reach it affecting rather to give a stranger the place than a Competitor bringing in the French to equal the ballance as principal 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 aslo if the faction of the Dowglasses prevail'd the greatness of the Earl of Anguss would be an umbrage to his and lessen and impair it Their Lands and Fortunes lying neer to other as that the Queen by her power in England would cross his fâ—irest 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 choise of the Duke of Albany Notwithstanding of all which through ambition malice envy of others discords amongst themselves they made choise of this Gentleman a stranger by his education and birth ignorant of the nature and manners 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 Countrey of Scotland in Warrs 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 Chamberlin 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 comming 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 Siâ—ur de la Beautie This man propounded 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 Garrisons the restoring his patrimony and Fathers dignities to him Which particularities being condescended unto to Castle of Dumbar was instantly delivered to la Beautie to be kept for a French Garrison at the Dukes comming and Sir Patrick Hamilton Brother to the Earl of Arran Iames Oguilbuy Abbot of Arborth 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 moneth of May arrived on the West coasts of Scotland from whence with a great retinue of the Nobles and Barons of the Countrey by easie journeys the Queen meeting him he came to the Town of Edinburgh In the Parlament which had been porogued for his comming the Duke accepted the Government and gave his oath of fidelity to the King and Countrey 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 Dukes of Albany Earl of March and Governour of the Kingdom till the Kings full maturity Many Laws are made for the weal of the Kingdom and to gratifie his Linnage Iames the naturall Sonne of Iames 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 Royall opprâ—ssion is restrained justice sincerely executed the Court is frequented with good and virtuous men Malefactours 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 practises of the Countrey in matters great and of importance he proceedeth by the instructions and informations 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 counsell of Iohn Hepburn Priour of St. Andrews whose judgement in his greatest difficultiâ—s he receives as an Oracle This man being of a subtle wind malitious crafty rich and endued with some Courtly eloquence by a counterfeit Pretence of knowledge of the affairs of the Kingdom 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 choise Servants turned his only Privado and almost possessed alone his judgement and ear He informed him of the strength and Riches of the Countrey of the nature ot the people manner of theri Laws revealed to him many secrets of the Government He gave him a Catalogue of the whole deadly fewds and divisions amongst the Noble men and Gentry opening unto him which were inveterate and had long continued and wâ—ich 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 muâ—inously proud and knew not how to obey without 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 Iames the first they had killed they had made a League against King Iames the second in open Battel they had overthrown King Iames the third and the last King was be best judgements thought to have been secretly taken away here calling to mind the proclaiming 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 Scotland were so joined and linkt together by kinred alliances Bonds of service or Homage that no Gentleman 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 Governor by the power of the Scots themselves and his own Kindred Friends and Followers were not powerful enough â—afely to administer justice for which cause the King of France should be implored to send hither competent
Laws The Duke to raise his own reputation to the disadvantage of the King with all secrecy of his intentions had procured himself a vast Authority with the Nobles by a semblance of liberality wasting the Patrimony of the Crown as remitting Treasons restoring again Lands annexed to the Crown He had studied so conciliate to him the minds of the Commons that the desire of a King did not much touch them using such moderation in his proceedings that his Government seemed unto many not only tolerable but desirable He had essayed to draw the Earl of Dowglass and had drawn the Earl of March to enter into a League with him and these Noblemen then in the Castle of St. Andrews divided the Nobility and made them break their Allegiance to the King Upon which attempt it seemeth that that Act of this Kings second Parliament was made That no Subjects should lâ—ague themselves together The King esteemed all that Government of Robert and Mordock to be an 〈◊〉 of the Crown and feared the like thereafter His Son Iames had burnt Dumbarton and treacherously killed the Kings Uncle which was not done without his knowledge it not Câ—unsel Though he relieved the King of his Captivity he suffered him to remain very long a Prisoner nâ—iâ—her did he practise his deliverance till he perceived the whole States of the Kingdom resolved to call him Home and was compelled by the injuries of his own Children To exasperate new injuries by old rancours his Father Robert spurred by Ambition had famished to death the Kings Brother David in the Castle of Faulkland to escape whose Tyrannie the King yet a childe was committed to the protection of stranger Princes What ever the particulars of their accusations have been it is above the possiâ—iâ—ity of any Governor or Man in eminent place and authority so to carry himself but a discontented Prince if he wiâ—l set him to a tryal shall bring some one or other of his actions to whiâ—l him within compass of Justice Thus the imprecation of Robert the third took effect upon the race of Robert the Governor for after the death of the Duke of Rotâ—esay he is said to have cursed him most deadly praying as he had slain his Brothers Son and filled thâ—ir house with blood so God would punish him his Stock and Pâ—sterity There is noâ— any wickednâ—ss which beareth not its punishment and repentance at the last if we can have â—aâ—ience to attend the last act of those Tâ—agedies played on this Theater of the World By the Attaindor of the Duke the 〈◊〉 of Fiâ—e Monteith and Lennox were divâ—lved to the Crown The Câ—stle of Inchâ—Merin in Loch-Lommond which hâ—d a while been kept good for Iames who flâ—d into Ireland by Iohn Montgomery and Humphrey Cunningham was brought to the obedience of the King Whâ—n the Lords and Gentlemen who were in Prisons attending the Kingâ— pleasure understood what necessary justice had been executed upon the Duke and his Sons they were gâ—iâ—voâ—sly perplexed yet the King like a wise Physitian would take no more blood then might take away the disease and all further causes of Faction For within twelve moneths thereafter he set them all at Liberty and received them in his wonted favour upon promise of their loyal demeanour and dutifull obedience in time to come But being thus freely discharged the conce it was taken that Mordocks head and his sons with Lennoxes was only the aim and that they were used but as a Countenance of State to dazlâ— the eyes of the People The Wars continuing between the Englâ—sh and the French the one to keep what he was in possâ—ssion of the other to reobtain what he had lost Charls the seventh a wise and victorious Pâ—ince knowing the friendship of Scâ—tland to be of no small importance to any that would fight against the English the flower and strength of the Scottish Souldiers which had followed the French Wars being then blasted and spent sendeth Iohn Stuâ—rt of Darnley Marshal of a Garrison of Hoâ—semen with the Earl of Dowglass as the French write then Marshal of France to Scotland to have a fresh supply of Men of Arms and Renauld of Charteres Arch-bishop of Rheymes who there had Crowned his Master and was Chancellour of France to renew the ancient League between the French and Scots But the main business about which the Arch-bishop came was the trafficking of a Marriage between Lewis the Daulphine though then very young with Margaret Daughter to King Iames. This Match the â—nglish had either neglected or contemn'd which afterward â—hey sued for The renewing of the old League and Amity between the two Nations was easily condescended unto it being but a witness to the world of their mutual kindness The chief Articles of which were The War or Injury moved or done by the English men to one of the said Nations to be as Common-wrong to both If the English men make War on the French Nation then the Scots at the costs and charges of the French King shall minister to them succours Likewise if the Scots be molested by the English Wars the French Nation having their charges allowed shall be to them Ayders and Assisters That none of both Nations shall either contract or make Peace with the Realm of England without the consent and agreement of the other The Marriage being found commodious for both Nations was likewise with great contentment agreed upon and concluded fresh recruits of Souldiers were Ievied and dispatched with the Embassador to France The South and Champion parts of Scotland brought under obedience and a peacefull Government the King will have the remotest Countreys of his Kingdom even those blocked up and baâ—icadoed by the snowy Clifts of Grantsben to acknowledge his Justice The wildeness of the soyl had made the Inhabiâ—ants there more fierce then Fierceness it self and let them out to all unlawful Riots and Rapines To restrain their insolent humors and bring them within compass of Civility in the year 1426. he caused repair the Castle of Innerness which is situated in the uttermost borders of Murray and by their incursions which had been turned desolate hither some years after commeth he in person and keepeth open Court that being near the evil he might have the better means to provide for and consider it But he seemed to have arrived in some Territory of the Scythians having known and found things which none did nor dared relate unto him for he had learned that not many miles of thâ—re were men some of which had one thousand some two thousand Robbers at their call who were accustomed to drive preys from the more civil Neighbours and Borders pilling and spoiling poluting and ravishing without any difference of right or wrong holy or prophane but only following their ravenous and insolent humours On the quiâ—ter sort thâ—y set Tribute others they compell to Minister to them sustenance and necessaâ—ies The God Prince Law which they obey are their barbarous Châ—iftains amongst
which he is thought the best who dâ—oth most transcend in Villany The King seemed to give smal faith to these relations entertaining kindly and feasting from all parts all such who daigâ—â—â—d to see him mostly those who were the Chiefs and 〈◊〉 of the Families in these bounds by whose 〈…〉 did guard came freely to Court an◠〈◊〉 guilty by fair promises and hopes of the Kings clâ—â—nency 〈◊〉 themselves Others though most reâ—ractory and unwilling at first that they might not seem out of the fashion of thâ—ir Companions and appear suspect resorted thither Thiâ—king these Offices might be interpreted to proceed of good will and obedience which were done of emulation Fourty of these Leaders and Chiefs meeting at once and being togetheâ— within the inclosure of the Castle Walls werâ— surprized and committed to close Prisons Some daies after two whose wickedness was throughly known Alexander Mack-Rore or Mackrarey and Iohn Mackearture were hanged Iames Cambell for the murther of Iohn of the Isles renownd amoâ—gst 〈◊〉 own was beheaded The rest upon hope of further Tryâ—â—â— were committed to Prisons of which for example and 〈◊〉 to others many were executed the remains in peaceful mâ—nner sent home the King having graciously exhorted them to a life according to the Law of God and Man Alexander of the Isles Earl of Ross being taken in this 〈◊〉 was brought by the King to Perth where he was accâ—sed of oppression and many barbarous cruelties were proved against him yet such was the Kings clemency he was only some few daies commitied and after lovely advice at the Council â—Table rather to obey his Prince than render himself Chiefâ—tain of Thievish Troops he was freely dismist but benefits oblige not ignoble Minds and mercy shown to a fierce and obstinate nature disgraceth the beauty of the clemency of a Prince for no sooner was he returned to his own Territories where interpreting imprisonment a dishonour aâ—d shâ—me to a Man of his Power and Qualâ—ties and telling a promise made bâ— one imprisoned by the Judgement of Lawyers themselves was nothâ—ng worth he gathered together a Rabble of Outlaws and Mountainers came towards the Town of Iâ—nerness which peaceable he entered and was courteously received having befor dispersed his men among the Fenns and Hills toward the West they so soon as Night had broughâ— the inhabitants to rest spoiled them and set their houses on fire And because the Castle was the place in which he had been surprized he besieged it with a thousand â—ewd fellows practised in dayly depredations and Robbeâ—ies At the noise of this Cruelty the Gentlemen of the Neighbouring Shires from all quarters assemble themselves for the defence of their Friends the King liâ—teth spâ—â—dy prâ—parâ—tions at the approach of which the Clans Whaâ—tâ—nes and Camerones with other Thieving Troups dispâ—rsed themselves and fled into their lurking holes Alexander abanâ—oned of their forces wiâ—h so many as he could keep togetheâ— flâ—d into Lockquhabarre from thence passed to the Islâ—s 〈◊〉 to go to Irâ—land but things answered not his expectation for by his Spie fining that he was way-laid and that numbers of people a prize being set upon his head in all places labourâ—d to surprize him when he had long continued desolate and a vagabond at last he began to intercede with his Friends at Court for Mercy to him from the King Sundry tempt the Kings Clemency but he will not promise nor assure them of any favâ—â—r before Alexander in person as Supplyant render himself and his estate to his disposure Thus finding no escape and destitute of all help he was imboldned to come pâ—ivately to Edinbrough there on Easter day wrapped in a mourning Garment and concealed in the dragg of the multitude the King being in the Church of the Holy-rood at divine Service he fell prostrate at his knees bâ—seeching him for grace which at the request of the Queen and other Assisters he obtained His life and private estate was granted him but that he should do no more harm and be reduced to a more modest behaviour William Dowglass earl of Anguss was appointed to take him in custody and that within the Castle of Tantallon his Mother Euphem Daughter to Walter Lesty sometime earl of Ross a Mannish implacable woman who had solicited and raised her Son to all that mischief was committed to the Isle to S. Colm Donald Balloch Cousin germain to Alexander Lord of the Isles a man of a hâ—ughty mind resenting the Kings proceeding against his cousin raised a great number of Out-laws and Robbers and invaded Lochquhaber omitting no cruelty which enraged Savages use to commit Alexander Stuart Earl of Marre and Alane Earl of Caithness with such numbers of People as they could in haste raise came to defend the Country against the incursions of these Highland men and rencountred them at Inverlochty where by an over-weening opinion of Victory which easily deceiveth young Souldiers Imagining they went to fight with untrained raw Theeves who would never abide their march and misregard of martial Discipline Allan was slain and Alexander Earl of Marre discomfited and Balloch insolent of his Victory with a great Booty returned to the Islâ—s The King at the Rumour of this disaster in all celerity with a great Army came to Dunstaffage intending from that to pass to the Isles which when the Clans and other chief men understood turning their defence into submission they came in haste to Dunstaffage humbly begg'd pardon laying the fault of the whole Rebellion on Balloch and some adventuring Thieves many of which Balloch had pressed to that mischief against their minds the King finding extream rigour at that time a cure unseasonable taking their oath of fidelity and that they should persue Bolloch and his followers accepted them in his favor only transporting some of the most factious along with him They in few days to seem worthy of the Kings mercy surprized a great number of them three hundred of which died all on Gibbets punishment had taken away a much greater number had he not considered that there is no man so miserable who is not a member of the State The King Lest hope of Impunity might cherish Rebellion resolves to finde Balloch and hearing he lurked in Ireland in the 〈◊〉 of one named Odo he sends to have him delivered Odo either out of fear of the Kings displeasure or hope of rewarâ—s seizeth on him and suspecting if he sent him alive he might by power or stratagem slight his Convoy chopped off his head and sent it to King Iames then remaining at Sterling The Clans Whattons and Camerons spairing the Magistraâ—es sword yet executing Justice by mutual slaughters one of an other had rendred the North very peaceable of that scum of Theeves some Chieftains were shut up in fast Prisons among which two most eminent in all mischiefs hating mortally others and hated of all good men Angus Duff of StrathN 〈…〉 and Angus Murrey these the King out of Policy of State let
Parliamentary Authority can take away Iustice and the Law of God neither is an oath to be observed when as it tendeth to the Suppression of truth and right and though for a time such Acts and oaths have prevailed our designs having good Success we shall have a Parliament approving our right abolishing their pretensions and declaring them Vsurpers This one man and a child taken away if we can give the blow the Kingdome must obey the Lawfull Successor against whom what Subject will revolt or who dare take arms and here is more â—ear than danger But think there were the onely râ—medie of emminent dangers is new dangers It was simplicity in him to think by small benâ—fits that old injuries are abolished and forgot and that I should take patiently the title of Earl when I should have been King my self by his tyrannizing justice if he be not hated he is not beloved but become terrible to his people who now through their poverty and â—rievances affect a novation and obey him not out of any affection but through necessity and fear and now he also feareth that some do that to him which he hath deserved Let us resolve his doubts our ends are honour and revenge our wills against him all alike and one The Heavens seem to conspire with us having brought him to disband his Army and render himself in the wished place of our attempts and let us rather follow them and fortune which favours great actions than vertue that preacheth cowardly Patience Remembring how fair glosses of valour for the most part have been cast on the â—oulest deeds and the mightest Families have from them derived their honours shame seldom or never following Victory however it be atchieved and purchased That Soveraignty at the first was but a violent usurpation of the stronger over the weaker How great Enterprizes must begin with danger but end with rewards that death should rather be prevented than expected and that it is more honourable to dy than prolong a life in misery wandring in the scorn of other mens pride be resolute in our Plot put the enterprize in execution hast is the spirit of actions of danger the worst that can befall us is since we cannot subsist he being alive that he be taken away whilst we run a hazard of death which happeneth to all men alike with only the difference of Fame or Oblivion with the Posterity which ariseth of an evil action as well of a good if the action and attempt be great but let us not spend the time of execution in deliberation Not long after when they had ponderated and digested the Design Graham and Stuart with their accomplices guided by Resolution and guarded by the darkness of the Night came to the Black Fryers of Pearth and having the way made open unto them entered the Gallery before the Kings Chamber-door where they attended some of their confederates who should have stoln away the Barr by which means they might enter the Chamber but before their comming Fortune casteth the occasion in their hands For Walter Stratoun one of the Kings Cupbearers came forth of the Chamber and finding armed men rushing rudely to force their entrie terrifyed with the boldness of the fact with a high voice gave the Alarum of Treason to his Master While they are working his death a Maid of honour of the Name of Dowglass got to the door and esâ—aied to shut it but for that the Bar was now away which should have made it fast she thrust her arm in the place where it should have passed but that easily broken the Conspiratours rush in to the Chamber and slaying all such of the waiters as made defence amongst which was Patrick Dumbar Brother to George sometime Earl of March they at last stroke down the King whom whilst the Queen by interposing her body sought to save being hardly pulled from him she received two wounds and he with twenty eight most towards the heart was left dead Thus was King Iames the first who had so superabundantly deserved well of the Common-wealth Ann. Dom. 1436. murthered the 21. of February in the end of the year 1436 the 44. of his age when he had reigned 13. years This King was for the proportion and shape of his body of a middle stature thick and square rather somewhat mean than tall not such as is counted for dainty but for gracefulnesse and Majesty His hair was abourn a colour between white and red He was of so strong and vigorous a constitution that he was able to endure all extraordinary extremities both of travail and want and surpassed for agility and nimbleness in any exercise his companions He was of so sharp and pregnant a wit that there was nothing wherein the commendation of wit consisted or any shadow of the liberal arts did appear that he had not applied his mind unto seeming rather born to Letters than instructed He wrote Verses both Latine and English of which many yet are extant He exercised all Instruments of Musick and equalled the best Professours thereof He had studied all Philosophy but most that which concerns Government in which what a Master he was the order which he established in such a confusion as he found in the State doth witness and many old Laws commodiously renewed and amended others for the publick good established He was a great observer of religious forms easie for access fair in speech and countenance in behaviour kind using sleep and meat to live not for voluptuousness He had good command over his Passions his desires never being above his reason nor his hopes inferiour to his desires Though he was much obliged to the gifts of Nature yet was he more to his good education and training in England Scarce had he passed the nineth year of his age when he was committed to the Sea to shun the Treasons of his Uncle and was surprized at Flambrough-head in Holderness Windsor Castle kept him a Prisoner but by Commandment of King Henry he was so carefully instructed that no Prince could have been better bred in the Schools of Europe What his valour was the waâ—s of France bear witness for accompanying the King of England there he layed siege to the Town of Direx and with such violence and valour saith the English History assaulted it for the space of six weeks that with main strength he compelled it to be rendred to his hands and gave it to King Henry That commendation which was given him by that same King of England being recorded by their writers proved prophetically true of him For the King remembring him of his benefits received and promising him greater with free liberty to return to his own Countrey if he could cause the Scots who were adherent to the Daulphin of France to return to their native soyl and leave him To this he answered He was a Prisoner had no possession of his Realm that he was neither sworn to his Subjects nor they by any Oath of
those thoughts being diversly tossed he retireth to his own Castles and after great resolves proclaimeth that none of his Vassals or Tenants especially within Annandale and Dowglass-Dale parts remote from the more Civill Towns of the Kingdom should acknowledg the present Government or obey any precepts licences or proclamations wherunto the Governours or Chancelours hands were set If any question of Law or contention arose amongst his Friends Vassals Tenants He knew none fitter to be their Judge sentence all their wrongs attone and take up their quarrels than himself To discover to the world the weakness of the two Rulers and how men never so well qualified small in means and silly of power were not for great places he giveth way for the the increasing of evil overseeing many disorders of which he was the secret cause especially the insolencies of vagabounding and ravaging Borderers Men of purpose sent forth to spoil and rifle the more quiet parts of the Countrey and to cut work to these strengthless States-men as he named them Thus as overcome with sloth and pleasure he passed some moneths amidst Countrey contentments expecting what effect time would bring forth of the equal authority of those two Governours for to fit minds equal in authority to so even a temper that they should not have some motions of dissenting he thought impossible Neither did this conjecture fail him the event being the only judge of opinions for after this the Governour began to jar with the Chancelour for ingrossing wholly to himself from his Partner the person of the King as an honour which could not altogether be separate from his place and which would give the greater authority to his proceedings urging the Chancelour in many other matters had usurped and taken upon him more than the Parliament granted The Chancelour was no better affected towards the Governour what the Governour commanded to be done he one way or other over-turned The buildings of the one was by the other demolished by common and continual brawlings thus living in turmoil neither of them was obeyed the Countrey usurped a licentious liberty every man doing what he thought best for his particular advantage and gain The remote Villages of the Kingdom are left a prey to the lawless multitude where their authority is scorned turn places of robbery where admitted places of faction The Queen all this time after her ordinary custom remained in the Castle of Sterling The divisions partialities jealousies of the Rulers she taketh in an evil part knowing usually they had a dangerous consequence She had ever found the Governour sincere and loyal in his proceedings against his counsel and will her Son was kept from her by the Chancellour whom the great ones hated for possessing the King for drawing to Offices of best trust and benefit his own creatures displacing such he suspected to favour his partner in Rule and the Commons loved him not as managing every thing after his pleasure to their damage and loss Transported by divers motions she at last resolveth to change the Game of State and by a womanish conceit befool masculine Policy To effectuate her purpose the came to Edenbrough and by many fair and passionate speeches obtained of the Chancelour to enter the Castle and delight her self some daies with the company of her Son Then to countenance her plot she giveth out a pilgrimage intended by her to the white Kirk in Buchan There will she make offerings for the health of the King and perform her other vows The honest States man who thought it disloyalty to distrust a Queen and a Mother whom years had made reverend and impiety to hinder such religioâ—s intentions giveth leave to her self with some Servants to remain in the Castle and to transport her houshold stuff and other necessaries after what manner she pleased In this time she perswardeth the King wantonly set and delighting to be obsequious to Her his Mother to be handsomely couched in a Trunk as if he had been some fardel of her apparel and convoyed by one of her trustiest Servants upon a Sumpter horse to Leith from whence he was put forward by water to Sterling there received by the Governor and wel-comed with great joy and laughter at the manner of their so quaintly deceiving the grave Man By this advantage the Reins of Ruâ—â—â— were now taken by the Governour The Queens Trick is approved his own proceedings are strengthned and confirmed Proclamations are made against the Chancellour and he charged to render the Castle of Edenbrough to the King which he refusing to do by a great power raised by the Governour of the Countrey and the Queens and his own followers he is beâ—ieged and blocked up within the Castle The Chancellour ready to fall in the danger considering he had to do with too strong a party imploreth the assistance of the Earl of Dowglass but the Earl as a matter he had long expected and earnestly wished might fall forth refuseth to assist any of them saying it belonged not to the antient Nobility to succor these Mushrooms whose ambition with no less could be â—atiate than the Government of the whole Realm This disdainful answer procured a meeting of the two Rulers which concluded in the rendering of the Castle to the Governour and a promise of true friendship between them that they might not prove a sport to the envious Nobility The Governour to shew the roundness of his intentions and his honesty continueth the Chancellour in his office and restoreth him to the keeping of the Castle of Edenbrough After this agreement the Earl of Dowglass left this world at Restalrigge the year 1439. leaving behind him a Son born of the Earl of Crawfords daughter named William who succeeded to his Fathers Honours and Ambition Malcolm Flamyne of Calmarnade and Allan Lawder upon this young Earls oath of Allegiance to the Crown of France obtain to him from the French King the Dutchy of Tourrain which his Father had enjoyed and given to Archembald his Grand-Father slain at Vernueil This forein dignity with histitles at home made the young Man very haughty and to forget moderation Discâ—etion in youth seldome attending great fortunes He surpassed far the King in his followers and Train being accustomed to have hundreds of Horse men attending him most of which were Robbers and men living upon unlawful spoils all under his protection But however thus he seemed to set forth his greatness this seemed much to bewray a distrust and that he rather travelled amongst a people which hated him than amongst his friends and men lovingly disposed Iames Stuart Son to the Lord of Lorne about this time married the Queen Dowager not so much out of love of her Person or Dowry as of ambition by her means intending to reach the Government of the State and get into his custody the person of the King And that it might rather seem the work of others out of conveniency than any appetite of his own he so insinuateth
himself with the Earl of Dowglass that the Earl essayed to lay the first groundwork of his aims The Governour who never wanted his own Spies neer the Queen at the first inkling of this novation committed both him and his Brother William to in the Castle of Sterlin The Queen whether she followed her Husband or was restrained uncertain staied with them and now began to repent her of the former courtesies done to the Governour wishing her Son had yet remained in the custody of the Chancelour who not so displeased at their imprisonment as he appeared in outward show delighting in the errours of his Partner by Alexander Earl of Huntley trafficked and wrought their Liberty Thus insinuating himself in the Queens favouâ— he irritated her against the Governour whom yet outwardly he entertained with ceremonies of Friendship approving his Sagacity in preventing astorm in the State before it brakeforth Here the Governor found how that same Key which can open a Treasure can shut it up for after this Queen prepared her Son for a change The Governour carefully ministering Justice at Pearth the Chancellour one Morning commeth to the Park of Sterling where the King was hunting by the providence of his Mother more early raised for this sport she be wailed the present estate of his Court that he was thralled to the covetousness and pleasure of others living under the power of a Man greedy of Rule that a King of France is declared to be of full years and Major the fourteenth of his age that a Prince should transfer his affection especially in tender years that by an escape he might enjoy a princely freedom better know himself and make his Rulers relish his Authority that three houres was sometimes of more importance than three daies and one hour of more than all the three that he should take hold of the present occasion offered him Prepared with such informations he is no sooner accosted by the Chancellour when approving his motions he posteth towards Edenbrough with him Received all the way as he went with many companies of the Chancellours friends and attendants The Governour finding the face of the Court altered by a King young in years and judgement possessed by his Mother dissimulating his interest in a patient and calm manner cometh to Edenbrough there after long conference and mediation of Friends in Saint Giles's Church he meeteth the Chancellour and by the Bishop of Murrays and Aberdeens diligence an agreement is between them concluded which was that the King should remain in the custody of the Chancellour and the Governour should still enjoy his charge Amongst these divisions of the Rulers the Queen all this time handsomely kept some authority affecting and entertaining sometimes the one of them somtimes the other as by turns they governed the King and State The many and great disorders in the Countrey invited a Parliament the authority of Magistrates was despised no justice was administred in many places few could keep their Goods or be assured of their Lives but by taking themselves to the servitude of one Faction or other Troubles a rose in the West by the slaughter of Sir Allane Stuart Lord Darnley killed by Sir Thomas Boyd and by the Revenge of his death taken by Alexander Stuart of Bolmet his Brother upon the Boyd the Highland Islanders invade the Territories adjacent to them spoyl and burn the Lennox where Iohn Calhowen of Luss is masâ—acrâ—d These cruelties and insolencies against all justice and authority being avouched such to be were held fit to be remedied and courses laid down to obviate them but William Earl of Dowglass permitting wickedness and wincking at mischief often approving them for lawful and good policy whilst he neither reformed them himself by his power nor suffered the Rulers to proceed against them by their authority purchased to himself the name and reputation of a lawless and strong oppressor The three Estates assembled complaints being given up against Oppressours most against him and his Followers as the source from which the miseries of the Country sprang he appeareth not nor any to answer for him The Parliament determinateth to proceed by way of Rigour against him but to this the two Rulers oppose perswading them that fair speeches and entreaties was a safer and easier way to draw unto them a young Man mighty in riches and power arrogant by his many Followers and Vassals then to give out a Sentence against him before he were heard and by threatnings stir his turbulent and ambitious thoughts which instead of making him calm might turn his neutrality in a perfect Rebellion and his insolency in madness and despair Neither as the present estate of the Countrey stood could he without civil blood be commanded and brought in which by moderation might be effectuate that verity enjoyed not always that priviledge to be spoken in every place and time it was good to keep up in silence matters concerning him the speaking of which might produce any dangerous effect Upon this Letters in their Name are sent unto him remembring him of the splendor and glory of his Ancestors the place and dignity he possessed by them in Parliament that without his presence they neither would nor could proceed in great matters If he apprehended any cause of let or stay by the offences and disorders committed by his Attendants and Followers they would freely remit them as accidents following the injury of the times and his yet tender years his greatest fault being his giving way out of rashness and negligence to the faults of others That of himself they had conceived such singular hopes of great towardness and all vertues if he would come and take a part with them giving in his complaints and grievances he should not only have full satisfaction but be honoured with what place or charge in the Government he liked best by honouring them with his Presence he should oblige not only his Countrey infinitely but particularly every one of them to stand for him to the utmost of their powers and wishes This Letter wrought powerfully upon the Minde of the Earl by nature and years desirous of glory and preferment and believing easily that which was plausible to his hopes His friends who now began to promise to themselves new Heavens think upon great matters and forecast to themselves by the change of their Lords Fortune a change of Offices in the State perswade him likewise to come to the Parliament and they divulged the certainty of his Progress The Chancellour when he understood he was upon his way rode forth of Edinbrough to meet him by many obsequious complements and friendly blandishments allured and drew him to his Castle of Creighton which was in his way where some days he rested and was honorably entertained Amongst many healthfull admonitions by way of counsel he told him that the greatness of a Subject consisted in due obedience to his Prince whom he should acknowledge to be his Lord and Master That by obedience
others Hereupon the Earls of Crawford Ross Murray Ormond the Lord Balvenny Knight of Cadyow many Barons Gentlemen with their Allies Vassals Servants to a great number subscribed and swore solemnly never to desert one another during life That injuries done to any one of them should be done to them all and be a common quarrel neither should they desist to their best abilities to revenge them That they should concur indifferently against whatsoever Persons within or without the Realm and spend their Lives Lands Goods Fortunes in defence of their Debates and Differences whatsoever This consederation and Covenant again â—enued turned the Earl imperious in his deportments presumptuous beyond all limits and his followers and adherents insupportable to their neighbours The Lands of such who were not of their party or refused to think all their thoughts and second them in their enterprizes were plundred and and goâ—dness was a cause to make men suffer most pillage and ransacking of their Goods and other miserable calamities At this time the Thieves and Robbers of Liddes-dale and Annandalâ— break into the Lands of Iohn Lord Herress a Noble Man who had continued constantly faithful to the King and drive with them a great booty of Cattel Complaints being given to the Earl of Douglass of the Depredations of his men and finding no redress the Lord Herress essayeth to drive the like prey â—nâ—â—compence of the damage but being unequal in power his fortune was to be taken by the Thieves and brought as a Pâ—isoner to the Earl who layed him fast in Irons and notwithstanding of the Kings Letters full of Intreaties and Threatnings without any formality of Law caused Hang him as a Felon The like mischief was practised in other places After this contempt of Soveraignty it was universally blazed that the Earl of Dowglass in respect of this new Covenant the power of his Kinsmen and Allies the entertaining of such who were discontent and discountenanced at Court the love and favor of the men of Arms in Scotland ever governed by some of his Name his riches the honor of his Ancestors had resolved to dissemble no longer but openly to play his game 〈◊〉 one day if he could set the Crown upon his own head being then able to raise an Army of Forty thousand warlike persons men ready to go with him whither or against whom they cared not attending onely the occasion and his Commandment The King who before but disdained the pride after this League became jealous of the Earl of Douglass a League giving a Law to a King breaking all Bonds of Soveraignty and inviting people to look for a new Master and though his modesty and patience served onely to turn the Earl more insolent and his boldness more active yet in a foul game he bare a fair countenance knowing the last thing which a Soveraign Prince should do is to show himself malecontent and offended with any of his Subjects for instead of chastising him he would give him fairer means and greater power to do him harm He would not shew a token of any prejudicial thought to the Earls proceedings till he had first heared himself Thus very calmly he desired him to come and speak with him at Sterlin whiles he conscious of his own misdemeanor except upon a publique assurance under the great Seal for his safe coming and return refused to do A safe conduct obtained about the Shrew-Tide in the year 1452. he came to the Court then remaining at Sterlin Castle 1452. accompanied with many of his Confederates and a powerful Retinue The King with a gracious countenance and all apparent respect received him endeavoring rather by kindness and humanity then by rigor to reclaim him to his former obedience The day near spent the Gates of the Castle shut all removed except some of the Councel and the Guards the King taking the Earl friendly apart remembred him of favors received wrongs forgotten the duties as a Subject he owed to his Prince his capitulation before he would come and speak with him he taxed him with the exorbitant abuses and out rages of his followers Then he told him what Informations he had of a Covenant of mutual defence adherence betwixt him and some of his Nobles Gentlemen which he would scarce believe He prayed him to consider the murmuring or rather begun sedition of his people his long patience in tolerating his proceedings his misbelief of evil reports towards him until he had heard what he had to say for himself and his innocency The Earl answered the Kings towardness in equal terms trusting much to his confederatiom for his favors he should strive with all obsequiousness to deserve them That as he had the honor to command others who obeyed him he knew very well how to be commanded and obey his Prince and in what disobedience consisted that as none of his Subjects enjoyed more Lands and Honors then himself there should not one be found who more willingly would engage all his Fortunes and person for the Honor of his Prince That they who layed snares for his life being so near his Majesty for the surety of his person he could not come to Court except upon a publique assurance and well accompanied For the wrongs committed by his Followers and Vassals he would give what satisfaction should be required Concerning the Band of mutual friendship betwixt him and some Noblemen they would have adhered together without any writing they were driven thereunto for their own safety not out of minde to offer but repel injuries That he was infinitely oblig'd to his goodness in not condemning him before he was heard and for that he had not lent a credulous ear to his enemies mischievous devices The King replyed effects and not words make the affection and submission of a subject known and could there be any greater surety for him then to rely on the Laws of the Commonwealth and Countrey especially continued he in a Countrey where Laws and not Faction rule and where a man 's own goodness is able to preserve him But such men as you are raise these Factions to the subvertion of all Laws and Authority and for Subjects to make an offensive and defensive League against all persons is to disclaim all Government and do what they please without controlment commit Treason in the highest degree and make your own Swords and Power justifie your proceedings which though ye first use against mean persons and conceal the progress of your actions for there are degrees in evil and wicked men begin at that which seemeth the least of evils or not an evil at all at the first your last aim is likely to be the robbing upon the Crown Consider my Lord ye are born under a Monarchy which admitteth no Soveraignty but it self and it is natural to Princes to hold it in highest esteem and in no case to suffer it to be shaken by their Subjects Take your Prince for your best protection and an
a day again in which he might have hazarded one Cast of a Dye for a whole Kingdom But his Fortune was now declined and perhaps would never stand upright that by giving that night to his Souldiers to pause and deliberate on the matter they would perchance take the safest way be more advised what to enterprise the next morning readily not fight at all consisting of a number of bold young Gentlemen Volunteers who for the most part out of bravery and compassion followed him That the Kings Army by his lingring and lying off was encouraged finding they were to cope with men who would adviseere they fought After which speeches he bad the Earl farewel And now knowing that the way lay open both for Pardon and Favor to him that would first seek it he in the night breaketh out with some friends and having got over the fields betwixt the two Camps was brought sately to the King who graciously received and freely pardoned him The Army having understood the clandestin Revolt and escape of Sir Iames Hamilton disbanded every man slipping away by secret passages to his own habitation that on the morrow there was nothing to be seen but the solitary field upon which they had encamped The King out of joy of this bloodless Victory caused Proclaim in all his chief Towns That since Soveraign Authority had no less splendor by the actions of Clemency then by these of Justice all those who had followed the Earl of Douglass and been of his party rather by mis-fortune and unadvised rashness then any evil will against him should be freely pardoned Those who would abandon the Earl and come to the Kings Camp whosoever they were no Justice no Law should trouble them but they should be received to mercy and have all pardon After this Proclamation many submitted themselves to the King and were pardoned though Sir Iames Hamilton was remitted yet that under colour of reconciliation worse mischief might not be plotted the King sent him with the Earl of Orkney to the Castle of Rossline during his pleasure and the taking in of the Castle of Abercorn remembring also it was some prejudice to a Prince to be obliged to any Rebel The Earl of Douglass gathering together the split pieces of his Ship-wrack with his Brothers and so many of his Confederates as would not forsake him flieth to England here with much Travel by many promises of Rewards great hopes of spoil gathering unto him a power of Out-laws Felons Bancker-outs and such as lived by Rapine as well of his own Nation as of the English he maketh a Rode upon the West Borders of Scotland some Villages being burnt many preys much spoil driven into England at last he meeteth with the valiant men who were appointed ro defend the Marches the Maxwells and Scots here in a furious skirmish his Companies are discomfited Archibald Earl of Murray's Brother is slain and his head sent to the King the Earl of Ormond is taken Prisoner himself with the Lord Balvenny with great difficulty escapeth in a Forest when he sought to return again into England he findeth all Passages stopped up the wayes layed for him and begining to feel much want he is constrained in a disguised habit to lurk meanly in the inmost parts of Scotland till he wandred toward the far High-lands where finding Donald Earl of Ross Lord of the Isles one of his League a man cruel arrogant unpolisht after many discourses and long conference with him being no less eloquent then active he possesseth him with great hopes after a division of the Kingdom between them two of an absolute power and Government of of all the High-lands besides the wealth and treasure which he would purchase by the spoil He requireth onely he would break upon the more civil Countries bring all the Fire-brands he could to kindle and trouble them and cut work for the King whilst he with new supplies and a great Army to be raised in England should invade the Marches and bordering Countries The Earl of Ross who thought nothing impossible to him being to himself in these barbarous parts by phantasie a King and was used to vaunt of a long pedegree from Fergus relisbeth the profit and possibility of this Enterprise sweareth to leave nothing undone for the accomplishing of it and parting with him upon mutual assurance intreateth onely celerity and swift performance of what they had concluded Scarce was the Earl of Douglass in England when the Earl of Ross the two pillars of his Designs being Injustice and Violence supported by fair hopes from the South with his wilde Mountainers and Islanders like an inundation over-runneth the Neighbor bounds Argile suffereth the first effects of their fury the Isle of Arrain is taken the Castle made a Bon fire as if they were the sacrifice for the sinns of the rest the Bishop of the Isles saveth himself by flight and taketh Sanctuary Lochquabar and Murryland are spoiled the Town of Innerness is set on fire the Castle surprized Murthers Ravishings Robberies with what insolency the barbarous Canibals could commit are every where and the sad image of death ravageth amongst the common people The Earl of Douglass now at his last shifts and efforts leaveth no shifts nor helps unsought out such who lived upon prey and spoil resort unto him he maketh hot inincursions and after a most hostile maner which purchased him the hatred of all his Countrey-men and turned those who were indifferent in his quarrel his professed enemies This ravage continuing Henry Earl of Northumberland after slain at Caxtoun-field whom love of the valor of the house of Douglass and true commiseration had brought to take arms with him invadeth one quarter of the Marsh and the Earl of Dowglass turneth towards another But whilest they are dispersed and more eager and intentive to carry away spoil then to look to their own safety and military discipline the Earl of Auguss with Sir Iames Hamilton of Cadyow put them both with number and confusion overborn to flight slaying many and taking more prisoners After this overthrow during the Kings reign the Earl of Douglass deliberating not to oppose longer to necessity but to be still till better times never attempted tempted to invade his Countrey Amidst these incursions the Earl of Ormâ—nd at Edinburgh is beheaded the Countess of Dowglass Beatrice all hopes being lost of restoring her Husband despoiled of her Lands and fair Heritage turned now a Monster of Fortune the blame of her unlawful Wedlock laid upon the Earl consented to â—y her out of a certain fear of her life submitteth her felt to the Kings Clemency The King who denied not mescy to any sought it of him that the less guilty amongst the seditious might withdraw themselves and the obstinate remain the less powerful and weak receiveth her and giveth her in Marriage to his Brother Iohn Earl of Athole son to the Black Knight of Lorne designing for her Dowry the Lordship of Balveny By her
a Feaver and his Feaver advanced to a Phrensie This sickness increasing that he might be more neer to the Court and his friends in the night he is traâ—sported to the Cannons Gate in Edenburgh the King compassionate of his disease sendeth his Physitians to attend him they to restore his understanding which was molested open some veins of his head and armes in which time whether bâ— his own disorder and misgovernment in his sickness the bands being loosed which tyed the lancing or that they took 〈◊〉 great a quantity of blood from him he fainted and after sowning dyed unawares amongst the hands of his best friends and servants These who hated the King gave out that he was taken away by his command and some writers have recorded the same but no such faith should be given unto them as to B. W. E. who was living in that time and whose records we have followed who for his place could not but know and for his profession would not but deliver the very truth certain Witches and Sorcerers being taken examined and convicted of Sorcery at this time and being suborned they confessed that the Earle of Marre had dealt with them in prejudice of the King and to have him taken away by incantation For the Kings Image being framed in wax and with many spels and incantations baptized and set unto a fire they perswaded themselves the Kings Person should fall away as that image consumed by the fire and by the death of the King the brothers should reach the Government of the State with such vanities was the common people amused Alexander Duke of Albany imputing the death of his brother to the favourits of the King and avouching them to have been the occasioners of his distraction stirred the Nobility and People to revenge so foul a deed but whilst he keeps private meetings with them of his Faction in the Night to facilitate their enterprise betrayed by some of his followers he is surprised and imprisoned in the Castle of Edenburgh Out of which about the appointed time of his tryal by the killing of his keeper he escaped and in a Ship which to that effects was hired sailing to the castle of Dumbar of which he had the keeping he passed to France After the escape of the Duke of Albany the Lord Evandale Chancellor of the Kingdome raising the power of the nearest Shires beleaguered the Castle of Dumbar the besieged unprovided of victuals as men expecting no such alterations betake themselves in small Boates to the Sea and came safe towards the Coasts of England The Castle having none to defend it is taken some Gentlemen in persuit of the flying souldiers by their own rashness perished The Kings of Scotland and England tossed along with civil troubles and affecting peace with all their neighbors by an equal and mutual consent of thoughts send at one time Ambassadors to one another who first conclude a peace between the two Nations and that the Posterity might be partakers of this accord contract afterwards an Alliance between the two Kings It was agreed that the Princess Cicilia youngest daughter to King Edward should marry with Iames Duke of Rothsay when they came to yeers of discretion A motion heard with great acceptance but it was thought by some familiar with King Edward and in his most inward Counsels that really he never intended this mariage and that this negotiation aimed onely to temporize with Scotland in case that Lovys of France should stir up an invasion of England by the King of Scotland King Louys at this time had sent one Doctor Ireland a Sorbonist to move King Iames to trouble the Kingdome of England and to give over the projected marriage which when King Edward understood knowing what a distance was between things promised and performed to oblige King Iames and try him more strongly to the bargain that this marriage might have more sway he caused for the present maintenance of the Prince and as it were a part of the Dowry of Lady Cicilia deliver certain sums of money to King Iames. Notwithstanding of which benevolence the the witty Louys wrought so with the Scottish Nobility that King Iames sent Ambassadors to the King of England entreating him not to assist the Duke of Burgundy his brother in Law against King Louys which if he refused to do the Nobility of Scotland who were now turned insolent would constrain him by reason of the ancient league between the French and the Scots to assist the French The Duke of Albany during his aboad in France had marryed a daughter of the Earle of Bullogine she was his second wife his first having been a daughter of the Earle of Orkenay a Lady of great parentage and many friends who incessantly importuned King Louys to aide the Duke for the recovery of his inheritance and places in the State of Scotland out of which he was kept by the evil Counsellors of his brother Louys minding to make good use of his brother and underhand increasing discords and jealousies between him and the King of England slighting his suites told him he could not justifie his taking of Armes to settle a Subject in his inheritance That Princes ought to be wrought upon by perswasion not violence and he should not trouble a King otherwayes then by Prayers and Petitions which he would be earnest to perform Upon this refusal the Duke of Albany having burryed his Dutchesse troubled with new thoughts came to England King Edward with accustomated courtesies receiving him giveth him hopes of assistance entring of in communication with him how to divert the Kingdome of Scotland from the invasion of his Dominions at the desire of the French the Agents and traffickers of Louys lying still in Scotland and daily bribing and soliciting the Scots Nobility to necessitate the English to stay at home The Duke freely and in the worst sense revealed the weakness of his Kingdom that his King was opinionative and had nothing of a Prince in him but the name His ungoverned Spirit disdained to listen to the temperate Counsell of sober men obeying only his own judgement Such who govern'd under him were mean persons and of no account great only by his favour and indued with little vertue who ruling as they listed and excluding all others made use of his Authority for their own profit and advantage The Nobility were male-contents and affected a change in the Government which might be easily brought to pass by the assistance of King Edward If he would help to raise some civill broyls and discention in the Nation it selfe he needed not to be in fear that they could or would trouble his Country by any invasion The King hearing the Duke manifest what he most affected approving his judgement promised him all necessaries and what he could desire to accomplish the design and he undertaketh by some fair way to traffick with the Nobility of Scotland for an alteration of the present form of Government After a dangerous
gentle disposition and mild nature and confidence in his generosity or of the trust they had in their own power and Faction they bewrayed no signs of fear nor attempted ought against the common peace and tranquility some records bear that they forewarned him by the example of his Father not to take any violent course against them or which might irritate the people against him and every thing to embrace their counsels and that finding him repining and stubborn beyond mediocrity giving himself over to Sorrow and pensiveness they thâ—eaâ—ned him with a Coronation of one of his Brothers telling him it was in their power to make any of the race of his 〈◊〉 their King if he were Head-strong and refractory to oppose to their wholsom directions and grave Counsâ—ls Amidst this Grief of the King and overweening of his supercilions Governours Andrew Forman Secretary to Alexander the sixth Bishop of Rome arrived in Scotland with instrutions for the Clergy and Letters from his Master to the King and the Nobles The Kings were full of ordinary consolations to asswage his passions and reduce his mind to a more calm temper for the accident of his Fathers death The most glorious victory a Prince could acquire was sometimes to overcome himself and triumph over his disordered passions In all perturbations to which we are subject we should endeavour to practise that precept No thing too much but chiefly in our passions of sorrow and wrath which not being restrained overwhelm the greatest and most generous Minds that by passion the fewest actions and by reason the most do prosper Though a King he must not imagine himself exempt from things casual to all mankind especially in Seditions and civil tumults from which no kingdom nor State hath been free There being no City which hath not sometimes wicked Citezens and alwaies and ever an headstrong and mad multitude he should take what had befaln him from the hand of his Maker who chastiseth those he loveth What comes from heaven be should bear necessarily what proceedeth from Men couragiously there was no man so safe excellent and transcendent who by an insolent Nobility and ravaging Populacy might not be compell'd to perpetrate many things against his heart and intentions The will being both the beginning and subject of all sin and the consenting to and allowing the action being the only and main point to be considered and look into of which he was free the sin committed was not his nor could the punishment which by the divine Iustice might follow belong unto him Sith he had done nothing of himself but as a bound man had been carryed away by mutinous Subjects these that lead transgress not alwaies they that follow To these men remorse and torture of conscience belong'd it was they should lament and mourn who under false pretences had abused the people maskt their Ambition and malice with a reformation of errours in the State whose rage could not be quencht but by the bloud of ther Soveraign It was these should bewail their in justice and cruelty the sin shame and judgement for so hainous a fact followed these men He should not impute the wrongs and wickedness of others by which he had been a sufferer with his disastered Father to himself Revenge belonged to the Almighty to whose Tribunal he should submit his quarrel He should not decree the worst against his mutinous Subjects nor turn them desperate as if there were no place to repent Great offenccs ordinarily were seldom punisht in a State that it was proâ—itable for a Prince sometime to put up voluntarily an injury the way to be invincible was never to contend and to stand out of danger was the benefit of peace that he should apply soft Medicine where it was dangerous to use violent That following his Maker he should endeavour to draw Good out of evil As he was for that disaster of his Father pittyed by Men upon Earth so assuredly he would be pardoned in Heaven If his Subjects returned to their crooked Byas and did revolt again he would make the danger his own use his Ecclestastical censures and spiritual power against thâ—m till they became obedient and submitted themselves to the sway of his Scepter In the Letters to the Nobles he exhorted them to obedience Ambition was the cause of Sedition which had no limits and which was the bane and wrack of States Kingdoms of which they should beware of Kingdoms subsisting upon the reputation of a Prince and that respect his Subjects carryed towards him He was the Eye and Sun of Iustice the Prince weakned or taken away or his authority contemned the Common-wealth would not only fall into a Decadence but suffer an Earth-quake and perish Either after by Forrainers be invaded or by intestine dissentions rent asunder Confusions followed where obedience ceased and left Contempt deposed Kings as well as death and Kings are no longer Kings when their Subjects refuse to obey them That good people made good Kings which he requested them to endeavour to be as they would answer to God whose Lientenants Princes were and by whose power they ruled After this time the Lord Evaindale being dead the Earl of Anguss was made Chancelour and the Lord Hume obtained the place of great Chamberlain of Scotland the Countrey enjoyed a great calm of peace the grounds of dissention seeming to be taken away The King in the strength and vigour of his Youth remembring that to live in Idleness was to live to be contemned by the world by change of Objects to expell his present sadness and to enable himself for wars when they should burst forth gave himself to recreations by Games and with a decent Pomp entertained all Knightly exercies keeping an open and magnificent Court When time and Exercise had enabled him and he thought he had attained to some perfection in marital Sports Tilting and Barriers proclaimed Rewards propounded and promised to the Victors Challenges are sent abroad unto Strangers either to be Umpiers or Actors of Feats of Arms. Charles the eight the French King having an Ambition to reannex the Dutchy of French Bretaign to the Crown of France either by arms or the Marriage of Anne the apparent heir under the pretext and shadow of those painted Justings sendeth to Scotland some of the bravest Gentlemen of his Court desiring privily the assistance of King Iames against the English if it should fall forth that the King of England troubled his Designs Not long after well and honorably accompanied arriveth in Scotland a young man naming himself Richard Duke of York son to Edward the fourth true Inheritour of the Crown of England divers Neighbor Princes testifying the same by the Letters which contained That Edward the eldest son of Edward the fourth who succeeded his Father in the Crown by the Name of Edward the fifth was murthered by Richard Duke of Gloucester their unnatural Vncle but Richard the younger Son his Brother by the Man who was employed to
vaunteth that he is sole Iudge and Umpire of the Peace of Europe and that from his will the differences of Successions and Titles of Principalities wrongs and other interests depend as that all should be obsequious to his authority and what particular Authority can be more intolerable than that he should hinder so great and just a Prince as the King of France to claim his own and defend his Subjects If our Brother the king of England by the supply and assistance of many neighbour Countreys now by the Provocation of the Bishop of Rome arising upon all sides against the French should extend his Power and Victory over France under what colour and pretence of Iustice so ever to what an extremity shall the kingdom of Scotland be reduced having so powerful and ambitious a Neighbour Fear of any neighbour Princes Greatness when it extendeth it self over adjaeent Territories is a Good cause of Defence and taking of Armes which cannot be but just sith most necessary We are not ignorant that here will be objected against us The breach of a League contracted between our Brother and us We have not broken that League but for great Causes and Reasons separate our selves from it our Brother having taken away the means occasions reasons were had to observe it In all Leagues Confederations Alliances and Promises amongst Princes the last Confederation is ever understood to be contracted without prejudice to the Rights of any former Alliances and when our Embassadours made that League with our Brother it was to be understood that it should hold no longer nor we longer be bound unto it than he should keep to our first Allies and antient Confederates not breaking their Peace nor troubling the Government and Estates of their Countreys A National League is ever to be preferred before any personal an antient to a new the Leagues between the kingdomes of France and Scotland having continued many ages should justly he preferr'd to that which we as a new Ally of the house of England did contract which yet we are most willing to keep but the love of our Countrey passing all private respects hath mov'd us to separate our selves for a time from it All Leagues Confederations Alliances Promises amongst Princes are respectively and mutually understood with this condition and Law providing both keep upon either side the one party breaking or departing from the League Allyance or Promise the other is no longer bound to keep nor adhere unto it So long as the King of England kept unto us we kept unto Him He now having many waies broken to us we are no longer obliged to keep to him That same oath which obliged and tyed us after his breach absolving and making us free and of this we divers times advertised him giving him assurance except we would betray that Trust and confidence our Subjects and Confederates had in us for the maintenance of their peace and safety we could not but assist them in their just cause howsoever the justest actions have not ever the mrst profitable events and be constrained to have a recouse to arms for a remedy of their present misery And now notwithstanding of our advanced Expedition and preparations for war that the world may judge rightly of our intentions We declare and manifest that if our brother shall leave off the Invasion of our Confederates use no more hostility against them and give satisfaction for the wrongs done unto our Subjects that we shall disband our forces and are content that all matters of difference aswel between the King of France and our brother as our brother and us be amicably judged decided and taken away As that not only a Truce and Cessation of their Miserie for a time but a perfect and lasting Peace be concluded and established to the full contentment and lasting happiness of the three kingdoms and our posterity Whilest the King staied at Linlithgow attending the gathering of his Army now ready to set forward and full of cares and perplexity in the Church of St. Michael heard Evensong as then it was called while he was at his Devotion an antient Man came in his amber coloured locks hanging down upon his Shoulders his fore-head high and enclining to baldness his Garment of azure colour somewhat long girded about him with a Towel or Table Napkin of a comely and reverend aspect Having enquired for the King he intruded himself into the prease passing thorow till he came to him with a clownish simplicity leaning over the Canons Seat where the King â—ate Sir said he I am sent hither to intreat you for this time to delay your expedition and to proceed no farther in your intended journey for if you do ye shall not prosper in your enterprize nor any of your followers I am farther charged to warn you if ye be so refractory as to go forward not to use the acquaintance company or counsel of Women as ye tender your honour life and estate After this warning he withdrew himself back again into the prease when service was ended the King enquired earnestly for him but he could no where be found neither could any of the Standers by of whom diverse did narrowly observe him meaning afterwards to have discoursed further with him feel or perceive how when or where he passed from them having as it were vanished in their hands After his Army had mustered in the Borrow-moor of Edenburgh a field then spacious and delightful by the shades of many stately and aged Oaks about the midst of the Night there is a Proclamation heard at the Market Cross of the Town summoning a great many Burgesses Gentlemen Barons Noblemen to appear within fourty daies before the Tribunal of one Plot-Cock the Provost of the Town in his Timber Gallery having heard his own Name cited cried out that he declined that Judicatory and appeal'd to the mercy of God almighty Nothing was the King moved with those advertisements thinking them Scenick pieces acted by those who hated the French and favoured the English faction being so boldly and to the life personated that they appalled and stroke with fear ordinary and vulgar judgements as Trage-Comedies of Spirits The Earl of Anguss disswaded him from that expedition and many of the most reverend Church-men but the Angel which most conjured him was Margarite his Queen who at that time was with child her tears and prayers shook the strongest beams of his Resolutions She had acquainted him with the Visions and affrightments of her sleep that her Chains and Armelets appeared to be turned into Pearls she had seen him fall from a great Precipice She had lost one of her eyes When he had answered these were but Dreams arising from the many thoughts and cares of the Day but it is no Dream saith she that ye have but one Son and him a a weakling if otherwaies than well happen unto you what a lamentable day will that be when ye shall leave behind you to so tender and weak a
lawfull Council and forsake their errors when they shall be clearly and fairly demonstrated unto them Heresie is an errour in the fundamental grounds of Religion Schism intendeth a resolution in Separation Let a good Council be convocated and see if they be ready or not to râ—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 essential 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 don we shall â—ind 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 received customes that there was nothing more dangerous in Government than to abase the authority of antient Laws Let him well consider and set before his eyes the malice 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 Religion They desired him to consider how there were two sorts of persons affecting these new opinions and studying Novations The multitude or common people and some of the Nobility and Gentry It was likely the common people might be deceiv'd and to give them satisfaction and appease them by granting them a Reformation or change in religion would not be a means to illuminate and instruct them but to bring in a popular licence If he should suffer them to misbelieve distrust call in question points of Religioâ— or search or find out more light they would immediately thereafter presume to make Laws and limit the Government by degrees restraining the Soveraign authority and after they had examined sifted narrowly and discust Ecclesiastical authority they would essay to correct and find the difficulties of the Temporall That it was more easie to oppose and resist the first demands of the multitude than pleasing them in a part after 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 celerity in this was most necessary before their number increas'd and erâ— 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 denounced against all who professed opinions differing to the Church of Rome Whereupon some out of a muffled zeal of Religion others to revenge their particular quarrels most to possesse moveables and lands pursue many to judgment Of which some are executed by fire others banished many imprisoned amongst which was the 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 banishments the greater number embraced the opinions 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 confines 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 confiscated the goods of all who maintained Papal authority and raised from their Tomb the Bones of Thomas Becket commonly named Saint 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 Pontificial State than any stumbled upon heretofore or opened up Upon this the Sentence of Ex-communication some years deferred was pronounced against him By which he was deprived of his Kingdom and those who adhered to him declared uncapable of what they possessed His Subjects were dispensed from their Oath of Allegiance and discharged to obey him Strangers were inhibited 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 invade them It was time for him to look to himself Such of the Nobility as loved peace and the Weal of the two Kingdoms stirr'd King Iames to this interview especially they who favour'd the reformed Religion 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 conference 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 Reputation 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 attempting 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 Nephew he might
no hope of safety spent all they had in one night So the uncertainty of enjoying and holding what they have for the present drawes the thrifty and unthrifty to one end for no man being sure of Lands less of moneyes every man is turned in a desperate carlessness of his estate As to tell him also about this Subject who is the subject of this Letter the People say Kings seeking Treason shall find Land and seeking Land shall find Treason The denyal of a Princes desire was the destruction of an innocent Naboth the voice of the people should not be kept up from the ears of a Prince As to unfold to a King if Usury be not lawful at all for it is against Nature that money should beget money and not tolerate by the Mosaical Law and in Ezekiel cap. 18. v. 13. it is reckoned amongst the roaring sins such as are Adulterie and bloudshed it being a sin in the persons of subjects it is a greater sin in the person of a Prince for any sin is greater in the person of a Prince then in the persons of subjects As sin was worse and greater in Angels than men Nothing is profitable to a Prince which is not joined with honor and the State of Kings unless it stand in purenes and fidelity it cannot subsist in power As to tell King Charles what a strange thing it is so swear a man for the true value of his own Substance Since the valuing of Subjects Lands and Rents Rents were never less nor the Lands worse a secret scourge of God having followed it the Countrey scarce affording bread to the Labourers of it Remember Davids numbring the people In the times of King Henry the eight Regnante Cardin Volseio this was held uncouth strange and terrible and no wonder if men scare and start at it now under a Prince of so meek a Spirit so innocently good who preferreth peace before war rest before business honesty before profit None of all his kingdome no not one being more holy more chaste nor a better man in whom raigneth shamefastness and modesty and Patience taking all worâ—ly crosses in good part never gaping for glory not thirâ—â—ing after riches but only studying the health of his soul peace of his Kingdomes and how to advice the holy Church and restore her to hâ—r fiâ—st Rents and iâ—tegrity But God knoweth what he hath predestinated and ordained for the Scourge of this Country against whose Ordinance prevaileth no counsel A Priâ—ce should be advertised that the hatred and distast of menâ— present estates and fortunes setteth them on work and maketh them exceeding earnest to seek novations for finding themselves plunged in the beggariâ— of a miserable eâ—tate as many do believe it turneth not them base nor keepeth them under but raiseth in them a mad desire to change thâ—ir for uâ—e and this hath been the ensign of Male-contents to atteâ—pt and enterprize dangerous matters for it hath often been found that nothing hath sooner armed a people than poverty and poverty hath never so often been brought upon a Nation by the unfruitfulness of the Earth by disasters of Seâ—s and other human accidents as by the Avarice of the Officers and Favourites of Princes who are brought foolishly to believe that by tearing of thâ— skins of of the flock they shall turn the Shepheard rich It is no property of a good Shepheard to shear often his flock and ever to milk them Nor is it of a Prince to gall and perpetually aâ—llict a people by a terrible Exchequer Brutorum se Regem facit qui premit suos Now in such Theams it were not evil for a Prince to read Ian Marianai and George Buchanans piece de jure Regni apud Scotos for his own private and the publick good Princes hâ—ve in their actions this disadvantage that in matters of wrong and injuries concerning their Sâ—bjects though thâ—y somtimes suffer by reason of their power being thought stronger they are ever esteâ—med to do the wrong which should move them to abstain from all violent courses and think really their Subjâ—cts losses are their own Ye will then say the case of Princes is pittiful if Writers of infamous Libels be not rigorously punished without all question the Law is just and necessary against them But in some cases good Princes never follow the rigour and extremity of punishment set down by their Laws no not against the naughtiest Subjects and especially when the case concerneth their own particulars There is much to be considered in the convoy of such Libels If they contain Truths there is small wrong in such papâ—rs as to call Mary Magdalen a Sinner Matthew a Publican Thomas a Misbeliever Paul a Peâ—secutor Peter a Denyer of his Master and the rest fugitives from him and these are to be slighted and past over If they contain mixed truths and apparences they may be neglected If they admit no interpretation but true and flat railing then is a Princes patience to be tryed and the Libel to be scorned If they propound novelty and causes of sedition upon apparent grounds they are to be answered and by good reason to be overthrown If they be presented by way of Supplications for redressing of errours in the State it is a question whether they be Libels or not That Supplication of Humphrey Duke of Gloucester to King Henry the sixth of England against the Cardinal of Winchester Archbishop of York may have place amongst Libels for the King is taxed there of notable dotage As that by the counsel of the Cardinal he had set at Liberty the King of Scots suffered his Jewels and houshold-stuff to be sold granted the Cardinal a Charter of Pardon for taking up his Rents which were sufficient to have maintained the wars in France many years The setting of the Duke of Orleance at liberty against the Duke of Burgundy the great friend of the English and many other points Yet this being done by way of Supplication for redress of wrongs in the State he was not threatned for perhaps verity but remitted to the Council and what for fear and what for favor saith the English History the whole matter was winked at touching the Duke and nothing said against the Cardinal Miseria summa ubi de injuria conqueri pro delicto habetur These who set their Prince on work to follow and persue such an idle piece of Paper if they had fair Judges and powerful enemies neer the Court may themselves be brought within compass of that same punishment which they would have laid upon others as Perillus was brought to take an Essay of his own brazen Bull for no better are they which relate divulgate and are occasioners to have infamous Libels published than they which write them And these men have done what in them lay to make that Paper publike and have recorded in the Annals of this Kingdom to all ages what should have been smothered in the darkest pits of Oblivion They have often
Guilielmus Drummond de Havthornden Hos Gloria Reddit Honores R Gaywood fecit 1654 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 Iames VI. Charls I. By WILLIAM DRUMMOND of Hauthornden LONDON Printed by Henry Hills for Rich. Tomlins and himself and are to be sold at their houses near Py-Corner THE PREFACE TO THE READER TO Speak in Commendation of History in general were so many waies superfluous that we shall rather leave it to the experience of sober and inquisitive minds than injure the High Elogiums given of both the greatest and wisest Antients and Moderns by a disadvantagious Repetition of them And for to say any thing concerning the Countrey which was the Scene of the actions here represented we conceive it needless and improper in regard we are immured by one Sea breath one air speak one Tongue and now closed together by an happy Coalition under one Government The proper work therefore is to offer what can be said of the History and the Author and so dismiss the Reader to the Entertainment of the Book it self For his manner of Writing though he treat of things that are rather many than great and trouble some than glorious yet he hath brought so much of the main together as it may be modestly said none of that Nation hath done before him And for his way of handling it he hath sufficiently made it appear how conversant he was with the Writings of Venerable Antiquity and how generously he hath emulated them by an happy imitation for the purity of his Language is much above that Dialect he writ in his Descriptions lively and full his Narrations clear and pertinent his Orations Eloquent and fit for the persons that spâ—ak for that since Livys time was never accounted Crime in an Historian and his Reflections solid and mature so that it cannot be eâ—spected that these leaves can be turned over without aâ— much pleasure as profit especially frequently meeting with so many Glories and Trophies of our Ancestours yet because either of these may a little abate in respect the beginning seemâ— a little abrupt and precipitious the Author possibly dying before â—e could prepare an Apparatus or Introduction we have taken the pains out of other Records of that Nation to draw a brief Representation of some passages necessary to be foreknown The direct Royal Line of Scotland failing in Alexander III. Son of the II. of that name who when he a few years before had lost both his wife and all his hopeful and numerous issue nothing remaining of it saving a Girl to his Daughter brought to Hungonan King of Norway The Nobility hereupon meet at Scone and put the Kingdom into the hands of six Persons Edward of England sends to demand the Daughter Grandchild in marriage as next Heir of the Crown This was agreed unto Embassadours sent for her but the death of the Lady frustrated all that Negotiation The death of this Margarite so was she called was the firebrand that set England on fire and had almost destroyed Scotland For two Competitors declared themselves both powerful and of great Estates in Scotland and strongly supported with Forein Confederacies for Iohn Baliol had engaged the English Interest and Robert Bruce the French But to be a little clearer we must look back The line thus failing they were forced to run back to the line of David Earl of Huntington Brother to King William this David by his Wife Maud Daughter to the Earl of Chester had three Daughters Margâ—â—â—t married to Allan of Galloway the second to Robert Bruce sirnamed the Noble the third to Henry Hastings Earl of Huntington who made no claim Now thus it stood Dornagil the wife of Baliol claim'd it as grandchild by the Eldest Daughter and Bruce as great Grandchild by the second saying It was not fit that Daughters should inherit when there were Sons to represent the Ancestor Baliol he was neerer as being in the second degree and the other but in the third The Controversie growing high and boysterous and the Power and Interests of both parties at home being equally formidable and dangerous they resolved to refer it to King Edward who comming to Berwick and calling Lawyers to his Assistance pretends all Equity but rais'd up eight other petty Competitors the better to weakon the claim of the other two and so handled the business whilst the Lawyers were slowly consulting that Bruce having refused to accept the Crown in Homage and Tribute from England he declared upon his acceptance of those conditions IOHN BALIOL to be King who was Crowned at Stone But soon after an appeal being made against him to King Edward by Macduff Earl of Fife and he refusing to riâ—e from the Seat where he sate to answer but being inforced by the King so to do became so aliened in his affections from the English that a new quarrel breaking out between the French and the English and both by their Embassadours Courting the Scottish Amity it was resolved to adhere to the French and renounce the Homage to England as obtained by Fraâ—d and Force Edward enraged at this having obtained a Truce for some few Moneths with the French assails Berwick by Sea but with some loss which enflames him the more summons Baliol who refuses proâ—ers it to Bruce takes Berwick by Stratagem enters Scotland masters the Countrey takes Edinburgh and Sterlin and forces Baliol to a surrender at Forfar and sends him Prisoner to London whither himself returns having made most of the Nobility do Homage and left the Earl of Surrey his Deputy Baliol soon after is sent into France leaving his Son Edward as Hostage for his fidelity Edward sets â—ail for France the Scots rise and make some little Incursions into the Borders But about this time Siâ— William Wallas arose who to his Honour did so Heroically deâ—end his Countrey in her weakest condition as made it easily appear if he had had as happy a fortune to advance as he had a miserable to relieve he might have been remembred for as great a man as ever was in any age for having upon a quarrel slain a young English Gentleman and enforced to lurk in the Hills for the safety of his life he became inured 〈◊〉 â—uch hardness that awaking his natural Courage he 〈◊〉 the Head of all the Male-contents and filled both the Kingdoms with his Reputation and Terror and behaving himself according to expectation glean'd up to a tumultuary Army and the Nobility being either sloathful or cowardly commanded as Baliols Vice-Roy Thus after some little skirmishes he reduced all beyond the Forth took Dundee Aberdeen and other places when there arrived rumour of an English Army which he was not willing to dispute with but upon his own Terms Edward that had fortified all the Considerable places and kept the
chiefest of the Nobles as Honourable Priâ—oners in England had with-drawn his Army as thinking all secure sends the Lord Henry Perâ—â—y with strong assistance to join with his Officers there for he had heard of the Reputation of Wallas who endeavouring to pass the Forth the Bridge breaking received a considerable loss which gave Wallas time to reduce the rest of the Countrey Wallas then enters England and for some time ravages and returns without opposition and this Fame of his brought upon him the Envy of the Noblemen and brought Edward with an Army hastily gathered together at Stainmore from whence after looking upon one another they departed without a Blow from whence Wallas came to be rumoured as affecting the Royalty and brought him such envy among the Brucos and Cumins that they were resolved by any means to ruin him as disdaining that the fortune of the Kingdom should rely on so mean a person But the English entring Scotland again with a great Army and finding the Sâ—ots disposed under three Leaders who among themselves disputed Priority of Command marcht up to them where they found the Cumins who commanded one Brigade depart without opposition The Stuarts who had another being all cut to pieces and Wallas who had the third forced to retire to the River Caroon Thus lost Wallas his title formal Army whilst with a Predatory Army he never left to infest the English whilst Edward regained the lost places but the Scots having in vain endeavoured Truce or Mediation were resolved to put all upon the Dy and made a general insurrection to oppose which King Edward sent Ralph Conyers with a considerable Army to reduce the revolted places and make an end of the War but they by a Triple Victory were routed at Rossin the 10. of March 1302. 1302. Edward stung with this makes an other Entry in which Wallas perpetually infested him and again reduces the Countrey all swearing allegiance at Saint Andrews but Wallas who returned into the High-Lands Eâ—â—ard changing the Laws carrying away all Records and 〈◊〉 with all the Marks of any absolute Conquerour and among other Monuments the Stone called Iacobs Stone in which our Kings have been since usually Crowned But there kindled another flame for Robert Bruce son of the other and Iohn Cumin Cosen German of Iohn Baliol sirnamed the Red wearied by the delaies and unperformed promises of the King though Competitors overcame their mutual jealousies and closd together on condition that Bruce should have the Kingdom and Cumin all Bruces lands which agreement notwithstanding Cumin was after said to have communicated to Eaward Bruce hath notice and by shooing his horses backward escapes and arriving at his Castle at Lake Laban meets with Cumins Letters advising to cut him off upon which he hastens to S. Iohnstons and after exprobating his infidelity leaves him in the Franciscan Monastery stabb'd as dead and after stabb'd him out-right 1305. with his brother Robert About the same time Wallas was betrayed about Glasgow carryed up to London hanged drawn and quartered and his limbs hung up in the most eminent places And here to digress a little from these cruel carnages might naturally arise some pretty questions as Where allegiance and obedience begins and determins who are properly Rebels or Lawful Enemies how far the faith of a Nation or particular men are concluded in the Oath of their Prince to a Foreiner and what Limits Conquerours ought to observe to Subjects not naturally born so and how far they never compacting are oblig'd in the General Compact But these being matters proper for the Civilians and such as cannot be included in the shortness of a Preface or Rigor of an Epitome we shall dismiss at this Time without any further disquisition Onely at the present we will raise one Note from this Example of unfortunate Courage How apt great minds are even out of false appearances of good of their Countrey the most powerful charm upon the bravest spirits to rush upon the most violent and dangerous efforts though it may be their Countrey by a great deal of devastation and blood be made a loser by it and some Territories are so seated that it is the more happy for them to be under the shade and protection of a greater and more powerful than be left naked to their own wants and devastation of prevailing neighbours under the Notion of preserving an imaginary Antient and Notional Liberty which once launchâ— into will prove no other than a willingness to shackles and an obstacle and an obstinacy to the advancement of the Commodities of life And again let us observe what a strange Antiperistasis oppresion and Calamity will make in any people how inconsiderable heads meeting with an humour of jealousy discontent and despair swell into enormity and become terrible to nay oftentimes affront â—â—gitimate force where as Nations wantoning in their deligh 〈…〉 nd pleasures like strong bodyes without Exercise forget and weaken themselves whilest their strength insensibly transpires and vanishes in the warmth of their fruitions But it is high time now to return unto ROBERT BRUCE who having caused himself after he had staied for the Popes absolution for the defiling the Monastery with the Murder of the Cumins to be Crowned King at Scone 1306. notwithstanding his Endeavours at first to strengthen himself by the enmity of the Cumins and timorousness of his own Followers was routed by Edwards Lieutenants and forced to the Hills and for a long time lurkt in great misery to the great ruin and slaughter of his Family and party but making together some little force took Carrick and Innâ—rness by surprisal and by this means augmented his Train and withstood the daring of Cumin Earl of Bughan who withstood him with a Considerable strength of English and Scotish forces and though a Treaty were desired would not comply growing numerous by the accession of other considerable persons Edward the I dying in an intended expedition thither left it to Edward II. his Son who hearing some troubles in France sailed thither and left behind him an Army which notwithstanding Robert though sick and forced to be held on horseback defeated this engaged Edward to another Immemorable Expedition and gave Robert time to take in the Remaining strengths 1310. but the next year and within two years after recovered the most considerable and Edinburgh it self and a little after by means of his Brother Edward Sterlin upon Conditions Edward thereupon enters with a great Army and many forein auxiliaries But had a great defeat at Bannocks-burn which occasioned the loss of Berwick and Bruces confirmation in Parliament the declaring of Edward his Brother to be heir in case of Roberts want of Issue Male as also making of him King of Ireland at the request of some of the Iâ—ish and though they furnished him with some forces for that attempt yet in the Expedition he and all his followers were cut to pieces Some few years after
were spent in light skirmishes and incursions and Thomas Randolph obtained the battel called the White and quieted the English Robert this time of Repose conven'd the Nobles intending to determine the rigâ—â— of inheritances which many men had unjustly usurped in the times of Rapine and Licence This brooded a Conspiracy which â—eing detected a meeting was appointed at Perth where by the Conviction of their own Papers many were executed some pardon'd but none drew more pitty from the Beholders than David Brechin the Kings Sisters Son whose acquaintance not concurrence with the Plot was only Criminal From whence we may consider That to be a Traytor is not actually to engage in Treason but to conceal it is to foment it for if in private Friendships it is infidelity not to reveal a danger to a friend it holds stronger as to the Magistrate who is not only our Common Friend but our Parent and Tutor since the seeds of all Treasons like them of Vegetables lurking quiâ—tly and arising fruitfully being cunningly manured do by the Co-operation of bad influâ—nces grow up into poisons and threaten destruction where as the Sovereign Power enlivening and peiroing all cherishes the more Noble things and only discovers the imperfection of the meaner In the mean time a Legate comming from Rome armed with all the Thunderbolts of that See whose force even that age had wit enough to discern to threaten them into a peace with England but missing of his Errand the Scots followed him with an Army and marcht as far as Stainmore The K. of England in revenge raises an Army so potent and powerful that it might be supposed they came for absolute victory not uncertain hazard Robert therefore like a wise Captain considering that it was Stratagem not force that must preserve him safe from so great a storm caused all the Cattel to be carryed into the avious retreats of the Hills lest they might be serviceable to the Enemy who confident of their strength peirced Scotland and endeavoured to draw him and his Forces out of their Holes But having wasted all about sparing only Churches and wanting Victuals were forced to retire Bruce knowing this disorderly retreat pursues them as far as York and by a great defeat was Master of their Baggage and some Considerable Prisoners the great occasion of which was imputed to Sir Andrew Barcley Earl of Carlisle who was therefore degraded This begat two Embassyes one to the Papacy for a Reconciliation to it and the other to France for a Renovation of the old League both which were obtained with equal easiness with this addition to the latter That the King of France should be Umpire in controversies concerning the Crown of Scotland About these times saies Excellent Buchanan the Family of the Hamiltons since so great in Scotland and pernicious to England took their rise one of them upon a Quarrel and murder of an English Gentleman flying to Robert for Protection who gave him lands which retain the name to this day the Spensers upon whose account this quarrel arose were soon after discomposed and ruined and Edward himself dethroned and as is said murdered at Pontfract Castle by means of his wife and Edward his Son succeeded the III. of that name Bruce in the mean time composing himself to the cares of Peace by Act of Parliament settles the Inheritance of the Kingdom upon his Son though a Child and in case of his decease to Robert Stuart his Grandchild by his Daughter and for preventing any pretences of Baliol being then old and miserable in France a full release of all his Claim 1320. but the active young Edward filling them with the terrour of a new Bruce repaired the defects of his age and travels by substituting Thomas Randolph his Vice-Roy whom with Iames Dowglas he sent with a flying Army of Horse into England the better to elude the prevailing force they were to expect and it happened accordingly for after tedious Marches and hardships on both sides they parted without a stroke saving onely that Dowglas with two hundred Horse beat up the Quarters of the English Camp and cut as is said two Ropes of the Kings Tent and made a good Retreat this begat a Truce for three years and afterwards 1328. a dishonorable Concession in a Parliament at Southampton of all the Scotish privileges and independencyes of that Crown for which some after smarted with the Concession of some Counties and Rendition of Monuments the Scots paying thirty thousand Marks Bruce finding himself wasted by age and toil left the Tuition of the Nonage of his Son to Randolph and Dowglas retiring himself to the Abby of Kilross confirming the Settlement of the Kingdom upon his Son David then 8 years old and Stuart as he had done before leaving these three Counsells behind him Illustrious Spirits that have long moved in great Orbs being best measured when they are falling below their Horizon 1. Not to let any man solely command the Aebneae 2. Never to put all their Strength at one hazard with the English 3. Never to make long Truces with them The first being to be feared by their power at Sea The second for the Fertility Power and Numbers of the English The third to prevent the Enervation of a long Peace Thus he dyed leaving Charge with Dowglas to convey his heart to the Holy Land whither himself had designed an Expedition but Dowglas assisting them of Arragon against the Saraâ—ens was there cut to pieces Thus ended the reign of Robert Bruce 1330. A Prince that mounting the Throne over the Carcasses of his neerest kindred encountring with the greatest difficulties and calamities of a Countrey opprest by powerful and martial Enemies bravely struggled with the disadvantages and left behind him the Character of a great Captain and a prudent Prince and such an one as whose Reputation relies upon his single virtue unlesse you will say he had the assistance of the heads and hands of his Counsellors and Captains yet even in the chusing of One and the obeying the Other it must be confest he was a man excellently squared out for Government and a man the most fit to arrest our Conquests in that Nation Yet by the way we shall take up one Remark How much the fortune and reputation of any people depends upon the Conduct of their Supreme Governour and we cannot have better instance than by reflecting upon the preceding History Edward I. worthily called Coeur de Lion brought them in their greatest power upon their knees His Son an effeminate and weak Prince enchanted with Flatteries and lost in Sofâ—ness could not preserve an acquired Dominion but lost it with ignomâ—ny His Son for a time which we must call his pupillage of War he did such wonders afterwards was unsuccessful and all this through the Opposition Courage and Conduct of one unfortunate person And indeed upon survay of all Histories we shall find that the ability and excellency of the Prince hath been
out and set at liberty of purpose that they might be thrust forward into a greater danger Returning to their wilde countreys Duff nothing respecting the Kings clemency accompanied with many Theeves and Robbers driveth a great prey of cattel and other spoils from the Confines of Murrey and Caithness which to recover Angus Murrey that he might attempt something worthy of his life and liberty followeth with a great power of like Souldiers having now Authority to justifie his revenge on a guilty enemy he overtaketh Duff near unto Strath-Naverne There strongly is it fought neither of the parties being inferiour to other in number cruelty or despair This conflict continued so fierce and eagar that of both sides there remained scarce twelve persons alive and those so wounded that Justice had not whom to pursue An overthrow delightful and commodious for the peace and quiet of all the honest and vertuous Subjects of these Countreys These many executions nothing appalled one Mac-Donald born in Ross a Thief flesht in all murthers mischievous wiâ—hout mercy equally greedy of blood and spoil who by Robberies had acquired great riches Amongst other cruelties he is said to have naild horse shoes to the soles of a Widow because in her grief she had sworn in haste to report his wickedness to the King Being brought to Perth by men of his own qualities with twelve of his Associates the King caused them in like manner to be shod as they served the woman and when three days for a spectacle to the people they had been hurryed along the Town his Companions were Gibbeted and he made shorter by the head Gross enormities cut a way factions repressed the King maketh a Progress throughout all the parts of his Realm doing Justice upon all sorts of Malefactors neither did Pardons granted by the late Governour avail it being alledged that they expired by his death and though small faults might have been passed by such remissions yet horrible and crying crimes were not within the compass of such authority Whilest he thus continues in the administration of Justice the favorable eye of Providence looketh upon him and in the year 1430. in the moneth of October Queen Iane is delivered of two sons at Holy-Road-House Alexander and Iames the one deceased in his infancy the other succeeded to his Father and was King To highten the joy of his people and diffuse it universally many prisoners are set at liberty amongst which were Archibald Earl of Dowglass Sir Gilbert Kennedie the Kings Sister sons the Earl had been keeped in Locâ—leavin the other in Sterling They had been committed rather upon suspition of the times then men having spoken too freely against the present Government Alexander Earl of Ross was also set at liberty And that the King intended a real and sincere reconciliation the Earl of Dowglass was made Parent to his Children at the Font at this solemnity fifty Knights were Dubbed the first of which was William Dowglas son to the Earl who after succeâ—ded to his Father in the Earldom of Dowglas A sweet calm diffuâ—ing it self through every corner of the Realm the King imagining the rest of his Raign to be but the enjoying of a Crown sets his thoughts wholly to the works of Peace Many unreasonable Customs which were become to the vulgar Laws had many years continued in his Kingdom these he will either have abolished or amended To this effect he selecteth persons commended for wisdom gravity and uprightness of life through his Realm to pry into all abuses here and determine of all sorts of quarrels and suits if any were brought unto them where of the ordinary Judges either for fear dared not or power of stronger could not or for â—atred or favour would not give any perfect Judgment To them he gave full Authority to make Inquisition of the breach of poenal Statutes some hereby were punished by Fines others in their Lives he took away the deceit which had been occasioned by variety of measures for this end certain Iron measures were appointed to be made unto which the rest should be conform and like before his Reign not only in every Town and Shire but in every Mannor and House different measures were currant which abuse he abolished by Parliament The roughness of the times and perpetual wars and troubles of his Ancestors had near taken away the Arts and Handy-crafts and turned the Sciences contemptible especially since the Reign of Alexander third The Commons by the manifold changes and miseries of the Age affecting Barbarity the Nobles making Arms their whole study and care to the further advancement of the Commonwealth and that his Subjects might have occasion to avoid sloth and idleness the King from the Neighbor Continent and from England drew unto him the best Artizans and Manufactors whom either large priviledges or moneys could entice and oblige Of which such a fair number came and were so graciously received that they forgot their Native Countreys and here made their perpetual abode And what till this day Scotland enjoyeth of them owe all their beginning to these Times Schools of learning were sounded to which great Liberties and priviledges were granted the King well knowing that what ever is excellent in any Estate from them had beinning and feed and that there is no better means to sweeten and same the wilde nature of Men theâ— to busie their spirits with peacefull and sedentary Exercises rude and untrained minds being inclinable of themâ—elves to tumult and sedition To make a necessity of learning he made an Act that none of the Nobility should succeed to their Ancestors Heritage except they had some taste of the Civil Law or practice of the Country-Customs but this after was by them abolished Many famous men in all Sciences from the Noblest Universities of Christendom came hither as to the Sanctuary of the Mâ—ses where often the King himself in person graced their Lessons and when great matters did not withdraw him was Umpire to their harmless Conflicts Being himself religious he advanced Men learned and of good life to eminent places in the Church and that the best deservers might be discerned he distinguished the learned in degrees Making a Law that none should enjoy the room of a Cannon in any Cathedral Church unless he were Batchelour in Divinity or at the least of the Cannoâ— Law Though he challenged King David and named him a grievous Saint to the Crown for dilapidating so much Râ—nt in extraordinary Donations to the Church yet with great cost and magnificence â—he founded the Convent of Charters in Perth and bestowed fair Revenues upon it The excellent skill which he had in Musick and delight in Poesie made him affect Quiristers and he was the first that erected in his own Chappels and the Cathedral Churches of Scotland Organs being not much known before his Reign to the Nation Peace hath its own dangers no less than Wars yea often such estatâ—s as have increased their Dominions and become mighty
daughter to David Earl of Strathern For plotting mischief he began to rail speak in high terms associate himself with others of his own mind Notwithstanding that the King Anno 1428. in September had bestowed on â—is Nephew the Lands and Earldom of Monteeth in compensation of that of Strathern to which he pretended right it being an appenage of the Crown About this time Embassadors came into Scotland from Eriâ—us the King of Denmark requiring of King Iames the payment of a yearly Tribute which was due to him as King of Norway for the Western Isles according to the Covenant and Agreement made by Alexander the third King of Scotland and his Predecessor Magnus the son of Acho then King of Norway the Embassador was honorably received and Sir William Creighton Chancellor directed to go with him to Denmark who there renued the old League between the Realms setled questionable matters and confirmed a perfect amity and stedfast Peace Embassadors came also from Charles the French King not only to confirm the old Amity between Scotland and France but for a better assurance thereof to have Margaret eldest Daughter to King Iames already betrothed to Lewis the Daulphin who now was thirteen years of Age delivered to them and convoyed to France The English foreknowing this Alliance had before sent the Lord Scrope with other Associates to Him in Embassage to have the old League between the French and the Scots dissolved and to joyn the Kings Daughter in Marriage with Henry the sixth their King promising if the King would thereunto agree and joyn in League with them that the Town and Castle of Berwick should be delivered to the Power of the Scots with all the Lands lyand between Tweed and the Redcross which when William the Conquerour granted Cumberland to the Scots marched England and Scotland and is now a fragment of a Cross in Richmond-Shire neer the Spittle on Staâ—moore about which is nothing but a wilde desert Having Audience the Lord Scrope spake before the Counsell to this purpose I am directed hither by my Master and his Council about a Business which concerneth the Honour and profit of the two Kingdoms above any other which can be projected and it is the establishing of a perpetual Peace and Concord between them and happily when it shall please the higher Providence their uniting in one Body under one Prince one day How vain the attempting of this heretofore by Arms hath proved the world can but too well bear witness the many proofs of eithers valour against themselves having been but a lavish effusion of humane Blood the fairest way easiest means to make enmities cease and these ancient Quarrels was begun Sir in your person by the happy Marriage of the Daughter of Iohn Duke of Sommerset brother to King Henry the fourth and Son to the Duke of Lancaster and prosperously hath continued these years past Now that Peace may be lasting and the affections and minds of the two Nations soldered together our Request is that this Alliance may be again renewed by the Marriage of your eldest Daughter with our young King a most fitting and equal match And in seeking of her we crave but our own She is descended of our Royal Stem and if again she be ingrafted in that stock out of which she sprang it is but natural And you my Lords where can ye find a Match more Honorable for both Nations Where can ye finde a better and more profitable Friendship then ours Are we not a people in habiting one Island have we not both one Language are we not of like Habit and Fashion of like quality and condition of life guarded and separated from the other World by the great depths of the Ocean What evil Customs have come into your Country by your last Allyance with us Nay what Civility Policy and laudable Fashions to the confusion of Barbarity have not followed hereupon By this the Glory of both Realms will encrease either being sufficient not only to furnish necessaries but even all lawfull and moderate contentments of life to support others Besides that an assurance of Defence Strength and Power to invade ease in undergoing publick Charges will hereby follow We are not ignorant that your Lady is designed for France but how long alas will ye continue prodigal of your blood for the French What have ye advantaged your selves by your Alliance with France save that they engage your bodies in their Wars and by conferring upon you unprofitable titles of honour take from you what is truly real ye are reserved a Postern-gate by which they may enter England diverting our Forces and transporting the Stage of the War upon our Borders Learn to forget your French or iâ— ye be so enamoured with France Love her after our manner Come take a share be partakers of our Victories Are not our Forces being joyned sufficient to overcome nay bring in chains hither that King of Bruges and make our selves Masters of his Continent France never did so much good to Scotland in twenty years as Scotland hath had loss by England for the love and cause of France in one Are not your wounds at Vernueil and Cravant yet bleeding and all for the French It hath been your valour and not the French which heretofore empeached our conquest and progress in France were it not for your swords we had made ere now the loftiest tops of the Alps or Pyrenees bear our Trophies Ye say ye reverence and cannot break your old league and confederation with that Kingdom happy Leagues but wo to the keepers of them unhappy Scotland and too too honest and the more unhappy for that thy honesty is the great cause of thy mishaps How long shall that old league counted amongst the Fables of the Ancient â—alladines make you waste your lives goods fortunes and lose your better Friends The Genius of this Isle seemeth to cry unto us her Nurselings to stay our cruel hands no longer to be her desolation and the wrack one of another not to pass over and neglect these fair occasions of mutual Alliances which will not only effectuate Truces and Leagues amongst our selves but at last bring a perpetual Peace and Union for by interchange of Marriages being united this Isle shall continue stronger by entertaining Peace and Amity then by all these Giant walls Rampiers of Mountains and that huge ditch of Seas by which Nature hath environed and fortified her Now that ye may know how dearly we esteem your Friendship and Alliance whereas others go to take from you we will give you Roxburgh Berwick and all the lands between Tweed and Redcross If shadows prevail and prove stronger with you then essential reason and that ye disesteem our offer losing this good occasion we as Neighbours and Friends entreat you that ye do not uphold the French now in the Sun-set of their Fortunes and at their weakest that ye would not shoulder this falling Wall but that ye would live quiet within
The Peaceproclaimed the Duke of Gloucester in all solemnity of greatness returned towards London being welcomed by the King with many demonstrations of great joy He to show how much he approved the conditions of this Peace went solemnly in procession from St. Stevens Chappel now the Parlament House accompanied with the Queen his Sister and a mighty retinue of the greatest Lords into Westminster Hall Where in presence of the Earl of Anguss the Lord Gray and Sir Iames Liddale Embassadours extraordinary from Scotland the peace was ratifyed At the return of the Scots Embassadours to their Countrey King Edward sent an Herauld with them who in his Masters name gave over the marriage contracted between the Lady Cicilia and the Prince of Rothsay and required the money which had been delivered upon hopes of consummation to his King The Citizens of Edenburgh had given their Bond for the redelivery and a day being granted to them for the payment they at the appointed day intirely delivered the sum Some thought King Edward recalled this marriage of a suspition he conceived that the Ambition of the Duke of Albany and the hatred of the Subjects against their King amidst the manifold distractions of the Realm might hazard the Succession of the Prince of Rothsay to the Crown But king Edward having gained what he had endeavoured most to acquire a division amongst the Nobles of Scotland and by this a Security from their assisting the French rejected the Match Besides the Duke of Gloucester who after his comming in Scotland was laying the foundations of the usurping the Crown of England his Brother once dead thought the alliance of his Brothers Daughter with a King of Scotland too strong a Support to that Race which he was to declare Bastards and a Rock upon which he was confident he should make a fearful shipwrack Neither his Brothers Daughter being marryed to a King of such martiall and turbulent Subjects as the people of Scotland durst he ever attempt the taking away of her Brothers and King Edward in neglect of this match committed a greater errour of State than he did in his marrying the Lady Elizabeth Gray and forsaking the Lady Bona Daughter to the Duke of Savoy According to the Records of some Authors whilst the King is kept nine Moneths in the Castle of Edinburgh the Duke of Albany the Lord Evandale Chancellour the Earl of Arguile the Archâ—bishop of St. Andrews the Earl of Athole his Uncle who for the preservation of his person and honour of his Office accepted the charge to attend him in that Fortress governed the State The King say the honest Records had all honour which appertained to a Prince save that he could not come abroad and none was permitted to speak unto him except in the audience of some one of his Lords Keepers and that his Chamber doors were shut before the setting of the Sun and long after the rising opened Proclamations are publisht in his name and Authority and other publick writings Such who only heard of him could not but take him to be a free and absolute Prince when near he was but a King in phantasie and his Throne but a Picture the regal Authority being turned into a cloak to cover the Passions of those who did govern The Duke of Albany dayly importuned by the solicitations Prayers and tears of the Queen a calm and temperate Lady for her Husbands Liberty finding himself not so respected by the other Governours as his birth and merits did deserve being a man who delighted in nothing more than in changes and novations of Court and State after so many scorns and rebukes offered to his Brother and King commiserating his long sufference and believing that good turns would make past offences be forgotten and recent benefits were sufficient to blot away old injuries withall remembrance of former discontents whilst the other Governours at Sterling securely passed the time posted in the night to Edenburgh Here a meeting being appointed of some of his friends and Vassals who knew nothing of his intentions by the assistance of the Citizens of Edenburgh men intirely loving their King and devoted to him all the time of the insurrection of his Nobles who gave the first assault yet was it rather their intelligence than force the Castle is surprised the King and all his Servants set at libertie This unexspected and noble act of the Duke of Albany having so fortunate a success brought a mighty change on the Court and State The King is now again reinstall'd and hath this residence in his own Palace to which many Noblemen and Gentlemen have frequent concourse rejoicing to see such evident tokens of love pass between the two Brothers if their affection could have continued The Provost and Baylies of Edinburgh in recompence of their service were made Sheriffs within all the bounds of their own Territories and rewarded with other privileges contained in that patent which they call their golden Charter 1482. The Lords of the contrary faction who remained at Sterlin by this new accident betook themselves to new thoughts and considerations every man full of fears and repinings flying to his own dwelling place and conceaving a great hatred against the Duke of Albany They said he was inconstant rash mad in setting at liberty the man who would prove his Executioner and one who would never forget any profer'd injury that if he perished before them it was but his own just deserving and procurement The Duke contemning those reproaches and answering their calumnies and evil words with patience and good deeds by the mediation of the Earl of Anguss Studied a reconciliation between the King and his discontented Lords And his endeavours had such good success that in a short time after this Atonement some of them turned so familiar and inward with the King that like the Ivy they began to sap the wall by which they had been supported They made the wound of the Kings old jealousies ranckle again and added poison to former discontents remembring him of the unnaturalness of his Brothers first Rebellion and assuring him that his antient Ambition had yet more power of him than his new fears of honesty and respect That howsoever he shewed outwardly the arguments of a reconciled Brother he loved yet to govern and aimed at the Crown That he had wrought his liberty to bring a greater confusion in the State than he had ever done before The King who ever had a watchful eye over his reconciled Enemies and who desired to be freed and fairly quited of them all gave way to their calumnies And they after long deliberation resolve upon a plot to bring the Duke within compass of law and summoned him to answer upon Treason And this was the rendring of the Town of Berwick to the English which they undertook to prove was only by his intelligence procuration and being in company with the Duke of Gloucester in that expedition Though the Duke had an absolute and general pardon
and an aboliâ—ion for all was past and the Kings hand at it they doubted not to null and make it void All being done by a King constrained by a powerful Army and a close prisoner which writing could not oblige any private man far less a King what he then bargained was upon constraint and yielded unto upon hopes of saving his life and an act exacted by force The Duke of Albany finding by the malice and detraction of a malignant faction his brothers countenance altered towards him and danger the requital of his late setting him at liberty the established reconciliation being shaken by suspitions and fancy of revenge obeying necessity fled to his Castle of Dumbar out of which he came to England to present to King Edward and the Duke of Gloucester the consideration of his grievances In his absence he is convinced of many points of treason besides the being accessarie to the taking of Berwick by the English As his dangerous and long intelligence with the King of England his sending of many Messengers at all occasions unto him That without any safe-conduct or pass from his Brother and not so much as acquainting him he had left the Countrey come into England to devise conspiracies against his King and native Kingdom The Lord Creighton as his friend associate and complice is forefeited with him against whom Informations were given that often and divers times under the pretence of hunting secretly with the Duke at Albany he road into England and there meeting with Commissioners sent by King Edward he deliberated of matters concerning novations and of the altring the state That there he kept appointments with Iames Earl of Dowglass the often quench'd fire-brand of his Country That in spight of the Kings forces sent there to lie in Garrison he kept the Castle of Creighton The greatest discontent the King conceived against him was love to one of his Sisters and some feminine jealousies When the Duke understood the proceedings against himself and the Lord Creighton and that for their contumacy and not appearing to answer and give in their answer they were convict of Treason and their lands to be seased upon He caused give up the Castle of Dumbar of which he was Lieutenant to King Edward who immediately placed by Sea a Garrison in it About this time Edward King of England left this world 1483. and his brother Richard Duke of Gloucester did first take the name of Protector and Governor of the Kingdom of England and after his brothers Sons put in the Tower and their Mother the Queen taking Sanctuary in the moneth of Iune possest himself of the Crown The Duke of Albany finding that Richard by his change of Fortune had not changed his affection towards him imploreth his aid in restoring him to his own and repairing not his wrongs alone but a wrong done in his sufferings to the King of England sith there was now an open breach of the Truce and Peace so solemnly by him set down and confirmed by his Brother If he could be furnished but with a few number of choice men of reputation and power to pass into Scotland and take a tryal of the Minds and good will of his fâ—iends and confederates he douted not at his entring the Countrey to finde numbers who by his presence would hazzard upon the most desperate dangers Richard finding the man his Supplicant with whom he endeavoured once an intire frindship and whose advancement in Authority he had most studied condescendeth that five hundred men and Horses should be chosen upon the borders with others who were ontlawes and necessitated sometime to make incursions and with Iames the old Earl of Dowglase a man well known and renowned in the West-borders should make an in-road into Scotland The two and twentie day of Iuly the banished Champion having chosen a good number of their borderers put forward towards Loch Maben to surprize a Fair spoil a publick Market seise upon all the Buyers and Sellers which here meet and traffick every St. Magdalens festival under pretence of Devotion and the liberty of trading many English had hither relsorted at the twelfth hour of the day when the Merchants and Countrey-people were in greatest security the burâ—e is invaded and not bloud but wares sought after the Lard of Iohnstoun who was warden and lard of Cock-pool with many stout borderers having surveyed and Ridden through the places where the people were met to prevent and hinder all disorders and dangers at the noise of an incursion of the English dispatch Poasts to the adjacent bounds for supply and in the mean time rencounter the plunderers of the Fair. Here is it fought with greater courage than force and in a long continued skirmish the danger of the loss stir'd up and incited the parties as much as fame and glory The day was neer spent leaving the advantage to either side disputable when the supply of fresh men come to defend their Countrey and friends turned the Fortune of the fight and put the English borders all to the rout The Duke of Albany by the swiftness of his Horse and the good attendance of his Servants winneth English ground but the Earl of Dowglass loaden and heavy with years and armes is taken by Robert Kirken-patrick who for that service got the lands of Kirk-michael and brought as in triumph to Edenburgh It is recorded that when the Earl was come in the Kings presence he turn'd his back refused to look him in the face considering the many outrages he had perpetrated against his Father and this late offence The King taken with the goodly personage gravity and great age of the man commiserating his long patience and cross fortune being in his young daies designed to be a Church-man confined him as in a free Prison in the Abacy of Lyndores Besides he considered that when occasion served he might bring him out of this solitariness and in these turbulent times by his counsel and presence play more advantageously his game of State being a man of long experience in the affairs of the world and the most learned of all his Nobility He was now become tyred of the Earl of Anguss the remembrance of his first offence remaining deeply ingraven in his heart and to counterpoise his greatness this was the only weight The Duke of Albany found little better entertainment in England the battel being lost some men taken and killed this being the first roade upon Scotland under the reign of Richard who had been formerly so fortunate in his own person his fame injur'd and reputation by this diminished the Duke began to be disliked and was not received with that kindness he was wont whereupon by the assistance and convoy of Iohn Liddale he secretly retired to France After the road of Lochmaben sundry incursions are made by the Scots upon the English borders and by the English upon the Scottish The Champian ground is scoured houses are burnt booties taken with great loss to
about these times a good and vertuous Lady died 1486. and was buried at Cambu-kennel the 29. of February The overthrow and death of Richrd being known abroad King Iâ—mes taking the advantage of the time besieged the Castle of â—umbar The garrison'd Souldiers finding no reliet nor assistance from their Countrey and ascertained of the change of their Master rendered up the Fort to the hands of the Scots it was of no great importance to the English and only served to be a fair bridge of Treason for Scottish Rebels and a Cittadel of Conspiracies Henry King of England after his victory and Coronation sent Richard Fox Bishop of Excester and Sir Richard Edgecomb Embassadours to King Iames for renewing the Truce and if it were possible to agree upon a stable and lasting Peace between the Realms King Iames taking a promise of the secrecy of the Embassâ—dours that what he imparted to them should not be laid open to his Nobility told He earnestly affected a Peace with all his Neighbours but above all others with their King as much for his own valour as for the honour and interests of the two Kingdoms But he knew his people so stubborn and opposite to all his designs that if they understood his mind and resolutions they would endeavour to cross his intentions wherefore publickly he could only condescend to seven years truce a long peace being hardly obtained from men brought up in the free licence of war who disdained to be restrained within the Narrow limits of Laws Notwithstanding they should undertake for him to King Henry in the word of a Prince that this Truce before the exspiring of it should be renewed and with all solemntyes again confirmed The Embassadours respecting his good will towards their King accepted the conditions Thus was there a Truce or Peace convenanted and confirmed for seven years to come between the two Realms After so many back-blows of fortune and such canvassing the King enjoying a Peace with all his Neighbours abroad became exceeding religious the miseries of life drawing the mind to the contemplations of what shall be after it During hisresidence at Edenburgh he was wont to come in Procession from the Abby of Holy-rood-house to the Churches in the High-Town every Wednesday and Fryday By which devotion he became beloved of his People Nothing more winning their hearts than the opinion they have of the Sanctity of a person And that he did not this for the fashion nor hypocrisy the application of his wit and power to the administration of strict justice did prove for he began to suppress the insolencies of strong oppressors defend and maintain the Rights of the poor against Tyrants and abusers of their Neighbors He sitteth himself in Council dayly and disposeth affairs of most weight in his own person In the Moneth of October following the Peace with England 1487. a Parlament was called in which many acts were made against Oppressours Justices were appointed to pass thorough the whole Kingdom and see malefactors deservedly punished Acts were made that no convention of friends should be suffered for the accompanying and defence of criminal Persons But that every one attainted should appear at the most with six Proctors that if found guilty they should not be reft from Justice by strong hand Such of the Nobility who feared and consequently hated him finding how he had acquired the love of his people by his piety in the observance of Religion and his severity in executing Justice were driven unto new meditations They began to suspect he would one day free himself from these turbulent Spirits who could not suffer him to enjoy a Peace nor raign He had advanced at this time to Offices of State and Places men whose Fortunes did wholly depend upon his safety and wel-fare at which some Noblemen whose Ambition was to be in publick charge and of the Counsell pretending to that out of right which was only due unto them by favour did highly storm and look upon those others with envious eyes The King thus falling againe into his old sickness they bethought them how to renew their old remedie They were also jealous of the remembrance of the dis-service they had done him and that he would never forget old quarrells They were prepared and ready to make a Revolution of the state but had not yet found their Center to begin motion nor a ground for Rebellion All this while there was not matter enought for an insurrection nor to dispose the Peoples Hearts to a Mutinie The King delighted with his Buildings of the Castle of Sterlin and the amenity of the Place for he had raised there a faire and spacious Hall and founded a College for divine service which he named the Chappel Royal and beginning to be possest and taken up with the Religion of these times endeavoured to endow this foundation with constant Rents and ample Revenues and make this Rock the choyse Sanctuary of his Devotions The Priory of Coldingham then vacant and fallen in his hands he annexed the same to his Chappel Royal and procured an Act of Parliament that none of the Lieges should attempt to doe contrary to this union and annexation or to make any Impetration thereof at the Court of Rome under the paine of Treason The Priors of this Convent having been many years of the Name of Hume it was by the Gentlemen of that Name surmi'sd that they should be interested and wronged in their Estates by reason of the Tithes and other Casualtyes appertaining to this Benefice if a Prior of any other Sirname were promoted to this Place The King being often petitioned and implored that he should not alter the accustom'd form of the Election of that Prior nor remove it from their Name nor suffer the Revenues to be otherways bestowed than they were wont to be of old and he continuing in his resolution of annexing them to his Chapel after long pawsing and deliberation amongst themselves as men stirred up by the male-contents and a proud faction fit for any the most dangerous entrprise they proceed upon stronger Grounds to over-turn his intentions and divert his purpose The Lord Hailles and others of the Sirname of Hepburn had been their constant friends Allies and Neighbours with them they enter in a combination that they should mutually stand to the defence of others and not suffer any Prior to be received for Coldingham if he were not of one of their two Sirnames This Convâ—nant is first privately by some mean Gentlemen sworn who after draw on their Chiefs to be of the Party Of how small beginnings doth a great mischief ariseâ— the male contended Lords knowing those two Sirnames to be numerous active and powerfull in those parts of the Countrey where they remayn'd lay hold upon this Overture and beginning from their particulars they make the cause to be general They spread Rumours abroad that the King was become terrible and not to be trusted notwithstanding all his Protestations and outward
them That he husband had faln by is own indiscreet rashness and foolish kindness to France that he regretted his death as his Ally and should be willing to prohibite all hostility against the Countrey of Scotland during the minority of her Son for a remedy of present evils one years Truce and a day longer was yielded unto in which time he had leasure to prosecute his designs against France without fear of being disturbed or diverted by the incursions and inroads 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 a after one fashion The first shake and disorders of the Kingdom arose and was occasioned by the ambition and avarice of the Church-men the Moth-worms of State being seconded by the factious Nobles and Male-contents and it was the distribution of the Offices Places Benefices vacant by the deaths of those slain in the late Battel Andrew Formâ—n Arch-Bishop of Burges Bishop of Murray and Legate to the Pope Iulius Gaven Dowglass Bishop of Dunkell Uncle to the Earl of Anguss Iohn Hepburn Prtour of St. Andrews contend all three for the Archbishoprick of St. Andrews Gaven Dowglass was presented to it by the Queen Andrew Forman by the Pope John Hepburn was chosen by the Chapter his Canons and sundry of the Nobility favoured is election they said also te place whilst it was vacant belonged unto him and his party was so strong that none dared publish te Popes Bull in favour of Andrew Forman for many daies Till Alexander Lord Hume then chamberlain and warden of he East Marches won by many promises and the Abbacy of coldingham engaged and presently given in hand to his younger Brother David in despight of the opposition of the Lord Haylles and the faction of the Hepburns then seditious and powerful well backed by his Friends Vassals Adherents all in Arms caused publish and proclaim it at the Market cross of Edinburgh which action first incensed the Priour to plot mischief against the family of theâ— Humos William Elpâ—instoun Bishop of Aberdeen by many of the Clergy and some of the Nobility 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 Edinburgh he left this As ordinarily when one faction is neer extinguished 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 Countreys 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 and Earl of Anguss went about a fairer couquest Iames Earl of Arran Lord Hamiltown being neerest in blood to the King could not but wit indignation look upon the undeserved greatness of these Usurpers under the shadow of this Olygarchy turbulent evill disposed and men abhorring horring quietness ravaged the Countrey and did what they pleased Amidst these confusions these confusion the Queen in April brought forth the posthumous child in the Cattle of Sterlin whom the Bishop shop of Cathness Abbot of Dumfermlin 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 â—he enjoyed nothing but the name of Governing the people delighting to live rather without 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 dangers 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 choise of the young Noblemen of Scotland for a long succession of renowned Auncestors comelyness of person nobleconversation prudence in affairs of State being lovely courteous liberal wise none was comparable to the Earl of Anguss him she determines to mâ—ke Partner of her Royal Bed and Fortunes and as ordinarily in mâ—tters of love it falleth out by the impatience of delay without acquanting her Brother the King of England or the Nobles of the Kingdom with her design she afterwards marryeth him transferring if she could the whole weight of the Kingdom and the rains 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 benefit and preferment another of such whom envy of his greatness and advancement had made hungrey of change The first would have the Government continued in the Queens person and Her husbands because hereby the Realm should still have peace with England 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 beyond to many of the great men of the Countrey importuned the election of a new Governour and Protectour of the young King The Queen loosing by her marriage both the tutelage of her Son and the Government should not take it to heart that another 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 coutentiously argued Many gave their voices for the Earl of Arran as being neer in blood to the King and a man affecting peace more than others and every way sufficient for such a Charge The Chamber lain 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 feminine Iohn Duke of Albany son to Alexander Duke of Albany the Brother of King Iames the third before all others by all reason should be preferred to the Government Being demanded if he would the first to give example to others set his hand to this election he without pawsing performed it with a protestation that though the rest of the Nobility opposed it as to his comming 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 despairing 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
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 authority Seven great Ships came to Inche-keeth and spoiled the adjacent Coasts all the Scots and French which did then inhabite London and other places of England were put to their fines and commanded to go off the Countrey In compensation and for equal amends the French King seized all English mens goods in Bourdeaux imprisoned the persons and retained the money to be paid for the restitution of Tournay The Earl of Shrewsbury making incursions on the Borders burned 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 Kings 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 assembled the three Estates at Edinburgh which together condescended to the raising of an Army to resist the incursions of the English and defend the Kingdom to encourage every man for fighting the Wards of those which should fall in this expedition were freely remitted and discharged by Act of Parlament 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 Scotish Common-wealth The Earl of Shrewsbury advancing as was reported 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 Governour 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 safety of their Town whch 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 Countrey by incursions but he findeth 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 Noblemen dissenting from what he most intended commeth 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 countrey not invade England That it neither consisted with the weal of the Common-wealth 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 diverting the war prepared by the English against them That 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 werein 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 the Country be reducedâ— 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 on the place of Battel Temerity 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 war without their own consent The English had made many incussions upon their Countrey burning and ravaging who stand only upon defence stand upon no defence a better defence of their own Countrey could not be found than by invading the Countrey 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 crav'd 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 suddennesse they show their backs to their enemies and dared them not in the face by some daies stay The Queen though absent had thus perswaded the Noblemen and having understood the Governour to be turned now flexible she dispatched a Post to him requesting he would be pleased with a Truce for some Moneths 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 knowing what a cumbersome task it was to withstand the violence of their desires determined to follow their own current seemed well pleased to hearken to their opinion Hereupon the Lord Dacres Warden 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 Embassadours to treat for a Peace with King Henry and shortly after Embassadours were directed to the Court of England but returned without any good don King Henry demanding extraordinary and harmful conditions to the Realm of Scotland The year 1522. Andrew Forman Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews dyed and Iames Beatoun Arch-Bishop of Glasgow and Chancellour of the Kingdom came in his place of St. Andrews the Arch-Bishop rick of Glasgow was conferred upon Gaven 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
ignorance of the Mother the Queen should not suffer any loss damage or disadvantage The King of England resented highly this Divorcement endeavour'd by his Letters to hinder it for he thought some things tolerable in men which were in competent and shameful in women and after never carried such respect to his Sister as he had done before Of these she made little reckoning for after the sentence given she married Henry Stuart Son to the Lord Eavendale whom K. Iames to do honor 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 hid none of his inward thoughts and secret intentions from him Among others he many times importuned him to give him a sound advice how he might de delivered form the Earl of Angus of whose bondage he had been long weary whose rule over him was turned now into tyranny his ambition having mounted to that height that he was not content to command and Kingdome but to thrall and keep under his Soveraign Lord the King himself that he 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 suspitious of Angus 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 Countreys miseries told him after much intreaty The Lord of Balclough was the only person to be employ'd in such a service a man of unlimitted desires displeased strong in power mightlly hated and who had inveâ—erate hatred against the Earl of Angus who wanted nothing but opportunity to execute his rancour If this conceived exploit had not a desired success then he himself would by main force either win his Prince or loose his life in the Enterprize 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 required the presence of the Prince Complaints are given against them and the King to do justice accompanied with the Earls of Angus Lennox Lords Hume Flamin Areskin Cesfoord Farnehast and others commeth to Ied brough But when they had staied there some daies small redress was of wrongs no justice executed the chief men of the Borders not producing the Delinquents of their Names to answer according to law as was the antient custom Thus as they came they were returning when at Melrose 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 with in distance of discerning were known to be commanded by the Laird of Balclough and number'd a thousand all borderers and broken men The Earl of Angus 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 withall 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 Borders when necessity should require his service and assistance That he would not obey a charge contrary 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 Lards 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 Angus and falling upon one of the Wings of Balcloughs troups force them to yield ground and some to turn their backs upon which suddenly foloweth 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 Arm the Laird of Cesfoord if 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 Angus after this road of Melross perceiving his enemies to increase and the affections of some of the Nobility turned fâ—â—m 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 Causualities and ruling the Countrey 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 Earl of Angus with the Earl of Aâ—ran became declared â— enemy to Angus withdrew himself from Court and some few Moneths being passed at Sterlin he maketh a Declaration to all the Leiges of his intentions inviting them to assist and side with his cause One thousand men came from the High-lands to him the Earl of Cassiles and Master of Kilmayers come from the West with two thousand the Queen and Arch-bishop Iames Beatoun direct many of their Vasâ—alls from Fâ—sse to him Thus with three strong Briggades he marcheth towards Lynlithgow The Earl of Angus understanding these preparations to be against him imploreth the assistance of his best Friends to withstand them especially the Carres and Humes to whoâ—e valour he had lately been so far obliged He sendeth Letters to the Earl of Arran and the Gentlemen of the name of Hamilton regretting the estate of the Common-wealth 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 Countrey 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 him with a Victory would increase now meritting 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 Competitor delighting to live in a trouble State and be Copartners of the Government and mannaging 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 assemble their Forces at Lynlithgow 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 kinred 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 reaward 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 lawfull stopping of his passage and enterprize The Earl of Lennox answered 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 antient Monastery Immanuel the Maister of Kill-mayers guideth the Vantguard consisting of Westland 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 Angus 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 Dowglas Provost of the Town accompanied with the Humes and Carres being of all two thousand marketh a speedy march towards Lynlithgow But the Earl of Arran spurr'd by the ambition and youthful heat of his Son Sir Iames Hamiltoun had begun the fight before be could appear for a long time it is valiantly fought victory 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 advantage of the place sustain the Fight The King after much loytering and many delaies having heard the Armies were near joining and much solicitation of Sir George Dowglas issueth out of Edenburgh at a slow march But when at Corstorphine Hills he was awaken'd with the noyse of the great Ordinance he urgeth his Followers to make all haste to come to the fight It was reported Sir George Dowglas drove his Horse in a great rage gave him injurious words which he never 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 especially the Earl of Lennox whose life he now tendereth as his Crown But this Earl after he had been taken by the Laird of Pardowye in cold blood was unnaturally slain by Sir Iames 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 spred his cloak the Laird of Howstoun lay dead by him the Master of Killmayers sore wounded at their comming maintained the fight and was by them with difficulty saved with so many others as either the Kings authority or their power could reskew This Conflict hapened in September After the victorious Earls had rested their wounded Souldiers and refreshed them selves in Lithgow they accompany the King to Sterlin and immediately 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 Angus so now he had stirred Lennox to the overthrow of them both Because Arch-bishop was not to be found for he as some record was turned a true Pastour and in Shepheards weeds kept sheep on some Hill they spoiled the Abbacy of Dumfermling and Castle of St. Andrews defacing all the Ornaments and carryed away the Moveables and stuff in them The Queen with her husband Henry Stuart and Iames 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 person obtaining favour for her husband and his Brother 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 judgement and answer according to the Law as Traytors Some compounded for Sums of money others became Dependers of the Houses of Angus and Arran Gilbert Earl of Cassiles being summoned and compearing Hugh Kennedy his Kinsman 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 Revenge 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 Iames Hamiltoun About this time the Arch-bishop of St. Andrews and other Church-men in revenge of the spoiling of his Houses and persuing himself for questions of Religion burn the Earl of Arrans brothers Son Mr. Patrick Hamilton and banish Mr. Patricks brother Iames Sheriff of Lithgow Not long after mens wrath by time diminishing and their bloud growing colder the Arch-bishop having bestowed on the Earl of Angus Sir George his Brother and other their Friends some Church benefices and many Leases of Tyths was reconciled unto them and with appearance of great friendship they mutually entertained and feasted each others at the Christ-Mass in the City of S. Andrews But small confidence could be long among reconciled enemies Now went
the Lord Howard that the consent of the Nobles of the Kingdom obtained the enterview at the Feast of Michaelmas at Newcastle might be condescended 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 alleged 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 sendeth after him Sir Adam Otterburn of Red-hall who laieth the fault of his not appearing upon the Lord Howard complaining That he menaced the Counsellours and would have forced their votes that he was a great Friend to Sir George Dowglasse and other Rebels who convoyed him to Scotland and accompanyed 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 Iames 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 kingdome in his absence rather than any intended voyage towards Forainers 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 thâ— Clannes of those Highland Islanders whom he sent for Hostages to the Castles of Dumbartoun and Edenburgh And when by the skill of one Alexander Lyndsay his Pilote he had sounded the remotest Rocks of his Kingdom he was driven by storms to take Land at Saint Ninians neer Whitehorn in Galloway This Voyage bread great fear in those Islanders and Savages 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 neer the Borders are charged to enter their persons in Ward during the Kings pleasure Walter Scot of Balclough is committed to the Castle of Edenburgh the Lord Hume to the Castle of Down Farnchast to Faulkland the Laird of Iohnstoun and Mark Car to Dundee and others elsewhere He knew the common Riders never made incursions without either the command or tollerance of these Superiours The remote High-lands and Borderers made peaceable by the incarcerations of the Chiefs of the Clannes and Families there commanding he may when occasion is offered in person visite any neighbour Prince or State To second his former Embassadours 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 nearest kins-woman The Kings mind having been long troubled with youthful thoughts by the many matches offered him and thinking marriages contracted and trusted to the eyes of others one way or other deficient resolveth to go in person and woe for himself Upon this resolution he imbarked at Leith concealing the intention of his Voyage many suppose he maketh for England to pacify his Uncle for many wished the same Whilst he is on the Ocean the Winds contrarying his course a violent Tempest separating his Ships the Pilote 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 shutâ—ing up the Kings eyes these who accompanyed him command the Pilote 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 neer his own Harbours upon the Forth and was so highly displeased with the Authors of his return that he never pardoned them the fault was laid on Sir Iames Hamiltoun and to stir him more against this Man there wanted not who said His obedience to his Prince was dissembled that he accompanyed 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 Navigation he ascendeth again his Ships at Kirkcaldie and with a prosperous wind the tenth day after arrived at Deep in Normandy The Earls of Arran Arguyl Rothess Arroll Lords Flamin Boyd attended him with many Barons and Knights the Earl of Murray young Lennox and Cassiles the Lord Areskin and Abbot of Arbroth expected him at Paris but he preventing the fame of his comming with a small Trayn holdeth his way to Vandosm to see the Lady Mary of Burbon all which way one Iohn Tennant personating the Lord of the Company he passed undescryed But come to Vaâ—dosm 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 Iames in likeness 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 Daughters 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 Rouen 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. Sophoâ—in in the Countrey of Lions King Francis receiveth him with as much honour as could be desired and convoyeth him to Paris the Peers of the kingdom haste from all quarters hither to entertain this Stranger Prince and the Court is changed into an Academy of Knightly exercise where King Iames proveth inferiour our to none in â—eats 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 kingdom The Lady Margarite her younger Sister who after was marryed to the Duke of Savoy is offered to him by reason of the tender and weak disposition of her Sister but Magdalen by the glaunces of her Princely Woer reobtaining her health her body as it were following the Temperature of her Spirit or that it appeared to her self and her Father so King Iames continuing in his first resolution the marriage is contracted between them an hundred thousand Crowns of the Sun being promiâ—ed in Dowry besides thirty thousand Franks of yearly pension during the life of King Iames the jointuâ—e assured to her by the King of
assembled the Kings Majesties Subjects to the great charges and vain attendance of many Noblemen and Barons to see their passions put forward They have busied the Prince to condemn others by power a Minister of their attempts and not purge himself to posterity for such a Paper should have been answered by a Pen not by an Ax. There is no Prince living no nor dead but Subjects have and do both write and speak of after their fantasies Augustus in a Letter to Tiberius Noli in hac re indagere et nimium indignari quemquam esse qui de me loquatur male satis est enim si hoc habemus ne quis malefacere possit And Tiberius in the beginning of his raign though after he killed Cremutius Codrus for words was wont to say in Civitate libera linguam quoque liberam esse debere Wise Princes have never troubled themselves much about talkers weak spirits cannot suffer the liberty of judgements nor the indiscretion of tongues To strive to restrain them is the work of busie Bodies who would fain have somewhat to do but know not what nor how to help Domitian to kill gnats with his Dagger having won points and conclusions heretofore in the State beyond their hopes they begin to foster great and shameful hopes beyond the reach of all obtaining A Prince should be such towards his Subjects as he would have God eternal towards him who full of mercy spareth peopled Cities and darteth his Thunders amongst the vast and wilde Mountains To ARABELLA Countess of Lothian Madam AS those antients who when they had given over with credit any facultie wherein they excelled were wont to offer the Tools and Instruments of their Art to the Shrine of some Deity My Musical recreations giving place to more laborious serious my Lute these many daies like my mind lying out of tune keeping no harmony in perfect discord I offer these airs and tabulature to your Ladiships harmonious Virtues and to whom could they more deservedly appertain than unto her whose goodness of nature and eminent known virtues of mind may justly intitle the onely Grace and Muse of our Northern Climate Though the Gift be not much worth I hope your Ladiship will daign to accept it as if it were a greater and more precious from a Giver brought already in admiration of your Ladiships worth and who desireth nothing more than to remain Your Ladiships to command W. DRUMMOND To Isabella Countess of Perth Madam YOur Courtesiâ— hath prevented me it being mine to offer you thanks both for esteeming me worthy so honourable a Task and for measuring those lines according to affection and not their worth for if they had any it was all as the Moon hath her light borrowed from the Rayes of your Ladiships own invention But this quality becometh well your sweet disposition and the generosity of that Noble Stem of which you have your birth as doth the erecting of that notable Monument to your all-worthy Lord by the which ye have not onely obliged all his kinred now living but in ages to come the unborn posterity to render you immortal Thanks Your Desert and good opinion of me have by a gracious violence if I can be so happy as to do you service won me to remain your Ladiships Ever to Command W. DRUMMOND To the Right Honourable JOHN Earl of PEARTH My Noble LORD THough as Glaucus saies to Diomed in Homer Like the Race of Leaves the Race of Man is that deserves no question nor receives his being any other breath the Wind in Autumn strowes the Earth with old leaves then the Spring the Woods with new indews yet I have ever thought the knowledge of kinred and the Genealogies of the antient families of a Countrey a matter so far from contempt that it deserveth highest praise Herein consisteth a part of the knowledge of a mans own self It is a great spur to virtue to look back on the worth of our line In this is the memory of the dead preserved with the living being more firm and honourable than any Epitaph The living know that band which tyeth them to others By this man is distinquished from the reasonless and the noble of Men from the baser sort For it often falleth out though we cannot tell how for the most part that generosity followeth good Birth and Parentage This moved me to essay this Table of your Lordships house which is not inferiour to the best in this Isle and greatest It is but roughly I confess hewen nakedly limmed and after better informations to be amended In Pieces of this kind who doth according to such light as he receiveth is beyond reprehension Your Lordships humble Servant and Kinsman W. Drummond To the Right Honourable J. Earl of T. My Lord THe Ocean though great Rivers with many currents pay him Tribute disdains not to receive also the lesser loyal though ignoble Brooks which by one only Urn powre themselves into his bosom no more will your Lordship after the many congratulations of your Countrey of the State of your great Friends reject the applause of the Muses fair though contemned Mistress who by me offer this Posy of Flowres to your Lordship who is the flowre of Nobleness in acknowledgment of your Lordships constant zeal towards them and their many obligations towards you congratulating your prosperous Fortunes which they wish to encrease and praying the heavens at last may turn so propitious to virtue and true worth that though they do not reward them upon Earth yet the world may see that they do not suffer them ever to lie oppressed They have fair hopes that the advancement of your Lordship is the advancement of them for the body preceding the shadow must follow Your Lordship being near the helm of the State they exspect a new Saturnian world knowledge must florish ignorance decay as Mists before the Sun Innocency live guarded oppression trampled and they shall no longer hereafter have occasion to wish ask or complain Your Lordships Servant W. Drummond To the truely Noble S. R. Carre Gentleman of the Kings Majesties Bed-Chamber SIR HOw joyful were all here who either love worth in others or are conscious of any part of it in themselves to hear the happy event of your late danger but yet the apprehension of what might have fallen forth if Providence had not otherwise disposed doth still with a pensive fear possesse their minds It was too much hazarded in a point of Honour why should true Valour have answered fierce Barbarity Nobleness Arrogancy Religion Impiety Innocency Malice The disparagement being so vast Was it for knowing this when ye left us that ye graved with your Diamond in a Window Frail Glass thou bearest this name as well as I And none doth know in which it first shall dye And had ye then to venter to the hazard of a Combate the exemplary of virtue and the Muses Sanctuary the lives of twenty such as his who hath fallen in Honours