part and that the Treaty was only entertained till the King of Spain had reduced Germany in his power resolved to be gone and declaring the necessity he had to return did leave a Proxie in the hands of the Earl of Bristoll the Ambassadour legier for espousing the Infanta how soon the Articles returned from Rome So the King of Spain having conveyed the Prince a little way towards the sea they parted in most loving tearms and in hope the Match should take effect But the Prince being after that informed of a conclusion laid That if the Match should be further pressed the Infanta to eschew the same should presently enter into the house of los Discalceatos a Monastery of bare-footed Nunnes after he was parted sent and commanded Bristoll not to make use of the proxie till he should advertise The Prince having for his convoy home eleven of the Kings ships and some Merchants arrived at Portsmouth the 5 of October with his whole retinue and went the next day to Royston where the King lay The joy was exceeding great of all sorts of people and publick thanks given to God throughout all the Churches of both the Kingdoms for his safe return Soon after when the King perceived by the report that neither was the Match truly meant nor the Palatinate like to be restored he directed the Earl of Bristoll to insist for the restitution and if he was put off with delaies to take his leave and come home which also he did Thus was the marriage which had been long treated of quite dissolved the King saying That he would never marry his Son with a Portion of his only Sistes tears The year following the Ministers of Edinburgh were greatly vexed by a sort of mutinous people who separating themselves from the publick Assemblies kept private Conventicles and went so far as to oppose publickly the order established for receiving the holy Communion The leader of those was William Rigge elected one of the Bailiffs for that year This man puffed up with a conceit of his own abilities did dream of no lesse then the overturning of the Church orders and reforming of the Ministery in such things as he held to be amisse hereupon in a meeting ordinarily kept before the celebration of the holy Sacrament he did publickly challenge Doctor William Forbes who was afterwards preferred to the Bishoprick of Edinburgh for divers points of doctrine delivered by him in his Sermons and when as he refused to be judged by him and the Laicks that assisted the said Baliffe did openly threaten them all that unlesse they returned to the old form of ministring the holy Communion the whole people should forsake them Herein he was assisteed by Iohn Hamilton an Apothecary Iohn Dickson William Thomson Iohn Meene and some other base companions who being called before the Councell were charged to leave the Town and the Bailiffe William Rigge deprived of his Bailiwick and declared incapable of any publick office in time comming This trouble gave occasion of setling the state of that Church in a better case then in former times the Ministers being ordained to reside in their own Parishes and have allowed to them a sufficient maintenance the popular election of Ministers when as places by any occasion fell void discharged and the presentation appointed to be made by the Provost Bayliffs and Councell the Sessions to be choosed yearly by the Magistrates and Ministers for the particular Parishes who should convene every year some ten daies after the election of the Magistrates for that business the meeting before the Communion wherein the Ministers were accustomed to be censured by the people simply prohibited with divers other particulars serving to the orderly ministration of all things in the Church The 16 of February Lodovick Duke of Richmond and Lâ—nnox deceased to the great regrate of all that knew him a Nobleman of excellent parts whose very aspect and countenance did promise much good He was thrice married first to a Sister of the Earl of Gowry by whom he had no children his second Wife was a Sister of the Lord London by whom he had a daughter and son that died both young In his third and last marriage with the Countesse of Hartford he found more content then in both the other but lived with her only some few years being taken away in the 48 year of his age His brother a noble Gentleman succeeded but did not survive him long for he died the next year leaving a hopefull succession of children behinde him The next year in the moneth of March Iames Marquis of Hamilton deceased also a Nobleman of rare gifts and fitted for the greatest affairs which he shewed at his deputation to the Parliament 1621 and at other divers occasions his death was the more grievously taken that it was thought it was procured by poyson whereof the monstrous swellings in his face and body afore his death gave great appearance his corps brought to Scotland by sea was interred at Hamilton with his predecessours These two deaths affected the King exceedingly and when it was told him that the Marquis was dead he said If the branches be thus cut down the stock cannot continue long which saying proved too true for shortly after he fell into the feaver that the Physitians call Hemitritaeam a dangerous feaver to those that are grown in years and thereof died at Theobalds the 27 of March being Sunday about twelve of the clock in the forenoon The Thursday preceding his death he desired the blessed Sacrament to be ministred unto him which he received with great devotion professing to the Prince his son and those that stood by that he had received a singular comfort thereby wishing all men to doe the like when they were visited in that sort From that time to the hour of his death he was still almost praying and some one sentence or other of piety ever in his mouth As he drew neer to his end the prayer usually said at the hour of death being ended having repeated once or twice these words Veni Domine Iesu he gave up the ghost without any pangs as are commonly seen in persons that are dying He was the Salomon of this age admired for his wise government and for his knowledge of all manner of learning for his wisdome moderation love of justice for his patience and piety which shined above all his other virtues and is witnessed in the learned works he left to posterity his name shall never be forgotten but remain in honour so long as the world indureth We that have had the honour and happiness many times to hear him discourse of the most weighty matters as well of Policy as Divinity now that he is gone must comfort our selves with the remembrance of these excellencies and reckon it not the least part of our happinesse to have lived in his daies Many dolefull Epitaphs in all Languages were composed to expresse the sorrow
An. 1561. The Queen prepareth to return from France Her conference with the Earle of Bedford Monsicâ—r d' Oyfell sent into England The Queen of Englandâ— answer The Queen of Scots offended with it Her conference with Nicoolas Throgmorâ—on The Queen of Scots reasons for delaying the ratification Throgmorton his answer The Queen of Englands letter to thâ— Noâ—ility The Councels answer He◠〈◊〉 with the English Ambassadour at 〈◊〉 The Qâ—een 〈◊〉 at Leâ—h The Nobility assembles to congratuâ—ate her return No change to be made in religion and a private Masse pâ—rmitted to the Queen The Earl of Arran opposeth A tumult in the Abbey The Nobles that came from France with the Queen return home William Maitland directed to England The Queen of Englands answer A second conference with Lethington The Queen of Englands reply The Queen of Englandsâ—easons â—easons for her refuse Lethingtons third audience The conclusion taken by the Queen of England The Queen of Scots her progresse in the countrey Aâ—chibald Douglas Provost of Edinburgh committed The Preachers are displeased The Queen maketh choice of a Councell Ninian Winyet a Priest exiled The thirds of Benefices granted to the Queen A guard of horse and foot levied to attend the Queen Lord Iames sent to the borders is at his return made Earl of Marrâ— He is preferred to the Earldome of Murray and the Lord Ereskiâ— made Earl of Marre Huntly offendeth with thesâ— prefermenâ—s He chargeth Murray with the affectation of the Crown Bothwell stirreth up the Earl of Murray against the Hamiltons Practice against the Earl of Murray The practice discovered by the Earl of Arrane Arrane becometh distracted New devices for cutting oft Murray An. 1562. Letters sent from beyond sea in favour of Huntly An interview of the two Queens moved The interview stayed Petitions of the Church to the Queen The Queen goâ—th to Aberdâ—ne The Lady Huntley intercedes for her son The Queen taketh journey to Innernesse The Castle of Innâ—â—nâ—sse denied to the Queen The Castle beiseged and rendered Huntley resolves to invade the Queen The battel of Corrichie The Earl of Huntlâ—y taken prisoner and dieth Thanksgiving for the victory Iohn Gordon beheaded at Abâ—rdene The Lord Gordon forfeited and commitâ—ed The Archbishop of Saint Andrews committed An. 1563. A Parliament at Edinburgh A trouble at Halirudhouse Iohn Knox called before the Councel The Earl of Lenox restored Henry Lord Darnely son to Lenox cometh into Scotland The Queen intendeth to take him to husband An. 1564. Enemies raised up against the Queen The Lord Gordon restored Signeur Davie an atâ—endant on the Queen favoureth the mariage Secretary Lâ—thington sent into England A Convocâ—tion of the Estates at Striveling The Lord of Darnely created Duke of Rothâ—say A mutiny at Edinburgh The Queen cometh to Edinburgh and the mutiners fly An Assembly at Edinburgh Petittions of the Church The Queens answer to the Petitions The Queen married to the Lord Darnly The complaints of the discontented Lords The king heareth a Sermon at St. Giles Iohn Knox cited before the Councell The Lords pursued by the King and Queen The Lords flie into England The Queen of England intercedeth for the Lords The Duke received in favor A generall Assembly of the Church A reply to the answer of their last Petitions An. 1565. The slaughter of Signeur Davie conspired A Parliament at Edinburgh deserted The slaughter of Davie Damiott a French Priest willed him to be gone The Queens behaviour after Davies murther The exiled Lords return The King protesteth his innocency The Conspirators flye into England Inquisition of the murtherers An. 1566. The Castle of Edinburgh made choice of for the Queen her lying in The Queen feasts the Noblemen The Queen delivered of a son Sir Henry Killigrew sent from England The desire of the Church for the Baptisme of the Prince The Queen goeth to Alloway Secretary Lethington soffereth her Majesties anger against the King The Queen goeth to Iedburgh Lethington renueth the purpose of divers Preparation for the Princes Baptisme The King withheld from the solemnity The King falleth sick in the way to Glasgow The Archbishop of S. Andrewes restored to his priviledges The Churches complaint for the same Master Knox goeth into England A letter from the Assembly of the Church to the Bishops of England Assignation of Ministers stipends The Queen visiteth the King at Glasgow He cometh to Edinburgh and there is murthered by Bothwel A rumour dispersed by Bothwel that Murray and Morton had murthered the King The names of the murtherers cast forth in the street The Earl of Lenox soliciteth the Queen to take trial of the murther An. 1567. The Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Bothwell and the Prince delivered to the Earl of Marre Bothwell put to a triall Robert Cuningham protesteth against the proceedings in the name of the Earl of Lenox The persons chused upon the Jury Bothwell acquited with a protestation of the Jury Bothwell offereth to try his innocency by combat The offer accepted upon security of the place A Parliament at Edinburgh Bothwell seeketh the consent of the Lords to the Queens marriage He ravisheth the Queen in her return from Striveling His design in committing this rape Bothwell his divorce from his wife The Queen cometh to the Castle of Edinburgh The banes of Bothwell with the Queen asked Mr. Iohn Craig protested Mr. Craig called before the Councell with the reasons of his opposition His publication thereof to the people The marriage of the Queen with Bothwell celebrated The Noblemens bond for preservation of the young Prince The Bishop of Dumblane sent to France Noblemen solicited to enter in bond with the Queen and Bothwell The Earl of Murray refused and is licensed to goe into France The Queen maketh choice of a Councell The order of their attendance A Proclamation to accompany the Queen to the borders The Castle of Borthwick invironed The Queen Bothwell escape The Lords retire to Edinburgh A Proclamation given out by the Lords The Queen gathereth forces Difficulties amongst the Lords The Queen giveth thâ—m the opportuniy they wished for The Proclamation of Glaidsmore The Lords cast themselves in the Queens way The order of the Lords Aâ—my The meeting at Carberry hill The French Ambassadour laboureth to compose matters Bothwel offereth to try the cause in combat It is accepted and the Queen inhibiteth the fight The Queens Army unwilling to fight Bothwel flyeth and the Queen rendereth herself to the Lords The Queen sent prisoner to Lochlevin Sir Iames Balfour betrayeth his trust to Bothwel The Earl of Glencarn demolisheth the Altar The Lords write to the Noblemen of the Queens party The Noblemen made a motion to the Assembly and the Assemblies Commission to the Lords Instructions given to those that were sent from the Assembly The Earl of Argile his answer The Lord Boyd his answer Articles agreed in the Assembly of the Church The Articles subscribed The Queen moved to make resignation of the Crown The King crowned at Striveling
horsemen and four ships well appointed to keep the Haven of Leth trusting therewith as she said and with the assistance she promised her self in the Countrey to daunt all the rebells and bring them to obedience Meane while she began to fortifie the towne of Leth as being a Port fit to receive fresh supplies and a place that might serve the French companies for a refuge if they should happen to be redacted to any necessitie The Lords of the Congregation kept at that time a Convention in Striveling and thither came the Earle of Arrane the Duke his eldest son having left France upon this occasion Being one day in conference with the Duke of Guise who then ruled all things in the French Court and falling in speech of those that professed the reformed Religion he did utter his minde too freely in their favours which was so ill taken as it was resolved to call him in question Of this and other speeches that had escaped the Cardinall of Lorraine in the Court of Parliament he was advertised and thereupon retired quickly from Court and went to Geneva there he became acquainted with Mr. Randolph an English man who was afterwards imployed in many honourable Legations to Scotland and came with him into England where he was much graced by Queen Elizabeth and by her perswasions induced to promise that at his return he should joyn himself with those that sought to expell the French forth of Scotland and move his father so far as in him lay to take part in that cause Both which he truly performed for immediately upon his return he came to the Noblemen at Sriveling and made offer of his assistance in the common quarrell both of Religion and the liberty of the Countrey Then going to visit his Father at Hamilton he won him to their side and reconciling some old grudges betwixt his father and certain Noblemen brought them all to meet together at Hamilton and to write a common Letter to Queen Regent which was to this effect That it was to them a marvell ho she not provoked by any injury could go so soon from the late appointment as to expulse the ancient inhabitants of the town of Leth place therein a Colonie of strangers as minding to keep the Countrey under a Tyrannicall subjection This they said was against her promise against the publick weale and against the lawes and liberties of the Kingdome wherefore they intreated her to desist from that course and not to drive them into a necessity of seeking the concurrence of the Subjects for resisting the mischief intended against the whole This letter dated at Hamilton the 29. of September was subserived by the Duke of Chattellerault the Earles of Arrane Argile Glencarn and Mentieth the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Ochiltrie and divers other Barons and Gentlemen They wrote also to the Lord Ereskin keeper of the Castles of Edinburgh and Striveling Desiring him as a Nobleman and a Member with them of the same Common-wealth to look circumspectly to his own person and to the strengths committed to his trust and not to suffer himself to be abused with the promises and policies which they knew would be used Hereof they did think it needfull as they said to give him warning not that they stood in doubt of his sidelity but that they esteemed it their duty to advertise him of the common danger and to assure him if by violence any should go about to bereave him of those sorts their assistance should not be lacking Queen Regent not liking to make an answer to the Lords in writing sent Sir Robert Carnagie and Mr. David Borthuick with a letter of credit to the Duke That which they had in credit to say was that she wondred much at his joyning with the Lords or that he should have permitted the Earle of Arrane his son take that course and to advise him to come and stay with her at Court or if they could not obtain that point that they should disswade him from taking part with them The Duke asking what the Queen meant to do concerning the fortification at Leth and dispatch of the French men they said If all things were put in the Queen will she would be gracious enough Whereunto he replayed That both he and the rest of the Lords would most willingly serve her so as she would be ruled by the counsell of naturall Scottish men but so long as she kept about her strangers who were a trouble and great to the Countrey he beleeved no wise man would give either him or them advise to put themselves in her hands This answer reported to the Queen because she perceived the arriving of the French souldiers to be generally ill taken she gave forth a Proclamation Wherein complaining of the calumnies dispersed against her by wicked people especially that she had broken the appointment made with the Congregation at Leth which she said was onely to entertain division in the Realm by receiving of French forces which they aggredged so far against all reason it not being an Article of the appointment that albeit for every Frenchman that was in Scotland there were a hundreth at her command there should not a jot that was promised be broken nor the least alteration be made in any thing if the Congregation did in like manner faithfully keep their part Therefore willed all good subjects not to give eare to such informations nor suffer themselves to be led thereby from their due obedience assuring them that they should ever finde with her truth in promise and a motherly love towards all loyall subjects Besides the Proclamation she imployed in the Countrey some whom she especially trusted to inform the Subjects of her good meaning the principalls were Mr. Iames Balfoure Officiall of Lothian Mr. Thomas and Mr. William Scots sons to the Laird of Balwery Sir Robert Carnagy and some others Neither did she omit to deal with the specials of the Congregation sending Sir Iohn Bannatyne Justice Clerk to the Lord Ruthven with many liberall promises if he would leave the faction and Mr. Iohn Spence of Condy to Lord Iames with a letter bearing this effect That having understood the cause of his departing from her to be the love he bare to Religion Albeit she did mislike the same yet knowing his minde and the mindes of other Noble men to be so far bent that way as there was no possiblity to reclaim them she had now resolved to tolerate their profession and at their own sights to grant such liberty as might stand with the common policy of the Realm and their Soveraigns honour As for the men of Warre and fortification at Leth so much complained of she said that some had given her to understand that it was not the advancement of Religion which was sought but that the same was made a pretext to overthrow the authority of his sister whereof she beleeved he would never be participant and this was the
the Firth which they did apprehend to be a supply sent unto them but when they saw them fall upon the ships that carried their victuals they became doubtful and shortly after were assured by a boat which had spoken them that it was an English Navy sent to the support of the Congregation and that a land Army was also prepared to come into Scotland These newes troubled them not a little and made them doubtful what course to take for to return by Striveling was a long way and to transport the souldiers to the other coast there were no vessels so as they feared to be kept from joyning with their fellows at Leth. Their resolution therefore was to make the longer journeys as they did and setting to the way the same night they came on the third day to Leth having lost divers of their company by the way Fife thus delivered from their oppressions publick thanks were given to God in the Church of S. Andrews This done the Lords took purpose to besiege the houses of Weimes Seafield Bagome and Dury which were taken without resistance and the Lords thereof made prisoners but shortly after they were dimitted and the houses restored upon condition not to assist the French any more The Earl of Huntley at the same time being advertised that the Barons of Mernis were come to Aberdene to make reformation in that City hastened thither to withstand their proceedings and by his coming saved the Cathedral Church the houses of the Dominicans Carmelites and other Religions being already demolished and cast down Yet when he heard that the English forces were advancing he sent to the Lords and made offer to joyn with them A meeting to this effect was appointed at Perth whither he came and staying some three dayes departed homewards upon promise to return unto the Army in the beginning of April for Proclamatinos were gone through the countrey charging all the subjects to meet in Armes at Linlithgow the last of March and from thence to passe forwards in pursuit of the French that had fortified at Leth. For fulfilling the Article whereby the Lords were tied to send pledges unto England Colin Campbel Cousen to the Earl of Argyle Robert Douglas brother to the Laird of Lochleven and ... Ruthven son to the Lord Ruthven were delivered to the Englâ—sh Admiral and by sea conveyed to the Town of Newcastle After which the English forces consisting of 2000. horse and six thousand foot entered into Scotland conducted by the Lord Gray under whom commanded the Lord Scroop Sir Iames Crofts Sir Henry Percie and Sir Francis Lake The Scottish Army joyned with them at Preston the fourth of April whereof the principal leaders were the Duke of Chattellerault the Earles of Argyle Glencarn and Menteith Lord Iames. the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Ochiltrie who were assisted by all the Barons and Gentlemen professing Religion in Lothian Fife Angus Mernis and the West countries The same day the Queen Regent removed her family to the Castle of Edinburgh and was received by the Lord Aresken a Nobleman of approved honesty and wisdom he was not ignorant of the Queens intentions and the desire she had to have the French Masters of that strength yet he would not at that time deny her entrie but used such circumspection as she and the house both were still in his power The Noblemen resolving to fall presently to work did yet think to move the Queen of new for dismissing the French companies and to that effect they directed a letter of this tenor Madame We have often before this time by letters and messages been instant with you to remove the French souldiers out of the Realm who now the space of a year and more have oppressed the poor people with evils intolerable and threaten to bring this Kingdom under a miserable servitude But seeing we could not prevaile by our lawful requests we were forced to mean our estate to the Queen of England our nearest neighbour and intreat her support for expulsing these strangers by Armes if otherwise we cannot obtain it And now albeit she pitying our distresses hath taken us and our cause in her protection yet for the duty we owe unto you as the Mother of our Queen and the desire we have to eschew the shedding of Christian blood we have advised once again to intreat the dismission of these French men with their Captains and Commanders for whose commodious transport the Queen of England will be pleased to lend her Navy and give to others of them a safe passage by land If this condition shall be rejected we take God and men to record that it is not malice nor hatred which moveth us to take Armes but that we are driven by necessity to use extreme remedies for preserving the commonwealth and saving our selves our estates and posterities from utter ruine neither shall we for any peril that can happen howsoever we suffer many wrongs and indignities and are daily in expectation of worse forsake that dutiful obedience which we owe to our Queen or yet resist the King her husband in any thing that shall not tend to the subversion of the ancient liberties of this Kingdome Therefore most gracious Queen we beseech you again and again to weigh the equity of our Petition the inconveniences of warre and to consider how needful it is that thus your daughters afflicted Kingdom should be put to some rest and quietnesse If so you do you shall give to all nations a testimony of your moderation and procure the peace of the greatest part of Christendome This letter dated at Dalkeith the fifth of April was subscrived by all the Noblemen that were present The English General did in like manner direct Sir George Howard and Sir Iames Crofâ—s to make offer that if the French would peacably depart forth of Scotland they likewise should return into their countrey without molesting any person Her answer was that she would think of what was propounded and give answer the next day But the Army not liking to admit these delayes advanced the next day which was Saterday towards Leth keeping along the sea coast till they came to Restalrig The French issuing forth of Leth to the number of 1300. or thereby and planting themselves upon a little hill called the Hawkhill where they knew the English Army would encamp for the space of five houres continued in fight the one striving to make good the place the other to carry it At last the Scottish horsemen did charge the French with suh a fury that they not able to maintain it any longer took the flight and retired to the Town from which they had been quite cut off if the English horse had seconded the Scots as was appointed In this conflict three hundred of the French were killed and some few of the English Then begun the Army of England to place their Pavilions betwixt the Town of Leth and Restalrig
tongue a testimony of his learning docilitie age and parentage Those that have bin taught the Dialectick shall be examined by the Rector and Principalls and being found to have profited therein shall be promoved to the Classe of the Mathematicks None shall be admitted to the Classe of Medicine but he that shall be known to have spent his time well in Dialectick Mathematick and Physick and shall have a testimoniall of his docilitie in the last None admitted to the Classe of Laws but he that shall have a testimoniall of his time well spent in Dialectick Mathematick Ethick O Economicks Politicks and of his docilitie in the last And to the Classe of Divines they onely shall be admitted that bring a sufficient Testimoniall of their time well spent in Dialectick Mathematick Physick Ethick O Economick and Politick Philosophy the knowledge of the Hebrew tongue and of his docility in Divinity Such as will apply themselves to hear the Laws shall not be compelled to hear Medicine neither shall such as apply themselves to hear Divinity be compelled either to hear Medicine or the Laws The second University at Glasgow shall have two Colledges In the first whereof shall be three Classes one for Dialectick another for Mathematick and a third for Physick And in the second Colledge shall be four Classes one for morall Philosophie Ethicks O Economicks and Politicks another for the Municipall and Romane Laws the third for the Hebrew tongue and the last for Divinity to be ordered according to the University of St. Andrews The third Universitie at Aberdene shall be conform to the University of Glasgow in all points Unto every Colledge there must be elected forth of the body of the University a Principall who must be a man of learning discretion and diligence he shall receive the whole rents of the Colledge and distribute the same according to the erection of the Colledge adjoyning to himself weekly one of the Professors he shall hearken dayly the Diet compts and oversee the policy and buildings of the house attend that the Professors be diligent in their severall readings to the youth and shall weekly keep a meeting with the whole Members of the Colledge for punishment of faults that shall happen to be committed and shall yearly be countable to the superintendent Rector and rest of the Principalls who shall convene to that effect the first of November The election of the Principall shall be in this sort within eight dayes after the place falleth void the members of the Colledge being sworn to follow their conscience shall nominate three of the most sufficient men of the University not being Principalls already who shall be publickly propounded through the whole University This done the Superintendent by himself or his speciall Procurators with the Rector and the rest of the Principalls shall convene within eight dayes after and choose one of the three whom they think most sufficient being sworn before to do the same without favor or partiall affection There shall be in every Colledge a Steward Cook Gardiner and Porter who shall be subject to the Principall as are the rest Every Vniversity shall have a Beddale who shall be subject to serve at all times the Vniversity at the direction of the Rector and Principall There shall likewise a Rector be chosen in every Vniversity from year to year on this manner The Principalls of the Colledges with the whole Regents chapterly convened shall be sworn to nominate every man speaking in his own room such a one as in his conscience he thinketh to be most sufficient for that charge and dignity and of those who shall be most often nominated there shall be put in lite 15. dayes before Michaelmas and upon the eve of Michaelmas the whole Principals Regents and Supposts graduated or who have studied the Ethicks O Economicks and Politicks and no others every nation having protested to follow the Dictate of their own Conscience shall nominate one of the said three and he unto whom most voices are given shall be confirmed by the Superintendent and Principals who shall take his oath for lawfull administration and the oath of the rest of the Vniversitie for their submission and obedience after which he shall put on a new garment and be presented to the Vniversitie Insignia Magistratus being born before him monethly he shall visit every Colledge and trie how the exercises of Reading be kept his assessours shall be a Lawyer and Theologue by whose advice he shall decide all Civill questions betwixt the Members of the Universitie If any without the Universitie pursue a Member thereof or be pursued by any Member of the same he shall assist the Provost and Bailies and other Judges competent to see justice ministred and that as well in civill as criminall causes We think it expedient that in every Colledge of the whole Universities there be 24. Bursars divided equally in the Classes above specified that is in St. Andrewes 72. Bursars in Glasgow 48. in Aberdene as many these shall be sustained onely in meat upon the charges of the Colledge and not be admitted but upon triall taken by the Ministerie of the Town and Principalls of the Universitie as well touching their own docility as if their parents be able to entertain them or not Of Stipends and the expences nâ—cessary The summes needfull for the ordinary charges we judge may be as followeth Imprimis for the stipend of the Professors of Dialectick Mathematick Physick and Morall Philosophy for each of those 100l Item for the Professor of Medicine and Lawes 200. marks Item to the Reader of the Hebrew and Greek tongues and Divinity 200l Item to every Principall 200l Item to every Steward for his fee 16l Item to every Gardiner Cook and Porter 10. marks Item to the sustentation of every Bursar that is not in the Classe of Theologie or Medicine 20l. Item to the Bursars in these Classes 24l Summa of the yearly and ordinary expences in the Universitie of St. Andrewes extendeth to 3796l summa of the yearly and ordinary expences of Glasgow extends to 2922l Summa of Aberdene 2922l Summa of the whole ordinary charges is 9640l For the payment of these summes we think the Temporalties of Bishopricks and Churches Collegiat ought to be destinated so farre at least as the same charges do require The Beddale shall have for his stipend 2s of every Intrant and Suppost of the Universitie of every Graduate in Philosophy 3s of the Graduate in Medicine 4s and 5s of the Graduate in Theology Bursars in these studies only excepted For upholding the fabrick this order would be taken that every Earls son at his entry shall give 40s with so much at his graduation Every Lords son 30s The son of a Baron 20s the son of a Burgess or substantious Gentleman 10s and the sons of all others Bursars excepted 5s These moneys being collected shall be put in a common box and committed to the keeping of the Principall and upon
exemplary punished the Noblemen Barons and other Professors should imploy their whole forces strength and power for the just punishment of all and whatsoever persons that should be tried and found guilty of the same 8. Sith it hath pleased God to give a native Prince unto the Countrey who in all appearance shall become their King and Soveraign lest he should be murthered and wickedly taken away as his father was the Nobility Barons and others under subscriving should assist maintain and defend the Prince against all that should attempt to do him injury 9. That all Kings and Princes that in any time hereafter shall happen to reign and have the rule of the Realm should in their first entry and before they be either crowned or inaugurated give their oath and faithfully promise unto the true Church of God for maintaining and defending by all means the true Religion of Christ presently professed within the Kingdom 10. That the Prince should be committed to the education of some wise godly and grave man to be trained up in vertue and the fear of God that when he cometh to years he may discharge himself sufficiently of that place and honour whereunto he is called 11. That the Nobility Barons and others underscribing should faithfully promise to convene themselves in armes for the rooting out of idolatry especially the blasphemous Mass without exception of place or person And likewise should remove all idolaters and others not admitted to the preaching of the Word from the bearing of any function in the Church which may be a hinderance to the Ministery in any sort and in their places appoint Superintendents Ministers and other needfull members of the Church And further should faithfully binde themselves to reform all Schooles Colledges and Universities throughout the Realme by removing all such as be of contrary profession and beare any charge therein and planting faithfull teachers in their rooms lest the youth should be corrupted with poysonable doctrine in their lesser years which afterwards would not easily be removed These were the Articles agreed unto by a common consent ard subscribed in the presence of the Assembly by the Earls of Morton Glencarne and Marre the Lords Home Ruthven Sanqhuar Lindesay Grahame Innermaith and Ochiltrie and many Barons besides the Commissioners of Burgesses Upon the dissolving of this Assembly the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay were directed to Lochlevin to deal with the Queen for resignation of the Government in favours of the Prince her son and the appointing of some to be Regent who should have the administration of affairs during his minority At first she took the proposition grievously answering in passion that she could sooner renounce her life then her Crown yet after some rude speeches used by the Lord Lindesay she was induced to put her hand to the renunciation they presented by the perswasion chiefly of Robert Melvil who was sent from the Earl of Atholl and Lethington to advise her as she loved her life not to refuse any thing they did require He likewise brought a letter from Sir Nicholas Throgmorton the Ambassadour of England who was come a few dayes before to visit her but was denied access to the same effect declaring that no resignation made in the time of her captivity would be of force and in Law was null because done out of a just fear which having considered with her self a while without reading any one of the Writs presented she set her hand to the same the tears running down in abundance from her eyes One of the Writs contained a renunciation of the Crown and Royall dignity with a Commission to invest the Prince into the Kingdome by the solemnities accustomed And to that purpose a procuration was given to the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay for dimitting and resigning in presence of the three Estates the Rule and Government And to the Earls of Morton Atholl Marre Glencarne and Menteith and to the Lords Grahame and Home with the Bishop of Orkney and the Provosts of Dundie and Montross for inaugurating the Prince her son The other Writ did appoint the Earl of Murray Regent during the Prince his Minoritie if at his return he should accept of the Charge And in case of his refuse the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Lenox Argile Atholl Morton Glencarne and Marre who should joyntly govern and administrate the publick affairs Both the renunciation and Commission for government of the Realm were the next day published at the Market Cross of Edinburgh and the third day after the Publication which was the 29. of Iuly was the Prince crowned and anointed King in the Church of Striveling by the Bishop of Orkney assisted by two of the Superintendents The Sermon was made by Iohn Knox the Earl of Morton and the Lord Home took the Oath for the King that he should maintain the Religion received and minister justice equally to all the subjects The English Ambassadour though he was in town refused his presence to that solemnity lest he should seem to approve the abdication of the Queens Government Now how soon the news came to France and they came in great haste the Earl of Murray prepared to return whereof the Archbishop of Glasgow getting intelligence who lay there Ambassadour for the Queen he laboured earnestly to have him detained informing that he was the head of the faction raised against the Queen and that he was called home to be their leader But he had taken his leave some houres before of the Court and used such diligence as they who were sent to stay him found that he was loosed from Diepe before their coming Returning by England he came the 11. of August to Edinburgh where he was received with a wonderfull joy Great instance was used to have him accept the Regency at which they said no man would grudge he being named by the Queen and having given all good men experiments of his worth Some few dayes he desired to advise in which time he visited the Queen at Lochlevin and sent Letters to the Noblemen of the other faction especially to the Earl of Argile with whom he had kept an intire friendship of a long time shewing in what sort he was pressed by the Lords that maintained the Kings authority and intreating him by the bonds of kindred the familiarity they had long kept and by the love he bare to his native Countrey to appoint a place where he might confer with him and have his counsell in that business To the rest he wrote according to the acquaintance he had with them and as their place and dignity required Of them all in common he desired that they would be pleased to designe a place of meeting where they might by common advice provide for the safety of the Kingdome which in that troubled time could not long subsist without some one to rule and govern But finding them all to decline the meeting and being importuned on the other side by those
rest well satisfied But a pitiful accident that fell out in the time gave an hinderance to these business The Chancellour going to the Castle to make his report to the King as he returned to his lodging did encounter the Earl of Crawford in the street called commonly the Schoolhouse wynd There had been an old grudge bewixt the two families whereupon the Noblemen passed by others without salutations the street being narrow and the companies of each side great when they were almost parted two base fellowes fell a strugling for the way and by thrusting one at another raised a tumult in the very beginning whereof the Chancellour was killed with the shot of a Pistol It was certainly known that the Noblemen did purpose no harm to others for Crawford did call to his followers to give way to the Chancellour as he on the other side called to give way to the Earl of Crawford yet by this unhappy accident were the old dissensions that had long slept revived and a fresh enmity raised which turned to the great hurt of both The death of the Chancellour was much lamented falling out in the time when the King and countrey stood in most need of his service He had carried himself with much commendation in his place and acquired a great authority most careful was he to have peace conserved both in the countrey and Church and laboured much to have the question of Church policy setled upon which subject he interchanged divers letters with Theodore Beze Some have blamed him of too great curiosity in that matter but his intention certainly was pious and commendable Upon his death the Earl of Athol was preferred to be Chancellour at which the Church did mightily offend as likewise of the admission of the Earls of Cathnes and Eglinton with the Lord Ogilvy upon the Councel who were all thought to be Popishly inclined This being meaned to the King was in some sort satisfied by their promises and subscriptions to the Articles of religion yet the suspicions of their unsoundness still continued And now began they who longed for the change of Mortons government to repent the alteration that was made for howsoever he did not favour the novations in Church policy urged by some Ministers he kept a severe hand over Papists permitting none to enjoy and publick office who was not sincerely affected to the truth The first of April the Castle of Edinburgh was delivered to the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay who were appointed by the King to receive the house and a discharge given to the Earl of Morton of the jewels munition and moveables within the same And the same day Iohn Seaton of Touch and Iohn Cunningham of Drumwhassil received the keys in name of Alexander Areskin Uncle to the Earl of Marre upon a warrant directed to them for that effect The Earl of Morton resolving to live private and to have no more medling in publick affairs retired to Lochlevin where he stayed not long being recalled to Court by this occasion The friends of the house of Marre of whom the principals were the Abbots of Driburgh and Cambuskenneth out of some jealousie they conceived of Alexander Areskin his courses and a fear that the young Nobleman who was then grown to some years might be prejudged of his right in keeping the Castle practised secretly to exclude him and entring one morning with a number of his followers seised upon the keeper of the gate took the keys from him by force and putting him and his men forth placed others in their rooms whom they caused swear fidelity to the Earl of Marre How soon the Councel which then remained at Edinburgh was advertised of this change they prepared to go to Striveling and for their greater security were furnished with some companies of men by the Town of Edinburgh but by letters from the King they were stayed In these letters the King shewed that it was a private dissension only that had happened betwixt the friends of the house of Marre which he would have peaceably composed and therefore desired them to come unto him after a day or two in quiet and sober manner and assist the reconcilement They obeyed and coming to Striveling in a frequent Councel kept the third of May the controversy was in these termes composed That the Earl of Marre being new come to a reasonable age he should attend the Kings person and have the custody of the Castle of Striveling and that the Master his Uncle should remain Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh and when he came to Court have his table kept as before and enjoy the place of a Gentleman of his Majesties chamber The conditions prescrived to the Earl of Marre were That he should guard the Castle attend the Kings person therein and not remove him to any place whatsoever without the knowledge and consent of the Councel That he should not receive any within the house whom he knew not to be well affected to the King admitting an Earl with two only in train a Lord with one and Gentleman single that Mr. George Buchannan and Mr. Peter Young should continue his instructers and no others be admitted without the Councels consent nor any religious exercise kept within the Castle but that which the Parliament had approved For the observing of these Articles the Earls of Athol Angus Argile and Montross with the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay became sureties For the Master his Uncle and his fidelity in keeping the Castle of Edinburgh with the jewels munition and other moveables the Earls of Athol Argile Montross and the Lord Ruthven gave their bond and obligation Some days after this broile the Captain his eldest son called Alexander a youth of great hopes departed this life as it was thought of a grief he conceived for the indignity done to his Father This agreement being made and the Lords being then to return to Edinburgh the King did signify unto them that because the Parliament was indicted to the tenth of Iuly he would before that time call a number of every estate together for the preparing of matters and that all emulations laid aside they might concurre and joyn their counsels for the publick good of the Realm The Diet for this meeting he appointed at Striveling the tenth of Iune the Convention at the time was frequent of the Clergy eight Bishops and as many Abbots were present of the Nobility nine Earls and eleven Lords and divers Commissioners of Burghs The Earl of Morton at the Kings earnest intreaty came also thither and at his coming was admitted upon the Councel having the precedency allowed him with the consent of the rest because of the Regency he had a long time sustained In the first meeting the King after he had given thanks to the whole number for the readinesse they had shewed to convene in that place proponed two things One was touching the Parliament and the place where it should
finding him to have failed in his duty did remit his censure to the King himself who as he was a Prince most tractable did passe it upon the Earl his submission In the moneth of Iune the Assembly of the Church convened at Edinburgh which the King did honour with his presence Mr. Patrick Galloway elected to preside in name of the Church did put up three Petitions to his Majesty One for establishing the Churches jurisdiction and the abolishing of all Acts made to the contrary Another for purging the country of Jesuits seminary Priests and excommunicate persons trafficking against Religion The third was for providing a competent maintenance to Ministers forth of the tithes of the Parishes where they served and applying what was above to the sustentation of Schooles maintaining of the poor repairing of the fabrick of Churches and other the like necessary uses To the first his Majesty answered That in all Parliaments the first Act that was concluded did concern the liberty of the Church which he should have care to see observed as in times passed For the second he said that it was known what pains he had taken therein before his journey to Denmark and that he would do what lawfully could be done for purging the countrey of Papists And touching the third because many were interessed therein he did advise them to make choice of the most discreet of their number to meet with such of the Councel as he should appoint for conferring upon the readiest means to effectuate that which they desired Thereafter his Majesty falling to speak of the barbarous feuds which were entertained in the Realm and the many odious murthers there through committed did seriously commend to them as those who should of all others most study to make peace the removing of such barbarities so farre as in them lay wishing them in their Sermons to strike on that point and make people understand how sinful it was and how shamefull to the whole Nation as likewise to employ the most wise amongst them for reconciling the variances that abounded in the countrey For my self said he I will employ all the power I have that way and if you shall apply your selves in your places to do the like my work shall be the more easie and have the better successe This was greatly applauded of all and indeed after that time he took such pains partly calling those that were at variance before the Councel and causing them submit their quarrels partly making strict lawes against the troublers of the common peace as he never ceased till he got the feuds wholly abolished Yet this was not wrought but after some time and with much difficulty new troubles daily arising in sundry parts of the countrey In the North a dissension brake out betwixt the Earls of Huntley and Murray that kept those parts a long time in trouble the occasion whereof was this Iohn Gordon son to Thomas Gordon of Cluny having married the widow of Grant of Ballendallagh it happeneth in a private quarrel one of Gordons servants to be killed by the Tutor of the house Gordon pursuing him before the Justice for not appearing he was denounced Rebel and Commission given to the Earl of Huntley as Sheriffe of the countrey to apprehend him The Earl making search for him cometh to the house of Ballendallagh and after some resistance taketh it by force but findeth not the Tutor This the family of the Grants interpreting to be done in their disgrace they betook themselves to the patrociny of the Earl of Murray and with them the Clanchatton and divers of the name of Dumbarre did joyn Huntley offending that any in those parts should make head against him and having understood that the Earls of Atholl and Murray were to meet these Glammis in Forres for making up a confederacy did assemble his friends and went thither to dissolve the meeting but before his coming they had severed and the Earl of Murray was returned to his house of Tarnway Huntley taking that way home and some of his company riding about the house in manner of a Bravado they within discharging some Musquets upon them it happened the same Gordon that married the widow to be killed To be revenged of this affront Huntley gathered forces to invade the Earl of Murray and he assisted by the Earl of Athol his Cousen prepareth to defend The convocations were great on either side whereof the King receiving advertisement charges were directed to command Atholl home and inhibit Huntley from coming by West the River of Spey and Murray not to come on the East of Findorne this course did restrain them for a time but gave not an end to thòse troubles A little after this fell out the slaughter of William Ker of Ancram a Gentleman of great sufficiency who was killed in Edinburgh under night by Sir Robert Ker apparant of Cesfourd There had been a long and old emulation betwixt the two families of Cesfourd and Farnherst for the Wardenry of the middle Marches and the Provostry of Iedburgh But Farnherst being then deceased and the heir left young this Gentleman as descended of the house did what he could to maintain the reputation of it which was an eyesore to the other It happened also some little time before this Gentleman in the trial of goods stolne from England to find out the committer of the theft and when the same was denied for the matter was brought before the Councel to verify the same by clear testimonies which was taken to be done out of spleen and to rubbe some infamy upon Cesfourd who was then Warden for the man accused was one of his followers This the Lady Cesfourd a woman of an haughty spirit did apprehend so deeply as she never ceased till she had moved her son being then very young to bereave the Gentleman of his life A hateful fact it was both for the manner in which it was done and for the losse the countrey received by the Gentlemans death for he was a man generally well given wise of great courage and expert beyond others in the Lawes and Customes of the Borders The King was highly offended and was resolved to use exemplary Justice upon the Actor But he eschewing and living a fugitive some moneths was pardoned upon satisfaction made to the Gentlemans children as was thought by the Chancellors intercession who afterwards married him to his Neece a daughter of Lethington Most of this Winter was spent in the discovery and examination of Witches and Sorcerers Amongst these Agnes Samson commonly called the wise wife of Keith was most remarkeable a woman not of the base and ignorant sort of Witches but Matron-like grave and setled in her answers which were all to some purpose In her examination she declared That she had a familiar spirit who upon her call did appear in a visible form and resolve her of any doubtful matter especially concerning the life or death of persons lying
were suspected to have suffered her in those conceipts he shewed himself much displeased and chiding them bitterly followed the Queen to Striveling where he remained not long but returning to Falkland left to the Earl of Marre a Warrant written with his own hand and conceived in this form My Lord of Marre because in the surety of my son consisteth my surety and I have concredited unto you the charge of his keeping upon the trust I have of your honesty this I command you out of my own mouth being in the company of those I like otherwise for any charge or necessity that can come from me you shall not deliver him And in case God call me at any time see that neither for the Queen nor Estates their pleasure you deliver him till he be 18 years of age and that he command you himself Striveling the 24 of July 1595. This warrant as it shewed the Kings displeasure at those that had combined in the plots so it declared the great trust he put in the Nobleman Shortly after the Chancellor taking to heart the Kings offence contracted a hearty sickness at his house of Lawder and sending his Cousen the secretary to the King who remained then at Hamilton did by him excuse the dealing in that matter and with a solemn protestation of his fidelity in all his Majesties services seriously commend his Lady children and friends now that he was to end his life to his Majesties protection The King was much troubled with the news and wrote unto him with his own hand the letter following Chancellor how sorry I am of these newes I leave it to your self to judge I was never a dissembler of my affections And yet I trust that God will not spoil me of you so untimely Therefore will pray you so farre as you may with a valiant heart resist the assaults of your sickness hoping in the goodness of my fortune that God will reserve you yet to me as Hezekiah was to his people for the necessity between Prince and subject is reciproque nor can any sickness how heavy soever it be take away the life if God cut not the threads thereof As to your suits if God calls you I need no remembrance for since I made you a pattern of my constant favour during your life as your self hath oft time said I am much more bound of Princely duty to make your wife and posteritie that bears your image a vive representation of my thankfull memory And to comfort you in this remember what I have done to the Duke and my Lady Huntley for their fathers sake This may assure you that in case of the worst which God forbid your thoughts shall be prevented herein by my thankfull behaviour to them and for your cousin the Secretary he shall be the better at my hand in losing you But I green to hear better newes And if time and distance of place could have permitted me in any way I should not have spared to have carried my own message my self God send you your health and keep you to me and to your Native Countrey This shewed in what account the King held him and in truth he deserved nothing lesse for he was a man of rare parts and of a deep wit learned full of courage and most faithfull to his King and Master In that last businesse which the Queen went about of taking the Prince from the Earl of Marre he was consenting for the two Noble men had their private emulations but it was ever with a reservation of his Majesties pleasure No man did ever carry himself in his place more wisely nor sustain it more courageously against his enemies then he did Being visited in his sicknesse by Mr. Robert Bruce and the Ministers of Edinburgh he expressed a great contempt of the world and of the vanities of it lamenting that he had not done the good which he would and might have done in his place being impeded as he said by the malice of his adversaries who were ever plotting his death and ruine Two moneths he continued under that languishing sicknesse and ended his dayes most happily the 3. of October 1595. The King did greatly lament his death and honoured him with this Epitaph Thou passenger that spies with gazing eyes This Trophy sad of deaths triumphant dart Consider when this outward Tombe thou sees How rare a man leaves here his earthly part His wisedome and his uprightnesse of heart His pietie his practice of our State His quick Engine so verst in every Art As equally not all were in debate Thus justly hath his death brought forth of late An heavy grief in Prince and Subjects all That virtue love and vice do bear at hate Though vitious men rejoyces at his fall So for himself most happy doth he die Though for his Prince it most unhappy be Others for all this spared not to expresse their malice in Libells and Rythmes after his death some whereof were cast in the Kings Chamber at Linlithgow and other places but as the Authours were not known so were the Rythmes despised and contemned by all good men His body was some dayes after conveyed to Hadington and solemnly interred in the Sepulchre of his fathers This year was by the vulgar people reckoned among the ill years because of the dearth and scarcity of Corns which the aboundance of winds in the Harvest time had caused yet for the bloodshed and slaughters committed in all quarters of the Countrey was it more justly to be so accounted For in the South parts the Iohnstons and Maxwells had a bloody conflict wherein divers were killed the greatest losse falling upon the Maxwells that went from the West parts besides Glasgow to assist their friends in the South In the Isles and Highlands were likewise great troubles nor was the Incountrey more quiet bloods and slaughters dayly falling out in every place Among which none was more odious then the slaughter of David Forrester Citizen of Striveling killed as he was returning from Edinburgh by some that lay in wait for his life The Lairds of Arth and Dunnypearce were thought to have hounded out the committers upon a spleen conceived against the Gentleman for the credit he had with his Master the Earl of Marre for no other quarrell could be pretended The Nobleman taking this greatly to heart caused to bring the body of his servant to Linlithgow for he was killed nigh to Linlithgow with his whole friendship conveyed the same to Striveling there to be interred carying along the portraite of the dead with the wounds he had received in a white sheet to move the beholders to a great detestation of the fact The Corps buried the Earl following the course of Law the Lords Levingston and Elphingston did partie the Committers And though the King by his Proclamation did prohibit the assisting either of the pursuit or defenders commanding Justice to be done nothing could take effect in
letter directed to the E. of Northumberland that we may know the wisdome and piety of the King who had sent him advertisement of the Queens weaknesse and advised him to make sure his title by apprehending possession in time he said That man can neither be religious nor just that dealeth worse with his neighbour then he would be dealt withall and in a man of quality it can be no wisdome to leap hedge and ditch and adventure the breaking of his neck for gathering forbidden fruit before it be ripe when as by attending the due time he may be sure to finde all the gates of the orchard open and with free scope enter take and tast at liberty Sure it were a great weakness and unworthiness in me to come in as an Usurper with offence and scandall to the laws and present estate of government when I may in the right time claim the Crown as nearest Heir to the Prince deceased and possesse with equity should I out of untimely ambition fall to break the long continued and faithfully preserved amity that by the proof of many kinde offices hath taken root among us it were an error inexcusable And howbeit I doe acknowledge your kinde affection in the offers you make of assistance I must tell you freely that no Prince can presume of any subjects loyalty to himself that hath been unsound and unfaithfull to his own Soveraign nor would I ever look to be secure in a Kingdome so trayterously disposed In end he advised the Earl to forbear such writing and when he wrote which he wished him to doe rarely and not but upon great occasions to beware of any thing that might justly offend the Queen lest by interception or other misadventure he might be disabled to serve him another day This was the Kings resolution which God so blessed as it brought him within a short time after against the opinions and desires of many to the quiet and peaceable possession of his right and inheritance for in the Spring the Queens disease encreasing which was judged to be a melancholy incorrigible and by some conceived to proceed from a sorrow for Essex others ascribed it to the accepting of the Rebell Tyrone to peace and all apprehending it to be deadly the hearts of people did so incline to the King as a great many in that State did write unto him That all England was grown to be Scotish The Queen her self continuing constant in her affection when she was askt a little before her death by the Lord Keeper and Secretary who were directed by the Councell to understand her will touching her Successor answered None but my Cousen the King of Scots After which words she spake not much only being desired by the Archbishop of Canterbury whom she would not suffer to go from her all that time to fix her thoughts upon God she said So I doe neither doth my minde wander from him and then commending her soul to God in devout manner died most patiently and willingly A Queen imcomparable for wisdome and fidelity of government she departed this life the 24th of March in the 70 year of her age and 44 of her Reign The same day in the forenoon the King of Scots was proclaimed King first at the Palace of whitehall next at the Crosse in Cheapside within the City of London with an infinite applause of all sorts of people The end of the sixth Book THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE SEVENTH BOOK The Contents The proceedings after his Majesties going into England unto his death THE news of the Queens death were brought the third day after by Sir Robert Cary a son of the Lord Hunsdon after whom Sir Charles Percy brother to the Earl of Northumberland and Thomas Somerset sonne to the Earl of Worcester were directed from the Councell of England with the Letter following RIght High Right Excellent and mighty Prince and our dread Soveraign Lord as we cannot but confess unto your Majesty that the grief we have conceived by the loss of our late Soveraign Lady whose soul in your palace of Richmond passed from her earthly body to the joyes of heaven betwixt two and three of the clock this morning was nothing less then our loyalty and love to her whilest she lived being a Princesse adorned with vertues meet for Government prosperous in the success of her affairs and under whose obedience we have lived in greater tranquillity these many years then commonly happeneth to Princes so we must acknowledge that our sorrow is extingushed by the impression we have of those heroicall vertues of wisdome piety and magnanimity which we know to be in your Majesties person to whose right the lineall and lawfull succession of all our late Soveraigns dominions doth justly and onely appertain wherein we presume to profess this much as well for the honour which will thereby remain to our posterity as for your Majesties security of a peaceable possession of your kingdomes that we have never found either of those of the Nobility or of any other of the Estates of this realm any divided humour about the receiving and acknowledging your Majesty to be the onely head that must give life to the present maimed body of this kingdome which is so happy as with an universall consent to have received one sole uniform and constant impression of bright blood as next of kin to our Soveraign deceased and consequently by the Laws of this realm true and next heir to her kingdomes and dominions whereof we have made outward demonstration by publick Proclamation this very day a fore noon first in the City of Westminster at your Majesties palace gate at White-Hall and next at the Cross of Cheap-side within your Majesties City of London with an infinite applause of your people and with such solemnity as the shortness of time would permit Of all which we have thought it our duty immediately to advertise your Majesty by these two Gentlemen Sir Charles Percy brother to the Earl of Northumberland and Thomas Somerset Esq son to the Earl of Worcester of whom we have made choice to be the bearers of our Letters humbly beseeching your Highness to accept the same as the first fruits and offering of our tender and loyall affections towards you our gracious Soveraign and to rest assured that the same shall be ever hereafter seconded with all faith obedience and humble service which shall be in our power to perform for maintaining that which we have begun with the sacrifice of our lives lands and goods which we with all our other means do here humbly present at your Majesties feet craving of your Highness that seeing hereby you may perceive in what estate we remain as body without a head or rather without that spirit here amongst us which from the head might give vigor to every member to exercise the duty to it belonging thereby to keep the whole body from confusion you will be pleased to enter
his Majesties favors bestowed upon me having raised me out of the dust to a fortune farre exceeding my merit and on the other side I look to my foul fault in abusing his Majesties trust bringing thereby such an imputation upon his innocency as will hardly be taken away but with the forlorn childe to say Pecavi in coelum terram my offence is great I confess nor am I worthy to be reckoned any longer among his Majesties subjects or servants his Majesties rare piety singular wisdome and unspotted sincerity in all his actions whereof I had so long experience might have taught me that when he refused to have any dealing with the Pope the event of the course I took could not be good but I unhappy man would needs follow the way which to me seemed best and whereof I finde now the smart If no other thing can liberate his Majesty of this imputation caused by my folly let neither my life nor estate nor credit be spared but as I have all by his Majesties favour so let all go even to the last drop of my blood before any reproach for my offence be brought upon his Majesty Then rising up he said It shall not be necessary to remit my tryall to Scotland which I hear your Honours do intend for I do simply submit my self to his Majesties will and had much rather not live then lye any longer under his Majesties displeasure Therefore my humble suit to your honours is that in consideration of my miserable estate and ignominious confession you would be pleased to move his Majesty for accepting me in will and that without delay whatsoever may be done for reparation of his honour may be performed whereunto most willingly I submit my self The Chancellor Sir Thomas Egerton without taking any notice of these last words declared that his Majesties pleasure was to remit the tryall of his offence to the Judges in Scotland and that he should be conveyed thither as a Prisoner the Sheriffes attending him from shire to shire till he was delivered in Scotland in the mean time he did pronounce him deprived of all places honours dignities and every thing else that he possessed in England Whether or not I should mention the arraignment and execution of George Sprot notary in Eymouth who suffered at Edinburgh in the August preceding I am doubtfull his confession though voluntary and constant carrying small probability This man had deponed that he knew Robert Logan of Restalrig who was dead two years before to have been privy to Gowries conspiracy and that he understood so much by a letter that fell in his hand written by Restalrig to Gowry bearing that he would take part with him in the revenge of his fathers death and that his best course should be to bring the King by sea to Fascastle where he might be safely kept till advertisement came from those with whom the Earl kept intelligence It seemed a very fiction and to be a meer invention of the mans own brain for neither did he shew the letter nor could any wise man think that Gowry who went about that treason so secretly would have communicated the matter with such a man as this Restalrig was known to be as ever it was the man remained constant in his confession and at his dying when he was to be cast off the ladder for he was hanged in the publick street of Edinburgh promised to give the beholders a sign for confirming them in the truth of what he had spoken which also he performed by clapping his hands three severall times after he was cast off by the executioner To return to the Commissioners of the Assembly they had presence of the King in Hampton Court the 10 of September where the Archbishop of Glasgow having declared the occasion of their coming did present the Assemblies letter together with their Petitions The King having read both the one and other said That the difference between the lawfull and unlawfull meetings might be perceived by the fruits arising from both for as that unlawful conventicle at Aberdene had caused a schisme in the Church and given the enemies of Religion a great advantage so in this Assembly they had not onely joyned in love among themselves wich is the main point of religion but also had taken a solid course for the repressing of Popery and superstition that he did allow all their Petitions and would give order for a Convention which should ratifie the conclusions of the Assembly assuring them that the Church keeping that course should never lack his Patrociny and Protection Letters were immediately directed to publish his Majesties acceptation of the Assemblies proceedings and the Councell joyned to commit the Marquesse of Huntley in the Castle of Striveling the Earl of Angus in the Castle of Edinburgh and the Earl of Arroll in Dumbritton A convention was likewise indicted at Edinburgh the sixth of December which was afterward prorogued to the 27 of Ianuary The Archbishop of Glasgow was in the mean time sent home to inform the Councell concerning Balmerinoch his business and how these matters had been carried in England This report made The Chancellor who had been much ruled by the Secretary was greatly afraid as suspecting the next assault should have been made upon him self But the King who knew his disposition and expected that the Chancellor would carry himself more advisedly especially in the matters of the Church the Secretary being gone did hast the Earl of Dunbar home with a warrant to receive the Chancellor in the number of the Counsellors of England and therewith appointed him Commissioner with Dunbar in the Convention of Estates all which was done to make it seem that his credit was no way diminished with his Majesty In this convention divers Acts were made in favours of the Church As first that Noblemen sending their sons forth of the Countrey should direct them to places where the reformed Religion was professed at least where the same was not restrained by the Inquisition and that the Pedagogues sent to attend them should be chosen by the Bishop of the Dioces wherin if they should happen to transgress the Nobleman being an Earl should incur the pain of four thousand pounds if he was a Lord five thousand Marks and if a Baron three thousand Marks And if their sons should happen to decline from the true Religion that their Parents should withdraw all entertainment from them and finde surety to that effect That the Bishop of the Dioces should give up to the Treasurer Controller Collector and their deputies the names of all persons excommunicated for Religion to the end they might be known and that no confirmations resignations nor infestiments should be granted to any contained in that Roll. That the Director of the Chancery should give forth no briefes directories precepts of returns nor precept upon comprisement till they produced the Bishops Testificate of their absolution and obedience and
desired in a King The priviledges and immunities granted by him to the Church do witnesse his piety for in a convention held at Forfare by an unanime consent of his Estates he ordained That all Priests should from thenceforth be exempted from paying tribute keeping watch and going in warfare That they should not be drawne before temporal Judges for any civil cause but that all matters concerning them should be decided by their Bishops the judgement of Matrimonial causes right of Tithes Testaments Legislatory actions and all things depending upon simple faith and promise should be committed to the Bishops with power to them to make Canons and constitutions Ecclesiastical to try hereticks blasphemers perjured persons and Magicians and censure such as they did finde delinquent in that kind And that all Kings succeeding should at the time of their coronation take oath for maintaining the Church in their liberties These favours had the Clergy in the following ages used with that moderation and equity which they ought we should not have seen nor felt the interruptions that have been made upon Church liberties with the incroachments which in our time have been justly complained of In this time lived that famous Scholar Ioannes Scotus called Aerigena from the place of his birth which was the town of Aire in the West parts of Scotland This man being very young went to Athens and followed his studies there some years attained to great perfection in the Greek Chaldaick and Arabick languages Returning afterward to France at the request of Carolus Calvus he translated in Laetine the work of Dionysius de coelesti Hierarchia at which Pope Nicolaus took exception and wrote to King Charles on this manner Relatum est Apostolatui nostro quòd opus Dionysii Arepagitae quod de divinis nominibus vel coelestibus ordinibus Graeco descripit eloquio quidam vir Joannes genere Scotus in Latinum transtulit quod juxta morem nobis mitti nostro debuit judicio approbari praesertim cùm idem Joannes licèt multae scientiae esse praedicetur olim non sanus in quibusdam frequenti rumore dicatur We have been informed that one called Iohn of the Scottish nation hath translated the work which Dionysius the Areopagite did write of the names of God or of the heavenly Orders into the Latine tongue which book ought according to the custome have been sent to us and approved by our judgement especially since the said Iohn albeit he be esteemed of good learning hath been of long time held to be unsound in certain points of doctrine Now the point which the Pope did chiefly quarrel was his opinion of the Sacrament for he had published a Treatise De corpore sanguine Domini wherein he maintained Bertram his doctrine of that point Scotus having knowledge of this and thinking he could not be safe in those parts because of the Popes dislike came into Britain and was welcomed by King Alfred a great favourer of learned men by whom he was employed to teach the languages at Malmsbury Abbey and by some Scholars who could not indure the severity of discipline was stabbed to death in the year 884. and buried in the same Abbey 4. Bishop Malisius dying Kellach the second the son of one Ferlegus succeeded in his place he was the first Bishop of this Kingdom that went to Rome to seek confirmation and lived to a great age for he sate Bishop 35. years In his time Constantine the third King of that name wearied with the troubles of a publick life renounced his temporal dignity and betook himself to solitude among the Culdees in St. Andrews with whom he spent his last five years and there died After this Killach these successively were Bishops 5. Malmore 6. Malisius the second 7. Alwinus who fate three years only 8. Maldwin the son of Gillander and 9. Tuthaldus In this time the coelibate of the Clergy was violently urged and married Priests thrust from their livings which raised great stirres in the Church but the particulars are not recorded nor the broyles which thereupon insued I read in the Antiquities of the Britannick Church that in the year 977. a Councel was gathered at Calne in Wiltshire for that businesse to which Beornellus a Bishop of Scotland was called by Alfrithe the widow of King Edgar who favoured the cause of married Priests This Bishop a man of great learning and eloquence is said to have defended the conjugal life of Priests by solid reasons taken out of Scripture and to have put all the opposites to silence But Dunstane the Archbishop who presided in that Councel when he saw that reason could not bear out the earand fell a threatning and said that notwithstanding all their arguments they should not carry away the victory which he had no sooner spoken then the beames of the house wherein they sate at Councel bursting asunder all were overturned and fell headlong to the ground many were bruised and some killed with the fall Dunstan himself only escaped without harm the beam whereon he stood remaining whole and entire Such as favoured the cause of Monks did interpret this accident to be a sentence given by God on their side others said that Dunstan had wrought this mischief by sorcery for many supposed him to be a Magician However it was the married Priests though repining were forced indeed to yield and submit themselves What became of Beornellus I read not nor whether he returned to his countrey The names of some other Bishops we have who were in good accompt at that time such as Blaanus Englatius Colmocus and Moveanus Confessor to King Kenneth the third a wise and valiant King and one who might have been reckoned amongst the best Princes if about his latter end he had not stained his fame with the murther of Malcolm his Nephew whom he made away by poyson but the ambitious desire he had to settle the succession in his own posterity let him to work this villany which he carried in so covert a manner as no man did once suspect him thereof the opinion of his integrity being universally great but as wicked facts can never be assured though possible they may be concealed his mind was never after that time quiet the conscience of the crime vexing him day and night with continual fears In end whether it was so in effect or if his perplexed minde did form the self such an imagination whilest he lay asleep he heard a voyce speaking to him in this sort Doest thou think that the death of Malcolm that innocent Prince treacherously murthered by thee is hidden from me or that thou shalt passe any longer unpunished No there is a plot laid for thy life which thou shalt not escape and whereas thou didst think to transmit the Crown firm and stable to thy posterity thou shalt leave the Kingdom broken distracted and full of trouble The King awaked with the voyce was
with you for as to these vices we have been talking of I thank God none of them do reign in me onely I speak this to discover your minde and disposition Thus both agreeing upon the enterprise they gave private notice to their friends of their coming and obtaining a supply of ten thousand men from King Edward under the leading of Sibard Earl of Northumberland Malcolmes Grand-father by the Mother they entered into Scotland The rumour of this Army did cast Mackbeth into a great terrour and not knowing what to do for he was deserted of all he shut up himself at first in the Castle of Dunsinnan a Fort that he had lately built The Army marching thither how soon they came in sight Mackbeth out of a new fear forsook the Fort and made to flye by horse but being pursued by some of Malcolme his friends he was overtaken and killed Upon this victory Malcolme was declared King and crowned in Scone the 25. of April 1057. Soon after his Coronation calling the Estates together at Forfar he restored the children of those that Mackbeth had forfeited and to correct the intemperances of the people and to recall them to the ancient frugality made divers good statutes repealing that beastly Act of Eugenius the third which appointed the first night of the new married woman to appertain to the Lord of the ground and granting the husband liberty to redeem the same by payment of an half Mark of silver which portion they call Marchetas mulierum and is as yet disponed by superiours in the Charters they give to their vassals In this Convention likewise the Bishops who as we shewed before did indifferently administrate their functions in all places to which they came had limits appointed to them for the exercise of their jurisdiction To Saint Andrewes was committed the oversight of Fife Louthian Merce Striveling-shire Angus and Mernis Glasgow had the charge given him of the West parts and Borders Galloway this countrey which yet beareth the name and Murthlack all that is now of the Diocy of Aberdeen Besides these the King did erect Murray and Cathnes in two Bishopricks appointing able men for the discharge of the service and providing them with maintenance sufficient he gave the Lordship of Momemusk the superiority whereof belongs as yet to that See The Church of Dunfermling he built from the ground and laid the foundation of the Cathedral in Durham advancing great summes to the perfection thereof In all which he was much furthered by that blessed Lady Queen Margaret his wife That we may better know this Lady and how she came to be married unto Malcolme I must relate a few things belonging to that purpose Edmond King of England surnamed Ironside being treacherously killed at Oxford Canutus a Dane who reigned in a part of that kingdome attained the absolute dominion of the whole This Edmond left two sons Edwin and Edward whom Canutus in the beginning entertained very kindly but afterwards seeking to establish the Crown in his own posterity he sent them to Volgarus the Governour of Swain to be murthered The Governour pitying the estate of these innocent youths conveyed them secretly unto Solomon King of Hungary giving out to Canutus that they were made away Edward surviving Edwin his brother married Agatha sister to the Queen of Hungary and daughter to the Emperour Henry the second by whom he had a son called Edgar and two daughters Margaret and Christian. After Canutus his death succeeded Harold his eldest son whose reign was cruel and short and four years only And after him Hardicanutus who died suddenly in the second year of his reign and was the last of the Danes that ruled in England Upon his death Edward brother to Edmondlronside living then in Nomandy was recalled and Crowned King of England at Winchester in the year 1042. This is he that is called Edward the Confessor a most pious King who having no issue sent to Hungary for his Cousin Edward and for his children Edward soon after his coming died so Edgar surnamed Atheling remained to whom King Edward would willingly have resigned the Crown but such was the modesty of that young Prince as he did absolutely refuse to reign during the King his life That lost him the Crown for upon the death of the King Harold son to Earl Godwin was preferred Prince Edgar his right utterly misknown But Harold his reign continued not long William Duke of Normandy commonly called the Conqueror having killed him in a battel fought in Sussex the next year usurped the kingdom to himself Edgar fearing the Conquerors cruelty took sea with his mother Agatha and his two sisters Margaret and Christian intending to return into Hungargy but were by Tempest driven upon the coast of Scotland where King Malcolme that had learned by his own sufferances to compassionate the distresses of others did most courteously receive them and shortly after their coming took Margaret the eldest sister of Edgar to wife a Lady of rare vertue who though she brought him little or no portion made both him and his kingdom happy How soon the Norman had setled his dominion in England he sent to King Malcolme to require Edgar his competitor and fugitive as he termed him to be rendered Malcolme refused holding it an unseemly deed in a King to deliver any person that took their refuge to him much more to betray a Prince allyed to himself unto his mortal enemy Hereupon Warre was proclaimed and one Roger a Nobleman of Normandy sent to invade Northumberland which was then in the possession of the Scots Richard Earl of Gloucester did second him with a great power but both these were put to the worse Odon the Normans brother who of a Bishop of Bayeux was made Earl of Kent as likewise his own son Robert whom he employed with several Armies did prosper no better so as wearied of the warres he began to think of peace neither was Malcolme unwilling unto it and after some treaty it was accorded That King Malcolme should retain Cumberland with the same right that his predecessours did enjoy it and that the subjects of each kingdom might know their limits and how farre they were to passe a stone-crosse was erected in Stammore which was called the Ree Crosse that is the Crosse of Kings for on the North side thereof the Armes of the King of Scotland were graven and upon the South the Armes of the King of England This peace held firm all the Conquerours time but William called Rufus his son succeeding it quickly dissolved neither could it be otherwise considering the contrary disposition of the two Kings for as Malcolme was religiously given and a great Benefactor to the Church so Rufus in all his carriage manifested no affection that way For to inlarge his Forest at Winchester he demolished thirty Churches and forced Anselme that good Bishop of Canterbury to quit the kingdom for the liberty he used in his
force and credit of the spiritual Ministery and were upheld by the Popes whose designes they studied especially to advance The King who looked no further then the devout profession they made gave them all a kinde reception and to the Monks Vallis umbrosae he erected a Monastery in Pluscardy within the countrey of Murray In the countrey of Rosse the Lord Bisset founded Beawly for Monks of the same order And one Maccolloch a man of great wealth did found the Priory of Archatton in Lorne About the same time did Ada or Adhama Grandmother to the King found the Abbey of Haddington for consecrated Virgins The like was erected at Northberwick by Malcolm Earle of Fife who also founded the Abbey of Culrosse for the Cistercian Monks Dornagilla the daughter of Allan Lord of Galloway erected for the same order a Monastery at New Abbey and by a rare example Gilbert Earl of Strathern having divided his inhereitance in three parts gave one third thereof to the See of Dumblane and another to the Abbey of Inchaffray reserving to himself and his heires a third onely of the whole Shortly after in the year 1327. died William Malvoisin at Inchmurtach and as he himself had directed was buried in the new Church of S. Andrewes 21. Galfrid Bishop of Dunkeld being earnestly desired both of the Clergy and Laity the King would not permit his translation so David Benham Chamberlain to the King was elected and on S. Vincents day in the year 1238. consecrated by William Bishop of Glasgow Gilbert Bishop of Cathnes and Clement Bishop of Dumblane This Bishop kept a severe hand over the Clergy especially the Monks and others that lived in religious Orders and calling an assembly by the Kings consent at Perth in the 1242. where the King himself with divers of the Nobility did assist made many good Constitutions as well for reformation of abuses as for securing of Clergy men in their possessions and rights In his time fell out great troubles betwixt the Emperour Frederick the second and Pope Gregory the ninth for which a generall Councell was called by the said Gregory at Rome and thither were summoned all the Bishops of Christendome The pretext was the relief of the Holy land which at that time was in great distresse but Frederick apprehending the intention to be against himself resolved to hinder the meeting of the Councell and having belayed the ways made the Bishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow prisoners as they travelled through Germany Upon their promise to return home they were afterwards set at liberty not the lesse they sent their procurations thither by some religious persons who took another way but the Councell held not because of the Popes death that intervened Some few years after this King Alexander deceased at Carnire in the West Isles and as he had appointed was interred in the Abbey Church of Melrosse with an Inscription according to the rudenesse of the time yet such as shewed how greatly he was beloved of his Subjects Ecclesiae clypeus pax plebis dux miserorum Rex rectus rigidus sapiens consultus honestus Rex pius Rex fortis Rex optimus Rex opulentus Nominis istius ipse secundus erat Annis ter denis quinis Rex fuit ipse Insula quae Carneri dicitur hunc rapuit Spiritus alta petit Celestibus associatus Sed Melrossensis ossa sepulta tenet His son Alexander the third by Maria the daughter of Sir Ingram de Consey for his first wife died without children succeded and was crowned of eight years old at the age of ten years he was married to Margaret the daughter of Henry the third of England The marriage being solemnized at York and the Bishop of Saint Andrews sent thither with others of the Nobility to see all things duly performed fell there in a Feaver and departed this life on the first of May 1251. his Corps brought from thence was buried in the Abbey Church of Kelsoe some thirteen years and three moneths after his Consecration 22. The Prior and Chanons convening to elect a new Bishop did all give their voices to Robert Sutevile Dean of Dunkeld a man of great virtue and learning but this election took no effect Abel Archdean of S. Andrews by the favour of some that ruled the Court having procured an inhibition to the Bishop to proceed in the Consecration with a Mandate to the Chanons to make a new election The Chapter refusing made their appeal to Rome and Abell posting thither by the bribes he bestowed in that Court got himself preferred and was Consecrated by Pope Innocentius the fourth At his return to be revenged of the Prior and Chanons he behaved himself well insolently calling them in question for every light occasion and censuring them with great rigour whereupon he became extremely hated They write of him that in a vain-glorious humour as he was walking in his Church one day he did with a little Chalk draw this line upon the gate of the Church Haec mihi sunt tria Lex Canon Philosophia Bragging of his knowledge and skill in those professions and that going to Church the next day he found another line drawn beneath the former which said Te levant absque tria fraus favor vanasophia This did so gall him as taking bed he died within a few days having sate Bishop ten moneths and two days only 23. After Abels death Gamelinus was elected to govern the See and by a warrant from Rome was consecrated on S. Stephens day in the year 1255. Two years he stood elect his consecration being stayed by the Rulers of the Court who had sent also to Rome for cassing his election A time this was such as usually falleth out in the minority of Princes full of choppings and changes Under the last King the Cummings had ruled all publick business for they were of great power the Earls of Monteth Bughaâ— Athol and Marre being all of that name besides thirty two Barons and Knights Robert Abbot of Dunfermlin Chancellor of the Kingdome for the time enclining to their course had legitimated a base sister of the Kings who was married to one Allan Dooroward and for the same was put from his place Gamelinus being preferred thereto but he enjoyed the same a short space for upon some discontents he was likewise thrust out and Richard Bishop of Dunkeld made Chancellor This made the Court to oppose Gamelinus his election not the lesse he prevailed by his gifts at Rome and procured a warrant to VVilliam Bishop of Glasgow to proceed to his Consecration The Court highly displeased at this there fell out another occasion which did greatly incense them against him a Knight called Sir Iohn Dinmure for some oppressions committed upon the Prior of S. Andrews was excommunicated he complaining to the King obtained by Moyen a command to Gamelinus to absolve him who simply refused unless
money and not out of any purpose those Fathers had to redresse abuses The same year was one Bagimund a Legate directed hither who calling before him all the Beneficed persons within the kingdom caused them upon their oath give up the worth and value of their Benefices according to which they were taxed The table commonly called Bagiments rolls served for the present collection and was a rule in after times for the prizes taken of those that came to sue for Benefices in the Court of Rome Wishart not long after his return from this Councel being employed by the King and State in a Commission of the Borders sickned at Marbotle in Teriotdale and there died He is commended to have been a man careful in his charge and a great lover of peace then which there is no vertue more required in a Churchman he continued Bishop 5. years and 8. monthes only his corps was honourably conveyed from Marbotle and interred in his own Church nigh to the high Altar in the year 1279. There lived in the kingdome at this time Michael Scot and Thomas Lermouth men greatly admired the first for his rarest skill in the secrets of nature the other for his predictions and foretelling of things to come Picus Mirandula and Cornelius Agrippa do make honourable mention of Michael Scot in their writings and accompt him to have been a subtile Philosopher and most expert in the Mathematick sciences The prophecies yet extant in the Scottish Rymes of the other whereupon he was commonly called Thomas the Rymer may justly be admired having foretold so many ages before the union of the kingdomes of England and Scotland in the ninth degree of the Bruces blood with the succession of Bruce himselfe to the Crown being yet a childe and other divers particulars which the event hath ratified and made good Boeth in his story relateth his prediction of King Alexanders death and that he did foretell the same to the Earl of March the day before it fell out saying That before the next day at noon such a tempest should blow as Scotland had not felt many years before The next morning the day being clear and no change appearing in the aire the Nobleman did challenge Thomas of his saying calling him an Impostor he replied that noon was not yet passed About which time a Post came to advertise the Earl of the King his sudden death Then said Thomas This is the tempest I foretold and so it shall prove to Scotland Whence or how he had this knowledge can hardly be affirmed but sure it is that he did divine and answer truly of many things to come 25. William Fraser Chancellour of the kingdom was after Wishart elected Bishop and going to Rome was consecrated by Pope Nicolaus the third in the year 1280. The office of Chancery upon his resignation was given by the King to Mâ— Iohn Pebles Archdeacon of S. Andrewes At his return from Rome a pestilential feaver never before known in this kingdome brake up to the destruction of an infinite number of people This visitation was scarce ceased when all the Kings children were taken away one after another first David his yongest son died then Alexander the Prince who had married a daughter of the Earl of Flanders after him Margret Queen of Norway who left behinde her one onely daughter and last the King himself who had taken to wife after the death of his Queen Iolet a daughter to the Count of Dreux in hope to restore his issue was most unfortunately killed by the fall of his horse a little space from the town of Kingorne So many deaths falling out together in the Royal family did presage great calamities to ensue The onely hope that remained was in the Norvegian maid for whom Sir David Wemis and Sir Michael Scot two Knights of Fife were directed by the Estates The administration of affaires was in the mean time committed to William Fraser Bishop of S. Andrewes Duncan Earl of Fife and Iohn Coming Earl of Bughan for the countries on the North side of Forth and to Robert Bishop of Glasgow Iohn Lord Comin and Iohn Lord Stewart for the South parts but it was not long before that these Gentlemen that were sent to Norway returned bringing word that the maid of Norway was likewise departed this life At which newes it cannot be told whether the fears or sorrowes of the subjects were greater for as their sorrow for the losse of so worthy a King was great so their fear was no lesse because of the uncertainty of the succession for so many Competitors six they were in number claiming the inheritance of the Crown and all of them men of power and friendship they could not but divide the Realme and so beget a civil warre yet they who were trusted during the interreigne did by their mediation work them to a compromise and to remit the decision of the controversie to King Edward the first of England a Prince of long experience and much respected in that time To this purpose the Bishop of Brichen with the Abbot of Iedbrugh and Galfred Mowbray a Gentleman were sent to King Edward who finding him at Xantoign in France did expone to him the inconveniences that were feared to fall out in the kingdome and the course they had taken to prevent the same intreating his help for quieting the State King Edward glad to have an hand in the making of a King in Scotland dimitted them with many loving words assigning a Diet to the Competitors at Norham upon Tweed which he promised to keep The day come and the Competitors all present with the Prelates and other Nobles the King by a long and premeditated speech declared That albeit he might justly claim the superiority of the kingdome of Scotland as belonging to him by right yet as a friend and arbiter elected by themselves he would labour to compose the present controversie in the best sort he could for the right said he howsoever there be divers pretenders belongeth to one onely and for my self I determine to wrong no man but to do that whâ—ch is just assuring my self you will all acquiesce and take him for King who shall be pronounced so to be This said Robert Bishop of Glasgow arose and gave the King most hearty thanks in name of the rest for the good affection he bare to their countrey and the paines he had taken to come and remove their debates shewing that out of a perswasion they all had of his wisdome and equity they were well pleased to submit to him as sole Arbiter the judgement and decision of that weighty affaire But where it had pleased him to speak of a right of superiority over the kingdome it was sufficiently known that Scotland from the first foundation of the State had been a free and independent kingdome and not subject to any other power whatsoever That their ancestors
while answered in all their names That it was not reasonable to give any spiritual benefit to an obstinate heretick condemned by the Church When Master George heard that the Sacrament was denied him being asked by the Captain of the Castle going then to breakfast if he would take a part with him he answered Very willingly and so much the rather because I perceive you to be a good Christian and a man fearing God Then turning himself to the Captain he said I beseech you in the name of God and for the love you bear to our Saviour Iesus Christ to be silent a little while till I have made a short exhortation and blessed this bread which we are to eat so that I may bid you farewell The table being covered and bread according to the custome set upon it he spake about the space of an half hour of the institution of the Supper and of our Saviours death and passion exhorting those that were present to mutual love and to the leading of an holy life such as becometh the members of Christ. Then giving thanks he brake the bread distributing to every one that was present a portion likewise having tasted the wine he delivered the cup unto them exhorting them to remember with thankfulnesse the death of our Lord Jesus in this his communion with them As to my self he said there is a more bitter potion prepared for me only because I have preached the true doctrine of Christ which bringeth salvation but pray you the Lord with me that I may take it patiently as out of his hand and so concluding with a new thanksgiving he withdrew himself to his chamber Within a little space two executioners came up unto him one of whom apparelled him in a black coat of linen the other fastened some bags of powder upon all the parts of his body and thus arrayed he was brought to an utter room where he was commanded to stay till all things were prepared A scaffold in the mean time erecting on the East part of the Castle towards the Abbey with a great tree in the middest in manner of a gibbet unto which the prisoner was to be tied and right against it was all the munition of the Castle planted if perhaps any should press by violence to take him away The fore Tower was hanged with Tapestry and rich Cushions laid for ease of the Cardinal and Prelates who were to behold that spectacle And when all things were made ready he was led forth with his hands being tied behinde his back and a number of souldiers guarding him to the place of execution As he was going forth of the Castle gate some poor creatures who were lying there did ask of him some almes for Gods sake to whom he said I have not the use of any hands wherewith I should give you almes but our merciful God who out of his abundance feedeth all men vouchsafe to give you the things which are necessary both for your bodies and for your soules Afterwards two Friers met him crying Master George pray to our Lady that she may be mediatrix for you to her sonne to whom he said Cease tempt me not my brethren Being come to the place of execution and gone up upon the scaffold he turned himself towards the people and besought them not to offend with the good word of God because of the torments they saw prepared for him desiring them withall to shew his brethren and sisters who had often heard him that the doctrine he taught was no wives fables but the true Gospel of Christ given him by the grace of God which he was sent to preach and for which he was then with a most glad heart and mind to give his life Some have falsely spoken said he that I should hold the opinion that the soules of men departed sleep after their death untill the last day but I know and believe the contrary and am assured that my soul shall this night be with my Saviour in the heavens This said he bowed his knees and having conceived a short but most pithy prayer he was tied to the stake then cried aloud O Saviour of the world have mercy upon me Father of heaven I commend my spirit into thine holy hands The executioners having kindled the fire the powder that was fastned to his body blew up The Captain of the Castle who stood near unto him perceiving that he was yet alive willed him to be of good courage and commend his soul unto God This flame said he hath scortched my body yet hath it not daunted my spirit but he who from yonder high place beholdeth us with such pride shall within few dayes lye in the same as ignominiosly as now he is seen proudly to rest himself After which words one of the tormentors drawing the cord that went about his neck stopt his breath so as he spake no more The fire increasing his body was quickly consumed unto ashes But the Cardinals malice not yet satisfied caused the same night a Proclamation to be made through the City that none should pray for the heretick under pain of the heaviest censures that could be inflicted And then the Priests triumphing did in all meetings extoll the Cardinal above the skies saying That he not regarding the Governours authority had by himself caused justice to be executed upon that heretick and kithed a most worthy Patron of the Ecclesiastical estate If the Church said they in former times had found such a Protector matters had not been reduced to the doubtfull terms wherein now they stand but long or this time by her own power and authority she had been able to maintain her self Such insolent speeches they were heard to utter in every place The Cardinal himself also seemed to be greatly pleased with that which he had done presuming it should keep all his enemies in fear yet it proved the very rock on which he and all his fortunes perished for the common sort of people exclaimed mightily against his cruelty and some of good birth and quality did openly vow that the blood of Master George Wishart should be revenged though they should give life for life of which number Iohn Lesley brother to the Earle of Rothes forbare not in all companies openly to avouch that his hand and dagger should be the Cardinals Priests Nor was he ignorant of the general hatred carried unto him and thereupon began to fortify himself with some strong alliance which he shortly after made contracting one of his base daughters to the Earle of Craford his sonne and heir The Nuptials were performed with an exceeding pomp and magnificence But he did not long enjoy the content he took in his Match for Normand Lesley sonne to the Earle of of Rothes who had followed him a long time and done him good services having moved him in the behalf of some friends that were interessed by the restitution of the
Lairds of Cleish Easter Weimes and certain others who been forfeited in the late Kings time was not answered as he expected for which growing into a choler and alledging the Cardinals promise in the businesse he said that he would not be deluded in that sort The Cardinal who had not been accustomed to such speeches and thought he was not used with that respect which became chafed mightily so as after an unseemly altercation they parted in wrath This discord publickly rumoured divers that hated the Cardinal some for the cause of Religion and some for other private respects did reparie to Normond and working upon his passion incensed him with their words wondering how he could look for any good from him that was a man hated of God and all good people And as it falleth out in such conferences whilest every man was recounting the injuries he had suffered in private and talking of his violent courses one amongst the rest said that they should do God good service and no small benefit to the countrey to make an end of that vitious and ungodly tyrant whom all good men did hate and with such words inflaming one another at last they agreed to cut him off The principal undertakers were Normond Lesley Iohn Lesley his Uncle William Kirkaldy of Grange Peter Carmicall of Fife and Iames Melvile one of the house of Carneby the Plot was to meet at S. Andres in the most private manner they could and surprise the Castle some morning before the servants were stirring And that the enterprise should not faile they gave hands to be in the City the 28. of May promising in the mean time so to carry themselves as no suspicion might be taken of their purpose Thus at the day appointed Normond accompanied with five onely came to the City and went to his accustomed lodging William Kircaldy was there a day before Iohn Lesley who did professe enmity to the Cardinal entered not till night was fallen Upon Saterday morning the 29. of May rising about three of the clock they met in the Abbey Church-yard where they condescended that William Kircaldy and six with him for they did not exceed twelve in all should attend the opening of the gate and assure it for the rest All things succeeded to their wishes Grange at his first coming found the gate open and entering with his company entertained the Keeper with some speeches asking if the Cardinal was stirring and how soon he would rise Normond came shortly after and some two with him last of all came Iohn Lesley with other two whom as soon as the Keeper saw suspecting some bad practice he made to draw the bridge but they laying hands upon him took the keys and assured the gate Then appointing four of the company to watch the chamber where the Cardinal lay that no advertisement should go unto him they went to the several chambers in which the servants lay asleep and calling them by their names for they were all known unto them they put fifty of his ordinary servants besides the workmen Masons and Wrights who were reckoned above a hundred for he was then fortifying the Castle to the gate permitting none to stay within but the Earl of Arran the Governours eldest sonne whom they thought best to detain upon all adventures This was performed with so little noise as the Cardinal did not hear till they knockt at his chamber Then he asked who was there Iohn Lesley answered My name is Lesley Which Lesley said the Cardinal is that Normond It was answered that he must open to those that were there The answer gave him notice that they were no friends therefore making the dore fast he refused to open They calling to bring fire whilest it was in fetching he began to commune with them and after some speeches upon their promise to use no violence he opened the dore but they rushing in with their swords drawne did most inhumanely kill him he not making any resistance The tumult was great in the City upon the rumour that the Castle was taken The people armed and such as favoured the Cardinal made haste intending to scale the walls but when it was told them that he was dead whom they sought to help their hearts cooled The people still crying for a sight of the Cardlnal his corps was brought to the very same place where he sate beholding Master George Wisharts execution Upon the sight whereof they dissolved many then calling to mind the Martyr his last words were thereby confirmed in the opinion they had of his piety and holinesse Such was the end of this unfortunate man who in his life was ambitious beyond measure and in punishing of those he esteemed hereticks more then inhumane a barbarous part it was in him to sit and behold the Martyring of Master George Wishart taking pleasure in that which no man could look on without pity But the hatred he bare to the truth and the care he had to maintain his own greatnesse was such and so excessive as he did both forget himselfe and the place he held in the Church and now doth remain a tragical ensample in story to admonish every man to keep within his bound and hold that moderation which is fitting The rumour of this fact being quickly dispersed through the countrey every man commended or condemned it as his passion led him They who stood in awe of his power did highly commend the enterprise and praise the doers and of that sort divers came to congratulate the fact offering to take one part with them Others who were more wise and moderate though they disliked not the fact as hoping to enjoy their profession with greater liberty did yet abhorre the form and manner judging it to be foully done especially on the part of Normond at whose hands he did not look for any harme And indeed few or none of those who had an hand in that work escaped an extraordinary judgement God thereby declaring that howsoever it pleaseth him in the execution of his judgements to use sometimes the ministery and service of men yet doth he not allow of their wicked disposition and for most part faileth not to reward them with the same or the like that they do unto others But in the Church a fearful uproare was raised upon this accident the Priests and Friers exclaiming every where against the murther as the most odious which in any memory had been committed The Bishops running upon the Governour who was no lesse troubled with the fact then themselves desired some course might be taken for the speedy punishment of the murtherers but he following the course of law directed summons for their appearing to underlye trial which they contemned and were therefore denounced Rebels The Ecclesiastick Judges to be nothing behinde for their parts did solemnly curse the actors and all that should receive or minister unto them any necessaries 41. Mean while the Governour did
nominate his base brother for the place who was elected by the Chanons and soon after confirmed by Pope Paul the third For he fearing the defection of the Realme from the obedience of the Romane See as England had given the ensample was glad to gratifie the Governour and with the Bulls which were freely exped wrote both to the Governour and to the Bishop that they should make their zeal appear in vindicating the injury done to the Ecclesiastick estate Upon the receipt of these letters it was resolved to besiege the Castle which beginning about the end of August continued untill the moneth of Ianuary howbeit to small effect for the passage by Sea being open they were supplyed with all necessaries from England by King Henry to whom they had obliged their faith by two several messages for defending the Castle and maintaining the contract with England which the Governour fearing he was induced to capitulate with the besieged and yield unto the conditions following 1. That the Governour should procure unto them a sufficient absolution from the Pope for the slaughter of the Cardinal and till the same was returned that they should retain the Castle and not be pursued by force 2. That they their friends servants and partakers should simply be remitted by the Governour and never be called in question for the said slaughter but should enjoy all commodities spiritual and temporal which they possessed before the committing thereof 3. That the besieged should give pledges for rendering the Castle how soon the absolution was returned from Rome and for surety of the pledges that the Earl of Arran eldest sonne to the Governour should remain in their custody untill the absolution was returned and they secured to their content The conditions were to the besieged more advantagious then honourable to the Governour but neither the one nor the other intended performance for the Governour at the same time sent a messenger to France with letters from the Queen Dowager and from himself intreating a supply of Ships and Gallies to batter the house on that part which looked towards the Sea and debarre the Keepers of further provision They on the other side were resolved not to forsake King Henries protection of whose assistance they were confident The proceedings of the next summer shall clear the intentions on either side in the mean time let us hear how the affaires of Religion went the rest of this winter Divers as we touched before upon the newes of the Cardlnals death came and joyned with those that had killed him especially Master Henry Balnaves the Melvils of the house of Raith and some Gentlemen of Fife to the number of sevenscore persons who all entered into the Castle the day after the slaughter and abode there during the time of the first siege Iohn Rough he that had attended the Governour as Chaplain in the beginning of his Regiment came also thither and became their Preacher After him came Iohn Knox but not till the siege was raised and the appointment made whereof we have spoken The adversaries of Religion taking advantage of this did cast in the teeth of both the Preachers and Professours the murther committed as though they did all approve the same and Bishop Lesley in his Chronicle speaking of Iohn Knox saying that He did think to attain to the top of Evangelical profession by triumphing that way upon the slaughter of a Priest and Cardinall I deny not but this his doing was scarce allowable and that it had been a wiser part in him not to have gone towards them at all yet since he did neither accompany them at the fact nor came unto them till the conditions of peace were granted his guiltinesse was not such as they make it to be neither will I say that he was grieved at the Cardinals death but rather glad that such an enemy was taken out of the way but that he did insult upon his death or allow the manner of it cannot be truly affirmed as to that which is objected forth of the narration made of this accident in the book intituled The History of the Church of Scotland where the Authour seemeth indeed to commend the fact though that history be ascribed to Iohn Knox it is sure that he did not penne the same as I shall make clear in another place How soon the Governour was gone Iohn Rough did openly preach in the Parish Church and was much haunted by the people at which the Clergy offending a great stirre was raised Dean Iohn Anand oppugning his doctrine both by word and writing Iohn Knox did take on him to maintain the same and the matter being brought to a dispute after long reasoning upon the authority of the Romane Church Iohn Knox did offer to prove That the present Church of Rome was more degenerate from the purity which it had in the dayes of the Apostles then was the Church of the Jewes from the Ordinances given by Moses when they consented to the death of our Saviour Such as were present at the reasoning having requested Iohn Knox to make good what he had spoken he took occasion the Sunday following to preach in the Parish Church chusing for his Theam the 24 and 25. verses of the seventh Chapter of Daniel In the Sermon after he had spoken of the care that God had alwayes of his Church to forewarne her of the dangers that were to happen many years before the same fell out and illustrated that point by the predictions of Israels captivity the prophesie of the four Empires namely the Babylonian Persian Grecian and Romane and foretelling of the Beast that should afise out of the destruction of the Romane Empire he said that by that Beast the Church of Rome was to be understood in regard all the marks assigned by Daniel did pertain to that Church and to no other power which ever was in the world Then falling to speak of Antichrist he shewed that there was not any one person meant by that title but a body and multitude of people having a wicked head that should not only be sinful himself but the occasion also of sin to all that should be subject unto him And that he was called Antichrist because he was contrary to Christ in life and doctrine in lawes The contrariety of life he made clearly by deciphering the corrupt and beastly conversation both of the Popes themselves and of their Clergy The contraiety of doctrine he qualified by comparing the doctrine of the justification by faith taught in the Scriptures with the doctrine of justification by works maintained by the Church of Rome And the contrariety of lawes he proved by the observation of dayes abstaining from mears and forbidding of marriage which Christ had made free In end he came to speak of the marks of the Beast one he said was in the Text where it was said He shall speak great words against the most high but what greater
external commodities and ornaments and such a one as would bring with him a perpetual peace together with the oblivion of ancient grudges and hatreds For should they take a stranger to be their King differing from themselves in language manners and lawes great evils and discommodities could not but arise as they might know by that which had fallen out in the like case to other nations by whose ensample he wished they should be made wise As for the part of England he said if they did find the minds of the Scots not estranged from peace they would remit somewhat of their right and be contented that the young Queen should be kept amongst themselves untill she were fit for marriage and might chuse a husband to her self by advice of the Nobility during which time all hostility should cease betwixt the two Kingdomes it being provided that the Queen should not be sent to any forain countrey nor contracted in marriage with the French King nor any other Prince which if the Scots would faithfully promise he would presently retire with his Army and recompense all injuries done since his coming into Scotland at the sight and estimation of honest men This letter the Governour communicated to his brother and to a few others on whose counsel he depended such as George Dury Abbot of Dunfermlin Mr. Archebald Beaton and Mr. Hugh Rig a Lawyer who gave him advice to suppresse the letter for they feared if the offers were published the greater part of the Nobility would embrace the same and in stead thereof they made a rumour to be dispersed through the Army that the English were come to take away the Queen by force and bring the Kingdome into subjection The Nobles and whole Army believing this to be the effect of the letter became mightily incensed Nor did any kithe so foolish as the Priests and Clergy men who dreaming of nothing but victory cried out that the English hereticks had no spirits and durst not come to a battaile But they found themselves deceived for upon Saterday the tenth of September 1547. the Armies joyning the Scots were put to the worse and many thousands slain few in the fight which lasted not long but exceeding many in the chase The English pursuing the victory came forwards to Leith where they remained eight dayes dividing the spoile and prisoners and in that time surprised the Isles of Inchkeith and Inchcolme in the river of Forth with Broughtie Castle in the mouth of Tay which places they strongly fortified In their return homewards they took the Castle of Home with the house of Fascastle and placed Garisons in the Townes of Haddington Lawder and Roxborough The Governour the Bishop his brother and such of the Nobles as escaped in the flight went to Striveling and there taking counsel what should be done with the young Queen concluded to send her to the Castle of Dumbarton under the custody of the Lords Areskin and Levingston and to advertise the King of France how matters went intreating of him a supply both of men and money Hereupon the next summer arrived at Leith three thousand Germanes under the charge of Count Rhingrave with as many French commanded by Monsieur de Andelot Monsieur de Mallery and Monsieur d' Ossel Monsieur d' Esse being General of the whole This supply did so hearten the Governour as gathering together an Army he beleaguered the Town of Haddington which the English had at that time made very strong The Nobility being there convened entered of new into a consultation touching the young Queen and the course that should be taken with her The French Generall desired she should be sent into France and espoused to the Daulphin which the Queen her Mother longed to have done The Noblemen were not of one minde for such as favoured the reformation were of opinion that the conditions offered by England which were then come to light should be embraced because that would bring with it ten years of peace at least in which time if either King Edward of England or the young Queen should depart this life all things would return to their first estate and if no such things happened yet the Kingdome being at rest and freed of the present troubles would grow to some better ease within it self and they might more maturely advise what course was fittest to be taken Delay they said in matters of such consequence was safest and that precipitation might bring with it a suddain but untimely repentance The rest stood all for the French most of them being corrupted with gold and others with large promises The Governour himself had an annuity promised of twelve thousand francks and a company of men at Armes to the Earle of Arran his sonne All these pretending the safety of the young Queen did reason that there was no other way to be rid of the English warres but that one For as long as the English have any hope said they to speed they will still be troubling but when they shall see the Queen gone and that there is no remedy they will cease from their pursuit The greatest number inclining that way it was concluded that the young Queen should be conveyed to France Shortly after the French Navy that lay at Leith giving out that they were to return home compassing the North Isles received her at Dunbrition and after much tossing at sea did safely land her in France The warres with England in the mean time went on and continued full two years till by the treaty of Bulloign in the yare 1550. a peace was made the Lord Chastilion being Commissioner for the French the Earl of Bedford for the English and David Panter Bishop of Ross for the Scots At that time were Normond Lesley Mr. Henry Balnaves Iohn Knox and others who had been kept partly in prison and partly in the Gallies since the taking of S. Andrews Castle put to liberty Mr. Iames Balfour had freed himself long before by abjuring his profession and was become Official to the Bishop of S. Andrews Iames Melvil died in the Tower of Brest in Britain William Kircaldie Peter Carmichal with Robert and William Leslies who were imprisoned in Mont S. Michael found means to escape before the Treaty and went into England Norman after he was freed returned into Scotland but fearing the Governour he went into Denmark where not finding that kind reception he expected he betook himself to England and had an honourable pension allowed him which was thankfully answered during the life of King Edward the sixt Queen Mary succeeding he found not the like favour and thereupon went to France where he had a company of men of Armes given him with which he served the French King in his warres against the Emperour Charles the fifth and in pursuing the enemy whom he had in chase was wounded with the shot of a Pistoll whereof he died the day after at Montreul He was
The Church of Aberdene was not so scant of men as to admit an unworthy person into the place And howsoever the King in his Kingdome might do what he pleased they were by their oathes astricted to admit none but learned men and such as were approved for integrity of life wherefore intreated the King in humble manner to suffer them as they had been accustomed to elect some wise and grave person that could discharge the place with credit which after some moneths they obtained making choice of one Alexander Kinninmouth who was consecrated in the Town of Perth the King himself being present This man answered fully the hopes conceived of hâ—m and took great pains in his calling for on the ferial dayes he taught the Civil and Canon law and the holy dayes he spent in preaching and prayer Thrice every week he fasted contenting himself in the holy Eves with bread and water He caused demolish the old Church of Aberdene which he esteemed not so beautiful as was fitting for a Cathedral Church and laid the foundation of another more magnificent But ere the work was advanced six cubits high he was employed by King Robert the second in an Ambassage to France for renewing the old league which he worthily performed shortly after his return he died having sate Bishop 24. years 20. Adam Conningham a man well descended and of great authority was after him elected This Bishop is said to have been in such accompt for the his wisdom and sincerity that in all matters of importance propounded in Councel his opinion did ever prevail His frequent imployments with the French King as well before as after his preferment to the See and the happy successe he had therein manifested his prudence and dexterity of wit yet as it falleth out often in Courts upon some envious delations the King became jealous of him as if he had practised with some Noblemen against the Royal succession and pressed to reduce the old form of election of Kings Finding that the King had taken some impression of the report albeit nothing was more false he took counsell to retire himself and attend his charge at home where he had not long staid but he fell in a new trouble with a base sonne of the Kings named Alexander a man extremely vicious and for his oppressions hated of all good men To the Bishop he bare a special grudge because of the liberty he had used in reproving his wickednesse and hearing in what dislike the Bishop was with the King he violently possessed himself in the Bishops lands thrust forth his tenants and behaved himself as Master and Lord of all The Bishop complained to the King but finding no redresse he pronounced him excommunicate wherewith the wicked man incensed associating a number as wickedly disposed as himself did swear to take the Bishops life and came to Aberdene of that intention Whereof the Bishop getting advertisement he went forth to meet him on the way and how soon he saw him discovering his head which was all white for he was a man of great age said If this be it that thou seekest I have brought it unto thee take thee head life and all The company admiring the old mans courage and moved with some compassion of his white haires perswaded Alexander not to meddle with his blood The report of this insolencie going to the King he sent for his sonne and committing him to prison caused satisfaction to be given for all the injuries the Bishop had sustained and surety for his indemnity thereafter After which he enjoyed reasenable quietnesse untill his death which happened in the year of Christ 1390. having sate Bishop ten years 21. Gilbert Grimlaw a man learned wise and of great esteem with the Nobles of the Kingdom was consecrated Bishop of Aberdene the same year he had been Chancellour to King Robert the third a long time which office he discharged with great credit and to the contentment of all the subjects after the Kings death the Earle of Fife brother to the deceased King then governing the Realm he was employed in an Ambassage to Charles the seventh of France and went thither in the company of the Earls of Buchan and Douglas who with divers other Noblemen were afterward unfortunately killed at the battel of Vernoil The Bishop at his return found all things out of frame the Governour dead his sonne Mordach placed in his room and the whole estate miserable by the riots and oppressions which were used every where without punishment This made the Bishop retire himself and live private at home where soon after he died of a consumption in the year 1424. his body was interred in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 22. After his death Henry Leighton Bishop of Murray was translated to Aberdene a man learned both in the Civil and Canon law of great experience and in that regard postulated Bishop by the Chanons he stood doubtful a while whether he should condescend to the charge or not yet was induced to consent at last and so came to Aberdene where he applied himself carefully to do the charge of a Bishop But the Estates of the Realme meeting in a solemn convention for putting some order to the present confusions he was sent with some others in Commission to England to treat for redemption of King Iames the first who was there detained captive This businesse happily performed he returned with the King to whom he gave great content by his services and forwardnesse in reforming publick abuses he advanced greatly the fabrick of the Church of Aberdene and bestowed large summes for perfecting that work he built also the Chappel called Saint Iohns Chappel within the Cathedral and was therein buried himself in the year 1441. 17. years after his translation 23. Ingram Lindesay Doctor of the Canon law was upon his death with the great applause of all good men received Bishop he was at that time very old and by the policie of one Alexander who aimed at his place moved to take journey to Rome the man imagining that he should die in the voyage whereof yet he was deceived For the Bishop sailing to Marselles in France went from thence by sea to Rome and after some moneths stay returned more healthful then before 17 yeares he continued Bishop and ruled the affaires of the Church very wisely A man constant in his promises of a spare diet but very hospitable for he entertained great numbers both of learned men and others especially the eldest sonnes of Noblemen and Barons in the North parts and notwithstanding of his age and publick employments was ever at study when he could find any free time from those cares A little before his death he fell in the Kings displeasure for denying admission to some whom the King had presented to certain Benefices for that they were either meer ignorants or for their years incapable But this did not much trouble his mind as being no way conscious to himself of any
of no mean power who made him daily advertised of things that passed there and the small numbers that were with the Queen willing him to take the opportunity Whereupon resolving to follow his enterprise before the forces of the Queen were further increased for charge was gone to all that could bear Armes in Lothian Fife Angus Stratherne and Mernis to come and attend her at Aberdene he advanced with some 800. in company looking to find no resistance And like enough the enterprise had succeeded to his mind but that the same morning letters were intercepted sent by Sutherland and Buquhaine to Huntley which detected all their counsel Sutherland upon discovery escaped Buquhaine was pardoned upon his confession and from thenceforth served the Queen faithfully Huntley advertised of these things was advised by his friends to turn back yet hearing the Earl of Murray was coming against him he made a stay resolving to fight The place of standing he chused was naturally fenced with mosse and quagmire and so of difficult accesse 300 they were in all for many of his followers the night preceding were slipt from him Neither had the Earl of Murray any great number and few whom he might trust for howbeit of the countrey about divers gathered unto him most of them were corrupted by Huntley as appeared when the companies came in sight one of another all of them in sign of treason and that they might be discerned by the enemy putting a bush of heath or header in their helmets and how soon they came to joyn giving back and retiring in great disorder The Earl of Murray who stood a little off with an hundred in a troop discovering the treason called aloud to his men that they should bend their Spears and not suffer those that fled to enter amongst them So forced to take another course they went aside leaving him and his troop when they had taken their standing Huntley imagining upon that flight and disorder the day to be his commanded his men to throw away their lances and with drawn swords to run upon them as to a slaughter But when they were come to the place where Murray with his company stood they were born back and compelled to fly as fast as before they followed They who had played the Traytors seeing this to clear themselves turned upon Huntley and made all the slaughter which was committed that day There fell in the conflict on Huntleys side 120. near as many were taken prisoners on the other party not a man died Amongst the prisoners was the Earl of Huntley himself with two sonnes Iohn and Adam Gordon The Earl was aged and corpulent and by reason of the throng that pressed him expired in the hands of his takers the rest were carried to Aberdene late in the night The Earls of Murray Morton and Lord Lindesay for these last two had been in the field with Murray went first into the Church where Mr. Iohn Crage Minister of that City gave solemn thanks to God for the victory and their safety This ended they went unto the Queen who received them graciously yet expressed no motion of a mind either troubled or much joyed The next day was spent in taking counsel concerning the prisoners the conclusion whereof was that punishment should be taken according to the laws of Iohn Gordon That Adam his brother should be spared because of his tender age the other captives fined according to their wealth and those of meaner estate banished the countrey The day following Iohn Gordon upon a scaffold erected in the street of Aberdene was publickly executed His death was much lamented not by his friends only but even by strangers and persons unknown for he was a youth of most brave and manlike countenance of a valorous spirit and one who by his noble behaviour had raised great expectation of himself Abused he was by the hopes of a royal match and which grieved all the beholders pitifully mangled by an unskilful Executioner This defeat of Huntley brought the North parts in a great obedience and mightily discouraged those of the Popish faction throughout the whole Realm for all that sort had placed their hopes on him and his greatnesse both in the Court and countrey The eldest of his sonnes named George after the losse of that field fled to the Duke his Father in law and was delivered by him to the Queen who sent him prisoner to Dumbar In the end of Ianuary he was accused and convicted of treason his lands declared to be forfeited and himself committed to prison Shortly after Iohn Hamilton Archbishop of S. Andrews was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh for saying and hearing of Masse The Abbot of Corsragnal and Prior of Whithern were used in the like sort and divers Priests and Monks for the same cause censured The severe proceeding against Papists put many in hope that the Queen should be brought to embrace the Religion which was further assured by the countenance she gave unto the Church in the Parliament kept at Edinburgh the May following wherein divers statutes passed upon their Petitions as in the Acts of that time may be seen In this Parliament was the Act of oblivion agreed unto at the treaty of Leth first ratified but without any respect to that treaty which the Queen would never acknowledge Wherefore it was advised that the Lords in the house of Parliament should upon their knees entreat the passing of such an Act which accordingly was done The rest of this summer the Queen spent in hunting in the countries of Athol and Argyle But in August the same year there happened a thing that was like to have caused much trouble certain of the Queens family that remained in the Palace of Halirudhouse had a Priest attending them who did his ordinary service in the Chappel divers of the town of Edinburgh resorting unto it great offence was taken and the disorder complained of by the Preachers The Citizens being informed that many of their people were gone thither one day went down and being denied entry forces the gates Some were taken and carried to prison many escaped the back way with the Priest himself The uproare was great and advertisement gone to the Queen thereof she was mightily incensed avowing not to come to the Town till some exemplary punishment were inflicted upon the doers yet by the mediation of the Earls of Murray and Glencarne she was pacified Iohn Knox only was called before the Councel and charged to have been the author of the sedition as likewise for convocating the subjects by his missive letters whensoever he thought meet He answered That he was never a Preacher of rebellion nor loved to stirre up tumults contrariwise he taught all people to obey their Magistrates and Princes in God As to the convocation of the subjects he had received from the Church a command to advertise his Brethren when he saw a necessity of their meeting
especially if he saw Religion to be in peril and had often craved to be exonerated of that burthen but still was refused Then directing his speech to the Queen with a wonderful boldness He charged her in the name of the Almighty God and as she desired to escape his heavy wrath and indignation to forsake that Idolatrous religion which she professed and by her power maintained against the statutes of the Realm And as he was proceeding was required by the Earl of Morton then Chancellor fearing the Queens irritation to hold his peace and go away After which time matters were carried more peaceably betwixt the Queen and the Church the Earl of Murray alwayes interposing himself and propounding the Petitions of the Church unto her as likewise returning her answers to their satisfaction In the end of this year Matthew Stewart Earl of Lenox by the permission of the Queen returned into Scotland and in a Parliament called to that effect in Ianuary next had the proces of forfeiture laid against him whilest the Duke was Governour reduced and so restored to his lands and possessions after 22. years exile Henry his son followed him some moneths after and came to Edinburgh in the beginning of February A young man not past 21. years of comely personage and of a milde and sweet behaviour He had presence of the Queen in the place of Weymis and was received with great demonstrations of favour Nor was it long that she was perceived to bear some affection unto him Whereupon a speech went that she would take him unto her husband And indeed besides the love she carried to the young Nobleman there was great respects that led her that way He was descended of the Royal blood of England And next unto her self the apparant heir of that Crown If it should fall him to marry with one of the greatest families of England it was to be feared that some impediment might be made to her in the Right of succession which she thought was a wise part in her to prevent Again the Queen of England had advised her by Thomas Randolph her Ambassadour to chuse unto her self a husband in England for the better conservation of the peace contracted betwixt the kingdomes and had of late recommended the Earl of Leicester as a worthy match to her She therefore as well to satisfie the Queen of Englands desire in not matching with a stranger but with some Englishman born as likewise to cut off all debates of succession resolved to take the Nobleman to her husband But no sooner was her intention discovered then on all sides enemies rose up against her Of the Nobility at home some opposed the Marriage under pretext of Religion for the Earl of Lenox and his son were both esteemed to be Popish The Queen of England by Nicholas Throgmorton her Ambassadour advised her not to use hast in a business of that importance and to interpose some impediment charged the Earl of Lenox and his son to return into England the time being not yet expired contained in their licences And universally amongst the subject the question was agitated Whether the Queen might chuse to her self an husband or it were more fitting that the Estates of the land should appoint one unto her Some maintaining that the liberty could not be denied unto her which was granted to the meanest subject others excepting that in the heirs of the Kingdom the case was different because they in assuring an husband to themselves did withall appoint a King over the people and that it was more reason the whole people should chuse an husband to one woman then that one woman should elect a King to rule over the whole people It was objected also by some that the marriage was unlawful and contrary to the Canon law Lady Margaret Douglas his mother being sister uterine to King Iames the fifth her father But for this the Queen had provided a remedy having sent William Chisholin Bishop of Dumblane to bring a dispensation from Rome And to strengthen her self at home she restored George Gordon son to the Earl of Huntley unto his lands and honours recalled the Earl of Sutherland who lived an exile in Flanders and Bothwel that was banished in France This wicked man was not well returned into the countrey when he devised a new plot against the Earl of Murray his life for which being called in question he forsook the countrey and fled again unto France The only man that seemed to stand for the marriage and used his best means to promove it was an Italian called David Risio who had great credit that time with the Queen This man had followed the Savoâ—an Ambassadour into Scotland and in hope of bettering his fortune gave himself to attend the Queen at first in the quality of a Musician afterwards growing in more favour he was admitted to write her French letters and in the end preferred to be principal Secretary to the Estate It grieved many to see a stranger thus advanced Lethington chiefly was displeased for that he found his credit this way impaired yet being one that could put on any disguise on his nature of all others he most fawned on this Italian and shewing him as it was truth that he was the object of divers Noblemens envy did perswade him by all means to work the match and procute if it could be the consent of the Queen of England thereto wherein offering his own service for he longed after some employment abroad he procured to himself a message towards the Queen of England By him the Earl of Lenox and his son did excuse their not returning into England as they were charged beseeching Queen Elizabeths favour unto the match intended and that which might prove more profitable to her and her Realm then any other course the Scottish Queen should take Signieur Davie for so he was commonly called did after this labour with all his power to have the marriage perfected and as he was of a politick wit the more to bind the young Nobleman and his friendship unto him studied to have the same finished before the return of the Queen of Englands answer either fearing that her disassent might work some delay in the match or that the Noblemans obligation to himself should be the lesse in case she consented For this purpose a Convocation of the Estates was kept at Striveling in the moneth of May where the matter being propounded and the advice of the Estates craved many did yield their consents with a provision that no change should be made in the present estate of Religion The greater part to gratifie the Queen without making any exception agreed that the mariage should proceed Of the whole number Andrew Lord Ochiltrie did onely oppose plainly professing that he would never consent to admit a King of the Popish Religion Shortly after was Henry Lord Darnly created Lord of Arâ—manoch Earl of Rosse and Duke of
was accustomed when she supped private to admit others to sit by her and that night the Countess of Argile and beneath her Davie was placed commanded him to arise and come forth for the place where he sate did not beseem him The Queen starting up hastily went between Davie and Ruthven to defend him and Davie clasping his hands about her middle the King laboured to loose them willing her not to be afraid for that they were come onely to take order with that villain Then was he dragged down the stairs to the gallery where Morton with his company was walking There they fell upon him and striving who should give the first stroak killed him with many wounds It was constantly reported that he had warning given him oftner then once by Iohn Damiott a French Priest who was thought to have some skill in Magick to do his business and be gone for that he could not make good his part And that he answered disdainfully The Scots are given more to brag then to fight Some few dayes again before his death being warned by the same Priest to take heed of the bastard he replied That whilest he lived he should not have credit in Scotland to do him any hurt For he took the Earl of Murray to be the man of whom he was advertised to take heed But that prediction either fulfilled or eluded the first stroak was given him by George Douglas base son to the Earl of Angus after whom such others as were in place either serving their private malice or desiring to be esteemed associates in that conspiracy inflicted every man his wound till he was dispatched yet had they no commandment from the contrivers so to kill him It being their purpose to have brought him to publick execution which they knew would have been to all the people a most grateful spectacle And good it had been for them so to have done or then to have taken him in another place and at another time then in the Queens presence For besides the great peril of abortion which her fear might have caused the false aspersions cast upon her fame and honour by that occasion were such as she could never digest and drew on all the pitiful accidents that afterwards ensued The Queen bursting forth in many tears after a great chiding she kept with the Lord Ruthven sent one of her maids to enquire what was become of Davie who quickly returning told that he was killed having asked her how she knew it the maid answered that she had seen him dead Then the Queen wiping her eyes with her handkerchief said No more tears I will think upon a Revenge Neither was she seen after that any more to lament The rumour of this deed ran soon through the Town whereupon the people did arm and go to the Palace But they were pacified by the King who calling to them from a window shewed that the Queen and he were well and that they needed not to fear because that which was done was done by his own commandment The Noblemen that lodged within the Palace were charged to keep within their chambers yet the Lords Huntley and Bothwel escaped the same night by a window at the back of the Palace Athol and the rest had licence to depart the next morning Upon Tuesday thereafter for the slaughter was committed upon Saterday the ninth of March the Earls of Murray and Rothes with these that were exiled in England returned to Edinburgh and going first to the Parliament house took documents that they were ready to answer the summons of forfeiture directed against them and that none did insist to pursue In this doubtful estate of things the Queen not knowing whom to trast sent for her brother the Earl of Murray and having conferred familiarly a while with him by his means had her servants and guards restored for after the slaughter they were all put from her The night following she went from the Palace to Seaton and from thence to Dumbar taking the King with her in company who repenting the fact and forsaking the other Conspirators did openly by sound of Trumpet at the Market Crosse of Edinburgh protest his innocency denying that ever he gave his consent to any thing but to the returning of the Lords that were banished in England Yet was the contrary known to all men so as this served only to the undoing of his reputation and made him find few or no friends thereafter to aid him in his necessity Upon the Queens departing the Conspirators and whosoever were thought privie thereto fled some to England others to the borders and Highlands and such a change you should have seen as they who the night preceding did vant of the fact as a goodly and memorable Act affirming some truly some falsely that they were present thereat did on the morrow forswear all that before they had affirmed The Earl of Morton with the Lords Ruthven Lindesay and young Lethington remained at Newcastle in England where the Lord Ruthven falling again in the feaver departed this life Mr. Iames Macgill Clerk of Register with divers Citizens of Edinburgh that were esteemed favourers of the fact left the Town and lurked privately amongst their friends After some four dayes stay at Dumbar the Queen returned to Edinburgh accompanied with many of the Nobility and then began Inquisition to be made for the Murtherers Thomas Scot Sheriffe depute of Perth and servant to the Lord Ruthven with Sir Henry Yair sometimes a Priest being apprehended were after trial hanged and quartered William Harlaw and Iohn Mowbray Burgesses of Edinburgh convicted and brought to the place of execution had their lives spared by the intercession of Bothwel The Lairds of Calder Ormeston Halton Elphingston Brunston Whittingham Shirreâ—hall and many others being cited as conscious of the murther for not appearing were denounced Rebels The office of the Clerk Register was conferred upon Sir Iames Balfour and a conclusion taken in councel that they who should be tried to have either devised or to have been actual committers of the said murther should be pursued by order of Justice and the same executed with all severity but that the Commons and others that came to the Palace accidentally should upon their supplication be used with more clemency In all this proceeding there was none more earnest or forward then the King notwithstanding whereof the hatred of the fact lay heavy upon him nor could he ever after this time recover his former favour with the Queen The rest after a little time were reconciled Lethington by the means of Athol was first called home albeit Bothwel did strongly oppose it The Barons addressed for themselves by means of their friends that were in credit Morton and Lindesay in the winter following were pardoned at the request of the Earls of Huntley and Argyle Now the time of the Queens lying in drew nigh whereupon the Councel meeting to advise upon the place where her
particulars it was desired That the persons nominated in Parliament for the matter of policy or juridiction of the Church should be ordained to meet at a certain day and place for concluding the same This was promised and the eighth of August appointed to that effect but the Diet did not hold and so these matters continued unresolved as before In the end of the Assembly the Bishop of Orkney who had been deposed from all function in the Church for the marriage of Bothwel with the Queen was upon his submission reponed to his place and for removing the scandal he was injoyned in his first Sermon to make publick acknowledgement of his fault and crave forgivenesse of God the Church and Estate which he had offended About the end of September the Regent and those that were joyned with him in commission took their journey into England and came to York the fifth of October the same day and almost the same hour came Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk Thomas Earl of Suffex and Sir Ralph Sadler Chancellour of the Dutchy of Lancaster having Commission from the Queen of England to hear and determine all questions controversies debates and contentions betwixt her sister the Queen of Scots and the subjects adhering unto her on the one part and the Earl of Murray and others refusing to acknowledge her authority and adhering to the Prince her son on the other as likewise to decide all matters depending betwixt them two to confirm the peace before that time contracted or establish a new confederation betwixt them their people and subjects as they should think most convenient Some two days after Iohn Lesley Bishop of Ross William Lord Levingston Robert Lord Boyd Gawan Commendator of Kilwining and Iames Cockburn of Skirling Commissioners for the Scottish Queen came to the City where being all convened and the Commissions exhibited an oath was presented to both parties by the Commissioners of England by which they were required to swear That they should proceed sincerely in that conference and treaty and neither for affection malice or any other worldly respect propone any thing before the Commissioners which in their consciences they did not hold to be true just and godly and reasonable as also not to withdraw hide or conceal any matter fit to be opened and declared for the better knowledge of the truth in the controversies standing amongst them The Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland before they took the oath protested That although the Queen their Mistresse was pleased to have the differences betwixt her and her disobedient subjects considered and dressed by her dearest sister and cousen the Queen of England or by the Commissioners authorized by her yet she did not acknowledge her self subject to any Judge on earth she being a free Princesse and holding her imperial Crown of God alone This their protestation they desired to be put in record left the Queen or her posterity should be prejudiced in their Soveraignty by the present proceedings The Commissioners of England did contrariwise protest that they did neither admit nor allow that protestation in any sort to the hurt or prejudice of that right which the Kings of England have claimed had and enjoyed as superiours over the Realm of Scotland which Superiority they protested should belong and appertain to the Queen their Mistresse in the right of the Crown of England These protestations made both parties took the oath in manner as was required and this was the Act of the first meeting The next day the Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland presented a Declaration in writing bearing that Iames Earl of Morton Iohn Earl of Marre Alexander Earl of Glencâ—rne the Lords Homes Lindesay Ruthven Simple Cathcart Ochiltrie and other their assistants had levied an Army in the Queens name against the Queen taking her most noble peron used her in vile manner and thrust into prison in Lochlevin and forcibly broken her Mint-house taken away the printing Irons with all the silver and gold coyned and uncoyned which was in the house for the time And going to the Castle of Striveling and made a fashion to crown her sonne the Prince being then but thirteen moneths old That Iames Earl of Murray taking upon him the name of Regent had usurped the Royal authority and possessed himself with the whole forts Castles Munition Jewels and Revenues of the Kingdom And when it had pleased God to relieve her out of that prison wherein she was so straitly detained by the space of eleven moneths as none of her friends and true subjects could once be permitted to see or speak with her and that she had publickly declared by a solemn oath in the presence of divers of the Nobility at Hamilton that whatsoever was done by her in prison was extorted by force threats and fear of death she out of that natural affection which she carried to her realm and subjects did appoint the Earls of Argile Eglington Cassils and Rothes to agree and make a pacification with the said Regent and his partakers but they were so farre from admitting any peaceable Treaty as they did invade her in her passing to Dumbritton with the men of Warre whom she had hired with her own moneys killed divers of her faithful subjects led others away prisoners and banished some of good note for no other cause but for serving faithfully their lawful Princesse and so after a great many injuries had forced her to flye into England to request the help of Queen Elizabeth her dearest sister and in blood the nearest Cousen she had in the world for restoring her in her former estate and compelling her rebellious subjects to acknowledge their due obedience unto her Majesty which they in her Highnesse name did most instantly intreat The day following which was the ninth of October the Regent and rest of the Commissioners for the young King appearing before they would give any answer to the preceding writ craved first to be resolved Whether the Duke and those that were appointed with him for hearing their controversies bad power to pronounce in the cause of the Kings Mother guilty or not guilty and if according to the same they meant to give sentence without delay As likewise if it should appear by the Declaration they were to make that the Queen of Scots was guilty whether she should be delivered in their hands or detained in England and if the Queen of England would from thenceforth maintain the authority of the King and the Regency established in the person of the Earle of Murray Which points they desired to have cleared before they could enter into the accusation intended The Duke of Norfolk replied that they would proceed according to the Commission given unto them and render an account to her who had trusted them therewith Lethington upon this turning himself to the Regent said That it seemed the English haâ— no other purpose but to defame and disgrace the reputation of
the Queen their Kings mother Therefore willed him and his associates to consider what hurt and danger they should draw upon themselves by accusing her in such a publick form not onely with those of her own Nation that loved the Queen but also with other Christian Princes especially with her cousins in France and what could they answer unto the King when he being of ripe years should esteem that manner of doing dishonorable to himself his mother and whole Kingdom They notwithstanding went on and presented their answer conceived in the terms following The King Henry father to their soveraign Lord the King now reigning being horribly murthered in his bed Iames sometimes Earl of Bothwell who was known to be the chief Author thereof entered in such credit with the Queen then their Soveraign as within two moneths after the murther committed he openly attempted a rape of her person and carried her to Dumbar Castle where he did keep her as captive a certain space causing a divorce to be led betwixt him and his lawfull wife and upon the conclusion thereof did suddenly accomplish a pretended marriage with the Queea which insolent proceedings together with the shamefull report that passed in all Nations of the Kings murther as if the whole Nobility had been alike culpable thereof so moved the hearts of a good number of them as they thought nothing could be performed more honourable to themselves in the sight of all the world then by punishing the said Earl who had committed the murther to free themselves of the vile reports spread every where to set the Queen at liberty from the bondage of that traitour who had so presumptuously interprised the rape and marriage of her whose lawfull husband he could not be and to preserve the innocent person of the King from the hands of him that had murthered his father For which purpose they taking arms when the said Earl came against them with forces leading in his company the Queen to defend his wickednesse they offered for sparing the blood of innocent men to decide the quarrell in a single combate whereof himself by Cartell and Proclamation and sundry times made offer But after many shifts he in end directly refused the same and the Queen prefering his impunity to her own honour that he might have leasure to escape came willingly to the Noblemen that were in Arms and conferred with them a certain space after which they conveyed her to Edinburgh informing her of the true causes that moved them to that form of dealing did humbly intreat her Majesty to suffer the said Earl and others the King her husbands murtherers to be punished according to the laws and the ptetended marriage wherein she was rashly entered to be dissolved as well for her own honour as for the safety of her son and quietnesse of the Realm and Subjects But having received no other answer but rigerous threats against the Noblemen and she avouching to be revenged upon all those that had shown themselves in that cause they were driven by necessity to sequestrate her person for a season from the company of Bothwell and the keeping of any intelligence with him untill punishment might be taken of him as murtherer of the King her husband In the mean time she finding her self wearied with the troubles of government and perceiving by things that had passed before that time betwixt her and the people that neither could she well allow of their doings nor they like of her forms upon these and other consirations she voluntarily resigned her Kingdome and transferred the same unto her son appointing the Earl of Murray who was at that time absent forth of the Realme to be Regent during her sonnes minority and in case of the said Earles decease or not acceptance of the said Office divers other Noblemen whose names are expressed in the Commissions signed by her self and sealed with the seals of the Kingdom The King hereupon being duely rightly and orderly crowned and anointed and the Earl of Murray after his return lawfully placed and admitted Regent all those things were ratified and confirmed by the three Estates of Parliament most of these that had withdrawn themselves from his authority being present and giving their consent to the same Notthelesfe when as matters were thus established and the Kings authority univerâ—ally obeyed without contradiction certain persons envying the publick quietnesse had by their subtile practices first brought the Queen out of Lochlevin and afterwards by open force against their promised fidelity gone about to subvert the government received wherein as they were proceeding it pleased God to disappoint their interprise and give unto the King and those who stood for his authority a notable victory unpon the 13. day of May last Wherefore their desire was that the King and the Regent might peaceably rule and govern the subjects according to the authority they had received of God and that the same might be conserved and established against the factions of turbulent subjects The Commissioners of the Queen of Scots having seen this answer made a long and particular reply to all the points thereof wherein adhering to their former protestation first they said That the pretext of taking arms against the Queen because Bothwell the authour of her husbands murther was in such favour with her could not warrant their rebellion fith it never was made known to the Queen that he was the murtherer But to the contrary Bothwell being indited and orderly summoned to underly the triall of Law he was by the judgement of his Peers absolved and the same absolution ratified by the authority of Parliament where the principalls that now accuse him and had withdrawn themselves from her Majesties obedience were present and not onely consented to his purgation but solicited the Queen to take him to her husband as the man most worthy to bear rule of any other in all the Realm giving their bonds to defend him against all that should pursue him for the said crime as their subscriptions would testifie And so neither before the marriage with Bothwell nor after did they or any of them which had been the dutie of true subjects so much as in words utter their dislike of it or advertise her Majesty of the suspicions that were taken of him untill they had drawn the keeper of the Castle of Edinburgh and the Provost of the town to their faction Then secretly putting themselves in arms they suddenly under silence of night invironed the Castle of Borthwick where her Majesty remained and after she had escaped to Dumbar levied an army under pretence to defend the Queen wherewith invading her person in the way berwixt Dumbar and Edinburgh they did take her Majesty captive And where they alledge that her Majesty preferring the impunity of Bothwell to her own honour made him to be conveighed safely away The same was most untrue for they themselves sent the Laird of Grange to her Majesty desiring her to cause Bothwell
in readinesse for resisting such attempts and withall levied some companies of horse and foot to guard his person against any suddain assault Next a course was taken for confining those of Mortons friendship in some remote parts of the Realm and the Earl of Angus charged to keep Ward beyond the river of Spey the Laird of Lochlevin being benorth the water of Cromarty The Lairds of Mains and Carmichal with Mortons two natural sons Iames and Archibald were cited to appear before the Councel The Laird of Iohnston was discharged of his Wardenry in the West marches and the Lord Maxwel put in his place Angus for not entring within the time prefixed was denounced Rebel and prohibitions made to resset or supply him in any sort under pain of treason Mains and Carmichall and Mortons two sonnes not appearing before the Councel were likewise proclaimed Rebels This rigorous proceeding and a fear the Ambassadour took that his practises were discovered made him to depart secretly to Berwick Sir Iohn Seaton Master of the horses was thereupon directed to complain both of his dealings and of the forces sent unto the Borders in a time of peace but he was stayed at Berwick and not suffered to go any further Then order was taken for bringing Morton to his trial and Commission given to the Earl of Montrosse and Captain Iames who was then first styled Earl of Arran to make his convoy to Edinburgh When the Commission was shewed to the Earl of Morton and that he found named in it Iames Earl of Arran he wondered what man he was for he knew the Earl of Arran to be deceased and had not heard that Captain Iames did assume that title Thereupon asking the Keeper of the Castle who was Earl of Arran when it was answered that Captain Iames was the man after a short pause he said And is it so I know then what I may look for meaning as was thought that the old prophesie of the falling of the heart by the mouth of Arran should then be fulfilled Whether this was his mind or not it is not known but some spared not at the time when the Hamiltons were banished in which businesse he was held too earnest to say that he stood in fear of that prediction and went that course only to disappoint it But if so it was he did find himself now deluded for he fell by the mouth of another Arran then he imagined However it was this is sure that the newes did at first perplexe his mind not a little and that after this time he gave over all hope of life Being brought to Edinburgh his proces was made the first of Iune The indictment charged him with conspiring and concealing the murther of King Henry and of being art and part as the phrase is in committing the same He denied all and pleaded not guilty The Jutors being called he excepted against Argile the Lord Seaton and the Laird Waughton yet they were all received upon their purgation that they had not given any counsel to his hurt or prejudice This done and they all sworne according to the custome they went apart and after they had consulted a while returning into the Court the Earl of Montrosse Chancellor of the Assise declared him convict of counsel concealing and being art and part of the Kings murther At these last words he shewed himself much grieved and beating the ground once or twice with a little staffe he carried in his hand said Art and part art and part God knoweth the contrary When doom was given that he should be taken to the place of execution hanged on the gibbet have his head cut off his body quartered and affixed in the most publick places he uttered not a word nor did he seem to be moved therewith and because it was drawing towards night he was conveyed back to the lodging wherein he was kept In the morning Mr. Iames Lawson with two or three other Ministers did visit him They asking how he had rested that night he answered that of a long time he had not slept more soundly Now I am saith he at an end of my troubles some nights before my trial I was thinking what to answer for my self and that kept me from sleep but this night I had no such thoughts Then falling to speak of his present case and the sentence pronounced against him they said that he should do well to unburthen his mind and declare what his part was of the Kings murther he answered with a great attestation that he never gave consent to that wicked fact The Earl Bothwel said he upon my return from England where I remained a while because of Seignior Davies slaughter came to me in Whittingham and after a long discourse brake the matter unto me saying that the Queen would have the King taken away for that she blamed him more of Davies mother then all the actors and asked What would my part be therein I made him this answer that being newly relieved of a great trouble I would not willingly enter into another and that I would have no medling in that businesse He not satisfied with my answer insisted to have me consent saying The Queen would have it done If so be said I bring me the Queens hand-writing that I may know that it is her mind This he never did and if he had brought it I was fully resolved to have turned my back upon Scotland and banisht my self till I saw better times Next they inquired whether Mr. Archibald Douglas had any dealing with him in that purpose Whereunto he answered that Mr. Archibald being at that time a depender upon Bothwell did bring him he being then at S. Andrews a letter from Bothwell containing credit and that he travelled to perswade him to give his assistance to that fact but he excused himself because he saw no warrant from the Queen as Bothwell had promised After the murther committed he said that Mr. Archibald came again unto him and told him that he did accompany Bothwell and Huntley to the place and was assisting to the fact Therefore can I not not deny saith he that I foreknew and concealed the same but to whom should I have revealed it for the King when he was advertised of the danger would not believe it But they have condemned me of art and part said he which is more then concealing but as I wish God to be merciful to me now at my last I never gave counsel nor consent thereto The Ministers replying that he could not justly complain of the sentence being guilty of foreknowledge and concealing by his own declaration he acknowledged the same to be true but saith he It would have gone alike with me if I had been as innocent as S. Steven or as guilty as Judas But of that I am not to complain nor will I stand to my justification being assured howsoever men have carried themselves in it God hath dealt
a prisoner deceive his keepers Concerning the intelligence he kept with forain Princes for the entertaining of civil peace that he did not think the Assembly would disallow it seeing diversity of Religion made not leagues of friendship unlawful And that they should meddle with the choice of his servants he held it strange This he hoped they would remit to himself and not to be too curious in examining the occasions of their placing or displacing And where they complained that since his accepting of the government the liberties of the Church had been refringed he said that since that time more good and profitable lawes had been made for the advancement of true Religion then ever before and if any thing lacked in the execution the fault was not his For that which concerned the Church rents he answered that those things must be helped in Parliament and that he should assist the reformation thereof at his power As for the punishment of the abominations mentioned that the fault could not be imputed to him sith he was willing to give Commission to such as the Ministers should judge most fit for the execution of lawes And for Ecclesiastical Acts which his authority was said to impede he knew none of late onely he had stayed the remove of Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet from the Colledge of Aberdene to be Minister of S. Andrews which being rightly considered would not be found prejudicial to the Church nor impertinent for him to deal in Lastly for the murmur of people perverting of lawes and difference amongst the Nobility his Majesty said that he was ready to hearken to any good advice for reformation of that which should be found amisse The answers all most reasonable and proceeding from the King ought to have been well taken but the discontent they had received for the late change in Court made every thing distasteful and still the displeasure betwixt the King and Church did grow as we shall hear In the beginning of November Lodowick eldest son to the late Duke of Lennox arrived at Leth and was conveyed by the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Montross to the King who lay then at Kinneill Soon after the advertisement of the Noblemans death the King had sent the Master of Gray into France to bring home all his children But Lodowick excepted who then was 13. years of age the rest were young and not able to indure so long a journey The King receiving him with great expressions of love did presently invest him in his Fathers lands and honours committing the trust of his affairs to the Earl of Montrosse till he should grow up to maturity for his education in letters Mr. Gilbert Moncreef the King his principal Physician was appointed to attend him a man wise and of good learning Some years after two of his sisters were brought into the countrey Henrietta the eldest was married to George Earl of Huntley Mary the younger of the two to Iohn Earl of Marre to the third the King had provided an honourable match but she having vowed her self to God would not be wonne from the Cloyster by any perswasion a younger son came to the King after he went into England and was by him advanced to great honours Thus the untimely losse of their Father did turn to the childrens benefit by the constant and unmatchable kindness of a loving King In the countrey matters grew daily more and more troubled Those that disobeyed the charges given them for entering in Ward pretended the time assigned for their entry to have been so short and the distance of the place so great as there was no possibility in them to obey yet under hand they were still seeking to strengthen themselves and associate others to be of their faction To take from them this pretext the first of December was allowed them for their entring in Ward and so many as should find surety to obey had favour promised them The Laird of Braid Colluthy Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Andrew Hay were licenced also to conferre with them and with all that had any part in the attempt of Ruthven for informing them of his Majesties gracious inclination towards all of that number who should acknowledge their offence and live obedient and peaceably from thenceforth But little or nothing was wrought this way whereupon the King took purpose to convene the Estates this 17th of December and having exponed his whole proceeding in that business an Act was passed by an universal consent of this tenour Albeit the late surprise and restraint of our person perpetrated in August bygone a year was a crime of laesae Majestatis hainous in it self of dangerous sequel and most pernicious example meriting the more severe punishment because the committers thereof for the most part besides the allegiance and common duty of subjects were specially bound to us by particular favours and benefits bestowed on them yet out of our natural disposition to clemency we resolved to reduce them by all gentle means to their duties and not only forbare to use them with rigour but made offer of pardon and mercy to such as would acknowledge their offence and continue thereafter in a dutiful obedience satisfying our selves with that moderate declaration which tended not in any sort to their detriment and prorogating days and moneths to see what they could perform Hereof we gave our promise to the Queen of England which was certified to them by divers and of late by certain Ministers and well disposed Gentlemen whom we licenced to conferre with them for perswading them of our sincere meaning behaving our selves in all this as a kind Father that seeketh to recover his children and not as a Prince that respected his estate But our lenity not having produced the effects which were wished we took counsel to assemble our Estates and make them witnesses of our clemency whatsoever might happen to their persons hereafter and now by their advice we have determined to prosecute with all rigour such of that number as shall continue in their disobedience and shall not embrace the offers of pardon made unto them In the execution whereof our Nobility and Estates convened have solemnly promised their assistance and for the greater authority both We and our said Estates have subscribed this Act with our hands Further by their advice We have ordained and ordain the Act of Councel past in October 1582. touching the attempt at Ruthven to be delete forth of the Books inhibiting all and sundry of whatsoever estate quality and degree to allow by word writing or otherwise the foresaid fact which We being now at liberty and our Estates have so publickly condemned This Act made the Earl of Rothes protested that his subscription to the Act in October 1582. approving the attempt of Ruthven for good service should not be laid to his charge seeing he did the same unwillingly and by his Majesties special command and direction like as soon after the
Notwithstanding they all three were convicted and declared guilty of treason doom was only pronounced against Drumwhasill and Mains and they the same day hanged in the publick street of Edinburgh The Gentlemens case was much pitied Mains his case especially Hamilton who made the delation lived after this in a continual fear and abhorred of all men he kept still in the company of Arran unto the alteration of Court at Striveling at which time Iames Iohnston of Westraw pretending a vow that he had made to revenge Mains his death did kill him as he was flying through the Park on the South side of the Town These cruel and rigorous proceedings caused such a generall fear as all familiar society and intercourse of humanity was in a manner left no man knowing to whom he might safely speak or open his mind Arran in the mean time went on drawing into his own hands the whole managing of affairs for he would be sole and supreme over all The Earl of Argile having departed this life the year preceding he was created Chancellour The office of Secretary he gave to Mr. Iohn Metellan Lethingtons son having banished the Abbot of Dunfermlin who formerly possessed the same The Castles of Edinburgh and Striveling he had himself in custody then made himself be chosen Provost of the Town and as if all this had not been enough he was declared General Lieutenant over the whole Kingdom In a word whatsoever he was pleased was done and without him nothing could be done This stirred up great emulation against him in Court The Master of Gray a great favourite at that time did take it disdainfully that every thing should be governed by him Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk a man of brave spirit did also hardly endure it and Mr. Iohn Metellan though he had followed still from Mortons execution to that time began to fall away and work his own credit those things were cunningly dissembled as among Courtiers and all outward respect given him by those that were plotting his ruine To his felicity nothing as he thought was wanting but the friendship of England this he was advised by the Master of Gray to seek by the Lord Hunsdons means who lay then Governour of Berwick a meeting whereupon wrought betwixt them and at Foulden some three miles from Berwick whither Arran went matters so dressed as upon the assurance of his service to the Queen of England it was promised that the exiled Lords who lay near the borders waiting to raise some stirres should be called to London and upon verification of the conspiracy wherewith Mains and the rest were charged put forth of England In this hope the Master of Gray is sent into England and Commission given him for remanding the fugitive Rebels or if that could not be obtained for removing them further off from the Borders of Scotland more privately he was desired to use all means for winning the Queens favour to the Earl of Arran And for preparing the way to his Legation the Archbishop of S. Andrews was sent some weeks before to inform the Queen of the King his sinccerity in Religion because of the rumour which the Ministers who fled thither had dispersed to the contrary The Queen professing to have received great content by his information recommended to the King above all things constancy in his profession assuring him in that case of her unchangeable friendship The Master of Gray as his coming had favourable acceptance though he was known to be a Catholick Romane and for the point of remanding was answered that she did not think those Gentlemen whom the King called Rebels intended any harm to his person but if the contrary was made to appear they should be suffered to remain in her Kingdomes And for that the King required touching their further remove from the Borders the same was promised and the Lords accordingly called from thence and commanded to stay at Norwich This answer reported to the King by the Master of Gray at his return drew another Legation wherein Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk was imployed the thing committed to him was the accusation of the banished Lords and verifying against them the conspiracy for which Mains and Drumwhasill had suffered The Lords upon this were brought from Norwich to London and there challenged by the Ambassadour who as appeared insisted with great servour against them But the Master of Glammis answering for the rest made their innocency in that particular to be clearly seen which was heard no lesse willingly by the Judges then delivered by the Speaker Neither was the accuser any worse minded towards them for all the shew he made and at the same time were grounds laid both for their restitution and Arran his subversion the Queen and Councel of England being privy to all and secretly advancing their enterprise Arran in the mean time had assurance given him of the Queens friendship and supposing all things to be right went on in his accustomed manner not caring what enmity he drew upon himself The Earl of Athol the Lord Home and Master of Cassils were committed to prison The first because he refused to divorce from his wife a daughter of the Earl of Gowry and intaile his lands to him the next for that he denied him his part of the lands of Dirleton and the third for denying him a loan of some moneys which it was thought he might spare His last falling out in that kind was with the Lord Maxwel for an excambion of the Barony of Mernis and the lands of Maxwel heath with the Barony of Kinnel which he possessed by the forfeiture of the Hamiltons Maxwel not liking to change his old inheritance with such a new and uncertain purchase excused himselfe and would not hearken to the change but he thinking to force him thereto by some indirect means travelleth with the Lady Iohnston who gave attendance at Court to cause her husband to accept of the Provostry of Dumfreis and moveth the King to write unto the Town to elect Iohnston their Provost for that he being Warden of the West marches would thereby be made more able to keep good order in these parts Maxwel interpreting this to be done as it was to his disgrace at the time of Election convocated his friends and debarring Iohnston from entring the Town procured himself to be continued in the office Hereupon informations were made to the King that there could no quietnesse be expected in these parts unlesse Maxwel his power was curbed Charges were also directed to cause him present certain of the name of Armestrong for whom he was obliged which he not performing was denounced Rebel and Commission given to the Laird Iohnston to pursue him for whose better enabling he had two companies of hired souldiers allowed him under the charge of two Captains Lamby and Cranston Maxwel hearing of these preparations gathered his forces and with a part
sayes the Queen I would be glad to understand If her right succession to England shall be made over in our Soveraigns person said he Papists will have no more hope and this I think the Queen his mother will dimit and resign to him But she hath no right said the Queen for she is declared incapable of succession And if she have no right said the Master the hope of Papists ceaseth and it is not to be feared that they will enterprise for her But the Papists said the Queen do not allow our Declaration Then let it fall said he in the Kings person by her resignation The Earl of Leicester obâ—ecting that she was a prisoner and could not dimit the Master answered That the dimission being made to her son with the advice of all the friends in Europe in case as God forbid the Queen by any attempt should be cut off she would have none to partake with her against her son all the princes her friends standing obliged for her resignation that it should be valid and effectual to her son The Queen making as though she did not understand him the Earl of Leicester said that the Ambassadours meaning was that the king should be in his Mothers place Is it so sayes the Queen then I put my self in worse case before By Gods passion this was her oath that were to cut mine own throat he shall never come in that place and be party to me The Master answered that he would be more party if he should come in his Mothers place through her death Well said the Queen tell your King what I have done for him to keep the Crown on his head since he was born and that for my part I mind to keep the league that stands betwixt us which if he break it shall be a double fault And with these words she made away Sir Robert Melvil following her requested for some eight days continuance of the execution whereunto she answered Not an hour The King advertised of this conference and that nothing but extremity was to be expected wrote with his own hand to the Master of Gray as followeth Reserve your self no longer in your dealing for my mother for you have done it too long and think not that any thing will do good if her life be lost for then adicu with further dealing with that State Therefore if you look for the continuance of my favour spare no pains nor plainnesse in this case but read my letter written to William Keith and conform your self wholly to the contents thereof and in this let me reap the fruits of your great credit there either now or never Farewell But before this letter came unto the Master he was drawn upon another course and made more cold in the businesse and as the fame went had taken upon him to pacify the King though the execution proceeded Mean while the Earl of Leicester wrote to the King a letter wherein not obscurely shewing what was resolved he advised him to deal more moderately in that matter of his mother her cause not being worth the losing of such a friend as the Queen his Soveraign was For albeit no man said he can blame your Majesty to speak for the safety of your mothers life yet under your favour your Majesty being a Prince and a King you ought to weigh without partiality the case of other Kings and Princes as if it might be your own Iustice should in the bosome of all Princes have such place that whatsoever affection may draw them if the thing which any of them doth for the preservation of their own life and estate be warranted it ought to be borne withall by others And proceeding in this manner he said Let the case of the Queen my Soveraign be made your Majesties and that any King or Prince being in your hands claiming title to your Crown would raise warre within your Realm against you or conspire with traitors within your Court or countrey to kill you in that case I would fain know what would be thought fit by any faithful or good subject of yours that you should do to such a one Nay give me leave I humbly beseech you to ask even of your self what you would think fit in such a case there is no other difference but that this offence is done to the Queen Majesty by your mother And after that a little for the letter is long If my plain speech may be without offence to your Majesty I would wish you to think well of this case remember how near it is to you and how much nearer it may be to you it is seen to all the world wherefore the life of our Mistris is sought whose death may be as farre out of your way as your mothers liberty hath heretofore been dangerous to your estate And if it be true which I have heard your Majesties self by her will had as well been dispossessed of the possession of that you have as defeated of any remainder you thought to have interest in And therefore as Kings be and ought to be jealous of their own estate so I doubt not but your Majesty will deeply consider of this case of your mothers wherein you may perform both the Office of a Son and of a King And as I have always advised you so do I still except for a just cause which I am perswaded you shall never have give not her Majesty any cause to conceive a breach of love and friendship on your part She is the person and Prince in the world that may do you most good or most harm let no perswasion or device make you think otherwise the world is full of practise and the worst heads most busy c. At the same time Secretary Walsingham writing to the Lord Thirlstan the Kings Secretary with whom he kept intelligence declared that it was wondred by all wise and religious men in England that the King should be so earnest in the cause of his mother seeing all the Papists in Europe that affected the change of Religion in both Realms did build their hopes altogether upon her and that she had shewed her self so passionate in point of Religion as she had transferred her pretended right to both the Crowns untothe King of Spain in case the King her son should persist in his profession It is true that such informations were given out amongst the Papists to divert the King from constancy in his profession but that any such tranflation was made by her it is not probable and a thing not to be believed her Declaration at the time of her death being far other as we shall hear Albeit a Popish Abbot descriving the life of Laurens the Cardinal who was at that time Protector of the Scottish Nation affirmeth the foresaid translation to have been in his hands and to have been delivered to him by Count Olivarez the Spanish Ambassadour at Rome But that doth merit little credit such forged titles would
Archibald Campbell of Lochinzell his brother Iames Campbell Mackneill Baray and about 700 common-souldiers on Huntleys part besides his uncle Achindown 12 only were killed but many were hurt and wounded This fight happened on Thursday the 3 of October 1594 and is called by the Countrey people the battell of Glenlivat albeit it was fought on a hill three quarters of a mile distant The victory fell happily on Huntleys side for the Countrey people who should otherwise been miserably spoiled if Argile with his forces had prevailed The Lord Forbes with the Lairds of Bughan and Drumchat were advancing to assist Argile upon advertisement of his defeat and that he was turned back made after him thinking to perswade him return But by the way a gentleman of the name of Irwyn being killed by the shot of a Pistol in the dark of the night there entered such a distrust and jealousie amongst them none knowing who was the doer as presently they separated and went home The King had the news of Argiles defeat brought him to Dundee which made him hasten his journey to the North. The 16 of October he came to Aberdene where councell was taken for demolishing the houses of Strathbolgy Slains and Newton In this service the Earl of Marshall was imployed having some Companies of horse and foot allowed him till the same was accomplished Huntley and Arroll during that time did lurke in Sutherland thinking how soon the King returned Southto come back into their Countreys but the Duke of Lennox being left Lieutenant in those parts by the counsell and assistance of those that were appointed to attend him put them to such extremity as they made offer to depart forth of the Realm and laid surety neither to return without his Majesties license nor to practise against Religion and the State whilest they stayed abroad It was debated a while whether or not such a capitulation might stand with the Kings honour and his Majesty being thereupon consulted in regard of the many difficulties that pressed him in the time and that it made for the quietness of the kingdome to have them put away the surety offered was accepted which done the Duke of Lennox having stayed in those parts three moneths returned about the third of February to Edinburgh Bothwell now was in miserable plight being hated of the Queen of England for his combining with the Popish Lords Excommunicated by the Church and forsaken of his fellowes especially M. Iohn Colvell who had followed him in all his troubles and knew the places of his resset for he had made his peace and as the rumor went betrayed Hercules Stewart Bothwells brother who the same time was executed publickly in the street of Edinburgh These things did so increase his fears as not knowing whom to trust he stole away privately to France The King hearing that he was gone and had taken land at New haven in Normandy sent a Gentleman to the French King to demand him as one who was declared a traitor and if that was denyed to desire that he might be banished France The answer of the French King was That he should give him no Countenance but since he had taken his refuge thither he could not but suffer him enjoy the free ayre of his Countrey Some moneths he remained there till either wearied of the bad entertainment he found or as it was said for challenging a Gentleman to combate against the Kings edict he was forced to quit those partes and fly into Spain from thence he went to Naples where he lived in a poor estate unto his death which happened some years after the King his going into England How soon Bothwell was gone all his followers did sue for pardon Sr. Iames Scot of Balwery offering to exhibite the bond made at the Church of Menmore betwixt Bothwell and the Popish Lords which he had in custodie was brought before the Councell and having produced the same laid open all their plots By his deposition it appeared that Sir Iames Duglas of Spot was the principal worker of that agreement Whereupon the Ministers of Edinburgh were called and the bonds shewed unto them bearing a mutuall concurrence in all things Religion not excepted Whereupon they were desired to pronounce Spot excommunicated as one that had made defection from the truth and was otherwise suspected of haynous crimes but they excusing themselves the Commissioners of the generall Assembly were called to meet at Striveling who after some debating the sentence was pronounced against him Balwery after a few days imprisoned was set at liberty and remitted but never prospered after that time and ruined his house utterly for an ensample to all that will be medling with factious and seditious Rebells The year following an Assembly of the Church was kept at Montrose in the moneth of Iune where the Commissioners for the King did urge these Articles First Whosoever did medle or practise in any treasonable enterprise against his Majesties person and estate being found and declared culpable by law they should likewise incurre the sentence of Excommunication that so there might be an inseparable union betwixt the two swords Secondly that no Excommunication should be pronounced at the appetite of particular men but that a sufficient number of the Church should be first Assembled and the same determined by publick consent Thirdly That none should be Excommunicated for civill causes crimes of light importance or particular wrongs of Ministers lest the censure should fall into contempt and become like the Popes cursing Fourthly That no summare Excommunication should be thenceforth used but that lawfull citation of parties should go before in all causes whatsoever To the first the Assembly agreed with the clause Legitimâ cognitione Ecclesiasticâ praeeunte To the second they likewise condescended But to the third and fourth they answered that those being points of great weight and craving a mature deliberation could not on the sudden be determined and so continued the resolution thereof to the next Assembly discharging in the mean time any summary Excommunication to be used with this exception Nisi salus ecclesiae periclitetur The exception displeased the King for he thought it would serve the turbulent sort for a colour to all their proceedings But there fell out in the mean time a business which made all these things be forgotten The Queen moved by some that envied the Earl of Marre his credit laboured to have the Prince her son in her own custody and had drawn the Chancellor and divers of the Councell to promise their assistance Advertisement given of this to the King who was then at Falkland he came to the Queen at Halyrud-house and inhibiting any of the Councell to come towards him till he should call them dealt so with the Queen that he diverted her from that course and made her go and remain at Striveling How soon she was gone calling the Chancellor and such of the Councell as
and that people were terrified by this means from falling into these odious crimes Others reasoned That the principall end of all Church censures especially of Excommunication was the reclaiming of offenders and the bringing of them to the acknowledgment of their sin and that where the principall use had no place that other secondary ends ought not to be respected and so in case of Fugitives what could any Censure avail to their reclaiming they not being in place to answer or to receive any admonition yea and might it not fall that by proceeding against men in such case men truly sorrowfull for their sin should be sentenced and so the persons bound by the Church whom God hath loosed They did therefore judge it more safe in these cases to advertise people of the hainousness of the fact committed warning them to make their own profit thereof and to forbear all proceeding against the fugitive person till his condition should be made known This turned to be the resolution of the whole number and thereupon direction was given to the Ministers not to intend or follow any processe against fugitives in time coming This year the Earl of Eglington departed this life who having no childe nor heir male to succeed made a disposition of his lands and honours to Sir Alexander Seaton his Cousin germane with a proviso That he and his children should take the name and use the arms of the house of Montgomery The king who was alwaies most tender in the conveyance of honours being informed of the disposition made by the deceased Earl did by a Letter written to the Councell witness his displeasure at such alienations shewing that howsoever he could not stay Noblemen to dispose of their lands he being the fountain of all honour within his Kingdoms would not permit the same to be sold or alienated without his consent and thereupon did inhibit the said Sir Alexander to use the title of Lord or Earl notwithstanding the disposition made to him Some two years after his Majesty was pleased to bestow the honour upon him and so was he received into the place and honour formerly belonging to the house of Eglington In the month of october a Parliament was kept at Edinburgh the Chancellor being Commissioner for the King wherein the conclusions taken in the Assembly at Glasgow were ratified and all Acts and constitutions especially the Act made in the Parliament 1592 rescinded and annulled in so farre as they or any of them or any part of the same were derogatory to the Articles there concluded In this Parliament a subsidy was urged and a great contest made for the quantity which was required in a more large measure then in former times because of his Majesties affairs especially for the marriage of Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave who in the same moneth arrived in England The poverty of the Countrey with a fear that what was then granted should be made a Precedent for after times was pretended by those that withstood the motion albeit the true cause was known to be the dislike that the Popish faction had of the Match which by all means they laboured to crosse nor was any more busie then the Lord Burleigh to impede the subsidy he being a little before come from Court did affirm that the King in a private speech with him touching the same had said That he required no more then was granted in the Parliament 1606 and thereby made the opposition greater then otherwise it would have been yet in the end after long debating it was concluded that the supply should be more liberall in regard of the present occasion then at any time before The King upon advertisement of the Lord Burleighs business gave order to remove him from the Councel and to inhibit him from coming any more at Court which he apprehending to be the Lord Scones doing and that he had informed against him took so ill as he did send him a challenge and appeal him to the combat Hereupon he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained some two moneths thereafter upon the acknowledgment of his offence and being reconciled with the Lord Scone he was put to liberty In Court at this time was great rejoicing and the marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with Prince Palatine daily expected when on the suddain all was turned to mourning by the death of Prince Henry who departed this life at S. Iames in the beginning of November A Prince of excellent virtues and all the perfections that can be wished for in youth He died at the age of 18 years and 8 moneths greatly lamented both at home and abroad The Councell esteeming it their duty to express their doleance for that accident made choice of the Chancellor and the Archbishop of Glasgow for that business But the King having received an hard information of the Chancellors carriage in the late Parliament sent his servant William Shaw to discharge him from coming to Court who encountring him at Morpet caused him to return The Archbishop who was no further advanced then Berwick accompanied the Chancellor to Edinburgh and after a short stay there as he was willed went to his journey again towards Court whither he came a little before Christmas The Nuptials in regard of the Princes death were put off to the February following at which time the sorrow being a little worn out the same were performed with great solemnity It was shewed before concerning the oppressions of the people of Orkney that the Acts made by the Earl in his Courts were judged unlawfull and he discharged to put the same thereafter in execution Notthelesse going on in his wonted course he sent his base son called Robert into the Countrey in shew to uplift his rents and duties but in effect to trie and punish the transgressours of these Acts whereupon new complaints being preferred to the Councell the King was advised to make purchase of Sir Iohn Arnots right to whom the Earl had impignorated his estate as being the only means to relieve that distressed people from his oppressions the bargain shortly was made and the King possessed in the lands Sir Iames Stewart Captain Iames his sonne being made Chamberlain and the Sheriffe of the Countrey The Earl himself was transported from Edinburgh to the Castle of Dunbarton and had allowed to him six shillings eight pence sterling a day for his entertainment where he had not long remained when as he received advertisement that the Castles of Kirkwall Birsay and other his Houses in these Isles were all rendered to the Sheriffe This put him in a great passion and many waies he essayed to make an escape but finding no possibility he sent his base son who was lately returned with an expresse command to take back the houses and expulse the Deputy Mr. Iohn Finlason whom the Chamberlain had left there The young man at his coming to Orkney being assisted with some loose people made
his first assault upon Birsay expulsing Bernard Stewart The Keeper and placing a Garrison therein of some thirty persons The Deputy hearing what was done went speedily thither charging them in his Majesties name to render but they despising the charge and he not able to force them he went from thence to Kirkwall the Rebels following at his heels compelled him in like sort to render the Castle of Kirkwall in which he had entred Upon report of this Rebellion Commission was given to the Earl of Cathnes as Lieutenant for the King in those bounds to recover the Castles and pacifie the Countrey which he carefully performed At his first landing a company of people to the number of five hundred who were brought together more out of fear of the Rebels then of any desire to withstand made a countenance to resist but how soon they perceived the Earls resolution to pursue they gave back their leaders flying to the Castle which they meant to defend This they made good some five weeks or more till the Canon having beaten down a great part of the walls they were forced to yeild themselves at discretion The persons taken in the Castle were Robert Stewart the Earl's base son Archibald Murray Andrew Martin Alexander Legat and Thomas King servants to the Earl These were all transported to Edinburgh and being convicted by a Jury were hanged on a gibbet at the Mercat-crosse In this siege the Lieutenant lost four men only namely William Irwin son to William Irwin of Saba Iames Richardson Andrew Adamson and William Robinson who were killed all by shots from the Castle many were wounded and hurt but thereof recovered Towards the end of the year Mr. David Lindesay Bishop of Rosse departed this life in a great age having attained to fourscore two or three years a man nobly descended and a Brother of the house of Edzell Soon after the Reformation returning from his travells abroad he applied himself to the function of the Ministery and entring the charge at Leth continued therein to his death of a peaceable nature and greatly favoured of the King to whom he performed divers good services especially in the troubles he had with the Church a man universally beloved and well esteemed of by all wise men His corps were interred at Leth by his own direction as desiring to rest with that people on whom he had taken great pains in his life The Earl of Orkney being brought the October preceding from Dumbarton to Edinburgh was in February next put to triall where together with the Justice there sate as Assessors the Earl of Dunfermlin Chancellor the Lord Bining Secretary the President Sir Iohn Preston Sir Gideon Murray Thesaurer Deputy Sir Richard Cockburne of Clackinton Lord privy Seal Sir Iohn Cockburne of Ormeston Justice Clerk Sir Alexander Hay Clerk Register Sir William Levingston of Kilsith and Sir Alexander Drummond of Medop Senators of the Colledge of Justice The substance of the Indictment was That he had caused his base son to surprise the Castle of Kirkwall with the steeple of the Church the place called the Yards and house of Birsay that he had incited the people to Rebellion and detained the said Castles and Houses treasonably after he was charged to deliver the same His Prolocutors were Mr. Alexander King Mr. Thomas Nicolson and Mr. Alexander Forbes Lawyers all of good esteem the chief defence they used was a deniall of the libell the Advocate producing the confession of his base son and those that were executed with him together with some missive Letters written by one Iohn Sharpe at his direction for the detaining of the Castle of Kirkwall and a Charter of certain lands gifted by him to Pat Halcro for assisting the Rebels the Justice remitted the verity of the Indictment to the Assise The persons chosen thereupon was Iames Earl of Glencarn George Earl of Winton Iohn Earl of Perth Robert Earl of Lothian William Earl of Tillibarden David Lord Scone William Lord Sanqhar Iohn Lord Harries Iames Lord Torphichen Hugh Lord Semple William Lord Killmaers Iohn Grant of Frenchâ—e Sir Patrick Hepburne of Waughton Robert Arnot of Farny and Sir Henry Lindesay of Kinfawnes who sworn and received according to the custome went apart by themselves for a certain space and returning unto the Court by the mouth of their Chancellor the Earl of Glencarne declared him guilty of the foresaid Rebellion and of the whole points contained in the Indictment The Justice thereupon gave sentence that he should be taken to the Mercat crosse and there beheaded and all his goods and lands confiscated The Earl taking the sentence impatiently some Preachers were desired to conferre with him and to dispose his minde towards death but they finding him irresolute intreated for a delay of the execution which was granted to the sixth of February at which time he was brought unto the scaffold guarded by the Magistrates of the City and in the sight of many people beheaded This was the end of Patrick Earl of Orkney son to Robert Stewart one of King Iames the fifth his base sons Robert was at first provided to the Abbacy of Halirâ—dhouse which he enjoyed divers years After the forfeiture of Hepburne Earl Bothwell and the obtaining of these Isles he exchanged the Abbacy with the Bishoprick of Orkney and so became sole Lord of the Countrey Patrick succeeding to an elder brother who died young by his too much resort to Court and profuse spending did involve himself in great debts and seeking to repair his estate by the indirect courses he touched fell into these incoveniencies which you have heard and may serve for a warning to all great personages not to oppresse nor play the Tyrants over the meaner sort of people About the end of the year Iohn Ogilvy a Jesuite was apprehended at Glasgow He was lately come from Grats where the Jesuits have a Colledge by the command as he said of his superiours to doe some service in these parts Theâ—e were found with him three little books containing certain directions for receiving confessions a warrant to dispense with them that possest any Church livings conceived in this form Quoad dispensationem de bonis Ecclesiasticis poter is dispensare ut rctimeant que possident dummodo in usus pios aliquid impendant pro judicio confessarii dispeâ—santis with some Reliques and a tuâ—t of S. Ignatius hair the founder of their Order which he seemed to have in great regard Upon advertisement given to his Majesty a Commission was sent to the Secretary the Lord Kilsith the Thesaurer Deputy and Advocate for his examination and triall Being presented before them and enquired when he came into Scotland what his business was and where he had resorted To the first he answered That he came in the June preccding to the second that his errand was to save souls but to the third he denied to give any answer at all saying