Retributive Justice [pp. 60-77]

"RE TRIB UTI VE JUSTICE."
mercifully with all offenders against the law; but the records of
his actions present a far different picture.
One flagrant injustice followed another, and the day of retribution was not far distant; still the usurper blindly pursued his
path, as defiant of popular opinion as he had expressed his contempt for the ancient laws of the land.
The Earl of Moray was about thirty-five years of age at the
period of his death. The only authentic portrait of him known to
be in existence is amongst the collection of pictures to be seen at
Donhistle House in Scotland, where it was discovered some fifty
years ago, with that of the Countess of Moray, concealed behind
a panel. The regent is represented as handsome, but with a sinister expression of countenance, bearing in features and complexion a decided resemblance to his great-uncle, Henry VIII.
His hair is light red, his eyes gray, his nose regularly formed,
mouth small, thin lips twisted into a deceitful smile; the face is
smooth, fair, and of a square contour-in short, a Tudor in all
respects.
"The plot for the murder of Lord Moray was originally
formed in the household of Mary Stuart, if shze herself was not
the principal mover in it." * So writes Mr. Froude. Now for
facts. Gilbert Talbot, the deputy-jailer at Tutbury Castle, writes
to his father (the Earl of Shrewsbury) in these words:" The
(woman) called Mary Stuart is well watched by day and by
night. The queen and her ministers may rest assured that the
woman (Stuart) has no chance of escape unless she could transform
herself into a flea or a miserable little mouse." t Another official
states at this very period that no servant of the captive queen
could speak to one another unless in the presence of Lord
Shrewsbury's spies; the Queen of Scots was not permitted to
open her lips unless in the presence of one of the Talbot family.
All letters were rigidly examined; no one could speak to either
physician or priest unless in the presence of the jail authorities.
Gilbert Talbot's exultation explains the real state of affairs at
Tutbury, and places Mr. Froude's statements in a misty position.
It is rather unpleasant to be compelled to notice such an incident.
Gilbert Talbot, the deputy-jailer at Tutbury, was by nature
formed for his office; for amongst the unmanly officials who
filled the "racking and pinching department at the Tower," with
the inhuman Toppclyffe as their spirit, none could possibly ex * Froude's History ofEngland, vol. ix. p. 575.
t Gilbert Talbot to the Earl of Shrewsbury, May Ix, 1571-to be seen in'the State Papers
concerning the Queen of Scots at Tutbury Castle.
886.]
An