension of 12000 French Pistols promised him Huntly whose Son had married his Daughter was made Earl of Murray Of the Sons of Rothes by different Mothers who quarrelled about their Patrimony the youngest who was Kin to the Hamiltons was made Earl The King of France by the Advice of the Queen Dowager sends for Robert Carnagy one of the Regent's Privado's who was lately sent over by him into France to give that King Thanks for his often Assistance of the Scots against the English and also Iames Painter Embassador for some Years in France in behalf of the Scots besides Gawin Abbat of Kilwinning all firm to Hamilton's Faction He declares to them what he had before treated with the Guises The Sum whereof was That the Regent would do the King an acceptable piece of Service if he would give leave to the Queen Dowager to govern that little time of Magistracy which was left him which as 't was but a just and equal Request agreeable to their Laws so if he complied with him therein he would take care that it should not be prejudicial to his Interests yea he should find that by this means he had procur'd to himself a fast and munificent Friend in him He wishes them to inform him how he had at present freely and of his own accord rewarded some of his Friends by which he might easily judg what Courtesies to expect from him for the future Thus Carnagy laden with great Promises was dismiss'd home and a while after Painter the Scotish Embassador Bishop of Ross was bid to follow him He as being a Man of great Eloquence and Authority dealt with the Regent and his Friends to give up the Administration of Affairs into the Hands of the Queen-Dowager and with much ado he obtained it So that for his Diligence and Faithfulness in that Service the King of France gave him an Abby in Poictou The Queen being now so secure of the Success of things in Scotland and having made sufficient Provision as she thought how to deprive the Scots of their ancient Liberty and to bring them Alamode-a-France was accompanied by Monsieur D'Osel as Embassador to carry things on a shrewd Man whose Counsel she was to use in all things and so she returned home by Land through England The next Year after her Return she followed the Regent who kept Assizes in almost all Parts of the Kingdom and so by degrees made the Nobility her own In this Progress some few Offendors were punished the rest were fined The Queen could not approve such Proceedings and yet she was willing enough to hear them For she judged that what Favour the Regent lost it all returned upon Her In the mean time having won over the Nobility to her she used some Friends to deal with the Regent that he would freely resign up the Government his Kindred upon the view of his Strength perceived that his Treasure was low and his Friends few and that he would have much ado to level and clear up his Accounts for King Iames the Fifth at his Decease had left a great deal of Mony Arms Ships Horses Brass-Guns and abundance of Houshold-stuff all which he had lavish'd out amongst his Friends in a few Years And that his Account would be speedily called for the Queen being now almost of Age. And if he would extricate himself out of all these Troubles by quitting the
Embassador into France 376 Croke the French Embassador dislikes the Queen's Marriage with Bothwel 199 He mediates a Peace 208 209 Crowling Isle 28 Cruelty an Example thereof 329 Culbrenin Isle 25 Culdees a kind of Monks 18 125 Worshippers of God 18 Culen King of Scots an incestuous Person 184 185 He is slain by a Strumpet 187 Cull 196 Culross whence so called 170 Cumbra Isles the greater and the lesser 25 Cumbri and Cumri 75 Cumins their Faction powerful 240 Cumins overthrows Gilespy 239 Cumins John overthrown by Bruce 264 Cumins William poisoned by his Wife 241 Cuningham 14 Cuningham's overcome by the Hamiltons 85 Cup of St. Magnus see Magnus Curia a Parish-Church 26 Curry a Merchaâ—t an Instrument in surprizing Edinburghâ—â—stle â—â—stle 299 Cutberectus 161 D DAal what it signifies in Old Scotish 100 Dalkeith 13 Dalreudini why the Scots so called 100 Danes enter England 71 Invade Scotland 174 Fight a bloody Battel with the English 178 Turn Christians ibid. Land in Scotland 182 Are overthrown ibid. Danish Fleet lands again in Scotland 190 Stupified by an inebriating Drink and overcome by the Scots 209 Swear never to return to invade Scotland any more 210 Dangers make Men sagacious 26 Dardanus King of Scots 108 His cruel Reign and violent Death ibid. David I. King of Scots 212 Profuse towards Monasteries 223 Maintains the Cause of Maud his Kinswoman against Stephen of England 224 Accuses him of Perjury ibid. Makes two Accords with Stephen 225 226 Henry Heir of England made Knight by him 226 Loses his hopeful Son yet comforts himself and his Nobles in a Christian Discourse thereupon 226 He erects new Bishopricks 223 His extraordinary Character for Piety and Virtue 227 David King William's Brother accompanies Richard of England to the Holy War 235 He is shipwrack'd and taken Prisoner yet at last returns ibid. David II. anointed King of Scotland 282 Sent into France when he was a Child 286 Returns to Scotland 300 Taken Prisoner in a Fight by the English 302 Ransomed 304 His Death and Character 305 306 David Cumins appointed Ruler over Scotland by the English 293 He and Douglas disagree 294 Forced to take an Oath to Bruce ibid. Makes large Promises to Edward of Enggland 295 Follows the good Success of the English ibid. Left by the English King as Regent of Scotland where his Army is overthrown and he himself slain 296 David the Son of Robert III imprisoned and starved to Death by his Vncle who was his Governour 328 329 David Beton the Cardinal 73 Chosen Regent by a pretended Will but the Fraud being discovered he is displaced and imprisoned 75 He endeavours to avert the imminent Ruin of Popery 76 He chouzes Lennox with vain Hopes of marrying the Queen 80 He grieves to be deprived of a rich Morsel which he had swallowed in his Hopes 81 He is sharply reproved by Montgomery 91 His Cruelty against Protestants 93 He espouses his Daughter to the Earl of Craford's Son 97 He is slain in his Castle with the manner thereof 98 His foul Character 99 David Douglas with his Brother William beheaded 370 David Hamilton defends the Cause of the Gospel 93 David Panater or Painter Bishop of Ross made an Abbat by the King of France 113 David Rize a Musician his Story 171 He persuades the Queen to cut off the Scotish Nobility 177 His Court-Preferments Familiarity with the Queen of Scots violent Death and Burial 179 to 183 David Spence slain 282 David Straiton or Straton burnt for a Lutheran 63 Death better than a miserable Life 12 d ee a River in England 13 Three of that Name in Scotland 14 70 Deidonum i. e. Dundee 18 Deiri Who 159 Delators or Informers appointed by Evenus 13 Denmark the King thereof bargains with the Embassador of Scotland to quit his Right to the Islands about Scotland 413 Derivative Words shew the Affinity of a Language 6â— Dessius General of the French Forces in Scotland 106 Called home by the King of France 110 Descants on the Law about Hereditary Succession of the Crown 205 Descants on over-severe Executions of Criminals 358 Deucaledonian Sea What 21 Diana's Oracle counterfeited by a Monk 44 45 Dicaledones rather to be read Duncaledones in Marcellinus 56 Dioclesian a supposed King of Syria 41 Dionethus gives himself forth to be King of the Brittons 136 Dion quoted concerning Britain 90 91 118 Dona River 20 Donachs or Duncans Bay 22 Donald I. King of Scots 117 He first received the Christian Religion ibid. Donald II. 122 Overthrown by Donald the Islander and dies ibid. Donald Brother of Malcolm III. yields up the Possession of the Islands to the King of Norwey 23 Donald III. 123 Reigns Tyrannically and is slain by Crathilinthus ibid. Donald IV. or Donebald sends Christian Doctors into England and interprets pious Sermons to the People himself 159 Donald V. Brother of Kenneth 172 Reigns licentiously and is put in Prison 173 Donald VI. Son of Constantine II. 178 Donald VII or Duncan 204 Donald Murderer of King Duffus taken and executed 185 Donald Bane calls himself King of the Aebudae 164 He is slain ibid. Donald VIII or Banus 220 He promises the Islands to Magnus King of Norwey ibid. Donald of Athol 154 Donald Baloc overthrows Alexander and Alan Stuarts 343 He is taken in Ireland and his Head is sent to the King 344 Donald Lord of the Aebudae rises in Arms 333 With the Earl of Ross and Douglas he figâ—â—s with the King's Forces ibid. He is left by his Wife 391 Sends Agents to make his Peace with the King 392 After the King's Death he plays Rex again 408 He takes the Earl of Athol Prisoner and burns St. Bride's Church ibid. He is shipwrack'd and fals distracted 409 Donald Monro commended 22 He travelled over the Islands of Scotland and described them 31 Dongal King of Scots 168 He is drowned ibid. Dongard King of Scots 144 Opposes the Pelagian Heresy 145 Dornadilla King of Scots 98 Dorstologus slain 166 Dorus flies for fear of Nathalocus 120 Dovallus kils King Nothatus 99 He himself is slain in Battel 100 Douglas River 14 Douglas Dale 140 Douglas made Duke of Turein 336 Douglas slain by the Moors 280 Douglas William takes Dundalk in Ireland 314 Douglas William pardoned 301 Douglas breaks in upon the English Army 278 Douglasses their Power intolerable 372 377 Their Power broken 53 Drinach Isle 25 Drix 60 Druides Who 56 Drumalbin 17 Drummilaw Sands 209 Drunkenness punished with Death 174 Druskins King of the Picts and all his Nobility slain 169 Drury intercedes for Peace between the Parties in Scotland 278 Duffa or Dow Isle 25 Duffus King of Scots 181 Witchcraft practised upon his Body 183 He is slain 184 Dukes when the Name first brought into Scotland 325 Duke of York overthrown and slain by the Queen of England 396 Dulcitius in Britain 89 Dunacus and Domnacus 68 Dunbar whence so called 13 14 Its Siege raised 297 Fortified by Alexander against the King but deserted by
the King's Tutor made Chancellour 54 Gawin Douglas called Archbishop of St. Andrews 29 Committed to Prison 164 Genrach Isle 26 Geoffry of Monmouth a Writer of British Affairs 8 Geldrians come to help the English against the Scots 295 Geloni painted their Bodies 53 Genistery or Broom Isle 25 George Buchanan imprisoned for Religion escapes out of his Chamber-Window whilst his Keepers were asleep 67 He is sent in Embassy with others into England 224 His ingenuous Speech concerning Himself 71 George Brother to the Earl of Douglas made Earl of Ormond 377 Commands the Forces against England 378 Extolled for his Victory over them 380 Declared a publick Enemy 387 Beheaded 390 George Douglas Earl of Angus 377 His memorable Fact 398 He is against the Queen Mother 399 His bold and unworthy Speech to the King 50 George Douglas the Regent's youngest Brother 217 Delivers the Queen out of Prison 218 George Dunbar Earl of Merch espouses his Daughter to David King Robert's Son 325 Which Marriage not taking effect he joins with Percy of England against the Scots 326 Proclaimed a publick Enemy ibid. Percy and he overthrow the Scots 307 Takes Douglas Prisoner in Fight 327 Ioins with Percy against the King of England is wounded and taken Prisoner 329 Being reconciled to the Regent returns into Scotland 332 George Gordon sent with an Army against England 70 The King's Hatred against him 71 Accused and imprisoned 115 Released 116 Studies to raise Commotions 154 Privy to the Conspiracy against Murray 168 Condemned for Treason 170 Restored by the Queen to his former Dignity 173 Chief of the Queen's Faction 209 George Lesly Earl of Rothes sent Embassador into France 121 There poisoned as 't was believed 122 George Ruven slain 282 George Wiseheart Preacher of the Gospel 93 Persecuted by Cardinal Beton against the Regent's Mind 94 Foretels the Death of Cardinal Beton 97 His pious and Christian Deportment before and at his Martyrdom 95 96 97 Gerlock Isle 28 Gerlock Bay See Loch-ger 17 Gersa or Gress-oy Isle 37 Gernich or Gaxnico 22 Germany whence so called 42 Germâ—nâ— their fabulous Original 45 Ingenious in relating the Origin of their Nation 38 39 German Navy lands on the Coast of Scotland 94 Gessoriaci i. e. People living about Calais 10 Getes painted their Bodies 53 Gethus King of the Picts 97 Slain 100 Getini and Getae whence 49 Geurasdil Isle 25 Gigaia or Gega Isle ibid. Gigamena Isle ibid. Giles Tutelary God of Edinburgh his Show affronted 124 Gilbert Kennedy slain by the Command of James Douglas 57 A Man of a great Spirit ibid. Kennedy's Constancy in keeping his Word â—77 Gilbert Kennedy Earl of Cassils sent Embassador into France 121 He dies there not without the suspicion of Poison 127 Gilbert his Son chosen Iudg in Bothwelâ—s â—s Case but excuses himself 195 Gilchrist kils his Wife the King's Sister for her Adultery 234 King William's General 230 Banished but received again into Favour 234 Gilcolumb slain 164 Gildas quoted concerning Britain 93 He wrote 400 Years after Tacitus 38 Favoured by Aurelius Ambrosius 148 A good Man and died at Glastenbury in Somersetshire the Prophecies that go under his Name not genuine ibid. Gildominick and the Murray Men suppressed 230 Gilespy Cambel an Actor in the Reformation 129 Recalled by threatning Letters by the Queen Regent 130 Gilespy Earl of Argyle banished 175 His Levity 206 Privy to the Queen's Wickedness 216 General of her Army 220 Refuses to own himself a Subject to the King 234 The Regent receives him into Favour and he is in great Authority 235 251 Gillan Isle 30 Gillo Commander of the exiled Scots 129 Gillus the Bastard King of Scots 104 Flies into Ireland 105 Slain by Cadvallus 106 Glascow 14 The Bishop thereof frightned by a Voice from Heaven 376 Glass Isle 28 Glenluce 14 Glotta River i. e. Clyde 14 Glottiana see Clydsdale Goat Isle 25 God's Favour attends the Good 213 Gomâ—dra Isle 27 Goran King of Scots 148 Persuades the Kings of the Picts and Brittons to join with the Scots against the Saxons 148 He is treacherously slain by his Subjects 154 His Wife and Children fly into Ireland ibid. But are recalled by Congal II. 155 Gordons at Feud with the Forbes's 284 Gordon an Enemy to Murray 162 He labours to destroy him 164 166 His Design against him at one time wonderfully prevented 168 169 Gordon's bold Attempt against the Queen her self 167 Gorlois wickedly slain by Uter 149 Goropius reproved 10 Goths Who 33 Gothunni and Gothini who 49 Grafton censured 252 Graham or Grame 135 Appointed Tutor to Eugenius 137 Recals Christian Pastors into Scotland 140 Graham's Dike 138 Grampian Hills or Mountains 17 Gramry Isle 25 Granisa Isle 36 Gray hath the chief Command in Scotland against the French 146 Gregory King of Scots his famous Atchievements against the Picts Danes and Brittons 175 176 He takes several Cities in Ireland 177 Green Isle 25 28 Grevan River 14 Gria Isle 30 Griffin slain in Fight 156 Grime King of Scotland 198 Makes an Agreement with Malcolm ibid. Which he afterwards breaks is overthrown and made Prisoner 199 And dies 200 Groom in a Stable his bold Attempt on James Hamilton in revenge of his Master's Death 52 For which he is put to Death ibid. Gruinorta Isle 31 Guidi 15 92 Guises their Desire to hasten the Marriage of Mary with the Dolphin 221 Their over-great Power suspected 122 They design Scotland as a Peculiar for their Family 151 They seek to destroy James Earl of Murray as an Enemy to Popery 165 Gun Isle 27 Guns i. e. Great Ordnance of Iron when first began to be used in Scotland 394 H HAdington 13 Deserted by the English 111 Hago a Danish Admiral 181 Haie or Hea Isle 30 Hakerset Isle 29 Hamiltons the Original of their Family 273 Hamilton leaves the Party of the Douglasses 390 Hamiltonians willing to free the Queen out of Prison 216 Overthrown in Battel and some of them taken Prisoners 221 222 They meet at Edinburgh in behalf of Queen Mary 252 Hara Isle 37 Harald Earl of Caithness punished for his Cruelty 235 Haraya or Harray Isle 31 Harpers of old used to lie in the Bedchamber of the King and of the Nobles in Scotland 116 Harrick Isle 30 31 Havatere or Havere Isle 30 Havelschire Isle 29 Haura Isles the great and the less 31 Hay and his two Sons fight for their Country 191 Hath a Coat of Arms assigned to his Family 192 The Name almost extinguished 286 Heath Isle 21 Heath its Nature 23 Good to make Beds to lie on ibid. Hebrides Isles see Aebudae Hector Boetius blamed 13 Mistaken 76 Compared with Lud 80 Helena Mother of Constantine 124 Hellisay Isle 29 Helscher vetularum Isle ibid. Helricus a Danish Admiral 181 Hengist Captain of Pirates hath Lands given to him in Britain by Voâ—tigern 144 Henry I. of England never laughed after the drâ—wning of most of his Children 224 He settles the Succession on his Daughter Maud ibid. Henry
GEORGH BUCHANANI Scoti Poetae Historici Eximij Vera Effigies Ex Archetypo quod in Musaeo D Thomae Povey adservatur expressa THE HISTORY OF SCOTLAND Written in Latin By George Buchanan Faithfully Rendered into ENGLISH I have carefully and diligently perused this Translation of BVCHANAN's History and finding it to be faithfully and exactly done have therefore allowed it to be Printed August 13 th 1689. I. FRASER LONDON Printed by Edw. Iones for Awnsham Churchil at the Black Swan in Ave-Mary-Lane near Pater-Noster-Row 1690. TO THE READER 'T IS sufficient Commendation of the ensuing History That it was Written by Mr. George Buchanan Who was no less the Glory of the Age wherein he Lived than of his Country Being a Person both of that Elevation and Justness of Thought and of that Neatness and Elegancy of Expression that among all the Ancient as well as the Modern Writers few do equal and none do exceed him And as he knew in Reference to Persons and Things What to say and What not to say so he was of that Courage and Integrity to conceal nothing that ought to be delivered but hath used the same Freedom in Transmitting down the Lives of Princes to Posterity that they allowed themselves in leading them And if ever any Book deserved the Character of answering the Title this doth being truly a History and not a Romance wherein the Author representeth Things as they were Commending without Flattery and Censuring without Satyr GEORGE BUCHANAN's EPISTLE DEDICATORY TO JAMES the Sixth King of the SCOTS AT my Return after Four and Twenty Years absence from my Country I desired nothing more than to review my Papers that were dispersed and many ways injured by the Iniquity of the Times For I found that the over-Officiousness of my Friends to precipitate the Publication of what was yet unfit to see the Light and that excessive Liberty which Transcribers take to Censure the Works of other Men had altered many Things and corrupted others according to their several Humours But whilst I was endeavouring to remedy these Disorders the sudden and unexpected Solicitations of my Friends broke my Measures all of them as if they had Conspired together Exhorting me to lay aside Things of less Weight that rather delight the Ear than instruct the Mind and apply my self to Write the History of our Nation as a Subject not only suitable to my Age and sufficient to Answer the Expectation of my Country Men but deserving great Commendation and most fit to preserve ones Memory to succeeding Ages Amongst other Reasons which I omit they added That though Britain be the most Famous Island in the World and every part of its History contain most Remarkable Things yet scarce one was to be found in any Age who durst attempt so great a Work or had acquitted himself as the Subject deserved Neither was it the least Inducement to this Vndertaking that I hoped my pains herein would not be unfitting for nor unacceptable to you For it seemed to me Absurd and Shamefull That You who in this Your tender Age have Read the Histories of all Nations and retain very many of them in Your Memory should only be a Stranger at Home Besides an incurable Distemper having made me unfit to discharge in Person the Care of Your Instruction committed to me I thought that sort of Writing which tends to the Information of the Mind would best supply the want of my Attendance and resolved to send You Faithfull Counsellors from History that you might make use of their Advice in Your Deliberations and imitate their Virtue in Your Actions For there are amongst Your Ancestors Men Excellent in every Respect of whom Posterity will never be ashamed and to omit others You will hardly find in History any one Worthy to be compared with our David And if the Divine Goodness was so Liberal to him in those most wretched and wicked Times we may with Reason hope That You may be as the Royal Prophet says A Pattern of all those Excellencies which Mothers desire in their Children when they give them their best Wishes and that this Government which seems to be hurried on to Ruin and Destruction may be supported 'till the time shall come when all Sublunary Things having finished the Course appointed them by Gods Eternal Decree shall arrive at their designed Period Edinburgh Aug. 30. The LIFE of George Buchanan Written by Himself Two Years before His Death GEORGE BUCHANAN was Born in Lennox-Shire commonly called the Sheriffdom of Dumbarton in Scotland Scituate near the River or Water of Blane in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Five Hundred and Six about the First Day of February in a Country Town within that Shire of a Family rather Ancient than Rich. His Father died of the Stone in the Flower of his Age whilst his Grandfather was yet alive who being a Spend-Thrift their Family which was but low before was now reduced to almost the extremity of Want Yet such was the frugal care of his Mother Agnes Heriot that she brought up Five Sons and Three Daughters to Mens and Womens Estate Of the Five Sons George was One. His Uncle Iames Heriot perceiving his promising Ingenuity in their own Country Schools took him from thence and sent him to Paris There he applied himself to his Studies and especially to Poetry either having a Natural Genius that way or else out of Necessity because 't was the only Method of Study propounded to him in his Youth Before he had been there Two Years his Uncle Died and he himself fell dangerously Sick and being in want beside he was forced to return into his own Country After his return to Scotland he spent almost an year in taking care of his Health then he went into the French Army of Auxilliaries newly arrived in Scotland on purpose to obtain some Skill in the Art Military But that Expedition proving Fruitless the Army retreated in a very sharp and snowy Winter so that he again relapsed into a Disease which confined him all that Winter to his Bed Early in the Spring he was sent to St. Andrews to hear the Lectures of Iohn Major who though very old Read Logick or rather Sophistry in that University The Summer after he accompanied him into France and there he fell into the Troubles of the Lutheran Sect which then began to encrease He struggled with the Difficulties of Providence almost Two Years and at last was admitted into the Barbaran Colledge where he was Grammar Professor almost Three Years During that time Gilbert Kennedy Earl of Cassils one of the young Scotish Nobles being in that Country was much taken with his Ingenuity and Acquaintance so that he entertained him for Five Years and brought him back with him into Scotland Afterwards having a Mind to return to Paris to his old Studies he was detained by the King and made Tutor to Iames his Natural Son In the mean time an Elegy made by him at leasure times came
gathered together the chief of the Nobles and his Kindred on pretence to end the Controversie into one place where he suborned Men fit for his purpose to raise a Tumult and to destroy them Both. And then as if he himself had been assaulted by Treachery he implored the Aid of all that were present and fled to Evonium a place fortified by King Evenus Having Garison'd that Fort with part of the Nobility and other Flagitious Persons out of an high place in the Castle he made a long Oration to the People who in great Multitudes were gathered about him concerning the Rashness and Obstinacy of the Two Brothers he declaimed also against those Assassins who killed them but at last he told them That he was left by Evenus the Guardian or Superior of the Kingdom as well as of his Domestick Affairs till a New King was chosen When the People heard this though they believed it to be false yet when they saw him fortified in a strong Garison for fear of a greater Mischief they instantly swore Fealty to him and declared him King He though he had strengthened himself in the Kingdom by the Consent of the People though unwillingly obtain'd yet not thinking himself safe from the Posterity of Durstus as long as any of them were alive resolved to destroy his Nephews There remained alive of them Lismorus Gormachus and Ederus the Sons of Dochamus Son of Durstus they were educated in the Isle of Man Thither Gâ—llus went on pretence to bring them home and to the Two Elder he behaved himself with great Reverence and Respect and carried them with him into Albium cunningly pretending That they be being of a Royal Stock should be educated in his Couâ—t sutable to their Princely Quality As for Ederus the younger â—he left Souldiers on pretence of a Guard to attend his Person to whom he gave Command on a certain appointed Day to kill him But the Disposition of Gillus being well known to all The Nurse suspecting Treachery to be hatching against the Child conveyed him secretly by Night into the Country of Argyle and so she eluded Gillus who â—ought in vain to find him out to destroy him for she bred him up for some years privately in a Cave under Ground whereupon â—he in fury put the Two elder Brothers of Ederus and also their Guard to Death But it being publickly reported That Ederus himself was conveyed into Ireland he made no further enquiry after him And yet his Cruelty rested not here though he had slain the Nephews of Durstus for not judging himself sufficiently secure as long as any one of the Royal Progeny was left alive he caused all those of Kin or Alliance thereto to be also put to Death The Nobles who were grieved at the present state of Affairs which was bad at present and fearing that it would be worse entred into a Combination against him and carried the Matter with so much secresie that a War was begun against Gillus before he had Notice that any Preparations were making towards It. But in Levying an Army against his Contrariants he soon perceived how inconstant the Fealty of Man is towards Wicked and Flagitious Princes For there were very few that came in to him at his Summons and those that did were Debauchees such as were afraid of Peace in regard of the Wickedness of their former Lives And therefore distrusting his Forces he left his Army and in a Fisher-Boat was wafted over into Ireland In the mean time the Scots that they might not be without a Legal Government made Cadvallus chief of those who conbined against Gillus their Vice-Roy to whom upon a Treaty the Forces of his Enemies did submit and were thereupon received into his Protection When Cadvallus understood that Gillus was about to renew the War and in order thereto was raising as many deboist Persons as he could he resolved to prevent him before he could gather together a just Army and so to pursue him whithersoever he fled First he Sailed into the Aebudae or Hebrides there he caused Ederus the only branch of the Family of Durstus yet alive to be brought to him and gave Order for his Liberal and Royal Education When Gillus heard of his March he retired again into Ireland there he engaged the Clans of that Nation with great promises of Reward to endeavour his Restitution to his Kingdom which if they could effect then he would give them the Aebudae Islands for their Reward By these Promises he gathered together a great Army Cadvallus having prepared all things for his Transportation was suddainly called back to clear himself from a false suspicion of affecting or aspiring to the Kingly Government Evenus II. The Fourteenth King IN which Case the first thing he did was to take care That Evenus an eminent Person the Son of Dovallus Brother to King Finnanus might by the Suffrages of the People be created King who having accepted the Government caused all Places which were commodious for his Enemies and especially the Maritime ones to be filled with strong Garisons that so his Enemies might not make a suddain descent into his Kingdom without opposition Gillus hearing of this did also alter his Resolution and sailed to the Isle Ila And there having wasted the Country far and near with Fire and Sword he returned back into Ireland Evenus sends a great Army thither under the Command of Cadvallus that so he might exhaust the Spring-head of the War Neither did Gillus refuse to fight him but being forsaken of his Men who followed him for Booty rather than for Love he changed his Apparel and with a small Company fled into a neighbor Wood The rest of his Army being thus deserted by their General and their Fellow Soldiers too yielded to Cadvallus After the Battel was ended they sought a long time for Gillus and at last found him in a blind Cave where he was slain the Third Year after he began his Reign and his Head was brought to Cadvallus Matters being thus happily setled in Ireland by Cadvallus as he was returning home he met not with the same Felicity for being toss'd up and down with a grievous Tempest he lost the greatest part of his Army and all the Prey they had gotten which strook him into such a damp that not long after he died of Grief The King indeed comforted him but all in vain and praising his Valour and Success in the War he cast all his Miseries upon the crosness of Fortune The new King being lifted up with this Success renewed a Peace with the Picts and in Confirmation thereof he took to Wife the Daughter of Getus the Third King of the Picts But the suddain Arrival and Landing of the Orkny-Men in Albium quickly disturbed this publick Joy But the King falling suddainly upon them drove them out of the Field to the Mountains and from thence to the Sea and there being in a fright and hurry whilst
other Reserves into Service he drew on also the Squadrons left to guard the Baggage into the Fight They being intire routed the Brittons which stood against them so that the Victory began on that side whence the fear of a Total overthrow did proceed The rest of the Brittons following the Fortune of the other Brigade ran away too and flying into the Woods and Marishes near to the place where the Battel was fought as they were thus straggling dispersed and unarmed their Enemies Baggage-men and Attendants slew abundance of them There fell of the Brittons in this Fight 14000 of their Enemies 4000. After this Fight the Brittons having lost almost all their Infantry send Ambassadors to the Scots and Picts Commissioning them to refuse no Conditions of Peace whatsoever The Confederate Kings seeing they had All in their Power were somewhat inclined to Mercy and therefore Terms of Peace were offered which were hard indeed but not the severest which in such their afflicted State they might have propounded The Conditions were That the Brittons should not send for any Roman or other Forein Army to assist them That they should not admit them if they came of their own accord nor give them Liberty to march thrâ— their Country That the Enemies of the Scots and Picts should be Theirs also vice versâ and That without their Permission they should not make Peace or War nor send Aid to any who desired it That the Limits of their Kingdom should be the River Humber That they should also make present Payment of a certain sum of Money by way of Mâ—lâ—t to be divided amongst the Soldiers which also was to be paid yearly by them That they should give an hundred Hostages such as the Confederate Kings should approve of These Conditions were entertained by the Brittons grudingly by some but necessarily by all and the same necessity which procured it made them keep the Peace for some years The Brittons being left weak and forsaken of Foreigners that they might have an Head to resort to for publick Advice made Constantine their Countryman a Nobleman of high descent and of great repute whom they had sent for out of Gallick Britanny King He perceiving that the Forces of the Brittons were broken both abroad by Wars and at home by Fewds Robberies and Discords thought fit to attempt nothing by Arms but during the Ten years he reigned he maintained Peace with his Neighbours at last he was Slain by the Treachery of Vortigern a Potent and Ambitious man He left Three Sons behind him of which Two were under Age the Third and Eldest as unfit for Government was thrust into a Monastery yet he was made King principally by the Assistance of Vortigern who sought to obtain Wealth and Power to himself under the Envy of another mans Name The Fields which were now tilled in time of Peace after a most grievous Famine yielded such a plentiful Crop of Grain that the like was never heard of in Britain before And from hence those Vices did arise which usually accompany Peace as Luxury Cruelty Whoredom Drunkenness which are more pernicious than all the Mischiefs of War There was no Truth or Sincerity to be found and that not only amongst the Vulgar but even the Monks and the Professors of an Holier Life made a mock at Equity Faithfulness and constant Piety of Life of which Bede the Anglo-Saxon and Gildas the Britton do make an heavy Complaint In the mean time the Ambassadors who returned from Aetius brought word That no relief could be expected from him for the Brittons had sent Letters to Aetius some Clauses whereof as they are mentioned by Bede I shall here recite both because they are a succinct History of the Miseries of that Nation and also because they demonstrate How much many Writers are mistaken in their Memoirs The Words are these To Aetius the third time Consul the Complaints of the Brittons And a little after The Barbarians drive us to the Sea the Sea beats us back again upon the Barbarians between These two kinds of Deaths we are either Killed or Drowned Now Aetius was joyned in his Third Consulship with Symmachus in the 450th year after Christ. Neither could there any Aid be obtained from him who was then principally intent upon the observing the Motions of Attila The rest of the Brittons being driven to this desperate point only Vortigern was glad of the publick Calamity and in such a general hurly-burly he thought he might with greater Impunity perpetrate that Wickedness which he had long before designed in his mind which was to cause the King to be Slain by those Guards which he had appointed about him and afterwards to avert the suspition of so foul a Parricide from himself in a pretended Fit of Anger as if he were impatient of delay in Executing Revenge he caused the Guards also to be put to death without suffering them to plead for themselves Thus having obtained the Kingdom by the highest degree of Villany he managed it with as little Sanctity For suspecting the Faithfulness of the People towards him and not confiding in his own strength which was but small he engaged the Saxons to take his part who then exercised Pyracy at Sea and infested all the shores far and near He procured their Captain Hengist with a strong Band of Soldiers to come to him with three Galleys and he assigned Lands to him in Britain so that now he was to fight not as for a strange Country but as for his own Demeasne and Estate and therefore was likely to do it with greater Alacrity When this was noised abroad such large Numbers of Three Nations the Iutes the Saxons and the Angles are reported to have flocked out of Germany into Britain that they became formidable even to the Inhabitants of the Isle First of all about the year of our Lord 449. Vortigern being strengthned by those Auxiliaries joyned Battel with the Scots and Picts whom he Conquered and drove beyond the Wall of Adrian As touching Eugenius the King of the Scots there goes a double Report of him some say he was slain in fight beyond the River Humber others that he died a natural Death However he came by his end this is certain he governed the Scots with such Equity that he may deservedly be reckoned amongst the Best of their Kings For tho' he spent the first Part of his Life almost from his Childhood in War yet he so profited under the Discipline of his Grandfather and his Mind was so established thereby that neither Military Freedom as it usually doth did draw him to Vice neither did it make him more negligent in conforming his Manners to the Rule of Piety nor did his prosperous Success make him more arrogant And on the other side the Peace and Calm he enjoyed did not abate the sharpness of his Understanding nor break his Martial Spirit but he managed his Life with such an equal and
bridled and saddled for all Events and being not able to find the way in regard the Snow covered all the Track they were confounded and arrived at a Lake by the Town of Forfar where endeavouring to pass ovâ—r the Ice being not very firm they sunk with their Weight and were all drowned Their Bodies lay undiscovered for a season by reason the Ice closed again but when a Thaw came they were found and hung upon Gibbets in the High-ways there to rot for the Terrour of the Living and in Reproach to them after they were dead This is the common Report about Malcolm's End though some write that he was slain by an Ambush laid by the Kinred of Grimus and Constantinus the former Kings after a bloody Bâ—ttel joyned and fought betwixt them Others say that he was killed by the Friends of a Noble Virgin whom he had forceably vitiated but all agree that he came to a violent Death Malcolm Reigned so justly above Thirty Years that unless Avarice had corrupted his Mind in 's Old Age he might well have been numbered amongst the Best of Princes The Year in which he died was a Prodigious One for in the Winter the Rivers did mightily overflow and in Spring there were great Inundations of the Sea And moreover a few Days after the Summer Solstice there were very pinching Frosts and mighty Snows by which means the Fruits of the Earth being spoiled a great Famine did ensue The Seventh BOOK I Have declared in the former Book how eagerly Kennethus and his Son Malcolm did strive to settle the Succession to the Crown in their Families That the Eldest Son might succeed the Father But what the Success thereof was will appear in the Sequel This is certain That that Publick Benefit which was promised to the whole Kingdom nor yet the private Advantage alleged to arise to our Kings thereby were not at all obtained by this New Law An Universal Good to All was pretended in thus settling the Succession that Seditions Murders and Treacheries might be prevented amongst Those of the Blood and also that Ambition with the other Mischiefs accompanying it might be rooted out from amongst the Nobles But on the contrary when I enquire into the Causes of Publick Grievances and compare the Old with the Modern it seems to me That all those Mischiefs which we would have avoided by this New Law are so far from being extinguished by the Antiquating of the Old that they rather receive a great Increase therefrom For not to speak of the Plots of their Kinred against Those who are actually in the Throne nor of a present King 's Evil Suspitions of those whom Nature and the Law would have accounted as most dear to him I say omitting these things which in the Series of our History will be further explained all the Miseries of former Ages may seem light and tolerable if compared with those Calamities which followed upon the Death of Alexander the Third Neither will I insist upon the Particulars following viz. that That Law doth enervate the Force of all Publick Councils without which no Lawful Government can subsist That it doth willingly and by consent create those Evils to our selves which others who have Interest in Publick Governments do chiefly if not only deprecate viz. To have Kings over whom other Governors must be appointed and so the People are to be universally committed into their Power who have no Power over themselves insomuch That those Persons who are hardly brought to Obey Wise Prudent and Experienced Kings are now required to yield Obedience as it were to the very shadow of a King by which means we willingly precipitate our selves into those Punishments which God threatens to Those who despise and contemn his Holy Majesty namely That Children Male or Female may Reign over us whom the Law of Nations and even Nature it self the Mother of all Laws hath subjected to the Rule of others As for the private Benefit That Kings aim at by this Law i. e. That they may perpetuate their Name and Stock how vain and fallacious that Pretence is the Examples of the Ancients yea even Nature it self might inform them if they had but considered by how many Laws and Rewards the Romans endeavoured to perennate the mighty Names of their Families of which yet no one Footstep remains at this Day no not in any part of the World which they had Conquered Which Disappointment doth deservedly attend those who fight against even Nature it self by endeavouring to cloath a fading frail Thing subject to Momentany Alterations and Blasts of Fortune with a sort of Perpetuity and to endow it with a kind of Eternity which they themselves neither are Partakers of nor can be yea they strive to effect it by those Mediums which are most cross to their purpose For what is less conducive to Perpetuity than Tyranny Yet this New Law makes a great Step thereto for a Tyrant is as it were the White or Mark exposed to the Hate of all Men insomuch that he cannot long subsist and when he falls all His fall with him It seems to me That God doth sometimes gently chastize and disappoint this endeavour of Foolish Men and sometimes he doth expose it even to Publick Scorn as if it were emulous of his own Power There can be no clearer or fitter Example of Gods Will and Pleasure than That which we have now under our Hands For Malcolm who so much laboured to confirm the Law which was almost forcibly Enacted by his Father by common Suffrage and Consent For the Kings Children to be substituted in the Room of their deceased Parents even He left no Male-Child behind him but he had Two Daughters One called Beatrix whom he Married to a Nobleman named Grimus the Thane of the Western Islands and the Chief of all other Thanes and therefore styled in that Age Abthane the Other named Doaca he Married to the Thane of Angus by whom he begot Mackbeth or Macbeda of whom in his Place Donaldus VII The Eighty Fourth King MALCOLM being slain as hath been related Donaldus his Nephew by his Daughter Beatrix succeeded him A Prince of great Courtesy and of more Indulgence to his own Kindred than became a King For he was of a mild and Inclineable Disposition and from his Youth gave forth Omens of his Popularity For in the most difficult times when he was made Governor of Cumberland by his Grandfather and could not câ—me to the King by reason of the Danish Troops which swarmed over the Country and stopped all Passages to Swear to the Laws yet he faithfully took part with the English until Canutus having had the rest of England surrendred to him made an Expedition against him and then he submitted himself to the Danes on the same Conditions under which he obeyed the English before This also was popular in him That he administred Justice with great Equity and every Year he visited the Provinces
of Silver as a Largess being moved thereunto either out of Remembrance of his former Bounty to him or on the Consideration of his present Want Neither were ever the Scots and English more Gracious than at that time as many judge There William fell very Sick and a Rumour of his Death being noised abroad caused new Combustions in Scotland Harald Earl of the Orcades and of Caithnes hated the Bishop of Caithnes because as he alledged he was the Obstacle that he could not obtain what he desired of the King and therefore he took him Prisoner cut out his Tongue and also put out his Eyes The King returning home overthrew Harald in several Skirmishes and destroyed most of his Forces Harald himself was taken in his Flight and brought back to the King who when his Eyes also were first put out by way of Retaliation was afterwards hanged his whole Male-Stock were Gelded the rest of his Kinn and Companions of his Wickedness were deeply Fined These things are thus related by Hector Boetius and common Report confirms them yea the Hill receiving its Name from Testicles gives credit to the Relation so that it seems truer than what others Write in this matter These things happened in the Year of our Salvation 1198. in which Year the King had a Son named Alexander Born to him and Richard of England dying his Brother Iohn succeeded him Whereupon the King of Scots went into England to take his Oath to him for the Lands which he held in England and in the beginning of Iohn's new Reign his Coming was not more acceptable than his Departure displeasing because he refused to follow Iohn in his Expedition into France against Philip his old Friend So that as soon as Iohn returned out of France he sought Occasion for a War with the Scots and began to build a Fort over against Berwick William having in vain complained of the Injurie by his Embassadors gathered a Company together and demolished what was built thereof Upon which Armies were Levied on both sides but when their Camps were near to one another Peace was made by the Intervention of the Nobles on these Terms That William's Two Daughters should be given in Matrimony to Iohn's Two Sons assoon as ever they were Marriageable A great Dowry was promised and Caution made That no Fort should be built and Hostages also were given in the case William at his return fell into an unexpected Danger The greatest Part of the Town of Berth was swept away in the Night by an Inundation of the River Tay Neither was the King's Palace exempted from the Calamity but his Son an Infant with his Nurse and 14 more were drowned the rest hardly escaping Many also of the Promiscuous Multitude lost their Lives The King perceiving that the Water had overwhelmed the greatest part of the Ground on which the City stood and that almost every House in the Town had suffered thereby caused a new City to be built a little below in a more commodious place on the same River and making some small variation of the Name called it Perth in Memory as some say of one Perth a Nobleman who gave the King the Land on which the City was built About the same time the King took Gothered Makul Captain of the Rebels in the North who was betrayed to him by his own Men. When he was Prisoner he constantly abstained from all Food to prevent as 't is thought a more heavy Punishment This was in a manner the last memorable Fact of William's which yet in regard of his unweildy Age was acted by his Captains For he Dyed soon after in the 74 th year of his Age and the 49 th year of his Reign A. D. 1643. Not long before his Death Leagues were renewed with Iohn King of England almost every Year for he being a Man desirous to enlarge his Dominions thô he had War with the French abroad with the Romanists at home and moreover was never on sure Terms of Peace with the Irish or Welsh yet did not break off his Inclination to invade Scotland which had then an old Man for their King and the next Heir to him a Child Frequent Conferences happened on this Occasion rather to try what might be obtained than in hopes of any good Issue at length the Matter broke out into open Suspicion And after many Leagues made between Them at last William was called to Newcastle upon Tine Whither he came but there falling into a dangerous Disease he returned without doing any thing In fine a little before his Death he was invited to Norham on the Tweed and when his Sickness would not permit him to go his Son was desired to come in his stead which yet by the Advice of the Council was refused the Leagues established in those Interviews I shall not particularly mention for they almost all contain the same things having in them nothing New save that in One of them it was Articled That the Scotish Kings should not Swear nor be Feudataries to the Kings of England Themselves for the English Lands they held but their Children only The Mention of these things is wholly omitted by the English Writers also I believe for this very Cause Alexander II. The Ninety Fourth King WIlliam was succeeded by Alexander his Son begot on Emergard who was Kinswoman to the King of England and Daughter to the Earl of Beaumont He was but Sixteen years of age when he began to Reign entring upon the Government in troublesom Times he composed and setled things more prudently than could be expected from one of his years First of all he Indicted a Publick Convention of the Estates and therein by a Decree he confirmed all the Acts of his Father that good and prudent Prince His first Expedition was into England not out of any private Ambition but to bridle the Tyranny of Iohn and it was then said that he was sent for in by the Ecclesiasticks of that Kingdom He left Norham upon certain Conditions when he had begun to besiege it and piercing further into the Kingdom he carried it very severely against all the Royalists Upon his Return home Iohn invaded Scotland quickly after He made a mighty Devastation in Dunbar Hadington and all the Neighbouring Parts of Lothian and to spread the War and Ruin further he determined to return another Way Alexander being very desirous to decide it by a Battel pitcht his Tents between the Pentland Hills and the River Eske which way as it was bruited he would return but Iohn to avoid fighting marched along by the Sea and burnt the Monastery of Coldingham he also took and burnt Berwick which was then but meanly fortified As he thus marched hastily back Alexander followed him as fast as he could and making great havock all over Northumberland came as far as Richmond But Iohn by speedy marches having retreated into the heart of England Alexander returned by Westmorland and
laid all waste to the very Gates of Carlisle The City it self he took by Force and Fortified it The next year Lewis the Son of Philip King of France was sent for by those who favoured the Ecclesiastical Faction to London that so he upon the Proscription of Iohn might possess the Kingdom and so was King Alexander of Scotland too who came to aid his Old Friend But Iohn being forsaken by his Subjects and assaulted also by Foreign Arms upon the Payment of a great Sum of Money at present and the Promise of a perpetual Pension and moreover transferring the Right of the Kingdom of England to the Pope so that the Kings of England for the future were to be His Feudataries was received into Favour So that he obtained Letters from Rome by Cardinal Galo a Man of known Avarice wherein the Scots and French were with great Threats forbid to meddle with a People which were Tributaries to the Holy See Upon this sudden Change of things Lewis returned into France and Alexander into Scotland but his return home was not so quiet as his entrance into England was For the English pressing upon the Rear of his retiring Army took many of the Stragglers Prisoners And besides Iohn had broken down all the Bridges on the Trent and had fastned sharp Pikes or Palisadoes in all its Fords removing away all Ships and Boats so that it seemed to be so great an Impediment unto him that he could not avoid it but must certainly be destroyed In the mean time Iohn was poysoned by an English Monk at Newark a Town seated on the Trent and being carried in a Litter died in two days That Casualty opened the way for Alâ—xander's March. Then blaming and punishing his Men for their former Carelessness he marched on more circumspectly but not without the great Damage of those through whose Countrys he passed For whatsoever could be driven away or carried he took with him and so returned home with a great Booty Galo the Popes Legat when he had setled Henry the Son of Iohn in the Throne mulct the Nobles of England in a great Sum of Money and then received them into Favour And to give them some Recompence for their Loss by the like Calamity of their Enemies he Excommunicates Lewis of France and Alexander of Scotland in hopes to obtain some Prey from them also The Scots were Interdicted all Divine Offices for he imagined that his Thundring Curses would prevail more amongst the simple Vulgar than with the Kings But at last Peace was made between the Two Kings the Scots were to restore Carlisle and the English Berwick and the Ancient Bounds at Kings-Cross were to be observed by them Both. Alexander and his Subjects were released from their Censures by the English Bishops who were Authorized thereunto Hereupon Galo was much enraged That so great a Prey should be taken out of his Hands so that he turned his Anger on the Bishops and the rest of the Clergy of Scotland as his own Peculiar with whom Kings had nothing to do He summoned them to appear at Alnwick Whither when they came the more fearful appeased his Wrath with Money the more resolute were Cited to Rome But they having also received many Letters from some of the English Bishops and Abbats directed to the Pope concerning the sordid Spirit of the Ambassador or Legat made grievous Complaints against him calling him the Firebrand of all mischief because he studied not the Publick Good but his own Avarice and did chaffer for and sell Peace and War amongst Princes at his own pleasure Galo not being able to acquit himself of the Crimes laid to his charge was Fined by the Pope in the Loss of the Money he had got which was to be divided amongst his Accusers Hereupon they returned home loaden with large Promises but with empty Purses A few years after Henry of England being now grown Ripe both in Years and Judgment came to York there he agreed with Alexander in the presence of Pandulphus the Popes Legat to take Henry's Sister to Wife by whom yet because of her untimely Death he had no Children From that time there was Peace between Both Kings as long as they lived There he also solemnly Promised and Swore before the same Pandulphus That he would bestow the Two Sisters of Alexander in Honourable Marriages according to their Dignity as his Father had promised before But one of them returned home unmarried one only being bestowed in Marriage The next Year viz. 1220 the Cardinal of St. Giles came into England to fish for Money for the Holy War and accordingly having scraped together a great Sum in both Kingdoms which by his Impostures he had gulled Persons 〈◊〉 credulous of he Luxuriously spent it in his Journy so that he came empty to Rome falsely alleging That he was robbed by Thieves in the way Another Legat presently succeeded him but Men having been twice cheated by Roman Fraud by a Publick Decree forbad him to set his foot on Land Alexander was busied to suppress Vices at home which sprung up by the Licentiousness of War and he travelled over the whole Kingdom with his Queen to do Justice whilest Gilespy a Rossian spoiled Ross and the Neighbour Counties for passing over the River Ness he took and burnt the Town of Enverness He cruelly slew all those that refused to obey him Iohn Cumin Earl of Buchan was sent against him who took him and his two Sons as they were shifting up and down and changing their Quarters to secure themselves and cut off their Heads and so sent them to the King About this time the Caithnesians entred by night into the Bedchamber of Adam their Bishop and there killed a Monk who was his usual Companion for he had been before Abbat of Mulross and one of his Bedchamber as for the Bishop himself they grievously wounded him and dragging him into the Kitchen there they burnt him and the House he was in The Cause of their great Cruelty was as 't is reported because the Bishop was more severe than in former times in exacting his Tithes The Offenders were diligently sought out and most severely punished The Earl of Caithnes though he were not present at the Fact yet was somewhat suspected but afterward being brought privately to the King in the Christmas Holy-days which the Scots call Saturnalia he humbly begg'd Pardon of the King and obtained it About this time Alane of Galway the powerfullest Man in Scotland departed this Life He left Three Daughters behind him of whom I shall speak hereafter Thomas his Bastard Son despising their Age and Sex sets up for himself as Lord of the Family and not contented herewith he gathers 10000 Men together kills all that oppose him and drives Booties far and near from all the Neighbouring-Countries At last the King sent an Army against him who slew 5000 of the
was Poysoned as it is thought by his Wife an English Woman The Suspicion thereof was encreased on her because tho' she were Wooed by many Nobles yet she Married Iohn Russel her Gallant a Young English Spark She was accused of Witchcraft too and cast into Prison but she bought out her Liberty Russel and his Wife obtained Letters from the Pope permitting them to commence an Action of the Case against their Adversaries for the Wrong done them before the Popes Legate But it was to no purpose because the Scots urged an Ancient Privilege exempting them from going out of the Kingdom when they were to plead their Causes When the King was of Age upon the humble Petition of the Cumins's he Pardoned them as if all their offences had been expiated by the Death of Walter He was induced so to do as some say by reason of the Greatness of their Family and also because he feared Foreign Wars when Matters were so unsetled at home But that War began not so soon as Men thought it would In the Year of Christ 1263. in the Calends of August Acho King of Norwey with a Fleet of 160 Sail came to Air a Maritime Town of Coil where he Landed 20000 Men. The Cause of the War as he pretended was that some Islands which were promised to his Ancestors by Mackbeth were not yet put into his Hands viz. Bote Aran and both the Cumbras's which were never reckoned amongst the Aebudae But it was enough for him who sought a pretence for a War that they were called Islands Acho took two of the greatest of them and reduced their Castles before he could meet with any Opposition being lifted up by this success he makes a descent into Cuningham the next Continent over against Bote in that part of it which they call the Largs There he met with Two Misfortunes almost at one and the same First he was overcome in Fight by Alexander Stuart the Great Grandfather of him who first of that Name was King of Scotland and being almost taken by the Multitude of his Enemies he hardly escaped in great Fear to his Ships The other was That his Ships being tossed in a mighty Tempest hardly carried him with a few of his followers who escaped into the Orcades There were slain in that Battel Sixteen Thousand of the Norwegians and Five Thousand of the Scots some Writers say that King Alexander himself was in this Fight Yet they also make Honourable mention of the Name of this Alexander Stuart Acho died of Grief for the Loss of his Army and of his Kinsman too a Valiant Youth whose Name is not mentioned by Writers His Son Magnus who was lately come to him perceiving Things in a desperater Posture than he ever thought they would be brought to especially having no hopes of Recruit from home before the Spring and also finding the Minds of the Islanders alienated from him and that he was forsaken of the Scots too in Confidence of whose Aid his Father had undertaken that War these things considered he easily inclined to Terms of Peace The Spirit of the young Man was quailed both by the unlucky Fight and also by his Fear of the Islanders For Alexander had then recovered by sending about some Ships the Isle of Man situate almost in the midst between Scotland and Ireland upon these Conditions That the King thereof should send in Ten Gallies to the Scots as oft as there was occasion and that the Scots should defend him from a Foreign Enemy When Magnus saw That the rest of the Islands inclined to follow the Example of the Manks-Men he sent Ambassadors to treat of Peace which Alexander refused to make unless the Aebudae were restored at last by the diligence of the Commissioners it was agreed that the Scots should have the Aebudae for which at present they were to pay 1000 Marks of Silver and 100 Marks an Year And moreover That Margarite Alexanders Daughter being then but Four years old should Marry Hangonan the Son of Magnus assoon as she was fit for Marriage About this time the King of England being infested with Civil War had Five Thousand Scots sent him for his Assistance under the Command of Râ—bert Bruce and Alexander Cumins whom the English Writers call Iohn the greatest part of them were slain in Fight and Cumins with the Englâ—sh King himself and his Son and a great part of the English Nobility of the Kings Party were taken Prisoners Moreover the Scots King was much troubled at the Arrogance of the Priests and Monks in his Kingdom who being enriched by former Kings began to grow wanton in a continued Peace Yea they endeavoured to be equal if not superior to the Nobility whom they excelled in Wealth The young Nobility repining at it and taking it in great disdain used them coursly whereupon complaints were made by them to the King who imagining either that their Wrongs were not so great as they represented them or else that they suffered them deservedly neglected their pretended Grievances whereupon they Excommunicated All but the King and in great Wrath determined to go to Rome But the King remembring what great Commotions Thomas Becket the prime promoter of Ecclesiastical Ambition had lately made in England called them back from their Journy and caused the Nobility to satisfie not only their Avarice but even their Arrogance too And indeed they were the more inclinable to an Accord with the King because he had lately undertaken the Patronage of the Ecclesiastical Orders against the Avarice of the Romanists For a little before Ottobon the Popes Legate was come into England to appease the Civil Discords but not being able to effect the thing he came for he omitted the publick Care and studied his own private Gain and Lucre he Indicted an Ecclesiastical Assembly of the English Procters from Scotland being also called thereunto in the mean time he endeavoured to exact Four Marks of Silver from every Parish in Scotland and Six from all Cathedrals for the Expence of Procurations This Contribution or Tax was scarce refused when News was brought That another Legate was arrived in England intending also for Scotland on pretence to gather up Money for the Holy War and besides that procurable by Indulgences and other Lime-Twigs to catch Money he endeavoured to wrest from all Bishops Abbats and Parish Priests as judging them to be immediately under Papal Jurisdiction the Tenth part of their yearly Revenues that so Edward and Edmond Sons to the King of England might go more Nobly and Numerously attended to the War in Syria The Scots judged this Tax to be very grievous and unjust especially because the English seemed to be so forward to have it granted as if Scotland were not sui Iuris or an absolute Kingdom but Dependent on England Moreover they were afraid lest the Legat should riotously mispend the Money designed for the War as was done some Years
before whereupon they forbad him to enter their Borders but sent him Word That they themselves without his Presence would gather Money for and send Souldiers to the Syrian War and indeed they sent Souldiers under the Command of the Earls of Carick and Athol Two of the Chief Nobility to Lâ—wis King of Franâ—e and to the Pope lest he might think himself altogether disesteemed they sent 1000 Marks of Silver The Year after Henry King of England died and his Son Edward the First succeeded him at whose Coronation Alexander and his Wife were present she returning died soon after yea David the Kings Son and also Alexander being newly Married to the Daughter of the Earl of Flanders followed her a little time after by their continued Funerals Margarite also the Kings Daughter departed this Life who left a Daughter behind her begot by Hangonanus King of Norwey Alexander being thus in a few years deprived both of his Wife and Children too took to Wife Ioleta the Daughter of the Earl of Dreux and within a Year he fell from his Horse and broke his Neck not far from Kinghorn in the Year of our Lord 1285. and the Fourteenth of the Calends of April he lived Forty Five years and Reigned Thirty Seven He was more missed than any King of Scotland had been before him not so much for the eminent Virtues of his Mind and the Accomplishments of his Body as that People foresaw what great Calamities would befal the Kingdom upon his Decease Those wholsome Laws which he made are antiquated by the Negligence of Men and the Length of Time and their Utility is rather celebrated by Report than experienced by Trial. He divided the Kingdom into Four Parts and almost every year he Travelled them all over staying well near Three Months in each of them to do Justice and to hear the complaints of the Poor who had free Access to him all that time Assoon as he went to an Assize or Sessions he Commanded the Prefect or Sheriff of that Precinct to meet him with a select number of Men and also to accompany him at his departure to the end of his Bailywick till the next Precinct where he was Guarded by another like Company By this means he became acquainted with all the Nobility and was as well known to them and the People as he went were not burthen'd with a Troop of Courtiers who are commonly Imperious and given to Avarice where they come He commanded the Magistrates to punish all Idle Persons who followed no Trade nor had any Estates to maintain them for his Opinion was That Idleness was the Source and Fountain of all Wickedness He reduced the Horse-Train of the Nobles when they travelled to a certain number because he thought that the Multitude of Horses which were unfit for War would spend too much Provision And whereas by reason of Unskilfulness in Navigation or else by Mens Avarice in committing themselves rashly to Sea many Shipwracks had happened and the Violence of Pyrates making an Accession thereto the Company of Merchants were almost undone he commanded they should Traffick no more by Sea That Order lasted about an Year but being accounted by many of a publick Prejudice at length so great a Quantity of Foreign Commodities were imported that in Scotland they were never in the Memory of Man more or less cheap In this Case that he might study the good of the Merchants-Company he forbad that any but Merchants should buy what was imported by whole Sale but what every Man wanted he was to buy it at second Hand or by Retail from them The Eighth BOOK ALEXANDER and his whole Lineage besides one 〈◊〉 by his Daughter being extinct a Convention of the Estates was held at Scone to Treat about Creating a new King and setling the State of the Kingdom whither when most of the Nobility were come in the first place they appointed Vicegerents to govern Matters at present so dividing the Provinces That Duncan Mackduff should preside over Fife of which he was Earl Iohn Cumins Earl of Buchan over Buchan William Frazer Archbishop of St. Andrews over that Part of the Kingdom which lay Northward And that Robert Bishop of Glascow Another Iohn Cumins and Iohn Stuart should Govern the Southern Countries and that the Boundary in the midst should be the River Forth Edward King of England knowing that his Sisters 〈◊〉 Daughter of the King of Norway was the only surviving Person of all the Posterity of Alexander and that She was the Lawful Heiress of the Kingdom of Scotland sent Ambassadors into Scotland to desire Her as a Wife for his Son The Embassadors in the Session discoursed much of the publick Utility like to accrue to both Kingdoms by this Marriage neither did they find the Scots averse therefrom For Edward was a Man of great Courage and Power yet he desired to increase it and his Valour highly appeared in the Holy War in his Fathers Life time and after his Death in his subduing of Wales neither were there ever more Endearments passed betwixt the Scots and the English than under the last Kings Yea the Ancient Hatred seemed no way more likely to be abolished than if both Nations on Just and Equal Terms might be united into One. For these Reasons the Marriage was easily assented to other Conditions were also added by the consent of both Parties as That the Scots should use their own Laws and Magistrates until Children were begot out of that Marriage which might Govern the Kingdom or if no such were begot or being born if they dyed before they came to the Crown then the Kingdom of Scotland was to pass to the next Kinsman of the Blood-Royal Matters being thus setled Embassadors were sent into Norway Michael or as others call him David Weems and Michael Scot Two eminent Knights of Fife and much Famed for their Prudence in those days But Margarite for that was the Name of the young Princess dyed before they came thither so that they returned home in a sorrowful posture without their errand By reason of the untimely death of this young Lady a Controversie arose concerning the Kingdom which mightily shook England but almost quite ruined Scotland The Competitors were Men of great Power Iohn Baliol and Robert Bruce of which Baliol had Lands in France Bruce in England but Both of them great Possessions and Allies in Scotland But before I enter upon their Disputes that all things may be more clear to the Reader I must fetch them down a little higher The Three last Kings of Scotland William and the Two Alexanders The Second and the Third and their whole Off-spring being extinct there remained none who could lawfully claim the Kingdom but the Posterity of David Earl of Huntington This David was Brother to King William and Great Uncle to Alexander the Third He Married Maud in England Daughter to the Earl of Chester by whom he had Three
Daughters The Eldest Named Margarite Married Alan of Galway a Man very powerful amongst the Scots The Second was matched to Robert Bruce Sirnamed the Noble of High English Descent and of a large Estate The Third was Married to Henry Hastings an Englishman also whose Posterity do deservedly enjoy the Earldom of Huntington at this day But to let him pass because he never put in for the Kingdom I shall confine my Discourse to the Stock Cause and Ancestry of Baliol and Bruce only Whilst William was King of Scotland Fergus Prince of Galway left Two Sons Gilbert and Ethred William to prevent the Seeds of Discord betwixt the Two Brothers divided their Fathers Inheritance equally betwixt them Gilbert the Eldest took this highly amiss and thereupon conceived an Hatred against his Brother as his Rival and against the King too for his unequal Distribution Thereupon when the King was Prisoner in England being then freed from fear of the Law he discovered his long-concealed Hatred against them both As for his Brother he took him unawares pulled out his Eyes cut out his Tongue and so not content with a single Death he put him to grievous and excessive Tortures before he dyed and he himself joyned with the English and preyed upon his Neighbors and Country-men as if they had been in an Enemies Country for he wasted all with Fire and Sword And except Rolland the Son of Ethred had gathered a Band of Countrymen who remained firm to the King together to resist his Attempts he had either wasted the neighbour Countries or drawn them all over to his Party This Rolland was a forward young Man of great Abilities both of Body and Mind he not only abated the Fury of his Uncle but many times fought valiantly and sometimes successfully with the English as he met them whilst he repressed their Plunderings or as he himself spoiled their Lands At last when the King was restored Gilbert by the Mediation of his Friends got a Pardon upon promise of a sum of Money for the Wrongs he had done and giving Pledges to that purpose But Gilbert dying a few days after those who were accustomed to Blood and Prey under him and who had given up themselves into the Protection of the King of England either out of the Inconstancy of their Dispositions or for fear of Punishment being stirr'd on by Gripes from an accusing Conscience for what they had formerly done took up Arms again under the Command of Gilpatrick Henry Kennedy and Samuel who before had been the Assistors and Companions to Gilbert in his Wickedness Rolland was sent with an Army against them and after a great Fight he slew their chief Leaders and a great Part of the common Soldiers They who escaped fled to one Gilcolumb a Captain of the Freebooters and Robbers who had made a great spoil in Lothian and much endamaged the Nobles and Richer sort of whom also he killed some Thence marching into Galway he undertook Gilbert's Cause when all others looked upon it as desperate He not only claimed his Lands as his Own but carried himself as the Lord of all Galway At last Rolland fought with him in the Calends of October about Three Months after Gilbert's Forces were defeated and slew him with the greatest part of his Army with very little loss of his own side amongst the slain there was found his own Brother a stout young Man The English being troubled at the overthrow of these Men who had put themselves under their Protection the Year before march'd with an Army to Carlisle thither also came Rolland being Reconciled to the King of England by the Mediation of William where he refuted the Calumnies of his Enemies and shewed That he had done nothing Maliciously or Causelesly against his own and the Publicks Enemy upon which he was honourably dismissed by the King William also returned home and calling to Mind the Constancy of his Father Ethred and how many Noble Exploits he had performed for the Good of the Publick he gave him all Galway And besides he bestowed Carrick on the Son of Gilbert though his Father had not deserved so well of him William of Newberry the English Writer Records these things as done Anno 1183. Rolland took to Wife the Sister of William Morvill who was Lord High Constable in Scotland who dying without Issue Rolland enjoyed that Office as Hereditary to him and his Family He had a Son called Alan who for his Assistance afforded to Iohn King of England in his Irish War was rewarded by him with large Possessions on which accompt by the permission of William of Scotland he was a Feudatary to the English King and swore Fealty to him This Alan took to Wife Margarite the Eldest Daughter of David Earl of Huntington By her he had Three Daughters the Eldest Dornadilla he Married to Iohn Baliol who was King of Scotland for some years But Robert Bruce Married Isabella Davids Second Daughter he came to be Earl of Carrick upon this Occasion Martha Countess of Carrick being Marriageable and the only Heiress of her Father who died in the Holy War as she was a Hunting cast her Eye on Robert Bruce the Beautifullest Young Man of all her Train whereupon she Courteously invited him and in a manner compelled him into her Castle which was near at Hand Being come thither his Age Beauty Kindred and Manners easily procuring mutual Love they were quickly Married in a private way When the King was informed thereof he was much offended with them Both because the Right of bestowing the Lady in Marriage lay in him yet by the Mediation of Friends he was afterwards Reconciled to them Out of this Marriage Robert Bruce was Born who afterwards was King of Scotland Thus having enlarged my self in this Prologue I come now to the Matter in Hand and to the Competitors of the Kingdom They were Dornadilla the Grand-child of David of Huntingdon by his Eldest Daughter and Robert Bruce Earl of Carrick Grand-son of the said David by his youngest Daughter Dornadilla's Pretensions were grounded on the Custom of the Country whereby he or she that was nearer in Degree had a better Right Robert Bruce insisted on the Sex that in a like degree of Propinquity Males ought to be preferred before Females so that he denied it to be just that as long as a Grand-son was alive a Grand-daughter should inherit her Ancestors Estate And though sometimes the contrary may be practised in the Inheritances of private Men yet the matter is far otherwise in those Estates which are called Feuds and in the Succession of Kingdoms And of this there was urged a late Example in the Controversie concerning the Dutchess of Burgundy which the Earl of Nevers who Married the Grand-child of the last Duke by his Eldest Son Claimed yet the Inheritance was adjudged to the Son of the Duke's younger Brother so that Robert contended That he was nearer in Degree as
but with Glory with Arms and other Furniture for War Neither did they only release their own Men who were made Prisoners either in Fight or upon Surrenders but also they raised great Sums by the Redemption of the English they had taken And out of the Spoils many recompensed and made up the Losses they had received in former Times yea and got great Estates too for the future For the English came with all their Precious Things about them not as to a War but as to an assured Victory The King having thus prosperously succeeded in the War spent the following Winter in settling the State of the Kingdom which was much weakened by so long a War and also in bestowing Rewards on the well-deserving The next Spring Berwick was taken from the English after they had enjoyed it 20 Years In the next place he Convened an Assembly of the Estates at Air a Town of Kyle There in a full Assembly by the Suffrages of all the Orders the Kingdom was confirmed to Bruce and afterwards because the King had but one only Daughter left by his former Wife The States remembring what publick Mischiefs had happened by the Dispute which in former times had been managed concerning the Right of Succession made a Decree That if the King left no Issue Male his Brother Edward should succeed him in the Kingdom and his Sons in order after him But if he also should decease without Issue Male then the Crown was to descend to Mary the Daughter of Robert and to her Posterity yet so that the Nobility were to provide her an Husband fit for her Royal Estate and for the Succession in the Kingdom For it was lookt upon as far more just That an Husband should be chosen for the young Lady than that she should chuse an Husband for her self and a King for the whole Land It was also Decreed That in the Minority of the King Thomas Randolfe or if he should miscarry Iames Douglas should be Tutors to the King and Governors of the Kingdom The Fame of Robert's noble Exploits both at home and abroad excited the Irish to send Ambassadors to him To put themselves and their Kingdom under his Protection And if his Domestick Affairs should not suffer him to accept of the Kingdom himself yet that he would permit his Brother Edward to do it that so a Nation allied to him might no longer suffer under the cruel insulting and intolerable Domination and Servitude of the English The Irish wrote also to the Pope to the same purpose and he by his Missives desired the English to forbear wronging and oppressing the Irish but in vain so that Edward Bruce went thither with a great Army and by universal consent was saluted King In the first year of his Arrival he drove the Englâ—sh out of all Vlster and reduced it to his Obedience yea he passed over all the rest of the â—sland with his Victorious Army The next year a new Army was sent over from England Robert perceiving that the War would grow hotter levied new Forces and made haste over to his Brother He suffered much in that Expedition by his want of Provision and when he was but about one days March from him he heard That he and all his Men were defeated the Third of the Nones of October The report is That Edward edged on by too much desire of Glory did precipitate the Fight lest his Brother should share with him in the Glory of the Victory The King of England being informed that the Flower of the Militia of Scotland did attend Bruce in a Foreign Country and thinking This a fit opportunity offered him to Revenge the Losses of former times sent a great Army under select Commanders into Scotland Douglas Governor of the Borders fought with them thrice in several places and slew almost all their Commanders and a great part of the Souldiers The English having sped ill with their Land Army came into the Forth with a Naval Force and infested all the Sea Coasts by their Excursions The Earl of Fife sent 500 Horse to restrain the Plunderers but they not daring to encounter so great a Multitude in their Retreat met with William Sinclare Bishop of the Caledonians accompanied with about 60 Horse who perceiving the Cause of their Retreat did most grievously reproach them for their Cowardize and cried out All you that wish well to Scotland follow me and thereupon catching up a Lance they all cheerfully followed him and he made so brisk an Assault on the scattered Plunderers that they fled hastily to their Ships and whilst they all endeavoured to get aboard one Ship overladen with Passengers was sunk and all that were in it drowned This Attempt of Sinclare's was so grateful to the King That ever after he called him His Bishop That Summer when all the English Counties bordering on the Scots lay desolate and unmanured by reason of want of Provision Diseases also abounding amongst all sorts of tame Animals and Cattle as also by frequent Invasions To remedy this Inconvenience Edward came to York but there he was not able to compleat an Army by reason of the Paucity of the Inhabitants so that the Londoners and the Parts adjoining were fain to supply him with Soldiers thô many of them had their Passes and Discharges from all Military Services before At length he made up an Army and marches to besiege Berwick he was scarce arrived there when Thomas Randolfe passed over the River Solway and marched another way into England where he wasted all with Fire and Sword no Man resisting him yea in some Places he could hardly meet with any Man at all For a Plague which Reigned the former year had made such a Devastation that the Face of things seemed very piteous even to their very Enemies When the Scots had marched above 100 Miles and had fired all especially about York the Archbishop thereof more foâ— the Indignity of the Thing than the Confidence in his Force took Arms. He gathered together an Army numerous enough but raw and undisciplined consisting of a promiscuous Company of Priests Artificers and Country-Labourers whom he led with more Boldness than Conduct against his Invaders but being overcome by them he lost many of his Men and He with some few saved themselves by Flight There was so great a Slaughter of Priests made there That the English for a long time after called that Battel The White Battel Edward hearing of this Overthrow lest his Conquering Enemy should make further and greater Attempts brake up his Siege and retreats to York the Scots having withdrawn themselves and from thence into the heart of his Kingdom The English were busied with Domestick Tumults so that a short Truce was made rather because both Kings were tired with the War than otherwise any whit desirous of a Pacification In this Calm Robert Indicts a Convention of all the Estates and Nobility And because the
to settle Matters at home When the Marriage of his Son was magnificently celebrated he perceiving the end of his Life to be near at hand composed himself almost into the Habit of a private Man for some years before all the Grand Affairs of State had been managed by Thomas Randolph and Iames Douglas and lived in a small House at Cardross a place divided from Dumbritton by the River Levin and kept himself but in case of great Necessity from the Concourse of People Thither he called some of his Friends a little before his Death and made his Will He confirmed those to be his Heirs which were so declared by the Convention of Estates First David his Son being eight year old next Robert his Nephew by his Daughter he commended them to his Nobles and especially to Thomaâ— Randolph his Sisters Son and Iames Douglas Afterward he settled his Houshold Affairs and exhorted them all to Concord amongst themselves and to observance of Allegiance to their King if they did so he would assure them to be unconquerable by a Foreign Power Moreover he is reported to have added Three Commands or if you will Counsels First That they should never make any one Man Lord of the Aebudae Islands Next That they should never fight the English with all their Force at one time and Thirdly That they should never make with them a Perpetual League In Explicating his First Advice he discoursed much concerning the Number Bigness and Power of the Islands and concerning the Multitude Fierceness and Hardiness of their Inhabitants They with Ships Such as they were yet not inconvenient for those Coasts coping with Men unskill'd in Marine Affairs might do a great deal of Mischief to others but receive little Damage themselves And therefore Governors were Yearly to be sent thither to administer Justice amongst them by Officers who should not be continued long in their Places neither His Second Advice concerning the English stood upon this Foot Because the English as inhabiting a better Country did exceed the Scots in Number of Men Money and all other Warlike Preparations and by reason of these Conveniencies they were more accustomed to their Ease and not so patient of Labour or Hardship On the other side the Scots were bred in an hardier Soil and were by reason of their Parsimony and continual Exercise of a more healthy Constitution of Body and by the very manner of their Education made more capable to endure all Military Toil and therefore That they were fitter for suddain and occasional Assaults so to weaken and weary out their Enemy by degrees than to venture all at once in a pitch'd Battel His Third Advice was grounded upon this Reason Because if the Scots should have a long Peace with the English having no other Enemy besides them to exercise their Arms upon they would grow Lazy Luxurious and so easily become Slothful Voluptuous Effeminate and Weak As for the English though they had Peace with the Scots yet France was near them which kept their Arms in ure If then those who are skilful in Warlike Affairs should cope with the Scots thus grown unskilful and sluggish they might promise to themselves an assured Victory Moreover he commended to Iames Douglas the Performance of the Vow which he had made which was to go over into Syria and to undertake the Cause of Christendom in the Holy War against the Common Enemy thereof And because he himself by reason of his Home-bred Seditions or else being broken with Age and Diseases could not perform the Vow himself he earnestly desired That Douglas would carry his Heart after he was deceased to Jerusalem that it might be buried there Douglas looked upon This as an Honourable Imployment and as an eminent Testimony of the Kings Favour towards him and therefore the next Year after the Kings Death with a good Brigade of Noble young Men he prepared for his Voyage But being upon the Coasts of Spain he heard That the King of Arragon managed a fierce War against the same Enemy with which he was to fight in Syria and thinking with himself that it mattered not in what Place he assisted in the Cause of Christianity he Landed his Men and joined himself with the Spaniard where after many prosperous Fights at last despising the Enemy as a weak and fugitive one he thought to attempt something against him with his own Men and so rushing unadvisedly on the Army of the Sarazens he was by them drawn into an Ambush wherein he and most part of his Men were slain His chief Friends that perished with him were William Sinclare and Robert Logan This happened the next year after the Kings Death which was 1330. To be short Robert Bruce was certainly a most Illustrious Person every way and he can hardly be parallelled for his Virtues and Valour even in the most Heroick Times for as he was very Valiant in War so he was most Just and Temperate in Peace and though his unhoped for Successes and after that Fortune was once satiated or rather wearied with his Miseries a continual course of perpetuated Victory did highly Ennoble him yet to me he seemed to have been more Glorious in his Adversities For What a strong Heart was That which was not broken no nor yet weakened by so many Miseries as brake in upon him all at once Whose Constancy would it not have tried to have his Wife a Prisoner and to have his Four Valiant Brothers cruelly put to Death And his Friends at the same time vexed with all kind of Calamities and they which escaped with their Lives were Exiled and lost all their Estates As for himself he was outed not only of a large Patrimony but of a Kingdom too by the powerfullest King of those Times and one who was most ready both for Advice and Action Though he were beset with all these Evils at one time yea and brought into the extreamest Want yet he never doubted of recovering the Kingdom Neither did he ever do or say any thing which was unbecoming a Royal Spirit He did not do as Cato the Younger and Marcus Brutus who laid violent Hands on themselves neither did he as Marius incensed by his Sufferings let loose the Reins of Hatred and Passion against his Enemies but when he had recovered his Ancient State and Kingdom he so carried it towards them who had put him to so much Hardship and Trouble That he seemed rather to Remember that he was now their King than that he had been sometimes their Enemy And even a little before his Death though a great Disease made an addition to the Trouble of his Old Age yet he was so much Himself as to confirm the Present State of the Kingdom yea and to consult the quiet of his Posterity So that when he died all Men bewailed him as being deprived not only of a Just King but of a Loving Father too He departed this Life the Seventh of
Own as if they had publick Permission to Rob and Spoil for they having been accustomed to this kind of Life think they might lawfully do That which Custom hath inured them always to do heretofore And therefore before that time there had often Quarrels and sometimes Blows happened betwixt the Scots and French These endeavouring to practise their wonted Rapacity and the Other not submitting to such an unaccustomed Servility so that as One snatcht away what was none of His the Other laboured to defend his Own After this Disgust and Alienation of Minds at Roxburgh the French Commissaries used greater Licentiousness than ever before in gathering in Provisions as intending shortly to depart and the Country-men disdaining to be made a Prey to a Few men and those Strangers too many times took away their Baggage and their Horses and the Officers and straggling Soldiers sent out to Forage were sometimes wounded sometimes slain outright by them When Complaints hereof were brought to the Council the Countrymen answered with one Consent That they were Treated more Coursly and Robbâ—d by the French who called Themselves Friends than by the English their Professed Enemies and therefore they resolved That they should not depart the Land till they had made them Recompence for their Losses neither could this obstinate Humour of theirs be stopt by the Douglasses thô they were the most Popular men of that Age. Hereupon the Army was sent back but the General was detained till full Payment was made The French set Sail in the Calends of November the Scots either tired with the Military Toil of the last Year or satiated with the Spoils of so many Prosperous Expeditions sate still all that Winter But the next Spring William Douglas the Son of Archibald Earl of Galway sailed over into Ireland both to revenge at present the often Descents of the Irish upon the Coasts of Galway and also to restrain them for the Future This William was a Young man the Eminentest in all Virtues both of Body and Mind amongst all the Scots He was a big-bodied Man and had strength accordingly and his comely Beauty was accompanied with a Manly and Graceful Dignity of Presence which seldom happens in Bodies of that Bulk And moreover his Successfull Exploits in War did much recommend him for he oft-times with a Few would assault a greater Number of his Enemies and come off a Conquerour Neither was he ever employed in any Expedition but he gave evident Proofs of his Valour These Excellencies which in some are matter of Envy yet in him by reason of his Affability Complaisance and courteous Modesty were acceptable to All. And upon the account of those Virtues tho' the King knew him to be Base-born yet he bestowed his Daughter Aegidia upon him in Marriage a Woman of the rarest Beauty in those Times and one who had been Courted by many of the Noblest Youngsters of the Court. With Her he gave Nithisdale the next Country to Galway as a Dowry He Landed his Men at Carlingford a rich Town in that County and the Suddenness of the Thing struck such Terrour into the Townsmen That they presently sent out to him to Treat about Conditions of Surrender Douglas entertained them courteously and in the mean time as secure of the Enemy he sent out Robert Stuart Laird of Disdeir with 200 Soldiers to bring in Provisions into his Ships The Townsmen having gotten this time for Consultation send for Aid from Dundale Five hundred Horse were sent with whose help they divided themselves into Two Bodies and so drew forth against their Enemy for because they were so much Superior to them in Number they thought presently to kill them all and so to become Masters of their Ships too But both their Bodies were routed the Town taken plundered and burnt Fifteen Ships which rode in the Harbour were laded with the Spoils of the City and in his return home he plundered the Isle of Man by the way and so arrived at Lough-Rian which divides Part of Galway from Carrick There Douglas heard That his Father was gone in an Expedition against England Whereupon he hastned after him as fast as he could That Expedition was undertaken chiefly upon this Ground Richard of England having entred Scotland the Year before and spated nothing either Sacred or Profane at his return home met with a Domestick Sedition which had changed the State of his whole Kingdom To heal this Mischief he transfer'd the Government of the Provinces and the management of Lesser Matters as is usually done in such Cases from one to another and by this means the Fire of Hatred was not so much quenched as covered in the Ashes and likely soon after to break out again But on the the contrary Scotland enjoyed a Great but yet uncertain Tranquillity For it was full of Young Soldiers fit for War and as fruitful and well-stored with good Commanders as ever before So that the Nobility were desirous of a War and in all their Assemblys and Meetings they still muttered That so gallant an Opportunity to be revenged upon the English for their old Injuries was not to be neglected and that the English would never have omitted it in reference to Scotland if the Affairs thereof had been in the like Perturbation But King Robert being a Man of a quiet Disposition and moreover by reason of his growing and unweildy Age not so forward for War seemed not to be sufficiently concerned at the Publick Injuries And his Eldest Son Iohn was naturally Slow and besides Lame with the stroke of an Horse so that he was not well able to endure the Hardships of a Camp And therefore the Nobles made their Addresses to Robert the next Son Earl of Fife To whom they complained of the deplorable State of the Publick and they all presently Concluded That the wrong lately received was to be revenged and therein every one promised his Chearful Assistance so that it was agreed That a Levy of Soldiers should be made against the Nones of August next but so secret That neither King either Scots or English should know thereof But the English were quickly advertised by their Spies of the Time and Place of Meeting so that they resolved to prevent their Enemy with the same Surprize For they advised the rest of the Nobles with all their Followers to be in a readiness not at any one day but whenever there was need that they might draw to their Colours Matters being thus resolved on when they heard That the Scots to the Number of 30000 or as Frossard will have it of 40000 were met together in Teviotdale nor far from the Borders they resolved further that seeing they were not able to encounter so great a Multitude they would attempt nothing before the Coming of the Enemy upon them And in the mean time to conceal their Project the better every man was to stay at his own home till they saw upon
the Male-Line fail'd it should return to the King in regard 't was a Male-Feo as Lawyers now speak This Young Man's Loss who was absent and also an Hostage did move many to Commiserate his Case but Robert his Tutor took it so heinously that it made him almost Mad. For he taking the Case of his Kinsman more impatiently than others did not cease to accuse the King openly of Injustice and being Summon'd to Answer for it in Law he appear'd not and thereupon was banish'd the Land This made his fierce mind more enrag'd for revenge as being irritated by a new Injury So that he joyn'd secret Counsels with those who had also their Estates confiscated or who took the punishments of their Friends tho' justly inflicted in great disdain or who accus'd the King as a Covetous man because he was so intent upon his gain that he had not rewarded them according to their Expectations And besides he bewailed That not only many noble Families were brought to ruin but that the Wardships of Young Nobles which were wont to be the Rewards of Valiant Men were now altogether in the Kings hands so that all the wealth of the Kingdom was almost in one hand and others might starve for misery and want under such an unjust Valuer of their labours Now that which he upbraided him concerning Wardships with is This 'T is the Custom in Scotland England some Countrys of France that Young Gentlemen or Nobles when their Parents dye should remain in the Tutelage of those whose Feudatarys they are till they arrive at the age of 21 Years and all the Profits of their Estates besides the Charges necessary for their Education and also the Dowry given with their Wives comes to such their Tutors and Guardians Now these Tutelages or as they are commonly call'd Wardships were wont to be Sold to the next of kin for a great Sum of Money or sometimes well deserving men were gratify'd with them So that they expected Benefit upon the Sale of such Wardships or Incomes for a reward by their keeping of them But now they were much vex'd that the King took them all to himself neither did they conceal their vexation and displeasure When the King heard of these Murmurings and Complaints he excus'd the thing as done by Necessity because the publick Revenue had been so lessen'd by former Kings and Governors that the King could not maintain his Family like himself nor be decently guarded and attended nor yet give Magnificent Entertainment to Ambassadors without them Besides he alleged that this Parsimony and Care of the King in providing Money in all just and honest Ways was not unprofitable to the Nobility themselves whose greatest damage was to have the Kings Exchequer low For then Kings were wont to extort by Force from the Rich what they could not be without yea sometimes they were forced to burden and vex the Commons too by exacting Taxes and Payments from them and that the Parsimony of the King was far less prejudicial to the Publick by imposing a Mean to immoderate Donations than his Profuseness was wont to be for then he was still forc'd to seize on other Mens Estates when his Own was consum'd This answer satisfy'd all those who were Moderate but those who were more Violent and who rather sought after occasions of complaint than were willing to hear any just Compurgation of an imputed Crime were more vehemently enraged by it This was the State of Scotland when Embassadors arrived out of France to fetch Margarit Iames his Daughter who had before been betrothed to Lewis Son of Charles the 7th home to her Husband That Embassy brought on another from the English For seeing that the Duke of Burgundy was alienated from their Friendship and meditated a revolt and that Paris and other transmarine Provinces were up in a Tumult lest when all the strength of the Kingdom was drawn out to the French War the Scots should invade them on the other side The English sent Embassadors into Scotland to hinder the Renovation of the League with France and the Consummation of the Marriage but rather to persuade a perpetual League with them who were born in the same Island and us'd the same Language And if they would do so and solemnly Swear That they would have the same Friends and Enemies with the English then they promis'd that their King would quit his claim to Berwick Roxburgh and other Places and Countrys which were before in Controversy betwixt the Nations Iames referr'd the Desire of the English to the Assembly of the Estates then met at Perth where after a long debate upon it the Ecclesiasticks were divided into two Factions but the Nobility cry'd out That they knew well enough the Fraud of the English who by this new League sought to break their old Band of Alliance with the French that so when the Scots had lost their Ancient Friend they might be more obnoxious to them if at any time they were freed from other Cares and could wholly intend a War with Scotland and that the liberal Promises of the English were for no other End but as for themselves they would stand to their old League and not violate their Faith once given The English being thus repuls'd turn from Petitions to Threats and seeing they refus'd to embrace their Friendships they denounc'd War telling the Scots that if their King sent over his betroth'd Daughter into France one that was an Enemy to the English The English would hinder their Passage if they could yea and take them Prisoners and their Retinue too having a Fleet ready fitted for that purpose This Commination of the Embassadors was so far from terrifying Iames that he rigg'd his Navy and Shipped a great Company of Noblemen and Ladies for her Train and so caus'd his Daughter to set Sail sooner than he had determin'd that he might prevent the designs of the Englâ—sh And yet notwithstanding all this precaution it was God's Providence rather than Man's Care that she came not into the Enemies hand for when they were not far from the Place where the English concealing themselves waited for their Coming behold upon a sudden a Fleet of Hollanders appear'd laden with Wine from Rochel to Flanders The English Fleet made after them with all their Sail because the Burgundian being a little before reconciled to the French did oppose their Enemies with all his might and being nimble Ships they quietly fetcht them up being heavy laden and unarm'd and as easily took them but before they could bring them into Port the Spaniards set upon them unawares and took away their Prey and sent the Flandrians safe home Amidst such changeable Fortune betwixt Three Nations the Scots landed at Rochel without seeing any Enemy They were met with many Nobles of the French Court and were brought to Tours where the Marriage was Celebrated to the great Joy and mutual Gratulation of Both Nations Upon this Occasion
so lamented by all good Men as if in him they had lost a publick Father For in that Man besides the Virtues above mention'd there was an high degree of Frugality and Continence at home yet great Splendor and Magnificence abroad He exceeded all former Bishops yea and all those which have sat after him in that See to this very day in Liberality towards the Publick and yet notwithstanding his own Ecclesiastical Revenues were not very great for as yet the Scots had not arrived at that ill Custom of heaping up Steeples upon Steeples nor had learned to spend that worse upon Luxury which was before ill gotten by Avarice He left one Eminent Monument of his Munificence behind him and That was the Publick Schools at St. Andrews which he built with great Expence and endow'd with large Revenues but issuing out of Church Incoms he took order that a Magnificent Monument should be erected for himself therein which yet the Malignity of Men envy'd him for though he had deserv'd so well privately of most Men and publickly of all Men They alleg'd 't was a thing of too much vanity to bestow so much Cost upon a Structure of no Use. His Death made his Virtues more illustrious and increas'd Mens desire after him for when he who was a perpetual Censor and Corrector of Manners was once remov'd out of the way the publick Discipline began by degrees to grow weak and remiss and at last to be so corrupt as to bring almost all things with it self to ruin The Boyds made use of pretences in Law to increase the Domestick Power of their Family and to abate the Potency of their Enemies and first Patrick Graham seem'd most pat for their purpose he was the Brother of Iames Kennedy by the same Mother and was also Cousin by the Mothers-side to Robert Boyd He as the Manner was in those days was Elected Bishop by the Canons in the Room of his Brother Iames but was hinder'd by the Court-Faction from having the Kings leave to go to Rome so that he went privately to the Pope without any Train and so was easily admitted into his Brothers Place for besides the Nobleness of his Stock and the great Recommendation of his high Virtues he was also well Learned as for those times And therefore whilst he staid at Rome fearing the Power of the Adverse Faction The old Controversy concerning the Liberty of the Church of Scotland began to be revived For the Archbishop of York pretended That the Bishops of Scotland were under his Jurisdiction so that he endeavour'd to retain That Power in time of Peace which had been usurped in the Licentious Times of War But a Decree was made at Rome in Favour of the Scots and Graham was not only made Primate of Scotland but also was Constituted the Popes Legat there for Three years to inquire into the dangerous Manners and Conversations of Priests and to restore decayed Ecclesiastical Discipline to its pristine Integrity and State and yet this great Man though so illustrious for Indowments of Mind and Fortune and having also the superadded Authority of the Pope to back him durst not return home till the Power of the Boyds did somewhat decline at Court The Boyds perceiving That the Concourse of the Nobility to them was not so great as they hop'd to avert the Accusations of their Enemies and provide for their own Security for the future cause a publick Assembly or Parliament to be Indicted against the 13th Day of October There Robert Boyd the Elder fell down on his Knees before the King and his Counsellors of State complaining That his Service to the King in bringing him to Edinburgh was ill interpreted and traduc'd by the Malign Speeches of his Adversaries who gave out threatning Words That the Advisers to that Journy should one Day suffer Punishment for the same and therefore he humbly besought the King That if he had conceiv'd any ill will or disgust in his Mind against him for that Journy That he would openly declare it that so the Calumnies of his Detractors might be either prevented or allay'd The King having advis'd a littâ—e with the Lords of the Articles made answer That Robert was not the Adviser of him to that Journy but rather his Companion in it and therefore that he was more worthy of a Reward for his Courtesie than of Punishment for his Obsequiousness and Compliance therein and this he was willing to declare in a publick Decree of the Estates that so all invidious Discourse might be stopt and in the same Decree Provision should be made That that Matter should never be prejudicial to Robert nor his Companions Boyd desired that This Decree might be Registred amongst the Acts of the Assembly and that the same should be confirm'd also by Letters Patents under the Great Seal and accordingly the Decree was presently Registred amongst the Acts and the Letters Patents were deliver'd to him soon after viz. the 25th Day of the same Month. The same Day also the King by advice of his Council gave him other Letters Patents wherein he was Constituted Regent and had the Safety of the King his Brothers Sisters Towns Castles and all the Jurisdiction over his Subjects committed to him till he himself came to 21 Years of Age and he dealt so with the Nobles then present that they solemnly promis'd to be assistant to the Boyds in all their publick Actions and that they would be obnoxious to Punishment if they did not carefully and with Faithfulness perform what they now promis'd To this Stipulation or Promise the King also subscrib'd By this means when the King was their Friend Part of the Nobility in League with them and also the Administration of the whole Government put into their Hands they thought themselves sufficiently secur'd for a long time yea and to lay a Foundation also for the future Greatness of their Posterity they brought it about that Thomas Boyd the Son of Robert should Marry the King 's Eldest Sister That Marriage as it was opulent and seem'd a Prop and Establishment of their Power so it increas'd the Hatred of their Enemies and gave Occasion to variety of Discourse amongst the Vulgar For though by this means all passage to the King's Ear seem'd to be precluded and they alone made the sole Arbiters of his Words and Actions yet they did not flourish so much in Favour at Court as they were prosecuted with publick Hatred abroad which after Four Years Concealment did at last break out to the Destruction of their whole Family and the wiser sort of the adverse Party did not much dislike this their sudden Increase of Honour for they hoped as 't is usual That Arrogance would be the Companion thereof which would not indure a Superior and despise an Equal yea and trample upon an Inferior and when the Bounds of a Subjects Condition are exceeded it also awakens Kings who are impatient of Corrivals to
overthrow such suspected Persons The Noise of this Discord betwixt such Potent Factions let loose the Reins to Popular Licentiousness For the People accustom'd to Robberies did by Intervals more eagerly return to their former Trade The Seeds of Hatred which were supprest for a time did now bud forth again with greater Vigour and the Seditious did willingly lay hold on these Occasions for Disturbances so that there was a general Liberty taken to do what Men listed in hopes of Impunity Neither were the Kennedys wanting to the Occasion who partly did spread abroad Rumors to inflame the People and to cast all the Cause of their Disturbance and Miseries upon the Boyds and partly also as some thought they were not much averse from the Design of the Seditious but did privily cast Fewel into the Fire This was plain and evident by their very Countenancâ—s That this troublesom State of Affairs was not unpleasant or unacceptable to them There seem'd but only One thing wanting utterly to subvert the flourishing Power of their Enemies and That was to make the King of their Party For they had Strength enough or too much they knew that the Commonalty who affect Innovations and love every thing more than what is present would crowd in to their Party hereupon they agreed to try the King's Mind by some crafty Persons who should pretend themselves to be Lovers of the Boydian Faction In the interim Embassadors were appointed to pass over into Denmark to desire Margarite the Daughter of that King as a Wife for Iames and that they should take all the care they could that the Old Controversie concerning the Orcades and the Isles of Shetland which had cost both Nations so much Blood might be accorded The Chief of the Embassie was Andrew Stuart Son to Walter who was then Chancellor of Scotland The Danes easily assented to the Marriage and they quitted all their Right which their Ancestors claim'd over all the Islands about Scotland in the Name of a Dowry only the private Owners of Estates in those Islands were to enjoy them upon the same Terms as they had formerly done Some write that they were passed over in Mortgage till the Dowry was paid but that afterward the King of Denmark gave up all his Right thereto for ever to his Nephew Iames who was newly born by his Daughter When the Chancellor had inform'd the King that all things were finish'd according to his desire the next Consult was to send an handsom Train of Nobles to bring over the New Queen And here by the Fraud of his Enemies and Inadvertency of his Friends Thomas Boyd Son of Robert Earl of Arran was chosen Embassador his very Maligners and Envyers purposely commending his Aptness for that Imployment by reason of his Valour Splendor and Estate fit for such a Magnificent Errand He judging all things safe at Home in regard his Father was Regent willingly undertook the Imployment and at the beginning of Autumn with a good Train of Friends and Followers he went a Ship-board In the mean time the Kennedy's had loosened the Kings Affection to the Boyds and whereas they thought to retain his Good Will by Pleasures and Vacation from Publick Cares Those very Baits they imputed as Crimes to them and by magnifying their Wealth though Great in it self yet as too Bulky and even dangerous to the King himself and withal alleging what a great Advance would accru to his Exchequer by the Confiscation of their Estates upon their Conviction they did variously agitate the infirm Mind of the King who was inclin'd to Suspicions and Avarice And the Boyds on the other side though they endeavour'd by their Obsequious Flatteries and their hiding the publick Miseries from him to banish all Melancholly Thoughts out of his Mind yet the Complaints of the Vulgar and the Solitariness of the Court Both which were of set purpose contriv'd and increast by their Enemies could not be hid And besides there were some who when the King was alone did discourse him freely concerning the Publick Calamities and the Way to Remedy them yea the King himself as if he were somewhat awakned to Manly Cares declar'd That what was sometimes Acted abroad did not please him But the Boyds though they perceiv'd that the King was every Day less and less Tractable to them than formerly and withal that popular Envy rose higher and higher against them yet remitted nothing of their former Licentiousness as trusting to the Kings former Lenity and to the Amnesty which they had for what was past Whereupon the contrary Faction having secretly wrought over the King to their Party and Thomas Earl of Arran being sent packing Ambassador into Denmark from whence he was not expected to return till late in the Spring because those Northern Seas are Tempestuous and Unpassable for a great part of the Year upon these accounts they thought it a fit season to attempt the Boyds who were Old and Diseased and therefore came seldom to Court and besides were destitute of the Aid of many of their Friends who were goâ—â— away in the Train of the Embassy The First thing tâ—â—y did was to persuade the King to call a Parliament which had been much long'd for a great while to meet at Edinburgh on the Twenty Second Day of November in the Year 1469. Thither the Boyds Two Brothers were Summoned to come and make their Appearance where Matters were variously carried towards them as every ones Hatred of them or Favour to them did dictate and direct But they were so astonisht at this sudden Blow as having made no great Provision against so imminent a Danger that their Minds were quite dejected not so much for the Power of the adverse Faction as for the sudden Alienation of the Kings Mind from them so that Robert in Despair of his safety fled into England but Alexander who by reason of his Sickness could not fly was call'd to his Answer The Crime objected to both the Brothers was That they had laid Hands on the King and by private Advice had carried him to Edinburgh Alexander alleg'd That he had obtain'd his Pardon for that Offence in a publick Convention and therefore he humbly desired That a Copy of that Pardon might be Transcrib'd out of the Parliament Rolls but this was denied him What his Accusers did object against that Pardon the Writers of those Times do not Record and I though a Conjecture be not very difficult to be made in the case yet had rather leave the whole Matter to the Readers Thoughts than to affirm Uncertainties for Truths Alexander was Condemn'd on his Tryal and had his Head cut off Robert a few years after dy'd at Alnwick in England the Grief of Banishment being added to the pains of his old Age. His Son though absent and that upon a publick Business was declar'd a publick Enemy without Hearing and all their Estates were Confiscate Thus stood the matter of Fact but I
Courtiers cast into Pâ—ison condemn'd by the King 's privy domestick Council and put to Death by having a Vein Opened till he expired his last The Cause of his Death was given out amongst the Vulgar to be because he had conspir'd with Witches against the King's Life and to make the matter more plausible twelve of the Witches of the lowest condition were Try'd and Burnt The Death of Iohn did rather stifle than dissipate the Conspiracy which seem'd almost ready to break forth Alexander the next as in Blood so in Danger tho' he indeavour'd to avert all Suspicion from himself as much as he could yet the Kings Officers thought they should never be Secure as long as he was alive and therefore they presently clapt him up Prisoner in the Castle of Edinburgh where he was strictly kept by those who judg'd his Power would be their Destruction and seeing he could not appease the Kings Wrath by the Mediation of his Friends he began to think of making an Escape he had but one of his own Servants left tâ— wait upon him in his Chamber him and none else he acquainted with his Design who hired a Vessel for him to be ready fitted in the adjoining Road then he suborn'd Messengers to make frequent Errands to him from the Court who should tell him Stories before his Keepers for he was forbid to speak with any Body but in their presence that the King was now more reconcileable to him than formerly and that he would speedily be set at Liberty When the day appointed for his Escape approach'd he compos'd his Countenance to as much Mirth as in that calamitous Condition he was able to do and told his Keepers that now he believ'd the Messages sent him by the King that he was reconcil'd to him and that he hop'd he should not be held much longer in Durance hereupon he invited them to a noble Supper and himself drank freely with them till late at Night then they departed and being all full of Wine fell into the Sounder sleep being thus alone he made a Rope of the Linen-Blankets of his Bed long enough as he thought for the height of the Wall and First to make a Tryal he caus'd his Servant to slide down by it but perceiving by his Fall that 't was too short he lengthned it out as well as he could in those Circumstances and himself Slid down too and took up his Servant who had broke his Leg by his Fall upon his Shoulders and carry'd him about a Mile to the Vessel where they went aboard and having a Fair Wind failed to Dunbar there he fortify'd the Castle against any forcible Assault and with a smal Retinue passed over into France In his absence Andrew Stuart the Chancellor was sent with an Army to take in the Castle they besieg'd it closely some Months and 't was defended as bravely but at last the Garison for want of Necessaries were forced to get Vessels and in the Night to depart privately for England so that in the Morning the Empty Castle was taken by the Besiegers some men of Note of the Besiegers were slain there About these Times it was that the Kings both of England and Scotland being weary'd out with Domestick Troubles had each of them a desire to make Peace and an Embassy was appointed to compleat it which was kindly received and the Peace was not only agreed upon but an Affinity accorded to confirm it that Cecilia the Daughter of Edward should be Married to Iames his Son as soon as they were Both Marrigeable Part also of the Dowry was paid on this Condition That if when they came to Years the Marriage were not Consummated the Dowry should be paid back to the English and Hostages were given for performance of Conditions which were some Burgers of Towns But this Peace lasted not long for by reason of the old grudges remaining since the last Wars Incursions were made Preys driven and Villages burnt So that by reason of these mutual Injuries the matter broke forth into an open War And besides each King had other peculiar Provocations Douglas the Old Exile and Alexander the Kings Brother the new One excited Edward thereunto For Alexander as I said before going into France Married the Daughter of the Earl of Bulloign but not being able to procure Aid from Lewis the II. then King of France for the Recovery of his own he Sailed over into England hoping from thence to make some Attempt upon Scotland As for Iames of Scotland Lewis of Franâ—e edg'd him on to a War having sent Robert Ireland a Scots man and Dr. of the Sorbon with Two French Knights to him on that Errand Hereupon the Peace was violated and altho' the Scotish Affairs in regard some of the Country was wasted were in none of the best State and Condition yea an Army also was decreed to be sent against Scotland by the English under the Command of the Duke of Glocester yet the King and those which were about him did levy Forces tho' very unwillingly For the Upstarts such they lately were and very poor too whose Greatness was founded on the Calamities of others and who had been the Authors of such desperate Counsels to the King fear'd nothing more than the frequent Assembly of the Nobility when he came to Lauder a Town near the Borders of Merch and Teviotdale Countrys either wasted by the Enemy or else by Force necessitated to submit to him the King yet proceeded on in his wonted Course of Exactions from them he distrusted the Nobility and manag'd all by his Cabinet-Council The Nobles would indure the Indignity no longer and therefore in the third Watch they met in a Church in the Town where in a Full Assembly Archibald Douglas Earl of Angus is reported to have declar'd the Cause of their Meeting in this wise I think it not necessary Noble Peers to make a long Oration concerning the state of Scotish Affairs you your selves Partly remember it and Partly you see it with your Eyes the Chief of the Nobility are either banished or else compelled to suffer intolerable and to act nefarious things and you in whom the strength of the Kingdom doth reside are left without an Head as a Ship without a Steers-man subject to all the Storms and Tempests of Fortune Your Lands are burnt your Estates plunder'd the Husbandman either slain or else perceiving no other Remedy or relief hath submitted to the Enemy And the King if he were Himself a man of a generous Spirit and rare Prudence yet being carried away by poysonous Insinuations refers all things pertaâ—ning to the Good of the Common-wealth as to Peace War and the like not to an Assembly of the Nobles but to inferior Underlings these men do consult South-sayers and Wizards and so carry their Answers to the King whose mind is Sick and easily taken with such vain Superstitions and thus Decrees are made under the Influence of such
them who were already in great Want and Necessity and thus whom the Sword had not consumed Famine and Poverty would These were the publick Complaints of all the Commons but the Cornish were more enraged than all the rest for they inhabiting a Country which is in great part barren are wont rather to gain than lose by Wars And therefore that warlike People having been accustomed rather to encrease their Estates by Military Spoils than to lessen them by paying Taxes and Rates first of all rose against the King's Officers and Collectors and slew them and then being conscious that they had engaged themselves in so bold an Attempt that there was no retreat nor hopes of Mercy the Multitude flocking in daily more and more to them with Arms in their hands they began their march towards London But 't is not my Business to prosecute the Story of this Insurrection it is enough for my purpose to tell you that the King was so busied this whole Year by the Cornish that the Army which he had designed against Scotland he was enforced to employ against them In the mean time Iames foreseeing That Henry would not let the Injuries of the former Year pass unrevenged and being also informed by his Intelligencers That he was raising great Forces against him He on the other side levied an Army to the intent That if the English invaded him first he might be in a posture to defend himself if not then he himself would make an inroad into his Enemies Country and there so waste and destroy the bordering Counties that the Soil poor enough of it self should not afford sufficient Necessaries even for the very Husbandman And hearing of the Cornish Insurrection he presently began his march and entered England with a great Army dividing his Forces into two parts one went towards Durham to ravage that Country and with the rest he besieged Norham a strong Castle scituated on a very high Hill by the River Tweed But neither here nor there was there any thing considerable done For Richard Fox Bishop of Durham a very prudent Person foreseeing that the Scots would not omit the Opportunity of attempting somewhat during the civil Broils in England had fortified some Castles with strong Garisons and had taken care that the Cattle and all other driveable and portable things should be conveyed unto places either safe by Nature or made so by the vicinity of Moors Rivers And moreover he sent for the Earl of Surry who had great Forces in Yorkshire to assist him and therefore the Scots only burnt the Country and not being able to take Norham which was stoutly defended by those within raised the Siege and without any considerable Action returned Home The English followed them not long after and demolished Aytown a small Castle seated almost in the very Borders and he returned out of their Enemies Country without any memorable performance also Amidst these Commotions both foreign and domestick Peter Hialas a Man of great Wisdom and as those Times were not unlearned arrived in England he was sent by Ferdinand and Isabel King and Queen of Spain The purport of his Embassy was That Katharine their Daughter might marry Arthur King Henry's Son and so a new Affinity and Friendship might be contracted betwixt them The English did willingly embrace the Affinity and therefore were desirous to finish the War with Scotland and because Henry thought it was below his Dignity to seek Peace at the Scots Hands he was willing to use him as a Mediator Peter willingly undertook the Business and came into Scotland there he plied Iames with several Arguments and at last made him inclinable to a Peace and then he wrote to Henry That he hoped a good Peace would be agreed without any great difficulty if he pleased to send down some Eminent Person of his Council to accord the Conditions Henry as one that had often tried the inconstancy of Fortune and that the Minds of his Subjects were grown fierce by these late Tumults as being rather irritated than wholly suppressed commanded Richard Fox who resided in his Castle at Norham to join Counsels with Hialas These Two had many Disputes about the Matter with the Embassadors of Scotland at Iedburgh and after many Conditions had been mutually proposed they could agree upon nothing The chiefest Impediment was The demand of Henry that Peter Warbeck should be given up to him for he judged it to be a very reasonable Proposition in regard he was but a Counterfeit and had been already the Occasion of so much Mischief Iames peremptorily refused so to do alledging That it was not honourable in him to surrender up a Man of the Royal Progeny who came to him as a Suppliant whom he had also made his Kinsman by Marriage against his Faith given to him to be made a Laughing-stock by his Enemies And thus the Conference broke off yet the hopes of an Agreement were not altogether cast off for a Truce was made for some months till Iames could dismiss Warbeck upon Honourable Terms according to his Promise For now by the Conference with the English and other evident Indications it plainly appeared that the Tale concerning Peter's State and Kindred was a mere Falsity and therefore the King sent for him and told him what singular good Will he had born him and how many Courtesies he had bestowed upon him of which he himself was the best Witness as first That he had undertaken a War against a Potent King for his sake and had now managed it a second Year to the great Inconvenience of his Enemy and the Prejudice of his own Subjects That he had refused an Honourable Peace which was freely offered him merely because he would not surrender him up to the English and thereby he had given great Offence both to his Subjects and his Enemy too so that now he neither could nor would any longer withstand their Desires And therefore whatever might ensue whether Peace or War he desired him to seek out some other and fitter Place for his Banishment for he was resolved to make Peace with the English and when it was once solemnly made to observe it as religiously and to remove from him whatsoever might be an Impediment or Disturbance thereto Neither ought he to complain That the Scots had forsaken him seeing the English had done so first in confidence of whose Assistance the Scots had begun the War And yet notwithstanding all these Circumstances he was resolved to accommodate him with Provisions and other Necessaries to put to Sea Warbeck was mightily troubled at his unexpected dismission yet he remitted nothing of his dissimulated height of Spirit but in a few days sailed over into Ireland with his Wife and Family From whence soon after he passed into England and there joined himself with the Reliques of the Cornish Rebels but after many Attempts being able to do no good he was taken and having confessed
all the Pageantry of his former Life he ended his days in an Halter The Seminary of War between England and Scotland being almost extinguished and a great likelihood of Peace appearing behold there arose a great Ebullition of Spirit upon a very light occasion which had almost broken out into a fierce War Some Scottish Youths went over to the Town of Norham which was near to the Castle as they were oft wont to do in Times of Peace there to recreate themselves in Sports and Pastimes and to junket together with their Neighbours as if they had been at Home for there was but a small River which divided them The Garison in the Castle out of the Rancour yet lodging in their Breasts since the former War and being also provoked by some passionate words accused those Scots as Spies and so from Words they came to Blows many were wounded on both sides and the Scots being fewer in number were forced to return Home with the loss of some of their Company This Business was often canvassed in the Meetings between the Lords of the Marches and at last Iames was very angry and sent an Herald to Henry to complain of Breach of Truce and how unconstant the English were in keeping Covenant and unless Satisfaction were given according to the just Laws which were made by general Consent about restitution betwixt the Borderers he commanded him to denounce War against him Henry had been exercised by the Violence of Fortune even from his Cradle and therefore was more inclined to Peace his Answer was That whatever was done of that kind was against his Will and without his Knowledg and if the Garison-Souldiers had offended in the Case by their Temerity he would take order That Examination should be made and that the Leagues being kept inviolate the Guilty should be punished But this was slowly done and Iames looked upon the Answer as dilatory that so Punishment might be deferred and the Sentiment thereof worn out with Time and therefore it rather provoked than satisfied Iames. But Richard Fox Bishop of Durham who was owner of the Castle being much troubled that an occasion of breaking the League should be administred by any of his Tenants to prevent it sent several Letters to Iames full of great submission modesty and civility which so inclined the Mind of Iames that he wrote him word back that he would willingly speak with him not only about the late Wrongs done but also about other Matters which might be advantagious to both Kingdoms Fox acquainted his King herewith and by his Consent he waited upon Iames at Mulross where he then was There Iames made a grievous Complaint of the Injury acted at Norham yet by the prudent and grave discourse of Fox he was so pacified that for Peace-sake of which he shewed himself very desirous he remitted the Offence Other things were acted privately betwixt them but it appeared afterward that the Sum of them was this That Iames did not only desire a Peace but both before and also now an Affinity with Henry and a stricter Bond of Union And if Henry would bestow his Daughter Margaret upon him in Marriage he hoped that the thing would be for the benefit of both Kingdoms and if Fox whose Authority he knew to be great at home would but do his Endeavour to accomplish the Affinity he did not doubt but it would be soon effected He freely promised his Endeavour and coming to the Court of England acquainted the King with the Proposition and thereupon gave hopes to the Scots Embassadors that a Peace would easily be accorded betwixt the two Kings Thus at length three Years after which was An. 1500 even about one and the same time Henry's Eldest Daughter was betrothed to Iames the IVth and also Katharine Daughter to Ferdinand of Spain to Henry's Eldest Son and their Marriages were celebrated with great Pomp the next Year after After the Marriage all things were quiet and the Court turned from the Study of Arms to Sports and Pastimes so that there was nothing but Masks Shews Feastings Dancings and Balls it was as a continued Jubilee and upon that account every day was as an Holy-day There were also Horse-Tiltings frequently made mostly according to the French Mode betwixt which as Tragical Acts there intervened the Challenges of Moss-Troopers one of another who were wont to live upon Spoil which Sport the King was well pleased to behold because he judged that the killing of them was a Gain to him When the noise of these Tourneaments came to Foreign Nations many Strangers and especially from France came daily over to shew their Prowess who were all liberally entertained by the King and as bountifully dâ—smissed Neither did he rest in these ludicrous Exercises but he laid out a great deal of Mony upon Building at Sterlin Falkland and sundry other places and especially in building of Monasteries but his Cost about Ships was greatest of all for he built three stately ones of a great Bulk and many also of a middle Rate one of his great ones was to admiration the biggest that ever any Man had seen sail on the Ocean it being also furnished with all manner of costly Accommodations our Writers have given a Description of it which I pass over and the Measure of it is kept in some places but the Greatness of it appeared by this That the News thereof stirred up Francis King of France and Henry the 8 th King of England each of them to build a Ship in imitation thereof and each endeavouring to out-vie the other when their Ships were finished and fitted with all necessaries for sailing and brought to Sea they were so big that they stood there like unmoveable Rocks unfit for any use These Works being very expensive did exhaust Iames his Treasure so that he was forced to devise some new ways to get Mony and amongst the rest he pitched upon one by the Perswasion as it was thought of William Elphinstone Bishop of Aberdeen which was very displeasing to all the Nobility Amongst the Tenures of Land in Scotland this is one kind by which the Owner holds what he buys or else is given him on these Terms That if he dye and leave his Son and Heir under Age The Wardship of him should belong to the King or to some other Superior Lord yea and all the Revenue is to be received by him till the Heir come to the age of 21 Years There is also another Badg of Slavery annexed to this Hold that if an Owner do sell above half his Estate without the consent of the chief Lord then he is to forfeit the whole to him This Law was introduced by Court-Parasites to advance the King's Exchequer but being looked upon as unjust had lain dormant a long time but the King being informed that Money might be got out of the Violators of it commanded it to be put in Execution that Process they call Recognition
or else were likely speedily to follow after It considering also his eminent Virtues yea his popular Vices did easily deceive vulgar Minds under a specious Resemblance and Affinity to Virtue For he was of a strong Body just Stature a Majestick Countenance of a quick Wit but by the default of the Times not cultivated by Learning He did greedily imbibe one ancient Custom of the Nation for he was skilful in curing of Wounds for in old Times that kind of Knowledg was common to all the Nobility as Men continually accustomed to Arms. The Access to his Presence was easy his Answers were mild he was just in Judgment and moderate in Punishment so that he seemed to be drawn to it against his Will He bore the malevolent Speeches of his Enemies and the Monitions of his Friends with a Greatness of Mind which arose in him from the Tranquillity of a good Conscience and the Confidence of his own Innocency insomuch that he was so far from being angry that he never returned them an harsh Word There were also some Vices which crept in among these Virtues by reason of his two great affectation of Popularity For by endeavouring to avoid the Name of a covetous Prince which his Father had incurred he laboured to insinuate himself into the Good will of the Vulgar by sumptuous Buildings by costly Pageants and immoderate Largesses so that his Exchequer was very low and his want of Money such that if he had lived longer the Merits of his former Reign would have been extinguished or at least out-ballanced by his Imposition of new Taxes so that his Death seemed to have hapned rather commodiously than immaturely to him IAMES the Vth the CVIth King WHen Iames the Fourth was slain he left his Wife Margaret and Two Sons behind him the Eldest of which was not yet full two Years old The Parliament assembled at Sterlin proclaimed him King according to the Custom of the Country on the 24 th day of February and then they addressed themselves to settle the publick Affairs in doing whereof they first perceived the greatness of their Loss For those of the Nobility who bore any thing of Authority and Wisdom before them being slain the major part of those who survived by reason of their youthful Age or incapacity of Mind were unfit to meddle with Matters of State especially in so troublesom a time and they who were left alive of the better sort who had any thing of Prudence in them by reason of their Ambitions and Covetousness abhorred all Counsels tending to Peace Alexander Hume Lord Warden of all the Marches had got a great Name and a large Estate in the King's Life-time but when he was dead he obtained an almost Regal Authority in the Countries bordering upon England He out of a wicked Ambition did not restrain Robbers that so he might more engage those bold and lewd Persons to him thinking thereby to make way for his greater Puissance but that Design was unhappy to him and in the end pernicious The Command of the Country on this side the Forth was committed to him the Parts beyond to Alexander Gordon to keep those Seditious Provinces within the Bounds of their Duty But the Name of Regent was in the Queen her self For the King had left in his Will which he made before he went to fight that if he miscarried as long as she remained a Widow she should have the Supream Power This was contrary to the Law of the Land and the first Example of any Woman who ever had the Supream Rule in Scotland yet the want of Men made it seem tolerable especially to them who were desirous of Peace and Quietness But her Office continued not long for before the end of the Spring she married Archibald Douglas Earl of Angus one of the prime young Men of Scotland for Lineage Beauty and Accomplishments in all good Arts and before the end of that Year the Seeds of Discord were sown They took their Rise from the Ecclesiastical Order for after the Nobles were slain in all publick Assemblies a great part were of that sort of Men and many of them did their own business amidst the publick Calamity and got such Estates that nothing did more hasten their Ruin than that inordinate Power which they afterwards as arrogantly used Alexander Stuart Archbishop of St. Andrews was slain at Flodden and there were Three which strove for that Preferment but upon different Interests Gawin Douglas upon the account of the Splendor of his Family and his own Personal Worth and Learning was nominated to the place by the Queen and accordingly took Possession of the Castle of St. Andrews Andrew Hepburn Abbat of St. Andrews before any Archbishop was nominated gathered up the Revenues of the place as a Sequestrator and he being a potent factious and subtile Man was chosen by his Monks to the Vacancy for he alleged that the Power of electing an Archbishop by ancient Custom was in Them so that he drove out the Officers of Gawin and placed a strong Garison in the Castle Andrew Forman had obtained great Favour in the Courts both of Rome and France by his former Services so that besides the Bishoprick of Murray in Scotland which he held from the beginning Lewis the 12 th of France gave him the Archbishoprick of Bourges And Pope Iulius had also dismissed him loaden with many rich Preferments for he bestowed on him the Archbishoprick of St. Andrews the two rich Abbies of Dumfermling and Aberbrothock and made him his Legate à Latere as they call him besides But so great was the Power of the Hepburns at that time that the Hume's being yet at Concord with them no Man could be found that durst proclaim the Popes Bull for the Election of Forman to that Dignity until at last Alexander Humes was induced by great Promises and besides other Gifts with the actual Donation of the Abby of Coldingham to David his younger Brother to undertake the Cause which seemed to be honest and just and especially because the Family of the Formans was in the Clanship or Protection of the Hume's so that he caused the Popes Bull to be published at Edinburgh And that was the Original of many Mischiefs which ensued for Hepburn being a Man of a lofty Spirit from that day forward studied day and night how to destroy the Family of the Hume's The Queen whilst she sat at Helm did this one thing Worthy to be remembred that she wrote to her Brother that he would not make War upon Scotland in respect to her and her young Children and that he would not infest the Dominions of his Cousin by his Foreign Arms which of its own accord was divided into so many Domestick Factions but that he would rather defend them against the Wrongs of others upon the account of his Age and the Affinity betwixt them Henry answered very Nobly and Prince-like That if the Scots desired
them saying that now was the time to free their young King who was almost of Age from the Bondage of a Stranger and also to deliver themselves from the same Yoke for the Queen now laboured to strengthen her Party against her Husband whom she long before began to disgust Besides the King of England sent frequent Letters stuft with large Promises to the Nobles of Scotland desiring them to promote his Sisters Designs He told them it was not his Fault that there was not a perpetual Amity between the two neighbouring Kingdoms and that he with others did much desire it at this time not for any private end of his own but to make it appear that he bore a respect to his Sister's Son whom he was resolved to support and gratify as much as ever he was able And if the Scots would be persuaded to break their League with France and to strike in with England they should quickly find his aim was not Ambition but Love and Concord only That Mary his only Daughter being married to Iames by that Affinity the Scots would not come over to the Government of the English but the English to That of the Scots That Enmities as great as theirs had intervened betwixt Nations heretofore which yet by Alliances mutual Commerce and interchangeable Kindnesses had been wholly abolish'd and extinct Moreover he reckon'd up the Advantages or Inconveniencies which might accrue to either Nation by this Union with each other rather than with the French as that they were one People born in the same Island brought up under the same Climate agreeable one to another in their Language Manners Laws Customs Countenance Colour and in the very Lineaments of their Bodies so that they seemed rather to be one Nation than two But as for the French they differed from them not only in Climate and Soil but also in the whole course of their Conversations Besides if France were an Enemy she could do no great damage to Scotland and if a Friend yet she could not be highly advantageous as for the Assistance of England That was near at Hand but French Aid was much more remote there was no Passage for it but by Sea and therefore it might be prevented by Enemies or else hindered by Storms They were therfore desired to consider how inconvenient it was for the management of Affairs and how unsafe for the Publick to hang the hopes of their and the Kingdoms Safety upon so unconstant and variable a thing as a blast of Wind. How much they might expect from absent Friends against present Dangers may be easily perceived by the Actions of the last Summer wherein the Scots not only felt but even saw with their Eyes how the English did baffle them being forsaken by their Friends and came upon them with all their Strength ready to devour them but the French Aid so long looked for was kept back by the English Navy in their own Harbours These were the Allegations for a Peace with England And not a few being convinced thereby inclined thereunto but Others argued to the contrary for there were Many in that Assembly whom the French had brib'd and some who had got great Estates out of the publick Losses for fear they should lose them did abhor the thoughts of Peace There were others who suspected the readiness and facility of the English in making such large Promises especially since matters in England were manag'd for the most part at the will and pleasure of Thomas Woolsey a Cardinal a Man wicked and ambitious who referr'd all his Designs to his own private Advantage and the inlargement of his Power and Authority and therefore he accommodated them to every turn of the Wheel of Fortune as men say All these did equally favour a League with France tho induced thereunto on different Grounds They alleged that the sudden Liberality of the English was not free and gratuitous but done out of Design and that This was not the first time that they had us'd such Arts to intrap the unwary Scots For Edward the First said they when he had sworn and obliged himself by all the Bonds of Law and Equity to decide the thing in Dispute and therefore was chosen Arbitrator by the Scots had most injuriously made himself King of Scotland and of late Edward the 4 th had betrothed his Daughter Cicely to the Son of Iames the 3 d but when the young Lady grew up to be marriageable and the day of Consummation thereof almost appointed he took the opportunity of a War which arose upon the account of our private Discords and so broke off the Match And that the English King aim'd at nothing else now but to cast the tempting bait of Rule before them that so he might make them really Slaves and when they were destitute of Foreign Aid might subdue them at his Pleasure and unawares with all his force Neither was that Position a true one wherein the contrary party did pride themselves That an Allyance near at hand was better than one farther off For causes of Dissension would never be wanting among those which were near which were oftentimes produc'd even by sudden chances and sometimes great Men would promote them upon every light occasion and then the Laws of Concord will be prescrib'd by him who hath the longest Sword That there was never such a firm and sacred Bond of Friendship between Neighbouring Kingdoms which upon occasions offer'd or fought for was not often violated neither could we hope that the English would more refrain now from violating such a League than they formerly did against so many Kings of their own Blood 't is true the Sanctity of Leagues and the Religion of an Oath for the faithful Performance of Pacts and Agreements are firm Bonds and Ingagements to good Men but amongst those which are bad they are but as so many Snares and Gins and give only opportunity to deceive and such an Opportunity is most visible in a Propinquity of Borders and Habitations in the Sameness of a Language and in a Similitude of Conversation But if all these things were otherwise yet proceeded they there are Two things to be regarded and provided for First that we reject not our old Friends even without an hearing who have so oft well deserv'd of us The other that we do not here spend our time in Quarrels and Disputes especially about a Business wherein nothing can be determin'd but in an Assembly of all the Estates of the Kingdom Thus stood the Inclinations of those of the French Faction and so they obtain'd that no Determination should be made till they receiv'd certain News of the French Supplies When the return of the Regent was made known it mightily rejoiced his Friends strengthned the wavering and kept back many who favour'd the League with England from complying with it He sent his Warlike Provisions up the River Clyde to Glasgoe and there muster'd his Army He also publish'd a Proclamation that
Fifteenth BOOK Mary and Henry Stuart the CVII th Queen and King THE King dying in the Flower of his Age rather of Grief than any Disease the Tumults of the former Times were rather hush'd asleep than compos'd so that wise Men foresaw so great a Tempest impending over Scotland as they had never heard of the like in ancient Records nor had themselves seen any like The King had not so much as ordered his own Domestick Affairs but had left a Daughter born about 8 Days before his Death Heiress to the Crown as for those of the Nobility who had born any sway either they were kill'd in Battel or else were banish'd or taken Prisoners by the Enemy And if they had been at home yet by reason of private Animosities or of Dissension on the account of Religion which were stifled out of fear during the King's Life but now that Restraint being taken off were likely to break forth they were at Discord amongst themselves so that they were not likely to act like sober Men. And besides they had War abroad against a most Puissant King and how he would use his Victory every one spoke severally according to his Hope or Fear He that was the second Heir and next to the Crown as he was not commonly reported to have much of Virtue even for the management of his private Life so he was as little noted for Counsel or Valour to manage a Kingdom As for the Cardinal he thinking that in these publick Calamities he might have an Opportunity to greaten himself that he might shew himself Some body both to his own Order and also to the French Faction undertook an Attempt both bold and impudent For he hired Henry Balfore a Mercenary Priest to suborn a false Will of the Kings wherein he himself was nominated to the Supream Authority with Three of the Potentest of the Nobility to be his Assessors He conceived an hope that his Project would succeed from the Disposition of the Earl of Arran which was not turbulent but rather inclinable to quietness and rest And besides he was near of Kin to him for he was Son to the Cardinal's Aunt And further he was one of those Three Persons who was assum'd into a Partnership in the Government Moreover the Opportunity to invade the Supream Power seem'd to require haste that he might prevent the return of the Prisoners and of those that were banished out of England That so they might have no Hand in conferring of this Honour upon him for he was afraid of their Power and Popularity neither did he doubt but that their Minds were alienated from him upon the score of a different Religion That was the Cause that presently after the King's Death he published the Edict concerning the chusing of four Governours for the Kingdom He also bribed some of the Nobles by Promises and Gifts to ingage them to his Faction and especially the Queen who was somewhat disaffected to the adverse Party But Hamilton the Head of the contrary Faction was a Man not ambitious but rather willing to live in quiet as was offer'd him if his Kindred would have suffer'd him but they studying their own Humour and Interest rather than his Honour Night and Day puffed up the Mind of the young Gentleman with strange Hopes and advised him by no means to let slip so fair an Opportunity put into his Hands for they had rather have Things all in a Combustion than to live in a fix'd and private condition of Life And besides the Hatred of the Cardinal got them some Friends and the Indignity of their Bondage under a Mercenary Priest They had also some appearance of hope which tho uncertain in it self yet was not inefficacious to stir up Mens Endeavours That seeing Hamilton was the next Heir many of them entertained such Thoughts as these That a Female so few days old and which was the only Person betwixt him and the Crown might meet with many Mischances either casually or by the fraud of her Supervisors before she came to be Marriageable Thus they laid the Foundation of the Greatness of the Hamilton's for a long time after yet so that it seemed most adviseable to them not to neglect the Advantage which the present State of Things did offer and thus to cherish an hope of the future Advancement of the Hamilton's and if that hope did deceive them yet it would not be difficult for them to regain the Favour or at least the Pardon of a new Princess who in the beginning of her Reign would study to win the Respects of all Men. Whilst Things were at this pass in Scotland the King of England out of his extraordinary Joy for so unexpected a Victory sent for the chief of the Scotish Prisoners up to London where after they had been imprison'd in the Tower two Days on St. Thomas day which was the 20 th of December they were brought all through the City where it was the longest as if they were to be shown as a publick Spectacle to the People and coming to Whitehal the King's Court they were sharply reprov'd by the Chancellor as Violators of the League and after he had made a large Discourse concerning the Goodness and Clemency of his King who had remitted much of that Rigour of Justice he might have used towards them they were distributed into several Families as to a larger Prison There were seven of the Nobility and twenty four of the Gentry besides But when the News came three days after That the King of Scots was dead and had left one only Daughter his Heiress Henry thought it a fit opportunity to conciliate and unite the Minds both of Scots and English in a Band of Concord by espousing his Son to their Queen Upon this he recalled the Prisoners to Court and imployed some fit Persons to feel their Pulses in the Case where being kindly entertained and promising to afford their Assistance towards the Match as far as they might without detriment to the Publick or their own Dishonour on the First of Ianuary at the beginning of the Year 1543 they were all released and sent back towards Scotland When they came to Newcastle and had given Hostages to Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk as to other matters they were free and so returned home There returned also with them the Douglas's two Brothers being restored to their Country now fifteen Years after their Banishment They were all received with the Gratulation of the major part of the People The Cardinal who saw that this Storm gathered against him as making no doubt but the Prisoners and the Exiles would be both his Contrariants in the Parliament had taken care to be chosen Regent before their coming but he injoy'd not that Honour long for within a few days his Fraud in counterfeiting the King's Will and Testament being discovered he was thrown out of his Place and Iames Hamilton Earl of Arran made Regent That which occasioned his setting
his Chamber and concluded with Prayer A while after two Executioners were sent to him by the Cardinal one of them put a black Linen Shirt upon him and the other bound many little Bags of Gunpowder to all the Parts of his Body In this Dress they brought him forth and commanded him to stay in the Chamber without the Governour 's And at the same time they erected a Wooden Scaffold in the Court before the Castle and made up a Pile of Wood. The Windows and Forts of the Castle over against it were all hung with Tapestry and silk Hangings with Cushions for the Cardinal with his Train to behold and take pleasure in the joyful Sight even the Torture of an innocent Man thus endeavouring to curry Favour with the Vulgar as the Author of so notable a Prank There was also a great Guard of Souldiers not so much to secure the Execution as for a vain Ostentation of his Power and besides Brass Guns were plac'd up and down in all convenient Places of the Castle Thus whilst the Trumpets sounded George was brought forth mounted the Scaffold and was fastened with a Cord to the Stake and having scarce obtain'd Liberty to pray for the Church of God the Executioners fired the Wood which took hold of the Powder tied about him immediately and blew it up into Flame and Smoke The Governor of the Castle who stood so near that he was sing'd with the Flame exhorted him in a few words to be of good chear and to ask Pardon of God for his Offences To whom he replied This Flame occasions trouble to my Body indeed but it hath in no wise broken my Spirit But He who now so proudly looks down upon me from yonder lofty Place pointing to the Cardinal shall ' ere long be as ignominiously thrown down as now he proudly lies at his Ease Having thus spoken they straitned the Rope which was tied about his Neck and so strangled him his Body in a few hours was consum'd to Ashes in the Flame and the Bishop being yet mad with Hate and Rage forbad every body upon great Penalties to pray for the Deceased After this Fact the Cardinal was highly commended by his Faction and extolled to the very Skies that he alone when others declined it had slighted the Authority of the Regent and performed so noble an Exploit whereby he had curb'd popular Insolency and had couragiously undertook and as happily manag'd the Defence of the whole Ecclesiastical Order If the Church had formerly had said they such valiant Assertors of its Liberties it would never have been brought to that Pass as it is at this Day i. e. to truckle under but it would have given Law to all and received it from none This luxuriant and superlative Joy of the Priests for their obtained Victory did rather irritate than discourage the Minds not only of the promiscuous Vulgar but even of some great and noble Persons also They fretted that things were come to that pass by their own Cowheartedness so that now some bold thing or other was to be attempted and hazarded or else they were Slaves for ever Hereupon more Company came in to them whose Grief enforc'd them to brake out in Complaints against the Cardinal so that they encouraged one another to rid the Cardinal out of the way and either to recover their Liberty or lose their Lives For what hope of thriving said they could there be under so arrogant a Priest and so cruel a Tyrant who made War against God as well as Men and those not his Enemies only as were all such as had Estates or were any way pious but if he bore but a grudg against a Man he would hale him as a Hog out of the Sty to be sacrific'd to his Lusts. And besides he was a publick Encourager and Maintainer of War both at Home and Abroad and in his private capacity he mixed the Love of Harlots with lawful Marriages Legitimate Wedlock he dissolv'd at pleasure at Home he wallowed in Lust among his Minions and Abroad he ravag'd to destroy the Innocent The Cardinal himself though he did not distrust his own Power yet knowing how People stood affected towards him and what Reports were spread up and down concerning him thought it his best way to strengthen his Power by some new Accession or other Hereupon he went to Angus and married his eldest Daughter to the Son of the Earl of Crawford the Marriage was solemnized in great State and almost with a Royal Magnificence Whilst these things were acting he received Intelligence by his Spies That the King of England was making great Naval Preparations to infest the Scotish Coasts but especially the Inhabitants of Fife whom he threatned most Whereupon he returned to St. Andrews and there appointed a Day for the Nobility especially those whose Estates lay near to the Sea to meet and to consult in common what Remedy to apply to the present Malady And to do it more effectually he determined to take a View of all the Sea-Coasts together with the Owners of the Lands and so in a manner to circuit about all Fife and to fortify all convenient Places and to put Garisons into them Amongst the rest of the Noble Mens Sons who came in to the Cardinal Norman Lesly Son to the Earl of Rothes was one of whom I have made mention several times before He had done great and eminent Service for the Cardinal but on a time there fell out a Dispute between them concerning a private business which estrang'd them a while one from another but Norman upon great Promises made to him quitted his Right in the Matter contested for After a few Months coming to demand of the Cardinal the performance of what was promised him they fell from plain Discourse to chiding and afterwards to downright railing uttering such reproachful words one to another as were seemly for neither of them and thus they parted in a great Rage one from another the Cardinal fretting that he was not treated with that Deference which was due to his Dignity and Norman full of Wrath and Rage as being circumvented by Fraud so that he returned home with thoughts full of Revenge and inveighed openly amongst his Friends against the intolerable Pride of the Cardinal insomuch that they all agreed to take away his Life And that the matter might pass with the least Suspicion Norman with five only in his Company came to St. Andrews and took up his usual Inn that so the design of cutting him off might be concealed by reason of the paucity of his Attendants There were Ten more in the Town privy to the Conspiracy who all in several Places expected the Watch-word With this small Company did he undertake so great an Enterprise and that in a Town which was full of the Cardinal's Train Kindred and Attendants The Days were then very long as they use to be in those Countries towards the end of the Spring
271 And receives an Affront thereupon ibid. A Conspiracy discovered against him ibid. He agrees with Baliol then in France 274 His Army enters England 275 His last Will and Testament 279 His three Counsels to his Nobles ibid. He would have his Heart buried at Jerusalem 280 His Death and Praise 281 Brudeus King of the Picts 156 Brudus King of the Picts slain 166 167 Brutus his Story 41 to 44 Buchan 19 Its Etymology 139 Buchan the Earl thereof made Lord High-Constable of France 335 Bull 's Head put upon a Man's heretofore a sign of Death in Scotland 370 Burgundus from Burgus 63 Bullock an English Man turns to the Scots 298 Put to Death 301 Burgh a Danish Name 201 Burra Isle 35 36 37 Buthroti Who 46 Buiia Isles great and small 29 30 70 C CAdvallus made Vice-King 105 He dies of Grief 106 Caithness 21 133 Caithness Men cruel against their Bishop and are punished for it 239 Calaman Isle 26 Calden in Scotch is an Hasel 56 Caledonia a Town i. e. Dunkel 18 Caledones Who ibid. Caledonian Woods whence so called 56 Caledonians Picts and Scots sometimes all called Britains 74 Calen Cambel with two others chosen Governour of the King and Kingdom 47 He is sent against the Douglasses 56 Calfa Isle 27 Calthrops politick Engines in War what 266 Camber Son of Brute 42 Cambri ibid. Why so called 61 Camus the Dane slain by the Scots 202 Caâ—a Isle 26 28 Cantire Promontory 17 Canutus a Danish General in Scotland 202 Makes Peace with the Scots 203 Caprary or Goat Isle 25 Cara Isle 25 Carail Town 18 Purged from Monuments of Idolatry 131 Caratacus King of Scotland 107 The Orcades not subdued by Claudius Caesar in his Time 108 Carausius a Roman composes the Differences betwixt Scots and Picts 124 He seizes on Britain for himself ibid. Carausius Brother of King Findocus causes him to be slain 122 Cardorus unjustly put to death by Dardanus 188 Carick 14 Carniburgh's two Islands 27 Carron-water 15 Carron why sirnamed Schrimger 218 Cave an unusual one turning Water into Stone 20 Cassivelannus his Town i. e. Verulam taken by Caesar 82 Cecily Edward of England's Daughter promised in Marriage to the Son of James III. 422 The intended Marriage null'd and the Dowry repaid 427 Celestine Pope sends Palladius into Scotland 145 Cells so the ancient Scots called their Temples 125 Celts Who 58 Celtiberi so called from the Celts and Iberians 49 Celuinus or Cialine King of the East-Saxons 156 Slain by the Scots 157 Charles the Dolphin of France seeks Aid of the Scots 334 Charles of Burgundy slain at Nants 420 He lays the Foundation of Tyranny in his Country 434 Charles the Fifth sends to Scotland to join in Affinity with them 63 Why his Mother was committed to perpetual Imprisonment 269 Charles Guise Cardinal Guarantee for the Kingdom of Scotland 114 Charn Islands 27 Chourna Isle ibid. Childeric a Saxon Commander wounded 152 Christian Religion promoted in Scotland 125 Christ's Birth-day prophaned 151 Christians join in League against the Danes 176 Christiern of Denmark with all his Male-Stock cast out of the Kingdom 269 Chualsa Isle 73 Cicero quoted about Britain 86 Church its woful State 417 Cimbri so the French and Germans call Thieves 77 78 Cities Names in Bria Brica Briga 63 64 65 In Dunum 65 66 67 In Durum 68 In Magus 69 Clacman Prefecture or Stewarty 18 Clarence Duke of it slain in France by the Scots 335 Clarshacks What 24 Claudian a Verse in him corrected by Joseph Scaliger 76 Cleirach Isle 31 Cloich Isle 25 Clydsdale 13 14 Cluyth 92 Cnapdale 17 Cockburn Forest or Path 13 Cockrane one of King James the IIId's Evil Counsellors put to Death 425 Coemeteries for the Kings of three Nations 27 Coilus King of the Britains slain by the Scots 96 Colca a rare kind of Bird 32 Colgernus a Saxon Commander killed 152 Coll Isle 27 Collonsa Isle 26 Colman an holy Bishop 160 Columb the Saint his Monastery 26 His great Authority 155 He tells of a Victory at a very great distance 155 156 His Death 157 Columb Isle see Icolumbkill Colvansa Isle 27 Colurn i. e. Chourna or Hasel Isle 26 Comes Stabuli Who 247 Commodus the Emperor in Britain 117 Commonâ—lty usually comply with the Humour of their Prince 188 Affect Innovations 413 Competitors for the Crown of Scotland with their several Pretensions 248 The Controversy not decided in Scotland but referred to Edward of England ibid. The Case as stated by Edward and propounded to Lawyers 249 Bruce refuses the Kingdom offered him on ignoble Terms 250 Edward decides for Baliol ibid. Competitors for the Regency 283 Conanus elected Vice-Roy 101 Conanus perswades to Peace but is seditiously slain by the Britains his Country-men 141 Conarus King of Scotland joins in a Conspiracy against his Father 113 He demands large Subsidies but is denied 114 He wars against the Britains 113 Ends his Life in Prison 115 Confidence sometimes praised for Constancy 358 Congal I. King of Scotland 147 Congal II. enriches Priests 159 Congal III. 166 Conscience guilty gives no Rest 195 Constantine Chlorus in Britain 124 Chosen General by the Brittons 125 Made their King 143 Slain by Vortigern ibid. Constantine the Emperour born 124 Constantine I. King of Scots 145 Reigns wickedly ibid. His violent Death 146 Constantine II. 174 Renews publick Discipline ibid. Slain by the Picts 175 Constantine III. 179 Makes a League with the Danes ibid. Invades the Subjects Right ibid. Abjures the Kingly Office 172 And retires into a Monastery 180 Constantine IV. sirnamed Calvus 196 Canvasses for the Crown ibid. Inveighs against the Law of Kenneth about Hereditary Succession 197 〈◊〉 the Decree of its Council seasonable for Perjured Persons 77 Controversy between the Baliols and the Bruces concerning the Crown of Scotland 245 c. Convention of the Nobles to choose a Regent after Murray's Death 251 Cony Isle 25 30 See Sigrama Corbred I. King of Scots 108 Corbred II. sirnamed Galdus 109 He first fought with the Romans ibid. And beat them out of Caledonia 111 Cornavii 22 They are in Scotland and England too 60 Cornish rise against Henry VII of Enggland 10 11 Cornovallia or Cornuvallia whence derived 60 Corshera Isle 26 Coval 17 Covihaslop see Round Isle Council of Constance send Embassadors to Scotland 334 They deny Faith to be kept with those they call Hereticks 77 Count of Rothes committed to Prison 92 Coupins-oy 36 Courtesy to Prisoners 319 Courts many times prefer Honour before Honesty 333 Cowper a Town 18 Cracoviac see Kirkwal Craford Earl of it takes part with the Douglasses 384 But afterwards deserts them 389 And is received into Pavour by the King ibid. Crackles i. e. little jangling Bells terrify Horses 307 Crathilinthus King of Scots 123 Much addicted to hunting 124 Crathilinthus kils his Grandfather 192 He rises in Arms but is suppressed 193 Cree River 14 Cressingham an English General slain by the Scots 255 Creighton sent
257 Courted by King Edward 258 Refused to swear Obedience to him 259 Betrayed to Edward by a false Friend 260 261 By whom he was drawn hanged and quartered ibid. Wallace slain in Fight by the English 379 Walowithia 60 Walsch or Welsch what it signifies in German 54 61 Walter Mills martyred for Religion 123 Walter Steward of all Scotland 21â— Walter the Son of Murdo imprisoned 338 Walter Earl of Athol conspires against the King and murders him 355 356 He is executed 357 358 Walter Scot endeavouring by Force to take the King from the Douglasses is overthrown 49 Made Prisoner 57 Restored to Liberty ibid. Ioins his Forces with the Regent's 89 Wardships their Origin and Nature 203 351 A Badg of Slavery 15 War Pretence of the Holy War cozâ—ns the Simple of their Mony 243 Warwick Earl overthrown by the Queen of England 397 Watersa Isle 29 Weathers Isle ibid. Werk Castle described 45 Weights corrected 344 Wester-oy or Wyer-oy 36 Whales Plenty of them about the Isle Lewis 32 Whales-oy Isle 37 Whey the Brittons Drink 23 White Battel what 271 Wife of Seton's Speech to her Husband encouraging him to part with 〈◊〉 Sons rather than the Town of Berwick 289 Witches discovered and punished 183 William King of Scots 231 Taken by the English 233 Accompanies Henry of England into France ibid. Released ibid. Sends his Brother David to the Holy War 235 William Creighton Chancellour 359 Deceived by the Queen and her Son the King taken from him 360 361 He guides the King after he had taken him in a Wood to his Party 365 Highly accused 361 Craves Aid of Douglas but in vain 362 Agrees with the Regent 363 Is received into Favour 374 His Death 391 William of Normandy repairs Newcastle 217 Conquers the Danes 71 Overthrown in Scotland 116 William Cecil a prudent Counsellour in England 146 Sent Embassador into Scotland ibid. William Creighton slain 111 William Creighton outlawed with his Crimes 428 William Douglas refuseth to swear Fealty to King Edward 253 He treats Alexander Ramsay inhumanly 301 Is slain 303 William Douglas Son of Archibald of Galway 314 The King marries his Daughter Aegidia to him though he were a Bastard ibid. Killed by Ruffians at Dantzic 322 William Douglas succeeds Archibald his Father 363 Corrupted by Flatterers profuse enticed by the Chancellour to Edinburgh and beheaded 370 William Douglas Son of James the Gross marries Beatrix his Vncle's Daughter 370 Submits to the King 371 By his Obsequiousness makes the King his Own and by that means revenges the Deaths of his Kinsmen 372 375 Goes to Rome 381 Accused in his Absence and his Solicitor overthrown in the Trials ibid. He pays Damages out of his Estate 381 382 Returns and is declared Regent 383 Comes to Court on safe Conduct 385 At last slain by the King 's own Hand 386 William Douglas desires leave to revenge the Death of his Brother the Earl of Murray 248 William Drury an English Knight secretly favours the Rebels 278 William Bishop of Dunblane sent into France to excuse the Queen's hasty Marriage in Scotland 199 200 William Graham the King's Guardian 407 William Hume beheaded 36 William Elphinston Bishop of Aberdene laments the State of Scotland 30 William Keith taken Prisoner by the English 122 William Kircade of Grange Admiral of the Navy against Bothwel 215 William Levingston goes into France with the Queen 107 William of Malmesbury a British Writer 8 William Maitland an ingenious young Man 161 Sent into England to desire Aid 224 Sent into England to complement Queen Elizabeth on Mary's Account 154 Persuades her to declare Mary her Heiresâ— 155 Which she refuses to do 157 He favours the Queen's Affairs 225 Is factious and perfidious ibid. Studies Innovations 226 He is taken and released 242 243 William Murray of Tiâ—bardin angry with the Regent 216 William Rogers an English Musician one of James the IIId's Evil Counsellours 420 William Sylly or Souls executed 271 William Sivez his Story 418 Arch-deacon and a great Astrologer ibid. Vndermines Patrick Graham and gets the Bishoprick 419 William Stuart Bishop of Aberdene sent Embassador into France 63 Womans Isle see Nuns Isle Women some of a manly Spirit 290 297 397 Women whether the supreme Government ought to be committed to them 401 X X Vsed by the Spaniards for double SS 60 Y YEw Isle 25 Yla Isle 26 Z ZEal or Yel Island 3â— Zeland or Schetland Isles ibid. Zerobia Queen of Palmira unsuccessful in her Government 405 Zeviot or Cheviot Hills or Mountains â—3 FINIS ERRATA In the first Twelve Books PAge 16. marg for Adrews read Andrews P. 23. l. 29. f. wear r. did wear P. 24. marg f. Arraâ— r. Arrâ—â— P. 31. l. 18. f. Nastick r. Na Aich P. 39 40 41 42. in the Title f. Book I. r. Book II. P. 75. marg f. â—â—lalabria's r. Calabria's P. 82. l. 47. f. hither r. hitherto P. 109. l. 41. f. Peâ—itius r. Petiliâ—â—â— P. 110. l. 10 〈◊〉 p. 111. l. 5. f. Agrippa r. Agricola P. 110. l. 42. f. Eighth r. Seventh P. 116. marg f. vnâ—â—â—ry r. 〈◊〉 P. 120. l. 45. and p. 183. l. 26. f. Wizard r. Witch P. 131. l. 43. f. Thus r. This. P. 160. l. 22. r. Redemptioâ— P. 168. marg f. Kennetius r. Kennethus P. 183. l. 17. f. Causes r. Cause P. 197. l. 22. f. vaiâ— r. in vaiâ— P. 21â— l. 23. f. Neice r. Grandchild l. 29. f. Nephew r. Grandson P. 227. l. 25. f. 1553 r. 1153. P. 228. l. 6. dele good P. 236. l. 20. f. 1643 r. 1214. P. 245. l. 2. f. Neice r. Grandchild l. 13. f. Neice r. Grandchild P. 248. l. 41. f. to the Marriage with his Queen r. Marriage of his Son with their Queen l. 15. f. Dutchess r. Dâ—tchy P. 272. l. 9. dele some P. 273. l. 1. after taken add Besides many of inferiour Rank John Britain Earl of Richmond was also taken P. 286. marg f. Ear. r. Earn l. 27. f. the Caledonians r. Dunkel P. 287. dele the last marginal Note viz And declare War against France P. 292. l. 21. after Wepont add or Oldbrigs P. 297. l. 16. f. 1â—37 r. 1337. P. 299. r. Alexander Ramsay P. 319. l. 19. f. Army r. Arms. P. 325. l. 11. r. 18 years old Earl of Rothes P. 329. l. 1â— and 27. f. 300. r. 30. ibid. l. 49. dele of P. 330. l. 30. r. Charles VI. P. 331. f. Youth's r. Child 's P. 332. marg f. Murray r. Garioch P. 339. l. 35. f. before r. after P. 342. l. 46. f. 〈◊〉 of Caitâ—nes r. the Clan-cattan Men. f. Cameron r. the Camerons P. 347. marg f. Trust r. Frâ—it P. 348. l. 44. f. 〈◊〉 r. Marr. P. 353. l. 12. f. quietly r. quickly P. 3â—5 f. his Nephew by his Son r. Grandson P. 357. l. 46. f. 〈◊〉 Nephew by his Son r. Grandson P. 360. l. 25. f. no r. now P. 370. l. 23. f. upon r. before P. 389. l. 43. f. 〈◊〉 r. dwindle P. 403. l. 41.
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Oransa Na gunner (w) Paba * Scalpa Crouling * Scalpa Raarsa Rona * Gerloch Fladda Trâ—nta * Oransa (c) Vâ—â—a More (c) and Vâ—â—a Bâ—g. * Several small Islands (d) Watersa (e) Barra * A strange Spring carrying down shapeless Fish into the Sea (f) Cockles or Periwinkles * Divers small Islands (g) Vyist a great Island (h) A strange sort of Fish * Helscher Vetularum (i) Havelschyer * Hirta (k) A Custom of Baptizing once a Year (l) Large fair Sheep in Hirta (m) Valay * Soa and several smal Islands (n) Flavanae in which are wild Sheep * Garvillan and other little Islands (o) Island of Pygmees * Lewis c. (p) A Vault able to shelter Ships in a Storm * Schan-Castle (q) Loch-Brien or Broom * En. * Gruinorta or 〈◊〉 (r) Cleirach or 〈◊〉 Isle * Harary c. (s) Harray or Harrick and Lewis are but one Island of which Harray is the South part * Roadilla Monastery (t) Wild Sheep in Harray bâ—t no Foxes noâ— Wolves * Lewis is the North part of the Island (u) Whales taken in abundance about the Island Lewis * Rona with the Condition of its Inhabitants (w) Ronanus his strange Spade (x) Suilkyr * Or Berlins (y) A rare Bird called Colca * The Orcades (z) Goths a People oâ— Sarmaâ—â—a Europaea thence transplanted into Germany near the River Oder in Silâ—sia * Or Picts and Sea (a) The Britains praised God in Five Tongues (b) The Inhabitants of the Orcades Parsimonious and long liv'd * No venemous Creatture in the Orcades nor any Tree Magnus his Bouncing Cup or Wassail Bowl * A strange Test for a Bishop * The Sea very Tempestuous about the Orcâ—des and the reason why * Authors do not agree concerning the number of the Orcades * Pomona or the Mainland the greatest Island of the Orcades * Danes long Masters of the Orcades * Kirkwall the chiefeâ—t Town in Mainland * White and black Lead in Mainland * Pentland Firth divides Mainland from Caithness * Stromoy * South Ranalds-Oy the first Isle of the Orcades (a) Holme what * Bura c. (b) Hoia and Waes-Isle * Granisa (c) Coupins-Oy * Siapins-Oy (d) Rows-Oy * Eglis-Oy or Eglisa where St. Magnus was buried (e) Wyer-Oy Gress-Oy and Wester-Oy c. Fair Isle in the mid way between the Orcades and Schetland * Many outlandish Fishermen resort to Fair Isle (f) Schetland Isles the greatest of them called Mainland as well as the greatest of the Orcades (g) Yell. * The Names of some â—â—all Scâ—etland 〈◊〉 (h) Vuist or Vust Isle * Divers other small Islands (i) The Schetlanders manner of Life and Trade * Their Language (k) Their Innocent Mirth and Longaevity * One Lawrence a Schetlander Married at an Hundred years of Age and lived above an Hundred and Forty * The Origin of Letters (a) Turdetani a People dwelling in part of Portugal and in Algarbia and Medina Sidonia * Caesar. * Tacitus * Gildas lived 400 years after Tacitus * Germany received Letters last of all * Sanachies a sort of Chanters inferiour to Bards called by the Dynnywossals or Gentlemen of the Highlands Sanachies contracted from Seneciones * Strabo Ammianus Marcellinus and Luâ—an desscribe who the Bâ—rds weâ—e * Strabo Ammianus Marcellinus and Luâ—an desscribe who the Bâ—rds weâ—e * Great uncertainties amongst the ancient Writers of British Affairs and the Reasons why * Several Countries have changed their Names * Spain hath several Names Or Highlanders * The Fabulous Origin of the Britains * Diocletian a supposed King of Syria and Labana his Wife with their 33 Daughters * Albine * Brutus and his Knight-Errant Adventures * Brutus a Parricide * Brutus his Three Sons * An old Name for England * Vendelina * Germany whence so called according to old Story * Born in the same Country where they live Iohannes Annius * The Story of the 33 Sisters confuâ—ed * The Fable of Diocletian confuted * Brutus his Story refelled * Brâ—tus and Romulus compared * The Name of the True Brutus when it began and how * Faunus the Third King of the Aborigines to whom Saturn by whom he was entertained caused a Grove and Cave to be dedicated whence Oracles were given forth according to old Story (a) Cumaea so called from Cuma in the Gulph of Naples (b) Little Pieces of Oak-Wood-Lotteries marked with Letters or Words almost like Dice which when they were thrown the Priest gave his Response according to the Letter which was uppermost at Praeneste now Palestrina in Italy (c) Salii were Twelve Priests instituted by Numa Pompilius in Honour of Hercules or as some say of Mars And the Carmen Saliare which they sang was composed by the same Numa in an obsolete and almost unintelligible Language or Style (c) Salii were Twelve Priests instituted by Numa Pompilius in Honour of Hercules or as some say of Mars And the Carmen Saliare which they sang was composed by the same Numa in an obsolete and almost unintelligible Language or Style * Brutus's supposed Address to the Oracle with Diana's Answer thereunto (d) Homer * Dionysius Halicarnasseus (e) Buthrotii Inhabitants of Buthrotum new Butrinto a small Village in Epirus on the Sea coast not far from the Isle Corfu once a large Roman Colony * Arverni Inhabitants of Auvergne in the Dukedom of Burgundy their chief City is Clermont * Burgundians (f) People of the Franch Country (g) Francs Originally a People of Franconia in Germany who in the declining of the Roman Empire conquered Gallia and called it Frankinland now France they were composed of so many warlike Tribes that the Turks do call all the Western Christians Francs to this very day * Old Scotish Writers blamed (h) Dores and Iones who (h) Dores and Iones who (i) The Scots fabulous Original from one Gathelus a Grecian and Scota his Wife (k) Now Eâ—râ— a â—amoâ—â— River in Spain rising in the Mountains of Astâ—râ—â— and disinboguing it self into the Mediterranean in Catalâ—nâ—a (l) Gallaecia the Country about Compâ—stella in Spain * Durius oâ— Dâ—â—ro Duâ—â—o in Spanish arising in old Castâ— and after a course of 14â— Spanish Leagues falls into the Atlantick Ocean below Port a Port. (m) Lusitania and Portugaâ— the Original of those Names (m) Lusitania and Portugaâ— the Original of those Names * Palladium properly the Image of Pallas in Troy which as long as they kept in her Temple Troy could not be taken as the Tâ—ojans thought but when Vlyssâ—s stole it away then they were soon destroyed by the Greeks * The Ancient Gauls in Caesars time divided from the Belgâ—â—â—s by the River Sâ—â—n and from the Aqâ—itanians by the Garron from whom the old Grecians called the North-West part of Eâ—ropâ— Ceâ—to-Sâ—â—thia * From which no Issue could insue * Colonies of Gauls sent into Spain * Celtae and Celtiberâ— whence * Celtici Boetici * Celtici
the Fifth to Scotland to sâ—iâ— them up to War against England Berwick Castle surprised by Ramsay but regain'd by Percy Iames the First Earl of Douglas enters England with an Army * In Cumberland A Pestilence in Scotland Talbet overthrown in Scotland A Truce between the Scots and English for three Years Quatuor nummos Angâ—â—coâ— A Rising of the Commons in England at the Instigation of Iohn Baâ— a Priest Lancaster the English Embassador in Scotland denied entrance into Berwick Loch-Maban Castle taken by the Scots unbar surprizes the Governor of Roxburg Lancaster enters Scotland He favours the Edinburgers But is put to a Retreat Douglas prevails in Scotland he dyes and his Son William succeeds him A Truce made for a Year between French English and Scots which the French were to acquaint the Scots with The English enter Scotland before Notice is given them of a Truce made Some Scots Nobles also invade England before the Truce is Proclaimed Richard II. enter'd Scotland with an Army Whereupon the Scots enter England They both return home The French and Scots quarrel â—bout the Bears Skin before he was catcht French Soldiers more licentious than Scots or English which occasions a disgust betwixt them The French Army leaves Scotland but their General is retain'd to satisfy damages Nov. 1. Will. Douglas sails into Ireland And takes Dundalk * A Town on the North side of the Nith a Mile about Drumlanerick in Nithisdale * A Sea Town in the County of Louth and Province of Vlster in Ireland And returns from thence The Scots enter England 〈◊〉 Against the mind of Robert and his Son Aug. â— An English Spy in the Scots Army discovered The Scots Army divide themselves to attack England Douglas in Northumberland encountred by Percy A Duel between Earl Douglas and Earl Percy The Scots march to Otterborn A terrible Fight between the Scots and English under Percy and Douglas Hart slain And Douglas mortally Wounded His Three last dying Requests Ralfe Pâ—rcy 〈…〉 The English overthrown Lindsay takes Redman Prisoner and releases him on his Parol Courtesy to Prisoners The ancient punishment of Prisoners not returning upon their Parol The Bishop of Durham comes too late to Assist Percy The Bishops Forces terrified with the Sound of Horns and Retreat Lindsay's Kindness to Redman requited by him Ralfe Percy released on his Parol Henry Percy Ransomed Douglas buried at Mulross Both the Scots Armies lament Dougâ—aâ— Iuly 21. Robert Earl of Fife made Governor of Scotland Earl Marshal vaunts over the Scots Whereupon Robert enters England and returns with a great Booty A Peace between France and England Robert assents thereto on his own Head * Lying on the River Irwin Apr. 19. Roberts Death and Character Alexander Earl of Buchan burns Elgin Church William Douglas slain at Dantzick by the procurement of Clifford of England * Or Prussias A noted Maâ—t Town of great Trade on the Wesseâ— acknowledge the King of Poland for Protector August 1â— Robert the Third his Name changed from Iohn Duncan Stuart rises in Arms but is suppressed A notable Policy to divide the Islanders and make them Instruments to destroy one another which takes effect accordingly Dukes First made in Scotland E. Douglas refuses that Title Richard the Second of England resigns his Crown and Hen. the Fourth succeeds him Difference in Scotland occasioned by the Marriage of the King's Son Dunbar joyns with Percy and infests Scotland Standing upon Tine 3 Miles below Hadington The Death of Archibald Douglas August 13. Henry of England Enters Scotland Carries it Moderately And Retreats * A Castle over against Holy-Isle in Northumberland The Scots overthrown by Percy and Dunbar at Homeldon May. 7. Coâ—â—â—aw-Castle besieged by the English but they raise the Siege themselves Arch Bishop Traâ—â—e an observer of Ancient Discipline David after his Mothers decease le ts loose the reins to Licentiousness David most cruelly starved to Death by his Uncle Robert Scituate at the North bottom of Locâ—-Lomond near the Centre of Fife The Governor of Faâ—kâ—and's cruelty to his own Daughter Douglas joyne with Percy against the K. of England Having Performed valiantly in a fight he is taken Prisoner and after ransomed Robert accused for Davids Death Undergoes a partial Tryal and is Acquitted King Robert imprecates God's judgment on the Murderers of his Son Iames the K. Son for security sent into France but Landing in England is detained There Dispute 〈◊〉 King 〈…〉 concerning the Detention oâ— Diâ—mission oâ— Iames. Iames well Educated in England yet his Captivity breaks his Fathers Heart April 1. Robert's Death and Character Robert his Brother made Regent Percy overthrown and flies to Scotland Henry of England invades Scotland Dunbar returns to Scotland Percy betrayed by Rokesby his pretended Friend and put to Death A Supposititious Prince Standing on a Rock above the Firth of Forth near St. Ebâ—s Head in the Merss A County lying on 〈◊〉 River Stâ—aâ—-Bogy 40 〈…〉 Aâ—â—rdeen * In Murray A Cruel Fight between Donald and the Governour The Erection of St. Andrews University March 21. Henry the 4 th Dyes and Henry the 5 thâ—â—â—â—ceeds â—â—â—â—ceeds 〈◊〉 Percys Posterity restored to their Dignity Council of Constance send Ambassadors to Scotland so doth Peter Lune Anti-Pope The King of France distracted Divisions in France A County of France lying on the River Carus The French King craves Aid of the Scots which is sent him under the Command of the Earl of Buchan The Scots Auxiliaries Land in France Is overthrowâ— by them And slain Buchan made Lord High Constable of France September 3. Robert dies and his Son Murdo made Governor of Scotland Buchan returns to Scotland but is recalled to France Douglas made Duke of Turein Earl of Bedford sent by Henry into France who carries with him Iames I. King of Scotland A Chief Town of the County oâ— Bâ—â—e in France situated near the Matrona A Town in or near Normandy A Chief Town of the County oâ— Bâ—â—e in France situated near the Matrona A Town in or near Normandy A large Country about Orleanâ— on the 〈◊〉 The Scâ—ts overthrown in Fâ—ance 〈…〉 English and their Chief 〈…〉 Reflections on some English Writers Fond Indulgence to Children justly punished in a Father The Scots send for King Iames the First out of England Who returns upon a Ransom May 27. April 20. 〈…〉 Scotlâ—nd â—bout 〈…〉 The King remits one halfe of his Ransom-Tax Several Scots Nobles imprisoned Others 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 Murdo brought to his Trial. The Ancient manner of Trying Nobles in Scotland Murdo c. found Guilty and Beheaded Embassadors from France to Scotland about Peace and a Marriage K. Iames the First his prosperous Beginnings Free 〈◊〉 punished by the King Alexander the Islander â—iseâ— in Armâ— But is suppressed * Easter And submits to the Kings Mercy Donald Bâ—lâ—ck makes an Insurrection But is quelled Tories fall out among themselves Mackdonald a Free-booter His Cruelty to a Woman Retaliated on himself and his Followers Donald's
The Parliament Graâ—ity neither Party fully but chuse Regents of which the Queens Friends are an equal Number with the rest A Truce with England for 1â— Years The Queen Mothers Death Intestine Commotions in Scotland By Alan of Loâ—n And Donald the Islander * Or Redshanks Donald takes the Earl of Athol Prisoner pillages and burns St. Brides Church He is Shipwrackâ—d and theâ—eupon falâ—s distrâ—cted Iames Kennedy his commendation The Boyds câ—eep into Favour at Court Alexander Boyd abuses Kennedy The Boyds carry the King to Edinburgh Whereupon the Kennedies depart from the Court Boyd's Sarcasm to Iohn Kennedy Kennedy's Death and Character * Patrick Graham Elected Bishop of St. Andrews in the room of Iames Kennedy and Confirmed by the Pope But the Boyds obstruct his Admission Scots Bishops freed from the Jurisdiction of the Arch-Bishop of York by the Popes Decree The Boyds strengthen their Faction and procure Pardon for their Misâ—aâ—iageâ— by Publick Instruments to which the King assents Robert Boyd made Regent Thomas Boyd Marries the Kings Eldest Sister The Greatness of the Boyds occasions their Ruin James by his Ambassadors desires Margarite Daughter of the King of Denmark for a Wife The King of Denmark resigns up the Orcades and Scheâ—land to the Scots as a Dowry Thomas Boyd sent Ambassador to bring the new Queen from Norwey The Boyds undermined in the absence of Thomas Robert Boyd flies into England Alexander Boyd Beheaded A Critical or Ambiguous Pardon Thomas Boyd declared a publick Enemy in his â—bsence Who thereupon retires into Burgundy King Iames Married to Margarite of Norwey * A Town on the River Irwyn in Cuningham Thomas Boyd's Wife divorced fâ—om him and Married to Iames Hamilton Boyd's Death Bishops anciently chosen by their Canons and Abbats by their Monks Bâ—t King Iames assumes the naming of 〈◊〉 to himseâ—â— Which Patrick Grahâ—m laboâ—rs to withstand But the Court-brokers â—ppose him The Story of William Sivez and his worming of Graham out of the Archbishopâ—ick of St. Andrews Patrick Graham Excommunicated and his Rents gathered into the Kings Exchequer Situate upon the Head of Monks-Moor Five Miles North of Falkland 〈…〉 of his Bâ—shoprick imprisoned till 〈◊〉 Death and hiâ— Adversary Sivez succeeds him A Town four Miles above Queens-Ferry in Fife Iohn the Islander rises in Arms but quickly submits himself Iames Kennedy built a vast Ship which is rifled by the English but upon a Peace made by Embassadors he receives satisfaction Embassadors to Charles of Burgundy who soon after was slain at Nants by the Switzers One Andrews an Astrologer and Physician foretels K. Iames's Death K. Iames degenerates into Tyranny Iohn the Kings Brotheâ— put to Death And Aâ—exander impriâ—oned But he makeâ— his Escape to Dunbar and then to France Dunbar Castle deserted and taken by the Scots Peace between the Scots and English wherein it was agreed That Cecily Edwards Daughter should Marry Iames's Young Son But the Peace is soon broken and an Army Marches into England * In Lauderdale Douglasses Oration to the Nobles in the Camp against the King's Evil Counsellors Cockran and the Rest of the Evil Counsellors dragg'd out by an Incensed Army to their Deaths Their Crimes Objected were Brass-Money Coyned Their Aliâ—nating the King's Heart from the Nobility with 〈◊〉 Incouraging of him in Magical Aâ—ts and Exciting him to Cruelty against his own Flesh and Blood The Scots Army disbanded An English Army under the Duke of Glocester and Alexander the Kings Brother enters Scotland The Sâ—ots Nobâ—â—â—ty raise an Army Yet mediate a Peace by their Agents Reparties between both Armies * Near Hadington in 〈◊〉 Lothian Alexander is reconciled to the King returns into his own Country and is made Regent Beâ—wick Castâ—e surrendered to the Engâ—ish The intended Marriage be Iames's Son and Edward's Daughter Null'd and the Dowry repaid Alexander disgusted condemned and flees to England Creighton condemned with the Reasons why Edward of England dies and his Brother Richard made first Protector and then King A Scuffle in Scotland On the North-side of Fife upon the Riveâ— Tay. A Truce between Richard of England and the Scots Richard of England 〈◊〉 and Henry the 7 th 〈◊〉 him Dunbar-Castle surrendred to the Scots A Truce between the English and Scots for 7 Years The Death of the Queen of Scots and of Alexander the King's Brother who left Two Sons behind them The King again addicts himself to Evil Counsellors Iohn Ramsy c. The King labours to cajole some of the Nobles by Honors He discovers his Design against the Nobles to Douglas Who dissuades him from such Cruelty The Nobles Arm against the King and chuse the Kings Son for their General A Temporary Agreement The Nobles insist on the Kings resigning of the Crown The King sends Embassadors for Foreign Aid A Battel between the King and the Nobles where the King is slain The Character of james III And of the Foreign Princes his Contemporaries Wood's Constancy to King Iames the 3 d. On the North-side of Forth 2 Miles below Sterlin Andrew Wood reconciled to K. Iames the 4 th He fights the English Fleet overthrows them Some of the Scots Nobility combine against the new King's Party But are overthrown * Off the Point of Fife The manner of the Fight between Andr. Wood and the English Admiral Wood's second Victory over the English A strange Monster K. Iames the 4 th his first Parliament ‖ A Castle lying 4 miles South off Fâ—râ—ar in Angus * The Commendation of Iames the 4 th His Clemency His sorrowful Resentment for his Fathers Death Peter Warbeck some call him Perkin comes into Scotland His Story * A Town in Flanders standing on the Bank of the Sâ—â—â—ld †A Gallo-Belgick People possessing 〈◊〉 Warbeck set up by Margaret Dutchess of Burgundy Warbeck's feigned Harangue of himself The Scots Council cajol'd by Warbeck K. Iames marries Katherine Gordon his Kinswoman to Warbeck and assists him with an Army against England K. Iames begins to smell out Warbeck's Cheat. Henry of England prepares an Army against Scotland An Insurrection in England prevents K. Henry's Design against Scotland at that time K. Iames invades England but to little purpose * In the Mers on the River Aye a mile above Aymouth An Embassador form Spain to England Who mediates a Peace between Scotland and England * The chief Town in Tividale standing on the West of the River Ied Warbeck dismist out of Scotland Taken and hanged in England A War like to arise on a small Occasion betwixt England Scotland but accommodated by Fox Bp. of Durham * Mulross in Tiviot-dale on a bare Promonâ—ory on Tweed side three Miles below its confluence with Gala. A Conference between King Iames and R. Fox Bp of Durham concerning the Marriage of King Henry's Daughter Margaret to Iames. Which took Effect A vast Ship built by King Iames. Wardship a Badg of Slavery Recognition what Wardship disused K. Iames's resolution 〈…〉 Ierusalem The execution of it
II. Son of Stephen King of England seeks occasion for a War against Scotland 224 Malcolm of Scotland acknowledges himself his Feudatary ibid. Henry IV. of England 326 His Death 333 Succeeded by Henry V. ibid. Henry V. takes James I. King of Scots with him into France 336 Henry VI. undervalues the Nobility and advances Vpstarts 392 A Conspiracy against him by the Nobles of England ibid. He is taken by the Duke of York and brought to London 396 He flies into Scotland 397 Ioins Battel with Edward IV. and is overcome 398 Returns privately to England and is taken ib. Henry VII succeeds Richard III. who was slain in Battel 429 He denounces War against France 16 Desires to make a perpetual League with the Scots 430 Marries his Daughter Margarite to James IV. 14 War denounced against him by James as he was besieging Tournay 20 His Magnanimous and Kingly Answer to the Heraulds ibid. He eases the Commonalty of some old Burdens 71 Henry VIII desires the exiled Douglasses may be restored 60 By the French Embassador he desires a Peace with the Scots ibid. He sends Controversal Books of Divinity to James V. 62 Complains the Scots had violated the Law of Nations wars upon them takes Leith and burns Edinburgh 82 83 His Forces are worsted 89 His General persuades the Scots to Peace 102 Gives the Scots a great Overthrow 104 Henry of France sends some German Foot into Scotland 106 He displaces the Regent by Subtilty 113 Henry Percy invades Scotland 306 His Horse affrightned with rattling Instruments 307 His Duel with James Douglas 317 Henry Percy the younger overthrows the Scots at Homeldon 327 Conspires against his own King 329 Henry Stuart comes out of England into Scotland 171 Made Duke of Rothsay and Earl of Ross by the Queen of Scots 174 At which many of the Nobles are disgusted 175 He marries the Queen ibid. Strangely disrespected at the Baptism of his own Son 186 He withdraws from Court ibid. Is poisoned but overcomes it by the strength of his Youth 186 187 A Design to destroy him 187 188 Is actually murdered 190 Heraulds slain against the Law of Arms 230 Hergustus King of the Picts 127 131 Hepburn John insinuates himself into the new Regent 32 Heris hanged by James Douglas 384 Hâ—rmodra Isle 30 Herodian quoted 76 Heruli who 89 Hethland Isles see Schetland High Isle 25 Hirta Isle 30 Historians their flattering Dispositions 46 Hoia Promontory 21 Hollanders Fleet spoiled by Alexander Earl of Marr 349 Holland Horse sent for over into England 275 Holmes i. e. Plains full of Grass 35 Holy Isle or Lindisfarm 398 Honnega Isle 37 Horestia 18 Parted between two Brothers 170 Horses Isle or Naich 28 Hugh Kennedy his couragious Answer 51 Huilin Isle 30 Hulmena 31 Humber River 13 Humble Isle or Ishol 25 Hume Castle surprized by the Scots 107 Hungus the Pict fights prosperously against Athelstan 165 He prays to God and is encouraged by a Vision ibid. He offers Tithes to St. Andrew ibid. His Death 166 Hunting Laws made by King Dornadilla 89 And by King Ethodius 116 Huntly overthrown by James Earl of Murray taken and pardoned 235 237 Hypoconistical i. e. Diminutive 6 I JAmes I. Son of Robert III. sailing for France is taken by the English 330 Where he is educated and married 331 338 His Return to Scotland upon a Ransom 398 Crowned King ibid. Renews a League with France 340 352 Punishes the Captains of Thieves 341 343 Twins born to him 344 He rectifies Weights and Measures ibid. Reforms the Ecclesiastical Estate and erects publick Schools 345 Invites Tradesmen from beyond the Seas 347 Perfidiousness imputed to him answered 353 354 Is cruelly murdered 356 His Character 356 357 James II. King of Scots 359 Carried out of the Castle of Edinburgh in a Chest by his Mother 361 Taken again by the Chancellour and brought to Edinburgh 365 Enters on the Government 371 Marries Mary Daughter to the Duke of Guelderland 380 He kils William Douglas 386 Marches to assist the English Nobles 391 392 Deceived by a counterfeit Embassador from Rome suborned by the English 393 Takes Roxburgh Town ibid. His casual Death in his Camp 394 His Queen encourages the Souldiers and takes Roxburgh Castle ibid. His Character 395 James III. begins his Reign at seven Years old 396 Six Regents of the Kingdom in his Minority 407 His Mother's Death ibid. In his Time a Truce made with England for five Years 407 Marries Margarite the King of Denmark's Daughter 413 415 His Death foretold 420 He degenerates into Tyranny ibid. Addicts himself to Evil Counsellours 231 The Nobles arm against him 432 Is slain by them in Fight 433 His Character 434 James IV. 1 Chosen General by the Nobles against his Father 432 His first Parliament which justifies taking Arms against his Father 5 His Clemency and sorrowful Resentment for his Father's Death 6 He leads an Army into England 11 Marries Margarite Henry VII of Enggland's Daughter 14 Builds a vast Ship and is profâ—se in other Buildings ibid. Resolves to go to Jerusalem but prevented 15 Sends Forman into England to pick a Quarrel 16 Denounces War against England 20 Resolute in his Opinion 22 Fights with the English at Flodden where he is overthrown and slain 24 25 Doubtful Reports concerning his Death 26 Some Aspersions cast upon him indeavoured to be wiped off 27 His Character 27 28 James V. 28 Enters upon the Government 46 He and his Mother in the Power of the Douglasses 47 He frees himself from them 53 He is an Enemy to their Faction 50 Inclinable to a French Alliance 65 Three Maries offered to him 62 Treats with the Emperour about a Match 61 Visits the Orcades 62 And other Isles of Scotland ibid. Receives Controversal Books of Divinity from Henry of England 63 Agrees to an Interview with Henry which is disappointed 64 Sails to France and marries Magdalen Daughter to their King Francis who soon dies 65 He accuses his Nobility as Dastards 70 He marries Mary of the House of Guise 66 67 His presaging Dream 69 He dies with Grief for the Loss of his Army 71 His Character 71 72 James VI. his Birth 183 His Mother endeavours to get him under the Power of Bothwel 205 Enters on the Government 214 215 James Abernethy a skilful Physician 186 James Earl of Arran Son to James returning from France sides with the Reformers 135 Goes to his Sister Mary the Queen 151 Hardly persuaded to allow the admission of the Mass in the Queen's Chappel 159 Made Earl of Marr and afterwards of Murray 161 James Balfure Governour of Edinburgh Castle for the Queen 206 207 He raises Insurrections 226 James Culen taken and executed for his Crimes 279 James the first Earl of Douglas 308 James Douglas joins with Bruce 263 He marches with great Forces into England 275 James sirnamed Crassus the Douglasses being dead succeeds to the Right of the Earldom 370 He dies ibid. James Douglas marries Eufemia Daughter to Robert