The history of Scotland from the year 1423 until the year 1542 containing the lives and reigns of James the I, the II, the III, the IV, the V : with several memorials of state during the reigns of James VI and Charles I : illustrated with their effigies in copper plates. / by William Drummond of Hauthornden ; with a prefatory introduction taken out of the records of that nation by Mr. Hall of Grays-Inn.

THE HISTORY OF THE Reign of James the Third, KING of SCOTLAND.

THE Queen having tidings of the disaster of her Husband, full of griefs and cares with her Son, came to the Army at Rox∣burgh; and the publick loss being revealed (for till then it was whispered) with more than a masculine Courage caused give new and desperate assaults to the Castle; many Turrets being shaken, some Gates broken, parcels of walls beaten down, the Mines ready in diverse quarters to Spring, the Besieged ignorant of the Assailers misfortune, and by the dissention of their Country-men from all hopes of relief, treat upon a surrender; conditions being obtained peaceably to depart with their lives and goods, the Fortress is given up: and shortly after, that it should not be a Residence of oppression in fol∣lowing times, is demolished and equall'd with the ground.

Many of three Estates being here assembled, the Times not suiting with other Solemnities, at Kelso the Peers of the Kingdom in a Military Pomp, set the Crown upon the head of the King, then some seven years old, and give him the Oath of Fidelity.

[illustration] portrait of James III

Iames III. king of Scots Ano. 1460:

R. G. fecit

At their coming to Edenburgh the education and go∣vernance of him and the other Children is commit∣ted to the Queen their Mother: the Credence of what could make for Peace at home, or War abroad, is trusted to Andrew Stuart Lord Annandale, the Lord Cassils, Earl of Orknay, the Lord Boyd Chancellor, the Lord Grahame, the Bishops of St. Andrews, Glas∣gow and Dunkel; the Civil Wars encreasing in Eng∣land, the Governours of Scotland, under colour of preserving the bordering Countries, sent forth some Companies, which upon occasion made Roads in Northumberland, and threw down all the Fortresses out of which Incursions were wont to be made up∣on the Scottish bounds, most especially the Castle of Wark: after which ravaging, the Winter recalled them home.

The milder parts of the Kingdom reduced to or∣der, Some turbulent Chiefs of the Mountainers taking the occasion of the Non-age of the King, and of Ru∣mors of Dissentions amongst the Governours, essay to trouble the Peace of their far and wild Countries: Allan Lord of Lorn, throweth his eldest Brother in close Prison, with intention to rob him of his Life and Estate; but he after is surprized by the Earl of Argile; Donald of the Isles taketh the Castle of In∣nerness; and placing there a Garrison, proclaimeth himself King of the Isles, compelling the neighbour Towns and simpler sort of people to pay him Taxes. At the Rumor of this insolency all wicked Out-laws resort unto him; by whose power he Invadeth the Castle of Blair in Athol, out of which the Earl the Kings Uncle with his Lady (once Countess of Dow∣glass) flie and take Sanctuary in the Church of Saint Bride, where the Church about them set on fire, they were irreligiously taken, and transported to the Island Ila. Whilst the Governours were raising an Army,

and advancing such Forces as were in readiness against the Actors of these mischiefs, they were as∣certained that as these Savages were lanching forth of that Island in their Wherries and small Vessels made of boards and wicker, by a violent tempest from Heaven, the most part of them were dashed against the Rocks and drowned: and those who had escaped were strucken with Pannick fears, and depriv∣ed of their right judgments and understandings, an or∣dinary accident to men blinded with Superstition, and guilty of Murther and Sacriledge; amidst which distractions, the Earl of Athol with his Lady was safe∣ly returned to his own Castle.

MARGARET Queen of England, after the second overthrow and taking of her Husband at Nor∣thampton with the Prince her Son, and the new Duke of Somerset, having fled to the Bishoprick of Dur∣ham (whilst Richard Duke of York was establishing his Title and Right to the Crown at London) raised in the North of Scots and English, a strong Army which marched towards York; the Duke of York lea∣ving the King in the Custody of the Duke of Nor∣folk and the Earl of Warwick, though he knew him∣self inferiour in power and number to his enemies, by the pride of his former Victories and over-ween∣ing of his Souldiers valor, with Edmund Earl of Rutland his younger Son, the Earl of Salsbury and others, rencountreth her at Wakefield-green, and here by his own rashness with his Son young Rutland, he is killed.

The Earl of Salisbury is taken, and with other Pri∣soners beheaded at Pomfret Castle; their Heads were fixed upon Poles about the Walls of the City of York; that of the Dukes was mocked with a Paper Crown, and exposed to the barbarous mirth of the beholders: The Queen encouraged by this Victory,

desiring to disannul all Acts made lately in prejudice of her Husband, marcheth couragiously towards Lon∣don; In which time Edward Earl of March, Son to the late Duke of York, overthrew the Earls of Pem∣brook and Ormond, both of the Queens Faction; at Mortimer-Cross, in her way to London, the Queen meeting the Earl of Warwick and the Duke of Nor∣folk at St. Albans (who carryed King Henry her Husband along with them) overthrew them, and recovered the person of her King: It is observed, that Victory always fled from where this King was pre∣sent: The Citizens of London at the approach of the Queens Army fearing Hostility, shut their Gates a∣gainst her, and armed for resistance: At this time Ed∣ward Earl of March having joyned his Victorious Army with the remainder of the Earl of Warwick's, entred in triumph the City of London, and with great applause and acclamations of the people, was Pro∣claimed King: Queen Margaret and her Faction retiring to the North, wan so the hearts of that peo∣ple, that they gathered an Army able to stand for her defence, consisting of Threescore thousand fighting men; Edward Earl of March, choosing rather to provoke than to expect his Enemies, advanced to∣wards them; the place of their meeting was between Caxton and Tweton: In this Fight the Earls of Nor∣thumberland and Westmerland, the Lords Beaumont and Dacres, Grey and Wells were slain, and above Thir∣ty six thousand English struck down; the Dukes of So∣merset and Excester flie to York to carry the News to the unfortunate King, leaving the Victory to Ed∣ward who is again saluted King.

King Henry after this overthrow, perceiving how desperate his hopes were in his own Country, with his Queen, his Son, and the remainder of his dispersed friends, secured himself by flight into Scotland;

James Kennedy Bishop of Saint Andrews, to whose person the Authority of the State was then reduced, received him with Magnificence and Honour, and put him in hopes, by the Assistance of Scotland, to restore his fortune: King Henry, as well to reserve some Refuge and Sanctuary for himself, as to win the heart, and insinuate himself in the favour of the People of Scotland, caused render the Town of Ber∣wick to them, which the English had violently possessed since the days of Edward the First, For which favour the Scottish Nobility vowed at all times to come to his supply, and defend him to their utter∣most, and that the friendship begun might conti∣nue without all vacillation, the Queens of Scotland and England, both descended of the French Race, began to treat of an Alliance, promising Edward Prince of Wales should be married with the Lady Margaret, the King of Scotlands Sister, none of them then having attained the years of Marriage.

The miseries of King Henry encreasing, suffered not these two Queens to stay long together; Mar∣garet with her Son Edward, to implore the aid of her Friends, maketh a Voyage towards France to her Father Rhene King of Sicily, Naples and Jerusalem, Duke of Anjou, a Prince large of Titles, short of Power: These who had followed King Henry into Scotland, whilest he is left only intentive to devotion in the Cloyster of the Gray-Fryers at Edenburgh, re∣turn back again to solicite their Friends in England for a second rencounter. Upon the arrival of Queen Margaret in France, she obtaineth of her cousin Lewis the Eleventh, that those who favoured and assisted the Duke of York, were prohibited Traffique, and commanded to remove out of the French Domi∣nions, and that Five hundred Soldiers should come to her aid; a number so small and so unworthy the

name of an Army, that it was but a competent re∣tinue for so great a Princess: with these she came to the coast of Scotland, and from thence sailed to Tin∣mouth, where being impulsed by the Inhabitants, and forced again to put to Sea, she was by a furious Tem∣pest driven to Berwick.

Here leaving the Prince her Son Edward, with the encrease and supply of some Scots, taking the King her Husband with her, she advanced into the Bisho∣prick of Durham; in her march through Northum∣berland, her Army encreased to a great number: The Duke of Somerset, Sir Ralph Piercy, and divers of King Henrys well-wishers having resorted unto her; King Edward finding King Henry by the fresh air of the North to have acquired new Spirits, prepareth to oppose him, and having sent down the Lord Moun∣tague, Brother to the Earl of Warwick, he himself with greater Forces shortly followed: Mountague having through the Shires where he went, and the Bishoprick of Durham, gathered a convenient Army, marched directly against King Henry: In the mean time Henry Beaufort Duke of Somerset, the Lords Hungerford, Ross, Moulines, Sir Ralph Piercy, pre∣sent themselves to hinder his further progress; They are overthrown, and King Henry with great diffi∣culty escapeth to Berwick. At the news of this overthrow King Edward being in his March towards Durham, finding the presence of his Person, or Army needless, turned towards York, and gave the Earl of Warwick command to take in all the Castles and For∣tresses which as yet held good for King Henry in the North.

Amongst the Garrisons placed in Northumberland, by the Queen there was a Garrison of the French in the Castle of Anwick, under the Command of Peter Bruce, otherwise named le Seigneur de la Varoune Se∣neschal

of Normandy, which held long good against the English. This Peter Bruce was in great account with Charles the Seventh, Father to Lewis the Ele∣venth, and for this was not much liked of Lewis, but sent over with Queen Margaret to make wrack upon apparent dangers; having escaped Tempests at Sea, he took the Castles of Bambrough and Dunstanbrough, which he demolished. After he essayed to keep the Castle of Anwick; but the Earl of Warwick, King Edward lying near to Durham, there beleagured him: Whether this man came from the Race of the Bruces of Scotland, or no, is uncertain; for the vul∣gar Writers in this detract him, naming him Bryce and a Breton, or that the Scots would give a proof of their friendship to the Queen of England, and of their valour to the French; whilst he is every where beset, and near past hope of relief, the Earl of An∣guss, then Warden of the Marshes, raised a Power of twenty three thousand horse-men, remarkable for their Valour. These about the midst of the day co∣ming near the Castle of Anwick, and by their colours and arms being known a far to Captain Bruce, he taketh a resolution to sally out and meet them; the strongest of the Scottish Horsemen receiving them, convoy them safely to their Borders; some of the Be∣siegers would have fought in the pursuit, but the En∣glish General gave him fair passage.

King Edward having taken all the Castles and Forts which in the North held out against him, pla∣cing Garrisons in them, returned to London: as King Henry, void both of counsel and courage, came back to Edenburgh. Here he had not long stayed, when tired with the tediousness of his exile, the pro∣longing of a wretched life, being more grievous to him than death it self, and allured by false hopes of his Friends, he resolveth to hazard upon a return to

his own Kingdom, his Crown lost, all his Favorers and well-wishers almost slaughtered, he cometh into England; then disguised, and by night journies, shift∣ing from place to place, at last betrayed by some of his Servants he is found out. It is recorded a Son of Sir Edward Talbots apprehended him as he sate at Dinner at Wadding Town-hall; and like a Common Malefactor, with his Legs under the horse belly, guarded him up towards London. By the way the Earl of Warwick met him, who led him Prisoner to the Tower. Margaret his desolate Queen with her Son, is driven once again to flie to their Father Rhene into France.

King Edward his Competitors all dead or sup∣pressed, finding a Cessation of Arms expedient, and a breathing time from War, to settle and make sure his new Government, as to other his neighbour Prin∣ces for Peace, sendeth Embassadors to Scotland, to treat for a Truce for some years.

The Earl of Argile, Bishop of Glasgow, Abbot of Holy-rood-house, Sir Alexander Boyd, Sir William Cranstoun, being chosen to this effect Commissioners, come to York, and the English Commissioners there attending them, a Truce for fifteen years is agreed upon, and solemnly by both Kings after confirmed.

Mary Queen of Scotland, daughter to Arnold Duke of Gilders, and mother to King James (the projected Marriage of her Daughter with Edward Prince of Wales, by the miseries of King Henry and Queen Margaret her kinswoman proving desperate; her Son Alexander, either as he went to the Low-Countries to see his Grand-father, or returned from him, being by the English taken upon the Seas) li∣mited in credence of governing her Children by the insolency of a proud Nobility, or reputation branded after a long languishing with inward discontent∣ments,

turned as it were recluse, and began to bid farewel to this world. Her melancholy growing in∣curable, amidst her last Trances when her Son had come to visit her, she is said to have spoken to him almost to this sense.

That providence which brought me upon the Earth, and set a Crown on my head, doth now recal and re∣move me to a better Kingdom; and my happiness is not in this a little, that I leave this life without change of that Estate in which I peaceably lived. Death now sheweth me as in a mirrour, the frailty of all worldly Pomp and glory, which before by the marble colours of false greatness was over-shadowed and covered from me. My Griefs have been many, few my contentments: The most eminent of which, was the hopes I conceived of you, and my other children: and now my greatest regret is, that I leave you before I could see my wishes accomplished towards you. My only care was to have you brought up in all vertue, and goodness: But Hea∣ven shall bestow that charge to more prudent Gover∣nors. Always take these motherly directions from me, who can leave you no better Legacy. Be earnest to observe these Commandments which are prescribed un∣to you by Religion, for this supporteth the Scepters of Princes: and a Religious King cannot but have obe∣dient Subjects. What an unreasonable thing is it, that a King will have a People to acknowledge him for their Soveraign Prince upon Earth, and will not acknowledge God for his Supream Lord in Heaven? A King who rebelleth against God, all subordinate Creatures will rebel against him. Love my children, and laying aside the Port and Stateliness of a King, receive them with the affection of a Brother. Endea∣vour to make your Subjects obey you more out of Love than Fear: or make your self beloved and feared both together, seeing love alone of it self is often cause of

contempt, and fear alone begets hatred. Remember ye Govern not the soft effeminate People of the South, but a fierce Warlike Nation of the North, which oft∣ner use to be entreated than commanded by their Princes. Be sparing to lay Subsidies on them, which maketh many Male-contents; and live upon your own, suffering others to enjoy what is theirs: Beware of Flatterers, and exalting undeserved persons above your ancient Nobility. Suffer not your Prerogatives to come in Question; but fore-seeing the danger, ra∣ther give way to all that with reason is demanded of you. Moderate your Passions; He shall never Go∣vern a Kingdom, who cannot govern himself, and bring his Affections within the Circle of Reason. It fears me, Envy and Malice arm themselves against you, which to overcome, endeavour to be Martial in your self; for a Prince that is not Martial in himself, shall never be freed of Rebellion amongst his Subjects: a strong arm should hold the Ballance of Justice: When dissention ariseth, be not a Loyterer and Slug∣gard, but with all celerity suppress it in the Infancy. Rebellion is like Fire in a City, which should be quench∣ed, though with the pulling down of the Neighbour Houses: Others will instruct you in the art of Govern∣ing, with greater curiosity and wisdom, but not with the like love and affection. I wish this counsel be ingra∣ven in your heart and conscience after my death, for a perpetual testimony of my sincerity in your education. And if by the unjust counsel of others, ye be brought to practise ought contrary to these instructions, Remem∣ber ye cannot shun inevitable dangers both to your State and Person. But now I am warned from above to deliver this grief-ful Body to the rest of a desired Grave.

After she had thus counselled and blessed her Son, not living many days, she was buried with all Solem∣nities

and Funeral Rites at Edenburgh in the Colledge of the Trinity, which she her self had Founded in the year One thousand four hundred sixty six.* 1.1

The King as he encreased in years, encreasing in strength and ability for exercises either of recreation or valour, by the Regents is given to a Brother of the Lord Boyd to be bred in Knightly Prowess; a man singular for his Education abroad and demea∣nor at home▪ The Kennedies were now aged, and become tyred to give such assiduous attendance at Court as they were wont, and the times required. The Lord Boyd by the weakness of his Co-partners governed the State alone, as Sir Alexander his Bro∣ther did the young King. To whose Natural incli∣nation he did so comply and conform himself, that he had the whole trust of his affairs, and the King had no thoughts but his. So soon as the King began to know himself, he turned impatient of being sub∣ject to the Laws of Minority, that he himself should be restrained by that Authority which did derive from him, to loath the Superintendency and Govern∣ment of others, and to affect an unseasonable Privi∣ledge to be at his own disposal and the governing himself. Many things are done without the advice of the Governours, and occasion is sought to be dis∣burdened of their Authority. The Lord Boyd and his Brother in a little time encreasing in greatness, and having an intention to transfer the Power of the State and Glory of the Court to their Family, fail not to find opportunity to free the King from the severity and rigour of the Governours Schooling, and to frame him an escape. Whilst the King remain∣ing at Linlithgow, the Lord Hayls, Lord Somervail, Sir Andrew Carre of Chesford, Sir Alexander Boyd, agree upon a match of Hunting, and will have the King Umpire of the Game; Early, the morning

following, the Gentlemen who were upon the Plot failed not in their Attendance. The King being a mile off the Town, and holding the way towards Edenburgh, the Lord Kennedy, whose quarter then was to attend, and who had leasurely followed, sus∣pecting this Hunting to be a Game of State, the King continuing his Progress, laying his hands upon the Reins of his Bridle, requested him to turn again to Linlithgow; for that he perceived the time was not convenient for him to go further, neither was he at a convenient match in absence of his best deserving followers: Sir Alexander Boyd impatient that the King should have been thus stayed, after injurious words stroke the Reverend Governour with a Hun∣ting-staff upon the head, and took the King along with him to Edenburgh. At a frequent meeting of the States, the Kennedies urged to have the King con∣tinue under Minority, the Boyds to take the Govern∣ment in his own Person; after long contestations, wisdom being overcome by boldness, the Authority of the better party was forced to give place, and yield to the will of the greater. Thus the Faction of the Boyds prevailed.

After this the Kennedies full of indignation, and breathing Revenge, leave the Court; cares, grief and age about this time brought James Kennedy, Bishop of St. Andrews to his Tomb, which in great mag∣nificence he had raised in a Church builded by him∣self in the City of St. Andrews: where also he Found∣ed a Colledge of Philosophy, and endowed it with many Priviledges, and sufficient Endowments to en∣tertain Professors. By the death of this Prelate, ve∣nerable for his Wisdom, singular for his Justice, and the tranquillity following his Government, and mag∣nificent in all his actions, the glory of the Court and Country suffered a great Eclipse.

For, he taken away, the Boyds laying Foundations for their power and greatness, began to turn all to their own advantage; the first mark of their envy was Patrick Graham, the Brother of Bishop James Kennedy by the Mother, who was Sister to King James the First; after this man had been chosen Bi∣shop of St. Andrews, as the Custom then was, by the Chapter appointed for that Election, he was barred from his Place, and violently repulsed by the Faction at Court: To repair which indignity he made a jour∣ney to Rome; where, being a Man noble by birth above others, for his Learning and many Virtues, in a little time, by Pope Sixtus the Fourth, he was re-established and confirmed in his Place.

During his abode at Rome, the old Question con∣cerning the liberty of the Church of Scotland, be∣gan to be exagitated.

The Archbishop of York contested, that he was Metropolitan of Scotland, and that the Twelve Bi∣shops of that Kingdom were subject to his Jurisdicti∣on. Patrick Graham remonstrated how the Arch∣bishop of York, considering the usual Wars between the two Kingdoms was often unacceptable to the Church-men of Scotland, especially in Causes of ap∣pellation. The Pope, after the hearing of both Par∣ties, Erected the See of St. Andrews to the dignity of an Archbishops See; and Patrick Graham, not only was made Primate and Metropolitan of Scotland, ordained to have the other Bishops under him, but for the space of three years designed Legate for the Pope, with full Power to Correct and Restore the Ec∣clesiastical Discipline; and examine the Manners and Conversation of the Clergy: Notwithstanding these favours of the Bishop of Rome, and the worth and excellencies of the man himself, he dared not re∣turn home to his own Country before the declining of the Fortunes of the Boyds.

This Family seemed now in the Zenith and Ver∣tical point of its greatness, no imputation could be laid to the Boyds in the time of their Government, ex∣cept that they brought the young King by their pri∣vate working, without the consent and approbation of the other Regents, to Edenburgh, for the assum∣ing the Government in his Minority. In approba∣tion of their innocency, and to warrant them from this danger, the King in a Parliament declareth pub∣lickly, that the Boyds were not the Authors, and pro∣jectors of that business, but only the Assisters of him and his followers, being not formal, but instrumentary causes of his coming to the Helm of the State him∣self: That they were so far from being obnoxious to any blame or reproach for this deed, that they de∣served immortal thanks, and an honourable Cuerdon in all time to come, having obeyed him in that which was most just, honest and expedient for the well of the Kingdom. Upon this Declaration of the King, the Lord Boyd required the present action might be registred amongst the Acts of Parliament, and he obtained what was desired, but not with that success was hoped for.

In this Parliament, the other Regents are rid of their charge, the Lord Boyd being made only Gover∣nor of the Kingdom, and the object of all mens re∣spects. having the whole power and authority to minister justice of all kinds to the Subjects during the Kings non-age, and till he had fully compleat one and twenty years, the defence of the Kings Per∣son, of his Brothers, the keeping of the two Ladies his Sisters, are trusted unto him: He hath all the Towns, Castles, Fortresses, Sea-ports, Places of Im∣portance at his Command. These proceedings of the Parliament seemed to some very strange, in ad∣vancing Men already great enough, and bestowing

upon them all Offices of State, and adding power to such who wanted only will to do mischief, except that they knew well how to abase and pull them down again, making their fall the more sudden. Ro∣bert Lord Boyd, having the Reins of Government in his hands, and the custody of the Kings Sister, da∣zelld with the Golden Sun of honour, to lay more sure the foundation of his greatness, joyneth in Mar∣riage Thomas his eldest Son, a youth of extraordinary endowments, both of mind and body, with Marga∣ret the Kings eldest Sister; Not long before designed by her Mother to have been given in Marriage to Edward Prince of Wales, and he is created Earl of Arran. The Father knowing how easily the con∣versation of young persons breedeth a liking, had brought them up together, which turning in a love and delight of others company, concluded last in Marriage. This match though royal, great and rich, instead of supporting the Fortunes of the Boyds much weakned them, turning them the objects of en∣vy. The Nobles repined at it, and the common people (lighter than the wind and more variable than the Rain-bow) made it the subject of their foo∣lish discourses. Now (said they) the Boyds aspire to the Crown; for the King with his Brothers removed it appertaineth to them, a Kingdom being the Dow∣ry often of a Wife of the blood Royal. The Kenne∣dies, and such who disliked the present Government take the occasion of the discontentment of the Nobi∣lity, and the Rumors of the people, to shake the Kings mind towards the Governour, and change the brawl of State. To this end they give way to great and universal oppressions, most of which were hatch∣ed and occasioned by themselves. By these in a short time the Commons turn licentious and dissolute, con∣temning all Government, every man doing what

seemed best in his own eyes, and the Gentry divide in Factions: Such who wont to live upon Rapine and Theft returned to their wonted Trades: honest men are spoiled of their goods; the seditious and wicked are maintained and defended against all Laws and Justice by their Parties. The State thus trou∣bled, and all order confounded, by slie and crafty men, who at first pretended great friendship and in∣terest towards the Boyds, the Kings affection towards them is assailed, and resolutions tryed. Many times having been plausibly listened unto, at last, pulling off their masks, they lay imputations against them. They remonstrate to him what great disparagement was between the King of Scotlands eldest Sister and the Son of the Lord Boyd; that by this match he was robbed of one of the fairest jewels of his Crown; the Boyds should not have appropriated that to them∣selves of which they had only the keeping; she should have been reserved for some Neighbour Prince, by which Alliance the State of the Kingdom, and the Person of the King might have been in great safety. For, if the King should chance to be infested by some insolent Nobility, the name and power of a neigh∣bour Prince were sufficient to keep him safe on his Throne, which by this match was endangered. They suggested that the Boyds builded their estimation in the air of popular applause, and endeavoured to en∣dear themselves in the opinion of the multitude. A Prince is not a Lord of that people that loveth ano∣ther beter than him. Should the Boyds be accused of peculate and robbing the King and the common Treasure, the King might make a prey of their un∣lawful conquest, and by their Attaindors reward the services of many of his necessitated friends, it being acquired most part by spoils and the taxing of the Subjects unlawfully. The height to which their

riches was encreased should be feared; the faults of all the disorders of the Commonwealth are laid upon the Boyds, as the Authors of every breaking out and sedition: that they might the more securely possess the places near the King. At this time complaints from all parts of the Kingdom, and by all sorts of persons, incessantly being given unto him, advance the intentions of their Enemies, and the Kings mind, naturally inclined to fears and superstition, being long tossed and perplexed, began to turn away from the Boyds, and with their power in some degrees brought lower and lessened (Preambles of Ruine) but he would go leasurely to produce this effect and make one change bring forth another.

The King encreasing in years and youthful per∣turbations, is counselled for the continuing of the Race and Succession, and the keeping his Person without the common disorders of the world, to think upon some match profitable for his Country, and honourable for himself. He is courted by many, and courteth others; the Duke of Burgundy had offered him his Daughter, as to other Princes his friends and neighbours, but his mind was not to have her mar∣ried at all during his life-time.

Andrew Stwart Lord Evandale, then Chancellour of the Kingdom, with the Bishops of Glasgow and Orknay, being sent Embassadours to Christern King of Denmark for an accommodation, and taking up some business concerning the Isles of Orkenay and Schythland One thousand four hundred sixty eight, the quarrel was taken away by a marriage to be ce∣lebrated between the King and Lady Margaret, King Christerns daughter; a Lady thought worthy of his bed, in respect of the excellency of her beauty, her royal descent and greatness of her birth. All mat∣ters being agreed upon, these Isles engaged for her

Dowry, there wanted only an honourable retinue and convoy to bring home the Lady. To this Ne∣gotiation, by the craft of some about the King, and vanity of others, who gloried to see their friend pro∣moted to such great honour, Thomas Earl of Ar∣ran, as a man flourishing in fame and riches, and able to maintain and discharge all magnificence, is depu∣ted as the fittest person. Thus by the ambition and unattentiveness of his friends, his worth was made the Scaffold of his Ruine; the lamentable condition of men of high desert. In the beginning of the Har∣vest, accompanied with some young Noblemen and Gallants, most of which were his select friends and well-wishers, he ascendeth his ships. Whilst as the King of Scotlands brother in law, he is some months riotously entertained at the Danish Court, the rigor of that Northern Climate, by the congealing of the Ocean moored up his ships, and barred all return till the following Spring. In this absence of a man so near unto the King, his Father and Uncle, by age, sickness and their private affairs, not so frequent∣ly haunting the Court as they were accustomed: the Kennedyes and they of the contrary Faction having shaken the Kings affection, and broken these bands (his pleasures, idleness, and vacancy from the publick affairs of the State) by which the Boyds thought they had kept him sure, move him, now a little de∣lighting in action, to proceed to the consideration of such matters as might be objected against the Go∣vernment of the Boyds. But that this might not ap∣pear to be an act of Faction, but the universal consent of the Kingdom apart, a Parliament was summoned to be holden in November at Edenburgh. Here Robert Lord Boyd, with his brother Sir Alexan∣der, are summoned to answer in Judgment to such points as should be exhibited against them. At the

appointed day the Lord Boyd appeared, but accom∣panied with such multitude of the common people, and numbers of his friends, vassals, and followers all in arms, with such ostentation and boasting, that the King and Courtiers were well pleased to suffer them dissolve and scatter of their own free wills. At this insolency and malepartness (yet to our own time an usual custom in Scotland) the King conceived such indignation, that he raised a strong guard to at∣tend justice and his commandments, and laid secretly Forces to assist these if the Boyds should oppose his laws by convocation of the Lieges. The Lord Boyd after private intelligence of the Minds of the Court to blow him up, rather amazed than in choler at the change of his Masters mind, fled into England; his brother Sir Alexander arested by sickness, and relying upon his own integrity more than he ought to have done, considering the malice of his enemies, was brought before the Parliament; his brother and he were challenged, that upon the tenth of July One thousand four hundred sixty six, they laid hands up∣on the Kings Person, and against his purpose brought him off the high way to the Castle of Calendar; and that by their private power and consent, con∣trary to the established order of the State, and the other Regents advice, they brought the King to Edenburgh; when Sir Alexander sought to produce an act of Parliament for abolition of approbation of this deed as good service, it was kept up, and he be∣ing condemned had his Head cut off. Their other accusations contained the topical faults of Favou∣rites, that they had enriched themselves out of the Kings Treasure, monopolized things belonging to the Crown, diminished the Revenues thereof, re∣moved worthy men from the Council, placing such in their rooms as had dependency from them. Thomas

Earl of Arran employed in a Publick charge by the kingdom, absent, unheard, is declared Rebel with his father, and his moveables escheated to the King: to his original faults was added, that he dared marry the Kings Sister without consent of the States, the King being of non-age. At the noise of this thun∣der clap, Robert Lord Boyd left this world at Anwick: No sooner had the Spring rendred the Baltick Seas Navigable, when the Danish Lady with her Fleet Anchored in the Forth: The Earl of Arran who was the Paranymphe and her convoy, in that gene∣ral gladness, by the persuasions of some of his friends, was preparing to come on shore, and to submit him∣self to the Kings clemency; but his Lady who had afar discerned his danger, coming abroad disguised, and giving him particular information of the calami∣ty of his house, the weakness of his friends at Court, and the many snares, envy and malice had laid to sur∣prise him, he hoysted Sails, and with her, who would be partaker of all his misfortunes, returned to Den∣mark; from Denmark by Germany, he came to King Lovys in France, who interposed his requests to King James for his regress and restoring; but the Let∣ters in his favour producing no effects, Charles Duke of Burgundy making War against his Rebel Subjects, he was graciously received by him and entertained as his Ally; his Lady remained at Antwerp, where she bore him two children, James and Gracile.

Lady Margaret the 10 of July 1469. or after others, 1470. maketh her entry into Edenburgh,* 1.2 and scarce having attained the sixteenth year of her age, is married to King James in the Abby Church of Holy-rood house; and in the month of November fol∣lowing by a Convention of the three Estates was Crowned Queen.

The King inexorable in the behalf of the Earl of

Arran, and breathing his total Ruine, sendeth Let∣ters to Antwerp, filled with promises and threatnings, to move his Sister to return to Scotland. These at the first prevailed nothing with this Lady to make her forsake the husband of her youth; many Let∣ters, and from several friends and well-wishers in se∣veral fashions and stiles, coming to her, at last she was brought to believe her presence would mollifie the mind of her enemies, and work her husband a re-establishment of his former favours with the King her Brother, and restore him to all his Possessions and Dignities: Upon which hopes she comes to Scot∣land. But these hopes proved all false; for instead of having access to her brother, she is kept at Kil∣marnock the chief House of the Boyds, as in a free Prison, and her Husband is summoned within three∣score days to adhere to his Wife under pain of Di∣vorce: the unfortunate Earl for fear of his head, not appearing, his Marriage is declared Null; his Wife is divorced from him, and is constrained to marry James Lord Hamilton, to whom also the Earldom of Arran was given for Dowry. Not long after her two children to Earl Thomas, James and Gracile are brought to Scotland who in the proceeding of time proved little more fortunate than their Father; for James was slain by Hugh Montgomery of Eg∣lington, and Gracile though first married to the Earl of Cassiles, and after to the Lord Forbess, was barren. Some have recorded that the Earl Thomas, after this violent bereaving him of his Wife, died of displea∣sure at Antwerp, and had a Tomb raised over him with an honourable Inscription by Charles Duke of Burgundy; others who hate the Boyds, tell he died not at Antwerp but at Florence, and that he was killed by a Merchant of Florence out of jealousie of having abused his Wife.

Queen Margaret the third year after her Marriage in the Month of March brought forth a Son who was named James; and Christern King of Denmark to congratulate the happy delivery of his daughter, and of expectation of a continued succession to the Crown of Scotland of his Race, released all his right, title, claim, which he or his successors might have to the Isles of Orkney and Scythland. The King cal∣leth after a Parliament at Edenburgh, wherein, though the Reformation of abuses, as wearing of Silk and other foraign triffles, the building of Ships, and the enacting Laws for the present time were pretended, a liberal Subsidy was the greatest aim. His Exche∣quer being empty, and many of his best friends turn∣ing necessitous and needy, John Lord of the Isles was attainted for his own and his Fathers misdemeanour, the King raiseth Forces to pursue him; the Earl of Crawford being made Admiral, the Earl of Athol the Kings Uncle Lieutenant of the Regiments by Land, such means in a short time was used by the Earl of Athol, that the Lord of the Isles submitted himself to the Kings clemency, and in a convention of the States at Edenburgh, he resigned all the right he had to the Earldom of Ross, the lands of Knap∣den and Kintyre, which the King annexed to the Crown.

Patrick Graham Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews, ha∣ving at Rome understood the fall of the Boyds re∣turneth to his own Country; where first amongst his friends, and the most peaceable sort of the Clergy, he divulgateth the Bull of the Pope for his Supre∣macy over the other Churchmen of the Kingdom, and his power of their tryal and promoting to bene∣fices, and after caused proclaim it at all publick pla∣ces. The laudable Elections anciently used about the Places and Offices of Churchmen by the cor∣ruption

of the times, being taken away, and that Power altogether assumed by the King. The Cour∣tiers, who were accustomed to sell Benefices, and the Churchmen who were wont to buy them, reject the Bull, and set themselves against him; by their traffick he is discharged to take the Place or Ornaments of an Arch-Bishop, or carry any other Cross or Cap than what the former Bishops used to have. But here they set not up their rest, William Schevez a man in those times admired for his skill in Astrology, and promoted to be Arch-Dean of Saint Andrews, se∣conded by John Lock the Rector of that University, a better Grammarian than Christian, Excommuni∣cates this Arch-Bishop for his presumption, and that he sought to bear Rule over his brethren Bishops. When this censure had passed upon him, he is degra∣ded and shut up in Prison. William Schevez is after promoted to his place, and Consecrated upon the Passion Sunday in Lent at Holy-rood house, the King being present: he likewise received the Title and Faculty of Legate, and is confirmed Primate of the Realm; notwithstanding the impediments objected to Patrick Graham by the Church-men concerning that same dignity and preheminency; So various and deceitful are the ways of Men.

The King being slow to action, and more inclined to a solitary form of Life, than to travel and business; his brothers being Princes of unquiet and restless Spirits, to whom publick imployments were recrea∣tions;* 1.3 and withal being ambitious, prodigal, desirous of Rule, and to be Governours of the people them∣selves, and Kings in fact, however their elder brother was in title; they set themselves altogether to study novations, and bring the King in contempt with his Subjects, and divert their minds and love towards him. To this effect they had drawn by their toward¦ness

and familiarity, many of the young Nobles and Gentlemen to follow them. The King was obnox∣ious to some publick Scandals, for by his too great frugality, care to encrease his Treasure, and study of Purchasing by Taxations, sale of Church Benefices, and too exact taking up of Fines, supervaluation of Wards; he had gotten the name of Covetous, and was no small distast amongst the Commons. Edward King of England that the Scots by the instigation of the French, should not trouble his new and scarce settled government, imploying all his counsels and diligence to divide them amongst themselves, wrought not a little on the unquiet Spirits of these young men. The Duke of Albany having been ta∣ken upon the Seas by the English, was honourably en∣tertained by him, and with great hopes sent home; after which time King Edward and he kept always private Intelligence together. The Duke being promoted to the keeping of the Castle of Dumbar and Town of Berwick; the King of England, to insi∣nuate himself in his affection, was wont to whisper unto such who loved him, That if his Brother kept not fair with England, he would one day set him in his Place upon his Royal Throne.

At this time the King was served by men whom his opinion of their worth and love towards him had advanced to places, and whose Fortunes and Estates wholly depended upon his safety, and who were less apt to do him harm. His counsel was likewise of men approved for their affection to him; and thus secluding great men from his familiarity and affairs, he gave them cause of offence. His brothers long masking their ambition under discontentment, stir the Male-contents to complain against the Govern∣ment, which ordinarily falleth forth, not because a people is not well governed, but because great ones

would govern themselves. These upbraided the King with inglorious sloath, and endeavour by his dishonour to encrease the credit of his Brothers. These spared not to speak evil of him every where, and what they pleased of his Ministers and Favourites; they said he neither used rule nor moderation in his proceedings, that his counsel was base, and of men of no great account, who consulted only to humour him; That a Mason swayed a Kingdom (this was Robert Cochranne, a man couragious and bold, first known to the King by his valour in a single Combat, and af∣ter from an Architect or Surveyor of his buildings, preferred to be of his counsel) a silly wretch swayed the soul of a great King, and curbed it, as it were interdicted or charmed to his pleasure. His contribu∣tions were the rewards of Parasites, to whom fortune, not merit gave growth and augmentation; that ho∣nours wept over such base men who had not deserved them; and the stately frames of ancient houses up∣braided with reproaches the slender merits of those new-up-starts who enjoyed them; that he began to look downwards into every sordid way of enriching himself: That his Privadoes abused him in every thing, but in nothing more than in making him be∣lieve, what was plotting against them, was against his Person and Authority; and that it was not them his brothers and the Nobility sought to pull down but his Soveraignty.

His counsellors, servants, and such who loved him, having long busied their wits to save their Masters re∣putation, and that no shadow of weakness should ap∣pear to the common People, understanding by whom these rumours were first spread abroad, and observing many of the Nobility and Gentry to favour the pro∣ceedings of his brothers, not daring disclose themselves to the King what their suspicions made them fear

would come to pass, knowing him naturally super∣stitious, an admirer and believer of Divinations, sub∣orn an aged woman one morning as he went a hun∣ting to approach him, and tell, she had by Divination, that he should beware of his nearest kinsmen; that from them his ruine was likely to come. This was no sooner told when the Woman was shifted, and some who were upon the Plot began to comment the Prophesie of his brothers. A Professor of Physick, for his skill in Divination brought from Germany, and promoted to some Church-benefice, about that same time told the King, That in Scotland a Lyon should be devoured by his Whelps. William Sche∣vez, then Archbishop of St. Andrews, by way of Astrological predictions, put him in a fear of immi∣nent dangers from his kindred, though truly he had his knowledge from Geomancy and good informa∣tions upon earth, by the intelligence between the Nobility and Churchmen.

Many such like aspersions being laid upon the King, the people cryed out that he had only for his fellow-companions Astrologers and Sooth-sayers, whom as occasion served, he preferred to the Church-benefices, and Bishopricks. Patrick Graham, then Prisoner in Dumfermling, a man desolate and forgotten, as if there had not been such a man in the world, taking the opportunity of the rumours of the time, sent a Let∣ter to the King, which contained.

That the misery, of his imprisonment, was not so grievous unto him as the sad reports which he heard of his Majesties estate; he was hardly brought to believe them, but by his long detention and imprisonment, he was assured his great enemy was in great credit with him. That he had brought the King very low in ma∣king him jealous of his brothers by giving trust to his vain Divinations; and no wonder these Arts bring

forth dissentions, which have their precepts from the father of lyes and discord: to foment discord among brothers, was reproachful to Religion, and outragious to Policy; to seek to know things to come by the Stars was great ignorance, that Oracles leave a man in a wilderness of folly.

That there was no other difference betwixt Necro∣mancy and Astrology, saving that in one, men run vo∣luntarily to the Devil, and in the other ignorantly. Humanity attains not to the secrets above, and if it did, it is not wise enough to divert the wisdom of hea∣ven, which is not to be resisted, but submitted unto; that never any had recourse to these arts, but they had fatal ends; That almighty providence permitting that to befall them out of his justice of necessity, which be∣fore the Oracle was sought, was scarce contingent; that he should rest upon the Almighties Providence, and then all things would succeed well with him, whose favors would wast him out of the surges of uncertain∣ties.

After this free opening of his mind, Patrick Gra∣ham was removed out of Dumfermling to the Castle of Loch-leven (a place renowned long after by the imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scotland) where in a short time he left the miseries of this world.

The people now throughly deceived and incensed against their King, the most audacious of the Nobi∣lity had brought his brothers on the way of taking the Government to themselves, their power being able to perform what their ambition projected; and the murmuring of the people seeming to applaud any Insurrections. The Earl of Marr, young and rash, purblind in foreseeing the events of things, is stirred up to begin the Tragedy; some of the Nobi∣lity of his Faction being present, with more liberty than wisdom, he broke out in menacing and unde∣cent

speeches, as that his brother did wrong to his Majesty in keeping near him, and being so familiar with such contemptible fellows, as these of his Bed∣chamber and Officers; withal, railing against the Government of the State and Court. The King passionately resenting his words, caused remove him From his presence, and he persevering in his railing, was committed to the Castle of Craigmillar, where surmising that he was in a Prison, his anger turned in∣to a rage, his rage kindled a Feaver, and his Feaver advanced to a Phrensie: This sickness encreasing, that he might be more neer to the Court and his friends, in the Night he is transported to the Cannons Gate in Edenburgh: the King compassionate of his disease, sendeth his Physitians to attend him; they to restore his understanding which was molested, open some veins of his head and arms, in which time whe∣ther by his own disorder or misgovernment in his sickness, the bands being loosed which tyed the lan∣cing, or that they took too great a quantity of blood from him, he fainted, and after sowning, died un∣awares amongst the hands of his best friends and servants. These who hated the King, gave out that he was taken away by his command, and some Wri∣ters have recorded the same; but no such faith should be given unto them▪ as to B. W. E. who was living in that time, and whose Records we have followed, who for his place could not but know, and for his possession would not but deliver the very Truth; certain Witches and Sorcerers being taken and ex∣amined, and convicted of Sorcery at this time, and being suborned, they confessed that the Earl of Marr had dealt with them in prejudice of the King and to have him taken away by incantation. For the Kings Image being framed in Wax, and with many spels and incantations baptized, and set unto a

fire, they perswaded themselves the Kings person should fall away as that Image consumed by the fire, and by the death of the King, the brothers should reach the Government of the State; with such va∣nities was the common people amused.

Alexander Duke of Albany imputing the death of his brother to the favourites of the King, and a vouch∣ing them to have been the occasioners of his distracti∣on, stirred the Nobility and People to revenge so foul a deed; but whilst he keeps private meetings with them of his Faction in the Night to facilitate their enterprise, betrayed by some of his followers, he is surprised and imprisoned in the Castle of Eden∣burgh. Out of which about the appointed time of his tryal, by the killing of his keeper he escaped, and in a Ship which to that effect was hired, sailing to the Castle of Dumbar, of which he had the keeping, he passed to France. After the escape of the Duke of Albany, the Lord Evandale Chancellour of the Kingdom, raising the power of the nearest Shires, beleagured the Castle of Dumbar: the besieged un∣provided of Victuals, as men expecting no such al∣terations, betake themselves in small Boats to the Sea, and came safe towards the Coasts of England. The Castle having none to defend it, is taken; some Gen∣tlemen in pursuit of the flying souldiers, by their own rashness perished.

The Kings of Scotland and England tossed along with civil troubles, and affecting peace with all their neighbours, by an equal and mutual consent of thoughts send at one time Ambassadors to one ano∣ther, who first conclude a Peace between the two Nations; and that the Posterity might be partakers of this accord, contract afterwards an Alliance be∣tween the two Kings. It was agreed that the Prin∣cess Cicilia youngest daughter to King Edward,

should marry with James Duke of Rothsay, when they came to years of discretion. A motion heard with great acceptance; but it was thought by some familiar with King Edward and in his most inward Counsels, that really he never intended this marriage, and that this negotiation aimed only to temporize with Scotland, in case that Louys of France should stir up an Invasion of England by the King of Scot∣land. King Louys at this time had sent one Doctor Ireland a Sorbonist to move King James to trouble the Kingdom of England, and to give over the pro∣jected marriage; which when King Edward under∣stood, knowing what a distance was between things promised and performed, to oblige King James, and tye him more strongly to the bargain, that this mar∣riage might have more sway, he caused for the pre∣sent maintenance of the Prince, and as it were a part of the Dowry of Lady Cicilia, deliver certain sums of money to King James. Notwithstanding of which benevolence the witty Louys wrought so with the Scottish Nobility, that King James sent Embassadors to the King of England, entreating him not to assist the Duke of Burgundy his brother in Law against King Lovys, which if he refused to do, the Nobility of Scotland who were now turned insolent, would constrain him by reason of the ancient League be∣tween the French and the Scots to assist the French.

The Duke of Albany during his abode in France, had married a Daughter of the Earl of Bulloigne (she was his second Wife, his first having been a Daugh∣ter of the Earl of Orkenay, a Lady of great Paren∣tage, and many Friends) who incessantly importu∣ned King Lovys to aid the Duke for the recovery of his Inheritance and places in the State of Scotland, out of which he was kept by the evil Counsellors of his brother Louys minding to make good use of his

brother, and underhand increasing discords and jea∣lousies between him and the King of England, slight∣ing his suits told him, he could not justifie his taking of Arms to settle a Subject in his Inheritance; That Princes ought to be wrought upon by persuasion, not violence, and he should not trouble a King other∣ways then by Prayers and Petitions, which he would be earnest to perform. Upon this refusal the Duke of Albany (having buried his Dutchess) troubled with new thoughts came to England. King Edward with accustomated courtesies receiving him, giveth him hopes of assistance, entring of in communica∣tion with him how to divert the Kingdom of Scot∣land from the invasion of his Dominions at the desire of the French, the Agents and traffickers of Louys lying still in Scotland, and daily bribing and soliciting the Scots Nobility to necessitate the English to stay at home. The Duke freely, and in the worst sense re∣vealed the weakness of his Kingdom, that his King was opinionative, and had nothing of a Prince in him but the Name: His ungoverned Spirit disdain∣ed to listen to the temperate Counsel of sober men, obeying only his own judgment. Such who govern'd under him, were mean persons and of no account, great only by his favour, and indued with little vir∣tue, who ruling as they listed, and excluding all others, made use of his Authority for their own pro∣fit and advantage. The Nobility were male-con∣tents, and affected a change in the Government; which might easily be brought to pass by the assist∣ance of King Edward. If he would help to raise some civil broyls and dissention in the Nation it self, he needed not to be in fear that they could or would trouble his country by any Invasion: The King hearing the Duke manifest what he most affected, approving his judgment, promised him all necessa∣ries,

and what he could desire to accomplish the de∣sign: and he undertaketh by some fair way to traffick with the Nobility of Scotland for an alteration of the present form of Government. After a dange∣rous intelligence, the Lords of Scotland, who under the shadow of the Publick good, but really out of their disdain and particular interests, conspired against the King, send the Duke word, the golden Age could not be fram'd, nor arms taken for the good of the Commonwealth, nor the State alter'd, without the sequestring of those from the King who misgovern'd him. And these could not be remov'd by that power which was amongst themselves, without great dan∣ger and trouble, considering the Kings Faction and the Malignant Party. If King Edward would agree to the raising of an Army in England in favour of the Duke of Albany, and for restoring him to his Places and Inheritance, out of which he was most unjustly ejected: and other pretences, of which they should afford the occasions; which no way should do harm to the Kingdom of Scotland disorder'd al∣ready, and laid waste, more by the licence of a Ty∣rant in Peace, than it could have been by War; and at this time bestow upon them favours, as they might one day hereafter challenge to receive the like; the Nobility of Scotland should be ready with another Army, not to fight, but to seize upon the Kings Fa∣vourites, and misgovernors of the State: for which the English should have many thanks. That this Enterprize could not but prove most successful, the hatred of the Commons considered against such vi∣olent oppressions. The King was fallen into so low esteem, that assaulted by the English, he would be constrain'd by the submission of his Crown to intreat for safety. The King of England understanding this was to touch the finest string of State and Do∣minion

(for it is a matter of much consequence and main importance, to defend the Subjects of another Prince; for under this Mask and pretence of pro∣tecting the Liberties of a People, of assistance and aid, an Usurpation and oppression of all Liberty might be hidden; and many have established and set∣led themselves in those Kingdoms, which they came to relieve from Tyranny, and the Oppression of their Rulers, keeping by Force what was granted to them at first by way of trust, and under the colour of help∣ing usurped a Sovereignty) agreeth easily to what was demanded and resolved upon.

The Lords of the Association to play more co∣vertly their Game, and mask their intentions (the Commons ever suffering and paying for the faults and errors of the great ones) give way for the breaking loose of the Borderers. Fierce incursions by the En∣glish are made upon Scotland, and by the Scots upon England, some Villages on either side are burnt. The secrecy to this business, which was inviolably obser∣ved, was of great importance, which is the principal knot and tye of great affairs. Rumours are spread that the Dukes of Gloucester and Albany, with James late Earl of Dowglass, and Alexander Jerdan and Patrick Halyburton, men proscrib'd, and upon whose heads a price was set, were at Anwick with a pow∣erful Army, and in their march towards Kelso. The King wakned out of his Trances by the Alarms of his Nobility and clamors of the People, made Pro∣clamations to all between sixty years and sixteen to meet him at Edenburgh, and to be in readiness to op∣pose their old enemies of England now come upon the Borders.

After many delayes and much loytering, an Army is assembled by the Nobility, which consisted of Two and twenty thousand and five hundred; and

a number of Carts charged with small Ordinance. New Incursions being blazed to have been made by the English, the King amidst these Troops marched to Lawder. The Army was encamped, and all things Ordered the best way the occasion could suffer them, little or nothing being left to Fortune, if the English should Invade, whom the Lords knew were not at all yet gathered, and though gathered, and in a Body, and upon the Borders, or nearer, would never Invade them.

The King at this time is marvellously perplexed, and become suspicious of the intentions of his Nobi∣lity in this Army, in this confusion of thoughts, fell upon two extreames. In his demeanor and conver∣sation too familiar and inward with his old Domestick Servants and Favourites, which rendred them inso∣lent (believing the bare Name of King to be suffi∣cient whilst weakness and simplicity had made him despised, and them hated) and too retired, reserved and estranged from his Nobility, which made them malicious.

This he did as his pensiveness conjectured, that his Nobles should not attempt any thing to the pre∣judice of his royal Authority, independant of any Council. But what he most feared came to pass; he resolved and dispatched all matters by his Cabinet Counsel: where the Surveyor of his Buildings was better acquainted with the affairs of the State than the gravest of his Nobility. This preposterous course of favour made the great men of the Kingdom to fall headlong upon their rash, though long projected attempt. After many private conferences in their Pavillions, the Chiefs of the Insurrection, as the Earls of Anguss Lennox, Huntley, the Lords Gray, Lile and others, about Midnight come together in the Church of Lawder with many Barons and Gen∣tlemen.

Here every of them urging the necessity of the times, and the dangers the Commonwealth was like to fall into, requireth speedy resolutions: and having before premeditated, deliberated and con∣cluded what to follow, they draw up a League and confederation of mutual adherence in this order.

Forasmuch as the King suffereth himself to be go∣verned by mean persons and men of no account, to the contempt of the Nobility, and his best Subjects, and to the great loss of the Commons: The Confe∣derates considering the imminent dangers of the Kingdom, shall endeavour to separate the Kings Majesty from these naughty upstarts, who abuse his Name and Authority, and despise of all good men; and have a care that the Commonwealth receive no dammage. And in this quarrel they shall all stand mutually every one to the defence of another. The design agreed upon, and the Confederacy sworn, the Chiefs of them in Arms enter the Kings Pavillion, where, after they had challenged him of many mis∣orders in his Government, contrary to his Honour, the Laws and good of his Kingdom, they took Sir William Roger, a man from a Musitian, promo∣ted to be a Knight, James Homill, Robert Cochran, who of a Surveyor of his works was made Earl of Mar, or as some mitigate that Title, Intromittor and taker up of the Rents of that Earldom, by whose de∣vice (some Authors have alledged) copper moneys had been coyned, by which a dearth was brought amongst the Commons; which (as others have re∣corded) was an unjust imputation, for that copper money was coined in the Minority of the King, in the time of the Government of the Boyds, with others. All these being convicted by the clamours of the Army, were immediately hanged upon the Lidder. John Ramsey a youth of eighteen years of age, by

the intreaties, prayers, embraces of the King was pre∣served. Thus they the late objects of envy, were turn'd and become the objects of pity and compassi∣on. The body of the Commons and the Gentry of the Kingdom by this notorious act at Lawder, being engaged, and being made partakers of the Quarrel of the discontented Noblemen, and for their own safe∣ty tyed to second and assist all their intentions, and to advance their ends; The King is conveyed to Edenburgh, and shortly after he either enclosed him∣self in the Maiden Castle as his Lodging, or which is more probable, was there, by the contrary Faction committed, as his Prison, the Earl of Athol and some other Lords being appointed to attend him.

During this time the general humours of the King∣dom being ripe for mischief, Alexander Duke of Albany (every thing falling right as it was plotted) prevailed so with King Edward, that the Duke of Gloucester the King of Englands brother, with the Title of Lieutenant General for him set forwards to∣ward Scotland. The Army consisted of Two and twenty thousand and five hundred. In his retinue went of the Nobility Henry Earl of Northumber∣land, Thomas Lord Stanley, with them was the Duke of Albany. The Earl of Dowglass came not being reserved for an after-game. The Duke of Albany having been before Commander of Berwick, and a Man who was still in his absence beloved of that Gar∣rison, diverted the Duke of Gloucester from Anwick where he had incamped in June, to assail the Town of Berwick. By his intelligence they enter the Town without great opposition, and it is given up to their discretion. The Castle by the Lord Hails the Cap∣tain, was made good against their assaults. The Duke of Gloucester fore-seeing that this Siege would spend much time, considering the uncertainty of

events, and being invited to march forward by the Lords of the association of Scotland, committing the charge of assailing the Castle to the Lord Stanley, Sir John Elrington, and Sir William Parr, with the body of the Army marched directly to Edenburgh.

The Country lay open to their Invasion; no Ar∣my taking the Field to oppose them, they came in Scotland the twentieth day of August One thousand four hundred eighty two.* 1.4 The Army encamped at Restlerig, the Duke himself entred the Town of Edenburgh which at the intreaty of the Duke of Al∣bany, who was his Harbinger, he spar'd, receiving such presents as the Citizens offered unto him. His entry seeming rather a Triumph than Hostile Invasi∣on. The King being shut up from him and im∣mured in the Castle, the Duke by a publick writing at the Market Places gave out high Demands; That King James should perform what he had Covenanted with his Brother King Edward; That he should give satisfaction for the Damage done the English during the last Inroads of the Borders, which if he refused to accomplish, he as Lieutenant to his Bro∣ther was to exact of him and take satisfaction of his Country, denouncing him open War, and proclaim∣ing him all Hostility. King James forsaken of his People, and wronged by his Lords, laying aside his Passions, and taking to him more moderate and dis∣creet thoughts, as a Man in Prison, answered nothing to his Demands.

The Lords, who by their Kings misfortune had rec∣kon'd their felicity, having obtain'd what they chief∣ly desir'd to obviate the common and last danger, the thraldom of their Kingdom by these strangers whom they had drawn into the Country for the re∣covery of their liberties, assemble themselves to∣gether at Hadington with some Companies, not to

Fight but to Supplicate. They sent the Lord Darn∣ley and the Elected Bishop of Murray to entreat a suspension of Arms, and require a firm and lasting Peace for time to come. The beginning of the War, and taking of Arms was for the safety of this the neighbour Country of England, miserably thral'd by a licentious Prince: there was nothing more un∣worthy of a King or Republick, than not to keep their promis'd Faith. The English could have no colour for executing their indignation further upon this Country, which already by the rapine of their own Men was impoverish'd and unmanur'd: Only now to be recover'd by entertaining Peace with their Neighbours, and amongst themselves. They require that the Marriage contracted between the Prince of Rothesay and Lady Cicily King Edwards Daughter might be accomplish'd when it should please the King of England, and the age of the two Princes might suffer it. For any spoil taken in these last incursions, the interest considered upon both sides, satisfaction should be given out of the publick contributions. The Duke of Gloucester as forgetting and seeming not to know the grounds of their coming into the Coun∣try, and looking to nothing more than his own Fame and Glory, Answer'd, his coming into Scotland, was to right the honour of his Country so often violated: and to restore the Duke of Albanie, unjustly com∣manded to Exile, to his own native soyl, and the dignity of his Birth: as concerning the Marriage of the Prince of Scotland with the Daughter of Eng∣land, He knew not how his Brothers resolution stood at the present; whereupon he requir'd repayment of the monys lent to their King upon their first agree∣ment: and withal a delivery of the Castle of Berwick up into his hands: or if they could not make the Castle to be render'd, they should give their oaths

upon the holy Evangelists that they should neither assist the Besieged, or harm the Besiegers, till the Ca∣stle were either by Force taken, or upon fair conditi∣ons rendred.

The Lords having received this Answer, yielded freely to all the Conditions, except they found them∣selves perplexed in the rendring of Berwick: it be∣ing a Town of old appertaining to the Crown of Scotland, though by force and Violence the English had a long time kept it, That did not take away their right and Title. After much contesting, agreeing to the surrender of Berwick, they desired that the Walls of the Town should be demolished, that it might not be a place of Tyranny and Incursion over their bordering Countries. No arguments could prevail against the Duke of Gloucesters Resolutions, and being stronger in Power he persever'd in his de∣mands, and in all likelihood this was agreed upon be∣tween the Duke of Albany and the Confederate Lords, and the English, before their entring Scotland. Thus the Castle and Town of Berwick returned to the English the Twenty fourth of August One thousand four hundred eighty two; after it had been deliver∣ed by Queen Margarite to gain Sanctuary for her Husband King Henry (when expelled England) and remained in the Possession of the Scots twenty and one years.

They likewise appointed a day for restitution of all the Monys lent by King Edward, and promised upon a full discussion to make satisfaction for all dammages done the English by any Inroad of the Scottish Borders. For the Duke of Albanies pro∣vision, whose safety was principally pretended in this Expedition, a general Pardon was promised for him and all his followers; Together with an aboliti∣on of all discontents; whereby he had given unto

him the Castle of Dumbar, with the Earldoms of Mar and March; he should be reinvested in all his former Dignities and Places, and by consent of the Nobility of Scotland, he was Proclaimed Lieutenant of the Kingdom.

The Peace Proclaimed, the Duke of Gloucester in all solemnity of greatness returned towards London, being welcomed by the King with many demonstra∣tions of great joy. He to show how much he ap∣proved the conditions of this Peace, went solemnly in procession from St. Stephens Chappel, now the Parliament House, accompanied with the Queen his Sister, and a mighty retinue of the greatest Lords into Westminster Hall. Where in presence of the Earl of Anguss, the Lord Gray, and Sir James Liddale, Embassadors extraordinary from Scotland, the Peace was Ratified. At the return of the Scots Embassa∣dors to their Country, King Edward sent an He∣rauld with them, who in his Masters name gave over the Marriage contracted between the Lady Cicilia and the Prince of Rothsay, and required the money which had been delivered upon hopes of consumma∣tion to his King. The Citizens of Edenburgh had given their Bond for the redelivery, and a day being granted to them for the Payment, they at the ap∣pointed day entirely delivered the sum. Some thought King Edward recalled this Marriage of a suspicion he conceived, that the Ambition of the Duke of Albany, and the hatred of the Subjects against their King amidst the manifold distractions of the Realm, might hazard the Succession of the Prince of Rothsay to the Crown. But King Ed∣ward having gained what he had endeavoured most to acquire, a division amongst the Nobles of Scot∣land, and by this a Security from their assisting the French, rejected the Match. Besides the Duke of

Gloucester, who after his coming in Scotland, was laying the Foundations of the Usurping the Crown of England, his Brother once dead, thought the Al∣liance of his Brothers Daughter with a King of Scot∣land too strong a Support to that Race, which he was to declare Bastard, and a Rock upon which he was confident he should make a fearful shipwrack. Neither his Brothers daughter being married to a King of such martial and turbulent Subjects as the people of Scotland, durst he ever attempt the tak∣ing away of her Brothers: and King Edward in neg∣lect of this Match committed a greater error of State than he did in his marrying the Lady Eliza∣beth Gray, and forsaking the Lady Bona Daughter to the Duke of Savoy.

According to the Records of some Authors whilst the King is kept nine Months in the Castle of Eden∣burgh, the Duke of Albany, the Lord Evandale Chan∣cellour, the Earl of Arguile, the Arch-bishop of St. Andrews, the Earl of Athol his Uncle (who for the preservation of his person and honour of his Office accepted the charge to attend him in that Fortress) govern'd the State.

The King (say the honest Records) had all ho∣nour which appertained to a Prince, save that he could not come abroad, and none was permitted to speak unto him, except in the audience of some one of his Lords Keepers; and that his Chamber doors were shut before the setting of the Sun and long af∣ter the rising opened. Proclamations were Publisht in his Name and Authority, and other publick Wri∣tings. Such who only heard of him could not but take him to be a free and absolute Prince, when near he was but a King in phantasie, and his Throne but

a Picture, the Regal Authority being turned into a Cloak to cover the Passions of those who did go∣vern.

The Duke of Albany daily importuned by the so∣licitations, Prayers and tears of the Queen (a calm and temperate Lady) for her Husbands Liberty; find∣ing himself not so respected by the other Governours as his Birth and merits did deserve; being a man who delighted in nothing more than in changes and novations of Court and State: after so many scorns and rebukes offered to his Brother, and King, com∣miserating his long sufferance, and believing that good turns would make past offences be forgotten, and recent benefits were sufficient to blot away old injuries, with all remembrance of former discontents, whilst the other Governours at Sterling, securely passed the time, posted in the Night to Edenburgh. Here a meeting being appointed of some of his Friends and Vassals, who knew nothing of his inten∣tions, by the assistance of the Citizens of Edenburgh (men entirely loving their King and devoted to him all the time of the Insurrection of his Nobles) who gave the first assault, (yet was it rather their intelli∣gence than Force) the Castle is surprized, the King and all his Servants set at liberty. This unexpected and noble Act of the Duke of Albany, having so fortunate a success, brought a mighty change on the Court and State. The King is now again reinstall'd, and hath this Residence in his own Palace, to which many Noblemen and Gentlemen, have frequent con∣course; rejoycing to see such evident tokens of love pass between the two Brothers, if their affection could have continued. The Provost and Baylies of Edenburgh in recompence of their Service, were made Sheriffs within all the bounds of their own Ter∣ritories, and rewarded with other Priviledges con∣tained

in that Patent, which they call their Golden Charter One thousand four hundred eighty two. The Lords of the contrary Faction, who remained at Sterlin, by this new accident, betook themselves to new thoughts and considerations, every man full of fears and repinings flying to his own dwelling place, and conceiving a great hatred against the Duke of Albany. They said he was inconstant, rash, mad, in setting at liberty the man who would prove his Executioner, and one who would never forget any profer'd injury: that if he perished before them, it was but his own just deserving and procurement. The Duke contemning those reproaches, and an∣swering their calumnies and evil words with patience and good deeds, by the mediation of the Earl of An∣guss, studied a reconciliation between the King and his discontented Lords. And his endeavours had such good success, that in a short time after this Atone∣ment; some of them turned so familiar and inward with the King, that, like the Ivy, they began to sap the wall by which they had been supported. They made the wound of the Kings old jealousies ranckle again, and added poyson to former discontents; remembring him of the unnaturalness of his Brothers first Rebellion, and assuring him that his ancient Am∣bition had yet more power of him than his new fears of honesty and respect. That howsoever he shew∣ed outwardly the arguments of a reconciled Brother, he loved yet to govern, and aimed at the Crown.

That he had wrought his liberty to bring a grea∣ter confusion in the State than he had ever done be∣fore. The King, who ever had a watchful eye over his reconciled enemies, and who desired to be freed and fairly quited of them all, gave way to their ca∣lumnies. And they after long deliberation resolve upon a Plot to bring the Duke within compass of

Law: and summoned him to answer upon Treason. And this was the rendring of the Town of Berwick to the English: which they undertook to prove was only by his Intelligence, procuration, and being in company with the Duke of Gloucester, in that expe∣dition. Though the Duke had an absolute and general Pardon and an abolition for all was past, and the Kings hand at it, they doubted not to null and make it void. All being done by a King constrain∣ed by a powerful Army, and a close Prisoner, which writing could not oblige any private man, far less a King: what he then bargained was upon con∣straint, and yielded unto upon hopes of saving his life, and an Act exacted by force. The Duke of Al∣bany finding by the Malice and detraction of a ma∣lignant Faction, his Brothers countenance altered to∣wards him, and danger the requital of his late setting him at liberty, the established reconciliation being shaken by suspicions and fancy of revenge, obeying necessity, fled to his Castle of Dumbar, out of which he came to England to present to King Edward and the Duke of Gloucester the consideration of his grie∣vances.

In his absence he is convinced of many points of Treason, besides the being accessary to the taking of Berwick by the English. As his dangerous and long intelligence with the King of England: his sending of many Messengers at all occasions unto him. That, without any safe conduct or pass from his Brother, and not so much as acquainting him, he had left the Country, come into England to devise Conspiracies against his King and native Kingdom. The Lord Creighton as his friend associate and complice, is forefeited with him, against whom Informations were given, That often and divers times, under the pre∣tence of hunting secretly with the Duke of Albany,

he rode into England, and there meeting with Com∣missioners sent by King Edward, he deliberated of matters concerning novations and of the altering the State, That there he kept appointments with James Earl of Douglass, the often quench'd fire-brand of his Country. That in spight of the Kings Forces sent their to lie in Garrison, he kept the Castle of Creighton. The greatest discontent the King con∣ceived against him was love to one of his Sisters, and some feminine jealousies. When the Duke un∣derstood the proceedings against himself and the Lord Creighton, and that for their contumacy and not appearing to answer, and give in their answer, they were convict of Treason, and their Lands to be seized upon; He caused give up the Castle of Dumbar, of which he was Lieutenant, to King Edward, who immediately placed by Sea a Garrison in it.

About this time Edward King of England left this World One thousand four hundred eighty three, and his Brother Richard Duke of Gloucester, did first take the name of Protector and Governour of the King∣dom of England, and after his Brothers Sons put in the Tower, and their Mother the Queen taking San∣ctuary, in the Month of June possest himself of the Crown.

The Duke of Albany finding that Richard by his change of Fortune had not changed his affection to∣wards him, imploreth his Aid in restoring him to his own, and repairing not his wrongs alone, but a wrong done in his sufferings to the King of England, sith there was now an open breach of the Truce and Peace so solemnly by him set down and confirmed by his Brother. If he could be furnished but with a few number of choice men of reputation and pow∣er to pass into Scotland, and take a tryal of the Minds

and good will of his Friends and Confederates, he doubted not at his entring the Country to find num∣bers who by his presence would hazard upon the most desperate dangers.

Richard finding the man his Supplicant with whom he endeavoured once an entire friendship, and whose advancement in Authority he had most studied, con∣descendeth that five hundred men and Horses should be chosen upon the borders, with others who were outlaws and necessitated sometime to make incursi∣ons, and with James the old Earl of Douglass, a man well known and renowned in the West-borders, should make an in-road into Scotland.

The two and twentieth day of July, the banished Champion having chosen a good number of their borderers put forward towards Loch-Maben to sur∣prize a Fair, spoil a publick Market, seize upon all the Buyers and Sellers, which here meet and Traffick every St. Magdalens Festival, under pretence of De∣votion and the liberty of Trading many English had hither resorted: at the twelfth hour of the day when the Merchants and Country-people were in greatest security, the Burse is Invaded and not Bloud but Wares sought after; the Laird of Johnstoun who was War∣den, and Laird of Cockpool, with many stout Borderers having Surveyed and Ridden through the places where the People were met, to prevent and hinder all disorders and dangers, at the noise of an Incur∣sion of the English, dispatch Posts to the adjacent bounds for supply, and in the mean time rencounter the Plunderers of the Fair. Here is it Fought with greater courage than force, and in a long continued Skirmish the danger of the loss stir'd up and incited the parties as much as Fame and Glory.

The day was near spent leaving the advantage to

either side disputable, when the supply of fresh men come to defend their Country, and Friends turned the Fortune of the Fight, and put the English bor∣derers all to the rout. The Duke of Albany by the swiftness of his Horse, and the good attendance of his Servants winneth English ground: but the Earl of Dowglass loaden and heavy with years and arms, is taken by Robert Kirken-patrick (who for that ser∣vice got the lands of Kirk-michael) and brought as in triumph to Edenburgh. It is Recorded that when the Earl was come in the Kings presence, he turn'd his back and refus'd to look him in the face, consider∣ing the many outrages he had perpetrated against his Father, and this late offence. The King taken with the goodly personage, gravity, and great age of the man, commiserating his long patience and cross for∣tune being in his young days designed to be a Church∣man, confin'd him as in a free Prison in the Abacy of Lyndores.

Besides he considered that when occasion served he might bring him out of this solitariness, and in these turbulent times by his counsel and presence play more advantageously his game of State, being a man of long experience in the affairs of the World, and the most learned of all his Nobility. He was now become tyred of the Earl of Anguss, the remem∣brance of his first offence remaining deeply ingraven in his heart, and to counterpoise his greatness this was the only weight. The Duke of Albany found little better entertainment in England, the Battel be∣ing lost, some men taken and killed (this being the first road upon Scotland under the Reign of Richard, who had been formerly so fortunate in his own Per∣son) his Fame injur'd, and reputation by this dimi∣nished, the Duke began to be disliked, and was not received with that kindness he was wont, whereup∣on

by the Assistance and Convoy of John Liddale, he secretly retired to France.

After the Road of Lochmaben sundry incursions are made by the Scots upon the English borders, and by the English upon the Scottish: The Champian ground is scoured, houses are burnt, booties taken, with great loss to both, and little advantage to any of the Parties. Richard having his Reign in his Infancy, and not yet settled nor come to any growth and maturity, being obnoxious to the scandal of his Brothers Sons, and possessed with fears of Henry Earl of Richmond then remaining in France, who by all honest and good men was earnestly invited to come home, and hazard one day of battel for a whole Kingdom, knowing it necessary for the advancement of his de∣signs to have Peace with all his Neighbour Princes, to render himself more secure and safe at home, and terrible to his Enemies abroad, sendeth Embassadours to Scotland to treat a Peace, or a suspension of Arms for some years; King James no softlier rocked in the Cradle of State than Richard; chearfully accepteth this Embassage; for by a Peace he may a little calm the Stormy and wild minds of tumultuous Subjects, reducing them to a more quiet fashion of living, and seclude his Rebels and banisht from entertainment in England, and all places of Refuge and Sanctuary. The two Kings agreeing in substance, Commissio∣ners are appointed to meet at Nottingham the seventh day of September. For the King of Scotland appear'd, the Earl of Arguil, William Elvingstoun Bishop of Aberdeen, the Lord Drummond of Stobhall, the Lord Olyphant, Archibald Whitelaw Secretary, Duncan Dundass, Lyon King of Arms. For Richard of England appeared, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Northumberland, the Lord Stanley, the Lord Gray, the Lord Fitshugh, John Gunthrope Privy Seal, Tho∣mas

Barrow, Master of the Rolls, Sir Thomas Bryan Chief Justice.

In the latter end of September these conclude a Peace between both Realms for the space of Three years. The same to begin at the rising of the Sun September twenty nine, in the year One thousand four hundred eighty four; and to continue unto the set∣ting of the Sun on the Twenty ninth of September in the year One thousand four hundred eighty seven. During which time it was agreed, that not only all Hostility and War should cease between the two Realms, but that also all Aid and Assistance against enemies should be afforded.

It was agreed, the Town and Castle of Berwick should remain in the hands of the English for the space of the foresaid term, with the same bounds the English possessed.

That all other Castles, Holds, Fortresses during the term of three years should remain in the hands of those that held them at that present, the Castle of Dumbar only excepted, which the Duke of Albany delivered to the English when he left his Country. Which Castle for the space of six months should be exposed to the Invasion of the Scots, if they could obtain it, and during the assaulting of this Castle, the Truce should not be broken. Neither should the English within the Castle do any harm to the Scots dwelling thereabouts, except to those who in∣vade the Castle, and at that time. And that it should be lawful to any of the Parties, to use all Stratagems, and extend their power either for winning or de∣fending the said Castle.

It was agreed, That no Traitor of either Realm should be received by any of the Princes of the other Realms: and if any Traitor or Rebel chance to arrive in either Realm, the Prince thereof should deliver him upon demand made.

Scots abiding within the Realm of England and sworn there to the King, may remain still, so their names be made known to the King of Scotland within fourty days.

If any Warden of either Realm shall Invade the others Subjects, he to whom such a Warden is subject shall within six days, Proclaim him Traitor, and cer∣tifie the other Prince thereof within twelve days.

In every safe conduct this Clause shall be contained, Providing always that the Obtainer of the safe Con∣duct be no Traytor.

If any of the Subjects of either Prince, do presume to Aid and help, maintain and serve any other Prince, against any of the Contractors of this Truce, then it shall be lawful for him to whom he shewed himself ene∣my, to apprehend and attach the said Subject, com∣ing or tarrying within any of their Dominions.

Collegues comprehended in the Truce (if they would assent thereunto) on the English part were, The King of Castile, the King of Arragon, the King of Portugal, the Arch-Duke of Austria and Burgundy, the Duke of Bretaign. Upon the Scottish part, Charles King of Denmark and Norway, the Duke of Guil∣derland, this Treaty was appointed to be Published the first of October in all the great and notable Towns of both Realms.

It was agreed that Commissioners should meet at Loch-maben the eighteenth of November as well for Redress of Wrongs done on the West Marches, as for declaring and Publishing the Peace, where the great∣est difficulty was to have it observed.

Richard after this Truce intreated a Marriage be∣tween the Prince of Rothsay eldest Son to King James, and Lady Ann de la Pool, Daughter to John Duke of Suffolk of his Sister. To this effect Em∣bassadours met at Nottingham, others say at York,

and it is concluded. Writings thereupon being drawn up, ingrossed and sealed. And Affiances made and taken up by Proctors and Deputies of both parts. Lady Ann thereafter being stiled the Princes of Roth∣say. But by the death of her Uncle she enjoyed not long that Title:

After the League and intended Marriage, King James wrote friendly Letters to Richard concern∣ing the Castle of Dumbar, Whether he could be con∣tent that the same should remain only six months in the power of the English, or during the whole space of Truce? That he was not minded to seek it by Arms during the term of the whole Truce. Not∣withstanding he earnestly required out of the bond of Love and friendship between them, since it was given unto the English by Treason, and neither surprised nor taken in lawful War, it might be friendly ren∣dred. Richard dall'yd with him, and pass'd away that purpose with complemental Letters all the time of his Government, which was not long; for the year One thousand four hundred eighty six. Henry Earl of Richmond came with some Companies out of France (of which that famous Warriour Bernard Stuart Lord Aubany, Brother to the Lord Darnley in Scotland, had the Leading) which by the resort of his Country men turned into an Army, and rencoun∣tred Richard at Bosworth where he was killed, and Henry-Proclaimed King of England: To which Victory it was uncertain whether Vertue or Fortune did more contribute.

Alexander Duke of Albany before this disaster of Richard, at a Tilting with Louys Duke of Orleance by a splint of a Spear in his head had received his death∣wound, One thousand four hundred eighty three: He was a man of great courage, an enemy to Rest and Peace, delighting in constant changes and novations.

He left behind two Sons, John Duke of Albany be∣gotten of his second Marriage upon the Earl of Bul∣loignes Daughter, who was Tutor to King James the Fifth and Governour of Scotland, and Alexander born of the Earl of Orkenays Daughter his first Wife, Bishop of Murray, and Abbot of Skroon. Into which places he was intruded, to make the Govern∣ment of his other Brother more peaceable.

Margarite the Queen about these times, a good and vertuous Lady, died One thousand four hundred eighty six, and was buried at Cambuskennel the Twenty ninth of February.

The overthrow and death of Richard being known abroad, King James taking the advantage of the time, besieged the Castle of Dumbar. The Garri∣son'd Souldiers finding no relief nor assistance from their Country, and ascertained of the change of their Master, rendered up the Fort to the hands of the Scots; it was of no great importance to the English, and only served to be a fair bridge of Treason for Scottish Rebels, and a Cittadel of Conspiracies.

Henry King of England after his Victory and Co∣ronation, sent Richard Fox Bishop of Exeter, and Sir Richard Edgecomb Embassadours to King James, for renewing the Truce, and if it were possible, to agree upon a Stable and lasting Peace between the Realms. King James taking a promise of the se∣crecy of the Embassadours, that what he imparted to them, should not be laid open to his Nobility, told, He earnestly affected a Peace with all his Neigh∣bours, but above all others with their King, as much for this own valour, as for the honour and interests of the two Kingdoms: But he knew his People so stubborn and opposite to all his designs, that if they understood his mind and resolutions, they would en∣deavour to cross his intentions; wherefore publickly

he could only condescend to seven years Truce, a long Peace being hardly obtained from men brought up in the free licence of War, who disdained to be restrained within the Narrow limits of Laws. Notwithstan∣ding they should undertake for him to King Henry, in the Word of a Prince, that this Truce before the ex∣spiring of it should be renewed, and with all solem∣nities again confirmed.

The Embassadours respecting his good will to∣wards their King, accepted the conditions. Thus was there a Truce or Peace covenanted and confirm∣ed for seven years to come between the two Realms.

After so many back-blows of Fortune and such canvassing, the King enjoying a Peace with all his Neighbours abroad, became exceeding religious; the miseries of Life drawing the mind to the contem∣plations of what shall be after it. During his resi∣dence at Edenburgh he was wont to come in Pro∣cession from the Abby of Holy-rood house to the Churches in the High-Town every Wednesday and Friday. By which Devotion he became beloved of his People: Nothing more winning their hearts than the opinion they have of the Sanctity of a per∣son. And that he did not this for the Fashion nor Hypocrisie, the application of his wit and power to the Administration of strict justice did prove; for he began to suppress the insolencies of strong Op∣pressors, defend and maintain the Rights of the Poor, against Tyrants and abusers of their Neigh∣bours. He sitteth himself in Council daily, and dis∣poseth affairs of most weight in his own person.

In the Month of October following the Peace with England, One thousand four hundred eighty seven a Parliament was called, in which many Acts were made against Oppressours. Justices were appointed to pass through the whole Kingdom, and see male∣factors

deservedly punished. Acts were made that no convention of friends should be suffered for the ac∣companying and defence of criminal Persons: But that every one Attainted should appear at the most with six Proctors; that, if found guilty, they should not be reft from Justice by strong hand. Such of the Nobility who feared and consequently hated him, finding how he had acquired the love of his Peo∣ple by his Piety in the observance of Religion, and his severity in executing Justice, were driven unto new Meditations. They began to suspect he would one day free himself from these turbulent Spirits who could not suffer him to enjoy a Peace, nor Reign. He had advanced at this time to Offices of State and Places men whose Fortunes did wholly depend upon his safety and well-fare: at which some Noblemen whose Ambition was to be in publick charge and of the Counsel, pretending to that out of right, which was only due unto them by favour, did highly storm and look upon those others with envious eyes. The King thus falling again into his old sickness, they bethought them how to renew their old remedy. They were also jealous of the remembrance of the dis-service they had done him, and that he would never forget old quarrels; They were prepared and ready to make a Revolution of the State, but had not yet found their Center to begin motion, nor a ground for Rebellion. All this while there was not matter enough for an Insurrection, nor to dispose the Peo∣ples Hearts to a Mutiny.

The King delighted with his Buildings of the Ca∣stle of Sterlin, and the amenity of the Place, for he had raised there a fair and spacious Hall, and found∣ed a Colledge for Divine Service, which he named the Chappel Royal: and beginning to be possest and taken up with the Religion of these times, endea∣voured

to endow this Foundation with constant Rents, and ample Revenues, and make this Rock the choyce Sanctuary of his Devotions. The Priory of Coldingham, then vacant and fallen in his hands, he annexed the same to his Chappel Royal, and pro∣cured an Act of Parliament, That none of the Lieges should attempt to do contrary to this Union and An∣nexation, or to make any Impetration thereof at the Court of Rome under the pain of Treason. The Priors of this Convent having been many years of the Name of Hume, it was by the Gentlemen of that Name surmis'd, that they should be interested and wronged in their Estates, by reason of the Tithes and other Casualties appertaining to this Benefice, if a Prior of any other Sirname were promoted to this Place. The King being often Petitioned and im∣plored that he should not alter the accustomed form of the Election of that Prior, nor remove it from their Name, nor suffer the Revenues to be otherways bestowed than they were wont to be of old; and he continuing in his resolution of annexing them to his Chappel: after long pawsing and deliberation amongst themselves, as men stirred up by the Male-contents and a proud Faction; fit for any the most dangerous enterprise, they proceed upon stronger Grounds to over-turn his intentions and divert his purpose. The Lord Hailles, and others of the Sirname of Hepburn, had been their constant Friends, Allies and Neigh∣bours; with them they enter in a combination, that they should mutually stand to the defence of others, and not suffer any Prior to be received for Colding∣ham if he were not of one of their two Sirnames. This Covenant is first privately by some mean Gentlemen sworn, who after draw on their Chiefs to be of the Party. Of how small beginnings doth a great mis∣chief arise! the Male-contented Lords knowing those

two Sirnames to be numerous, active and powerful in those parts of the Country where they remain'd, lay hold upon this Overture, and beginning from their particulars they make the cause to be general. They spread Rumours abroad that the King was be∣come terrible and not to be trusted; notwithstand∣ing all his Protestations and Outward demeanour, that he yet meditated Revenge, and had begun to invade and shake the ancient Priviledges of the Humes, more out of spight and discontent against them for having assisted and follow'd the Lords of the Reformation of the State, than any intention of the increasing the Rents of his new erected Chappel. That ere long he would be avenged upon all whom he either knew were accessary, or suspected to have been upon the Plot of Lawder Bridge, or his Com∣mitting in the Castle of Edenburgh. That it was sometime better to commit a fault unpardonable, than venture under the Pardon. That the King had taken a Resolution to live upon the Peoples contribu∣tions, and give his own Revenues to particular Men. The faults of his Counsellours are highly exaggera∣ted. They are base Persons, and he himself given to dissimulation, misdevotion and revenge; as occa∣sion served he would remember old wrongs: It was good to obey a King but not to lay the head upon a Block to him, if a Man could save himself.

After long smother of discontent and hatred of the Nobility and People, Rankor breaking daily forth into Seditions and alterations, The Lord Hume and Haylles being the Ring-Leaders, many Noblemen and Gentlemen under fained pretences, especially the courses of swift Horses, keep frequent meetings. Where they renew their Covenant agreed upon at Lawder Church, the necessity of the times, and the danger of the Commonwealth requiring it, and

gave their Oaths, that at what time soever the King should challenge them directly or indirectly, or wrong them in their Rights, Possessions, Places, Persons, They should abide together as if they were all one Body, marry each others quarrels, and the wrongs done to any one of them should be done to them all.

When the King understood the Confederacy of the Lords, to anticipate the danger, he made choice of a Guard for the preservation of his Person and Servants, Of which he made John Ramsay of Bal∣mayne, a Man whom he had preserved at Lawder and advanced to be Master of his Houshold at Court, Captain: giving him a Warrant not to suf∣fer any Man in Arms approach the Court by some miles. This in stead of cooling, exasperated the Choler of the Male-contents, and stirr'd them to assemble with numerous Retinues all in Arms. The King scarce believing the Minds of so many were corrupted, and persuading himself, the Authority of a King would supply the want of some Power, sum∣mon'd certain of them upon fourty days to answer according to Law.

Of those some rent, his Summons, and beat shame∣fully his Heraulds and Messengers for discharging their Offices: Others appeared, but with numbers of their Adherents, Friends, Allies and Vassals: And here he found that the faults of great Delinquents are not without great danger taken notice of, and re∣prehended; he used some Stratagems to surprise the Heads and Chiefs of their Faction: But unadvised∣ly giving trust to the promises of those who lent their ears, but not their hearts to his words, his Designs were discovered before they produced any effects; his secrets all laid open to his great hatred and disad∣vantage, the Discoverers taking themselves to the

factious Rebels, and cherishing unkind thoughts in all whom they saw distasted with his Government; Per∣ceiving himself betrayed and his intentions divulged, he remained in great doubt to whom he should give credit. The nature and manner of all things changed by the League of the Confederates, he thought it high time to remove a little further from that Tor∣rent which might have overwhelmed him, and made them Masters of his Person. To temporize and win time, caused furnish the Castles of Edenburgh and Sterling with provision of Victual, Ammuniti∣on, and Garrisons to defend them from the dangers of War; he resolved to make his abode beyond the River of Forth, and to leave the South Parts of the Kingdom. After which deliberation he entred a Ship of Sir Andrew Wood a famous Navigator and stout Commander at Sea) which pretended to make sail for the low-Countries, and was lying at Anchor in the Forth. These who saw him aboard, spread a rumour that he was flying to Flanders. The Lords of the Insurrection making use of this false re∣port seized on his carriage in the Passages towards the North, rifled his Coffers, spoiled his Servants of their stuff and baggage. And then after certainty that he was but Landed in Fyfe, and from that was in Progress to the Northern parts, preparing and di∣recting his good Subjects to be in readiness to at∣tend him at his return, they surprized the Castle of Dumbar. The monys found in his Coffers wage Sol∣diers against him, and the Harness and Weapons of his Magazines arm them, Having gathered some companies together, tumultuously they overrun the Countries upon the South of the Forth, rifling and plundering all men who went not with them, or whom they suspected not to favour their desperate and seditious ends. In his progress the King held

Justice Courts at Aberdeen and Inneress, where Wil∣liam Lord Creighton, not long before impeacht with the Duke of Albany, submitted himself to his Cle∣mency, and was received in favour and pardoned: after which grace he shortly left this World. Whilst the King in the North, the Lords in the South are making their Preparations; When they were assem∣bled at Lithgow they find themselves many in num∣ber and strong in Power; the success of their pro∣ceedings being above their hopes: there only wanted a man eminently in esteem with the People, and noble of Birth, to give lustre to their Actions, shadow their Rebellion, and be the titular and painted head of their Arms. When they had long deliberated up∣on this great Man, they assented all that there was none to be Parrallel'd to the Prince of Rothsay the Kings own Son. So strongly Providence befools all human Wisdom and fore-sight; his Keepers being corrupted by Gifts, Pensions and promises of divers Rewards, he is delivered into their hands: and by Threats, That they would otherwise give up the Kingdom to the King of England, he is constrained to go with them. To heighten the hatred against the King, and the closlier to deceive the People (for the love of Subjects is such towards their natural Kings, that except they be first deceived by some pretences and notable sophism, they will not arise al∣together in Arms and Rebel) they make Proclamati∣ons and by their Deputies by way of Remonstrances spread abroad Seditious Papers, in what a Sea of blood would these men launch into? that all true Subjects should come in defence of the Prince, and take Arms; because his Fathers jealousies and super∣stitious fears were risen to that height, that nothing but his Sons Death or Imprisonment could temperate them. That he was raising an Army to take his Son

out of their hands, that he might do with him as he had done with his own Brothers. That Force was the only means to work his safety and keep the Plot∣ters of this mischief within bounds, they also should take Arms to reduce the Government to a better form, for that the Kingdom was oppressed with in∣supportable grievances: the King being altogether given to follow the advice, projects and counsels of base men; to amass and gather great sums of mony from his People, upon which he studied to maintain his Court and State, and give away his own.

When the Engine was prepared for the People, and spread abroad, they sent to the Earl of Dowglass, then closely as a Monk shut up in the Abby of Lyndores, to come out, be of the Party, and assist them with his Counsel and Friends, promising if their attempt had happy Success, to restore him again to his ancient Possessions and Heritage, former Dignities, and the Places of Honour of his Ancestors. The Earl, whom time and long experience had made wary and circum∣spect, having a suspicion the Earl of Anguss, who possessed the greatest part of his estate, had been the chief motioner of this liberty: and that rather to try what he would do, than that he minded really to set him free, refused to come out of his Cloister. And by his Letters dissuaded them from their bold enter∣prize against their Prince; wishing they would set his house and himself for a pattern and President of Rebellion. He sent to all such of his Friends whom his disasters had left unruined, to take arms for the King, as the Dowglasses of Kayvers and others.

The King neither losing courage nor councel for the greatness of the danger of the Rebellion, trusting much to his good fortune, with such Forces as came with him from the North, in Captain Woods Ships and other Boats and Vessels prepared to that end,

passeth the Forth near the Blackness, an old Fortress and Sea-port in West Lothian, not far from the Castle of Abercorn, and that place where the forces of the Earl of Dowglass left him, and the King his Father ob∣tained so harmless a Victory. Before the arrival of the King at this Place, the Earls of Montross, Glen∣carn Lords Maxwel and Ruthven with others, ad∣vertised by Letters of the Rendevouz, hand come to the place, had encamped, and were attending him. And he mustered a sufficient Army to ren∣counter the Lords of the association, who from all quarters were assembled, having with them the Prince to add Authority to their quarrel. The two Armies being in readiness to decide their indifferen∣ces by a Battle, the Earl of Athol the Kings Uncle so travailed between the Lords of either Party and the King, that a suspension of Arms was agreed up∣on and reconcilement: and the Earl of Athol ren∣dred himself a pledge for the accomplishing of the Kings part of the reconcilement, to the Lord Haylles, and was sent to be kept in the Castle of Dumbar.

This was not a small fault of this Prince: the Con∣federates Forces were not at this time equal to his, neither had they essayed to hinder the Landing of his Army, being but in gathering; the Castle of Blackness was for his defence, and his Ships traver∣sing up and down the Forth, in case of necessity for succour. That if he had hazarded a Battle, he had been near to have recovered all that reputation he had before lost. Now upon either side some com∣mon Souldiers are disbanded, some Gentlemen li∣censed to return to their own dwelling places. The King in a peaceable manner retireth to the Castle of Edenburgh. The Earl of Athol was now removed from him, and many of the other Lords who loved him returned to their houses; the Counsel of Man

not being able to resist the determinations of God. The Lords suspecting still the King to be implacable in their behalf and unacceptable in his Castle, keep∣ing the Prince always with them, entring upon new Meditations hold sundry meetings how to have his Person in their Power, and make him a Prey to their Ambitious designs. The Town of Edenburgh is pe∣stered with Troups of Armed Men, the Villages about replenished with Souldiers. The King warned of his danger, fortifies of new the Castle of Edenburgh for his defence, and is brought to such a tameness, that resolving to do that with love of every Man, which he feared in end he should be constrained unto with the universal hatred of all, and his own damage and danger, out of a passive Fortitude sent Commissi∣oners, indifferent Noblemen, to the Lords and his Son to understand their intentions and what they meant. Why his Son was kept from him, and con∣tinued the head of their Faction. Why his Uncle was so closely imprison'd, and himself as it were, blocked up by their tumultuous meetings in Arms? He was content they should have an abolition of all that was past, that their punishments should not be infinitely extended, and that they should think upon a general agreement after the best and fittest manner they could devise, and set it down. They finding their offences flew higher than hope of Pardon could ascend unto. Their suspitions, and the conscience of their crime committed, breeding such a distrust out of an apprehension of fear, answered, that they found no true meaning. Open War was to be preferred to a peace full of deceit, danger, and fears, that being assured he would weave out his begun projects against them, they could not think of any safety, nor have assurance of their lives nor fortunes, unless he freely resigned the Title of his Crown and Realm in favour

of his Son, and voluntarily depose himself, leaving the Government of the People and Kingdom to the Lords of his Parliament, divesting himself wholly of his Royal dignity. Neither would they come to any submission or capitulation, until he consented to this main point and granted it submissively.

King James notwithstanding of this answer, af∣ter a clear prospect of the inconveniences and mis∣chiefs which were growing, and the many injuries, in∣dignities, and affronts put upon him, yet really affect∣ing a Peace, sought unto Henry King of England, as also to the Pope and King of France to make an at∣tonement between him and his Subjects. The Kings accordingly interposed their Mediation in a round and Princely manner, not only by way of request and persuasion; but also by way of Protestation and me∣nace, declaring that they thought it to be the com∣mon cause of all Kings, if Subjects should be suffer∣ed to give Laws unto their Soveraign; a Legitimate King, though a Tyrant, was not subordinate to the Authority of Subjects. James was not a Tyrant; his errours proceeding most part from youth and evil counsel. That suppose the King had done them wrong, it was not wisely done, for a desire of revenge, to endanger their particular Estates, and the peace and standing of the whole Kingdom. What State was there ever so pure, but some corruption might creep into it? That they should be very cautious how they shook the Frame of Monarchical Government too far; That they would accordingly resent and Revenge it. Rage prevailing against Reason and fears, the Lords made that same answer to these Em∣bassadours which they had sent to the King himself before. As for the Popes Embassie which was sent by Adrian de Castello, an Italian Legate was coming, and the Lords fearing the danger of it, for in those

times it might have drawn the most part of all the Towns, and the Commons, for fear of Ecclesiastical Censures, to have adhered to the King, or stood in an indifferency, made all possible haste before it should have been delivered, to make Head against their Soveraign, and decide their Quarrel in a Bat∣tle; Urban the Fourth Armed Henry the Third King of England against all those that would not return to their due and old obedience to him, and all his disloyal Subjects.

The King was in a strong Fort, and if he had re∣mained still there, matters in a little time had faln forth more to his wishes; and his Enemies might have been brought to a submission: for his good Sub∣jects of the North, as the Forbesses, Oguilbuyes, the Graunts, Frazeres, Meldrums, many of the Gordounes, Keethes, and others who adhered to him out of affecti∣on and duty, were advancing towards him. But whether misinformed or betrayed by some of his own, who made him believe, that unless he could command the Country about Edenburgh, the Castle was of no such importance as was the Castle of Sterlin for him, in consideration of the passage over the River of Forth at a Bridge for those were coming to his Aid: The Lords of the Association counterfeiting a Retreat and dispersing themselves in the Country, that they might draw him from that Hold, he rashly and un∣advisedly issued out of the Castle and left his beloved Town of Edenburgh. The Earls of Montross, Glen∣carn, Lords Maxwel and Ruthen accompanied him to the Blackness; his Forces here encreasing he marched towards Sterlin, the Rendevous and desti∣nated Place of meeting for all his Loyal Subjects, there he displayed his Royal Standard. Here the perfidious Constable (an unparralleld example of in∣gratitude) who had betrayed the Son, in an Hostile

manner kept the Father out of his own Castle, Can∣nons mounted, Pistols cockt, and level'd at him, and exposed him a prey to his Rebels, In the amazement and deliberation what to go about, being thus shut out of his Castle, Tidings came to him, That the Confederates were come near to Falkirk, a little Town six miles Eastward from Sterlin, that his Ar∣my should not be discouraged by this unexpected accident, trusting to his right and present Power; being more stout than prudent, he resolveth to set all upon the hazard of a Battle. The Confederates had passed the Carron, a River under the Falkirk, and were encamped above the Bridge near the Tor∣wood: The King set forwards with his Army upon the otherside of the Torwood, near a small brook named Sawchy-Burn. This field is a Plain not far di∣stant from that Bannoch-burn, where King Robert the Bruce overthrew the great Army of Edward Carnar∣van. Here both Armies advance forward in Battel ar∣ray.

The Lords rang'd their Host in three Squadrons; the Vanguard was led by the Lords Hume and Hailles and their friends consisting of East Lothian and March-men; The middle ward was composed of the Liddesdale, Annandale, Ewesdale, Tiviotdale, Tweddale, Galloway-men: the main Battle was of West Lothian-men, where most of the Lords were, and amongst whom the Prince was kept. In the Kings Army the Earl of Monteeth, Lords Aresken, Graham, Ruthen, Maxwel commanded the Van∣guard. The left wing which consisted of Westland and Highland men, was committed to the Earl of Glencarn. The Lords Boyd, Lyndesay the Earl of Crawford commanded in the Rear or great Battel, amongst whom was the King armed from head to foot upon a great Coursier, easie to be known and

discern'd from the rest. The first Charge is valiant∣ly given and Launce meeting with Launce, the Vanguard of the Lords began to yield ground, and was strongly repulsed. But the next Charge being given by Annandale Men and the ranck Riders of the Borders, The middle ward of the Kings Army is beaten back to the main Battle; Notwithstanding of which it is Fought a while with marvellous ob∣stination and great hardiness and assurance, until the Standard Royal was beaten down, and those who defended it were slain, the violence of the bickering being mostly where it was planted. The Kings Army now beginning to bow, not being sufficient to resist the numbers of fresh Assailers, the Horse-men obeying no direction, turned their backs. In this rowt and confusion of Horse and Foot-men, the King seeking to retire towards the River of Forth, where not far off some Boats and the Ships of Sir An∣drew Wood attended the fortune of Battel, by the fall of his Horse, in leaping a Ditch, being sore bruised, was carried by such who knew him not, to a Mill at Bannoch-Burn. The day was now the Confede∣rates, and wrong had prevailed against Right, when the Prince of Rothsay amazed at the noise and cla∣mours of the flying and following Souldiers, and in suspition of the worst, gave out express and strait Commandment with threatnings to the Disobeyers, that none should presume to pursue his Father, nor others in the Chase. Notwithstanding which, he was followed and killed in a Mill in cold Blood. These who followed him were the Lord Gray, Robert Sterling of Keer, Sir Andrew Borthick a Priest, whom Fame reporteth after shiriving to have stobb'd him with a Dagger.

The Ensigns taken, the Army dissipated and put to flight, the Baggage rifled, the Death of the King

being rumoured through the Armies, the Victors turned slow in the chase, and gave field-room to all that would fly, no severity being used against any found unarm'd; for the Lords of the Association pursu'd the King not the People. The discomfited fled towards Sterlin; the victorious retir'd to their Camp, and the next morning to Linlithgow. On the Kings side Alexander Cunningham Earl of Glencarn was slain, and as some have Recorded, the Lords Ares∣kin, Simple, Ruthven, John Ramsey of Balmayn cre∣ated Earl of Bothwell, and his chief favourite, with their friends and Vassals: the Laird of Inneys, Alex∣ander Scot Director of the Chancery, with some No∣blemens Friends and Vassals: many were hurt who recovered of their wounds, and this Battle seem'd rather a brave encounter and meeting of Launces in some Lists, than a Field of great deeds of Arms, and the Victory was obtained rather by disorder, and the rashness of the Vanquished than by the Valour of the Victorious. This Battle was Fought the year One thousand four hundred eighty eight, the Eleventh day of June, which is the Festival of St. Barnabas, the Twenty ninth year of the Reign, and thirty five of the Age of this King. He had issue James the Fourth who succeeded, Alexander Arch-bishop of St. Andrews, and John Earl of Marr: The Conspirators with all funeral Rites and Royal Pomp, as in expiation of the wrongs they had done him living, near his Queen in the Abby Church of Cambuskynneth, buried his body.

This King concerning his personage was of a Sta∣ture higher than ordinary, well proportioned, his hair was black, his visage was rather long than round, approaching in colour more to those in the Southern than Northern Climates. Concerning his conditi∣ons, He was a Prince of an haughty and towring

Spirit, loved to govern alone, affecting an absolute Power and Royal Perogative over his People. He knew that Noblemen were of his Predecessours mak∣ing, as the coyn, and why he might not put his stamp upon the same mettal, or when these old Medals were defaced, that he might not refound them and give them a new Print, he thought no sufficient rea∣son could be given. His Reign seemeth a Theater spread over with mourning and stain'd with Blood, where in a Revolution many Tragedies were acted. Neither were the neighbour Kingdoms about in a calmer estate during his Reign. France under Louys the Eleventh, England under Henry the Sixth, Ed∣ward the Fourth, and Richard the Usurper, Flanders and Holland under Charles the War-like; Arnold Duke of Guilders was imprisoned by his own Son.

As if the heavenly Influences were sometimes all together set to produce upon this Ball of the Earth nothing but Conspiracies, Treasons, Troubles, and for the wickedness of the Inhabitants to deprive them of all rest, and contentment.

This King is by the most condemned, as a rash, imprudent dangerous Prince: good People make good Kings; when a People run directly to oppose the Authority of their Soveraign, and assume Rebellion and arrogancy for obedience, resisting his fairest motions and most profitable commandments, if a King be Martial, in a short time they are beaten and brought under. If he be politick, prudent and foreseeing in a longer time (as wild Dear) they are surprized and either brought back to their first order and condition, or thrall'd to greater miseries. If he be weak and suffer in his Reputation or State or Per∣son by them, the Prince who succeedeth is ordinari∣ly the Revenger of his wrongs. And all Conspira∣cies of Subjects if they prosper not in a high degree,

advance the Soveraignty: This Prince seemeth not to have been naturally evil inclined, but to have been constrained to leave his natural inclination and ne∣cessitate to run upon Precipices and dangers: his tur∣bulent Subjects never suffering him to have rest. Ma∣ny Princes who in the beginning of their Reigns have been admired for their fair Actions, by the in∣gratitude of their Subjects, have turn'd from one extremity to another, and become their rebellious Sub∣jects executioners. He was provoked to do many things by the insolency of private men: and what some call Tyranny and fierceness in a Prince, is but just severity. He sought to be feared, believing it to be the only way to obedience. It is true, injuries took such deep impression in his mind, that no after service could blot them away. The taking away of his Favourites, made him study revenge, which if he had not done, he had to much of the Stoical vertues, little of the Heroical

These who blame Princes, under a pure and abso∣lute Monarchy for having Favourites, would have them inhumane, base and contemptible, and would deprive them of Power to confer favours according to the distinguishing power of their understanding and conceptions. The choice a Prince maketh of men whom he advanceth to great imployments, is not subject to any mans censure. And were it bad, yet ought it to be pass'd over, if not approv'd; least the discretion and judgment of the Prince be questioned, and his Reputation wounded; Favourites are shrines to shaddow Princes from their People. Why should a people not allow a Prince some to whom he may unmask himself, and discover the secrets of his Heart? If his secrets should be imparted to many, they would be no longer secrets? Why should it be imposed on a Prince to love all his Subjects alike, since he is not

beloved of them all alike? This is a desire to tyran∣nize over the affections of Princes, whom men should reverence.

He seemeth too much to have delighted in retired∣ness, and to have been a hater of business; nor that he troubled himself with any but for formalities sake, more desirous of quietness than Honour. This was the fault of the Governours of his youth, who put him off business of State, that they might the more easily reach their own ends, and by making him their shadow, govern after their pleasure; Of this delight in solitariness his Brothers took their advantage and wan the people to their observance.

He was much given to Buildings and trimming up of Chappels, Halls, and Gardens, as usually are the lovers of Idleness: and the rarest frames of Chur∣ches and Pallaces in Scotland were mostly raised about his time. An humour which though it be al∣lowable in men which have not much to do, yet it is harmful in Princes; As to be taken with admiration of Watches, Clocks, Dyals, Automates, Pictures, Statues. For the Art of Princes is to give Laws and govern their people with wisdom in peace, and glory in war; to spare the humble and prostrate the proud.

He is blam'd of Avarice, yet there is no great mat∣ters Recorded of it, save the encroaching upon the dealing, and taking the giving to whom he pleased, of Church Benefices; which if he had liv'd in our times, would have been held a vertue. He was of a credulous Disposition, and therefore easie to be abused, which hath moved some to Record he was given to Divination and to inquire of future accidents: which if it be credible was the fault of those times. Edward the Fourth of England is said to have had that same fault, and that by the misinterpretation of a Pro∣phecy of a Necromancer, which foretold that one,

the first Letter of whose name was G. should Usurp the Kingdom, and dispossess the Children of King Edward, he took away his Brother George Duke of Clarence; which being really practised in England, some Scottish Writers (that a King of Scotland should not be inferiour, to any of his Neighbour Princes in wickedness) without grounds have recorded the same to have been done by this King, his love was great to learned men, he used as Counsellors in his important affairs John Ireland a Doctour of Divini∣ty, and one of the Sorbon in Paris, made Arch∣deacon of St. Andrews, Mr. Robert Blackadore, whom he promoted to be Bishop of Glasgow, Mr. William Elphinstoun, whom of an Official or Commissary of Lothian, he surrogated in the place of Mr. Robert Blackadore, and made Bishop of Aberdeen; and his faults either in Religion or Policy may be attributed to these and his other Counsel∣lours.

Many have thought that the fatal Chariot of his Precipice was, that he had equally offended Kindred, Clergy, Nobility and People. But suppose this had been true, why should such an horrible mischief have been devised, as to arm his own Son against him? and that neither the fear of Divine Justice, the respect of Infamy with the present or after times, the dan∣ger of the example, had power to divert the minds of men from such a cruel Design! This was really to seeth the Kid in the Mothers milk, and to make an innocent youth obnoxious to the most hainous Crime that could be committed. Whatever cour∣tains could be spread to overshadow and cover this mischief, the horrour of this Fact possest this Prince to his last hour, and God out of his Justice exe∣cuted the revenge of his cruelty upon the No∣bles,

Commons, and the Prince himself at the field of Flowden: where some of the chief Actors of this Paricide were in their own persons, others in the persons of their Successors, sacrificed to the Ghost of this King.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1466
• * 1.2

  1469.
• * 1.3

  1469.
• * 1.4

  1482.