Successour under the Government of a woman for inheritance a miserable and bloody war It is no dream that ye are to fight a mighty people now turned insolent by their riches at home and power abroad that your Nobilitie are indigent ye know and may be brib'd to leave you in your greatest danger What a folly what a blindness is it to make this war yours and to quench the fire in your Neighbours house of France to kindle and burn up your own in Scotland ye have no such reason to assist the French as ye have to keep your promises to England and enjoy a Peace at home Though the English should make a conquest of France will they take your Crown or disin herâ— their own râ—ce this is even as the left hand would cut off the right Should the Letters of the Queen of France a woman twice married the first half in Adultery the last almost Incest whom ye did never nor shall ever see prove more powerful with you than the cryes of your little Son and mine than the tears complaints curses of the Orphans and Widdows which ye are to make If ye will go suffer me to accompany you it may be my Countrey-men prove more kind towards me than they will to you and for my sake yield unto a Peace I hear the Queen my Sister will be with the Army in her husbands absence if we shall meet who knowes what God by our means may bring to pass The King answered all her complaints with a speedy march which he made over the Tweed not staying till the whole forces came to him which were arising and prepared The twenty two of August comming into England he encamped neer the water of Twisel in Northumberland where at Twisel-haugh he made an Act that if any man were slain or hurt to death by the English during the time of his aboade in England his heirs should have his Ward Relief and mariage Norham Wark Foord Eatel are taken and cast down Amidst this hostility the Lady Foord a noble Captive was brought in a pitty-pleading manner with her daughter a Maid of excellent beauty to the Camp Not without the Earl of Surreys direction as many supposed for they have a vigorous Prince and his Son though natural by the gifts of Nature and Education above many lawful to try the Magick of their eloquence and beauty upon The King delighting in their Company not only hearkeneth to the discourse of the Mother but giveth way to her counsel which was if she should be dismissed to send him true and certain intelligence of what the English would attempt taking her way to their Camp but in effect proved the winning of time to the Earl of Surrey and the losing of occasion to him Her few daies stay bred in him a kind of carlessnesse sloath procastination and delay a neglect and as it were a forgetfnlness of his Army and business eighten daiestarying in England in a Territory not very fertile had consum'd much provision the Souldiers began to want necessaries a number in the night by blind pathes returned to their own Countrey In a short time only the Noblemen and their Vassals attended the King These request him not to spend more time on that barren Soyl but to turn their Forces against Berwick which Town was of more importance than all the Hamleâ—s and poor Villages of Northumberland neither was it impregnable or difficâ—le to be taken the Town and Castle being no waies provided and furnished to endure a siege The Courtiours move the King to continue the beleaguering of Berwick till their comming back which would be an easie conquest Northumberland once forrag'd in absence of the bravest of the English then in France Whilest the Army languished and the King spent time a Foord the Earl of Surrey directeth an Herauld to his Camp requiring him either to leave off the invasion of his Masters Countrey and turn back giving satisfaction for wrongs committed or that he would appoint a day and place wherein all differences might be ended by the Sword This Challenge being advised in Counsel most voices were that they should return home and not with so small number as remaâ—ned endanger the State of the whole Kingdom enough being already aâ—chieved for fame and too much for their frienâ—hip with France why should a few Souldiers and these already tired out by forcing of Strengths throwing down Castles be hazarded against such multitudes of the English supplyed lately and encreased with fresh Auxiliaries Thomas Howard Admiral a Son of the Earl of Surrey having newly brought with him to New Castle out of the Army lying in France five thousand men and one thousand tall Sea men If they should return Home the English Army could not but disband and not conveniently this year be gathered again consisting of men levied from far and distant Places Again if they should be engaged to come to a Battail their own Countrey being fields to them well known would prove more commodious and secure to fight upon than English ground besides the opportunity of furnishing and providing the Camp with all necessaries at less charges The French Embassadour and others of his faction remonstrate to the King what a shameful retreit he would make if at the desire of the Enemy he returned and without the hazard of a Battel being so neer unto him that by fighting in England he kept his own Couvtrey unforraged and consum'd the Provision of his Enemy which at last would weaken his forces That for contentment to both Armies Islay a Scottish Herauld should return with Rouge-Cross the English and condescend upon a day promising them the mean time tarrying and aboad till the righteousness of the cause were decided in a Battel The set and appointed Day by the Heraulds in which the two Armies should have joined being come and the English not appearing nor any from them The Nobility again resort to the King show how by the â—light of the Enemy matters were prolonged from one day to another the English forces daily encreasing whilst the Scottish wear away and waxed fewer that â—light should be opposed to â—lights the day designed by the Heraulds not being kept it would be no reproach to them to turn home without battel or if retiring to fight upon their own ground If this counsel pleased him not but that he would there give them battel The next was to study all advantages for victory either by stratagem or the odds and furtherance of the Place of fight Where the Chiviot hills decline towards the plainer fields arising behind them with high tops with best Ordnance should be fortified the water of Till running deep and foord-less upon the right hand and but passable at the Bridge the first Companies of the enemy being passed before they could be relieved and succoured by their followers the Bridge by the Artilery should be beaten down and the enemy charged when they began to pass the Water The King impatient of
Counsel answered though their number encreased to as many more as they were he with that remainder of his Army would fight them That advantages were to be imbraced according to the occasion of the fight without tedious deliberation if any man was afraid he might if he pleased return Home A strange Resolution in a Prince who imagined every man in his Army to have the same strength courage boldness and resolution with himself This answer astonished the Nobility and since they could not perswade him to a fair retreat but that he will fight and that without the advantage of the Bridge being inferiour in number to the English for they were reckoned by the Scouts fix and twenty thousand they fortify themselves according to the Commoditie of the Hill where they lay encamped with a resolution not to suffer the King to hazard his person in the battel If victory should incline to them their Gains were but smal and Glory less extending but over some few of the Nobility and a small parcel of the Body of the State of England a number of yeomen and pressed Horsemen the flower of the Kingdom being in France But if they were overthrown theirloss would prove uncoÌ„parable yea unspekable a martial yong King either kâ—l'd taken or put to flight wherfore they think it fitting not necessary the King be pleased with so many as either chance or election might separate with him to be a Spectator of the fortune of the day To this the King replyed he neither wanted ability to discharge the part of a Souldier nor wisdom to command as a General and to outlive so many valiant Countrey-men would be more terrible to him than death it self When forced to give way for his personall presence in the field they appoint some to be arraied in like furniture of Arms and a like Guard as the King Shadows to perâ—onate him in sundry quarters of the field that the enemy should not set one man as their chief mark to invade from whose death the victory and conclusion of the war might depend and if the King should fall the Army should not lose courage nor be brought to believe he were lost so long as they saw a General with his Coignoscance and Guard present and neer them to be a witness of their valour and atchievements as not long before at the battel of Fornou in Italy had been practiced by the French to their king Charles the eight By this time the Earl of Surrey with the power of the North of England was come within three miles of the Place where the Scottish Army was encamped and perceiving he could not but with great disadvantage fight them he sendeth an Herauld requiring the King to come forth of his strength to some indifferent ground where he would be ready to encounter him The King being forward to condescend to this request the Lords cryed out it was madness to accept of opportunity of fighting from his Enemies and to set all at a main chance according to their appointment it being their advantage to prolong time and trifle with him in whose Camp there was already scarcity of victuals which ere long might put him to such a stand that he should not know well what to do Neither was it likely he could be furnished from the inner parts of the Countrey by reason of the cumbersom waies for carriage to pass after the falling of so great and continued rains and the softning of the Ground that by sitting still and committing nothing to Fortune he might have his enemy at his pleasure if they dared assail him at their perils be it He lacked nothing but patience to be victorious The Scots keeping their Trenches the earl essayeth to draw them out and the ninth of September removing his Camp marcheth towards the same Hill of Flowden where they lay encamped his Vant-guard with the Cannon passeth the water of Till at Twysel bridge the Reer-ward going over at Mylnfoord King Iames seeing them pass the water imagineth they meant to win a Hill between his Camp and them To prevent which setting fire to the Cabâ—nes raised of boughs of Trees and Reeds he removeth to another Hill before the English could observe his motion the smoak darkning the aire between the two Armies Whilst the Scottish Army was removing the English advance to the foot of Flowden hill by which they have double advantage the Scottish ordinance could not much annoy them they marching upwards and under the level thereof again by their shot they might easily gall their enemies as they came downwards upon them The fatal hour of the Battel approaching the English draw up in good order six and twenty thousand men some write thirty in two Battails any of which was equall in number to the whole Scottish Army Thomas Lord Howard Admirall had the Vant-guard of which Sir Edmond Howard his Brother led one of the wings and Sir Marmuduke Constable the other The Lords Dacres and Cliffoord with Sir Edward Stanley kept the Rear the Earl of Surrey with Latymer Scroop Sir Stephen Bull kept the main Battail The Scots by their fewness of number not being able to order many Battailons marshal themselves in four three of which should enter in fight and the fourth attend for supply The King kept the middle or main Alexander Gordoun Earl of Huntley had the right wing of the Van the Earls of Crawford and Montross led the other and some have recorded the Lord Hume The third Army was guided by Matthew Earl of Lennox and the Earl of Arguyl where was Mackenney and Mackclean with the fierceness of the High-landers Adam Hepburn Earl of Bothwell with his Friends and the flower of the Gentry of Lothian kept off for suddain dispatches and chances of the Battel The Earl of Huntley making down the Hill where they encamptneer the foot of Branx Town encountreth that Wing of the English Host which was led by Sir Edmond Howard which after a furious and long fight he put to flight and so eagerly pursued the advantage that Sir Edmond had either been killed or taken if he had not been rescued by Bastard Hieron and the Lord Dacres the Battaillon which the Earls Lennox and Arguyl led being High-land men encouraged with this first glance of victory loosing their Ranks abandoning all order for ought that the French Ambassadour La Motte by signs threatnings clamours could do to them brake furiously upon the enemy and invade him in the Face of whom they are not onely valiantly received but by Sir Edward Stanleys traversing the Hill enclosed câ—t down at their backs and prostate The Middle ward which the King led with which now the Earl of Bothwell with the power of Lothian was joined sought it out couragiously body against body and Sword to Sword Numbers upon either side falling till darkness and the black shadows of the Night forced as it were by consent of both a Retreit Neither of them understanding the fortune of the day
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
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
followers not onely granting pardons but forgetting the offences knowing it was better to heal and cure the faulty and sick members of a State then to abolish and cut them away and more valor for a Prince to overcome his own passions and just wrath then to vanquish and subdue his proudest enemies yet was not his clemency a soft weakness it being no less cruelty to forgive all then to spare none but an order and discretion in Justice temperate with severity towards some more then towards others according to their demerits He was very sensible of the afflictions of such as were distressed as witness the Countesses of Douglas and Ross His life having set in the Orient of his Age and hopes he deserveth in the Records of Memory and Fame a place amongst the best but unfortunate Princes He had Issue of his Queen Iames who succeeded Alexander Duke of Albany Iohn Earl of Mar Margaret Countess of Arrain by the Boyd and after Lady Hamilton Cecily He was buried with all Funeral-pomp within the Monastery of Holyrood-house at Edinburgh Iames. III. king of Scots AnoÌ„ 1460 R. G. fecit THE HISTORY OF THE Reign of Iames the third KING of SCOTLAND THE Queen having tidings of the disaster of her Husband full of griefs and cares with her Son came to the Army at Roxburgh and the publick loss being revealed for till then it was whispered with more then a masculine courage caused give new and desperate assaults to the Castle many Turrets being shaken some Gates broken parcels of walls beaten down the Mines ready in diverse quarters to Spring the besieged ignorant of the Assailars misfortune and by the dissention of their Countrey-men from all hopes of relief treat upon a surrender conditions being obtained peaceably to depart with their lives and goods the Fortress is given up and shortly after that it should not be a Residence of oppression in following times is demolished and equall'd with the ground Many of the three Estates being here assembled the Times not suiting with other Solemnities at Kâ—lso the Peers of the kingdom in a Military Pomp set the Crown upon the head of the King then some seven years old and give him their Oath of Fidelity At their coming to Edinburgh the education and governance of him and the other Children is committed to the Queen their Mother the Credence of what could make for Peace at home or War abroad is trusted to Andrew Stuart Lord Annandale the Lord Cassils Earl of Orknay the Lord Boyd Chancellor the Lord Grahame the Bishops of St. Andrews Glasgow and Dunkel the Civil Wars increasing in England the Governors of Scotland under colour of preserving the bordering Countreys sent forth some Companies which upon occasions made Roads in Northumberland and threw down all the Fortresses out of which Incursions were wont to be made upon the Scottish bounds most especially the Castle of Wark after which ravaging the Winter recalled them home The milder parts of the Kingdom reduced to order Some turbulent Chiefs of the Mountainers taking the occasion of the Non-age of the King and of Rumors of Dissentions amongst the Governors essay to trouble the Peace of their far and wilde Countreys Allan Lord of Lorn throweth his eldest Brother in close Prison with intention to rob him of his Life and Estate but he after is surprized by the Earl of Argile Donald of the Isâ—es taketh the Castle of Innerness and placing there a Garrison proclaimeth himself King of the Isles compelling the neighbour Towns and simpler sort of people to pay him Taxes At the Rumor of this insolency all wicked Out-Laws resort unto him by whose power he invadeth the Castle of Blair in Athole out of which the Earl the Kings Uncle with his Lady once Countess of Dowglass flie and take Sanctuary in the Church of St. Bride where the Church about them set on fire they were irreligiously taken and transported to the Island Ila Whilst the Governors were raising an Army and advancing such forces as were in readiness against the Actors of these mischiefs they were ascertained that as these Savages were lanching forth of that Island in their VVherries and small Vessels made of boards and wicker by a violent tempest from Heaven the most part of them were dashed against the rocks and drowned and those who had escaped were strucken with Pannick fears and deprived of their right judgments and understandings an ordinary accident to men blinded with Superstition and guilty of Murther and Sacriledge amidst which distractions the Earl of Athole with his Lady was safely returned to his own Castle MARGARET Queen of England after the second overthrow and taking of her Husband at Northampton with the Prince her Son and the new Duke of Somerset having fled to the Bishoprick of Durham whilst Richard Duke of York was establishing his Title and right to the Crown at London raised in the North of Scots and English a strong Army which marched towards York the Duke of York leaving the King in the Custody of the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Warwick though he knew himself inferior in power and number to his enemies by the pride of his former Victories and over-weening of his Souldiers valor with Edmund Earl of Rutland his yonger Son the Earl of Salisbury and others rencountreth her at Wakâ—field-Green and here by his own rashness with his Son yong Rutland he is killed The Earl of Salisbury is taken and with other Prisoners beheaded at â—romfret Caâ—tle their heads were fixed upon Poles about the Walls of the City of York that of the Dukes was mocked with a Paper Crown and exposed to the barbarous mirth of the beholders The Queen encouraged by this Victory desiring to disannul all Actâ— made lately in prejudice of her Husband marcheth couragiously towards London In which time Edward Earl of March Son to the late Duke of York overthrew the Earls of Pembrook and Ormond both of the Queens Faction at Mortimer-Cross in her way to London the Queen meeting the Earl of Warwick and the Duke of Norfolk at St. Albans who carryed King Henry her husband along with them overthrew them and recovered the person of her King It is observed that Victory always fled from where this King was present The Citizens of London at the approach of the Queens Army fearing Hostility shut their Gates against her and armed for resistance At this time Edward Earl of March having joyned his 〈◊〉 Army with the remainder of the Earl of Warwicks entred in triumph the City of London and with great applause and acclamations of the people was proclaimed King Queen Margaret and her Faction retiring to the North waâ— so the hearts of that people that they gathered an Army able to stand for her defence consisting of Threescore thousand fighting men Edward Earl of March choosing rather to provoke then expect his enemies advanced towards them the place of their meeting was between Caxton and Tewton In this fight the Earls of
intelligence the Lords of Scotland who under the shadow of the publick good but really out of their disdain and particular interests conspired against the King send the Duke word the golden Age could not be fram'd nor Arms taken for the good of the Common-wealth nor the State alter'd without the frequestring of those from the King who misgovern'd him And these could not be remov'd by that power which was amongst themselvs without great danger and trouble considering the Kings faction and the malignant Party If King Edward would agree to the raising of an Army in England in favour of the Duke of Albanie and for restoring him to his Places and inheritance out of which he was most unjustly ejected and other pretences of which they should afford the occasions which no way should do harm to the Kingdom of Scotland disorder'd already and laid waste more by the license of a Tyrant in peace then it could have been by war and at this time bestow upon them favours as they might one day hereafter challenge to receive the like The Nobility of Scotland should be ready with an other Army not to fight but to seize upon the Kings Favourits and Misgovernors of the State for which the English should have many thanks That this Enterprize could not but prove most successfull the hatred of the Commons considered against such violent oppressions The King was fallen into so low esteem that assaulted by the English he would be constrain'd by the submission of his Crown to intreat for safety The Kâ—ng of England understanding this was to touch the finest string of State and Dominion for it is a matter of much consequence and main importance to defend the subjects of an other Prince for under this Mask and pretence of protecting the Liberties of a People of assistance and aid an usurpation and oppression of all liberty might be hidden and many have established and settled themselves in those Kingdoms which they came to relieve from tyranny and the oppression of their Rulers keeping by force what was granted to them at first by way of trust and under the colour of helping usurped a Soveraignty agreeth easily to what was demanded and resolved upon The Lords of the Association to play more covertly their Game and mask their intentions the Commons ever suffering and paying for the faults and errors of the great ones give way for the breaking loose of the Borderers Fierce incursions by the English are made upon Scotland and by the Scots upon England some Villages on either side are burnt The secrecy to this business which was inviolably observed was of great importance which is the principal knot and try of great affairs Rumours are spread that the Dukes of Gloucester and Albany with Iames late Earl of Dowglass and Alexander Ierdan and Patrick Halyburton men proscrib'd and upon whose heads a price was set were at Anwick with a powerful Army and in their march towards Kelsoo The King wakened out of his Trances by the Alarms of his Nobility and clamours of the people made proclamations to all between sixty years and sixteen to meet him at Edenburgh and to be in readiness to oppose their old enemies of England now come upon the Borders After many delayes and much loytering an Army is assembled by the Nobility which consisted of and a number of Câ—rts charged with small Ordinance New incursions being blazed to have been made by the English the King amidst these Troops marched to Lawder The Army was encamped and all things Ordered the best way the occasion could suffer them little or nothing being left to Fortune if the English should invade whom the Lords knew were not at all yet gathered and though gathered and in a Body and upon the Bordâ—rs or nearer would never invade them The King at this time is mâ—rvellously perplexed and become suspitious of the intentions of his Nobility in this Army in this confusion of thoughts fell upon two extremes In his 〈…〉 conversation too familiar and inward with his 〈…〉 Servants and favourites which rendred them 〈◊〉 believing the bare name of King to be sufficient whilst weakness and simplicity had made him despised and them hated and too retired reserved and estranged from his Nobilitie which made them malicious This he did as his pensiveness conjectured that his Nobles should not attempt any thing to the prejudice of his royal Authority independent of any Council But what he most feared came to pass he resolved and dispatched all matters by his Cabinet Counsel where the Surveyor of his Buildings was better acquainted with the affairs of the State than the gravest of his Nobility This preposterous course of favour made the great men of the Kingdom to fall headlong upon their rest though long projected attempt After many private conferences in their Pavilions the Chiefs of the Insurrection as the Earls of Anguss Lennox Huntley the Lords Gray Lile and others about midnight come together in the Church of Lawder with many Barons and Gentlemen Here every of them urging the necessity of the times and the dangers the Common-wealth was like to fall into requireth speedy resolutions and having before premeditated deliberated and concluded what to follow they draw up a League and confederation of mutual adherence in this order Forasmuch as the King suffereth himself to be governed by mean persons and men of no account to the contempt of the Nobility and his best Subjects and to the great loss of the Commons The confederates considering the imminent dangers of the Kingdom shall endeavour to separate the Kings Majestie from these naughty upstarts who abuse his Name and Authority and despise of all good men and have a care that the Common-wealth receive no dammage And in this quarrel they shall all stand mutually every one to the defence of another The design agreed upon and the confederacy sworn the chiefs of them in Arms enter the Kings Pavilion where after they had challenged him of many misorders in his Government contrary to his honour the Laws and good of his Kingdom they took Sir William Roger a man from a Musitian promoted to be a Knight Iames Homill Robert Cochran who of a Surveyor of his works was made Earl of Mar or as some mittigate that title Intromittor and taker up of the Rents of that Earldom by whose devise some Authors have alleged copper moneys had been coyned by which a dearth was brought amongst the Commons which as others have recorded was an unjust imputation for that copper money was coined in the Minority of the King in the time of the Government of the Boyds with others All these being convicted by the elamours of the Army were immediately hanged upon the Lidder Iohn Ramsey a youth of eighteen years of age by the intreaties Prayers embraces of the King was preserved Thus they the late objects of envy were turn'd and become the objects of Pity and Compassion The body of the Commons and the Gentry of
execute that Tragedy making report to the Tyrant that he had performed his command for both Brethren was saved and with speed and secrecy convoyed to Tourney there conceal'd and brought up by his Fathers Sister Margarite Dutchass of Burgundy Nhat King Iames should acknowledge this for Truth and friendly assist this young Man who was that very Richard Duke of York to recover his inheritance now most unjustly usurped and Possessed by Henry Tuder Earl of Richmond That the right of Kings extended not onely to the safe preservation of their own but also to the aid of all such Allies as change of time and State hath often hurled down from Crowns to undergo an exercise of sufference in both fortunes and Kings should reposses Kings wrongfully put from their own As his Predecessors to whose royal vertues he was heir had repossessed Henry the sixth King of England spoiled of his Kingdom and distressed by which Charity obliging all virtuous Princes unto him he should find ever as his own Maximilian of Bohemia Charles of France and Margarite Dutchâ—ss Dowager of Burgundy King Iames graciously receiving this young man told him That whatsoever he were he should not repent him of putting himself into his hands and from that time forth though many gave Informations against him as a Counterfeit entertained him every way as a Prince embraced his quarrel and seiling both his own eyes and the eyes of the world he gave consent that this Duke should take to wife Lady Katherine Gordoun daughter to the Earl of Huntley which some thought he did to increase the Factions of Perkins in England stir the discontented Subjects against King Henry and to encourage his own Subjects to side on his quarrel Not long after in person with this Duke of York in his Company who assured him of powerful assistance he entered with an Army into Northumberland but not one Man comming to side with them the King turned his enterprize into a Road and after he had spoiled the Countrey returned into Scotland It is said that Perkin acting the part of a Prince handsomely where he saw the Scots pillaging and wasting of the Countrey came to the King and in a deploring manner requested him to spare his afflicted people that no Crown was so dear to his Mind as that he desired to purchase it with the blood and ruin of his people whereunto King Iames answered he was ridiculously careful of an interest another man possessed and which perhaps was none of his The King of England who delighted more to draw treasure from his people than to hazard the spilling of their blood to revenge the predatory war of the Scots and find out Perkin requireth a subsidy of his Subjects and though few believed he would follow so far a flying Hart he was levying a puissant Army No sooner this Subsidy began to be collected amongst the Cornish-men when they began to grudge and murmur and afterwards rebelled which when it was understood of the King he retained the forces raised for his own service and use In the mean time dispatching the Earl of Surrey to the North to attend the Scots incursions whilst the Cornish-men are in their March towards London King Iames again entered the Frontiers of England with an Army and besieged the Castle of Norham in person But understanding the Earl of Surrey was advancing with greater forces loaden with spoil he returned back again the Earl of Surrey finding no Enemy sat down before the Castle of Aytoun which he took and soon after returned into England the cold season of the year with the unseasonableness of the weather driving away time invited a Treaty of Peace on both sides Amidst these turmoyls and unprofitable incursions of the two Kingdoms Ferdinando and Isabella of Spain sent one Peter Hialas to treat a marriage between Katherine one of their Daughters and Arthur Prince of Wales This allyance being agreed upon and almost brought to perfection King Henry desirous of quietness and to have an end of all Debates especially these with Scotland communicateth his intentions to Hialas a man wise and learned and whom he thought able to be employed in such a service for it stood not with his Reputation to sue unto his enemy for Peace But Hialas a stranger unto both as having Direction from his Master for the Peace of Christian and Neighbor Princes might take upon him this reconciliation Hialas accepteth the Embassage and comming to King Iames after he had brought him to hearken to more safe and quiet Counsels wrote unto King Henry That he hoped that Peace might easily be concluded if he would send some wise and temperate Counsellour of his own that might treat of the Conditions Whereupon the King directeth the Bishop of Duresm Richard Fox who at that time was at his Castle of Norham to confer with Hialas and they both to treat with some Commissioners deputed from King Iames. The Commissioners of both sides meet at Iedbrough and dispute many articles and conditions of Peace Restitution of the spoils taken by the Scotish or dammages for the same is desired but that was passed as a matter impossible to be performed An enterview in person at Newcastle is desired of both Kings which being referred to King Iames his own arbitrement he is reported to have answered that he meant to treat a Peace and not go a begging for it The breaking of the Peace for Perkin Warbeck is highly aggravated by the Bishop and he demanded to be deliver'd to the King of England That a Prince should not easily believe with the common people that Perkin was a fiction and such an one that if a Poet had projected the figure it could not have been done more to admiration than the house of York by the old Dutchess of Burgundy Sister to Edward the fourth having first raised Lambert Simnel and at last this Perkin to personate Kings and seduce the people His birth education not residence in any one place proved him a Pageant King that he was a reproach to all Kings and a person not protected by the Law of Nations The Bishop of Glasgow answered for his Master That the love and Amity grounded upon a Common cause and universal conclusion amongst Kings to defend one another was the main foundation upon which King James had adventured to assist Edward Duke of York that he was no competent Iudge of his title he had received him as a Suppliant protected him as a person fled for refuge espoused him with his Kinsewoman and aided him with Arms upon the belief that he was a Prince that the People of Ireland Wales and many in England acknowledged him no less than their King whether he were so or not sith for a Prince he had hitherto defended him he could not leave him upon the Relation of his most terrible Enemy and the present Possessour of his Crown That no Prince was bound to render a Subject to another who had come to him for Sanctuary less a
if a peace in this mean time were not concluded with England he would the next Summer bring such War-like Briggades of French and Germans that he should not stand much in need of his own Countreymen who had continued so refractory and backward to his designs He demanded from King Francis five thousand German Horsemen and ten thousand foot to be transported to Scotland which with the Scots who would accompany him he thought sufficient to continue a War with England The French could not spare so many men having Wars both with the Emperour and the English but they gave him three thousand Pikes and one thousand Launces The Governour intending to return to Scotland receiving intelligence that the Ports towards the coasts of France were watched by the English to intrap him in his passage bestowed his Ships so covertly here and there in small companies to avoid all suspition of any purpose he had to stir that year as that thereupon the English Fleet under the Conduct of Sir William Fitz-Williams which had attended and waited his comming forth untill the Midst of August brake up and bestowed themselves in convenient Ports against the next spring The Duke then watching opportunity and readily gathering together his dispersed Ships to the number of some fifty Sail imbarked his men at Brest in Bretaign the one and twenty of September and landed at Kirkowbry or the Isle of Arran in the West of Scotland In his company was Richard de la Pool who had been banished England and to his power faithfully assisted the Governour He arrived the same time that Ied-brough was burnt by the English for Thomas Earl of Surrey high Admiral of England the Marquess of Dorset and his Brother with a competent power entring Scotland had burnt many Towns and overthrown Castles aâ—â— Piles At his comming the Duke assembled the Lords at Edenburgh where they agreed that an Army should forth with be gathered and the 28. of October was appointed for their meeting at Dowglas-dale At the day prefixt the Army marched towards Coldstream upon the Tweed Out of this Army the Governoâ—r having selected a number of the hardiest Soldiers of Scots and French and convoying some Artillery over the water under the command of David Car of Farnehast on the last of October they besieged the Castle of Wark which was defended by Edward Lile or Lisle The Assailants upon the outmost Ward continuing their Battery entred by main force the second Ward but being there repulsed and beaten back a great Tempest arising and fearing the swelling of the River of Tweed might cut them off from their Army on the other side they turned back and repassed the Water the Report of the Earl of Surreys forces come to rescue the Castle and lying at Anwick and also perplexed them not a little the Earl of Surrey at his approach finding the Enemy retired to the other side of the River the Castle safe and having no Commission to pass the English marches of to invade Scotland made mo further pursuit In the mean time the Queen who had ever sought to make firm friendship with her Brother and break the amity of France sent to him to yield to a cessation of War hoping in that time to work some agreement between the two Nations Whereunto the King consenting the Governour finding the Scottish Lords averse to his intentions that he was this time served as he had been before they refusing still to enter upon England and that striving would but the more chafe them also condescended Thus a Truce was promised and faithful peace concluded till the last of November being the Feast of St. Andrews the Winâ—er past without any invasion of the English on Scotland or the Scots on England During the time of this Truce many serious consultations were amongst the Lords of Scotland whither it were more fit to continue this War of give it over Many of them held it unreasonable that for the onely pleasure of the French King the Realm of Scotland should suffer any more damage by the continuing of so needless a War and that the Duke of Albany was alwaies set to perform what the French desired not what was expedieut for the Scottish Nation nor what was in their possibility to accomplish Wherefore they wished that their young King now having attained some years of discretion and passing the age of a Child might bear some away in the Government of the Realm Some argued that a King sooner than the Sons of Noblemen went out of the bondage of Tutelage and enjoyed greater immunities his age often being reâ—koned from the time of his conception That the administration and charge of the Kingdom should early be given him that he might with his years grow in the art of Governing Since we find the same to be usual in the perfection of other arts and Sciences Others entertained other thoughts That to a child who could not by the weakness of his judgement discern Right from Wrong the Helm of State should not be trusted and that the Peers of the Kingdom might be challeng'd of dotage by their Neighbor Countreys for giving to a Child the Sword of Justice which he might thrust in their own entrails one day or wound therewith the bosom of the Common-wealth The Governour finding the Lords divided amongst themselves and their reasons averse to his intentions and that not onely the people but the Souldiery were weary of him and had bent their affections upon their young King foolishly preferring the ignorance and simplicity of a child to his prudency experience and long practice of State requested them to give him leave to return to France and to forgive him any errour he had committed which he protested was of ignorance not of malice Having from men distasted with him without any opposition obtained what he required far from any outward shew of inward discontentment or disquieting himself at the ingratitude of some whom he had advanced to Honors he came to Sterlin where after some days stay with the King when he had given him such instructions of State as he was able to understand for he was but then in the thirteenth year of his Age with many tokens of love and demonstrations of sincere affection he took his leave of him and his Ships attending his passage on the West with a great retinue of Scots and French he held his way towards them and recommended himself to the Sea in the Spring time now the third time for France after which he return'd not at all into Scotland He was a Prince adorned with many Virtues Active Couragious Resolute and knew how to use men as they are If he had not been opposed by the Queen and Nobility he was likely to have lost himself and the whole Kingdom or revenged the death of his Cousen His courteous nature went above his ambition he could as well lay down his Honours as he had modestly when they were laid upon him received them Before the Rumor
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
company of that envious Gentleman otherwise keep your self so close and secret in your demeanour that of your chief and most Soveraign actions he be altogether ignorant All other evils may be remedied envy excepted which though they have the worst that are affected with it yet as a plague it doth hurt to all who approach it Give me an ambitious man though he were of a more transcendent conceit than Pride her self If I render him imagined honour praise him use him with all due respects I shall in a little time turn him my friend Place me with a Damouret if I cope not with him if I praise him in the presence of his Mistress he will be ready to perform like duties to me If I shall converse with an avaritious a little gain will win him to me onely the envious with nothing is satisfied nor appeased no drug can cure that plague if thou wouldest amend it it must be with thine own life There remaineth no way to make him thine save by turning miserable that thus he may pitty thee The envious doth not mark and observe any good in another but fifteth onely imperfections and setting a part conditions and qualities which are praise-worthy in person turneth his eyes to those few blemishes which may be reprehended and amended Each other Vice seemeth humane Envy the Vice and Sin of Divels A strange gangren of a perverse mind that others happiness should turn it miserable What I have else to advertise you of expect in my next W. Drummond December 6. 1623. To S. M. D. IT is much argued amongst those men who will have a reason of every thing why good men ordinarily are deserted of Fortune and many evils arise to preferments The first answer is that lewd bold men have strong fantaâ—ies and attempt upon many divers matters which good men by their bashfulnesse and towardnesse never essay to reach The next answer is That lewd men suffer themselves to be guided by nature or the starry influences or rather being Fools give themselves over like Beasts to be carried by their appetites and the virtuous are led by reason which often contrachecketh it self and by long meditation and advise what to do leaveth off all doing and suffereth others in the interim to carry the Garland ye have spent now many years at Court and yet that Clock which hath strock ten to others is still pointing at one or two to you Have you not yet taken a distasting and Saciety of that old Mistress of yours the Court her long delay in preferring you tells you are too honest Me thinks ye should have a desire to recreate your self at last in your native Countrie with the remembrances of passed Contentments at Court as your Kinsemen here have a longing after so long a time to see you and unanimously now salute you May 12. 1630. W. Drummond To his loving Friend A Cunningham L. of Barnes THis is no small Miserie of us Islanders that as exiled we can not take a view of Gods fair and spacious Earth without crossing the stormy braking and deceitful Seas And it is no less a miserie here in this part of our Island that can hardly repair unto you demi-Islanders without dancing and tossing on your arm of Sea of all pastimes and exercises I like sailing worst and had rather attend the Hunters and Faulkoners many daies ere I sailed one half day It it is a part of Noahâ— Judgement If it shall be my good fortune to arrive in your Island prepare no Games of strength for our recreation and after a saciety of discourse and reading let us not trouble our selves with any sedentary pastimes the Dies are for the end of a Drum amongst Souldiers the Tables for Goutish and apoplectick persons to make them move their joints the Cards for women to observe their discretion But if we shall have a desire of change of thoughts let us not refuse the Chesse the onely Princely Game next Government in the World yea the true Image and Pourtraict of it and training of Kings Here is a King defended by a Lady two Bishops two Knights at the end of the Lists with two Rooks Fortresses or Castles Before those to prepare and make plain the passages march eight Pawns Enfantes perdues exposed to all desperate Services every one standing for their Monarch The Deviser of this would represent unto us a game of State First for the Bishops that nearest to Kings should be Eccleâ— siastical grave Men who by oblique traverse and mystical wayes such is their passage should effectuate their Masters designs and safety Though the Knights be not alwaies nearest to the Kings it falleth forth that even as the Knights at Game of Chesse by their leap giving an Escheke to their Kings the Kings are constrained to change places from which by covering and overshadowing themselves with some other piece in any other eschekes they may escape free and exempted So there is no danger in the State a King should so much fear as the revolt of his Nobles For the Towers or Castles named Rooks these are the walled Towns which serve for a Refuge for the conservation of the Kingdom Here is a King resembled who marcheth but one pace whilst all the other Pieces of the Chesse boord put themselves now on the offensive then on the defensive for his safety To teach Kings that it is not for them upon whose life the peace and happiness of the whole subjects rely to expose themselves every shock and hazard of battel as a Captain Sith for the safety of the King he may make an extraordinary leap from his own station to the station of the Rook or Tower as to a Fortesse holdable and impreg nable against the greatest assaults of his Enemies The privilege of the Lady is considerable she may sometimes progresse on the waies of the Bishops then on those of the Rooks or Towers only she is hindred and inhibited from the leap skip bound of the Knights as a thing undecent Though Plato in his Republick permitteth women to fight The Game is concluded with the Mate of the King that is a fool or madman in the Italian If the other pieces keep not themselves they may as dead be taken and removed off the Chesse hyphen boord but the King by loss of men loseth not the victory he may by a hazard carry it with the meansest of his pieces as his Army is wisely and warily conducted The King receiveth not that disgrace in imagination as that they dream of his taking but is enough that they bring upon him such confusion and disarray that blocked up and denuded of all support he cannot march to any Hold or Station Which brought to pass we tell he is mated that is either madman or fool To signifie what disafter so ever befall a King we should not attempt on his person Moreover even in the midst and throng of all his best pieces the mating of the King is the conclusion of