Annales the true and royall history of the famous empresse Elizabeth Queene of England France and Ireland &c. True faith's defendresse of diuine renowne and happy memory. Wherein all such memorable things as happened during hir blessed raigne ... are exactly described.

* 1.1 THE SEVEN AND TWENTIETH YEERE of Her Raigne. Anno Dom. M.D.LXXXIV.

* 1.2 DIVERS Scots that had compacted with Gowry, who now againe was plotting of new stratagems to get the King of Scots into his power, se∣cretly returned from Ireland into Scotland vpon the entrie of the Spring. There they protested openly, that their intent was onely for the ho∣nour of God, the truth of Religion, and to secure the King, the Realme, and the League with England, against those that with wicked deuices would seduce the King, not being as yet of sufficient age. The King hauing notice of these things, hee forthwith commanded Colonell Stuart to apprehend, before all, Gowry the chiefe Architect of the conspiracy, who presently retired himself to a Port called Dundey, as though he would haue departed the Kingdome, where he knowing

himselfe guilty, despising the Kings authoritie, obstinately withstood them, and defended himselfe in his lodging: but after two houres, he was apprehended, and led to prison.* 1.3

In the meane while the Conspirators surprising the town of Sterlin, they constrained the Castle to yeeld. But vnder∣standing that the King was marching towards them in per∣son with an armie; and finding themselues but weakely ac∣companied, in respect of the number, vvhich Gowry had promised them; also in vaine attending succours out of En∣gland, they forsooke their hold. And as euery one being full of feare, sought to shift for himselfe: the Earles of Marre,* 1.4 Glan, and Angus holding together, vvith others took their flight through many by-wayes into England: humbly re∣questing the Queene to releeue them in their afflictions, and bee an intercessor for them to their King,* 1.5 seeing that they vvere depriued both of their fortunes, and the Kings fauour, by endeuouring for the good of her and her Kingdome. The King on the contrary accused them to the Queene of many hainous things, demanding according to the league of alli∣ance betweene them, that they might bee deliuered into his hands. But there were some about the Court that perswa∣ded the Queene that they were men most obedient to their King, and most desirous of his welfare;* 1.6 that hauing him vn∣der their custody and power, yet neuer attempted any thing against his state or person; and that law which was vsually expressed in leagues concerning the deliuerie and restoring backe of Rebels, was long since abolished and out of vse a∣mongst Princes. These men also endeuoured to perswade the King of Scots that he should deale more mildly and gen∣tly with men of such and so great ranke, and not to driue them (as it were headlong) through despaire to more bad designes. Remonstrating to him, that terrour and violence vvere but feeble and vnhappy props of power, alledging to that end two tragicall examples drawne out of the Scottish History, attributing great praises to his mother, & Francis

her husband, that at the first rising of the French ciuill war, past ouer the iniuries and offences of the Nobility without regard.

* 1.7 Walsingham, that studiously fauoured the fugitiues, by let∣ters commanded that they should bee receiued into the Island called the holy Iland; but Hunsdon (who shewed him∣selfe a greater friend to the King of Scots then any other) opposed it, because the iurisdiction of the place appertained to him, as gouernor of the East frontiers, hee thought it al∣together vnfit, that any entrance should be permitted to the Scots in a place of strength, neither would he obey the let∣ters of the Secretary without expresse command from the Queene.* 1.8 From hence arose a controuersie, whether a Se∣cretary could by his authority direct or execute the affaires of his Prince, without receiuing speciall command from him, and without the counsell of the gouernor of the place: What was determined thereupon is not manifest, but the Scots were not admitted into the Isle. Neuerthelesse it was esteemed expedient, that they should be in some sort fauo∣red, to oppose the contrary faction which arose in Scotland, which was that the Ministers had spred & rumored abroad, that the King was about to forsake his religion, but they could not produce or alledge any argument probable (al∣though they had framed many, but onely that he was wholy transported with a filiall loue towards his mother, and re∣ceiued as a most indeered to him, those which he knew were affectionate to her.

* 1.9 In the meane space Gowry was brought to iudgment be∣fore the Peeres at Sterlin. And was accused to haue plotted a new conspiracy against the King after he had been confin'd prisoner to his house: Notwithstanding that the King had lifted him vp to great honours, riches, and Commands, and accounted of him as a kinsman. To haue consulted by night which the seruants of Angus for the taking of Perth & Ster∣lin. To haue resisted by force of Armes, the authority roy∣all

at Dundey. To haue concealed the conspiracy which was complotted to ruine the King, and the Queene his mother. And lastly, To haue consulted with the sorceresse Maclene. To all this he pleaded innocency,* 1.10 and an vnspotted faith to∣wards the King. He acknowledged the benefits which hee had receiued. He complained bitterly of the Earle of Arran as his enemie, and one thirsting for blood, saying that hee was apprehended by his cunning policies, being vpon the point of departure out of the Kingdome, and by him was with the hope both of life & grace which he promised him, so farre allur'd and treacherously ouer-reacht that hee con∣fessed all that was obiected to him: and therefore those things ought not in right and equity, or any consequence, be brought against him, being by treachery and deceit extor∣ted from him. As for the resistance which he made hee ex∣cused, because he perswaded himselfe that the letters of pro∣tection, sealed with the Kings great Seale, which hee had with him, were of greater consideration and value, then which the Earle of Arran had written with his owne hand for his apprehending. Hee likewise answered that hee was not so much blame-worthy, in concealing for so short a time the conspiracy against the King and his Queene-mo∣ther, as hee deserued praise at last for disclosing of it. And finally, protesting, that from his heart hee vtterly hated all witches and sorcerers, he openly said, that if there were any at all, hee verily beleeued that they liu'd in the Courts of Princes. The Peeres, after they had according to the cu∣stome sworne, that they had in no waies moued or incited the Kings Aduocate to accuse him, they pronounc't him guilty of Laesae Maiestatis,* 1.11 and in the end his head was cut off, which by his friends was presently taken and stiched to the body, and so buried.

Euen in the same time whilst these Scots enterprised these things against their King, in the seruice (as they pretended) of Queene ELIZABETH, to their owne ruine. Certaine

English likewise to do seruice to the Queene of Scots, began to plot against their own Queene things of no lesse weight, and attended on with the like bad successe. Of which was chiefe Francis Throckmorton eldest son of Iohn Throckmor∣ton Iudge of Chester,* 1.12 but by deuices of Leicester hee was de∣graded, and punished, because that (if I faile not in these law matters) hee had stuffed and corrected in many places a co∣pie of iudiciall transaction taken out of the originall which was corrupted, and did not present it with all faults and de∣fects. This Francis became first suspected by reason of let∣ters which he had written to the Queene of Scots, and were intercepted: and therefore he was clapt into prison, where hee beginning to confesse,* 1.13 Thomas Lord Paget and Charles Arundell a Courtier secretly left their Country, and fled into France, where they with others zealous in the Roman Religion bitterly deplored their misfortune; complaining amongst themselues that by the means of Leicester and Wal∣singham, they had without any desert vtterly lost the fauour of their Queene, that they were vnworthily afflicted with iniuries and opprobries, that many stratagems were deuised against them, and diuers snares laid, to force them against their owne wills and intentions to runne into the crime of Laesae Maiestatis: neither was there any hope of helpe or suc∣cour left for them within the Kingdome. And surely at that time, that they might with more ease sound the mindes of men, there were put in practice many fraudu∣lent deuices; counterfeit letters were suborned, in the name of the Queen of Scots, and the rest of the fugitiues, with their hands fasly thereto subscribed, and these were cast into the houses of the Papists.* 1.14 Spies were likewise sent forth to ga∣ther the dispersed rumors, and captate scattered speeches. Then reporters of tales and falsities were accepted and wel∣comed; and many vvere suspected: but amongst others the Earle of Northumberland, and his sonne; the Earle of Aron∣dell,* 1.15 vvho vvas cōfined to his house, and his vvife vvhich was

giuen in keeping to Shirley; G. Howard brother to the Earle; and H. Howard their Vncle, brother to the Duke of Nor∣folke; who was oftentimes examined about Letters written from the Queene of Scots; Charles Paget, and a certaine fel∣low as then vnknowne called Mopus: and notwithstanding he was wise and innocent, yet he had much to doe to defend and warrant himselfe from their traps. Neither were these artificiall policies, and easie credulities to bee holden or e∣steemed, as things vaine; when the matter lay vpon the safeguard of the Queene. For then the detestable malice of the Papists began to manifest it selfe,* 1.16 publiquely divulging bookes, wherein they exhorted the seruants of the Queene to doe by her as Iudith to her immortall fame dealt with Holofernes. The Author of these bookes could not certain∣ly be discouered; but the suspition lighted vpon one G. Mar∣tine of Oxford, a man well learned in the Greeke and Latine tongues; and one Carter a Booke-binder, because he caused them to be imprinted was put to death.

And forasmuch as by these books the Queens honour was much distained,* 1.17 and she rumoured abroad to bee tyrannous and cruell; She which aboue all things laboured and studied to leaue to the world a happy memory of her goodnesse; She was much moued and incensed against those that had knowledge of the causes which thus prouoked the Papists, as barbarously cruell, and iniurious to her honour. Inso∣much that they found it needfull for them, to excuse them∣selues by divulged writings, importing these protestations of their part.

THat they had alwayes entreated the Priests in a more milder fashion then they deserued, nei∣ther euer vrged any questions to them concer∣ning Religion; but onely of their pernicious machina∣tions against their Prince and Countrey; moued by strong suspitions with probable signes and arguments

thereto. That Campian was neuer so extremely tortu∣red, but that hee was able to walke and subscribe his hand to his confessions. But Brian refusing either to speake or write his name that was author of those my∣sticall writings which were found about him, was kept from all food, vntill by writing he demanded it.

But this yeelding no sufficient satisfaction to the Queene, she commanded the Commissaries that were appointed for criminall proceedings, that is to say, the examiners, to ab∣staine from tormenting, and the Iudges from punishing. And a short while after, those seuentie Priests, whereof some were condemned to be put to death, and all of them had in∣currred the censure of the Law, shee caused to bee banished out of England;* 1.18 amongst which, the most eminent were G. Heywood, sonne to that famous Epigrammatist, the first Ie∣suite that entred into England; I. Bosgraue a Iesuite also; I. Hart, of singular learning aboue the rest; and E. Richton that monster of ingratitude, who presently after, vomited vp the poison of his malice against the Queene, to whom hee was indebted for his life, and published it in open writing.

Edward Stafford Ambassador for the Queene in France, diligently obserued,* 1.19 how the Baron of Paget and Arundell were ariued in France: But could not penetrate into their designes. Neuerthelesse he sollicited the King of France to expell as well them as Morgan and other English that vvere confederates and complotters against their Queene and Country. But his answer was:

* 1.20 THat if they did plot or enterprize ought in France, the King according to equitie would chastise them; but whatsoeuer they had done in England, the King would neither enquire after, nor execute the Law vpon them. That all Kingdomes were free, and open to fugitiues, and that euery King should labour to defend the liberties of his Kingdome:

That ELIZABETH her selfe had not long before re∣ceiued into her Realme Montgomerie, the Prince of Conde, and others of the French Nation. And that (at that time) Seguri the King of Nauarre his Am∣bassador, remained in England, plotting new deuices against the King of France.

Whilst these things past on, Bernardin Mendoza Spaines Ambassador in England, secretly past into France, murmuring and raging, as if he, contrarie to the right of Ambassie, had beene forc'd out of England; being indeed a man of violent and turbulent nature, and hauing himselfe abused the holy and sacred rights of Ambassadors, did deserue (according to the opinion of many) after the ancient seueritie, to bee pursued with sword and fire: Hee was commanded to de∣part the Realm, because he had intermixt himselfe amongst those wicked conspiracies, with Throckmorton, and others,* 1.21 that laboured for the bringing in of Strangers into England, and dispossessing of the Queene: for which being gently reproued, he in stead of excusing and purging himselfe by a modest reply, accused the Queene and her Councel about the money which was detained from the Geneuois, for the aide and succours which were sent to the States of the Ne∣therlands, to the Duke of Anjou, and to Antonio King of Portugall, and also for the Pyracies of Drake. But lest the King of Spaine should thinke the rights of Embassie vvere violated by this, and not the offence of Mendoza reuen∣ged, W.* 1.22 Waade one of the Queenes Councell for the expe∣dition of Letters, was dispatched into Spaine, there plainely to demonstrate how mischieuously Mendoza had behaued himselfe in his Ambassage. And to signifie likewise, lest the Queene should be thought by returning of Mendoza, to renounce the ancient friendship between the Kingdomes, that she was ready to performe all Offices of humanitie to∣wards him, if the King in Mendoza's place would send any

other more carefull for the maintaining of friendship pro∣uided that the like might be performed to her Ambassador in Spaine. * 1.23 But the King disdaining to receiue or conferre with Waade, referred him to his Councell. Whereat Waade somewhat incensed, boldly declared, that it had beene an an∣cient custome ouer all, that the Ambassadors should bee ad∣mitted to speake in presence euen of their enemies, and in time of Warre. And that the Emperor Charles the fifth, fa∣ther of the King, gaue admittance to the Herald that de∣nounced warre against him from the King of France, refu∣sing to impart to the Councell the tenour of his Ambassie. Now Idiac Secretarie to the King of Spaine endeuoured himselfe much to come to the knowledge of those mat∣ters, but his Art and policies failing him, hee was fully in∣structed out of France of the whole passage by Mendoza. Whereupon laying aside the quality of a publike person, he familiarly declared to Waade, that to his griefe hee saw ma∣ny men which bent all their studies to breake and seuer with mischieuous deuices the Leagues and amity of Princes and to increase their enmities. That the iniury was done to the King of Spaine himselfe, and not to Ambassadors: first on the person of Dispez, and then of Mendoza. That there was no reason why he should any more accuse Mendoza to the King, that had receiued for his fault (if hee committed any) sufficient punishment, being so ignominiously and dis∣gracefully sent backe. That the Catholique King had dealt iustly in rendering like for like; and as the Queene had dis∣missed Mendoza without hearing, but appointed him to bee heard by her Councell, the King in like manner had ap∣pointed him to the Cardinall Granuellan. To this Waade made answer, that there was a large difference between him∣selfe that had neuer giuen the least distaste to the Catholike King, and Mendoza who had highly & grieuously offended the Queene, hauing insolently, a great space, disdained and refused to come neere her, and committed many things vn∣fitting

and vnworthy an Ambassador. Notwithstanding all this, Waade could not bee admitted but returned into Eng∣land without being heard. All those crimes for the most part which were obiected against Mendoza were taken out of the confession of Throckmorton.

For when Throckmorton saw himselfe at the point of be∣ing apprehended; hee sent vnto Mendoza a little trunke, wherein were contained his secrets; neuerthelesse his other trunkes being diligently searched, there were found two Catalogues; in one of which were contained the names of the Ports which were most appropriate and conuenient for the landing of their troopes; in the other, the names of such Noblemen in England, as did entertaine and imbrace the Roman Religion. Which Catalogues when hee saw produ∣ced, he cryed out aloud, that they were things suborned, and that he neuer saw them before that time; and that they were purposely inserted into his trunke by some that plotted his destruction: and being tortured to force him confesse, hee still persisted: but tortures being applyed the second time, he confessed all that he knew; and being examined touch∣ing the Catalogues to what end they were written, he made this Declaration.

THat a few yeares since taking his iourney to the waters of Spaw,* 1.24 with one Ieney and Engle∣field, they consulted among themselues of the meanes by which England might bee inuaded of the strangers, and the forme of the gouernment changed, and to that end the names of the Ports and Noblemen were set downe in those Catalogues. That Morgan had signified to him by Letters out of France, that the Catholique Princes had already deliberated vpon the inuasion, and by the auspicious succours of the Duke of Guise to set at libertie the Queene of Scots, the Guise wanting nothing but money and some helping hands in

England. That to procure these things C. Paget vn∣der the assumed name of Mopus, was sent into Sussex, where the Guise had determined first to land his troops. That he had communicated the businesse, and shewed the names of the Ports and Noblemen, to Mendoza, who was now perfectly instructed by the rect of the conspiracie. Neither doth he deny that hee had promi∣sed his owne helpe and industry. And had also aduer∣tised Mendoza with what Noblemen being a publique personage, he might conferre with; with whom, he him∣selfe being but a priuate man, could not without dan∣ger hold parley. And with him found the meanes by some of the principall Catholiques, to take vp soul∣diers in the Queenes name, then when the stranger forces should ariue, to bee ioyned with them. These things he freely confessed.

* 1.25 Neuerthelesse being accused publikely in the Court at London, hee precisely denied all, affirming that hee had spo∣ken out of his owne inuention and not the truth, onely to free himselfe from the tortures againe; and openly accused the Queene of cruelty,* 1.26 and those of the Inquest of falshood, framing an euasion for himselfe out of the distance of time which had passed betweene the Commission of the fact, and Iudgement. For in the 13 yeare of Queene ELIZABETH, certaine offences were inserted into the ranke of those of Laesae Maiestatis, for which no man cold be brought to iudg∣ment, if the delinquent were not accused within sixe moneths after hee had offended, and the offence also verified by the oath of two witnesses, or the confession vo∣luntary without constraint by force or violence. That the time was long since expired, therefore hee ought not to bee produced to iudgement. But the Iudges shewed him by am∣ple demonstrations, that the crimes of which hee was accu∣sed were of another quality, and therefore by vertue of an

ancient Law enacted vnder the Reigne of EDWARD the 3, he was found culpable and guilty of Laesae Maiestatis, which doth not admit any limitation either of time and proofe; wherupon the fatall sentence was pronounced against him. But he perswading himselfe of the mercy of the Queene,* 1.27 by writing againe confessed all, in more ample manner then hee had done before, all which, through his inconstancy, com∣ming to the Gibber, he vtterly denyed, but it was all in vaine and to no auaile.

William Waad being returned out of Spaine, was about this time sent to the Queene of Scots, for the holding of a treatie betweene her and Mildmay, which two yeares since was propounded, and broken off, as already hath beene shewed. She protested to him by diuers oaths that she had seriously laboured to effect it:* 1.28 and also deuoted to Queene ELIZABETH, both herselfe and all her best indeauors, pro∣mising vvholly to depend of her, if she vvould vouchsafe to fauor her with such and so great loue and honour: To these she faithfully promised, that if so be this treaty might pro∣ceed, she would make intercession to her sonne, and so effe∣ctually, that he should receiue into his gratious fauor Angus and the rest of the Scottish Nobles, and the Bishops of Rosse and Glasco their agents in France, should not complot or en∣terprize any thing against the Queene or Realme of Eng∣land, and that they should from thenceforth cease from the faction of the English rebels and fugitiues.

Queene ELIZABETH ioyfully receiued these newes, and seeing that the Earles of Angus, Marre, I. Hamilton, & Glam, remained at that time fugitiues in England, shee made vse of profered occasion, and sent Beal, with the Earle of Shrews∣bury to the Queene of Scots, to signifie to her, that if she still persisted in the same opinion which shee had declared to Waad, then Mildmay should presently be with her, to con∣clude for her inlargement. And that they should worke so farre with her, that in the interim she would bee an inter∣cessor

to her sonne the King, for the restoring of the fugi∣tiues, and to perswade him that they had not enterprised a∣ny thing against his Maiesty,* 1.29 but onely against certaine rash Counsellors, that with their wicked and peruerse Coun∣sels would corrupt his goodnesse; And finally, that they should sound her as much as possible they could, concerning the practices of the Guise, to which (being a woman of a prudent vnderstanding) she made this answer.

* 1.30 THat shee desired nothing more then that the treaty might proceed, and earnestly requested the same of the Queene as of her elder sister, to whom she should giue all respect and honour. That shee had not spoken any thing to Waade but vnder certain conditions, and she perswaded herselfe that hee was a man freely honest and iust, and would not speake other∣wise. As for the restoring of the fugitiues, she thought her helpe very behouefull, and would not faile therein, if there would redound or to her, or to her son any pro∣fit or good, and if they would with all humility submit themselues to the King, and yeeld obedience to him: but if not, that the Queene would not assist them, but her sonne, that they might be reduced into order. Fur∣thermore not to dissemble, That she when shee was in a sickly estate, committed herselfe and her sonne, to the faith of their neere kinsman, the Duke of Guise: but as for his vndertakings against the Queene she was al∣together ignorant; neither, if she had full knowledge thereof would she reueale ought, except she might be cer∣tainely secur'd of her liberty, knowing it to be but a smal signe of wisdome to forsake certaine friends for vncer∣taine hopes. She intreated that she being a free Prin∣cesse might not be more cruelly dealt withall, then was Queene ELIZABETH being a subiect and imprisoned by her sister Queene MARIE: or then the King of

France not long before dealt with Nauarre, being his subiect and rebelling against him. Shee desired also, that the treaty might be brought to some end, before any messenger were sent into Scotland about those af∣faires. And forasmuch as the most Christian King had acknowledged her ordinary Ambassador,* 1.31 and Se∣ton whom her sonne sent into France, to be Ambassa∣dors from Princes of equall and the same authority, she requested the Queene giuing her that honour that she would, without any preiudice, cause that association of her and her sonne to be published in Scotland.

These things had a good hearing,* 1.32 but soone by obiections of feares frustrated, which were interposed by those that well knew how to increase hatred betweene incensed wo∣men: but aboue all, by produced papers, which Chreicton a Scottish Iesuit, sayling into Scotland, and being apprehen∣ded by certaine Pyrates did teare in peeces. But these torne Papers being cast ouer-boord, were by a wind (as Chreicton also verified) miraculously blowne into the ship againe; and by Waad with great labour and artificiall skill were collect∣ed and ioyned together, wherein were discouered new counsels and plots of the Pope, Spaniard, and Guise for the inuading of England.

This and the various rumours of imminent dangers that were dispersed abroad, were the causes, that to cut off the way to all wicked designes, and ambushes of sedition, and to prouide for the safety of the Queene, vpon whom both the Realme and Religion depended; by the deuice of Lei∣cester, most men of all estates and conditions through whole England, which were not possest with feare of her, but for her, did binde themselues by a generall loue with their mutuall vowes, subscriptions,* 1.33 and seales in a certaine association to persecute withall their powers euen to the death all such (whatsoeuer they were) as should plot or at∣tempt any thing against her.

The Queene of Scots easily vnderstood, that in this gene∣rall Association her owne ruine was comprehended: there∣fore being wearied with her long continued misery,* 1.34 and fea∣ring yet worse, She made this proposition by Naue her Se∣tary, to the Queene and her Councell.

THat if shee could obtaine her libertie, with an euident testimony of loue and sincere affection of the part of Queene ELIZABETH; Shee would contract and confirme a most straight League of amity with her, and most officiously cherish and affect her aboue all Christian Princes, and blot out of her me∣mory all iniury and offences. She would acknowledge her the true and lawfull Queene of England, and neuer pretend or take vpon her any claime or right to the Crowne during her life, neither would shee euer enter∣prise any thing either directly or indirectly against her; but for euer renounce all interest in the title and Armes of England, which by the command of Francis her husband, and the Popes Buls of deposition, she arrogated vnto her selfe. Yea furthermore, would be included in that association, and defensiue League for the Queenes saueguard, without preiudice to that ancient alliance which hath been betweene France and Scotland. Prouided that nothing be enterprised, du∣ring the life of Queene ELIZABETH, or after her death, to the preiudice of her, her sonne, and their heires in the succession, before it were first declared be∣fore the assembly of the Estates of England. She would for the confirmation of these things, remaine in Eng∣land for a time as a pledge, and if so be she might bee permitted to depart out of England, she would leaue other hostages. Furthermore, she would not alter any thing in Scotland, onely she desired that shee and those of her Family might be suffered to haue the free vse of

their Religion, in her owne house. Shee would forget and forgiue all iniuries, which shee had receiued in Scotland (with this condition) that whatsoeuer had beene raised to her infamy and disgrace, might be abo∣lished. Shee would recommend to the King such Coun∣sellors as she knew to be studious of peace with England. She would reconcile the fugitiue Noblemen, if it were possible for her: if also they would submissiuely ac∣knowledge their fault, and if the Queene of England would promise to assist the King against them, if after their reconciliation they should fall from obedience. As for the mariage of her sonne, shee would doe nothing without the priuitie of the Queene. Shee desired that because she would doe nothing without the counsell and consent of her sonne, he might be ioyned in this treatie for the more solid and firme assurance thereof. Shee doubted not, but the King of France would intercede, and conioyntly oblige his faith with the Princes of Loraine to entertaine and effect the conuentions thereof. Shee entreats for a mature and happy answer, lest any discommoditie or hindrance should fall be∣tweene. And finally; requested that shee might bee al∣lowed a little more liberally in her imprisonment, whereby shee might clearely perceiue the loue of the Queene towards her.

Queene ELIZABETH seemed to take a great delight in these things, as being full of courtesie and honour, and was then almost perswaded to grant her libertie: but there were some in England that with new propositions & apprehensi∣ons of strange doubts, did disswade her. But the matter be∣ing almost knowne all ouer,* 1.35 those Scots of the aduerse faction did labour to trouble and hinder the same, Crying out, that it would be the finall ruine of Queene ELIZA∣BETHS safety if shee were set at liberty, of both the King∣domes,

if she were admitted to the administration of Scot∣land conioyntly with her sonne: and lastly of the true Reli∣gion through Great Britaine, if she were onely permitted to exercise the Roman Religion.

* 1.36 Not contented with this, certaine Ministers in Scotland after they had charged the Queen with slanders and calum∣nies, euen in their Pulpits & common assemblies, they vehe∣mently & bitterly exclaimed against the King and his Coun∣sell: whereupon being commanded to appeare before them, with disdaine and contempt they refused it. As if the Pul∣pits were exempt from the authoritie of Kings, and Eccle∣siasticall persons subiect not to the command of the Prince, but of the Presbytery;* 1.37 contrarie to the Lawes enacted the same yeare by the assembly of the estates, wherein was con∣firmed the Kings authoritie for euer ouer all his subiects, as well Ecclesiasticall, as Lay-men, that is, the King and his Councell to be fit and competent Iudges in all causes; and whosoeuer denyed or refused the same, to be holden guilty Laesae Maiestatis.* 1.38 The assemblies of Ecclesiasticall persons as well generall as speciall (as also those of the Lay-men) wherein they arrogated to themselues an infinite power of calling of an assembly at their owne pleasure, against the Kings consent, in which they would prescribe lawes to the King and Kingdome, were vtterly prohibited and abolished. The popular equalitie of Ministers was abrogate. The au∣thoritie and iurisdiction of Bishops (whose calling the Pres∣byters condemned as Antichristian) was established. And all defamatory writings against the King, the Queene his Mother, and the Councell, were interdicted: And namely the History of Buchanan,* 1.39 and the Dialogue of the right of the Kingdome, as containing many things worthy to bee condemned and extirpate.

Some of the Ministers receiued these things with such impatience, that they streight left their Countrey, and pow∣red out their complaints and griefes throughout al England,

as if the True Religion had now beene chased out of Scot∣land. But Queene ELIZABETH with a deafe eare neglected them, deeming of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as authors of ••ouation; neither would she permit them to preach in England: neuerthelesse she made vse of them to hinder all preiudice and detriment which the Religion in Scotland might receiue. And likewise when the Earle of Arran was with all respect imployed for the conseruation of the amity with England; Shee thought they would opportunely serue to the purpose, that the fugitiue Scots might not be banisht from the assemblies which were instantly to be holden, nor the King diuerted from the friendship of the English.* 1.40 Whereupon a parley was appointed betweene the Earle of Arran and Hunsdon Gouernor of Barwicke. But before it was holden, the fugi∣tiues, and all those which were in the expedition with Ster∣lin, were banished from the Assemblies, which were hastily to be Conuocated. Whom Arran likewise in his Parley which presently followed, charged with many weighty ac∣cusations; and amongst the rest, that they had of new con∣spired the ruine of the King. But he deuoutly promised, not to pretermit any thing which hee thought would content and pleasure Queene ELIZABETH; neither would he doe any thing that might endamage her, so long as he remained in grace and fauour with the King. Notwithstanding these things, the Scottish borderers (by the priuat practices of the Spaniard,* 1.41 who laboured to withhold Queen ELIZABETH from the Flemmish warres) being a moneth after brought into Rhedisdale, performed there all the deeds of hosti∣litie; the bordering English in like manner vvith fire and slaughter reuenged themselues of that iniurie vpon Liddesdall.

Then was sent Ambassador from Scotland Patricke Gray heire of that Family, a complete yong man,* 1.42 that thought himselfe equall, if not exceeding, for the dispatch of greatest affaires. The especiall tenour of his Ambassie was for the

repressing of the incursions on both sides, for the restoring of goods taken by Pyracie, and for the reconciling (accord∣ing to the League) of the Scottish fugitiues, or else remo∣uing of them from the frontiers of Scotland, because they continually inuented new stratagems, with other of their confederacie in Scotland, against the King. And the better to obtaine these demands, and incline the Queenes mind and affection towards the King more fully, hee promised to dis∣couer hidden enterprises that were plotted against the Queene. To the first and second Article she answered as she thought fitting, but as for the sending backe of the fugitiues she thus replyed:

THat she was verily perswaded, that those No∣blemen had not so much as entertained a thought of enterprizing any mischiefe, & that that vprore which so happened in Scotland, procee∣ded not from any euill intent to the King, but of the mutuall discords which dayly arise amongst the Nobi∣litie about the vnder-age of the King, and therefore that belonged to the King to appease, and to tye his subiects to him (by suppressing factions) in one bond of obedience.

Yet that shee might in some sort yeeld satisfaction to the Kings iust Petition, and also receiue intelligence of those secret practices, which hee spoke of, shee commanded the Scottish fugitiues to remoue themselues farther from the limits.* 1.43 But the Queene made shew, that what he had reuea∣led then vnto her, she had knowledge of before. Whereupon arose a suspition amongst many, that the Ambassador had beene hyred by some, to disclose something to the preiudice of the King and his mother, and had oppos'd against the ac∣ceptance of these most iust conditions, which the mother of the King had proposed by her Secretary Naue.

Whereupon the patience of the Queene Mother that had so oftentimes beene deluded, began now to breake out into flames of griefe and indignation,* 1.44 and the desire which shee had to obtaine her libertie, caused her to lay open her eares and minde to all the pernicious counsels of her friends or e∣nemies. And so much the rather, because, she perswaded her selfe, that the generall association was deuised to take her life from her, because likewise she had intelligence, that by the practices, of some shee was to be remoued from the cu∣stodie of the Earle of Shrewsbury (who was a iust man, and one that no wayes fauoured their designe) and deliuered in∣to the hands of new guardians. But to bring this more faire∣ly about, lest the singular fidelitie and trust of the Earle of Shrewsbury might be thought to be suspected, for it was not thought good to offend the reputation of so great a perso∣nage, (albeit it had been diminished with priuate calumnies, by the reproachfull criminations of his importunate wife) certaine suspitions were collected of some designes for her deliuery, through certaine Emblemes which were sent vn∣to her, importing thus. Argus with his many eyes cast into a sleepe by Mercury, sweetly playing vpon his Flute, with this Motto.

Eloquium tot lumina clausit, Vn Beau Discours â ferme aultant de Lumieres.

Mercurius beheading Argus, keeper or watcher of Io: A yong branch set in an old stocke, and bound about with cords, whereabout was written:

Per vincula cresco, Ie crois Par les liens.

A Palme depressed, yet rising againe; with these words;

Ponderibus virtus innata resistit. La vertu qui vient de Naissance resiste à l' oppression.

That Anagram also gaue much distaste;

• ARMATA VERITAS.
• MARIA STEVARTA.

Besides all this, Letters were produced, as though inter∣cepted, wherein the friends of the Queen Prisoner did com∣plaine, that they should be depriued of all hope of libertie, if she were deliuered into the custody of Puritans. Vnder this collected pretext, shee was withdrawne from the Earle of Shrewsbury (which he had often desired) and committed to the custody of Drugon Drurey with others:* 1.45 And that of purpose (as some supposed) that thereby being driuen to despaire, she might be made the readier to entertaine mis∣chieuous counsels, and deuices, and so brought into the Am∣bushes, which were prepared for her. For the Earle of Shrewsbury had beene her guardian for fifteene yeares with such watchfull and warie prouidence, that hee left no place or space for her to enterprise ought against others: nor for others to plot any thing against her.* 1.46 Then shee sollicited with much importunitie the Pope of Rome and the Spa∣niard, by Inglefield, to finish with all mature expedition, what they had begunne,* 1.47 whatsoeuer betided her. And Lei∣cester (who was thought to labour in the peruerting of the lawfull succession) priuately sent murderers (as some re∣port) to dispatch her out of the way. But Drury more re∣specting honesty, and equity, in his heart hated those treche∣rous designes, would not suffer any to haue accesse vnto her. Some priuate messengers neuerthelesse conueyed Letters,

some true, some false vnto her, by which she might be trans∣ported, through the imbecility of her sex, to a pernicious ruine, as shall hereafter be related.

That the loue of Queene ELIZABETH might wholy be diuerted from her, it was whispered in her eares, how that A∣lan for the Ecclesiasticall Catholickes of England; Inglefield for the Lay Catholickes, and the Bishop of Rosse for the Queen of Scots, by common suffrages,* 1.48 and with the consent of the Pope and Spaniard, had decreed to spoile Queene ELIZABETH of her Kingdome; to disinherite the King of Scotland from the same, as manifested Hereticks; to giue the Queene of Scots in mariage to a Catholicke Nobleman of England; and by the English Catholicks to elect him King, which Election should by the Pope bee confirmed, his chil∣dren by the Queene of Scots to bee openly declared legiti∣mate successours to the Crowne of England, and all these things by the faith of one Hart a Priest. Who this Eng∣lishman should be, Walsingham studiously indeauoured to find, but to no purpose: but the suspicion lighted vpon H. Howard brother to the Duke of Norfolke, one of the Nobi∣litie, not maried, a great Papist, and mightily fauoured of the Papists.

This yeare obscurely dyed in miserable exile C. Neuill,* 1.49 that perfidious rebell against his Prince and Country, being the last Earle of Westmerland out of that family, which hath beene so fertile in Nobility, that besides sixe Earles of West∣merland, haue sprung of the same name, two Earles of Salis∣burie and of Warwicke one Earle of Kent,* 1.50 one Marquesse of Montague, one D. of Bedford, one Baron Ferrers of Ousley, diuers Barons of Latimer and Abergauenny, a Queene, fiue Duchesses; omitting Countesses and Baronnesses, with the Archbishop of Yorke, and a copious off-spring of Nobility.

In England none dyed more worthy of memory, then Edmund Plowden,* 1.51 who as in the knowledge of the Lawes of England, of which he well deserued in his writings, he was

aboue others excellent, so in integrity of liuing amongst those of his profession he was second to none.

* 1.52 But in France, Francis Duke d'Alancon left the world, for∣ced by a malady proceeding of the griefe of mind: and in Holland, William Prince of Orange, who with three bullets from a Pistoll was shot through the body.

Queene ELIZABETH much lamented the death of these two, and dispatch into France B. to signifie to the King how greiuously she bore the death of the Duke whom shee had found a deare and faithfull friend; likewise to aduertise him of the afflicted estate of the Netherlands by the losse of the Prince of Orange,* 1.53 and the terrible puissance of the Spaniard, hauing all the Princes of Italy at his deuotion, the Pope most affected to him, the Cardinalls as it were his vassals, and ma∣ny braue and singular men both for peace and warre vnder his pay; that the house of Austria in Germany was farre and wide extended, hauing all other families allyed to it by ma∣riage, at all times at their seruice; that by the late addition of Portugall, and the East India, his wealth and forces were so augmented both by sea and land; that he was become farre more powerfull and redoubted, then euer Charles his father was; and that he would goe neere, if once hee had brought the Netherlands vnder his power, to subiect all the rest of the Princes of Christendome to his greatnesse, vnlesse hee were in time preuented.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Booke 3.
• * 1.2

  Troubles in Scotland.
• * 1.3

  The Earle of Gowry is taken.
• * 1.4

  The conspi∣rors are dis∣persed.
• * 1.5

  Queene Eli∣zabeth suc∣coureth some of them.

  The King demandeth them by the League,
• * 1.6

  but in vaine.
• * 1.7

  Walsing∣ham fauou∣reth the fu∣gitiues. Hunsdon against thē.
• * 1.8

  Controuer∣sie, or the power of a Secretary argued.
• * 1.9

  The ar∣raignment of Gowry.
• * 1.10

  He defen∣deth his own cause.
• * 1.11

  He is behea∣ded.
• * 1.12

  The treason of Francis Throckmor∣ton.
• * 1.13

  The Lord Paget rety∣reth into France. The com∣plaints of the Catho∣likes.
• * 1.14

  Spies are suborned.
• * 1.15

  Many suspe∣cted.
• * 1.16

  The malice of the Pa∣pists against the Queene.
• * 1.17

  The cle∣mency of the Queene towards the Papists.
• * 1.18

  Priests are banished.
• * 1.19

  Fugitiues demanded of the King of France.
• * 1.20

  The answer of the King of France.
• * 1.21

  The Spa∣nish Ambas∣sador sent out of Eng∣land.
• * 1.22

  Waade is sent into Spaine.
• * 1.23

  Is not re∣ceiued·
• * 1.24

  Throck∣mortons confession.
• * 1.25

  He denieth all.
• * 1.26

  He seeketh an evasion.
• * 1.27

  Being con∣demned he inlargeth his confession. About to d••e he deny∣eth all.
• * 1.28

  A new trea∣ty with the Queene of Scots.
• * 1.29

  Propositions made to her.
• * 1.30

  She answe∣reth.
• * 1.31

  She deman∣deth to be associated in the King∣dome with her sonne.
• * 1.32

  The treaty dissolued by surmises.
• * 1.33

  An associa∣tion begun in England.
• * 1.34

  The Queen of Scots maketh new propositi∣ons.
• * 1.35

  The Scots of the Eng∣lish faction oppose them
• * 1.36

  The inso∣lencie of the Scotch Mi∣nisters.
• * 1.37

  Against the Lawes.
• * 1.38

  Ecclesiasti∣call Lawes of Scotland.
• * 1.39

  Buchanans writings re∣proued.
• * 1.40

  A fained conference.
• * 1.41

  The Scots and English make incur∣sions one vp∣on another.
• * 1.42

  The Ambas∣sie of Patrick Gray.
• * 1.43

  Hee is sus∣pected of bad dealing.
• * 1.44

  The pati∣ence of the Queene of Scots offen∣ded.
• * 1.45

  She is com∣mitted to new guar∣dians.
• * 1.46

  She earnest∣ly seeketh for liberty.
• * 1.47

  Things plotted a∣gainst her.
• * 1.48

  Counsell holden a∣mongst the Papists.
• * 1.49

  The death of the Earle of Westmer land.
• * 1.50

  NEVILL a most noble•• most ancient and illustrious name.
• * 1.51

  The death of Plowden.
• * 1.52

  Alancon dyeth. The Prince of Orange is slaine.
• * 1.53

  The power of Spaine growne ter∣rible.