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 LIFE and Reign of James the Fifth, KING of SCOTLAND.

THe fatal accident and overthrow of the King, and Flower of the Nobility of Scotland at Flowden filled the remnant of the State with great sorrow, but with great amazement and perplexity: for by this great change they expected no less than the progress and advance∣ment of the Victors Arms and Fortune, and feared the Conquest, Servitude, and Desolation of the whole Kingdom. The rigorous season of the year being spent in mourning, and performing of last duties to the dead for their lost kinsmen and friends; and the gathering together the floating Ribs and dispersed Planks of this Ship-wrack, the Pears assembled at Sterlin, where being, applying themselves to set their confusions in order, and determine on the Remedies of their present evils, the lively pourtraict of their Calamities did represent it self to the full view. The Head and fairest parts which Majesty, Authority,

Direction, Wisdom had made eminent, were cut away, some turbulent Church-men, Orphant-No∣blemen, and timorous Citizens, fill their vacant pla∣ces: and many who needed directions themselves, were placed to direct and guide the Helm of State; such miseries being always incident to a People, where the Father of the Country is taken away, and the Successour is of under age. In this Maze of perplexity to disoblige themselves of their greatest duty, and give satisfaction to the most and best, the Lawful Successour and Heir JAMES the Prince is set on the Throne and Crowned, being at that time One year, five months and ten days of Age, and the hundred and fifth King of Scotland. The last Will and Testament which the late King had left before his expedition, being publickly seen and ap∣proved, the Queen challenges the Protection of the Realm and Tutelage of her Son, as disposed unto her so long as she continued a Widdow and follow∣ed the Counsel and advice of the Chancellour of the Realm, and some other grave Counsellours, and she obtained it: as well out of a Religion they had to fulfil the Will of their deceased Sovereign, as to shun and be freed of the imminent Arms, and im∣minent danger of her Brother the King of England. Being established in the Government, and having from all that respect, reverence, and observance which belong to such a Princess, she sent Letters to the King of England; that having compassion up∣on the tears and prayers of a Widdow, of his Sister, of an Orphan, of his Nephew, he would not only cease from following the War upon Scotland (then at War with it self and many ways divided) but ennobled by courage and goodness, be a defence un∣to her and the Infant her Son, against all injuries to be offered them by Forrainers abroad, of any of the

Factious Nobility, who would oppose themselves against her at home.

To which King Henry answered, That with the Peaceable he would entertain Peace, and with the Froward and Turbulent, War; If the Scots would live in Peace, they should have it for his part, but if they would rather Fight, he was not to refuse them. That her Husband had faln by his own indiscreet rash∣ness, and foolish kindness to France, that he regretted his death as his Ally, and should be willing to prohi∣bite all hostility against the Country of Scotland du∣ring the minority of her Son, for a remedy of pre∣sent evils, one years Truce and a day longer was yielded unto; in which time he had leasure to prose∣cute his designs against France, without fear of be∣ing disturbed or diverted by the Incursions and in∣roads of the Scots upon his Borders.

The Government of a Woman and a Child over a People ever in Motion, mutinous and delighting in Changes, could not long subsist firm, nor continue after one fashion. The first shake and disorders of the Kingdom arose, and was occasioned by the am∣bition and avarice of the Church-men (the Moth∣worms of State) being seconded by the Factious Nobles and Male-contents; and it was the distributi∣on of the Offices, Places, Benefices, vacant by the deaths of those slain in the late Battel. Andrew Forman Arch-Bishop of Burges, Bishop of Murray, and Legate to the Pope Julius, Gavin Dowglass Bi∣shop of Dunkel, Uncle to the Earl of Anguss, John Hepburn Prior of St. Andrews, contend all three for the Arch-bishoprick of St. Andrews. Gavin Dow∣glass was presented to it by the Queen, Andrew For∣man by the Pope, John Hepburn was chosen by the Chapter his Canons; and sundry of the Nobility favoured his Election, they said also the place whilst

it was vacant belonged unto him: and his Party was so strong that none dared publish the Popes Bull in favour of Andrew Forman for many days. Till Alexander Lord Hume then Chamberlain and War∣den of the East Marshes, won by many promises, and the Abbacy of Coldingham engaged and presently given in hand to his younger Brother David, in de∣spight of the opposition or the Lord Haylles and the Faction of the Hepburns, then seditious and pow∣erful, well backed by his Friends, Vassals, Adherents all in Arms, caused publish, and proclaim it at the Market cross of Edenburgh, which action first in∣censed the Prior to Plot mischief against the Fa∣mily of the Humes. William Elphinstoun Bishop of Aberdeen by many of the Clergy and some of the No∣bility had been desired to accept this Dignity, but he refused it, being now weary of earthly greatness, and making for another World, for at this time at Edenburgh he left this.

As ordinarily when one Faction is near extinguish∣ed, the remnant subdivideth, after these jars of the Church-men, which were cherished by the Nobility, the Nobles began to jar among themselves, and grudge at others preferments. Alexander Lord Gordon ruled and commanded the Countries North∣ward the River of Forth, as Alexander Lord Hume Usurped almost a Royal Authority, and commanded over the Countreys on South-side of the Forth, the Earl of Anguss went about a fairer Conquest.

James Earl of Arran Lord Hamiltown being near∣est in blood to the King, could not but with indig∣nation look upon the undeserved greatness of these Usurpers, under the shadow of this Oligarchy, tur∣bulent, evil disposed, and men abhorring quietness ravaged the Country and did what they pleased.

Amidst these confusions the Queen in April

brought forth the posthumous child in the Castle of Sterlin, whom the Bishop of Cathness, Abbot of Dum∣fermlin, and the Arch-Dean of St. Andrews baptized and named Alexander. After she was recovered and had required her wonted strength of Body, she found the Authority of her place was turned weak, and that she enjoyed nothing but the name of Go∣verning, the people delighting to live rather with∣out rule and in all disorders than to be subject to the obedience of a Woman though a Queen. After great deliberation and many essays in vain to curb their insolency and vindicate her Authority from their contempt, as also to save her Son from the dan∣gers of an insulting Nobility, and settle her estate, she resolved to Match with some Nobleman eminent in Power and worth, who could and would Protect her and hers in greatest extremities. Amongst the choice of the young Noblemen of Scotland for a long Succession of renowned Ancestors, comeliness of Person, noble conversation, prudence in affairs of State, being lovely, courteous, liberal, wise, none was comparable to the Earl of Angus; him she de∣termines to make Partner of her Royal Bed and For∣tunes; and as ordinarily in matters of love it falleth out by the impatience of delay, without acquainting her Brother the King of England, or the Nobles of the Kingdom with her design, she afterwards mar∣ryeth him, transferring, if she could, the whole weight of the Kingdom and the reins of the Government of the State into his hands, having no more freedom in her own determinations.

No sooner was this revealed to the World, when the Nobility and Gentry divided into two Factions, one adhering to the Dowglass, in whom kindred, friendship long observance had bred hopes of bene∣fit and preferment: another of such whom envy of

his greatness and advancement had made hungry of change The first would have the Government con∣tinued in the Queens person and her husband's; because hereby the Realm should still have peace with Eng∣land, which at that time was the most necessary point to be respected. The adverse Party, of which the Lord Chamberlain was the Principal, who was a man both in Power, Parentage, Riches, equal if not be∣yond, to many of the great Men of the Country, importuned the Election of a new Governour and Protector of the young King. The Queen losing by her marriage both the tutelage of her Son and the Government, should not take to heart that ano∣ther were chosen and put in her place.

Her marrying the Earl of Anguss had made him too great already to be a Subject; the continuing of her in Authority would promote him to the greatness of a Prince. Who should be Governour, is upon both sides long and contentiously argued. Many gave their voices for the Earl of Arran, as being near in blood to the King, and a man affecting peace more than others, and every way sufficient for such a Charge. The Chamberlain had determined of another, and told it was a wrong to bar from so high an honour a man of the Masculine line in blood to the King, and prefer one of the Femine. John Duke of Albany, Son to Alexander Duke of Albany the Brother of King James the Third, before all others by all reason should be preferred to the Government. Be∣ing demanded if he would the first, to gave example to others, set his hand to this Election, he without pausing performed it, with a protestation, that though the rest of the Nobility opposed it, as to his coming into Scotland to accept the Government, he alone would go to France, charge him with it, be his Convoy hither, and maintain his Title.

This he was thought to have done, for that de∣spairing to reach and obtain this Dignity himself, out of emulation he laid a design that never any other of the Nobles of the Kingdom should reach it: affecting rather to give a Stranger the place than a Competitor, bringing in the French to equal the ballance as prin∣cipal, himself only as accessory, nothing doubting of a chief place in State, as well for his forwardness in this election as for the necessity of his Service which the French could not well want, and should never be lacking. He feared also if the Faction of the Dowglasses prevail'd, the greatness of the Earl of Anguss would be an umbrage to his, and lessen & impair it; Their Lands & Fortunes lying near to other, as that the Queen by her power in England would cross his fairest projects.

The King of England had sent a Letter to the Lords of Scotland (as he had done to the French King for that same effect) remonstrating how dangerous it was for the State of Scotland, and young King, if they should make choice of the Duke of Albany.

Notwithstanding of all which through ambition, malice, envy of others, discords amongst themselves, they made choice of this Gentleman, a stranger by his education and birth, ignorant of the nature and man∣ners of the Scots: whose Father was banished for Treason against his Brother, and dyed unrestored. One altogether devoted to the French King, and an enemy to the English; not caring to keep the Country of Scotland in Wars and Troubles, so he might defend the French Nation, by making the Scots fight their battels.

After many private Letters from his Friends in Scotland (especially from the Chamberlain) inviting him to come home and accept his new dignity, the Duke at last is required by the State, and Lyon King of Arms is directed to him, to acquaint him with their

proceedings, and make him forward on his way. He to endear his coming and make himself the more desired of the People, excusing his stay for a while (which he laid upon the Treaty of Peace, which was then to be agreed upon between England and France, by the marriage of Lovys the French King with Mary the youngest Sister of Henry King of England, which required his presence) sendeth home the King of Arms with Letters from the French King, with Sir Anthony Darcea le Siour de la Beautie. This manpropounded certain conditions which the Duke required. What should be the form of his Government, his Guards, what Castles should be delivered to him for his Gar∣risons; the restoring his patrimony and Fathers digni∣ties to him. Which particularities being condescend∣ed unto, the Castle of Dumbar was instantly delivered to la Beautie to be kept for a French Garrison at the Dukes coming: and Sir Patrick Hamilton, Brother to the Earl of Arran, James Oguilbuy Abbot of Arbroth with the King of Arms, were sent back again to France. After their Arrival the Duke of Albany furnished with all necessaries by the French King with eight well rigged Ships took the Seas, and in the month of May arrived on the West coasts of Scotland, from whence with a great retinue of the Nobles and Barons of the Country by easie journeys, the Queen meeting him, he came to the Town of Edenburgh. In the Parliament which had been prorogued for his coming, the Duke accepted the Government, and gave his Oath of fidelity to the King and Country: and the three Estates gave their Oath of obedience to him, and both swore in the Administration of Justice, neither should be deficient to others. Here is he restored to all his Fathers inheritance, Titles and honours. Being declared Duke of Albany, Earl of March, and Governour of the Kingdom till the King's

full maturity. Many Laws are made for the weal of the Kingdom, and to gratifie his Linnage, James the natural Son of James the fourth is created Earl of Murray.

At the presence of this new Governour the face of the State turned more beautiful, and the Court more Royal, oppression is restrained, justice sincerely executed, the Court is frequented with good and vir∣tuous men, Malefactors and naughty persons banish themselves. He maketh a progress to all the notable Towns of the Kingdom, seeing crimes punished, and faults amended. Being a Stranger and not throughly acquainted with the municipal Statutes and particular practices of the Country, in matters great and of importance he proceedeth by the instructions and in∣formations of some choice men of the Nation it self. Especially since he was not infinite to listen to the advice of every one, he gave himself to hearken and follow the opinion and counsel of John Hepburn Prior of St. Andrews: whose judgment in his great∣est difficulties he receives as an Oracle. This man being of a subtle mind, malitious, crafty, rich and endued with some Courtly eloquence, by a counter∣feit Pretence of knowledge of the affairs of the King∣dom and State (neither in some things did he err) at first being very familiar with the Duke and in a little time after, by bribing secretly some of his choice Servants, turned his only Privado, and almost possessed alone his judgment and ear. He informed him of the strength and Riches of the Country, of the nature of the people, manner of their Laws, revealed to him many secrets of the Government. He gave him a Catalogue of the whole deadly fewds and divisions a∣mongst the Noblemen and Gentry, opening unto him which were inveterate, and had long continued, and which were fresh, upon what accidents they had

their beginnings. How in prosecuting Revenge in them they cared not how innocent any man was if he were of the Name and Alliance, but rather thought, the more innocent any was, the more it testified their spight, which they desired to manifest by taking him away. He shewed him what factions were in the Kingdom, who sway'd them, and were the heads. He told him the Scots were a violent fierce people, mutinously proud, and knew not how to obey with∣out the Sword were drawn. that they were never absolutely governed by their own Kings themselves, far less would they be ruled by him who was but a Governour, and half a Stranger. King James the First they had killed, they had made a League against King James the Second, in open Battel they had over∣thrown King James the Third, and the last King was by best judgments thought to have been secretly taken away: here (calling to mind the proclaim∣ing of the Arch-bishop Andrew Formans Bull) he omitted nothing could derogate to the Chamberlains reputation and honour, and an evil opinion of him in the Governour.

He instructed him how the great Houses of Scot∣land were so joined and linkt together, by kindred, Alliances, Bonds of service or Homage, that no Gen∣tleman of any quality, although a Malefactor and a guilty person, could be presented to justice without some stir, commotion, tumult of the Grandees and their factious friends: Amidst so many strong parties and confederate male-contents, the Gover∣nour by the power of the Scots themselves, and his own Kindred, Friends and Followers, were not powerful enough safely to administer justice: for which cause the King of France should be implored to send hither competent forces to quell the inso∣lencies and shake the pride of the factious Nobles.

The heads of the factions which had a principal sway in the Kingdom at that time would either be cut off, or kept under, but with such cunning and dexterity that it should not be perceived, nor found out; that many were aimed at and interessed when some few did suffer and fall. That for the pre∣sent there were three heads to be looked unto as feared and like to bring Novations in the State, being men able to change the present Government.

The Earl of Anguss, a man in the prime of his youth of high flying thoughts by his Alliance with the King of England, and that estimation the people conceiv∣ed of him by the demerits of his Ancestors, and the singular love the Subjects bare him, carryed a mind above the fortune of a private man, and seemed not born to live a subjects life, each action of his bearing in it majesty and magnificence, he had power to hurt if he would hurt.

The Lord Chamberlain, a man unpolisht, stub∣bornly stout, hazardous, mighty in riches and power, and consequently proud, of a working mind and vehement Spirit, whom time and experience had hardned by great exploits and most dangerous acti∣ons, who had the malice to be a Spectator of the dis∣comfiture of his Prince and Countrymen at Flowden, was likely to attend the opportunity of traverses and changes.

The third was the Arch-Bishop Andrew Forman, once Secretary to the Pope, who though he was not of any Noble Stem nor descent of blood, nor for his Followers, Friends, and Adherents much to be taken notice of or feared, yet considering him as his Le∣gateship, pluralty of benefices, many pensions from Princes, had guilded him over, and balancing him by his present treasure, he could make a weak par∣ty strong, and add weight to what side soever he in∣clined

He was therefore with piercing eyes to be lookt into, and all his actions and ways to be observed.

The Governour gave not great attention to what the Prior had instructed against the Arch-Bishop, having before had some inkling of the rancor, gnudge and enmity between them. And he was conscious the Arch-Bishops riches were above envy; he hav∣ing been ever more solicitous magnificently to spend what he had acquired than hoord up. Neither did he bestow so much upon any of his Countrymen, as he did upon the French, the Friends and Servants of the Governour. He knew he was also so circum∣spect as not to adhere to any of the factions of the time, in a neutrality indifferently and friendly en∣tertaining all his Compatriots.

Nor was he much moved at his information con∣cerning the Earl of Anguss, finding him a man peace∣able, courteous to all and affable; and though of aspiring thoughts, carryed often away with his pri∣vate delights and Courtly pleasures.

But what the Prior informed against the Lord Chamberlain he deeply ingraved in his memory, and ever after his countenance bewrayed certain flaws of ill concealed discontent: Neither did he thereafter shew him wonted favours, which the Chamberlain observing and guessing at the change of the Govern∣nors mind towards him by more than ordinary evi∣dences and signs: He having been the only man who wrought his advancement and coming to Scotland, his deserts new either forgot or ungratefully remem∣bred, full of grief and disdain, retired from the Court to his own Castles, where, when he had rested a while, half astonished to see his hopes so frustrate he taketh new resolutions and determinations to play the Governour double or quite. Hereafter he leav∣eth no means untryed to become entire with the

Queen and her Husband, and by observance and fre∣quent meeting with them, he wrought himself not only to be imbraced as their Friend, but their Coun∣sellor, and one in whom they had great confidence. He many times with them deplored the Publick Ca∣lamity, when his own particular only stung him, ac∣cusing himself of his too much forwardness in calling home a man born an Exile, whose Father died ba∣nish'd for his ambition, and had essayed to take the Crown from his Eldest Brother. Sith this man was the nearest of blood to succeed who could not per∣ceive his last work would be the making away the innocent Child, his Pupil, to ascend the Royal Throne himself; in the height of Malice accom∣plishing what his Father out of a desire to Rule did Project. By his tender years the King could not pre∣vent his danger, his Mother might anticipate it, that new necessities requir'd new remedies, only one Po∣stern gate remained yet open, which was, that the Queen would transport her Son to England.

When this Plot was whisper'd to the Governour, who wanted not his Emissaries among the Queens Attendants, it was no sooner reveal'd than believ'd, and no sooner believ'd, when (being a man who used celerity in all his Actions) with as many men as hast could suffer him to gather, forthwith marched from Edenburgh to Sterlin, there unawares he surpri∣zed the Castle, and in it the Queen with her two Sons. A Council being assembled, the King with his Brother Alexander are sequestred from their Mo∣ther, and trusted to the custody of four Lords, who by turns interchangeably should attend the two Prin∣ces and have a care of their education. That no violence should be offer'd them, certain Gentlemen of the French and Scots are appointed still to wait on, nd guard them; from this suspition the seeds of

enmity began to be sown between the Queen and the Governour, which neither time nor wisdom thereafter could take away and root out.

Amidst this storm of Court, the Lord Chamber∣lain brought to a new traverse of his thoughts, with his Brother Mr. William Hume fly towards England; the Queen with her Husband and Sir George Dow∣glass his Brother with an unexpected suddenness hast to Tantallon, and from thence to Berwick, from which they had a convoy to the Nunnery of Colstream: Here they attended advertisement from the King of England what course to follow and know his pleasure. He recommended them to the Protection and care of the Lord Dacres, and assigned the Castle of Har∣bottle in Northumberland for his Sisters residence du∣ring her abode in these Northern parts, and the trou∣bles of Scotland.

The Governour not a little perplexed at the flight and escape of those Conspiratours, sendeth Embassa∣dors to the Court of England to clear himself to the King of what might be surmised against him con∣cerning these new strangers come to his Country. He had done nothing which should have offended the Queen, made her afraid, or to entertain or harbour a sinister thought of his proceedings. Neither did he intend any thing against these had followed and accompanied her, which should have moved them to leave their Country; unto whom if they pleased to return they should be welcom, enjoy their wonted freedom, and keep peaceably what they had possessed. If they were conscious to themselves of any misde∣meanour, he would not be too precise in the search of it. He also trafficked by the friends of those who favoured the Dowglasses and Humes to persuade them to a Return, giving them fair Promises of ob∣taining what they should demand. Till at last he

removed them to bow and yield to his desires. The fugitive Gentlemen return'd; but the Queen being with child, and near the time of her delivery, was necessitated to stay still, till at Harbottle Castle she brought forth her daughter Margaret, after Grand∣mother to James King of Britain. So soon as she was able to endure travel, and be transported, King Henry with an honourable retinue brought her to his Court, where she was by him and his Sister Mary (late Queen of France) welcomed. In May she made her progress through London to Baynards Castle, and from thence to Greenwich.

The Contrivers of the exploit of transporting the King to England being within the Country, and, as it were, secure, the Governor, whose head was filled with suspitions, not thinking himself bound by promises, will have them give a reckoning of their enterprize and flight into England. Against some he hath clear proofs, fair and manifest evidences, against other bare surmises and naked suspitions; for they had not left the Country, nor had they been partakers of the Queens fortunes. Here with an unexpected suddenness, Mr. Gavin Dowglas Uncle to the Earl of Anguss, Bishop of Dunkel, Mr. Patrick Panther Secretary to the late King, were committed. Mr. Gavin in the Castle of St. Andrews, Mr. Patrick in Garvet Castle. The Lord Drummond grand-Father to the Earl of Anguss, having beaten a Lyon Herauld, who too imperiously had given a charge to answer to such things should be objected against him, was imprisoned in the Castle of Blackness. Alexander Lord Hume being charged to answer for his actions and proceedings, and not appearing, was denounced Rebel, his moveables seised on and brought to the Ex∣chequer, Stir'd up and irritated by this outrage, he maketh Roads upon the neighbour bounds, plunder∣eth

Dumbar which was the Governors chief resort and to revenge his wrongs, setteth on work the Rob∣bers on the borders. To repress and bridle this ravag∣ing, the Governor in person with a thousand hardy Souldiers marcheth to the Borders, directeth some companies to find out the Lord Hume; but he, either dismaid at the worth and fortune of the Governor, or broken and bowing under the burthen of his own miseries, cometh to the Governor and submitted his life and estate to his faith and clemency: brought to Edenburgh, he is trusted to the custody of James Earl of Arran the Husband of his Sister, with threatnings under pain of high Treason, that he should not part with him, nor suffer him to escape. The Lord Hume had not long staid in the Castle of Edenburgh, when with glosses of probalities of changes casual, and such as might fall forth, he mov∣ed the Earl of Arran to be of his Mind, and brought him to conspire against the Governor, and hazard to put himself in his place of State. He himself was the only man who had brought in the Governor, and he knew well how to put him out, if the Earl would be of the Party, and by his negligence not reject a Supream honor thrown in his arms. He is begun already not to be lov'd, if he was not already hated by the Subjects by his imperious proceedings. If the King of England could find some few Noblemen to make head against him, he would constrain him to leave the Country. The Earl of Arran was neerest heir to the King, it was more reason he should be second in the Kingdom than John, who though descended of a brother, yet a banisht man, and a stranger to the Scots Nation, with whom had they not so much as in∣tercourse and familiarity of language. After many such like inducements, the Prisoner took away his Keeper with him to the South parts of the Country:

and both by Letters to their Familiars, Kindred, and acquaintance, and private meetings with other Noble men strove to make strong and increase their faction.

In the beginning of the Spring John Stuart Earl of Lennox, the Sisters son of the Earl of Arran, list∣ed himself in the Party of the Conspiring Lords, and with a number of his Friends and Followers invest∣ed the Castle of Glasgow; which if they could have kept, had been a great advancement to their inten∣tions. But the Governour gathering an Army of as many as hast would suffer him to Assemble, the De∣fenders not being strong enough to resist him, reco∣vered the Castle with small loss of his men. After which in indignation he marched to throw down the Castle of Hamilton; here victorious anger was con∣quer'd by pity and compassion: for the old Coun∣tess of Arran being at that time there resident (who was Daughter to King James the Second, Sister to King James the Third, Mother to the Earl of Arran, Gandmother to the Earl of Lennox, Aunt to the Governour) a Lady venerable for years and ver∣tues, with tears of affection and sorrow falling down at the Governours feet, and received by him with great commiseration in a merciful manner, not only preserv'd the Castle, but by the means of the Arch-Bishop Andrew Forman, entred into a Treaty for Peace to her Son, and the Earl of Lennox. And in November the two Earls coming to Edenburgh by the means of this Arch-bishop were reconciled with the Governor. About this time (his Mother being far from him to discharge the last duties of affection towards him) Alexander Duke of Rothsay, Brother to the King, a Child to admiration beautiful and Delightful, died at Sterlin, and was buried in the Abby Church of Cambuskenneth.

The term of Peace between the two Kingdoms be∣ing

almost expir'd, and both having a desire to con∣tinue it, the English sent their Commissioners to Cold∣ingham, to whom the Duke, then resident at Dumbar, sent Monsieur du Plains Embassador for the French King, Sir William Scot of Balweary, and Gavin Dumbar Arch-Dean of Saint Andrews. These after some altercation concerning the Scottish Fugitives, conclude a Peace between the Nations from the midst of January till the feast of Whitsuntide after. The English comprehended in the Articles the Earl of An∣guss, the Lord Hume, and the rest of the Queens strayed Faction, with all their Kinsmen, Clients and Followers. The Lord Hume was received again into the Governours favor, with condition that if he after break his promises and oaths, his old faults should be remembered and joined to his new. Master Gavin Dowglass and Mr. Patrick Panther were set at Liberty, The Lord Drummond who had been forfeited was again restored, the Earl of Anguss with these who had followed him with many ceremonies, and great store of Friendship, was welcomed again to the Court.

The Disorders of the Kingdom called a Parlia∣ment, in which many acts were made to restrain and keep under bold and wicked men, and preserve the peace of the Kingdom. In this Parliament it was Ordained, the Kings Brother Alexander being de∣ceased, that the Governour should be reputed second Person of the Realm, and next heir to the Crown. Notwithstanding of the claim made by Alexander Stuart the elder brother of the Governour, who was begotten on a Daughter of the Earl of Orkenay, to whom the Duke of Albany their Father had been lawfully joined in marriage before his coming to France, and thus before the marrying of the Earl of Bulloignes daughter the Mother of John the Go∣vernour, upon which ground Alexander had great

reason to make his claim and protestation as heir to his Father. Notwithstanding of his challenge and bravado, Alexander being more fit for a Cowl than a Crown, in open Parliament gave over all Title he had to the Crown in his brothers favour. Where∣upon to deprive him ever hereafter of lawfull Succession, they turned him Priest, being made Bi∣shop of Murray and Abbot of Skoon.

A truce being sincerely kept with England tumults within the Country appeased particular deadly fewds and jarres of private persons either curbed or smothered up, the Governour giveth himself some weeks to his Courtly recreations at Faulk-land, with what pastime soever he be delighted, or beguile the hours all the day long, in the night he is often haunted by his old familiar the Prior of St. Andrews, whom ambition, spight, malice never suffered to take any rest.

This man put in the Governors head and made him believe, that his endeavours and pains heretofore would prove but vain in settling the Government, and that the peace of the Kingdom should never be lasting, firm and permanent, if so dangerous a Sub∣ject as the Lord Chamberlain remained alive; whom neither rewards could soften, nor honours and prefer∣ment oblige and make constant. How many times had he been pardoned? How often and without a cause had he returned again to his former Conspi∣racies? Should the Governour of his own free-will or of necessity be moved to return to France, what would not the boldness of this man attempt in his absence, which his authority and presence could ne∣ver curb and keep within compass? the life of this man would be the death and total ruine of the Peace, of the concord and harmony of the State, bring forth nothing but dangerous and wicked effects; the vio∣lence

of ambition having pulled him from his own judgment. Should he be challenged and put to a tryal of his Peers. He could not shun the blow of Ju∣stice, the cry of his oppression and wrongs having reached heaven: A member so often in vain cured and still gangrened should be cut off.

The Governour, whose Brains the Prior had now embrued with jealousies, thought it no great matter upon the informations he had received to put the Chamberlain to a Tryal; for if he proved not guilty it would be but to leave him in that state and case he was found in; and calumnies though they do not born yet black. Being come to Edenburgh he ap∣pointed a convention of the Nobility, all which time he earnestly trafficked with the Friends of the Lord Chamberlain that he should not be absent, the mat∣ters to be determined in Council concerning him nearly, and he had need of his advice and council.

The Court and City being full of whisperings and expectation of some sudden change, many dissuad∣eth the Chamberlain from appearing; if he appeared, that he would leave his Brother Master William (a man equal in judgment and courage to himself) be∣hind. He, trained into false hopes by the blandish∣ments of the Governour towards his friends, and inveigled by presumption, with his Brother, and (Sir Andrew called by the Country Lord) David Car of Farnehast cometh to Court, where they were with many ceremonies welcomed by the Governour, with more than ordinary favours entertained, and shortly after all three imprisoned, produced in judgment to answer to such things as should be objected against them according to the Laws of the Kingdom, and submitted to the Sentence of a Jury. No new crime was laid to their charge, James Earl of Murray the natural Son of the late King, accused the Chamber∣lain

of the death of his Father: who by many wit∣nesses was proved alive, and seen to come from the Battel of Flowden: This by pregnant evidences not being proved, he was indicted of divers other points of Treason, and his private faults are found out and laid against him: they renew the memory of the late stirs of State and these disorders, of which he was either the Author or accessary to them. He had fa∣voured and maintained the Factions, Thefts and Robberies of wicked Malefactors on the Borders: he had not honourably nor honestly carryed himself at the Battel of Flowden, performing neither the duty of a Soldier nor Commander. He had suffered the English to repair and of new fortifie the Castle of Norham, which without either trouble to himself or danger to his Friends, he might have hindred. Of every of which points and particularities he not clear∣ly justifying himself, the Judges prepared and directed by the Governor (whom they record to have given information of a hainous crime committed by the Chamberlain and his brother, for the odiousness of it not to be revealed to the people) pronounce him and his Brother guilty, and condemn them to have their Heads cut off. The day following the sentence was put in execution, and their heads fixt on the most eminent part of the Town of Edenburgh. David Car of Farnhast, either by the Jury, being declared not guilty (as some have recorded) or by the Corrupting of his Keepers (as others) or by the permission of the Governor, escap'd this danger; which brought the People to believe the Chamberlain was by his means entrapped, To sink, whom he put himself in hazard of drowning.

This Calamity of the family of the Humes, being so ancient, potent and couragious, bred terrour and astonishmenr in many of the other Noblemen of the

Kingdom, and estranged their Hearts form the Go∣vernour; his ears began to be after attentive to every rumour, and his eyes pryed into each accident; at last, as if he were wearied with wrestling with the many disorders, and cumbersome Factions of the Country, he sought how by some fair way he might for a while return to France. Embassadours being sent from King Francis to Scotland to renew the ancient League between the two Nations, when the Nobles assembled to make choice of the man on whom they should transfer the honour of the accomplishment of so solemn an action and pass to France, the Governour carryed the matter so by means of the French, that it was conferred on himself, but with this condition (to entertain them with hopes of his Return) that he should not stay above six Months out of the Country; Having obtained this privileged absence of them, his next care was to preserve the State from any alte∣rations till his Return, and to find the Government as he left it. Hereupon to preserve the Person of the King, he is conveyed from Sterlin to the Castle of Edenburgh, and trusted to the custody of the Earl of Marshall, the Lords Ruthen and Borthick, two of which should be always resident with him, and ac∣company and assist the Lord Areskin his constant and unremovable Guardian. For the Government of the State he leaveth seven Deputies in his Place, The Earl of Arran, Anguss, Huntley, Arguile, the Arch-Bishops of St. Andrews and Glasgow; to these is adjoined Sir Anthony Darcey le Sieur de la Beautie, whom he had made Captain of Dumbar, and promot∣ed to be in the Lord Humes Place, Warden of the East Marches, keeping the days of Truce and Justice Courts. This was the man to whom the entire Con∣duct of all the Governours affairs was intrusted, and who should give him advertisment of what did pass

in Scotland, during his aboed in France. That no dis∣cord should arise amongst men equal in places and au∣thority (the ordinary occasion of division) several shires which they should govern to every one of them are allotted. To Sir Anthony Darcey was destinated the Government of the Merss and Lothian; to the other their shires were appointed as the convenience of their dwelling places, Friends and Kindred did afford them. Under pretexts and fair colours of honour, and as to pass the time, and be trained in French Civility, also for the greater magnificency, the Governour took in his company the Earl of Lennox, the Lord Gordon, Masters of Glencarn and Arran, other young Lords; who in effect were so many Hostages, that no stir by their Parents, Kindred, Friends, should be raised du∣ring his absence. He likewise under dark Shadows and far sought pretences committed to such Castles as were garrisoned with French Soldiers, as Dumbarton, Dum∣bar, Garvet, certain Barons of the South and West Countries, who wanted nothing but liberty, not for any thing they had done, but what they might do the Governour being out of the Kingdom. Matters brought to such a pass as his best Politicians could de∣vise, accompanied with Master Gavin Dowglass Bi∣shop of Dunkell, and Master Patrick Panther Se∣cretary to the late King, men whom he feared to leave behind him, and entertained (though he knew they loved him not) as his bosom friends, in June at Dum∣bartoun he took Shipping.

Queen Margaret after she had remained a year in England understanding by Letters the Governour had taken the Seas, and was on his way towards France, honourably dismissed by her Brother came to Scotland At Berwick she was received by her Husband the Earl of Anguss; but he was not accepted with the favours he was wont; for that plague of too much love

(jealousie) had infected her, having gotten some inkling that he delighted in a free bed, and during the time of her abode in England had entertained a Mis∣tress in Dowglass-dale, an injury beyond degree of Re∣concilement, after which she began to disdain him, and seek how she might be divorced from him. Though whilst the King was kept in the Castle of Edenburgh all access unto him was refused her, when he was trans∣ported to the Castle of Craigmillar, out of a suspiti∣on and rumour the Plague had infected Edenburgh, by the courtesie of the Lord Areskin, she had liberty to visit him, But her frequent haunting him out of too much motherly kindness, breeding a suspition in his Guardians, that, as had once before been practised. by a Queen in Scotland, She had an intention to have stoln him away and sent him to his Uncle, restrained her long∣er access to him, and procured his return back again to the Castle of Edenburgh.

Sir Anthony Darcey having by his vigilancy, pains, courage, given many proofs of his worth in defence of the Borders, and administration of Justice in those shires he governed; The other Governours, often disagreeing amongst themselves, either out of Love of rest, and to be vacant from business, or out of malice to procure him greater hatred, declare him absolute Deputy: and they gave their promises to second him in way of Justice: and here he found the difference between extreams and mediocrities. Many disdained a Stranger should be in that place, so many brave men of their Nation neglected. A quarrel at that time, either true and real, or (as others have recorded) altogether forged and contriv'd to draw the Deputy in a Danger, arising between the Stewards of the Laird of Langtoun, and one of his Uncles, who by the power and means of Sir David Hume of Wedderburn, whose Sister was his wife, had thrust out and ejected

the young heir and them, of their own Castle of Lang∣toun, and kept it by force. The Deputy accompany∣ed with certain Lords of the Borders, and some French men his own Domesticks came to the Town of Dunce, to hold a Justice Court concerning this Riot. The Humes, who thought nothing juster than revenge, nor nobler than the effects of anger, having sworn a requital of their Chiefs wrong, and to pay the Gover∣nour home when occasion should be offered, by the counsel and forwardness of Sir David Hume, lay an ambush, and lie in wait for the Deputy; the Plot not failing, they invade him at such a disadvantage, that some of his Servants killed, he was constrained to seek an escape by the swiftness of his Horse, who in the chase either falling or sinking in a marish, left his Master to the cruelty of his Pursuers, who strook of his head, and to feed their eyes with the spectacle of their rage, set it to the disgrace of the French on the battlements of the Castle of Hume. This end had Sir Anthony Darcey who deserved so well both of France and Scotland, having been cour∣teous, valiant, and noble in all his actions, and a great Administrator of Justice, who spared no travel, and freely adventured upon any dangers to suppress malefactors, and defend the weak and innocent.

The Governours, That greater mischief should not follow the boldness of these men, made choice of the Earl of Arran to resist their outrage, and declare him Warden of the Marches and Supream. Which election displeased the Earl of Anguss the Earl of Arran armed with power, neglecting Anguss his in∣terest, immediately committed Sir George Dowglas his Brother to the Castle of Edenburgh, and Mark Car in Garvet Castle, out of a suspition they were ac∣cessory to the slaughter of Sir Anthony Darcey. In a Parliament shortly following many of the Humes

and Cockburns Fugitives for this slaughter, and for that they had invited the English to their aid and spoil of the Country, are declared Rebels. The Parlia∣ment being dissolved, the Earl of Arran with a suffi∣cient number of Soldiers, and some great Ordinance, besieged the Castles of Hume and Langtoun, and had h••em rendred to his mercy.

When the accident or Sir Anthony Darcey was noised at the Court of France, King Francis is re∣corded to have said he never looked for better at the hands of the Scots, and that the Duke of Albany should have deputed men of their own nation to have governed them, and not a stranger, being a people delighting in Misgovernment, ever well pleased at the Falls and tragical ends of their Rulers, and joying to see any hard hap happen to them they deem happy.

The Bishop of Dunkell who had accompanied the Governour to France, used such diligence at the Court, that he was imployed to be the first Messenger to the Country of the great promises and many Cere∣monies of the French, at the confirmation of the Lea∣gue, with their protestations for the preserving and maintaining the Liberties of the Kingdom of Scot∣land against all who would essay to empair them. Not long after arrived the Earl of Lennox and an Herauld with Letters from King Francis and the Governour, amplifying and putting a larger gloss on the same. But when by other Letters the Queen and Nobles had received certain intelligence that King Francis and the King of England had composed their Quarrels, entred in a new band of Amity a de∣fensive League being passed between them, Tournay rendred to the French, promises upon either side solemnly made for a Match to be between the Daul∣phine of France, eldest son to King Francis, and the eldest daughter of Henry King of England. when

age should enable them for marriage; and that in the large Treaty of Peace, not one word was set down for the quietness and help of those who for the quar∣rel of France hast lost their King, and endangered their whole Kingdom; no care had of their welfare and prosperity, they stormed not a little, and thought their lives and travels evil imployed. Then with as great hast as such a matter required they dispatched Letters back again to the Governour blotted with complaints and expostulations. The year following to excuse his oversight, the French King sent a Rea∣son why he had not made mention of the Scottish nati∣on in his league with England, He had studied to give satisfaction to some of the Scottish Nobility (obliquely touching the Duke of Albany) whose minds he knew to be altogether averse from any peace or Truce with the English nation; whose undaunted Spirits and great courages were only bent to revenge the deaths of their King, Kinsmen and Compations. This evasion not giving satisfaction to the best advised of the Council, the French King interposed his endea∣vours with King Henry to have a cessation of arms for as short a time as he could devise. Whereupon Clarencieux and one la Fiot, coming to Scotland, the one from the King of England, the other from the French King, a Truce was concluded between the two Kingdoms for one year and a whole day: The reason of this Truce was thought mostly to be, for that the Kings of England and France, the next Summer, were to have an interview, and with all Princely courtesies entertain each other.

The Kingdom began to be sensible of the absence of the Governour, factions increasing, the Commons suffering dayly outrages, the Nobility and Gentry deciding their Rights by their Swords. The Earl of Rothsay and the Lord Lindsay contending which

should be Sheriff of Fyfe, with tumultuary arms invade each other, and hardly by the Deputies were restrain'd, till the one was committed to the Castle of Dumbar, and the other to the Castle of Dumbar∣toun. Robert Blackadour Prior of Coldingham, with six of his Domestick Servants is killed by the Laird of Wedderburn. The King out of a suspition that the plague was in Edenburgh, being transported to the Castle of Dalkieth by the Convey of the Earl of Arran, who was then Provost of the Town, it being the season when the Townsmen make election of their Magistrates for the year following; when the Earl was returned and sought to enter the Town, he found the Gates shut upon him by the Citizens, who alledged he came to invade their liberties in the free choice of their Magistrates: the tumult continu∣eth the most part of the night, and the next morn∣ing early the people dividing in factions, and skirm∣ishing in the streets, a Deacon of the Crafts is killed by the faction of the Hamiltons, which alienated the minds of the Townsmen altogether from the Earl of Arran, and made them encline to the Earl of Anguss some of whose friends and followers had re∣scued some of the Citizens, and taken part with others; which made many after conceive this discord was plotted by some Noblemen enemies to the Earl of Ar∣ran, amongst which the Earl of Anguss was the chief.

After this tumult the Earl of Anguss and Arran sought likewise to cross each other in their procee∣dings: the one maintaining the enemies of the other: who had a quarrel against the Earl Arran the Earl of Anguss befriended him, as the Earl of Arran suppor∣ted and sided those who had any discontent against Earl of Anguss. A suit falling between the Earl of An∣guss and David Car Laird of Farnehast about the Bal∣lywick of Jedbrough Forrest, the Lands appertained to

the Earl; the Title and power to fit Judge belonged to the Lairds of Farnehast; Sir James Hamilton the natural Son of the Earl of Arran assisted the Laird of Farnehast; and besides those who out of good will, friendship, kindred, vassalage, did follow him, he gathered fourty Souldiers such as were found upon the Borders, men living upon Spoil and rapine, to be of his parry. The Laird of Cesfoord (then War∣den of the Marches) who with his Counsel and Force sided the Earl of Anguss, at the Rumour of the ap∣proach of Sir James to Jedbrough, encountreth him, and his fourty Hirelings abandoning him in his great∣est danger, Cesfoord killing some of his followers brought to make use of his spurs towards the Castle of Hume, where after a long chase he got Sanctuary. The day following the Laird of Farnehast held a Court in the Town of Jedbrough, as Baily to the Earl of Anguss, and the Earl himself kept his Court three miles distant in Jed-ward Forrest. In the month of May after, certain Noblemen assembled at Eden∣burgh to accommodate all quarrels, and make an a∣tonement between the Dowglasses and Hamiltons. Many Lords of the West here meet, attending the Earl of Arran, the Earls of Lennox, Eglintoun, Cassiles, the Lords Ross, Simple, the Bishop of Gallo∣way, Abbot of Pasley. The Provost of the Town of Edenburgh Archembald Dowglas of Kilspyndie, Uncle or Cousen Germain to the Earl of Anguss, yielded up his place to Robert Logan Laird of Restlerig. The Lords of the West by the advice of James Beatoun Chancellour (in whose House they often assembled) laid a plot to surprize the Earl of Anguss, then attended but by some few of his Friends, and as it were solitary. they thought him too great and insolent a Subject, to whose power never one of theirs alone, was equal in all points, and they had many

things to challenge him upon when the Governour, should return. The Earl of Anguss, forewarned of their intention, imployed the Bishop of Dunkell his Uncle to offer them what honourable satisfaction they could require. All that he propounded being rejected by implacable men, and finding the only way to be freed of violence, to be violent, and that danger could not be avoyded but by a greater danger, with an hundred hardy resolute men armed with long Spears and Pikes, which the Citizens as he traversed the Streats, out of Windows furnished him, he invested a part of the Town, and barricadoed some Lanes with Carts and other impediments which the time did affrad. The adverse party trusting to their number, and the supply of the Citizens (who calling to mind the slaughter of their Deacon, shew them small favour,) disdaining the Earl should thus muster on the Streats, in great fury invade him. Whilst the bickering continued, and the Town is in a Tumult, William Dowglass brother to the Earl of Anguss, Sir David Hume of Wedderburn, George Hume brother to the late Lord, with many others by blood and Friendship tyed together, enter by violence the East Gate of the Town (the Citizens making small resistance) force their passage through the throngs, seek the Earls enemies, find them, scoure the streets of them. The Master of Mont∣gomery eldest Son to the Earl of Eglintoun, Sir Patrick Hamiltoun, Brother to the Earl of Arran, with almost fourscore more are left dead upon the place. The Earl himself findeth an escape and place of retreat through a Marsh upon the North side of the Town; The Chancellour and his retinue took Sanctuary in the Dominican Fryers; the tu∣mult by the slaughter of some, and flight of others appeased, the Earl of Anguss now freed of danger

licensed all who pleased without further pursuit peaceably to leave the Town of Edenburgh, and return to their own Houses. Some daies after the Humes well banded and backed with many Nobles and Gentlemen of their linage by the Earl of Anguss consent, took the Lord Humes and his bro∣thers heads from the place where they had been fixt, and with the funeral Rites of those times interr'd them in the Black-Fryers.

The Earl of Anguss having angled the Peoples hearts by his Magnificence, Wisdom, Courage and Liberality, his Faction began to bear greatest sway in the Kingdom. For the continuance of which, the King of England dealt most earnestly with the French King to keep the Duke of Albany still in France with him. But the French had contrary de∣sign••. And when the Duke understood the great discords of the Nobility of Scotland, persons of Faction being advanced to places, dangerous immu∣nities being granted to the Commons, France and England beginning to be tyred of their Peace, and preparing for a new War: to curb the Scottish Facti∣ons, keep the Nation in quietness in it self, by giv∣ing the Subjects other Work abroad, whilst com∣mon danger should break off particular Discords. Notwithstanding of the English Ships which lay in wait to take him, after he had been about five years in France, in November he arrived on the West Coasts of Scotland at a place named Garloch. The Governour coming to Edenburgh, set himself to a∣mend the enormities committed in his absence; the Magistrates of the Town are deposed, because in the late uproar they had been evil seconds to the Lords of the West, when they went to surprise the Earl of Anguss. A Parliament is called, to which many No∣blemen and Gentlemen are cited to make appea∣rance

in February to be tryed, and to answer for offences committed by them in the Governours ab∣sence. The appointed time being come, these who appeared not, were Indicted, and fled into England. Amongst which, and the chief, were the Humes and Cockburns, men Authors and accessory to the death of Sir Anthony Darcy. The tyde now turning, and mens affections changed, the Earl of Anguss, with his Brother Sir George Dowglass, by the Intercession of the Queen, are constrained to seek a Pardon: which was obtained for them, but with the condition that they should leave the Country, and stay in France one whole year, which they obeyed. Others have Recorded, they were surprized in the Night, and in French Ships conveyed privately away. Mr. Gavin Dowglass Bishop of Dunkell, in the ab∣sence of his Nephew, finding the Governour violent in the Chase of the Faction of the Dowglasses, fled privately to the Court of England, where he gave informations to King Henry against him. He alone had taken to him the custody of the young King, the sequel whereof he much feared; he was an irrecon∣cilable Enemy to the whole Family of the Dowglasses The principal cause of his coming to Scotland was to engage the Nation in a War against England, that the English should not assist the Emperour against the French King, and make his Nation slaves to France.

This Bishop shortly after dyed at London, and was buried in the Savoy Church: having been a man Noble, Valiant, Learned, and an excellent Po∣et, as his Works, yet extant, testifie.

The King of England upon such informations sent Clarencieux (King of Arms) to Scotland to re∣quire the Duke to avoid the Country, according to the Articles agreed upon between the French King and him in their last Truce.

It belonged (said Clarencieux) to his Master to tender the life, wellfare, honour, fortunes of his Nephew, of none of which he could be assured so long as the Duke ruled and stayed in Scotland. It was against all reason, and unbeseeming, the man should be sole Guardian to a King, who was the next heir to the Crown: how easily might he be tempted by op∣portunity to commit the like unnatural cruelty which some have done in the like case both in England and other parts of Europe? if he loved his Nation and Prince (as he gave out) he required him to leave the Country, which if he yield not unto, but obstinately continued in a resolution to stay, he denounced from his Master present war. He farther complained, That the Earl of Anguss, who was King Henries Brother-in-Law, was by him banisht and detained in France; That during the banishment of the Earl, which had been near a whole year, the Duke had importuned his Sister the Queen with dishonest love.

The Governour answered Clarencieux, That what the Kings of France and England agreed upon in their Treaties of Peace was to him uncertain, but of this he was most certain, That neither the King of England nor France had power to banisht him (a Foreiner over whom their authority did not reach) his native Country, like, over like having no jurisdiction.

As concerning the King of Scotland, who was yet young in years he reverenced him as his Soveraign Lord, and would keep and defend both him and his Kingdom according to his Conscience, honour, and bound duty; that there were ever more men in the world who desired to be Kings, than there were King∣doms to be bestowed upon them, of which number he was none, having ever preferred a mean estate justly enjoyed, before a Kingdom evil acquired. For the Earl of Anguss, he had used all Courtesies towards

him notwithstanding of his evil demerits, not for his own sake (he did confess) but for the Queens sake, whom he honoured find respected as the Mother of his Prince, and towards whom he should continue his Observance. That the King of England needed not misdoubt he would attempt any thing, should dero∣gate from the honour of his Sister, that complements of meer courtesie in France, might be surmised sometimes by English Ladies to be solicitations and suits of Love.

For the War, with which in case of his stay, he threatned his nation, he would use his best endeavours to set his in a posture of Defence.

When this answer was reported to King Henry, he gathered a great Army to invade Scotland, and essay if by their own dangers the Scots people could be moved to abandon and disclaim the Dukes au∣thority. Seven great Ships came to Inche-keeth and spoiled the adjacent Coasts: all the Scots and French which did them inhabite London, and other places of England, were put ot their fines, and com∣manded to go off the Country.

In compensation and for equal amends, the French Kingseized all English mens goods in Bourdeaux, im∣prisoned the persons, and retained the money to be paid for the restitution of Tournay The Earl of Shrewsbury making incursions on the Borders, burn∣ed the one half of Kelso, and plundered the other.

At this time the Emperor Charles the fifth came to England, and stirred King Henry to take arms against the French King; and the French had sent Embassadours to Scotland intreating and conjuring the Scots by their old and new League to arise in arms and invade England. The Governour assem∣bled the three Estates at Edenburgh, which together condescended to the raising of an Army to resist the incursions of the English and defend the King∣dom,

to encourage every man for fighting, the Wards of those which should fall in this expedition, were freely remitted and discharged by Act of Par∣liament, and pensions designed to the Widdows and Daughters of those who dyed in this service. This Empyrick balm could the French apply to cure the wounds of the Scottish Commonwealth.

The Earl of Shrewsbury advancing (as was re∣ported) towards the west Borders, an Army was far gathered and encamped on Rosline-moor, which after, according to the orders given, marched to Annandale and forwards, came to the Esk, a River running in the Irish Seas neer Carlile; the Gover∣nour delighted with the Seat and standing of the place, caused dig Trenches, and by the advice of certain French Gunners placed some Field Pieces, and small Ordinance for defence of them, and spread there his Pavilions. The Citizens of Carlile terrified at the sudden approach of so powerful an Army, offer many presents for the satety of their Towns which he rejected. The English Army not minding to invade the Scots so long as they kept themselves on their own ground and advanced not, the Governour endeavoured to make the Scots spoil the Country by incursions, but he fin∣deth them slack and unwilling to obey and follow him, most part refusing to go upon English Ground, amongst whom Alexander Lord Gordon was the chief and first man. The Governour finding his command neglected, and some Noble men dissent∣ing from what he most intended, cometh back to the place where they made their stand, and desires a reason of their stay. They told him, they had determined to defend their own Country, not invade England. That it neither consisted with the weal of the Commonwealth, nor as matters went at that

time, had they sufficient forces to make invasive War That the Governour did not instigate them to invade England for the love he carryed to Scotland, but for a benefit to the French, by invading they might make themselves a prey to their enemies; they were Men and not Angels; it was enough for them whilst their King was under age to defend his Kingdom from the violence of Foreigners. Put the case they were in one battel victorious, considering the slaughter and loss of their Nobles and Gentry in that purchase, they might be overthrown in a second fight, and then to what would the King and Country be reduced? their last King might serve them for a pattern, the Revenge of whose death should be delayed till he himself were of years to undertake it.

The Governour brought to an exigent, said they should have propounded these difficulties before they took Arms, and not on the place of Battel. Teme∣rity misbecame Noblemen in action, but especially in matters of War, in which a man cannot err twice. At the convention of the three Estates when war was in deliberation, they should have inquired for the causes of it; he was not to bring them upon the danger of a war without their own consent. The English had made many incursions, upon their Country, burning and ravaging: who stand only upon defence, stand upon no defence; a better defence of their own Country could not be found than by invading the Country of their Enemies. They should not be dejected for that accident at Flowden, since it was not the fault of the Souldier, but the Treason of their Chamberlain who had suffered for it. That the glory of the Nation should raise their courages, and inflame their bosoms with a desire of revenge: The Kings honour and

their piety towards the Ghosts of their Compatriots, craved no less from them. That if they would not invade England, at least, for their Reputation and Fame with the World, they would pitch there a short time their Tents, and try if the English would hazard to assail them. That it would be an everlasting branding their honour, if timorously in a suddenness they show their backs to their enemies, and dared them not in the face by some daies stay.

The Queen, though absent, had thus persuaded the Noblemen, and having understood the Gover∣nour to be turned now flexible, she dispatched a Post to him, requesting he would be pleased with a Truce for some Months, and that he would commune with the Warden of the English Marches, whom she should move to come to his Tent and treat with him. The Governour finding he stood not well assured of some of his Army, and know∣ing what a cumbersome task it was to withstand the the violence of their desires, determined to follow their own current: seemed well pleased to hearken to their opinion. Hereupon the Lord Dacres War∣den of the West Marches came unto the Governours Camp the eleventh of September (and as some have recorded, the Queen also) where a Cessation of Arms was agreed unto for some daies, in which time the Queen and the Governour should send Embassa∣dours to treat for a Peace with King Henry, and shortly after, Embassadours were directed to the Court of England, but returned without any good done, King Henry demanding extraordinary and harmful conditions to the Realm of Scotland.

The year 1522. Andrew Forman Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews, dyed, and James Beatoun Arch-Bishop of Glasgow and Chancellour of the Kingdom

came in his place of St. Andrews, the ArchBishop∣rick of Glasgow was conferred upon Gavin Dumbar whom the King after advanced to be Chancellor of the Kingdom.

The Governour resenting highly the slighting of the Embassadours by the King of England, but more the contempt and scorn of the Scottish Nobility in refusing to follow him, in October by the West Seas past over to France, promising that if a peace in this mean time were not concluded with England, he would the next Summer bring such War-like Briggades of French and Germans, that he should not stand much in need of his own Countrymen, who had continued so refractory and backward to his designs. He demanded from King Francis five thousand German Horsemen, and ten thousand foot to be transported to Scotland: which with the Scots who would accompany him, he thought sufficient to continue a War with England. The French could not spare so many men, having Wars both with the Emperour and the English, but they gave him three thousand Pikes, and one thousand Launces. The Governour intending to return to Scotland, receiving intelligence that the Ports towards the coasts of France were watched by the English to intrap him in his passage, bestowed his Ships so covertly here and there in small companies to avoid all suspition of any purpose he had to stir that year, as that thereupon the English Fleet under the Con∣duct of Sir William Fitz-Williams, which had at∣tended and waited his coming forth, until the Midst of August, brake up & bestowed themselves in convenient Ports against the next spring. The Duke then watching opportunity, and readily gathering together his dispersed Ships, to the number of some fifty Sail, imbarked his men at Brest in Bretaign

the one and twenty of September, and landed at Kirkowbry, or the Isle of Arran, in the West of Scotland. In his company was Richard de la Pool who had been banished England, and to his power faithfully assisted the Governour. He arrived the same time that Jedbrough was burnt by the English; for Thomas Earl of Surrey high Admiral of Eng∣land, the Marquess of Dorset and his Brother, with a competent power entring Scotland had burnt many Towns, and overthrown Castles and Piles.

At his coming the Duke assembled the Lords at Edenburgh, where they agreed that an Army should forthwith be gathered, and the 28. of October was appointed for their meeting at Dowglass-dale. At the day prefixt the Army marched towards Cold∣stream upon the Tweed. Out of this Army the Go∣vernour having selected a number of the hardiest Souldiers of Scots and French, and convoying some Artillery over the water under the command of David Car of Farnehast, on the last of October they besieged the Castle of Wark, which was defend∣ed by Edward Lile or Lisle. The Assailants upon the outmost Ward continuing their Battery, entred by main force the second Ward, but being there repulsed and beaten back, a great Tempest arising, and fearing the swelling of the River of Tweed might cut them off from their Army on the other side, they turned back and repassed the Water; the Report of the Earl of Surreys forces come to rescue the Castle and lying Anwick, had also perplexed them not a little; the Earl of Surrey at his approach finding the Enemy retired to the other side of the River, the Castle safe, and having no Commission to pass the English marches, or to invade Scotland, made no further pursuit. In the mean time the Queen who had ever sought to make firm friendship

with her Brother, and break the amity of France sent to him to yield to a cessation of War, hoping in that time to work some agreement between the two Nations. Whereunto the King consenting, the Governour finding the Scottish Lords averse to his intentions, that he was this time served as he had been before (they refusing still to enter upon England) and that striving would but the more chafe them, also condescended. Thus a Truce was promised, and faithful peace concluded till the last of November, being the Feast of St. Andrews; the Winter past without any invasion of the English on Scotland, or the Scots on England.

During the time of this Truce many serious con∣sultations were amongst the Lords of Scotland whe∣ther it were more fit to continue this War, or give it over. Many of them held it unreasonable that for the only pleasure of the French King the Realm of Scotland should suffer any more damage by the Contiuning of so needless a War, and that the Duke of Albany was alwaies set to perform what the French de∣sired not what was expedient for the Scottish Nation, nor what was in their possibility to accomplish. Wherefore they wished that their young King now having attained some years of discretion, and passing the age of a Child, might bear some sway in the Government of the Realm. Some argued that a King sooner than the Sons of Noblemen went out of the bondage of Tutelage, and enjoyed greater immunities, his age often being reckoned from the time of his conception. That the administration and charge of the Kingdom should early be given him, that he might with his years grow in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Governing; Since we find the same to be usual in the perfection of other arts and Sciences. Others entertained other thoughts, That to a child who

could not by the weakness of his judgment discern Right from Wrong, the Helm of State should not be trusted, and that the Peers of the Kingdom might be challeng'd of dotage by their Neighbor Coun∣treys for giving to a Child the Sword of Justice, which he might thrust in their own entrails one day or wound therewith the bosom of the Commonwealth.

The Governour finding the Lords divided amongst themselves, and their reasons averse to his intentions, and that not only the people, but the Souldiery were weary of him, and had bent their affections upon their young King, foolishly pre∣ferring the ignorance and simplicity of a child to his prudency, experience, and long practice of State, requested them to give him leave to return to France, and to forgive him any errour he had committed, which he protested was of ignorance not of malice. Having from men distasted with him, without any opposition, obtained what he required, far from any outward shew of inward dis∣contentment, or disquieting himself at the ingratitude of some whom he had advanced to Honors. he came to Sterlin, where after some days stay with the King, when he had given him such instructions of State, as he was able to understand (for he was but then in the thirteenth year of his Age) with many tokens of love, and demonstrations of sincere affection he took his leave of him: and his Ships attending his passage on the West, with a great retinue of Scots and French, he held his way towards them, and recommended him self to the Sea in the Spring time, now the third time for France, after which he return'd not at all into Scotland.

He was a Prince adorned with many Virtues, Active, Couragious, Resolute, and knew how to use men as they are.

If he had not been opposed by the Queen and Nobility, he was likely to have lost himself and the whole Kingdom, or revenged the death of his Cousen.

His courteous nature went above his ambition; he could as well lay down his Honours, as he had modestly, when they were laid upon him, received them,

Before the Rumor of the Duke of Albanies ta∣king the Seas was spread abroad, the King of Eng∣land by secret Letters had required the Earl of An∣guss, who then an Exile staid in France, to come to him; after the receit of which, with a short-leave taking he left France, where he had staid al∣most three years, cometh to England; King Henry had brought him to believe. That the Duke had determined to extirpate his whole Linnage: To pre∣vent which he made him offer of Men and Ammuni∣tion to preserve his own, and by his faction at home, and his assistance, to send the Duke over Seas; which if he had staied, the Earl was esteemed powerful enough to have accomplished

The Duke of Albany being in France, the Queen with the Government of the State, assumeth the person of her Son, whom she moved to leave Sterlin and come to Edenburgh; the third day after he had made his entry in the Town she lodg'd with him in the Maiden Castle, and it seized on, armed with authority, she doubted not to make the Coun∣try yield her all obedience. That the Supream Ma∣gistrate of the Town should not oppose her Designs he is put from his Office, and the Lord Maxwell (a man to her obsequious) is substituted in his place.

To give the fairer lustre to her Actions, a Parli∣ament is called at Edenburgh, that what she did, might consist with Law.

When King Henry understood the Duke had left Scotland, to exclude and bar him all regress, he sent one Magnus, a great Oratour, but greater by the renown of his skill in the Laws, with Roger Ratcliff, his Embassadours, to try how the Scots, amidst unnecessary turmoils, would rellish a Truce and Cessation of Arms: and these lay the blame of all the disorders and discords between the two Nations upon the Duke; The Nobles tyred with their tedious Wars, beginning to espy a Haven of rest, cheerfully accept of this Embassie, and agreeunto a Truce for one whole year. To confirm which they condescend Commissioners shall be dispatched in∣stantly, who shall treat not only for a Truce, but for a firm and lasting Peace between the two Nations, and unite the Crowns in bands of Amity, as well as they were united in degrees of blood.

The Earl of Anguss, his enemy abandoning the Kingdom, after honourable entertainment of the King of England, many promises to befriend him, and blandishments at his departing, cometh to Scot∣land, and his return began to change the Game of State. The Queens and Earl of Arrans Faction carryed all matters of importance; the Earls of Len∣nox Arguyl, and the Humes had been sequestred from publick imployments; the first faction by his presence find their power diminisht, the other by his counterpoise and assistance have new hopes of arising; both factions disliked that Anguss should arise to the first place, and suspected he would not be content with the second; they loved to have him an equal, not Supreme.

Private jarrs smothered and interests delayed, matters concerning England requiring a hasty and present discharge, Gilbert Earl of Cassiles, Robert Cockburn Bishop of Dunkell, David Mill Abbot

of Cambuskenneth, are sent Commissioners to the Court of England. At Greenwich they are hono∣rably and kindly received by King Henry, whose countenance promised them a refusal of no reasona∣ble thing they would require. The Bishop had a speech, the Sum of which was.

That, dissention and hatred taken away between the two Nations, a faithful Peace might be agreed unto and confirmed, their Discords turned into Union, their Rancour into Love; which to bring to pass and make durable, the only apparent and probable means, was to bestow the Lady Mary the Kings daughter, upon James the young King of Scotland.

The English with great joy applauded to what was said: And King Henry appointed certain Com∣missioners to treat about that purpose in private. These when they had met to advance the Union of the Kingdoms, desired these Conditions.

First, That the Scottish Nation giving over, and fairly forsaking the League they had with France, should enter in a new League with them, upon the same conditions and terms which were contained in their League with France.

Next, That the young King of Scotland, till by age he was able for marriage, should be brought up at the Court of England.

When the Embassadours of Scotland had answer∣ed, That these conditions were above their Commissi∣on, to which they could not well answer, and desired a time to acquaint the Council of Scotland with them; it was condescended unto. Thus two of them remaining at London the Earl of Cassiles, re∣turned to Scotland to bring back an answer.

When the day in which the Parliament should have been held was come, the Queen and they who

were of her faction, as the Earls of Arran, Murray Eglintoun, fearing the Earl of Anguss might turn the wavering peoples affection, and move them to some Revolt, which might hinder their Determina∣tions, or terrify the Commissioners by the frequent convention of his Friends and followers, constrain∣ing their voices, and restraining their freedom of speech: Or that they had a plot to surprize some of the contrary Faction, and by authority of Par∣liament commit them in that place, caused a Pro∣clamation to be made, That none of the three Estates should sit or assemble themselves in the Town of Eden∣burgh, but that they should keep their meeting in the Castle and there give their presence. The Earls of Anguss, Lennox, Arguyl, Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrews, Bishop of Aberdeen and Dumblane, with their adherents, and others, who joyned with them rather out of fear than good will, refuse to enter the Castle, and require, That the Parliament be kept in the accustomed Place, the King may in Triumph be shewn to his own people, conveyed along the High-street. All which being denyed them, giving out That Justice was violated, the King kept against his will as a Prisoner, the Government and custody of his person seised on without consent of the three Estates, they surround the Castle with two thousand men in Arms, stop all furniture of food and Victuals, which should been afforded by the Town. In this distress they in the Castle turn the great Ord∣nance against the Town, and threaten the innocent Citizens with the overthrow of their buildings. Some powder and time spent in terrifying the people, at last Church-men interposing themselves, and in∣terceding, persuading with the parties, an accommoda∣tion and atonement is wrought, their fury quench∣ed, all rancour supprest, injuries forgotten, the King

in magnificence and pomp is convoyed from the Castle to his Palace at Holy-rood-House, and the Estates assemble in the wonted place of the Town of Edenburgh.

In this Parliament the Authority of the Gover∣nour is abrogated, by which means they saved him a labour from returning into Scotland again; Eight Lords were chosen to have the custody of the Kings person quarterly, every one his Moneths successively, and the whole to stand for the Government of the State; yet with this Limitation, That the King by their Counsel should not determine, nor ordain any thing in great affairs to which the Queen, as Princess and Dowager, gave not her free consent and appro∣bation.

The Lords were, the Arch-bishops of St. An∣drews and Glasgow, the Bishops of Aberdeen and Dunkell, the Earls of Anguss, Arran, Lennox, Arguyl.

Time urging resolution, the Lords of Parliament direct the Earl of Cassiles again to the Court of Eng∣land to declare their resolution concerning the marriage of the King and the establishing a Peace between the Kingdoms.

The news of the overthrow of the French Army and the taking of their King at Pavia by the Im∣perialists being come to the Court of England be∣fore the Arrival of the Earl of Cassiles, King Henry told the Scottish Embassadours in plain terms, He could not determine any thing concerning the Marri∣age of his Daughter, without acquainting the Em∣perour her neerest Kinsman and his Confederate, with his proceedings, which could not be done in hast, and so soon, as they required, considering the troubles of Italy.

Hereupon the Embassadours, their hopes of this Alliance delayed, having obtained a Truce between

the two Nations for the space of three years and three moneths faithfully to be kept, returned to their own Country.

The State began of new to be tossed by the trou∣blesom Factions of the Queen and Earl of Anguss, the Original of which sprang from matters of the Church; the Abbacy of Holy-rood-House falling vacant by the promotion of George Creightoun Ab∣bot to the Bishoprick of Dunkell; the Earl of An∣guss, to whom the custody of the King was entrust∣ed either by lot or consent, moved him to confer this Abbacy upon his Brother Mr. William Prior of Coldin∣ham, without acquainting the Queen with the Gift, or seeking the consent of the other Rulers: at this the Queen turned so displeased, that abandoning the King to the pleasure of the Earl of Anguss, She with her Followers retired to Sterlin. By this inconsiderate retreat the Earl administred all alone leaning to the greatness of his own power, that some might have thought the Queen set her Game to make up his. All favours and punishments pass by him, All Offices and Places of importance are dis∣tributed to his favourites; He made Archembald Dowglass his Uncle Treasurer, Sir George his Bro∣ther Great Chamberlain; the Abbacies of Colding∣ham and Holy-rood-House were in his Brothers hands, neither temporal nor ecclesiastical Dignity escapt him; his greatness instantly procureth him envy.

The Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrews, the Earls of Arran, Arguyl, Murray, who were of the Queens faction, lay a plot to accuse Anguss of high Trea∣son. They challenge him, That he kept the King against his will, insolently restrained his Liberty, and that contrary to the order established by the Estates, which was that the custody of his person should every four Moneths by turns be allotted to the Governours

of the Country in a Circle, That he could not dispose of any thing of moment alone, the contrary of all which he had usurped; whereupon they charge him to dismiss the King, and restore him to them, and the other Counsellours equall in Government with him, under the pain he should be reputed a Traytor and no loyal Subject, for this invassalling his Prince to his attendance.

The Earl of Anguss himself to this answered not, but Sir George his Brother moved the King to give the answer himself. His Mother and those other Rulers should not be thus solicitous for him; for with none more cheerfully, willingly and content∣edly could he live and spend his time than with the Earl of Anguss, neither could he leave the com∣pany of one so highly favoured of his Uncle, and so well meriting of himself.

For all this answer he had secretly sent Letters to his Mother, and those of the adverse party, in∣treating, They would remove him from the Earl, and not suffer him any longer to remain under his imperious Government, and if it could not be other∣ways done, to accomplish it by main force of arms, if they had any pitty, or if any Sparks of duty re∣mained unquenched in them towards him, if they dared Enterprize ought for a Royal, though now thr••lled, Supplyant, or obey the Command of a King in Prison; that the answer which he sent before unto them and his Mother was by constraint and compulsion drawn from him, and far from his Mind.

Upon this advertisment the Queen and they of her Faction, assemble what power they could raise in such a suddenness at Sterlin, and with great ex∣pedition marched towards Edenburgh to separate the King from the Earl his Guardian; Who, resol∣ved to repel force by force, with the Townsmen of

Edenburgh, many friends and adherents, and the King, though against his will, marched out of Edenburgh to encounter the fight of these Rebels. When the Leaders of the Queens forces understood the King in person was in the adverse Army, either dazled with the splendour of the presence of a King or fearing if they joyned in battel, the person of their Prince might be endangered, or that they found themselves not strong enough in number and arms for a Conflict, they retired back again to Sterlin, where they disbanded, and returned every man to his own dwelling place: The Queen with the Earl of Murray went to Murray-land, the Earl of Arran and Arguyl to the West, the Archbishop of St. Andrews to Dumfermling.

This Faction dissipated, the Earl of Anguss re∣mained more stable, and assured of his Guardianship, and now he findeth no Competitour.

The want of the great Seal being a hinderance to many of his projects, and he disdaining to be a suiter to his enemy; for dispatch of publick affairs, caused the King send a Letter for it, and the Arch∣bishop with all respect sent it immediately to the Earl: with whom to be equal he took himself to new Meditations.

The Queen many waies provokt by her Husband the Earl of Anguss, and lastly by detaining her Son against his will and contrary to the publick course agreed upon, the Archbishop persuaded her To in∣tend a process of Divorcement against him, and dissolve her marriage; this might produce some great effect, at least it could not but diminish the Earls reputation among the people. The Queen and the Earl many times in private between themselves agreed upon a separation, disliking each others conditions; for it was fatal to her as to her Brother King Henry, to

delight in change of Wedlock, and be jealous of her Matches. The Earl is therefore cited before the Archbishop of St. Andrews to hear the sentence pro∣nounced according to the Laws of the Church in those times; at the day appointed he appeareth. The Queen alledged, He had been betroathed, given his faith and promise of marriage to a noble woman of the Kingdom (a daughter of Traquare) before the marrying of her, and so by reason of that Precontract he could not be her lawful husband. The Earl con∣fesseth; the Archbishop pronounceth the sentence of Divorcement, but with this Reservation and Restraint, That the Child come of the Queen and the Earl the time of their marriage, by the ignorance of the Mother (the Queen) should not suffer any loss, dammage or disadvantage.

The King of England resented highly this Di∣vorcement, endeavour'd by his Letters to hinder it; for he thought some things tolerable in men, which were incompetent and shameful in women, and after never carried such respect to his Sister as he had done before. Of these she made little reckon∣ing, for after the sentence given, she married Henry Stuart, Son to the Lord Evendale, whom K. James, to do honour to his Mother, promoted to be Lord Meffan, and General of his Artillery.

Whilst the King remained a shadow to the Earls Government amidst so many distractions, discords and jars of the Grandees, the Court turned solitary and unfrequented by any Noblemen, save these of the Dowglasses own faction, amongst which the Earl of Lennox, shewed himself most indifferent. For he for his own ends attending the Court, in a short time so framed himself to the Kings humours, that he delighted alone in his conversation, and often had none of his inward thoughts and secret intentions

from him. Among others he many times importun∣ed him to give him a sound advice how he might be delivered from the Earl of Anguss, of whose bondage they had been long weary, whose rule over him was now turned into tyranny, his ambition hav∣ing mounted to that height that he was not content to command the Kingdom, but to thrall and keep under his Soveraign Lord the King himself, that the effects of his Governing were the dispersing of his Nobles, and banishing of his mother from him.

The Earl of Lennox, who by his familiarity with the King was become suspicious of Anguss, and had an intention to tumble out a man hated of his Prince, establish himself in his place, and rule the young King alone, aggravating his and the Countries miseries, told him, after much intreaty, The Lord of Bal∣clough was the only person to be imployed in such a service; a man of unlimited desires, displeased, strong in power, mightily hated, and who had in∣veterate hatred against the Earl of Anguss, who wanted nothing but opportunity to execute his ran∣cour: If this conceived exploit had not a desired success, then he himself would by main force either win his Prince, or lose his life in the Enterprise. The Laird of Balclough secretly advertised of the Kings intention giveth way to much oppression and many insolencies on the borders, the redress of which re∣acquired the presence of the Prince. Complaints are given against them, and the King to do justice compa∣nied with the Earls of Anguss, Lennox, Lords Hume, Flamin, Areskin, Cesfoord Farnehast, and others com∣eth to Jedbrough. But when they had staied there some daies, small redress was of wrongs, no justice executed, the chief men of the Borders not produ∣cing the Delinquents of their Names, to answer ac∣cording to law as was the ancient custom. Thus as

they came they were returning, when at Melross as they hoverd at the passage of a Bridge over the Tweed, certain companies of men in arms appeared on the descents of Hellidon Hill: which being come within distance of discerning were known to be com∣manded by the Laird of Balclough, and number'd a thousand all borderers and broken men. The Earl of Anguss, not a little mov'd at so sudden an apparition, by an Herauld craveth to understand their intentions, and how in such a hostile manner they dared come so near the Kings person, withal charging them under pain of high Treason to retire. The Laird of Balcloughs answer was, he came to do the King service, invite him to his house, show him what forces he was able to raise upon the Bor∣ders when necessity should require his service and assistance. That he would not obey a charge con∣trary to the Kings mind, of which he was conscious, and herewith he marched forwards. Presently the Earl alighting on foot, leaving the Earl of Lennox, Lords Areskin, Maxwell, Sir George Dowglas, Ninian Creightoun with the King as Spectators of the Game, with the Lord Flammin and other his Friends, marshall'd his Men for the Charge, which was given with a great shout and clamor of these Borderers. The Lord Hume, Lairds of Farnehast and Cesfoord had taken their leave of the King who gladly dismist them, but upon advertisement of the sudden fray, being not far of they return in hast with an hundred Launces, in good time for the Earl of Anguss, and falling upon one of the Wings of Balcloughs troups force them to yield ground, and some to turn their backs, upon which suddenly followeth the Chase, Cesfoord and Farnehast; eagerly persewing. Here at the descent of a little Hill, by the blow of a Launce which a Domestick of Balcloughs threw from his

Army, the Laird of Cesfoord is slain, and by his death the Chase left off to be follow'd, and a long deadly fewd between the Scots and Cars was begun, fourscore Borderers were kill'd in this bickering assisting Balclough, himself was wounded with many of his friends, the Earl of Anguss lost not a few besides the Laird of Cesfoord.

The Earl of Anguss after this road of Melross perceiving his enemies to increase, and the affections of some of the Nobility turned from him, composing the old difference between him and the Earl of Arran, entered into condition of a strict friendship with him and was content he should be his partner and fellow governour in distribution of Casualities and ruling the Country. When the King had considered how twice his intentions had been broken, and unhappily without success, he began to essay the third by the Earl of Lennox, whom challenging of his promise he desired to gather an Army, and joining his Forces with the Queens to restore him to his Liberty. The Earl of Lennox, before suspected, after the League and friendship of the Earl of Anguss with the Earl of Arran, became a declared enemy to Anguss, with∣drew himself from Court: and some few Moneths being passed, at Sterlin he maketh a Declaration to all the Lieges, of his intentions, inviting them to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and side with his cause. One thousand men came from the High-lands to him, the Earl of Cassole and Master of Kilmayers come from the West with two thousand, the Queen and Archbishop James Deu∣toun, direct many of their Vassils from Fyffe to him: Thus with three strong Briggades he march∣ed towards Linlithgow.

The Earl of Anguss understanding these prepara∣tions to be against him, imploreth the assistance of his best Friends to withstand them, especially the

Cars and Humes, to whose valour he had lately been so far obliged. He sendeth Letters to the Earl of Arran and the Gentlemen of the name of Hamil∣toun, regretting the estate of the Commonwealth, requiring their speedy aid. That in so perilous time setting aside all particular Respects and Quarrels, they would have a care of the Common good of the Country. If the Earl of Lennox should carry the King from him, and remained Victor of the Field, he would not stay there, his next mark would be the Hamiltouns whom he was in the way to put from all title to the Crown, the report going already that the King would intail it to him out of his own favour, and had designed him Heir to the Earl of Arran, he having no children of his own. That the King had a magnetical affection towards him, which, if Fortune favoured with a Victory, would increase; now meriting which before was but meer favour. The custody of a young King was not for a man of so short experience. The Hamiltouns finding that man their Suppliant who late was their Compe∣titor, delighting to live in a troubled State, and be Copartners of the Government and managing the affairs of the Kingdom, which was promised them in their new band of Friendship, laying aside all former discontent and grudge accept the Quarrel, and assem∣ble their Forces at Linlithgow. To this Town the Earl of Lennox was advancing, and he being the Sisters Son of the Earl of Arran, by Gentlemen well affected towards him, and of his kindred, they intreat him to turn back, and not to try the hazard of a battel for a conquest; he could not long enjoy the Government of a young Prince, whom a little more time would make Governour of himself, and who (perhaps) would reward his service with disgrace; It being ordinarily seen that great obligations to

Princes procure rather their hatred than love, whilst it is more easie to pay men by contempt than benefits: that if he came forwards, no interest of blood would save him from their just and lawful stopping of his passage and enterprize. The Earl of Lennox an∣swered, it was no time then in the eye of the World to abandon so just a quarrel, that shame wounded deeper than death, which he would rather imbrace than not see his Prince at Edenburgh. And finding the Bridge over the Avan possest by the Enemy, passed his Companies over the River Et near the an∣tient Monastery Immanuel; the Master of Kill∣mayers guideth the Vanguard, consisting of West∣land men; the Earl of Cassiles and himself the main Battel, many of which were High-land men, being of all (as some write) ten thousand. The Earl of Anguss having essayed in vain to bring the King to the Field with the power of Edenburgh, leaving that Charge to his Brother Sir George and Archembald Dowglass Provost of the Town, ac∣companied with the Humes and Cars, being of all two thousand, maketh a speedy march towards Lynlithgow. But the Earl of Arran, spurr'd by the ambition and youthful heat of his Son Sir James Hamiltoun, had begun the fight before he could appear; for a long time it is valiantly fought, vi∣ctory inclining to neither side, till a great clamour arose, seconded by the appearance of fresh Troops of Enemies, the Dowglasses and their Friends, at which alarum many of the High-land and West∣land men turned their backs; the rest by the ad∣vantage of the place sustain the Fight.

The King; after much loytering and many de∣lays (having heard the Armies were near joyning) and much solicitations of Sir George Dowglas, is∣sueth out of Edenburgh at a slow march. But when

at Corstorphine Hills he was awaken'd with the noise of the great Ordnance, he urged his Followers to make all haste to come to the fight. It was re∣ported Sir George Dowglass drove his Horse, in a great rage gave him injurious words, which he ne∣ver after forgot. Being half way, he is advertised that the Earl of Lennox Highland-men were fled, and by all appearance the Earl of Arran was Master of the Field. This news perplexed him not a little, but making the best of that worst, he dispatch'd all his domestick Servants with Andrew Wood of Largo, to save so many as they could in the Chase, especi∣ally the Earl of Lennox, whose life he now ten∣dereth as his Crown. But this Earl after he had been taken by the Laird of Pardowye, in cold blood was unnaturally slain by Sir James Hamiltoun, who either killed or wounded on the face all that came under the dint of his Sword in the Rout.

They found the Earl of Arran mourning over his Corps, over which he spread his Cloak; the Laird of Howstoun lay dead by him, the Master of Killmayers sore wounded at their coming, main∣tained the fight, and was by them with difficulty saved, with so many others as either the Kings au∣thority or their power could rescue. This Conflict happened in September.

After the victorious Earls had restored their woun∣ded Soldiers, and refreshed themselves in Lithgow, they accompany the King to Sterlin, and imme∣diately march through Fyffe in quest of those who had been the cause of taking Arms against them, of which number the Queen was; but the Arch∣bishop of Saint Andrews was the most eminent, who, as before he had seconded Arran to surprize Anguss, so now he had stirred Lennox to the over∣throw of them both. Because the Archbishop was

not to be found (for he (as some record) was turned a true Pastour, and in Shepherds weeds kept Sheep on some Hill) they spoiled the Abbacy of Dumfermling, and Castle of St. Andrews, de∣facing all the Ornaments, and carryed away the Moveables and Stuff in them. The Queen with her Husband Henry Stuart, and James his Brother, betook them to the Castle of Edenburgh, which the Lords at their return besieged. The Mother hearing her Son was amongst the Besiegers in Per∣son, obtaing favour for her Husband and his Bro∣ther, caused the Gates to be cast open. But for their safety such who loved them, advised the King to commit them to that place during his pleasure.

Now the Earl of Angus and Arran summoned all who had born Arms against the King to appear in Judgment, and answer according to the Law as Traytors. Some compounded for Sums of Money, others became Dependers of the Houses of Anguss and Arran: Gilbert Earl of Cassiles being sum∣moned and compearing, Hugh Kennedy his Kins∣man answer'd the Indictment, that he came not against the King but to assist the King, for proof of which he offered to produce the Kings own Letter. Though the Earl of Cassiles escaped the danger of the Law, he did not the fury of the Re∣venge, was taken about some disparaging words; for as he was returning home, he was surprized in the way and killed; Some write by the Sheriff of Aire, but by the direction of Sir James Hamiltoun.

About this time the Archbishop of St. Andrews, and other Church-men in revenge of the spoiling of this Houses, and persuing himself, for questions of Religion, burn the Earl of Arrans Brothers Son Mr. Patrick Hamiltoun, and banish Mr. Pa∣tricks Brother, James Sheriff of Lithgow.

Not long after, mens wrath by time diminishing and their blood growing colder, the Archbishop having bestowed on the Earl of Angus, Sir George his Brother, and other their Friends, some Church Benefices and many Leases of Tythes, was recon∣ciled unto them, and with appearance of great friendship they mutually entertained and feasted each others at the Christ-Mass in the City of St. Andrews. But small confidence could be long a∣mong reconciled Enemies.

Now went every thing as the Earl of Anguss could have wished, he was not only entire and fa∣miliar with the Kings Person, but with his Office; some of his Enemies were dead, others overthrown in open Field, with the rest he was reconciled. No Faction for power or riches was equal to his; Nor remained there any Castle or Fortress not seised on by him, and garrisoned with his Friends and Fol∣lowers, except the Castle of Sterlin, a part of the Queens Dowry, which being desolate by her Mi∣series, and only haunted by some of her poorest and meanest Servants, was neglected by the Earl, which in him was a great Error, the fitness of the place for a revolution and change of Court considered. Many days the Earl had not seen his own dwelling Places, nor thought upon his private Affairs, being carried away by the storms of Court, now he think∣eth he may securely pass to Lothian, whilst at Faulk∣land the King shall be safely entertained by his Bro∣ther Sir George, Archembald his Uncle, and James of the Parkhead Captain of the Guards; ha∣ving earnesty entreated their attendance on the King, he crosseth the Forth, with resolution soon to re∣turn. His departing was not so concealed, but the Archbishop of St. Andrews had knowledge of it, and he inviteth Sir George to see him in his City of

St. Andrews, to receive the Leases of the Tithes pro∣mised, all now perfected, valid, and according to Law sufficient. Whilst Sir George is here detained, Archembald the Treasurer by other Letters, for matters of love, is inticed to Dundee; But nothing could make the Captain of the Guards leave his Charge. The King amidst his solitary Walks in his Park of Faulkland considering of what a te∣dious Train he was relieved, and how suddenly oc∣casion might turn her bald scalp, if presently he took not hold of her, resolveth to accomplish by Stratagem, what the Factions of his Nobles could not perform by force. It is delightful to under∣stand every particular circumstance in the progress of the actions of Princes. Upon this resolution he directeth the Forrester of the Park to give adver∣tisement to such Gentlemen about, who kept Hounds, the next morning to attend him, for he would early have his Game. He suppeth sooner than his custom was, entertaining the Captain of the Guards with more than usual ceremonies and representations of the next mornings sport, withall inviting him to go to his rest, the Night being short about the Summer solstice. The Waiters all shifted and the Court husht, shutting his Chamber Door, in the Apparel of one of his Grooms, unperceiv'd he passed the Guard to the Stable; where with two who attended him, with spair Horses he posted to Sterlin, where by the Queens intelligence he was expected in the Castle.

When the certainty of this escape was noised abroad, many Noblemen repair to Sterlin, some by Letters sent unto them, others at the rumour of his evasion, that in a little time he found him safe and far from any danger again to be surprized, the Earls of Arguyl, Atholl, Glancarn, Monteeth,

Huntley, The Lords Graham, Drummond, Le∣vingstoun, Sainclaire, Lindsay, Evandale, Ruthen, Maxwell, Simple, the Earl of Eglintoun, Rothess, James Beatoun Archbishop of St. Andrews, the Deviser of his escape. The Earl of Angus full of miss-giving thoughts, with many of his Friends, was also on his way to Sterlin; but Proclamation being made against him, Discharging him from all Offices and publick Functions, and being by an He∣rauld forbidden with his Friends and Followers to come near the Court by some Miles, under pain of Treason: either moved by inward terrours, or love of the Peace of his Countrey, turned back to Lin∣lithgow, where two days he attended News of the Kings pleasure, which at last was declared, That neither he nor none of his should presume by some miles to approach his Residence. The more parti∣cular favours were, That the Earl should confine him∣self beyond the River of Spay in the North, whilst his Brother, Sir George Dowglass, should render himself Prisoner in the Castle of Edenburgh, and there remain during the Kings pleasure. When the Dowglasses had refused these offers, they are cited to answer according to Law in a Parliament to be holden in September at Edenburgh.

before the day of appearing, the Earl of Angus accompanied with an able Train of his Friends and Followers essayeth to enter the Town of Edenburgh, and there attend the coming of the King; but by the Lord of Maxwell, and the Lord of Lochin∣varre, who in the Kings Name had invested the Town, he is kept out, and the King with an un∣expected suddenness, with two thousand men co∣ming from Sterlin, he removed. The Earl not appearing at the appointed day, is by Decree of Parliament attainted and forfeited, with his Brother

Sir George Dowglass, Archembald Dowglass his Uncle, Alexander Drummond of Carnock, and others.

The points of which they were to be accused, were, The assembling of the Kings Lieges with in∣tention to have assailed his Person; The detaining of the King against his will and pleasure, and con∣trary to the Articles agreed upon the space of two years and more; all which time the King was in fear and danger of his life. At this Parliament (some write) the King made a solemn Oath never to give a Remission to any of the Dowglasses there forfeited, as the Lords did, never to interceed nor request for any of them: and in disgrace of the Earl of Angus, Henry Stuart who had married the Queen his Wife, was created Lord Meffan.

The Dowglasses having all favour denied them, being openly declared Enemies to the King and Countrey, commit all Hostility (the last refuge of desperate men) on their Enemies bounds, Caust∣land and Cranstoun are burned, they ravage even to the Gates of Edenburgh, the harmless people suffering for the faults of the great; under shadow of their Followers all Robberies and Oppressions brake forth, and by whomsoever committed, are laid to their charge. The King will not hear of them in any other terms than Oppressours and common Robbers. In their defence they fortifie their Castle of Tantallon with the readiest Provision taken from the nearest adjacent bounds. In October the King raiseth a great company of Soldiers, with great Or∣dnance, and other Engines of War brought from the Castle of Dumbar, Tantallon is besieged, but proveth impregnable; and David Faulconer the General of the Ordnance at their removing is slain. A Commission is sent to the Earl of Bothwell, as

the Kings Lieutenant, to invade with Fire and Sword in all places the Dowglasses, which he, either out of human compassion, or that he knew wise States-men should extenuate the faults of others rather than aggravate them, refused to accept. But the Earl of Arguyl and Lord Hume accepted that charge, prosecute them where they might be ap∣prehended, till after much misery and night-wan∣dring at home, they were constrained with Alex∣ander Drummond of Carnock, who had been par∣taker of their misfortunes by his consanguinity with the Earls Mother, who was Daughter to the Lord Drummond, to fly into England, where they were charitably received, and honourably entertained by King Henry the Eight.

Now are the Offices and Lands of the Dowglasses disposed upon; the Archbishop of Glasgow, Gavin Dumbar is made Chancellor, Robert Bartoun, who was in especial favour with the King, Treasurer, great Customer General of the Artillery and Mines, and other Charges are given unto others.

The King of England intended a War against the Emperor Charles the Fifth, sendeth Embassa∣dors to Scotland for a certain time to treat a Peace, and if it were possible to reconcile the Dowglasses with the King. Five years truce was resolved up∣on; but for the Dowglasses, the King would hear∣ken to no offers; only Alexander Drummond by the intercession of Robert Bartoun, and the Embas∣sadors, had liberty to return home. When the Earl of Northumberland and the Earl of Murray, who had full power to conclude a Truce, had met the other Commissioners upon the Borders, the Factious great men and rank Ryders there, put all in such a confusion by urging difficulties, that they parted without agreeing unto any Articles or certain

Conclusions: which the King took in so evil a part, that divining from what head this interruption sprung, he committed sundry Noblemen to the Castle of Edenburgh, till they gave Hostages, and secured the Borders from invasion or being invaded. In the month of June following with a great power he visited these bounds, executing Justice upon all Oppressours, Thieves and Out-Laws. In Ewsdale eight and fourty notorious Riders are hung on grow∣ing Trees, the most famous of which was John Arm-strong; others he brought with him to Eden∣burgh for more publick Execution and Example, as William Cockburn of Henderland, Adam Scot of Tushelaw, named King of Thieves.

The year 1530. the King instituted the Colledge of Justice; before it was ambulatory, removing from place to place by Circuits; Suits of Law were peremptorily decided by Bayliffs, Sheriffs, and other Judges; when any great and notable cause offered it self, it was adjudged Soveraignly by the Kings Council, which gave free audience to all the Sub∣jects. The power and priviledges of this Colledge was immediately confirmed by Pope Clement the Seventh.

In this Court are fifteen Judges ordinary, eight of them being Spiritual Persons, of the which the most antient is President, and seven Temporal men: The Chancellor of the Realm when he is present is above the President, There are also four Councellors ex∣traordinary, removeable at the Princes pleasure.

This Institution is after that Order of Justice which is administred in Paris, first instituted by Philip the Fourth, the French King the year 1286.

The King about this time storeth his Arsenals with all sort of Arms; the Castles of Edenburgh, Sterlin, Dumbartoun and Blackness, are repaired

and furnisht with Ordnance and Ammunition.

Whilst no certain Truce is concluded between the Realms of England and Scotland, the Earl of Angus worketh in this interim so with the King of England, that Sir Edward Darcey is sent to the Borders; who when his solicitation for restoring the Earl, at the Scottish Court had taken no effect, yea had been scorned, after he had staied at Ber∣wick, with the Garrisoned Soldiers, and some se∣lected companies out of Northumberland and West∣merland maketh a Road into Scotland; Coldingham, Dunglas, and adjacent Villages they burn, ravage the Countrey towards Dunce. Some Scottish Ships and Vessels were also at this time taken by Sea. When a reason was sought of this Invasion in a Cessation of Arms, and calm of Truce; They require the Dowglasses may be restored to their ancient Inheri∣tances, and whatsoever had been with-held from them, and that Cannabie (a poor Abbacy) be ren∣dred to the English, as appertaining of old to the Crown of England. The Earl of Murray being declared Lieutenant maketh head against them: but the English daily increasing in number, and his Companies not being sufficient to make good against so many and large Incursions, the power of Scot∣land is divided into four Quarters, every one of which for the durance of fourty days by turns taketh the defence of the Countrey. The English finding by this intercourse of new Soldiers the War to be prolonged, would have gladly accepted of Peace, but they disdained to sue for it to the Scots: it was thought expedient that the French, a Friend then to both, should be a Mediatour to reconcile them, wherupon, after an Ambassador had come from France, Commissioners first meet at Newcastle, and after at London, James Colvil of Easter Weyms, Adam

Otterburn of Redhall, William Stuart Bishop of Aber∣deen, the Abbot of Kinloss. These conclude a Peace To continue between the two Realms, during the two Princes lives, and one year after the decease of him who should first depart this life.

About this time the secrets of the Ecclesiastical Doc∣trine and Authority beginning to be laid open to the view of the World, the politick Government of King∣domes began to suffer in the alteration and discovery. The Lady Katherine Daughter to Ferdinando and Isabella, King and Queen of Spain, and Sister to the Mother of Charles the Fifth Emperor, had been Married to Arthur Prince of Wales, Eldest Son to Henry the Seventh King of England, he dying, by the dispensation of Pope Julius the Second, her Fa∣ther in Law gave her again in Marriage to Henry his other Son, the Brother of Arthur. This Queen though fruitful of Children, and often a Mother, brought none forth that long enjoyed life, and came to any perfection of growth, except one only Daugh∣ter Mary. Her Husband either out of spleen against the Emperor Charles, or desire of Male Children, or other Causes known to himself, pretended great scruples in his Conscience, would make himself and the World believe, that his Marriage was not lawful. After deliberation with his Church-men, whom he constrained to be of his mind, he kept not longer company with his Queen; his Church-men used all their eloquence to make the Queen accept of a Di∣vorce, which she altogether refused, and had her recourse to the Pope, who recals the cause to himself. At Rome, whilst in the consistory the case is made dif∣ficult, and the matter prolonged, King Henry im∣patient of delays, and amorous, divorceth from his own Queen and Marrieth Anne Bullen 1533.

Then the Pope with his whole Cardinals gave out

their Sentence, That it was not lawful for him by his own authority, to separate himself from his Wife; that his Marriage with Katharine was most lawful, not to be questioned, and that under pain of Excommunication he should adhere unto her.

King Henry well experienced in the great Affairs of the World, considering how the threatnings and thunders of the Bishops of Rome, even in these an∣cient and innocent times when they were believed and reverenced, in his Kingdom produced never great Effects, thought them to no purpose in a time when a Doctrine was publisht to the World, em∣braced and believed of numbers, by which they were contemned and scorned: upon this and other grounds he refuseth to obey, and the Pope conti∣nueth his menacing.

This disorder and boldness of the King of Eng∣land moved the Emperor and the Pope to try if they could win the King of Scotland to arise in Arms against his Uncle King Henry. The Emperour es∣sayeth it under pretence of other business of great importance. For having given way to new Opi∣nions in Religion amongst his Countrey-men in Germany, and finding them mounted to that height as to have produced the Effects he desired, (by this Division laying a foundation to turn the Imperial Crown Hereditary to his own House, which, Germany being all of one mind and undistracted, he could never have brought to pass) he compelleth the Bi∣shop of Rome to condescend to a general Council or Assembly of the Clergy of Europe, the onely and soveraign Remedy to cure diseased minds, and accord different Opinions: but he knew well that by the Church of Rome, men would be delegated to this meeting, turbulent, and so far from pacify∣ing tumults begun, that instead of Water they would

apply Oyl and Wood to these flames, turn Opini∣ons before disputable, irreconcileable, and leave matters worse than they found them. Having im∣plored the aid and assistance of the Potentates about him to the setting forward of so Pious and Holy a Work, he sendeth Goddescallo Errico (a Sicilian) for greater secrecy by Ireland to the King of Scot∣land.

This Embassador for a token of that affection the Emperour his Master carried to the Person and Virtues of King James, presenteth him with the Order of the Golden-fleece 1534. with solemn Pro∣testations for the observing of these ancient Leagues and Confederacies contracted between the Princes his Masters Predecessors and the Kings of Scotland, to continue ever amongst themselves.

His other Instructions were Plains of the wrongs done to his Aunt Katharine, most unjustly repudiate and forsaken by a King forsaken of God and abhor∣red of men. The Marriage of Anne Bullen should wound deeply King James, it being likely by her Suc∣cession he should be barred of his Right to the Crown of England: The Emperour by his Embassador ex∣postulating the wrongs of his Aunt, had gained no∣thing, but that for his sake She was the worse en∣tertained. To make more strong and lasting the Em∣perours friendship with King James, he (if he pleas∣ed) would make him an offer, and give him the choice of three Ladies, three Maries, all of the Im∣perial Stem: Mary of Austria the Emperours Sister, the Widow of Lovis King of Hungary; Mary of Portugal, the Daughter of his Sister Eleonara of Austria: Mary of England, the Daughter of Ka∣therine and King Henry. And would undertake the performance of this last, either by consent of her Fa∣ther, or by main force. The greatest but last of his

Instructions was that to suppress the Heresies of the time he would concur with the Emperour for the con∣vocating a general Council, and obviate the Calamities then threatning the Christian Religion.

The King with great cheerfulness and many thanks, that the Emperour entertained him with such respect, and held him worthy so fair and Royal Alliance, and the participation of Affairs of such importance and moment, received this Embassage.

For the Council, providing it were a general Coun∣cil lawfully convocated by the Emperour and Chri∣stian Kings, as the first Councils were wont, free and holy (as nothing is more holy than a general Convocation of Christians) the most charitable and quiet of the Clergy, and such who would pacifie mat∣ters, not the most zealous and fiery Spirits, or men corrupted by rewards being delegated unto it, being premonisht of the time and place, he would apply his will unto his, assist him, thither send his best Ora∣tors and most convenient Church-men. That if a true Council could not be obtained, every Prince should reform the Errors of Doctrine and faults of the Cler∣gy within his own Dominions.

The proceedings of his Uncle were grievous unto him, being a man altogether thralled to his own O∣pinions. For the good of the Christian Religion and Peace of Europe, it were expedient that all her Princes were united together in amity and love, and their Arms directed against the common Enemy the Turk. For himself he would be Mediatour to re∣concile the Emperour and his Uncle, endeavour to recall him to the love of his Wife, nor by any per∣suasions to be induced to condescend to ought preju∣dicial to Queen Katherine.

The three Ladies were every one in the superlative worthy, especially Mary of England, for that great

reason of uniting the Isle of Great-Britain, but she was not in her own power, nor in the power of the Emperour, that he could bestow her upon whom he pleased. That to ravish her out of the hands of her Father would be, beside the danger of the Enter∣prize, a breach of Divine and Human Laws.

It was not safe for Paris that he preferred one of the three Goddesses to the other two, for prizing those three (that the Emperour might know how dearly he respected and earnestly affected his affinity) there remained a fourth Lady near in blood to the Emperour, Isabella Daughter of Christian King of Denmark, and Isabella the Emperours own Sister, whom, besides her matchless virtues, for the vicinity of the Nation to his, and the conformity of their harmless humors, he made choice to be Queen of his affections and Dominions.

Goddescallo answered this last, That a match with Lady Isabella of Denmark could not with the Em∣perours credit be brought to pass, because she was promised already to another, Frederick Count Palatine, and the Marriage might be accomplished before news came to the Emperour of the Kings Election.

This choice of the Kings was but on evasion, for Sir Thomas Areskin of Brichen Secretary, and Da∣vid Beatoun Abbot of Arbroth, under pretence of renewing the League between France and Scotland long before had been directed to France about a Marriage with the eldest Daughter of King Francis, which John Duke of Albany projected when the League between the two Kingdoms was renewed at Rochel.

Henry King of England had now renounced all obedience from the Bishop of Rome, and through his whole Dominions abrogated his Authority, and Paul the third after his assuming the Papacy, set for∣wards

by the Emperour and his Cardinals, who thought either to recover England or burn it up 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Foreign or Civil War, never left thundring a∣gainst him. But after John Fisher Bishop of Ro∣chester was beheaded (a man imprisoned for ad∣hering to the Pope, then for his persecution, and that the King might carry him the greater respect, made Cardinal) the whole Conclave stir the Pope against King Henry. And full of Grief and rage remonstrate what danger would follow their Order if this Example unpunisht should have way. They maintained the Papal power against all Princes, which now for fear of their Lives they would be forced to forsake, or to proceed with great timo∣rousness and neglect, if by any secular power they might be called in Judgment and embrue Scaffolds with their blood. The Pope, though highly pro∣vokt, parted not from his Resolution, yet used a sort of moderation; he threatneth still to let fall the blow, in the mean time holding his hand.

Thus to give satisfaction to his Court, he formed a Process against King Henry and a most severe Sentence, but abstained from the publication of it during his pleasure; Secretly sending many Copies of it to those Princes he thought could be useful to his Designs when occasion should serve, and he pro∣ceed with a constant rumor of the Bull shortly to be put in execution and publisht.

Amongst many interested in wrongs by the King of England, considering there was none comparable to the Nation and King of Scotland, he directeth hither John Antonio Compeggio; This Legate find∣eth King James at Faulkland 22. February 1535. and here with many Ceremonies and Apostolical Be∣nedictions, delivereth him a Cap and a Sword, Con∣secrated the Night of the Nativity of our Saviour:

which the fame of his valour and many Christian virtues had moved his Master to remunerate him with. Also (saith the Original) that it might breed a terror in the heart of a wicked neighbouring Prince against whom the Sword was sharpned.

The Popes Letter in most submissive stile con∣tained, A Complaint for the death of John Bishop and Cardinal of Rochester, miserably taken away by the hand of an Hang-man. The Calamities of England occasioned by the Kings Divorce from Ka∣therine of Spain, and his Marriage with Ann Bullen; That since the Roman Church had received great disgrace and a deadly wound, and by patience procured more and more wrongs from, the King of England, She was constrained to use a searing Iron. For the application of which She had recourse to his Majesty, a Prince for his Ancestors piety and his own renowned. His aid, maintenance, protection she implored; Since King Henry was a Despiser, a Scorner, One who set at naught the censures of the Church: an Heretick, Schismatick, a shameful and shameless Adulterer, a publick and profest homicide Murtherer, a Sacrilegious Person, a Church-Robber, a Rebel guilty of lese-Majesty Divine, outragious, many and innumerable ways a Felon, a Criminal: By all Laws herefore justly to be turned out of his Throne: The King of Scotland for the Defence of the Church would undertake something worthy a Christian King and himself: he would endeavour to suppress Heresie, defend the Catholick faith against those whom the justice of Almighty God, and judg∣ments were now prepared and already ready to be de∣nounced.

The King kindly entertained the Legate, an∣swered the Pope with much regret for the estate and stubborness of the King of England. Who would

not be struck with Pitty that a King who late amongst Christian Princes was honoured with the Title of Defender of the Faith, should be obnoxious to so many Crimes, that now amongst Princes he could scarce be reputed a Christian? This Compassion was common to him with others, but he by a necessi∣ty of Nature, and nearness of Blood felt a more piercing sorrow; he should leave no means untried to recal his Uncle to the obedience of the Church: and though by his Embassadors, he had once or twice went about the same, but in vain, he would study a way how face to face he might give him his best Counsel, and remonstrate how much good he would do the Christian World and himself by re∣turning again to the Church. Mean while he re∣quested him not to be heady, forward nor rash in executing the Sentence against his Uncle, which would but obdure him in his separation.

King James not having lost all hopes of his Uncle, directeth the Lord Areskin to England, to acquaint him with the Emperors and Popes Embas∣sages; and to take his Counsel about a Marriage with the Duke of Vandosons Daughter whom the French King had offered to him, his own Daughter being weak and sickly. In this Embassage there was a complaint against the Londoners, who in their passage to the Island fishing, spoiled the Coasts of Orknay and the adjacent Islands: with a Roquest that King Henry would not succour the Lubeckers against the Duke of Hulstein.

The King of England not to prove inferior to the Emperour and Pope in conferring honours upon his Nephew, admitteth him to the Fraternity of the Garter, which he delivered to the Lord Are∣skin his Embassador. And thereafter dispatched William Lord Howard, Brother to the Earl of Nor∣folk

(as if that name were a sufficient Scar-crow to the Popes Sword and the Emperours Golden-fleece) to Scotland, who made such hasty Journeys that he prevented the News of his coming, and at unawares found the King at Sterlin. The Sub∣stance of his Embassage was, That the King of England and Scotland might have an interview at York, at which meeting the King of Scotland should be declared Duke of York, and General Lieutenant of the Kingdom of England. That his Master having Instructions of the Alliance offered him by neighbouring Princes, did offer to his own and his Counsels, judgments if they could find a more fit, than to contract a Marriage with his Daughter, which might be easily perfected if his Master and King James could condescend upon some few points.

When the King had taken these Propositions into deliberation, the Church-men suspecting if this meeting and match had way, the King would em∣brace the Opinions of the new Reformers, set all their wits to overthrow it. The nearest Successors to the Crown, covering their claim and interest, argued, That to Marry the Lady Mary of England who for many years would not he marriagable was not a right way to continue his Race by procreation of Children, and that his impatience of living alone, would not be much abated by marrying a Child. That King Henry projected this Marriage to no other end than to hinder him from better Alliances, or to facilitate an entry to the Kingdom. That when a Prince would take advantage of any neighbour Prince, it was more safely done by Alliance than open force. That it was more safely, King Henry being a wary Prince, never meant to marry his Daughter at all as long as himself lived, but to keep her at Home with him, bearing many Princes in

hand to save him from Dangers both at home and abroad: which counsel was practised lately by the Duke of Burgundy.

Most oppose neither to the meeting of the two Kings, nor to the Alliance, but to the place of their meeting, which seemed unto them of no small im∣portance, being in the heart of England, and amidst the most martial people of that Nation.

They require the two Kings might have their in∣terview at Newcastle, this place, when they meet, being most commodious for furnishing all necessaries by Ships; That the number of their Train should be a∣greed upon, as one thousand, which none of the two Kings should exeeed. That the time should be at the Feast of Saint Michael the Arch-Angel between the Harvest and the Winter, which would hast the con∣summation of the Ceremonies, and not suffer the Kings to prolong time, but invite their return to their own chief and principal Cities. When it was declared to the Lord Howard, that the consent of the Nobles of the Kingdom obtained, the enterview at the Feast of Michaelmas at Newcastle might be condescend∣ed unto; he would neither accept of the place nor time, His Master having already (as matter he had never put in question) made great preparations for this interview at York, that he would think his offers slighted and an affront put upon him, if any excuses were alledged to the contrary: Thus with some bravadoes to the Council he departed.

The King to give satisfaction to his Uncle of his Councils proceedings with the Lord Howard, send∣eth after him Sir Adam Otterburn of Red-hall, who layeth the fault of his not appearing upon the Lord Howard, complaining, That he menaced the Coun∣sellors, and would have forced their Votes; that he was a Friend to Sir George Dowglass and other

Rebels, who convoyed him to Scotland, and accom∣panied him back again. It was against the credit and honour of free born Princes to be threatned, what was friendly begun should friendly continue and end: Princes should not be constrained, especially in matters which were not of Debt but benevolence.

Amidst these importunities and solicitations King James with five well manned Ships taketh the Seas, giving out a Voyage for France; and the French record it was his first adventure to come to them: but it is more likely this proceeded from Policy of State, to try the affections and demeanour of the great ones of his Kingdom in his absence, rather than any intended Voyage towards Forreigners. For with this Fleet he arriveth at Orkenay, there in some Forts placeth Garrisons, sails about the Islands of Sky and Lewes, surprizeth the chief of the Clannes of those Highland Islanders, whom he sent for Ho∣stages to the Castles of Dumbartoun and Edenburgh. And when by the skill of one Alexander Lyndsay his Pilate, he had sounded the remotest Rocks of his Kingdom, he was driven by storms to take Land at Saint Ninians near Whitehorn in Galloway. This Voyage bred great fear in those Islanders and Sa∣vages, and brought long Peace and quietness to those Countreys thereafter. At his Return to Edenburgh for Disorders committed or surmised in his absence, most part of the great men near the Borders are charged to enter their Persons in Ward during the Kings pleasure. Walter Scot of Balclough is com∣mitted to the Castle of Edenburgh, the Lord Hume to the Castle of Down, Farnehast to Faulkland, the Laird of Johnstoun and Mark Car to Dundee: and others elsewhere. He knew the common Riders never made incursions without either the command or tolerance of these Superiors.

The remote High-lands and Borders made peace∣able by the incarcerations of the Chiefs of the Clannes and Families there commanding, he may when oc∣casion is offered in Person visit any neighbour Prince or State. To second his former Embassadors in their suit in France he had sent the Earl of Murray, William Stuart Bishop of Aberdeen, with others: and King Francis in regard of the indisposition of his Daughter Magdalen, had made an offer to them of his near Kins-woman.

The Kings mind having been long troubled with youthful thoughts by the many matches offered him; and thinking marriages contracted and trust∣ed to the eyes of others, one way or other deficient, resolveth to go in Person and Woe for himself. Up∣on this resolution he imbarked at Leith, concealing the intention of his Voyage; many suppose he ma∣keth for England to pacify his Uncle, for many wish∣ed the same: Whilst he is on the Ocean, the Winds contrarying his Course, a violent Tempest separat∣ing his Ships, the Pilate asketh him to what Coast he should direct his Course; To any thou best likest (answered the King) except towards England; the Storm encreasing and sleep shutting up the Kings eyes, these who accompanied him, command the Pi∣late to turn sails again for Scotland, and not struggle with the pittiless Element for matters which might be delayed, and a little time could not turn worse: so when the King awoke, he found himself near his own Harbours upon the Forth, and was so highly displeased with the Authors of his return that he ne∣ver pardoned them: the fault was laid on Sir James Hamiltoun, and to stir him more against this man, there wanted not who said, His obedience to his Prince was dissembled, that he accompanied his Master to no other end in his Voyage than to cross his intentions so far as was in his power.

The season thereafter being more fit for Naviga∣tion, he ascendeth again his Ships at Kircaldy, and with a prosperous wind the tenth day after arrived at Deep in Normandy; The Earls of Arran, Arguyl, Rothes, Arrol, Lords Flemin, Boyd, attended him, with many Barons and Knights: the Earl of Mur∣ray, young Lennox and Cassiles, the Lord Areskin, and Abbot of Arbroth expected him at Paris; but he, preventing the same of his coming, with a small Train holdeth his way to Vandosm, to see the Lady Mary of Burbon, all which way one John Tennant personating the Lord of the Company, he passed un∣descried. But come to Vandosm, whether the Lady had a Letter for the same from David Beatoun, or that by matching the faces of one of those Strangers with a Pourtraict she had of King James, in like∣ness (as she said) he was found out, and challenged by the Lady of that fault, which was easily confess'd and pardoned? He found her very beautiful, and eminent in all Princely excellencies, but bethinking how he having choice of three Princesses, all Daugh∣ters of Kings, if he should fix his affection on this Lady at the first interview, he should be obnoxious to the indignation of the other, he returned as he came towards Roven, where his Nobles attended him, and having understood King Francis was to give the Emperour Battel in Provence, quitting his Retinue, he posted towards him. The Daulphine meeteth him at the Chappel between Tarray and St. Sophorin in the Countrey of Lions. King Francis receiveth him with as much honour as could be de∣sired, and convoyeth him to Paris; the Peers of the Kingdom haste from all quarters hither to entertain this Strange Prince, and the Court is changed into an Academy of Knightly exercise, where King James proveth inferior to none in feats of Arms.

Magdalen the Kings eldest Daughter is his Mistress, a Lady fair, young, of a lovely countenance, and comely behaviour, above all others of the King∣dom. The Lady Margaret her younger Sister (who after was married to the Duke of Savoy) is offered to him, by reason of the tender and weak dis∣position of her Sister: but Magdalen by the glaun∣ces of her Princely Woer re-obtaining her health (her body as it were following the Temperature of her Spirit, or that it appeared to her self and her Fa∣ther so) King James continuing in his first resolu∣tion, the marriage is contracted between them, an hundred thousand Crowns of the Sun being pro∣mised in Dowry, besides thirty thousand Franks of yearly pension during the life of King James; the Jointure assured to her by the King of Scotland, was all the Lands possessed by any former Queen, the Earldoms of Strathern and Fyfe with the Palace of Faulkland, and other Lands of the best and most certain Revenue.

Thus Anno _____ _____ in the Church of Nostre-Dame in Paris, the King of Scotland married the Lady Magdalen in presence of her Father, seven Cardinals, the King of Navarr, many great Dukes and Barons.

King Francis after the Solemnities of this Mar∣riage, having Piccardy and Piedmont then over-run by the Imperialists; and King James fearing he might suffer wrong in his absence from the King of England, with assurance of mutual Amity, part from other in the end of April, and from New-haven the Queen with her Husband the 29. of May arrives at the Port of Leith; it is reported that after she put her foot on the Shore, upon her Knees she kissed the Ground, Praying for all happiness, to the Countrey and People. Never Queen in so short a time was

more beloved of her Husband, nor sooner made conquest of the hearts of her Subjects: Nor was their greater hopes conceived of any Alliance than of this, nor greater joy did ever arise for those hopes, but as in the life of man there is ever remaining more of bitter than sweet: so were these content∣ments but Shadows, matched with the real Sorrow that the death of that young Lady brought forth. For she lived not many weeks after her Arrival in Scotland, when of a Feaver, which she contracted in June, she departed this life in July: She was buried with the greatest mourning Scotland ever till that time was participant of, in the Church of Holy-rood-House near King James the Second.

These last honours to the dead Queen and funeral pomp finished, the King (desirous of Succession) hath yet his thoughts wandring in France; Mary of Burbon Daughter to Charles Duke of Vandosm, being frustrate of her Royal hopes, had not only turned religious, but was dead of displeasure. Whilst he disported himself at the Court of France, he had been acquainted with a Lady rich in all ex∣cellencies, who next Magdalen had the power of his affections, Mary of Lorrain Sister to Francis, Daughter to Rhene, Duke of Guize, and Widdow of the Duke of Longueville: Her he thinketh for her Stemm, healthful complexion, fertility (for she had been a mother) and other fortunes, worthy of his love. But to try her affection towards him, he directeth David Beatoun his late paranymph, and the Lord Maxwell to France. Whilst they traf∣fick this Marriage, many false accusations (as Plots laid against his Person) are intended one after ano∣ther at the Court, amongst which two are remark∣able for their notable calumny.

John eldest Son to the Lord Forbess, a young

Gentleman chief of his name, hardy and valorous, but evil brought up, and therefore easily suspect to but capable of sin, had for a Servant or Companion, and ordinary sharer of his pleasures, one named Strachan, a man come of the dreg of the people, and perfectly wicked. This man after much fami∣liarity, and some secret service and attendance, to satisfie his insatiable desire, desired earnestly some∣thing from the Master of Forbess, which he passio∣nately refused to give him, upon which, carried away with rage and malice, he not only renounced his friendship and service, but betook himself to the Service of his Enemy the Earl of Huntley: by whose advice he forgeth a malicious Plot to over∣throw him. To compass their design, they accuse the Master of Forbese to have had once an intenti∣on and mind to kill the King, that the Dowglasses might be restored to their wonted honours and an∣cient possessions. By price and prayers witnesses are procured to prove this against him, and convict him, or at the least to leave him suspected and taxed with this Treason. Though this crime was not suffici∣ently and clearly proved, yet was the Master of For∣bess indicted, and convicted by an Assize, for ha∣ving conspired the Kings death, for the which he was beheaded and quarter'd, and his Quarters set aloft upon the Gates of Edenburgh.

This Gentlemans death proveth how dangerous the Society and company of the wicked is to any; for ascending the fatal Scaffold, he justified his in∣nocency of what was laid to his Charge, but con∣fessed the guilt of the Laird of Drummes blood by the justice of God brought him to that end. His Father the Lord Forbess was upon suspicion kept long after in the Castle of Edenburgh. The King when he could not amend what was past, testified he

was grieved at the death of this Nobleman, for he banished Strachan, because he had so long conceal∣ed the Treason of Forbess, silence in a matter im∣porting no less than the life of a Prince, being rec∣koned equal to the Treason, he made his second Brother one of his Domesticks, restoring him to the Estate which was forfeited.

This thunderclap was immediately followed by another, for the quality of the Person, and strange∣ness of the Crime deplorable, but more for the hor∣rour and terrour of the punishment.

Jane Dowglass Sister to Archembald Earl of An∣guss, the Widdow of John Lyon Lord Glammes, with her Husband Archembald Campbell of Keep∣neeth, her young Son the Lord Glammes, and an old Priest, were brought to Edenburgh, committed, and accused that they should have poysoned the King. Their accuser was William Lyon a Kinsman of the late Lord Glammes. This Treason had no probabi∣lity of truth among such who knew the accused, be∣ing persons who lived far from the Court in their so∣litary mansions, seldom or never almost seeing the King. Nevertheless their accusations were believed, and strict command given to the Judges to dispatch their Process.

William Lyon aggravating the case represented to the King, the ancient faults of the Family of the Dowglasses, committed against his Predeoessors, the particular wrongs of Earl Archembald, now stir∣ring the English against him, and ravaging his Bor∣ders; That he should believe, he not being able to be restored to his first Estate by prayers and solicita∣tions of Neighbour Princes, nor by open force, now set on work his last engines to come to his end, though it were with the life of his Soveraign; That in so secret and dangerous a Plot he could not use but his

nearest Kindred; a Woman, and his own Sister, might attempt such a mischief, her sex and other qualities making her less suspect to have access to his Person.

Suppose clear proofs could not be found against her, the whole race of the Dowglasses should be extirpate, being a Linage only fertile in bringing forth Monsters of Rebellion. That by sparing her life, and suffer∣ing her to escape, he should afford her time, licence and power to execute what she but now (perhaps) had intended.

The King, not knowing the mans particular hatred against this Lady (for some write, He did inform against her in revenge that she refused to marry him, giving her self to another) suffered the Process to be concluded.

Some of the Judges would have referred her to the Kings clemency till a farther trial of the Wit∣nesses might be had, upon whose testimony the Process did depend, it being a safer way in Judg∣ment to absolve the guilty, than condemn the in∣nocent. But the most part gave her over to the Assizers; the better part of which being in voices fewer, the greater, who neither respecting consci∣ence within them, nor shame with the present age and posterity, nor the Supream Justice of Heaven, find this poor Lady guilty, and she is condemned to be burnt alive. Her sentence was executed the fifth day after the beheading of the Master of Forbess on the Castle hill of Edenburgh, in sight of her Hus∣band. Who either out of Revenge or Fear, after this tragical end of his Lady, seeking to save him∣self by escape out of the Prison, whilst he came o∣ver the Wall by the shortness of the Cable was dash∣ed against the Rock, and found dead. Though the tender years of the Lord Glammes, her Son, pro∣ved

his innocency, he remained prisoner in the Ca∣stle till after the Kings death. The old Priest, when after torture, nothing could be proved against him was set at liberty, William Lyon the Author of his calumny, was banished the Countrey, which justi∣fied the Ladies integrity, and verified that however Princes love to find out Treason, they hate the In∣formers except upon clear grounds.

Upon the like suspitions Droomlenrigge and Hemps-Field ancient Barons, having challenged others, had leave to trie the verity by Combate; the lists were designed by the King (who was a Spectator and Umpire of their Valour) at the Court of the Palace of Holy-rood-house. They appeared upon the day, armed from head to foot, like ancient Palladines, and after many enterchanged blows to the disadvan∣tage of their Casks, Corslets and Vantbraces, when the one was become breathless, by the weight of his arms and thunder of his blows, and the other (who was short sighted) had broken his ponderous Sword, the King, by Heraulds, caused separate them, with disadvantage to neither of these Companions, and the verity which was found, was, that they dared both fight in close Arms.

The Abbot of Arbroth, and the Lord Maxwell by many enterchanged Letters full of Princely love, had assured the King and the Lady Mary of Lorrain, and Articles being agreed upon, to the great con∣tent of the French, they were espoused by Proctors, as is the custom amongst Princes, with great tri∣umph in the City of Paris, in the presence of the French King and many Peers; after which solem∣nity, Monsieur d' Annabault Admiral of France, accompanied her to New-haven in the beginning of the month of June 1538. where she embarked, and with many French Ships, when she had been tost

on the Seas, came to Fyffes-ness, where at Cayrel she was attended by the Noblemen, and the King, who consumated the Marriage in the Cathedral Church of St. Andrews in July.

Nothing more linketh the affections of the Mar∣ried than Children: the first year the Queen answer∣eth her Husbands hopes, and in St. Andrews was delivered of a Son, who was named James; the Archbishop of St. Andrews and Earl of Arran be∣ing his God-Fathers, and the Queen the Kings Mo∣ther his God-Mother 1539. in Febr. thereafter she was Crowned Queen or Scotland in the Abby Church of Holy-rood-house by the Abbot of Ar∣broth; at which time Margaret the old Queen fal∣ling sick at Methven in few days departed, and was buried in the Charter-house of St. Johnstoun near the Tomb of King James the First. The King her Son, with all the Nobility, and Gentry being present at her Funerals, which were celebrated in most solemn and pompous manner. Not long after James Beatoun Archbishop, a man of great age, followed this Lady to the other World: he had pro∣vided Successors to his Benefices, and his Archbi∣shops See to David Beatoun, afterwards Cardinal, whom the King accepted and admitted without con∣testation.

The Kingdom now began to be divided in Opi∣nions of Religion, they which held the helm of State, labouring in vain to reconcile them; the King was fore perplexed and uncertain what course to follow; suppress them he could not; to give way to them, without shaking the strongest beams of the policy of his Kingdom, seem'd unto him impossible; his Privy Counsellors being more of his ancient Servants, than Nobles or Church-men, (of which many were pip∣ing through these flecked clouds of ignorance) as

they favoured gave their Opinions, some one way, some another, and a freedom of speech being given, one of them as they were in his Chamber together, spake to him to this purpose.

Sir, Amongst the many blessings your Subjects en∣joy under this your Government, this is not the least, that for the Weal of your Majesty, and the publick good of the Kingdom, the meanest of your Subjects may freely open his mind and declare his opinion unto you his Soveraign.

And if ever there was a time in which grave, good and sound Counsel should be delivered to your Majesty, it is this, and the difficulties of the Common∣wealth do now require it. Nor ever in matters of advice and consultation, can we embrace and follow what is most reasonable, and what according to Laws, Justice and Equity should be, but what necessity driveth us unto, and what is most convenient for the present time to be, and what we may well and fairly accomplish and bring to pass.

The Estate of your Kingdom is troubled with di∣versity of Opinions concerning Religion; It is to be wished that the one onely true Religion were in the hearts of all your Subjects, (since diversity of Opi∣nions of Religion and Heresies are the very punish∣ment of God Almighty upon men for their horrible vices and roaring sins. And when men forsake his fear and true obedience, God abandoneth them to their own opinions and fantasies in Religion; out of which arise Partialities, Factions, Divisions, Strife, intestine Discords, which burst forth into Civil War, and in short time bring Kingdoms and Common∣wealths to their last periods) But matters arising to such a height and disorder, as by all appearance, they are like to advance in this Kingdom, the number of

the Sectaries daily increasing, without dissembling my thoughts to your Majesty, The preservation of the People being the supream and principal Law which God Almighty hath enjoyned to all Princes.

I hold it more expedient to give place to the exer∣cise of both Religions, than under pretence and sha∣dow of them to suffer the common Peace of your Sub∣jects to be torn in pieces. What can wisdom (Sir) advise you to do with these Separatists? Either they must be tolerated for a time, or they must altogether be removed, and that by death or banishment.

So soon as a Prince beginneth to spoil, banish, kill, burn his people, for matters abstract from sense and altogether spiritual, he becometh as it were a Plague unto them. It is an Error of State in a Prince, for an opinion of Piety to condemn to death the adherers to new Doctrine. For, the constancy and patience of those who voluntarily suffer all temporal miseries and death it self for matters of Faith, stir up and invite numbers who at first and before they had suf∣fered were ignorant of their Faith and Doctrine, not only to favour their Cause but to embrace their Opini∣ons, Pitty and commiseration opening the Gates. Thus their belief spreadeth it self abroad, and their Num∣ber daily encreaseth.

It is no less Error of State to banish them. Banish∣ed men are so many Enemies abroad, ready upon all occasions to invade their native Countrey, to trouble the Peace and Tranquillity of your Kingdom.

To take Arms against Sectaries and Separatists will be a great Enterprize, a matter hard and of many dangers, Religion cannot be preached by Arms; the first Christians detested that form of proceedings; force and compulsion may bring forth Hypocrites; not true Christians. If there be any Heresie amongst your People, this wound is in the Soul; our Souls

being Spiritual Substances upon which fire and iron cannot work, They must be overcome by spiritual Arms; Love the men and pitty their Errors.

Who can lay upon a man a necessity to believe that which he will not believe, or what he will believe, or doth believe, not to believe. No Prince hath such Power over the Souls and thoughts of men, as he hath over their bodies. Now to ruine and extirpate all those Sectaries, what will it prove else than to cut off one of your Arms, to the great prejudice of your Kingdom and weakning of the State? they daily increasing in number, and no man being so mi∣serable and mean, but he is a membor of the State. The more easie manner and nobler way were to tole∣rate both Religions, and grant a place to two Chur∣ches in the Kingdom, till it shall please Almighty God to return the minds of your Subjects, and turn them all of one will and opinion: Be content to keep that which ye may, Sir, since ye cannot that which ye would.

It is a false and erroneous opinion, That a King∣dom cannot subsist which tolerateth two Religions: Diversity of Religion shutteth not up society, nor bar∣reth civil conversation among men; a little time will make persons of different Religions contract such ac∣quaintance, custom, familiarity together, that they will be intermixt in one City, Family, yea Marriage-Bed, State and Religion, having nothing common.

Why (I pray) may not two Religions be suffered in a State (till by some sweet and easie means they may be reduced to a right Government) since in the Church (which should be union it self, and of which the Roman Church much vaunteth) almost infinit Sects and kinds of Monks are suffered: differing in their Laws, Rules of government, Fashions of li∣ving, Dyet, Apparel, maintenance and opinions of per∣fection

and who sequester themselves from our pub∣lick union. The Roman Empire had its extension, not by similitude and likeness of Religion. Different Re∣ligions, providing they enterprize nor practise nothing against the Politick Laws of the Kingdom may be tole∣rated in a State.

The Murthers, Massacres, Battels, which arise and are belike daily to encrease amongst Christians, all which are undertaken for Religion, are a thousand times more execrable, and be more open, plain, flat impiety, than this Liberty of diversity of Religions, with a quiet peace, can be unjust.

Forasmuch as the greatest part of those who flesh themselves in blood and slaughter, and overturn by Arms the peace of their Neighbours (whom they should love as themselves) spoiling and ravaging like famished Lyons, sacrifice their souls to the infernal powers, without further hopes or means of their ever recovering and coming back, when those others are in some way of repentance.

In seeking liberty of Religion, these men seek not to believe any thing that may come in their Brains; but to use Religion according to the first Christian institu∣tions, serving God and obeying the Laws under which they were born.

That Maxim so often repeated amongst the Church-men of Rome, That the Chase and following of Here∣ticks is more necessary than that of Infidels, is well applyed for the inlarging and increasing the Domini∣ons, Soveraignty and power of the Pope, but not for the amplifying and extending of the Christian Reli∣gion, and the Weal and Benefit of the Christian Com∣mon-Wealth.

Kingdoms and Soveraignties should not be governed by the Laws and Interests of Priests and Church-men, but according to the exigency, need, and as the case

requireth of the publick Weal, which often is neces∣sitated to pass and tolerate some defects and faults. It is the duty of all Christian Princes to endeavour and take pains that their Subjects embrace the true faith, as that semblably, and in even parts they observe all Gods commandments, and not more om commandment than another.

Notwithstanding when a vice cannot be extirpate and taken away without the ruine of the State, it would appear to human judgments that it should be suffered. Neither is there a greater obligation, bond, necessity of Law, to punish Hereticks more than For∣nicators, which yet for the peace and tranquillity of the State are tolerated and past over. Neither can a greater inconveniency and harm follow, if we shall suffer men to live in our Common-wealth who believe not, nor embrace not all our opinions. In an Estate many things are for the time tolerated, because they cannot without the total ruine of the State be suddenly Amended and Reformed.

These men are of that same nature and condition of which we are; they worship as we do, one God, they believe those very same holy Records; We both aim at Salvation; We both fear to offend God; We both set before us our happiness: The difference between them and us hangeth upon this one point, that they having found abuses in our Church, require a Reformation. Now shall it be said for that we run divers ways to one end, understand not rightly others Language; we shall pursue others with Fire and Sword, and extir∣pate others from the face of the Earth? God is not in the bitter division and alienation of affections, nor the raging flames of sedition, nor in the Tempests of the turbulent Whirl-winds of contradictions and dis∣putations, but in the calm and gentle breathings of Peace and Concord: If any wander out of the High-way,

we bring him to it again; If any be in darkness, we shew him light and kill him not; In Musical In∣struments if a string jar and be out of tune, we do not frettingly break it, but leisurely veer it about to a Concord: and shall we be so churlish, cruel, uncha∣ritable, so wedded to our own superstitious opinions, that we will barbarously banish, kill, burn those whom by love and sweetness we might readily win and recal again?

Let us win and merit of these men by reason, Let them be cited to a free Council; it may be they shall not be proved Hereticks, neither that they maintain Opinions condemned by the ancient Councils. Let their Religion be compared and parallel'd with the Religion of the first Age of the Church.

Shall we hold this People worse than the Jews, which yet have their Synagogues at Rome it self? Let them receive instructions from a free and lawful Council, and forsake their Errors, when they shall be clearly and fairly demonstrated unto them. Heresie is an error in the fundamental grounds of Religion, Schism intendeth a resolution tn Separation: Let a good Council be convocated, and see if they be ready or not to re-unite themselves to us.

That which they believe is not evil, but to some it will appear they believe not enough, and that there is in them rather a defect of good than any habit of evil. Other points when they shall be consider'd, shall be found to consist in external ceremonies of the Church, rather than in substance of Doctrine, or what is es∣sential to Christianity. These men should be judg'd, before condemn'd, and they should be heard before they be judg'd; which being holily and uprightly done, we shall find it is not our Religions, but our private Intrests and Passions which troubleth us and the State.

The King followed not this opinion, but gave himself over to the Counsel and Government of the Prelates. They remonstrate to him, that he should not rashly alter approv'd and long receiv'd Customs; that there was nothing more dangerous in Govern∣ment, than to abase the authority of ancient Laws. Let him well consider and set before his eyes the ma∣lice of man, who ever when he is drawn off one course of evil, precipitateth himself in a worse; It was less evil in State to tolerate disorders known, unto which usual and accustomed remedies might be applyed, than by altering and changing foundations to give way to new, to find out Remedies to which, would take and consume a whole age. That this would be a way, not only to take away the abuses, but even the good uses of every thing, and put in hazard all matters and main points concerning Reli∣gion. They desired him to consider how there were two sorts of persons affecting these new Opinions and studying Novations. The multitude or com∣mon people, and some of the Nobility and Gentry. It was likely the common people might be deceived; and to give them satisfaction, and appease them, by granting them a Reformation or change in Re∣ligion, would not be a means to illuminate and in∣struct them, but to bring in a popular licence. If he should suffer them to misbelieve, distrust, call in question points of Religion, or search or find out more light, they would immediately thereafter pre∣sume to make Laws and limit the Government, by degrees restraining the Soveraign Authority, and af∣ter they had examined, sifted narrowly, and discust Ecclesiastical authority, they would essay to correct and find the difficulties of the Temporal. That it was more easie to oppose and resist the first demands of the multitude, than pleasing them in a part, af∣ter

bound and limit their desires and petitions. As to the great Men of his Nobility and Gentry he might be assured they had not Religion and Piety for their Ends, but to impatronize and lay hold on the Church Rents, and Ecclesiastical Goods. To turn absolute and free men, acknowledging neither Church nor King. To this end many reserved themselves, and kept close their opinions, attending the change: which once appearing, their faces would turn all one way. Which imminent evils, if the King would prevent, there was no other means than to use his Authority and Power, whilst the most and greatest part of his Kingdom yet obey'd him. That cele∣rity in this was most necessary, before their number increas'd, and ere they discover'd that universal commodity, which would follow the imbracing of these new Opinions. It was safer to compose these Tumults by his absolute command and authority, and if this produced not the wished effect, to perform it by Arms, than to give reins to a popular Licence, and the ambition of great Men.

After this Counsel had prevailed, most rigorous Inquisitions are Established, and punishments de∣nounced against all who professed Opinions differing to the Church of Rome.

Whereupon some out of a muffled zeal of Reli∣gion, others to revenge their particular quarrels, most to possess Moveables and Lands, pursue many to judgment. Of which some are executed by fire, others banished, many imprisoned, amongst which was that famous Poet and Historian George Buchanan, who whilst his Keepers slept, escaped by a Window of the Prison, the Muses holding the Cable; the more frequent the publick executions were and ba∣nishments, the greater number embraced the opini∣ons of them which suffered.

The King of England having understood that the Pope, giving out the confirming of a Peace between the Emperour and the French King, had a meeting with them at Nice (a maritime Town upon the con∣fines of Provence) and assuring himself that matters there would be both consulted upon, and determined to his prejudice, sendeth again to his Nephew the King of Scotland, that he would come and see him at York, for now he had more vehemently irritated the Pope, having condemned as Rebels, and con∣fiscated the Goods of all who maintained Papal Au∣thority; and raised from their Tomb the Bones of Thomas Becket (commonly named St. Thomas of Canterbury, canoniz'd by Pope Alexander the third, for being kill'd for the maintenance of the liberties of the Church 1171. to whom there was yearly a Festival Day kept by the Roman Church) and by the hands of a common Executioner caused burn in ashes and throw them in the River. The revealing of which to the World was a secret more derogatory to the Pontifical State, than any stumbled upon here∣tofore, or opened up. Upon this the Sentence of Excommunication, some years deferred, was pro∣nounced against him. By which he was deprived of his Kingdom, and those who adhered to him, de∣clared uncapable of what they possessed. His Sub∣jects were dispensed from their Oath of Allegiance, and discharged to obey him. Strangers were inhi∣bited traffick with his Kingdom. All Christians charged to arise in Arms against him. The Estates, Goods and Persons of such Subjects as followed him, given over to be a prey and spoil to any would in∣vade them.

It was time for him to look to himself. Such of the Nobility as loved peace, and the Weal of the the two Kingdoms, stirr'd King James to this inter∣view,

especially they who favour'd the reformed Re∣ligion; assuring him King Henry was disposed with all demonstrations of good will, that his Person would be far from any danger. And if by this con∣ference they should join in bands of Amity, a great benefit to themselves, Country and Posterity would redound. Why would King Henry in the face of the World and Neighbour Princes, brand so his Re∣putation, as to break the Laws of Hospitality, wrong a Prince whom he had invited to come and see him? Why would he violate those of consanguinity at∣tempting against his own Nephew? The Emperour Charles the Fifth had been his Guest, and after Royal entertainment, was friendly dismissed. He met with Francis the French King at Bullen; which meeting seemed rather of Brothers come to countenance some marriage Pomp, than contending Neighbours. If King Henry had born any discontent against his Ne∣phew, he might long ere now have satisfied his am∣bition, and at more easie rate, when the King his Father with most of the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland receiv'd that fatal overthrow by the Hills of Flowden and Banks of Till; the refusing of an interview might divide the King and his Uncle upon which might follow some unnatural War.

Upon the other part the Church-men set all their Power to hinder this interview, persuading them∣selves it would give a terrible blow to their Estates or Religion. The principal cause (say they) why the King of England is so passionately earnest to have this meeting, is to persuade his Nephew to con∣form Church-matters in Scotland to those already begun in England; to abolish the Popes Authority, to drive Religious Persons from their Lands, Rents, Houses; invest the Jewels and Ornaments of the Churches. Which counsel and example if King

James should follow, he would hazard or lose the friendship he had with the Pope, Emperour and French King, his best Confederates, abandoned of which he and his Kingdom would be left a Prey to the tyranny of his Uncle; if Henry kept no faith to God, Men had no reason to trust unto him. That this Interview was to intrap his Person; He being the man whom the Pope and Emperour had designed to set upon his Throne, and revenge their quarrels; That it was grosly to err, to be carried away with a shadow and appearance and leave a Substance, to trust at once his Crown, Person and Liberty to an Enemy. And sith examples move more than Pre∣cepts, let him think upon the hazard of King James the First, eighteen years Prisoner, and after sold to his Subjects: Malcolm and William Kings of Scot∣land. He should remember (if yet he were therein to be instructed) that Princes serve themselves with occasions over their Neighbours, that they have greater care to satisfie their ambition, than fear of shame for doing of wrongs with the present times or posterity. That their Oaths were no longer kept than they observed their advantages. That after he falleth in his hands, he ought to follow his man∣ners, Religion, forsaking and giving over his own natural disposition, manners and freedom, have no other affections nor motions than his. For who cometh under the roof of a Tyrant turneth slave, though he was a free man ere he did enter. That this meeting with the Body, would endanger the Soul and infect it with his Errors, corrupting it with false opinions grounded upon a liberty to live to sen∣suality and Epicurean pleasure. If upon the slight∣ing of this Interview, King Henry should denounce War against King James and invade his Countrey, they in his just defence should furnish Moneys to en∣tertain

an Army and overturn his proceedings. For the present necessity they offer to pay to him fifty thousand Crowns yearly; and in any hazard of the Estate voluntarily to contribute all their Rents and Revenues, providing it would please his Majesty to suffer justice to proceed against those who scanda∣lously had sequestred themselves from the holy Church, and to the contempt of his Laws publickly made profession of the opinions of Luther. That the Goods of all who should be convict of Heresie (which they esteemed to no less than an hundred thousand Crowns of yearly Rent) should be brought to the Exchequer, and their Lands annext to the Crown. To this effect they intreat his Majesty to give them sufficient Judges truly Catholick and full of zeal and severity.

After long reasoning upon both sides it was agreed, the King should not altogether refuse to meet his Uncle, but adhere to the first offer propounded to his Embassadour concerning this Interview. The meeting to be at Newcastle, one thousand at the most in train with either King, the time to be the Feast of St. Michael the Arch-Angel.

These Conditions not being embraced by King Henry, would if not abolish totally, at the least pro∣long the time of this meeting; the King of England thinketh his Nephew too imperious to assume the Injunction of the whole circumstances of their meet∣ing, but rather than his suit should take no effect, ac∣cepteth both of the Place and number of the Train: and that he might have some point yielded unto him, requireth the time may be the first of August. These Conditions being almost agreed upon, three or four hundreth Riddesdale and Tinedale men, with other Borderers, break upon Liddesdale, and there with large incursions kill and forrage. This during the

Treaty falling miserably forth, so much irritated King James, that, accepting the offers of his Cler∣gy, he gave over inwardly all intentions of any in∣terview: By prolonging time labouring to winde himself out of the Maze. Hereupon he sendeth Letters full of excuses for his stay; representing his many grievances and wrongs suffer'd; and the seeds of discord began now to be sown amongst them. To lighten and recreate his cloudy thoughts, the Queen is delivered at Sterlin of another Son, who with great solemnity is Baptized in the Chappel of the Castle, and named Arthur.

The Prelates after mature deliberation present Sir James Hamiltoun, natural Son to the Earl of Arran, to be Supream Judge of the Inquisition, against all suspect of Heresie and new Opinions differing from the Faith of the Roman Church. The King ap∣proving their judgments in their choice, admitteth him. Sir James chearfully accepteth this new ho∣nour: For now his ambition will find many guilty and miserable supplicants: Yet was this change his ruine. For whilst he persecuteth all who were in∣formed against to be suspected of the Reform'd Re∣ligion, having many in Jayls, and numbers in his Scrolls to bring within the Labyrinth of a Process, the supream Providence arresteth himself.

James Hamiltoun Sheriff of Linlithgow, Brother to Mr. Patrick Hamiltoun Abbot of Ferm (who had suffered for Religion, and was Cousen to Sir James Hamiltoun of Fennard, Lord Inquisitor) for embracing his Brothers Opinions, had been per∣sued so by the Church-men that he was constrain'd to forsake his own Countrey, and some years wan∣der as a banisht man abroad; But by his Friends at Court having purchased a Licence or Protection for some months to see his desolate Family, and put his

private Affairs in order, cometh home. Where finding the censorian Power to be in his Cousens hands (for where should he have Sanctuary, if he were challenged by so near a Kinsman for matters of Re∣ligion?) imagining to himself an over-sight and preterition, out-dateth by his stay his Protection. Sir James to curry the favour of the Church-men, and testifie how dearly the cause of the Catholick Faith touched him, resolveth to begin with his Cou∣sen. For if he were so burnt up with zeal, that he spar'd not his own blood in the quarrel of the Ro∣man Faith, what Heretick could pass unpunisht? Besides the investing himself in the Sheriffs Office and Lands (which he never minded to restore) he had a Pick against him, for that whilst he sat Judge in Lithgow, he pronounced a Sentence by which he was interested in some petty gain.

The Sheriff falling so far short of his expectation, that he findeth himself the first subject of his Cousens Justice, and highly resenting his Kinsmans cruelty, whom he knew under pretext of Piety ready to exe∣cute his own Revenges, resolveth to prevent his mischief. He had sometime been familiar with Sir James, had known his by-paths; his secret Plots and airy brags had not escaped his observation; some alike in Kindred, to them both were emissaries suborned, to mark not only his actions but words and behaviour, by which one way or other he might be intrapt; He knew Sir James stood in some um∣brage with the King, and that some suspitions by no Innocency could be taken away. When at last he had found his hot-spur Cousen (who threatned him with Death and Fire) within the circle of his conjurations, he directeth his Son to the King, who at that time was ready to pass the Forth in his Barge; this bashful Messenger giveth advertisement from his

Father, that the King should make his Person sure from his foes at home; for Sir James Hamiltoun had secret Intelligence and Plots with the Earl of An∣guss and Dowglasses, and that he attended only the occasion when he might surprize him, either alone, or with a mean Retinue, and then or openly he would invade him, or breaking up his Chamber-doors assassinate him. The King giving attentive ear to a business which concerned him, no less than the safe∣ty of his Person, the accusation being given by a Cousen of the suspect, against a Family, which a little disorder in the State might turn Successors to the Crown, directeth the young man to Edenburgh, and beyond his private instructions giveth him a Ring (well known by the chief Officers to be a to∣ken of power and secrecy) to assemble so many of the Counsel as were resident. Sir Thomas Areskin, Secretary, Sir James Lermound, Master of the Houshold, William Kircaldie Treasurer and others, meet, fear, consult upon the Treason, labour how to prevent it; come to Sir James his Lodging, make sure his Person in the Castle of Edenburgh: and at that same time proceed, according to the Kings di∣rection to instruct his Process. Sir James passionate∣ly resenting his imprisonment, by his Friends im∣ploreth the aid of the Church-men upon his inno∣cency. They apprehending his accusation to be a Stratagem of State forg'd by these of the Reformed Religion, for the stopping any further progress of the Inquisition, already so furiously begun, inter∣pose their credit with the King for his Liberty to the discharging of his Commission against Hereticks. If the King should hearken to every Informer against a man in State and Office, he should never have an end; for thus no man is so innocent who may not be detracted and calumniated. Sir James was

known to be a man rash and insolent in words, his Brains having been a little giddy (like one looking from a great height) by his advancement in honours and place in Court; but sincere in the service of his Prince and loyal. If he was arrogant in boldness of terms, that was to acquire some more credit with the Commons, that he might do better service to his Prince.

They who committed Sir James Hamiltoun, knowing the King facile and easie to be wrought up∣on by the Clergy, some of them too, professing or giving way to the Reform'd Religion, resolve (if he should escape free of this accusation) that an imminent ruine hung over their Persons and Estates. Necessity and fear combining the distracted powers of their minds, they come, prostrate before the King, beseech him not so much to look to the quality and circumstances of the Crime, as to the evil inclinati∣on of the man, who, powerful, factious, and na∣turally vindicative, would never forgive nor forget the danger he was driven unto; that his Majesty would consider his pass'd life, terrible and cruel a∣gainst all whom he could over-reach; That to give him liberty, and relieve him of his imprisonment, before the Crimes of which he was accus'd were clear∣ly proved, or not, would be their, and the accusers overthrow; whom they esteemed loyal Subjects, and except upon evident probabilities, had never gi∣ven informations against him. That he was a man perfectly hated of the People, and a more accepta∣ble sacrifice could not be offer'd unto their fury it he prov'd guilty. At their Supplications the King gave the Judges full power to proceed against him, and administer Justice according to their Consciences and the Laws of the Kingdom. The pannal being found guilty of such points of the Indictment as was laid a∣gainst

him, was condemned to die, and thereafter accordingly beheaded, his Quarters being set aloft on the Town gates his Lands annexed to the Crown.

The Crimes of which he was found guilty (as from those who lived near that time have by tradi∣tion been received) were, he had intelligence with the Earl of Anguss and Dowglasses, whom he labour∣ed to have restored, though with the Kings death, he had a plot to have broken up the Kings Chamber-doors, and killed him, devolving the title of the Crown, or at least Government of the Kingdom to his kindred. Being directed to have repaired a Castle in Bute, and to this effect receiving three thousand Crowns in April, he went not thither, attending some change in the State, which was to be accomplished by treason against the Kings person. He kept still with him men of desperate minds and fortunes who at his direction durst enterprize any mischief.

Where he had repaired some of the Kings houses, he had placed a Statue resembling himself, or which to some he had named his Statue (what Mole hills are turned into Mountains when a Prince will pry into the actions of a disgraced Subject?) above the Kings arms. He had detracted from his Master, nam∣ing him the King of Clowns and Priests, and Scourge of the antient Nobility; He had laboured to hinder the Kings marriage at his being in France.

To these points the people (who rejoiced in his ruin) added, he had slain cruelly the Earl of Lennox at the battel of Lithgow, after he was Prisoner to Purdowye; he had way-laid Gilbert Earl of Cassiles who was killed by his direction and Councel.

This back-blow of Fortune proveth, that it is dangerous once highly to offend a Prince, and after remain in his service; for Princes put old offences up as neglected, and when the occasion serveth

them, surprize long after the Delinquents for some faults for which they are scarce guilty.

Sundry of the Nobility, appall'd at this sudden fall of Sir James Hamiltoun (for though they loved not the Man, they hated the examples of such strict Justice) left the Court, retiring to their own dwell∣ing Houses: which made the King suspitious of them and believe they favoured the reformed Religion, and preferred the friendship of King Henry his Uncle to his. Neither was he herein far Mistaken: for some feared not to send him word, that they had learned the Church-men had set him on work to extirpate his antient Nobility, as if it were an easie matter to create as many out of the Gentry, in whom (being his own Creatures) he might have greater confidence than any made by his Predecessours.

After this he turned so retired, sullen and melan∣choly, that every thing displeased him, and he be∣came even insupportable to himself. not suffering his Domestick Servants to use their ordinary disport and recreations near him. And as all day he pro∣jected and figured to himself new cares to perplex himself, some of which might fall forth, others could never come to pass; So in the night time the objects of his dayly projects of working upon his fantasie, limmed their dark shadows of displeasures; which gave him terrible affright in his sleep. Amongst many of which, two are recorded as notable; one in the History of the Church, the other common; both seem to have been forged by the Men of those times, who thought fictions as powerful to breed an opinion in discontented minds as verities, and they may challenge a place in the poetical part of History. As he lay in the Pallace of Lithgow about the midst of the night, he leaped out of his Bed, called for Lights, commandeth his Servants to search Thomas

Scot his Justice Clark, who (he said) stood by his Bed-side accompanied with hideous weights cursing the time that ever he had served him; for by too great obedience to him, he was by the justice of God con∣demned to everlasting torments.

Whilst they about him laboured to cure his wounded Imagination, news came that Thomas Scot about the same hour of the Night was departed to the other World at Edenburgh and with no better Devotion than he was represented to the King.

After Sir James Hamiltoun had ended his part of this Tragicomedy of life, he seemed to the King to have returned on the Stage and in a ghastly manner with a naked Sword in his hands, he thought he parted both his arms from him, advertising him he would come again shortly, and be more fully reven∣ged, till which occasion he should suffer these wounds. The next day after this vision (which is recorded to have been the seventh of August) word came that both his Sons were deceased and that almost in one hour. James the Prince (then one year old) at St. Andrews, Arthur one moneth old at Sterlin.

The King of England finding himself disappoint∣ed by his Nephew of their meeting, and understand∣ing it to have been occasioned by the Rhetorick and liberality of the Churchmen: having many of the Nobility of Scotland of his faction (whose innocency interpreted his Religion to be the reformed, though indeed it was of his own stamp, for he abolished the Pope but not Papacy) by making prizes of Scottish Ships upon the Seas with his Fleet, and incursions of his garrison'd Souldiers upon land beginneth the prologue of an unnecessary war.

King James to stop the English incursions placeth George Gordoun Earl of Huntley with his full power and authority at the Borders, and directeth James

Lermound of Darcey, towards his Uncle, to give sufficient reasons of his not meeting him at Newcastle, withal to seek restitution of his Ships, sith taken be∣fore any lawful War was proclaimed, and to expo∣stulate the hostility of the Borderers.

King Henry not only refuseth to render the Ships, or give a reason for the breaking forth of the Garrisons on the Borders, but delaying the answer of the Scot∣tish Embassadour upon advantage of time, sendeth Sir Robert Bowes seconded with the Earl of Anguss and Sir George Dowglass, in hostile manner to in∣vade Scotland. These to the number of three thou∣sand, burn, spoil small villages, and ravage the Country near the debatable bounds. The Earl of Huntley omitteth no occasion to resist them, places garrisons in Kelso and Jedburgh, assembling all the hardy Borderers, and invadeth the English and Scottish forces at a Place named Hall-dan rig; here it is soundly skirmished, till the Lord Hume by the advancing of four hundred fresh Launces turned the fortune of the Day; for the English were put to flight; the Warden Sir Robert Bowes Captain of Norham, Sir William Mowbray, James Dowglass of Parkhead with the natural Son of the Earl of Anguss, were taken Prisoners (the Earl by the ad∣vantage of his horse escaping) with others to the number of six hundred. The Warden staied in Scot∣land till the Kings death.

This Road happened prosperously to the Scots the 24 of August 1541. being a Dise-mall St. Bartho∣lomew to the English.

The War continuing till Midsumer, King Henry sent the Earl of Norfolk, whom he named the Rod of the Scots, with great power towards Scotland; with him the Earls of Shrewsbury, Derby, Camberland, Surrey, Hereford, Anguss, Rutland, and the Lords

of the North parts of England, with an Army of fourty thousand men, as they were esteemed. With them he directeth James Lermound of Darcey the Scottish Embassadour to keep an equal march till they came to Berwick and there to stay that he should not give advertisement to his Master of any of his pro∣ceedings, the Earl of Huntley upon advantages of places resisting the adventuring Routs who essayed to cross the Tweed. But King James hearing the old Duke of Norfork was their Leader, raiseth from all the parts of his Kingdom Companies, and assem∣bling them upon Sawtery-edge mustered thirty thou∣sand men. They encamped on Falla-Moor, the King having advertisement that the Duke would march towards Edenburgh: Ten thousand strong, the Lords Hume, Seatoun, Areskin, to make up the Earl of Huntleys forces, are sent towards the borders: The King himself expecting the Artillery and other furniture of War staieth with the body of the Army in the Camp. During this time it is reported the Lords plotted a Reformation of the Court, according to the example practised at Lawder-Bridge: especially against such who were named, Pensioners of the Priests; but because they could not agree, among themselves about those who should stretch the ropes, every one striving to save his kinsman, or friend, they escaped all the danger.

That this attempt being revealed to the King, he dismist some of his favourites in great fear to Eden∣burgh. So malitious is faction armed with power.

Thomas Duke of Norfolk, by such in the Scottish Camp who favoured King Henry, having under∣stood the preparation and mind of King James to meet him in an open field, well knowing that For∣tune had that much of a woman to favour young men more than old, and that honourable retreats are

no waies inferiour to brave Charges, retireth off the Scottish ground, and keeps his Forces on their own Marches. For the valour and resolution of this young Prince might (perhaps) spoil and divest him of his former purchased Lawrels and Palms, to the applause of King Henry, who, some thought (being weary of his service) to this effect sent him to Scot∣land. A great number of the Lancastrians and North-Humbrians, who, upon hopes of spoil, had followed him, pretending want of Victuals, and the rigorous season of the year, with Arms and Baggage leave this Army. Having done little harm to the Scots, and suffered much hunger and cold at Berwick, he prepareth a retreat towards London.

When King James understood the Duke had re∣passed the Tweed, he encouraged his Army to fol∣low him. The Common Souldier was indifferent; the Noblemen refuse to fight except upon Scottish ground. The King urgeth them with the commo∣dity and advantage of a Revenge of the old wrong of the Duke, commanding an Army neither of the Gentry, nor many Nobles of England, but of Hire∣lings and pressed Artizans, whose number would prove hurtful to themselves, and turn them in a dis∣ordered confusion. They had many days suffered famine, and all necessities of War; their vigour and courage was spent; that the English fought far off, and they at home. There wanted not matter to an∣swer, but a man to deliver the King an answer; generally they refuse to fight. To defend the Per∣son of their Prince, the State and Countrey, they would hazard their lives, and if they had any thing more dear. If the Enemy would stay on Scottish ground, they would do their uttermost to make him retire, or by main force expel him; But to invade England and tempt an Army, who not only was re∣tired

but returned to their own bounds, they neither had so just a quarrel as they wisht, nor were they sufficient at that time to pursue them. Their pro∣visions for War were spent, the Winter approached, Victuals consumed: that despair often turned it self into true fortitude, and men in good Order retiring would not be too near followed, that even flying Enemies should have Bridges of Gold. Now if they were to charge the Enemy they would not have the Kings presence, a man young, rash, valorous, up∣on whose life, not only the glory of the Battel, but the life of the Common-wealth depended, his two Sons being lately departed. For if the fortune of War brought a period to his life, the Crown would remain at the mercy of the Victor; that the Kings glory was not little that he had in so short a time with so small Forces, and these suddenly gathered, stopt the progress of so mighty an Army, which was so long in gathering, and boasted of such great matters, yet which durst not advance one mile in Scottish ground. Whether the English fly or retire, they had suffered as much wrong as they had done, and now to fight them (and that perhaps) with disad∣vantage, was to put in hazard what was already ac∣quired.

The Duke of Norfolk returning to London, the King with his Army cometh to Edenburgh, which immediately he disbanded; but he forgot not the secret Plot against his Favourites, nor the open re∣fusal of his Nobles to fight on English ground: as if the Earth were not all one piece and Matter, and men the destinade inhabitants of it every where; the Cardinal David Beatoun, Oliver Saintclair, Craggy Ross, and others add fewel to these flames, Falla-Moor Plot mightily instigating them.

The King avouched publickly, That the Nobi∣lity neither loved his honour, nor desired his conti∣nuance amongst them.

To cool these smoaking humors and breed in the King fairer hopes of his Nobles, the Lord Maxwel offereth, giving him ten thousand men to command (if the State thought it expedient) to invade Eng∣land at Salloway, affirming the State and fortune of those who assail, to be better than theirs who are still put to their defence. The English Forces being divided, he doubted not to stay longer on English ground than the Duke had done on the Scottish, and to effectuate something to the Kings content. The King thanking him for his offer, appointeth a Ren∣dezvous to be at the West Marches. No Procla∣mations are divulged for the Levies of men, but close Letters sent.

The Cardinal and the Earl of Arran (the one a Church-man of a mind above many Nobles, the other a Nobleman of an humility under any Church-man) to give false perspective to those proceedings, by sound of Trumpets, and beating of Drums raise men openly, march toward Hadingtoun, and the East-Borders; Whilst the Earls of Cassiles, Glencaris, Lords Flammin, Sommervail, Areskin, Barons Aytoun, Langtoun, Ormestoun, Waughtoun, and many others, accompanied with the Kings domestick Servants ride to the West Borders.

The night before the Road, the King himself came to Loch-Maban, attending the event of the in∣cursion. Companies comming from all quarters of the Countreys about, none knowing of another, with the power of the Scottish Borderers, pass the Wa∣ter of Esk, burn certain Hamlets of the Grahams on the very limits.

Sir Thomas Whartoun Warden of these Marches, not a little troubled at such a frequent assembly of the Scottish Riders, raising the power of the Coun∣trey, placeth them by a hill, where he might take a view of their Forces, in good order; with him were Bastard Dacres and Jack Musgrave; two va∣liant Captains.

The Scottish Lords beholding the English, range themselves in a Battalion, desire to know the Kings Lieutenant-General, for now it was to Marshal their Companies, and every man to take him to his Charge. Presently Oliver Saintclair upon, crossed Pikes is mounted, the Kings Banner displayed, and the Commission read in which he is designed Lieutenant, and all commanded, in the Kings name, to obey and follow him.

It hath been reported by those who were acquaint∣ed with Oliver, that the Commission was not read, but that at his very sight such a tumult, confused clamour, and enter shouldering of Male contents arose, their Ranks were broken, the Military or∣der turned into a confusion, none so repining as the Lord Maxwel and the Borderers; Who if he had patience to have heard the Commission (as Oliver protested) was Lieutenant, and not he, whose charge was only to present it.

The English who now were ready for the Fight, observing this disorder, take the advantage upon the occasion, and brake forwards with a military shout, whilst the others are in doubt whether to flee or stand, and the Guidiats and Scullons are pesle mesle thronging with the foot Soldiers and they with the Horsemen. Here is a general surprize, most part willingly rendring themselves to the English without any shew of defence, or the slaughter of any person of any side. This overthrow proveth

that neither arms nor the multitude and numbers of Souldiers without their love and hearts availeth any thing in a Field, yea rather they are hurtful the more in number they be, if their affection be alienated from their Commanders.

It is recorded that at this road, which was named Solloway-Moss, every English had three or four Scots for Prisoners, and when their wanted men to take them; the women of the neighbouring Hamelet and Boys had Prisoners; the Earls of Cassiles and Glencarn, the Lords Maxwel, Flamin, Sommervail, Olivant, Gray, Robert Areskin Son to the Lord Areskin, Oliver Saintclair; The Lairds of Craggy, Aytoun, Lang∣toun, Ormestoun, Waughtoun, many of the Kings Domestick Servants were taken Prisoners, brought to London, and remained there till after the Kings death.

The certainty of this voluntary defeat coming to the King at Loch-Maban (or Carlawfroke as others) so astonished all the powers of his mind that he neither had counsel nor resolution what to follow, neither remembring his own valour, nor the number of his Subjects yet flourishing; he remained as one distract∣ed, and abandoned of all hopes. The Plot of the Nobles at Falla-Moor against his Servants, the re∣fusing to give battel on English ground, made him apprehend that the whole body of his Nobility had conspired his overthrow.

The Cardinal and Earl of Arran coming to Eden∣burgh, he also returned; all so cast down that they were ashamed to come within sight of each other some daies.

After which, in a retired manner, he passed to Fyffe, and from Hall-yards to Faulkland, where he gave himself over to Sorrow, No man had access unto him, no, not his own Domesticks. Now are his thoughts busied with revenge, now with rage a∣gainst

his scornful Nobility: long watchings, con∣tinuall cares, and passions, abstinence from food, and recreation, had so extenuated his body, that pierced with grief, anguish, impatience, despair, he remained fixt to his bed.

In these Trances Letters come from Lithgow to him, That the Queen was delivered of a Daughter the eight of December. When he heard it was a Daughter was born, he is said to have turned his face from them that read the Letters, and sighing a farewell to the World, it will end as it began (says he) the Crown came by a Woman, and it will with one go; many miseries approach this poor King∣dom; King Henry will either make it his by Arms or Marriage.

The Cardinal put in his hands some blank Papers, of which they composed a Letter Will, which whe∣ther he subscribed or not, is uncertain. After which he said not many words which could be understood, but mused on the discomfiture of his Servants at the Solloway-Moss. In which fits he left this World the thirteenth of December 1542. the three and thir∣tieth year of his Age and two and thirty of his Reign.

Some record he was troubled by an unkindly Me∣dicine, and that the Cardinal was conscious to it, but upon far conjectures: for the event proved that his death was not only the ruine of the Cardinal, but of the whole Church-men of the Kingdom, and frame of the Roman Religion. His Body was conveyed from Faulkland to Edenburgh; the Car∣dinal, Earls of Arran, Arguyl, Rothess, Marshal, accompanying it; and in January buried in the Abby Church of Holy-rood-House, near the Body of Magdalen his first Queen. He left behind him many natural Children; of his Marriages only one

Daughter, five days old at his death, the Heir of his Kingdom and misfortunes.

This King was of a well made body and excel∣lent mind, if it had been carefully polisht; he was of a middle stature; Nature had given him strength and ability equal to any; but by exercise he had so confirmed it, that he was able to endure any tra∣vel, and practise all feats af Arms, as his attending on Malefactors proved; for he was ordinary thought the first of his Troops who pursued them, and the last that left the chase, being daring and forward. In his private affairs he was attentive and liberal, yet spared his Treasure that he should not want, and when occasion required, caring for no charges. Ne∣ver man did entertain Soveraignty more familiarly, being of easie access to the meaner sort as to the great. He was studious of all good Arts, naturally given to Poesie, as many of his Verses yet extant testifie. He was of as great sobriety as of little continency; he was a great favourer of learned men. The poor men loved him, the great feared him; he made the rushy bushes keep the herds of Cattel; he was thankful towards his Friends, dangerous towards his Enemies. He infinitely obliged his People by esta∣blishing a Justice Court among them, and bringing all sorts of Manufactours from Neighbour Nations home. By the Germans he found the Gold Mines of Crawfoord Moor, being unknown to this part of the World before him, out of which he extract∣ed Treasure. He left his Arsenals furnisht with all sorts of Arms and furniture for War. Now as in Pictures not only the light but the shadow is obser∣vable, let us look upon him in all his umbrages. This Prince in his long pursuit of the Dowglasses seems to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had a strange humor, that he could never for∣give; And most of his miseries may be traced to this

Source; these he would have extirpate, and the King of England could not forsake a man who was his Brother-in-Law, and had been ever obsequious to him. Seeking only that he might be restored to his own, out of which he was cast, not by any Treason or aspiring to the Crown, but of an ambition he had to be near the King, and equal to any Subject: his own worth, Kindred and Followers animated him thereunto; having Married the Kings Mother and one of the greatest Kings Sister of those times.

The burning alive of the Lady Glames, behead∣ing of the Master of Forbess, and after him Sir James Hamiltoun, turned many of his Nobles from him, and made the Commons detract him. For though they delight sometimes to have great men made equal to them, when they find not evident proofs and sound grounds of their sufferings and exe∣cutions, they abhor the Actors. Princes should re∣member that as the People are their Subjects, so are they the Subjects of Time and Providence.

This humor of revenge made many believe if he had not been prevented by death, many Scaffolds had been embrued for Falla-Moor Plot, and Sol∣lowny-Moss. The Lord Maxwel, who had studied the Character of the King, at that Road vowed (when he might have escaped among his known Bor∣derers) he would rather be the KING of Eng∣lands Prisoner, and see him at London, than return home, and be shamefully hanged at the Cross of Edenburgh.

He studied very much the overthrow of his an∣cient Nobility, not considering that the Titles of Crown in Hereditary Kingdoms belong only to Kings for that they are the most Ancient Noblemen, and also first of the Primitive Blood.

In his last years he was altogether governed by Romish Prelates, dangerous Pilots in the Ocean of a troubled State; that Body in which one humour signorizeth, cannot last long, and a Prince perish∣eth when he is governed by only one sort of men. Neither was he ruled so much by them out of great zeal to Religion (being a Prince altogether given to his own pleasures) as that he found them coun∣terpoise the Nobility, whilst he swayed the bal∣lance.

His death proveth his mind to have been raised to the highest strain, and above mediocrity; for he could dye, but could not disgest a disaster. He seemeth to have too much confidence in himself, and that he forgot the conditions of Mortality. Whilst he suffered himself to be carried away by the cur∣rent of grief, and swallowed up in the gulf of de∣spair.

All his faults are but some few Warts in a most pleasing and beautiful Face. He was very much beholding to the excellent Poets of his time, whose commendation shall serve him for an Epitaph. Ari∣osto, who knew him only by fame, in the Person of Zerbino, whom he nameth Prince of Scotland, glaunceth at his worth.

Zerbin di Bellezza e di Valore Sopra tutti i Signori eminente, Di virtu essempio e di Bellezza raro.

In another place; but Romzard, who with his Queen came to Scotland, and was his Domestick Servant, describeth him more to the life.

Ce Roy D' Escosse estoit en la fleur de ses ans: Ses Cheveux non tondus commine fin or linsans C•••• donnez et crespez flotans dessus sa face, Et sur son col de laist luy donnoit bonne grace. Son Port estoit royal, son reguard vigoureux. De vertus, et de honneur, & de guerre amoureux. La douceur, et la force, illustroient son visage. Si que Venus et Mars en avoient fait partage.

So happy is a Prince when he cherisheth and is entertain'd by the rare spirits of his time, that even when his Treasures, Pomp, State, Followers, Dia∣dems, and all external Glory leave him, the sweet incense of his Fame in the Temple of Honour, per∣sumeth his Altars. A Princes name is surer pre∣served, and more deeply ingraven in Paper, than in all the rusting Medals, blasted Arches, entombed Tombs (which may serve to any as well as to him) raised with such loss of time, vain labours of Arti∣zans, vast expence, to be the sport of the Winds, Rains, Tempests, Thunder, Earthquakes, or if they shun all these, of superstition, faction and civil Broyls.

After this Prince had some years rested in a Tomb, not only it, but the most part of the Church was made equal to the ground, by the Armies of his Uncle King Henry the Eight, whose malice left him not even when he was dead, proving as horrible an Uncle, as Nero was a Son. A while after he was transported to another Vault, by the piety of

his matchless Grand-Child James King of Great-Britain; where he was embalmed again, enshrined and his Coffin adorned with the Arms of the King∣dom, cognoscances and a Crown. With which Ho∣nours I leave him, till some famous pen, encourag∣ed by the favours of his Royal Successors, raise his Fame from the dust of obscure Papers to Eternity.