refreshment having eat much of his own Flesh and many of his Members miserably perished in the extremity of Hunger a great evidence indeed of God's anger against his Lustful youth but no less evidence of a cruel and barbarous heart in the merciless and inhuman Uncle This Cruelty is for a time concealed from the good King at last Time revealeth it not without some indignation of the Author The Duke is questioned but by a cowardly if not traiterous Jury pack'd by himself acquitted the poor distressed King praying to Heaven for a Vengeance upon them and all their Posterity who were guilty of that horrid Murther the Duke to gloss all the better draggeth some to Prison Flagitious men indeed but altogether innocent of this Crime condemneth and executeth them as Murtherers of the Prince palliating one wickedness with another as many other wicked men have done The good King solicitous for his onely Son now remaining resolveth for his greater safety to send him over to France to be educated in the Court of Charles the Sixth the French King and commendeth him to the safe conduct and oversight of Lord Henry Sinclare Earl of Orkney he setteth Sail from the Basse and passing by Flamborrowe-head a Storm ariseth and forceth the Ship into Harbour the Prince afflicted with Sea-sickness goeth on Shore is apprehended by the English and sent Prisoner to King Henry of England who notwithstanding of the Mournful Letters of the afflicted King his Father sent up of purpose some weeks before to prevent the obstruction of his Journey and contrary to the Advice of the most of his Council pleading for his Liberty detaineth him Prisoner This hard measure is in great measure recompenced by the liberal Education he gave him whereby he became the most Learned Prince of his time the sad news of his Imprisonment brought to his still afflicted Father for the loss of his eldest Son as he sat at Supper cut him to the Heart and oppressed with Grief he falleth down dead his Company about him in vain seeking to recover Life in him they carry him to his Chamber where his Spirits revive a little but abstaining from all manner of nourishment after three days abstinence he departeth this Life opprest with two cruel tyrants Hunger and Grief in the 16th Year of his Reign April the First 1406 A Prince of a very proper and proportionable Person a Good man and a Meek not furnished indeed with Austerity and such like qualities as might have rendered him more fit than in truth he was to Govern a People so unlike himself in Conditions THE LIFE OF JAMESI KIng Robert departed this Life his Son James Prisoner in England is Proclaimed King of Scotland and his Uncle Robert Duke of Albany continued by Act of Parliament in his Government at this time a sweet calm of Peace continued between the two Kingdoms above twelve years together a great blessing to both Nations In the mean while a black Cloud appeareth in the North of Scotland Donald Lord of the Isles pretending the recovery of his Lands in Ross which the Governor kept from him by a a trick of Law Invadeth Ross from thence marcheth into Murray from thence into Buchan and so to Aberdeen doing much Mischief all along as he went To stop this Current Alexander Earl of Marre and others of the Nobility advance against him with such Forces as could be raised on the sudden both Armies Encounter at Harlaw a fierce Battel continueth for many hours with such slaughter on both sides that at Night the darkness whereof was the first commander of Cessation each Army thought it self overcome no man appearing next day morning to claim the glory of the Victory onely the poor Village Harlaw where the Battel was is famous from it to this day This Rebellion over the Dauphine of France sendeth an Ambassadour to Scotland to demand Assistance against the English according to their ancient League then warring in France declaring with a sad Narrative that himself was disinherited and the English King Henry the 5th Married to his Sister the Lady Catharine declared Regent of France in present and Heir apparent to the Crown with whom likewise the Duke of Burgundy had joyned his whole Force this pitiful Letter soon quickened the Scottish Nobility dreading the effects of King Henry his Greatness an Army of 7000 resolute and stout men are sent immediately over into France under the Conduct of John Earl of Buchan Archibald Earl of Wigton Son to Archibald Earl Dowglas with whom were divers Persons of Quality all safely arrive and are immediately sent by the Dauphine towards Turon the Duke of Clarence Brother to the English King well high surpriseth them in their way they take the Alarm nigh Bergie and on Easter-Eve they give Battel to the English fought with great valour and various fortune on both sides at last the Duke of Clarence is dismounted his whole Army routed 2000 slain on the spot amongst whom were the Duke of Clarence the Earl of Kime the Lords Gray and Ross Many Prisoners likewise taken whereof divers Persons of Quality as the Earls of Huntington and Somerset and others The Earl of Salisbury a man of singular vertue and valour endeavoureth to repay this loss but could effect nothing save the recovery of the dead Body of the Duke of Clarence which he afterwards sent over into England After this Victory the Dauphine createth Buchan Constable of France one of the highest Preferments in that Kingdom In the same Year 1420 Robert Duke of Albany departed this Life and his Son Mordake established in his place Buchan returneth from France and is immediately recalled he arriveth at Rochett accompanied with Archibald Earl of Dowglas and Five thousand Auxiliary Foot the Dauphine much cheared up at their arrival receiveth them with ample Gratulation John Duke of Bedford is sent over from England much about the same time with 4000 Horse and 10000 Foot and soon after King Henry himself arriveth and with him James King of Scotland of purpose by his presence to withdraw the Scots from the Dauphine or at least to render them the more suspected to him but he is disappointed in both the Scots unanimously declaring that they could not render whilst a Prisoner the Obedience otherwise due to him Soon after both the French and English King depart this Life Henry the Sixth of England about Eights Months old is Proclaimed King of England and France John Duke of Bedford appointed Regent of France The Dauphine at the same time Proclaimed by his Adherents King of France by the Name of Charles the 7th The Regent advanceth against him with a powerful Army the Duke of Alenson encountereth him Charles himself is with general consent and unanimous request of all his Friends desired to withdraw and not to hazard his Person the miscarriage whereof was an apparent ruine of them all and giveth him Battel not far from Vornoil The Fight continued very fierce for some hours at
necessary if possible to prevent the Conjunction of Dowglas and Hammilton to that end he advanceth to Linlithquo where the Hammiltons were drawn together Dowglas then at Edenburgh marcheth with all possible expedition bringing along with him to countenance his affairs the person of the King who all along retardeth the journey accounting Lennox more his Friend than those with him pretending indisposition of Body ever and anon dismounteth making shew to pay some necessary office to Nature Dowglas frets and in vain spending many entreaties for expedition at length George Dowglas Brother to the Earl is so peremptory with him as in most Rebellious terms to tell him That rather than their Enemies should get possession of his Person they would rend him in pieces and divide him in halves between them This Traiterous word made an indelible impression on the heart of the King though at present silence was his best and only return At last the Armies joyn Lennox and his Patty are put to the rout many slain the Earl himself killed bewailed of all Hammilton and Dowglas both mourn for him above all the King is afflicted the remnant of his Party with sorrow and grief enough submit and are all forced to compound for their Treasons as was pretended in bearing Arms against the King the Earl of Cassils refusing to submit was way-laid and killed by one Hugh Campbell Lennox his Death divulged maketh a very deep impression in the hearts of most men especially his own Retainers one of his Servants resolveth with himself to avenge his Lord's death on the Person of the Bastard Hammilton by whom Lennox was killed To that end he repairs to Edenburgh and on his way meeting with one of his Fellow-servants he asked him saying Didst thou see Hammilton the Bastard Yea said he I saw him and hast thou not killed him unthankful Wretch who murthered our Dear Lord and Master said the Fellow Go and be hang'd thou art not worthy to live and with these words he pass'd on in his way and came streight to Holyrude House where in the Pallace-Yard stood Two thousand Armed men all Retainers to Dowglas and Hammilton there the Fellow walks full of Revenge and waiting the opportunity to execute the desire of his heart Hammilton unawares comes in his way without Arms the Fellow falls upon him in the Penthouse under the Porters-Lodge and wounds him in six several places of his Body the Armed men are all presently in confusion and well nigh in one anothers blood The Hammiltons suspecting this bold attempt to be done by the Dowglasses newly only reconciled to them to avenge some old Quarrels The Fellow is at last apprehended who had opportunity fair enough had he attempted it to escape with his Sword in his hand still smoaking with Hammilton's blood he is forthwith hurried to Tolbnith boldly professing that what he did was to revenge the death of his Dear Lord declaring with inexpressible confidence that he was sorry for nothing but that he was disappointed of his design so bravely begun by him he is put to Torture for the discovery of such as animated him to that bold attempt his Flesh is seared with burning Irons which he endured with such courage and resolution as no man could spy either by his words or by his countenance or otherwise any the least sense of pain in him at last his Right Hand was cut off which he endured without shrinking calling out to such as stood by That unhappy Hand well deserved this punishment which executed not the design of a Resolute mind The Dowglasses think themselves now secure enough no man daring to oppose them in any thing But in the midst of their security the King makes an escape from Faulkland to Sterlin there the Nobility from most parts of the Kingdom fly to him by whose advice his Majesty issueth out an Edict inhibiting the Dowglasses any further medling in publick Affairs discharging them or any of their retainers under pain of Death to come within Twelve Miles of the Court this Edict being served on the Earl in his Journey towards Sterlin he retreats to Edenburgh and prepareth Forces for his defence A Proclamation issueth from the King to call a Parliament to Assemble November the 3d. in the interim his Army advanceth towards the City Dowlas withdraws The King peaceably entreth the City Terms of Peace are offered to the Dowlasses viz. That the Earl himself should confine himself on the North of Tay his Brother George and his Vncle Archibald to the Castle of Edenburgh The Conditions are refused they are Summoned to appear before the Parliament they disobey the Earl himself his Brother George his Uncle Archibald and his dear Friend Alexander Drumond of Carnock all by sentence of Parliament Banished all People charged under pain of Treason not to relieve them the Dowlasses break out into open Violence Arguile is sent to reduce them to order whose advance they prevented by flight into England The King spendeth some time with great care and charge in suppressing the Depredations then very great on the Borders which Expedition over he establisheth the Court of Sessions formerly indeed set on foot by the Vice-Roy the Duke of Albany Constituted of Fifteen Judges of the most learned of the Law impowred to hear and determine all Civil Causes a very grave Court continuing in great Honour and deserved Respect in that Nation to this day About this time King Henry of England prepareth for War against the Scots irritated thereunto by the Scotch Exiles and Refuges in England King James having Constituted the Earl of Murray his Vice-Roy prepareth for Defence by Mediation of the French then a common Friend to both Peace is concluded King James sends Ambassadors to France to treat concerning his Marriage to a Daughter of France The King of England to prevent it sends the Bishop of St. Davids and William Hrward Brother to the Duke of Norfolk Ambassadors into Scotland to invite King James to a Personal Conference with himself whereunto he is soon persuaded by the great Promises they made of Marriage to Mary the King 's eldest Daughter if all other things succeeded well in the Treaty The Scotch Council especially the Clergy fearing Innovations in Religion then set on foot by King Henry are much troubled that his Majesty had consented to this Conference they ply him with continual surmises of Ruine to Himself to the State to Religion should this Conference hold the King is over-ruled and observeth not the day appointed but forthwith Saileth into France and is immediately espoused to Magdalen Daughter to Francis King of France the Marriage solemnized on new-New-years Day 1537 and both arrive in Scotland about the end of May following within six Weeks after the young Queen Dyeth to the inexpressible grief of all the Nobles put on Mourning Apparel not before that time in use in that Kingdom Immediately after David Beton Cardinal and Robert Maxwel are sent to France to demand Mary of the
afterwards apprehended the Widdow repaireth to his Majesty reporteth and proveth this Insolent Trick Mr. Donald is called for out of Prison Horse-shooes are clap'd on himself and twelve of his Companions and commanded to march through the Streets of Edenburgh an Officer publishing the Cause of this strange Punishment their tedious Journey ended all of them are put to Death as before mentioned King James hearing that Maloc was under the Power of an Irish Lord sendeth a Messenger to Ireland to require the Lord to deliver him the Irish Lord fearing his Escape and the Anger of so War-like a Prince resolveth to make all sure by cutting off the Rebel's Head which was accordingly done and sent over to the King The publick Robberies thus Suppressed many good Laws are Established for the good and to the Joy of all the People And as an addition to the Joy two Popular Lords of the Nobility Dowglas and Cassils are enlarged from Prison and received into his Majesty's favour And for the Complement of all their Joy the Queen is safely brought to Bed of two Sons October 14th 1430. The Civil Estate thus happily regulated his Majesty thinketh of a Reformation of the Clergy but to small purpose they being then and in those days within the Verge of the Pope his Jurisdiction Secular Princes durst not exercise their Regal Power over them all this good King could do was to plant the Schools and Universities Seminaries of good Learning with Pious and Learned men to whom he gave so many Encouragements that the fruits of so good a Project were soon seen and perceived by all to the great Joy of all good Men and the immortal Praise of so good a Prince Neither did this good King rest in the encouragement of the Liberal Sciences but resolving to advance all Mechanick Trades wholly decayed by the tediousness misery of an 150 Years War sendeth over to Flanders and from thence conduceth most exquisite Artificers of all sorts to whom he gave great Rewards and large Immunities by which Princely Munificence Trades of all sorts thrive and flourish the Poor set to Work and many Enriched every man acknowledging the happiness of that People who live under the sweet and liberal Dews of a vertuous and munificent Prince Soon after arrived Ambassadors from France to demand the young Lady formerly Espoused to the Dauphine to be sent over for the Consummation of the Marriage Ambassadors likewise come at the same time from England with full purpose at once to break not only this Matrimonial but also that Antient National League between the two Kingdoms of France and Scotland to which end they propound a League Offensive and Defensive with a Tender of Berwick and Roxborrow to be Restored forthwith many other things likewise were Tendered promising very fairly to the Good of both Kingdoms if as fully performed as freely promised King James remitteth this great Business to the Advice of his Parliament The Parliament after much Debate resolve to keep unviolably their Antient League with France and according to the desire of the French Ambassador to send over the young Lady without further delay The English Ambassadors resent this Denial as a Dishonour and immediately denounce War against the Scots threatning withal by their Navy to Way-lay the Princess in her passage to France The Princess is sent over forthwith under the guard of a very stately Navy the English Navy attempting nothing her Highness safely Arriveth and her Marriage to the Dauphine with the greatest expressions of Joy solemnized at Turon About the same time Earl Percy entreth into Scotland with 4000 rather to spoil than fight Dowglass Earl of Anyus is sent against him with the like number Percy is overthrown a few slain on either side of the English 1500 taken Prisoners King James thus provoked by Way-laying the young Lady by Sea and by this Inroad by Land raiseth a great Army with purpose to Invade Northumberland in this way he layeth Siege to Roxborrow then in the hands of the English expecting in few days the Delivering of it into his hands In the mean while cometh the Queen into his Camp discovering to him a most horrid Treason intended by his own nighest Kindred against both his Person and Posterity His Majesty perceiving that her Relation proceeded not from Womanish fear but from such real Grounds as were not to be slighted raiseth his Siege and without Advice of any Disbandeth his Army to the no less Astonishment than Discontent of most about him being Strangers to the cause of this sudden and unexpected Change His Majesty posteth to St. John's Town as a Bird into a Snare of purpose to make a fuller Discovery of that horrible Plot. The Treason being ripe and ready for Execution the Traitors privately repair thither with a small hand of Conspirators The Captains of that Traiterous Band Athol and his Cousin Graham knowing the Weakness of the King's Guard enter privately into the Monastery where his Majesty lay and by Conduct of one of his Houshold Servants debauched into the Conspiracy they come to the Stairs which led to the Royal Chamber The Cup-bearer at the same time coming down perceiving them in Arms Crieth out with a loud Voice Treason him they forthwith Murder and make hast to the Door made fast by no stronger bar the Iron Bolt being stolen away by the Traiterous Servant in Conspiracy with them than the Tender wrest of a young Gentleman which quickly broke the Assassinates furiously rush in and run towards his Majesty which the Queen perceiving casteth her self upon the King endeavouring poor Lady to preserve him they drag her from him not without some dangerous Wounds and forgetting all fear of God and Man thrust their Swords above Forty times through the Heart and Body of the most Excellent Prince The cause of this horrid Assassination was that old Mother of much Mischief Ambition Athold the King 's old Uncle having already by his Hellish Subtlety brought some of his nighest Kinsmen who lay in his way to the Crown to untimely Ends resolveth at last to strike at the main Rub the King himself for accomplishing whereof he snatcheth the advantage of the Discontent of Robert Graham Tutor of Straherne to whom he propoundeth his Design craveth his Conjunction therein with assurance not only of Protection but of ample Rewards and great Preferments when he comes to his Kingdom Graham graspes at all and joyneth in the Traiterous Design with him To this Combination Athol calleth his own Grandchild Robert a Youth nimble both in Head and Hand whom he likewise debaucheth into this Treasonable Plot. The Treason thus Craftily contrived is Cunningly carried on and at last cruelly Executed as before This was a sad Day in Scotland a day of Mourning and great Lamentation for the loss of such an Incomparable Prince the Nobility filled with Grief and Indignation breath out Revenge post out Parties into every Corner of the Kingdom to apprehend the Assassinates and their Complices
a little corrected an Epitome might be extracted not undelightful nor unuseful for the present Age Being an Age wherein great Attempts have been made against the Succession so long uninterrupted and the Rights and Prerogatives of the Crown though never so Sacred have all been disputed by Men of so loose and disloyal Principles that could they effect their Designs upon those Supports to an Hereditary Crown would not easily be persuaded to give over attempting till they have Extirpated not only the Royal Line but Royalty and Monarchy it self Nor can the most Christian Charity think otherwise when we see many of those very Men to be great Sticklers and all of their persuasion to be great Favourers of the Design who thought they had once effectually done it before and now by the Terrors of a guilty Conscience are Stimulated to repent the Wickedness not thinking themselves easie or safe under the protection of a Family which they have so Barbarously and so Inhumanly Affronted tho' perhaps the greatest instance of Royal Clemency and Mercy that History affords And certainly that single act of Barbarity committed against the Sacred Person of our late Martyr'd Sovereign were there nothing else in their whole practice is enough to sully the fairest Fucus to confute their best Arguments for the support of their pretended Zeal and to render their very Principles Odious and Abominable to all reasonable Men in future Ages The Perusal of these few Remarks or Historical Observations full of Loyalty and Impartiality together with a Reflection not only upon the Restauration of His Majesty to the Honours and Dignities of His Three Crowns but also upon those Deliverances which bear a later Date and are fresh Instances of Mens Disloyalty of our King 's great Wisdom and God's peculiar Providence over him These things I say taken into Serious Consideration may afford Men a Convincing prospect of the Folly as well as the Impiety of all Attempts against a Throne of Divine Establishment and that attested by so many miraculous Deliverances and Preservations All that the People do is but to imagine a vain Thing That God who hath set the Crown upon his Head will enable him to break all their Bonds asunder and to cast away their Cords from him Yea he that dwelleth in Heaven shall laugh them to scorn the Lord shall have them in derision THE PRAYER COntinue O gracious God to be thus Propitious to thine Anointed our Sovereign Lord King CHARLES the Second and grant that there may never want One of that Royal Family to set upon his Throne so long as the Sun and the Moon endure THE LIFE OF ROBERT II THE FIRST Of the Royal Family of Stuarts Kings of Scotland RObert the Second of that Name descended of Walter High Stewart of Scotland in the days of King Malcolme came in the Right of his Mother Sister to King David and Daughter to King Robert Bruce to Sway the Scottish Scepter and was the First of the Stuarts on whose head that unravished Câ—â—â—â— was Set about the Year 1371. and the 55th of his Age. In the beginning of his Reign a French Ambassadour sent by Charks the Fifth of France arriveth in Scotland to Congratulate his coming to the Crown and to renew the Antient League between the two Crowns of France and Scotland and to invite the Scots in persuance of an Article in the same League to raise an Army against England of purpose to force home some or most of the English Forces then making War in France the Antient League is without scruple renewed and the Scots soon prevailed withal to raise an Army against the English being provoked by denyal of Justice on the Murtherer of a Scottish Gentleman contrary to the Laws Established for preservation of Peace amongst the Borderers and being much more incensed by divers depredations especially by the inroad made by the Earl Percy the Year immediately preceeding contrary to the Articles of Peace concluded for fourteen Years between the two Kingdoms To preface the Scottish Expedition into England Alexander Ramsey with forty choice Gentlemen surpriseth Berwick Castle Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland immediately Besiegeth them with 10000 well Armed men after some few days valiant defence the Castle is stormed the Garrison wholly put to the Sword Ramsey the Captain in Chief only preserved By this time the Scottish Army advanceth and under the Conduct of James Earl Dowglass entreth England by the way of Carlile they plunder Penreth in the Fair time and return very richly laden with Spoil and with their Spoil carry home with them the Plague of Pestilence which raged all the Kingdom over for two Years together more furiously than ever in that Nation before To avenge this mischief done Fifteen Thousand English under the Conduct of General Talbot are sent into Scotland they spoil and plunder at pleasure but returning laden with Booty and Encamping nigh the Borders in a strait Valley secure and expecting no Enemy are suddenly surprised by 500 Scottish Horse who giving them a Fierce Charge put all in Confusion some kill'd divers taken Prisoners the rest provide for their Safety by flight leaving their Spoil behind them The English finding the Wars against both Kingdoms of France and Scotland a Burden too heavie resolve if possible to make Peace with Scotland to which effect John Duke of Lancaster Uncle to the English King Richard the Second is sent Ambassadour to Scotland is honourably received and entertained by King Robert James Earl Dowglas is appointed Commissioner to Treat with him a Cessation of Arms is concluded for three Years which King Robert caused inviolably to be observed notwithstanding of a great Advantage given him by a dangerous Rebellion then broke out in England by the instigation of one Ball a Priest upon occasion of a four penny Poll imposed on the People King Robert Commandeth his Commissioner Earl Dowglass to tender a Noble Entertainment to the Duke the English Ambassadour if it pleased him to reside in Scotland during the said Rebellion or if it pleased him in such a dangerous Storm to return to England to tender to him the Service of a strong Guard of 2000 men then ready to attend him Dowglass tendereth both the Duke Acknowledging with all Thankfulness the Nobleness of the Scottish King refuseth both and sets out for England the Governour of Berwick I know not why denieth him Enterance the Duke returneth to Edenburgh resideth there and is very Honourably Entertained with frequent Expressions of far greater Civilities than could be expected The Three Years Truce determined in the Year 1384. Archibald Dowglass Earl of Galloway Accompanied with James Earl Dowglass George Earl of Merse or Marches besieges Maban Castle and after Nine Days Siege in the Cold of Winter the Castle is delivered the Earl of Dunbar likewise surpriseth a great Booty nigh Piggin which he conveyed to be secured in Roxborrow then in the hands of the English King Richard having Notice of the Scottish Stirs
and Success sendeth down a Potent Army both by Sea and Land under the Command of the Duke of Lancaster they spoil all to the very Gates of Edenburgh they Enter the City and in their Fury resolve to set it on Fire but the Duke remembring that it had been a Sanctuary to himself in a late Danger Nobly preserveth it and returneth with his Army His Army returned Earl Dowglass immediately marcheth with an Army and regaineth all the Castles in the English Power Roxborrow only excepted for which he put very fair but that a Burning Feaver of which he Dyed prevented him In the mean while a Peace is Concluded in France between all the Three Kingdoms of France England and Scotland the French undertake to publish this Peace forthwith in Scotland but are Negligent in it until the News of a great havock done in Scotland after the Conclusion of the Peace by an Army of 10000 English Horsemen and 6000 Bowmen under the Earl of Northumberland and Notingham the Scots sensible of this Abuse refuse to hearken to Terms of Peace notwithstanding the earnest desire of their King to embrace them Dowglass Lindsey and Dunbar privately withdraw from Court raise an Army and flying rather than marching into England consume all with fire and sword even to the Gates of New-Castle return laden with Spoil and proclaim the Peace In the Year following the French Admiral Jean de Vienna landeth in Scotland with about some Two Thousand Auxiliary Foot and an Hundred Curasiers with Six Months Pay King Richard of England having Notice hereof and withal Intelligence of great Preparations making against him in France by Charles the Sixth the French King which soon evaporated into Smoak by the delays of the Duke of Bury suddenly raiseth an Army of Sixty Thousand Foot and Eight Thousand Horse some say One Hundred Thousand Foot and Ten Thousand Horse some Three Hundred Thousand of both and in great Fury marcheth into Scotland burneth and killeth all along Forty Miles without respect of Place or Person Edenburgh and Melrose both Consumed by Fire King Robert thinking it no way safe to give Battel to so great an Army sendeth an Army into Cumberland where they freely Wast and Spoil all King Richard not daring to march beyond the Scottish Frith as the Duke of Lancaster Advised him whom he therefore Suspected of a Traiterous Design against him nor to leave the Sea Coast having all his Stores of Provision from his Navy then attending him on the Frith and the Winter then drawing on resolveth rather to return home by the way of Berwick than with the hazard of all by reason of Cold and Hunger to Pursue the Scots in Cumberland which the Scots perceiving withdraw their Army at their own convenience and return no less laden with Spoil than the great Army of the English thus two Armies great enough are raised invade other Nations and return without sight one of another the People the common sufferers in such broils sustaining the loss King Robert knowing that the English could not return in the Winter Season sendeth his Army to reduce Roxborrough then in the hands of the English strongly Fortified and well Garrison'd the Siege being formed the French crave the Possession and Government of the Town when regained the Scots peremptorily refuse telling them plainly their Service deserved no such Reward as so strong a Garrison the Possession whereof should enable them to become at pleasure Arbitrators both of War and Peace the Siege breaketh up in discontent the Scots weary of the Insolence and grievous Plunderings of the French send them fairly home retaining the Commander in Chief until reasonable Satisfaction made for the wast done by his Souldiers King Richard of England now returned home and his great Army disbanded behold a Cloud appeareth which breaketh out into such a storm as in the end proved his Ruin Whilst all things are in confusion in England the Scottish Nobility unwilling to loose the opportunity cry out for a Vindictive Army to be raised to revenge King Richard's last years inhuman Cruelty the good King touched with a fellow-feeling of King Richard's Sufferings choosing rather to bear the wrong done than to wound the afflicted sheweth himself very averse to the Counsels of his Nobility which his Nobles perceiving resent it more than well beseeming them and privately contrive an Army without the knowledge of their King with which they march into England one part of their Army marcheth by the way of Carlile under the Conduct of two of the King 's Younger Sons the Earls of Fife and Straern the other by the way of Berwick under the Command of James Earl Dowglass The first Army spoileth the Countrey without opposition and returneth with Spoil enough bought at a cheap rate The second hath not the like fortune tho' it marched with such hast and secresie that the smoak it raised in the Conflagration of Towns and Villages was its first Discovery having spoiled the Bishoprick of Durham Earl Dowglass resolveth to Attempt New-Castle the Percies in those days the most Valiant Family England had draw their Forces thither for its Defence some light Skirmishing there was for three days together the two Commanders in Chief Dowglass and Piercy think it worthy of their Fame to try their single Valour in view of both Armies which accordingly they did with incredible Gallantry on both sides Percy is at last dismounted Dowglass who Thirsted not after Blood but Honour as a Noble Cavalier doth not offer one blow to his dismounted Enemy layeth only hold on his Spear Saying My Lord your Spear shall home with me as the Trophee of this Noble Encounter and with these words Retreateth to the Van of his Army Next day after Dowglass draweth off the Field and marcheth to Otturburn some Eight Miles from New-Castle where contrary to the Advice of his Council his Army being inferiour in number by one half to the English he stayeth some three days attending Earl Percy his rescue of his Spear Percy to regain his Honour resolveth to Fight him contrary to the Advice of all his Council too who presumed as they had reason that Dowglas so Discreet and Wary a Souldier would not hazard to give Battel to an Army so much exceeding his Number as two to one unless he had some considerable Forces laid in Ambush to insnare them The two Armies the one not above Five Thousand the other not under Ten Thousand joyn Battel in the Evening and with various and doubtful Success coutinued Fight almost the whole Night by the benefit of the Light they had from the Full Moon at last the Scots gave ground which by the Valour of two Heburnes both Patrick by Name was quickly regained Dowglass Chargeth so desperately with two Attendants only Hart and Glendimung that having evidenced incredible strength both of Spirit and Body he falleth under the burden of many wounds before his Forces were able to take him off his Body is rescued when it
partake with many ghastly wounds the honour of the day the vanquished are killed on the place all to one who perceiving himself left alone and being without wounds he skippeth into the River by which means none of the surviving Victors being able to follow him by reason of their wounds he maketh a fair Escape with his Life thus the Heads and most turbulent of both Clans cut off their retainers are soon perswaded to Peace and for many Years after live quiet enough this Fight hapned in the Year 1396. In the Year 1398. King Robert Created his Son David at the Eighteenth Year of his Age Duke of Rothesay and his Brother Robert Duke of Albany the first Honour of this kind bestowed in that Kingdom The same Year he established his Son Robert Governour of the whole Kingdom preferring the quiet of a private Life to the daily Troubles which attend a publick Employment tho' sweetned with many honours and outward respects The Year following being the First Year of the Reign of Henry the Fourth of England some unhappy seeds of Jarrs between the two Kingdoms were scattered by George Dunbar Earl of Merse the Daughter of the said Earl being espoused to the Duke of Rothesay and a great part of her Dowry payed Archibald Earl of Dowglass Excepteth in Parliament against the Espousals as done without Consent of the Three Estates and propounded in Parliament the Marriage of his own Daughter and with her a greater Dowry the Parliament approveth well of the Match and Robert Duke of Albany prevaileth with the King to make void the first Espousal and to accept the tender made by the Earl of Dowglass both which being accordingly done the Marriage of the Earl Dowglass his Daughter to the Young Duke is Solemnised by consent of Parliament The Earl George resenteth this as a wrong done to his Family expostulateth the matter with the King and remanded his Daughters Dowry whereunto present Satisfaction not being made the Earl withdraweth from Court breathing out Revenge and immediately flyeth into England where he entereth into league with Earl Percy Dowglass his sworn Enemy and with some Force obtained from him he returneth into Scotland and spoileth all the Lands in the Meuse belonging to Earl Dowglass King Robert provoked with Indignation proclaimeth him Traitor and dispatcheth an Herald to King Henry the 4th of England to require the delivery up of the fugitive Earl to Justice King Henry pretendeth faith given to the Earl for Protection and upon that account refuseth King Robert his demand King Robert resenteth this as a breach of the Peace concluded for seven years in the days of King Richard not yet expired and accordingly his Council declareth it and for this and many outrages and detestations committed by Henry Percy the younger and by the fugitive Earl proclaimeth War against King Henry King Henry thinks it his wisest course to prevent him and forthwith marcheth into Scotland with a very potent Army of Horse and Foot entereth the City of Edenburgh and layeth Siege to the Castle Duke Robert then Governor of Scotland prepareth for its relief but so slowly that every man suspected him to have some sinister design in it King Henry finding the Castle impregnable being garrisoned with men of honour and integrity to whom the Macedonian Ass could have no access though some not long since could receive his leading raised his Siege and returned to England Henry Percy and the fugitive Earl continue their plundering incursions for repressing of whom several small Parties were sent to small purpose at last by the command of the Governor Archibald Earl of Dowglass Son to the late Earl of the same Name so much renowned marcheth in person against them accompanied with divers of the Nobility and advanceth with his Army to the very Gates of New-Castle Percy the younger and the fugitive Earl draw up their Army against him and give him battel nigh Hemeldon the Earl Dowglass after a most furious conflict is at last overthrown divers of the Scottish Nobility are slain many taken Prisoners and with them the Earl himself with the loss of one of his Eyes Percy persueth his Victory entereth Scotland and having done some spoyl in Tiviodale returneth to England and prepareth for a Rebellion against King Henry the Earl Dowglass is earnestly sollicited by him to joyn with him in his design with promise of freedom Dowglass embraceth the motion and with some others of the Scottish Prisoners performeth most gallant service at Shrewsbury battel contemning all others he bendeth himself against the person of the King only he dismounteth first one then another then a third and all in the habit of the King King Henry having clothed some gallant men in his own habit of purpose to encourage his Soldiers at the sight of their brave deportment Dowglass admiring from whence so many Kings should come rusheth himself into the midst of his enemies behaving himself with incredible bravery but at last the victory falling to the King Dowglass grievously wounded is taken Prisoner the King very nobly taketh care of him causeth his wounds to be cured by the best of his Chirurgions admitteth him to his presence highly commendeth his valour accepteth of his ransom and granteth him liberty to return to his Country where he was received with no small Joy This storm over Duke Robert wholly bends himself to make away the whole off-spring of his Brother the King of purpose to make way for his own to come to the Crown a fair opportunity offering it self to begin his work David the elder of the King's Sons giveth up himelfs wholly to his lusts ravishing both Virgins and others contemning all admonitions of his good Father would not be reclaimed The good King much afflicted by the dissolute life of his Son committeth him to the counsel and care of Duke Robert the Governor who very glad of the opportunity to commence his Traiterous design chearfully snatcheth his prey into his Clutches and resolving to take a short course to reform his manners by the ruine of the man carrieth him along with himself to St. Andrews from thence to Faulkland where he coops him up in a loathsom Dungeon with a design to destroy him by the cruel pinches of hunger which had been speedily done but that his miserable Life Was preserved for a Season by the compassion of two tender-hearted Women the one a Virgin Daughter to the Governor of the Castle who as she came into the Garden privately conveyed under the covert of her Apron some thin Oaten Cakes which she gave him through a Cranny the only conveyance of light into the Dungeon The other a poor neighbouring Woman who gave Suck and by her Breast-milk milked into his mouth refreshed him a little The Duke his merciless Uncle admiring that he heard no tidings of his death appointed a secret Watch about him the good Women are discovered apprehended and punished the poor Prince now left without all manner of relief or hope of
of a Dangerous Traitour The Earl thus destroyed and without Issue his Cousin James succeedeth him in the Rights and Honours of the Earldom his Sister Beatrice enjoying whatsoever was not Entailed to the Heir Male James dyeth soon after his Son William Succeedeth and Marrieth his Cousin Beatrice to the great encrease of his Wealth and Power with which increased Pride and Insolence and with both Envy and Fear which the Earl perceiving resolveth to satisfie the People whom he had deeply Oppressed and to pacifie the King now come to Age whom he had highly displeased to this end he repaireth to Court submitting himself to the King whose Pardon he craved promising Amendment in all things done amiss the King receiveth him into Favour in hope of better things and indeed such was his Reformation that he was admired of all and dreaded of some especially the Vice-Roy and Chancellor knowing Guil and Fear being always inseparable Companions who suspecting and expecting the result of all his Counsels to be their Ruine they withdraw from Court laying down their Places in publick Affairs the Vice-Roy to his House in the Countrey the Chancellor to Edenburgh-Castle Earl Dowglas takes the opportunity of their Absence and by his Counsel especially both are Summoned to appear before his Majesty and great Council to give an Account of their publick Imployments both make shew of a great desire to obey but at present excuse their Non-appearance pretending Danger by reason of Earl Dowglas his Power and Enmity against them by Influence of the Earl his Counsel they are declared Traitours and their Estates confiscate Costersine a Retainer to the Earl is sent with Commission to levy their Personal Estates and to return them to the Exchequer which was accordingly done In revenge of all which the Chancellor raiseth some Forces first pillageth and then burneth Costersine his Estate and many Lands belonging to Dowglas himself This Quarrel occasioneth many Stirs in divers places in the Countrey At last Dowglas Besiegeth the Chancellor in the Castle of Edenburgh After nine Months Siege the Castle for want of Provisions is forced to surrender upon Articles of which this was the Chief A general Act of Oblivion to be past by the King in Parliament in behalf of the Chancellor and his Friends and leave to be granted to him to live in peace at his own House without Molestation of him or his This over Dowglas bendeth himself against the Levistons many of them are cited before the Parliament at Edenburgh all accused of Treason divers found Guilty Condemned and Executed Soon after Chrichton is reconciled to the King and by him made Chancellor again and sent Ambassador to France to renew the old League and to demand some Princess of the Blood in Marriage to the young King Mary Daughter to the Duke of Geldria by the Duke of Burgundy his Sister is forthwith Espoused and next Year after Arriveth in Scotland is Married to the King and Crowned Queen at Halyrude-House Anno 1449. By this time the Truce between the two Kingdoms England and Scotland determineth new Stirs begin and after some Depredations on both sides the Truce is renewed and continued for Seven Years but to very little purpose restless Men soon break the Peace the English break into Scotland spoil and plunder many places the Scots do the like in England the English raise a great Army to Invade the Scots under the Command of the Earl of Northumberland and one Magnus a Knight a Man of great Valour and Experience in War-like affairs The Scots likewise raise an Army under the Command of George Earl of Ormond Brother to the Earl Dowglas the two Armies joyn Battel between Anand and Eske in Scotland Magnus too daring a Man adventureth too far and falleth by his own rashness his Fall is the Ruine of all the whole Army runneth and is put to a satal Rout Three Thousand English killed and divers Prisoners of Quality a Rich Plunder obtained by the Scots with the Loss of 600 of their Men. This Overthrow enrageth the English a new Army is appointed to be Levied Civil Wars in England cross all An Ambassador is sent to Scotland to desire Peace Peace could not be obtained A Cessation of Arms only concluded and that with much ado for three Years Earl Dowglas next Year following desirous to see the Papal Jubilee travelleth through France with a Princely Retinue to Rome No sooner gone than whole troops of People Oppressed by him have their recourse to the King praying instantly and incessantly for Reparation of wrong done by him His Majesty is in a strait the Petitions being such as could not in Justice be refused and the Earl not being present could not in Justice be Condemned in the mean time the Earl his Proctor is called for to get in what Answer he could who refusing to appear is committed to Prison Many counsel harder things against him as guilty of high Contempt of Royal Majesty the King inclining to Moderation calleth for him out of Restraint and Commandeth him to Plead for his Lord freely and without Fear which the Proctor thus encouraged accordingly performed His Majesty having patiently heard all that possibly could be said adjudgeth reasonable Satisfaction to be made to the Oppressed The Proctor craveth respite till the return of his Lord The King adjudgeth present Satisfaction and to that end Lord William Sinclare Earl of Orkney and at that time Lord Chancellor is sent into Galloway and Dowglasdale to Commissionate Collectors to Levy my Lord's Retinue for Satisfaction of the Sums adjudged the Collectors all slighted and continued return home having done just nothing This inrageth his Majesty the chief Obstructors are sent for who refusing to appear are all denounced Rebels and Forces sent to reduce them to Order they fly to strong Holds against which the Party sent could do nothing the King marcheth in Person against them Maban Castle immediately Yieldeth Dowglas Castle reduced not without some loss to the King is laid level to the ground all the Faction at length submitteth and payeth out of Dowglas his Estate the Sums adjudged The Earl having notice of all these Troubles returneth from Rome much perplexed making a Pause in England until by his Brother he understood the King's gracious Affection towards him in the assurance whereof he Addresseth himself to his Majesty craving his Pardon for all former Miscarriages and promising all dutiful Obedience for the future is not only received into Favour but soon after declared Vice-Roy This extraordinary Grace is as soon forgot made use on to none other purpose save to advance his own Ambitious Designs whereof all Men were the more Jealous by his private withdrawing into England where he entertained a Clandestine Conference with the English King of which giving none other Reason save the Petition of some Plundred Goods the Scottish King is no less Enraged against him than Jealous of him and which the Earl understanding and knowing his Majesty's Clemency craveth
his Pardon with shew of great Humility which by the mediation of the Queen is soon obtained The King resolving notwithstanding to trust him no more in that height of Power in Government committeth the chief management of all Publick Affairs to the Earl of Orkney and to Chrichton the old Chancellor Dowglas reckoning this a Note of Disgrace rageth against the whole Court Vowing the Destruction of Chrichton which he well nigh made good by an Ambush laid for him as he pasled from Edenburgh to his House at Chrichton A Troop of Armed Men all on the sudden compass him round he forceth his Paslage and escapeth the Snare not without some dangerous Wounds his Wounds are Cured he returneth to Edenburgh Earl Dowglas fearing the King's displeasure withdraweth from the City still resolving Revenge for accomplishing whereof he entereth a League Offensive and Defensive with the Earls of Craford and Ross in the strength whereof he presumeth so much as to contemn all Opposition the King himself is Despised in his Eyes Harris and Mr. Lennan two Galloway Knights both of Antient Families are put to Death by him under pretence of Justice in despight of all the King could do or say Rumours are likewise every where cast out of his aspiring to the Crown At last his Majesty sendeth for him forthwith to repair to his Court at Sterlin the Earl refuseth pretending Danger from the Power of his Enemies then at Court Divers of the Nobles send their Letters of Assurance to him and move the King to Seal a Paper in the nature of a Pass which the Earl receiving cometh to Court confiding in the often experienced Clemency of the King his Majesty receiveth him Graciously and Inviteth him to Supper after Supper the King with some of his most Intimate Counsellors withdraw and with them the Earl into a Withdrawing-Room In the presence of those his Counsellors he Expostulateth with the Earl his strange Deportment towards him mentioning the bounty of the Crown to his Family and his own Extraordinary Grace to himself not only his Pardon more than once granted but singular Pledges of his Favour frequently Conferred and all most strangely abused Notwithstanding all which his Majesty once again tenders to him the assurance of his Favour and Grace in hope of amendment repairing nay rather requesting the Cancelling of that odious League with Craford and Ross so dangerous and dishonourable to his Majesty Dowglas answereth Dimisly enough to all save in the point of the League wherein he desires to be Excused The King presseth him with all Earnestness to persist no longer in it which the Earl peremptorily refusing the King is moved into an extraordinary Passion breaking out into these words If thou wilt not break it by God I will and then before his Counsellors were aware he thrusteth his Ponyard into his Heart This unhappy Accident casteth all into Consussion Dowglas his four Brothers then in Town raise a Dangerous Tumult and with much ado are appeased Immediately they fly into their own Countrey and break out into open Rebellion dragging the King's Pass and the Noble Mens Letter to the late Earl at their Horse Heels with words of Disgrace not fit to be mentioned They Pillage Burn and Slay all they suspected bare any Favour to the King The King calleth a Parliament at Edenburgh before which they are Summoned to appear all Contemptuously refusing are proclaimed Traitors with the Countess Dowager Wife to the late Earl and with her the Earl of Craford James the eldest Brother and now Earl to preserve the Wealth of his Family Marrieth his Brother's Wife craveth the Pope his Dispensation which being refused he allureth as many into his Faction as possibly he could far more siding with him than possibly could be expected insomuch that the whole Kingdom for two Years together became a very Stage of Murther and Rapine Famine and the Pestilence threatning Ruine to all Divers of Dowglas his Wiser Friends being touched with the Sense of these Calamities counsel him to cast himself upon the King's mercy he scorneth the Motion declaiming against them as Pusillaminous declaring rather to Dye than to Submit Earl Craford taketh another and wiser course choosing rather to Submit he casteth himself in his Majesty's way passing through Angus and like a Penitent indeed he comes Bare-footed into his Royal Presence and prostrateth himself before Him with Tears in his Eyes and the greatest expressions of Sorrow that could be made craving in a most Penitent Oration his Majesty's Pardon The King and all then and there present are touched with Compassion towards him his Pardon is forthwith granted the Earl sensible of his Grace tendereth his Service to his Majesty which being accepted he behaveth himself as a gallant Man and a good Subject to his Dying day Dowglas sendeth Hammilton to the English King to crave Assistance from him which could not be obtained unless Dowglas should declare himself a Subject to the Crown of England a Condition so unreasonable even in his Judgment though sufficiently Rebellious against his native Prince that he choosed rather to Perish than to Embrace it Hammilton therefore returning without hope of English Help persuadeth Dowglas to put all to the hazard of a Battel which accordingly was resolved on his Army marcheth and advanceth towards the King's then Besieging Abercorne Castle The two Armies in view one of another Dowglas proveth two slow his Army is thereby much discouraged which Hammilton perceiving withdraweth goeth over to the King craves his Pardon and obtaineth it Dowglas retreateth and deserted almost of all flyeth into England The Castle is taken by Storm and the Garrison put to the Sword the Ruines of that stately Castle remaining as a Monument of that Victory Dowglas soon after returneth into Anandale giveth Battel to some of the King's Forces there and receiveth the Foil his Brother Archilbald is Killed on the place his Brother George Wounded and taken Prisoner is sent to the King and Beheaded A Parliament is again called to Assemble at Edenburgh 1455 Dowglas and his Adherents are again declared Traitors and their Estates Confiscated Dowglas flyeth into the Hebrides and entereth into League with Donald Lord of the Isles They fall down into the main Countrey where they Pillage and consume all with Fire and Sword wheresoever they came laying wast divers Counties Beatrice Wife to both Earls of Dowglas and both Brethren casteth her self at the King's feet craveth his Pardon pretending that she was forced to the Marriage of her Lord's Brother by fear of present Destruction She declareth her self as willing to submit to the King's Justice as to accept of his Mercy whereof she acknowledgeth her self most unworthy she receiveth Pardon and is beyond all Mens expectation received into Favour yea and Donald Lord of the Isles sendeth his Orators to his Majesty to crave his Pardon all that could be obtained was a Command to to make Satisfaction to the People for the Mischief done by him which being
Prince King James admiring that no man would own him persuading himself that it was not only Love to their own rest and quiet but likewise dislike of his Claim and Title returneth home with his Army and Winter drawing on Disbandeth it This sudden change smites Peter's Soul with sorrow but such was his cunning that he pretends to be well pleased devoutly professing rather never to come to his Crown than to make his way through the blood of his People King Henry hearing of the Scots return resolveth for all that to avenge himself to which end he commandeth a powerful Army to be raised under the Conduct of the Lord Dawbeny The Spring drawing on and the Army ready to March a Rebellion breaketh out in Cornwall and diverteth all King Henry is forced to wave his Northern Expedition and to apply his Forces to Suppress the Western Insurrection The Scots hearing of an Army prepared against them forthwith roll together some considerable Forces and with an Army of some Thousands of Horse and Foot advance to the Borders of England but such was the Wisdom of Richard Fox Bishop of Durham and the Vigilance of the Earl of Surrey that the Scots soon return no great harm done the English follow soon after them take and demolish the Laird of Aton his House fome four Miles from Berwick and forthwith retreat King Henry sendeth the Spanish Ambassador Peter Hialus then lying at London to treat of a Marriage between a Daughter of Spain and Arthur Son to King Henry to Scotland to use his best endeavours to compose the Differences between the two Kingdoms King James yieldeth such a willing and ready ear to the Ambassador that he forthwith sendeth to King Henry to desire some English Commissioners to be sent down to expedite the Treaty so fairly begun the King commandeth the Bishop of Durham to joyn with the Ambassador the Commissioners on both sides meet at Jedburgh The English press the delivering of Werbeck to their King's Justice the Scots desire to be excused their Publick Faith being engaged for his Safety which in no case must be violated This blasts all hopes of Peace yet such was the Wisdom of the Commissioners that a Truce for some few Months was agreed on The Treaty dissolved King James fairly dismisseth his chargeable Guest Werbeck with a very plentiful Viaticum Werbeck Landeth in Ireland thence Wafteth himself over into England and joyneth with the Remnants of the Cornish Rebels is at last carch'd confesseth the whole Cheat and is Hanged his Wife is by all much pitied and honourably entertained by King Henry from whom she received such a liberal Pention as honourably maintained her all her Life New Stirs fall out between the Borders by reason of some Wrongs done by the English Garison at Norham King James complaineth and required satisfaction of King Henry who very fairly promised it to which end the Bishop of Durham is sent into Scotland who by his wisdom very speedily composeth all things At their Conferences which was at Melcoss King James makes known to the Bishop the earnest desire he had to have Margaret eldest Daughter to King Henry given him in Marriage as a Pledge to assure a mutual Peace between the two Kingdoms and craveth the Bishop's assistance in so good a work The Bishop cherishes his desires and chearfully promiseth his assistance To which purpose he presently posteth to London and acquainteth his Majesty of England with the desires of the Scotch King King Henry is well pleased with the proposition whereof the Bishop gives speedy notice to King James The Arch-Bishop of Glascow and the Earl Bothwell are dispatched Ambassadors to demand the Lady in Marriage to their King the Marriage is concluded in a very short time the Espousals published at Paul's Cross the Earl Bothwell Espoused her in the Name of King James Next summer the Lady is sent into Scotland attended by the Earls of Surrey and Northumberland King James received her attended by the cheif of his Nobility at St. Lambert's Church in Lamermoore in Scotland and the Year following Solemnly Married her at Edenburgh for some Years following enjoying a sweet calm of Peace they lived very happily The King buildeth divers fair Edifices as his Castle at Sterlin which if he had lived to finish it in proportion to its beginning had been a most stupendious work his Pallace at Falkeland and some others and divers Ships likewise he commanded to be built such and so great as in those days no Christian King had but amidst all this prosperity and joy the Iron Chain pincheth him and his Father 's untimely Death to which he ever thought himself accessary because by his Presence he countenanced and strengthned those Cruel hands which impiously Murdered him lyeth heavy upon his Spirit In this anguish of Spirit he resolveth according to the Superstition of those Days to Travel to Jerusalem there to Mourn away some part of his time and to do such Acts of Penance as might expiate his Crimes his Navy is prepared his Attendants appointed neighbouring Princes acquainted with his design for his more safe and free passage in the mean while Wars break out between Spain and France and by the earnest entreaty of the Spaniard the English King sends over an Army to Invade the Kingdom of France many other Princes likewise combine against the French King James perceiving such extraordinary stirs and not knowing what might be the issue of them is perswaded by his Council to lay aside his Journey for a season The French King in this strait earnestly solicites him according to their Ancient League to make a diversive War against England the Scottish Clergy put him on what may be but all in vain he resolves not to stir having indeed no just nor honourable Quarrel only with much ado he was at last wrought on to grant the sending out of his Navy for the guard of the French Seas which proved the ruine of those gallant Ships before mentioned James Hamilton Earl of Aran is sent Admiral in this Naval Expedition who willingly it should seem mistaking his way arriveth at Knock-Forgus in Ireland pillageth and burneth the Town and as if he had performed a gallant and acceptable piece of Service returneth to Aire in Scotland King James advertised of this exploit and of his return is highly inraged gives Commission to Arehibald Earl of Dowglas to take Command of the Navy and Summons Hamilton to answer for the unsufferable wrong done to his Friend and Ally who having notice of the King's wrath setteth Sail and arriveth in France disposing of his Tackling and all his War-like Instruments as seemed good to himself he layeth up his Navy in Brest where it consumed to nothing The restless Borderers soon weary of Peace fall to their old trade of Depredation mutual Inroads are made and mischief enough done on both sides and at this time two Scottish Merchants Ships are unhappily taken by the English Admiral The Scottish King is
much discontented which the French Ambassador Lamote layeth hold on as the fittest opportunity to work him into a War against the English his pernitious perswasions seconded with the daily solicitations of the Scottish Clergy especially Foreman Bishop of Murray his Ambassador then in France prevail too much and overcome him at last to denounce by his Herald War against King Henry then in France who answered the Herald with expressions of the greatest disdain that could be Arms are raised on both sides the Scots under the Command of their King the English under the Conduct of the Earl of Surrey Both Armies advance and at last joyn Battel at Flodden in Northumberland the Battel is exceedingly furious and continueth some hours within Night the darkness whereof commandeth at last a Cessation of Arms No man knowing on whose side the Victory lay each Army thinking it self worsted The Earl of Hume who traiterously refused to joyn in Battel with his Brigade enricheth himself with the Spoil of the Field and departeth by break of day at which instant the Lord Dacres came into Field and finding the Scotch Carriages without Guard and the Camp not wholly Pillaged dispatcheth a Messenger to the Earl of Surrey forthwith to Rally and to return which was with marvellous Expedition performed no Enemy appearing and now the Day being up the English Celebrate the Victory with great Joy This Overthrow is reckoned by the Scots the greatest that ever befel them not so much for the Number as the Quality of the Slain many of the Nobility and Gentry besides Five thousand common Souldiers were killed on the place King James himself never after appeared what to determine of him I know not the English contend that he was killed in the Battel his Body found and exposed to publick View the Scots assert that the Corps so exposed were the Relicts of Sir Alexander Elphinston in Habit Stature and Figure resembling their King as some others did that day the better to encourage the Army Some contend that he escaped into Scotland after the Battel and was traiterously Murdered by the Retainers of the Earl of Hume nigh Kelso to avoid his wrath for their Treachery on the day of Battel and some there are who are bold enough to assert that the King perceiving the huge Slaughter of the Nobility and Gentry privately withdrew himself and in an obscure habit travelled as a Pilgrim to Jerusalem to make good his former Vow where he spent the remnant of his days in Sorrow however it was certain it is That after the Battel he never appeared to the World A Prince of a most comely Person and of that moderation and temper that no provocation could force from him any the least intemperate word and yet a man of an undaunted and indeed too resolute a Spirit very much inclined to Mercy never executing Penal Justice without grief and sorrow of Heart I leave him with that Epitaph he had bestowed upon him for his wanting of a Tomb. Fama orbem replet mortem sors occulit at tu Desine scrutari quod tegit ossa solum Si mihi dent animo non impar fata sepulchrum Augusta est tumulo terra Britanna meo THE LIFE OF JAMES V. JAMES the Fourth thus lost his Son James a Child of two years of Age is Proclaimed King the Queen his Mother conformable to the last Will of the King published before his last Expedition towards England in which it was provided that the Queen should have the Supreme Power during the time of her Widowhood and the King his Minority hath the Supreme Government committed to her and as a tender Mother writeth with all earnestness to her Brother King Henry the Eighth of England imploring his Royal and Fraternal favour particularly that he would be pleased out of his tender regard to her and her young Son to abstain from War against the Scots King Henry very nobly returneth Answer that the Scots should be choosers of War or Peace this gladded the heart of the Scottish Queen who assuredly by her discreet Government had proved a Nursing Mother to that Nation but that within one year she was pleased to Marry herself to Archibald Dowglas Earl of Angus by which Marriage her Government determined and immediately Divisions break out amongst the Nobility touching the choice of a Vice-Roy The Dowglasses wholly for the Queen the Earl of Hume a Person then of great Power and Authority opposeth her contending for a free Choice to be made of one of the Nobility after much Debate it was at last concluded that the Duke of Albany John Son to Robert Brother to James the Third should be declared Vice-Roy which being done Letters are dispatched to him then an Exile in France The Duke accepteth the Honour and Charge and arriveth at Dunbarton about the 8th of May 1515 forthwith in Parliament is the Duke restored to his Patrimony and declared Vice-Roy The Vice-Roy beginneth his Government in a Progress all the Kingdom over endeavouring to establish Peace among all The Earl of Hume the great Instrument of the Vice-Roy his advancement finding himself much neglected repenteth him of his Service done to him and tenders the same to the Queen whom he formerly opposed suggesting to her the danger of the young King now in the hands of such a Vice-Roy whose Father for his traiterous Conspiring against the King and his ambitious aspiring the Crown was Exiled to his dying day the present Vice-Roy his Son born and brought up likewise in Exile appearing a man of no less Ambition than his Father the young King the only Rub in his way to the Crown must needs therefore be in great danger if some extraordinary Expedient be not found out for his Safety and in order hereunto he adviseth her to withdraw herself and her Son into England under the Protection of her Brother who so largely the other day declared his Royal affection and favour towards her All is soon and secretly bewrayed to the Vice-Roy who immediately surpriseth the King and his Mother the Queen in the Castle of Sterlin The Queen and all Dowglas his Faction are removed from the King the Tuition of whom he commits to the care of three Noble Men besides the Lord Areskin Governour of the Castle The Lord Hume and his Brother withdrew to England the Queen and the Earl of Angus her Husband soon follow after the Vice-Roy sendeth his Agents after them and complaineth of their Causeless departure All of them are by their Friends perswaded to return the Queen only being heavy with Child is advised to stay where soon after she was brought to Bed of a Daughter Named Margaret The Earl of Hume Summoned to appear before the Vice-Roy in a publick Convention is Condemned and his Estate confiscate because of non-appearance Ten thousand Horse and Foot are raised to reduce him which the Earl perceiving he casteth himself upon the Faith and Favour of the Vice-Roy by whose command Hume is committed to the
Family of the Guise Widdow of the late Duke of Longoville in Marriage to King James the Marriage is agreed to the Year following she arriveth in Scotland and the Marriage solemnized at St. Andrews 1538. This Year exemplary Justice was done upon divers Persons of Quality conspiring the Death of the King some the Year following were Burnt some Banished for embracing the Protestant Doctrine Preached in Germany by Luther and others James Hammilton the Bastard accused of High-Treason is sentenced to Death his Head and Quarters affixed to publick places in Edenburgh the King soon after thought in his Dream that Hammilton cut off first his right and then his left Arm threatning withal to appear again to take his own Life the King awaking is very much troubled with thoughts of this Dream and revolving with himself what might be the meaning of it a Messenger comes to him with the sad News of the Death of both his Sons at the same time the one at Sterlin the other at St. Andrews King Henry of England sendeth the second time to invite King James to a Conference at York the Scotch Clergy still oppose it and the Conference again refused King Henry in great Indignation against his Nephew for refusal of Conference with him resolveth to talk with him in harder Terms and to that end he raiseth an Army and sendeth it into Scotland and under the Command of the Duke of Norfolk The Scottish Ambassadors in vain intreating a Cessation King James prepares a considerable Army for defence the English enter into Scotland and after some mischief done at the approach of the Scotch Army they retreat the Lord Gordon marcheth before the main body with Ten thousand Men doing much hurt and annoyance to the Rear of the English Army King James with all earnestness presseth an Engagement with the English the Nobility peremptorily oppose him in it the King enraged upbraideth them with Cowardise unworthy to be owned as Sons of their Noble Ancestors vowing that though they should all desert him himself and his own Family alone should give the Enemy Battel The Lord Maxwell to pacify the King tendereth his Service to lead into Cumberland Ten thousand Men thereby to divert the Enemy The King accepteth his Service but being enraged against the whole Nobility he resolves that none of them should have the Honour of any thing done in that Expedition and for the cause giveth a Dormant Commission to Oliver Sinclare Brother to the Lord Roslin Having entred Cumberland and now in view of Five hundred English Horse Sinclare produceth his Commission it is read at the head of the Army Maxwell is thereby inraged the whole Army falleth in Mutiny and in such a confusion that they become a Prey to the Five hundred English Horse divers of the Nobility and the new General Sinclare are sent Prisoners to the Tower of London this dishonourable Disaster which hapned at Solway strikes the Valorous King with such grief and sorrow that he never after joyed but soon after departed this Life having first made Peace with King Henry at whose request he recalled Archibald Earl of Angus Thus dyed King James the Fifth a Prince of singular Endowments most patient of Cold Hunger and Travel sometimes setting on Horseback Twenty Four hours when the necessity of his affairs required it a great Justitiary and a person of singular Foresight and Wisdom THE LIFE OF QUEEN MARY QUeen Mary was the only Child James the Fifth her Father left to Inherit the Crown born to him not above eight days before his death James Hammilton Earl of Aran is therefore chosen Vice-Roy to whom King Henry of England sent his Ambassador Sir Radolph Sadler to procure Peace between the two Kingdoms and to demand Mary in Marriage to his Son by the influence of the late Prisoners in England especially the Exiled Dowglasses whom King Henry had wrought much to his Service by his Royal Favours whose Counsels were now very prevalent in the management of publick affairs both were assented the Contract of Marriage Signed and Pledges promised for better performance of all Conditions agreed upon notwithstanding of the Opposition of the Queen and Cardinal who fearing the Subversion of Popery still established in that Kingdom by this agreement endeavour what they can to cross all Tumults are stirred against the English Ambassador and daily Affronts put upon his Attendants in the Streets the Ambassador complaineth and demandeth the Pledges promised for confirmation of the Agreement lately made exemplary Justice is executed upon the chief movers in the Tumults in answer to this Complaint but the Cardinal by the influence of his power had so obstructed the matter of his demand that not one of the Nobility would yield up himself voluntarily a Pledge to the English and to such a business none could be compelled King Henry hereby provoked seiseth all the Scottish Ships in the English Havens and Harbours and proclaimeth War against the Scots in the mean while the Queen Mother sendeth to France to entreat the French King to send home Matthew Earl of Lennox to strengthen her against the English Faction otherwise Religion and the French League were like to come to nothing Lennox is sent home and forthwith levieth Four Thousand men and with this strong guard cometh to the Queen the Vice-Roy inferior in Power sends Commissions to treat for Peace by agreement the young Queen is committed to the Education of Four Indifferent Noble Men ingaged in neither Faction viz. the Lords Graham Areskin Lindsay and Leviston and accordingly they take charge of her at Sterlin where all the Nobility do Homage to her The Vice-Roy joyneth himself wholly to the Cardinal which Conjunction so inrageth Lennox that immediately he flyeth to Arms raiseth an Army marcheth to Leith and provoketh the Cardinal to Fight the Cardinal keeps himself close in Edenburgh Castle Lennox through want of Provisions is forced to withdraw and to put himself in a posture of Defence in and about Glascow King Henry hearing of these Stirs sends into Scotland to demand the custody of the young Queen until she came to years fit for Marriage The French Faction now prevailing his Demands are refused An Army is therefore forthwith sent into Scotland under the Conduct of the Earl of Hereford and a great Navy of Two hundred Sail under the Command of Viscount Lisle as Admiral The English enter the City of Edenburgh without resistance first they Pillage and then they Fire it and divers other Towns and Villages about it the like fate befel the Town of Leith and forthwith they return to England laden with Spoil The Queen Mother writeth to the French King and layeth all these mischiefs at Lennox his door as the only enemy of their Peace and Union by reason of his private Feud against the Vice-Roy for the death of his Father At her Request Lennox is recalled to France but finding the French King provoked against him he still keeps to his posture of Defence