Hume accepted that charge prosecute them where they might be apprehended till after much misery and night-wandring at home they were constrained with Alexander Drummond of Carnock who had been partaker of their misfortunes by his consanguinity with the Earls Mother who was Daughter to the Lord Drummond to fly into England where they were charitably received and honourably entertained by King Henry the Eight Now are the Offices and Lands of the Dowglasses disposed upon the Archbishop of Glasgow Gavin Dumbar is made Chancellor Robert Bartoun who was in especial favour with the King Treasurer great Customer General of the Artillery and Mines and other Charges are given unto others The King of England intended a War against the Emperor Charles the Fifth sendeth Embassadors to Scotland for a certain time to treat a Peace and if it were possible to reconcile the Dowglasses with the King Five years truce was resolved upon but for the Dowglasses the King would hearken to no offers only Alexander Drummond by the intercession of Robert Bartoun and the Embassadors had liberty to return home When the Earl of Northumberland and the Earl of Murray who had full power to conclude a Truce had met the other Commissioners upon the Borders the Factious great men and rank Ryders there put all in such a confusion by urging difficulties that they parted without agreeing unto any Articles or certain Conclusions which the King took in so evil a part that divining from what head this interruption sprung he committed sundry Noblemen to the Castle of Edenburgh till they gave Hostages and secured the Borders from invasion or being invaded In the month of June following with a great power he visited these bounds executing Justice upon all Oppressours Thieves and Out-Laws In Ewsdale eight and fourty notorious Riders are hung on growing Trees the most famous of which was John Arm-strong others he brought with him to Edenburgh for more publick Execution and Example as William Cockburn of Henderland Adam Scot of Tushelaw named King of Thieves The year 1530. the King instituted the Colledge of Justice before it was ambulatory removing from place to place by Circuits Suits of Law were peremptorily decided by Bayliffs Sheriffs and other Judges when any great and notable cause offered it self it was adjudged Soveraignly by the Kings Council which gave free audience to all the Subjects The power and priviledges of this Colledge was immediately confirmed by Pope Clement the Seventh In this Court are fifteen Judges ordinary eight of them being Spiritual Persons of the which the most antient is President and seven Temporal men The Chancellor of the Realm when he is present is above the President There are also four Councellors extraordinary removeable at the Princes pleasure This Institution is after that Order of Justice which is administred in Paris first instituted by Philip the Fourth the French King the year 1286. The King about this time storeth his Arsenals with all sort of Arms the Castles of Edenburgh Sterlin Dumbartoun and Blackness are repaired and furnisht with Ordnance and Ammunition Whilst no certain Truce is concluded between the Realms of England and Scotland the Earl of Angus worketh in this interim so with the King of England that Sir Edward Darcey is sent to the Borders who when his solicitation for restoring the Earl at the Scottish Court had taken no effect yea had been scorned after he had staied at Berwick with the Garrisoned Soldiers and some selected companies out of Northumberland and Westmerland maketh a Road into Scotland Coldingham Dunglas and adjacent Villages they burn ravage the Countrey towards Dunce Some Scottish Ships and Vessels were also at this time taken by Sea When a reason was sought of this Invasion in a Cessation of Arms and calm of Truce They require the Dowglasses may be restored to their ancient Inheritances and whatsoever had been with-held from them and that Cannabie a poor Abbacy be rendred to the English as appertaining of old to the Crown of England The Earl of Murray being declared Lieutenant maketh head against them but the English daily increasing in number and his Companies not being sufficient to make good against so many and large Incursions the power of Scotland is divided into four Quarters every one of which for the durance of fourty days by turns taketh the defence of the Countrey The English finding by this intercourse of new Soldiers the War to be prolonged would have gladly accepted of Peace but they disdained to sue for it to the Scots it was thought expedient that the French a Friend then to both should be a Mediatour to reconcile them wherupon after an Ambassador had come from France Commissioners first meet at Newcastle and after at London James Colvil of Easter Weyms Adam Otterburn of Redhall William Stuart Bishop of Aberdeen the Abbot of Kinloss These conclude a Peace To continue between the two Realms during the two Princes lives and one year after the decease of him who should first depart this life About this time the secrets of the Ecclesiastical Doctrine and Authority beginning to be laid open to the view of the World the politick Government of Kingdomes began to suffer in the alteration and discovery The Lady Katherine Daughter to Ferdinando and Isabella King and Queen of Spain and Sister to the Mother of Charles the Fifth Emperor had been Married to Arthur Prince of Wales Eldest Son to Henry the Seventh King of England he dying by the dispensation of Pope Julius the Second her Father in Law gave her again in Marriage to Henry his other Son the Brother of Arthur This Queen though fruitful of Children and often a Mother brought none forth that long enjoyed life and came to any perfection of growth except one only Daughter Mary Her Husband either out of spleen against the Emperor Charles or desire of Male Children or other Causes known to himself pretended great scruples in his Conscience would make himself and the World believe that his Marriage was not lawful After deliberation with his Church-men whom he constrained to be of his mind he kept not longer company with his Queen his Church-men used all their eloquence to make the Queen accept of a Divorce which she altogether refused and had her recourse to the Pope who recals the cause to himself At Rome whilst in the consistory the case is made difficult and the matter prolonged King Henry impatient of delays and amorous divorceth from his own Queen and Marrieth Anne Bullen 1533. Then the Pope with his whole Cardinals gave out their Sentence That it was not lawful for him by his own authority to separate himself from his Wife that his Marriage with Katharine was most lawful not to be questioned and that under pain of Excommunication he should adhere unto her King Henry well experienced in the great Affairs of the World considering how the threatnings and thunders of the Bishops of Rome even in these ancient and innocent times when they were
weal publick and Soveraignty Slow have I been in punishing injuries done to my self but can hardly pardon such as are done to the Commonwealth for this have I called this Parliament let rapine and out-rage no more be heard of but every man recal himself to a civil and regular form of life especially you my Nobles think vertue and civility true Nobility that to be accounted noblest which is best and that a mans own worth begets true glory By these and the obedience to their Princes your ancestors acquired what ye now enjoy there is no stronger means to keep the goods acquired from a Prince than the same by which they were first purchased which is still obeying Though by leagues Factions and the confounding of all true Policy and Order of Government Man may imagine he can shun the Judicatories of Man let none how great soever conceive he can save his wrongs unpunished from the Almighty hand of God Ye must not hereafter count Authority honesty and virtue idle names nor reckon that right which ye may win or hold by dint of Sword For me I will behave my self in my proceedings as I must answer to God and for you my Subjects do so as ye shall answer to God first and after to your Prince whom God hath set over you No mans Greatness shall appale me in doing right nor the meanness of any make him so contemptible that I shall not give ear to his grievance for I will strive to do justice on Oppressors and support the innocent to my uttermost Here he easily found the power which the Presence of a Prince hath over Subjects for having confirmed the minds of the Parliament a mutual oath passed between him and his Subjects The King swore if any made war against Scotland or went about to overthrow the ancient Laws of the Kingdom to resist and invade him with all his power The Estates swore if any by open Rebellion should revolt or conspire against the King or be found to be the Authors of Factions and Novations they should assist and side the King with all their forces after what manner he should command A Solemn Act was made that none of the Subjects should bind up a league together The King the more to assure the Clergy unto him swore to defend the liberties of the Church making an Act that all Church lands unjustly detained from them during the time of his Captivity should be restored unto them The Body of the Estate holding good for the King Mordock Duke of Albany with his Sons Walter and Alexander were presently arrested and committed as were likewise Duncan Earl of Lennox and Robert Graham a Man that dared give attempt upon those things which no honest man ever could think they were sent to Faulkland but the Duke to Carlaverock Archembald Earl of Dowglass with William Earl of Anguss the Kings Sisters son George Earl of March Walter Oguilby were committed but after set at liberty Adam Hepburn of Haylles Thomas Hay of Yeaster with others were sent to the Castle of St. Andrews That same day the Duke was Committed the King seized on his Castles at Faulkland in Fyfe and Down in Monteeth out of which he removed the Dutchess to Tantallon in Lothian James the youngest Son of the Duke whom former carriage and harmless behaviour had exempted from all suspicion of Treachery after the committing of his Father and Friends whether of a youthful insolency or desperate rage resolving to do and suffer all extremities or that he was contemned accompanied with a number of out-laws and Mountainers on the Holy-rood-day called the Invention of the Cross came to the Town of Dumbartoun set it on fire surprised there John Stuart of Dondonald surnamed the Red Uncle to the King slew him with thirty others after which cruel advising with fear and despair he fled into Ireland where he died The Wife of Walter Stuart his Brother with her two sons Andrew and Alexander with Arthur a base born hasted with him where they remained till the reign of King James the third The barbarous fierceness of James highly incensed the King against his Father and race diverted the current of his Clemency for when he thought by gentle incarcerations to have restrained their malice now he finds that that deaf Tyrant the Law can only secure himself and bring rest to his Subjects Whereupon the year following he calleth a Parliament at Sterling where the estates assembling the Duke with his two sons and Father-in-law the Earl of Lennox accusations being engrossed and articles exhibited against them out of the acts of former times of what hath been done unjustly ctuelly or amiss during the Kings captivity were presented arraigned and condemned Walter Earl of Athol being Judge to whom were adjoyned many noble men and Barons That same day on which their fatal sentence was pronounced the two young men Walter Stuart and Alexander Sons to the Duke were taken forth to the Hill which ariseth against the Castle of Sterling and had their heads cut off The day following Mordock Duke of Albany late Governour with Duncan Lennox Earl of Lennox was beheaded The deaths of these Noblemen were so far from breeding any distaste in the common People that out of their depraved disposition and envy against their betters they flowted at their fall reproached their insolencies delighted in their execution and as much without reason railed on them when they were dead as they had flattered them being alive Whether by the wisdom of the King it hath fallen out who caused abolish the Indictment being against persons so near unto him in blood or bluntness of those times which thought such clear evidences needed no Records the particulars of the Attaindor of these great men are swallowed up in dark oblivion Moved at the Imprisonment of his Son did Mordock with Lennox hating him whom they had wronged attempt against the Kings person and that same very Treason which afterwards had success was it then between the plot and the execution surprised and in the very head cut off The Earl of Athol a man whose desires were both extremely wicked and unbounded was a great actor in this Trady Did the King standing in fear of their extraordinary greatness bend his eyes upon the disposition of the Offenders squaring their actions by the rule of their intentions and weighing what not how far they did offend for Princes quickly free themselves from their very shadows in matter of jealousie of State And tney have great reason to prevent such crimes which cannot be punished when they are committed nor should they expect to amend a mischief when the Criminals are become Masters of their Judges People believe not that any conjure against a Prince till they find the Treason to have taken effect and distrust the Plot till they see him dead But the Death of such who are suspected to be the Authors of disorders in a Commonwealth spareth an infinite number of lives and much civil
ye do not uphold the French now in the Sun-set of their Fortunes and at their weakest that ye would not shoulder this falling wall but that ye would live quiet within your selves keeping your own in a Neutrality receiving both sides French and English in the way of Friendship neither side in the way of Faction The French Embassadour spoke to this purpose It seemeth strange to me that it should be questioned and fall within the Circle of deliberation whether old ever true and assured Friends or old never trusted and only Enemies should in an honourable suit be preferred whether ye should stand to a Nation which in your greatest calamities never abandoned you or embrace and be carried away with one which hath ever sought your overthrow The English sue for your alliance and friendship but it is to make you leave your old Confederates and turn the instruments of their ruine and at last bring the yoke of bondage upon your selves The French sue for your friendship and alliance both to support themselves and hold servitude from you were not your friendship with France their power policy and number had long ere these days over-turned your Realm or had France but shown her self an indifferent Arbitress of the blows between Scotland and England ye had scarce till now kept your Name less your Liberties can ye prove so ungrateful as not to supply them who supported you Can ye prove so unconstant after so many glorious wounds received in the defence of France as cowardly to turn your backs upon her in her greatest need defacing all the Traces of your former Fame and Glory with what countenances could ye look upon those Scots which at Vernueill and Cravant in the Bed of honour left their lives if unrevenged ye should adhere and joyn your selves to their Enemies and Killers Now though ye would forsake the French at this time intangled in many difficulties not regarding their well being nor be solicitous of their standing at least be careful of your own It cannot subsist with your well and safety to suffer a bordering Nation always at enmity with you to arise to that height and power by such an addition as is the Kingdom of France so soon as a State hath a Neighbour strong enough and able to subdue it it is no more to be esteemed a free Estate The English are already become so Potent that no less than united forces of neighbour Kingdoms will serve to stop the current of their fortune Neglect not the certain love of the French your often tryed and ancient friends for the uncertain friendship and within a little time forgotten Alliances of the English your late reconciled Enemies But it may be after mutual marriages have one day joyned your two Kingdoms in one they will seek no preheminency over your State nor make thrall your Kingdom but be knit up with you in a perfect union Do not small brooks lose their names when they commix their Streams with mighty Rivers and are not Rivers ingolfed when they mingle their waters with the Seas Ye enjoy now a kind of mixed Government my Lords not living under absolute Soveraignty your King proceedeth with you more by Prayers and Requests than by Precepts and Commandments and is rather your Head than Soveraign as ruling a Nation not conquered But when ye shall be joyned in a Body with that Kingdom which is absolutely Royal and purely Monarchical having long suffered the Laws of a Conquerour ye shall find a change and a terrible transformation The free managing of your own affairs shall be taken from you Laws Magistracies Honours shall depend on them the wealth of your Kingdom shall be transferred to theirs which to obey and prostrate your selves unto if ye be found stubborn ye shall suffer as a Nation Conquered be redacted in a Province have Deputies and Governours set over you Garrisons in your strongest holds and Castles and by a calm of Peace and Union receive more fearful blowes than ye could have suffered by any Tempest of War The miseries of a most lamentable Servitude What courtesie can ye expect at their hands who contrary to all divine and human Laws detained your King eighteen years prisoner and besides an exorbitant Ransom as if he had been taken in a lawful war did not without Hostages send him home We of France did never forsake you in your extremities and we expect ye will assist us with all your power They are in suit of your Daughter but it is long after she was assured unto us in claiming her we claim but our own this time past ye have only had the custody and education of her yet if they be so ambitious of your Alliance God hath blessed you with more than this But it is not that which they sue for it is to make you disclaim your Friends hate those which love you and love them which hate you and they are working upon you as a rude unpolisht people They offer to render you Berwick and Roxburgh these gifts of Enemies ought to be feared they know it is in their own power to re-obtain them when they please As for that point wherein they would have you indifferent spectators of the blowes and that it shall be profitable for you not to meddle with this War ye are too near engaged neither is there any thing can be more dammageable unto you for if ye be not of the party ye may assure your selves that your Country shall remain a Prey and reward to the Conquerour with content and applause of the vanquished who is not bound to succour those who refuse to assist and help him in his necessities Prove firm and constant to us your first Confederates combine your Forces with ours and by the assistance of that Supreme Providence who pittieth at last the oppressed we have fair certainties and true hopes to cut so much work abroad to the English that they shall do little or no harm to you at home The King and Nobles though it seemed more profitable for the present time to follow the English weighing their offers yet held it more advantageous and sure for coming times to follow the French for if the English should make conquest of France the Conquest of Scotland would scarce be one Months work to their power and for matter of Allyance God knows how little Princes regard it when occasion is offered to enlarge their power and Dominion Thereupon they declare they will not break the ancient League and Peace they have kept with France The English Embassadours denyed of their suit went from Prayers and Requests to threatnings and menacings and having friendship refused denounced War If the King gave his Daughter to the French that they if they could would hinder her passage by Sea having already a Fleet prepared to this effect and thus went away the English Embassadours The King was so far from being moved by these threatnings that immediately he made ready his Ships and knowing more
Chancellor standing by his Princes favour and a long practice of the affairs and course of the World The Earl fearing the Authority of the King might sway the Ballance and make the party unequal if he should be brought to call to remembrance passed actions and attempts of his Predecessors findeth nothing more expedient to curb his enemies and strengthen his proceedings than to renew his old Confederation and combine with him many others Hereupon the Earls of Crawford Ross Murray Ormond the Lord Balvenny Knight of Cadyow many Barons Gentlemen with their Allies Vassals Servants to a great number subscribed and swore solemnly never to desert one another during life That injuries done to any one of them should be done to them all and be a common quarrel neither should they desist to their best abilities to revenge them That they should concur indifferently against whatsoever Persons within or without the Realm and spend their Lives Lands Goods Fortunes in defence of their Debates and Differences whatsoever This confederation and Covenant again renewed turned the Earl imperious in his deportments presumptuous beyond all limits and his followers and adherents insupportable to their neighbours The Lands of such who were not of their party or refused to think all their thoughts and second them in their enterprizes were plundered and goodness was a cause to make men suffer most pillage and ransacking of their Goods and other miserable calamities At this time the Thieves and Robbers of Liddes-dale and Annandale break into the Lands of John Lord Herress a Noble Man who had continued constantly faithful to the King and drive with them a great booty of Cattle Complaints being given to the Earl of Dowglass of the Depredations of his men and finding no redress the Lord Herress essayeth to drive the like prey in recompence of the damage but being unequal in power his fortune was to be taken by the Thieves and brought as a Prisoner to the Earl who layed him fast in Irons and notwithstanding of the Kings Letters full of Intreaties and Threatnings without any formality of Law caused Hang him as a Felon The like mischief was practised in other places After this contempt of Soveraignty it was universally blazed that the Earl of Dowglass in respect of his new Covenant the power of his Kinsmen and Allies the entertaining of such who were discontent and discountenanced at Court the love and favour of the men of Arms in Scotland ever governed by some of his Name his riches the honour of his Ancestors had resolved to dissemble no longer but openly to play his game essay one day if he could set the Crown upon his own head being then able to raise an Army of Forty thousand warlike persons men ready to go with him whither or against whom they cared not attending only the occasion and his Commandment The King who before but disdained the pride after this League became jealous of the Earl of Dowglass a League giving a Law to a King breaking all bonds of Soveraignty and inviting a people to look for a new Master and though his modesty and patience served only to turn the Earl more insolent and his boldness more active yet in a foul game he bare a fair countenance knowing the last thing which a Soveraign Prince should do is to shew himself Male-content and offended with any of his Subjects for instead of chastising him he would give him fairer means and greater power to do him harm He would not shew a token of any prejudicial thought to the Earls proceedings till he had first heard himself Thus very calmly he desired him to come and speak with him at Sterlin whiles he conscious of his own misdemeanor except upon a publick assurance under the great Seal for his safe coming and return refused to do A safe conduct obtained 1452 about the Shrew-tide in the year One thousand four hundred fifty two he came to the Court then remaining at Sterlin Castle accompanied with many of his Confederates and a powerful Retinue The King with a gracious countenance and all apparent respect received him endeavouring rather by kindness and humanity than by rigor to reclaim him to his former obedience The day near spent the Gates of the Castle shut all removed except some of the Council and the Guards the King taking the Earl friendly apart remembred him of favors received wrongs forgotten the duties as a Subject he owed to his Prince his capitulation before he would come and speak with him he taxed him with the exorbitant abuses and outrages of his followers then he told him what Informations he had of a Covenant of mutual defence and adherence betwixt him and some of his Nobles and Gentlemen which he would scarce believe He prayed him to consider the murmuring or rather begun sedition of his people his long patience in tolerating his proceedings his misbelief of evil reports towards him until he had heard what he had to say for himself and his innocency The Earl answered the Kings towardness in equal terms trusting much to his confederation for his favours he should strive with all obsequiousness to deserve them That as he had the honour to command others who obeyed him he knew very well how to be commanded and obey his Prince and in what disobedience consisted that as none of his Subjects enjoyed more Lands and Honours than himself there should not one be found who more willingly would engage all his fortunes and person for the Honour of his Prince That they who layed snares for his life being so near his Majesty for the surety of his person he could not come to Court except upon a publick assurance and well accompanied For the wrongs committed by his Followers and Vassals he would give what satisfaction should be required Concerning the Band of mutual friendship betwixt him and some Noblemen they would have adhered together without any writing they were driven thereunto for their own safety not out of mind to offer but repel injuries That he was infinitely oblig'd to his goodness in not condemning him before he was heard and for that he had not lent a credulous ear to his enemies mischievous devices The King replyed effects and not words make the affection and submission of a subject known and could there be any greater surety for him than to rely on the Laws of the Commonwealth and Country especially continued he in a Country where Laws and not Faction rule and where a man 's own goodness is able to preserve him But such men as you are raise these Factions to the subversion of all Laws and Authority and for Subjects to make an offensive and defensive League against all persons is to disclaim all Government and do what they please without controulment commit Treason in the highest degree and make your own Swords and Power justifie your proceedings which though ye first use against mean persons and conceal the progress of your actions for there are degrees in evil
nothing from the common shape and proportion of the bodies of other men the members both for use and comliness being two their faces looking one way sitting they seemed two men to such who saw not the parts beneath and standing it could not be discerned to which of the two Bulks above the thighs and legs did appertain They had differing Passions and divers wills often chiding others for disorder in their behaviour and actions after much deliberation embracing that unto which they both consented By the Kings Direction they were carefully brought up and instructed in Musick and Forreign Languages This monster lived Twenty eight years and dyed when John Duke of Albany Govern'd Claud Gruget maketh mention of the like Monster born in Paris before the Marriage of Henry the Fourth the French King with Margarite of Valois but the birth and death of it were near together The King by his great Liberality unto Strangers abroad and his lavish spending at home for religious Places were founded Castles repaired Ships builded three of an extraordinary greatness finding himself needy of Treasure to support the daily expences at Court engaged to many and sunk deep in debt and that Subsidies he could not Levy except by the Suffrages of his Parliament by whose Power they were imposed and rated setteth the most learned Counsellors at Law and men experienced in Foreign Policy to find out new means and ways to acquire and gather him moneys by Laws already made and Ordained which was in effect to Pole the People by executing the rigour of Justice the Fortunes of wise men arising often on the expences of Fools after the example of King Henry the seventh of England his father-in-Father-in-law who taking the advantage of the breach of his penal Statutes gave power to Sir Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley by Informers and Promoters to oppress and ruine the Estates of many of his best Subjects whom King Henry the Eight to satisfy his wronged people after his decease caused Execute Old Customs are by these men pryed into and forgotten absolet Statutes quickned Amongst the Titles of possessing of Lands in Scotland there is one which in process of time of an ungodly custom grew strong and is kept for a Law being fetched by imitation from the Laws of the neighbouring States That if the possessour of Lands die and leave a Minor to succeed to him his Tutelage belongeth to the King and the profit of the Lands until the Minor be of the age of One and twenty years This is of those Lands which are termed Wards The King causeth bring up his Wards but bestoweth no more of their Rents upon them than is useful to such of that age By another Law they have not any thing better than this which they call Recognition that if the evidences of any Possessour of Ward-lands be not in all points formal and above exceptions of Law the Lands the possessours put from them shall return to the Lords Superiour and like to this That if a Possessour of Ward-Lands without the consent of the Superiour sell and put away the half or above the half of his Land and Farm the whole Land and Farm returneth to the Superiour or Lord Paramount They have Lands held with Clauses which they call Irritant that if two terms of a few-duty run unpaid into the Third the Land falleth unto the Superiour When those Laws and other like them by reason of the Neighbour Incursions and troubles with England and the civil broyls at home had been long out of use amongst the Subjects and the execution of them as it were in a manner forgot these Projectors and new Tol-masters the King giving way to enrich his Exchequer awakned them Many of the Subjects by these enquiries were obnoxious to the King and smarted but most the most honest who were constrained either to buy their own Lands and Inheritance from the Exchequer or quit and freely give some portion of them to those Caterpillars of the State The King was so dearly beloved of his People that in the height of those Grievances which reached near the exorbitant Avarice of his Father none refused or made difficulty to give all that the Laws ordained The King seeing their willingness to perform and knowing their great disability thereunto out of his singular Grace and Goodness remitteth not only the rigour but even the equity almost of his Laws insomuch that thereafter none of his Subjects were damnified in their Persons or Estates by his proceedings which gain'd him the hearts of all And to put away all suspicions and jealousies from their minds an ordinary Practice amongst Princes acts that fill Princes Coffers ever being the ruine of their first Projectors of any wrong intended He suffered the Promoters and Projectors of this Poling with others of the most active to be thrown into Prisons where some miserably ended their days The year One thousand five hundred and seven James Prince of Scotland and Isles was born at Holy-rood-House the Twenty first of January the Queen in her throws of birth being brought near the last Agony of Death the King overcome with affection and religious vows taketh a Pilgrimage for her recovery on foot to Saint Ninians in Galloway a place in those credulous times famous for the burial of St. Ninian the Apostle of the Britains and notorious by the many Processions and visits of the Neighbour Countries of Ireland and England at his return he findeth his Queen recovered the Child after dyed at Sterlin with the Bishop of Galloway who was appointed to attend him The year following the Queen brought forth another Son named Arthur at Holy-rood-House but he dyed also in the Castle of Edenburgh and Henry the Seventh his Grandfather accompanied him to the other World King James to the Coronation of the young King his brother-in-Brother-in-law sendeth Embassadours After the death of his two Sons and his Father-in-Law as if he had been warned from above to think upon his own mortality whether he had a resolute intention so to do or that for reasons known to himself he would have it so appear he giveth out That out of remorse for bearing Arms in the Field where his Father was slain he had a resolution to leave his Kingdom and visit the holy Sepulchre Then to prepare his way Robert Blacka-Towre Abbot of Dumfermling is directed but the Abbot in his journey is Arrested by Death and the King findeth other hinderances to keep him at Home Amidst these deliberations his Queen is delivered in the Pallace of Linlithgow of her third Son in the Month of April One thousand five hundred and Twelve who succeeded to the Crown and was named James About this same time Bernard Stuart that famous Warriour under Charles the eighth of France who commanded the French in Bosworth Field came to Scotland followed by Andrew Foreman then Arch-Bishop of Burges and Bishop of Murray with Alexander Stuart the Kings Natural Son after promoted to be Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews
in the Reign of King James the Third had purchased Letters of Reprisal against the Portugals by Thomas Howard the English Admiral is slain and his Ships taken To this last grievance when it was expostulated King Henry is said to have answered That Truce amongst Princes was never broken for taking or Killing of Pyrates Alexander Lord Hume Warden of the East Marches in Revenge of accumulated injuries with three thousand men Invadeth the English Borders burneth some Villages and Forrageth the Fields about But having divided his Forces and sent a part of them loaden with spoils towards Scotland he falleth in an Ambush of the English where Sir William Bulmure with a thousand Archers put him to flight and took his Brother George During these Border Incursions the Lord Dacres and Doctor West came as in an Embassie from England not so much for the Establishing a Peace and setling those Tumults begun by the meeting of Commissioners who Assembled and concluded nothing as to give their Master certain and true Intelligence of the Proceedings of the Scots with the French and what they attempted Monsieur de la Motte was come with Letters from the French to stir King James to take Arms against the English and had in his Voyage drowned three English Ships bringing seven with him as Prizes to the Harbour of Leyth Robert Bartoun in revenge of Andrew Bartouns death at that same time returned with thirteen Vessels all Prizes King Lovys had sent a great Ship loaden with Artillery Powder and Wines in which Mr. James Oguylbuy Abbot of Drybrough arrived with earnest request for the renewing of the ancient League between France and Scotland and Letters from Queen Ann for the Invasion of England In which she regretted he had not one Friend nor maintainer of his Honour at the Court of France after the late delay of the sending his Ships except her self and her Ladies that her request was He would for her sake whom he had honoured with the name of his Mistriss in his Martial sports in time of Peace March but one mile upon the English bounds now in time of an appearing War against her Lord and Country The King thinking himself already engaged and interested in his Fame drawn away by the Promises Eloquence and other persuasions of the French assembleth the three Estates of his Kingdom to deliberate about a War with England Many oppose it but in vain for at last for fear of the King's displeasure it is concluded uncertain whether by a worse Counsel or event But before any hostility against the English they determine and Decree That King Henry shall by an Herauld be fairly advertised and desired to desist from any further Invasion of the Territories of the French King or Duke of Guilders who was General of the French Army the King of Scotland's Confederates and Kinsmen which not being yielded unto the War as lawful and just shall be denounced Henry the Eight then Besieging Therovenne answered the Herauld who delivered his Commission That he heard nothing from him but what he had expected from a King a Despiser of God's and Man's Law for himself he would not give over a War so happily begun for any threats Neither did he care much for that Man's friendship of whose unconstancy he had so often had experience nor for the power of his Kingdom and ambitious Poverty After this answer of the King of England A Declaration by the King of Scotland was published almost to this sense Though Princes should direct their Actions more to conscience than Fame and are not bound to give an account of them to any but to God alone and when Armies are prepared for Battel they look not so much to what may be said as to what ought to be done the Victors being ever thought to have had Reason upon their side and the justest Cause yet to manifest our sincerity and the uprightness of our proceedings as well to these present times as to posterity who may hereafter enquire after our deportments that all may take a full view of our intentions and courses we have been mov'd to lay down the justness and equity of our Arms before the Tribunal of the World The Laws of Nations and of Nature which are grounded upon the Reason by which Man is distinguished from other Creatures oblige every one to defend himself and to seek means for ones own preservation is a thing unblamable but the Laws of Soveraignty lay greater obligations upon us and above all men Monarchs and they to whom God hath given the Governments of States and Kingdoms are not only bound to maintain and defend their own Kingdoms Estates and Persons but to relieve from unjust Oppression so far as is in their power being required their Friends Neighbours and Confederates and not to suffer the weak to be overthrown by the stronger The many Innovations and troubles raised upon all sides about us the wrongs our Subjects have suffered by the Insolencies and Arrogancy of the Counsellors of Henry King of England our brother-in-Brother-in-Law are not only known to our Neighbour but blazed amongst remotest Countries Roads and Incursions have been made upon our Borders Sundry of our Lieges have been taken and as in a just War turned Prisoners the Warden of our Marches under Assurance hath been miserably killed our Merchants at Sea Invaded spoiled of their Goods Liberties Lives above others the chief Captain of our Ships put to death and all by the King 's own Commission upon which breaches between the two Kingdoms disorders and manifest wrongs committed upon our Subjects when by our Embassadours we had divers times required satisfaction and reparation we received no Justice or answer worthy of him or us our Complaints being rejected and we disdainfully contemned that longer to suffer such insolencies and not by just Force to resist unjust violence and by dangers to seek a remedy against greater or more imminent dangers Not to stand to the defence of our Lieges and take upon us their Protection were to invite others to offer the like affronts and injuries to us hereafter Besides these Breaches of Duty Outrages Wrongs done unto us his Brother Henry King of England without any just cause or violence offered to him or any of his by the King of France hath Levyed a mighty Army against him Invaded his Territories using all Hostility Continuing to assault and force his Towns make his Subjects Prisoners Kill and Ransom them impose Subsidies and lift moneys from the quiet sort which wrongs dammage and injustice we cannot but repute done unto us in respect of our earnest intercessions unto him and many requests rejected and that ancient League between the two Kingdoms of France and Scotland in which these two Nations are obliged respectively and mutually bound to assist others against all Invaders whatsoever that the Enemy of the one shall be the Enemy of the other and the Friends of the one the Friends of the other As all Motions tend unto rest
a Plague unto them It is an Error of State in a Prince for an opinion of Piety to condemn to death the adherers to new Doctrine For the constancy and patience of those who voluntarily suffer all temporal miseries and death it self for matters of Faith stir up and invite numbers who at first and before they had suffered were ignorant of their Faith and Doctrine not only to favour their Cause but to embrace their Opinions Pitty and commiseration opening the Gates Thus their belief spreadeth it self abroad and their Number daily encreaseth It is no less Error of State to banish them Banished men are so many Enemies abroad ready upon all occasions to invade their native Countrey to trouble the Peace and Tranquillity of your Kingdom To take Arms against Sectaries and Separatists will be a great Enterprize a matter hard and of many dangers Religion cannot be preached by Arms the first Christians detested that form of proceedings force and compulsion may bring forth Hypocrites not true Christians If there be any Heresie amongst your People this wound is in the Soul our Souls being Spiritual Substances upon which fire and iron cannot work They must be overcome by spiritual Arms Love the men and pitty their Errors Who can lay upon a man a necessity to believe that which he will not believe or what he will believe or doth believe not to believe No Prince hath such Power over the Souls and thoughts of men as he hath over their bodies Now to ruine and extirpate all those Sectaries what will it prove else than to cut off one of your Arms to the great prejudice of your Kingdom and weakning of the State they daily increasing in number and no man being so miserable and mean but he is a membor of the State The more easie manner and nobler way were to tolerate both Religions and grant a place to two Churches in the Kingdom till it shall please Almighty God to return the minds of your Subjects and turn them all of one will and opinion Be content to keep that which ye may Sir since ye cannot that which ye would It is a false and erroneous opinion That a Kingdom cannot subsist which tolerateth two Religions Diversity of Religion shutteth not up society nor barreth civil conversation among men a little time will make persons of different Religions contract such acquaintance custom familiarity together that they will be intermixt in one City Family yea Marriage-Bed State and Religion having nothing common Why I pray may not two Religions be suffered in a State till by some sweet and easie means they may be reduced to a right Government since in the Church which should be union it self and of which the Roman Church much vaunteth almost infinit Sects and kinds of Monks are suffered differing in their Laws Rules of government Fashions of living Dyet Apparel maintenance and opinions of perfection and who sequester themselves from our publick union The Roman Empire had its extension not by similitude and likeness of Religion Different Religions providing they enterprize nor practise nothing against the Politick Laws of the Kingdom may be tolerated in a State The Murthers Massacres Battels which arise and are belike daily to encrease amongst Christians all which are undertaken for Religion are a thousand times more execrable and be more open plain flat impiety than this Liberty of diversity of Religions with a quiet peace can be unjust Forasmuch as the greatest part of those who flesh themselves in blood and slaughter and overturn by Arms the peace of their Neighbours whom they should love as themselves spoiling and ravaging like famished Lyons sacrifice their souls to the infernal powers without further hopes or means of their ever recovering and coming back when those others are in some way of repentance In seeking liberty of Religion these men seek not to believe any thing that may come in their Brains but to use Religion according to the first Christian institutions serving God and obeying the Laws under which they were born That Maxim so often repeated amongst the Church-men of Rome That the Chase and following of Hereticks is more necessary than that of Infidels is well applyed for the inlarging and increasing the Dominions Soveraignty and power of the Pope but not for the amplifying and extending of the Christian Religion and the Weal and Benefit of the Christian Common-Wealth Kingdoms and Soveraignties should not be governed by the Laws and Interests of Priests and Church-men but according to the exigency need and as the case requireth of the publick Weal which often is necessitated to pass and tolerate some defects and faults It is the duty of all Christian Princes to endeavour and take pains that their Subjects embrace the true faith as that semblably and in even parts they observe all Gods commandments and not more om commandment than another Notwithstanding when a vice cannot be extirpate and taken away without the ruine of the State it would appear to human judgments that it should be suffered Neither is there a greater obligation bond necessity of Law to punish Hereticks more than Fornicators which yet for the peace and tranquillity of the State are tolerated and past over Neither can a greater inconveniency and harm follow if we shall suffer men to live in our Common-wealth who believe not nor embrace not all our opinions In an Estate many things are for the time tolerated because they cannot without the total ruine of the State be suddenly Amended and Reformed These men are of that same nature and condition of which we are they worship as we do one God they believe those very same holy Records We both aim at Salvation We both fear to offend God We both set before us our happiness The difference between them and us hangeth upon this one point that they having found abuses in our Church require a Reformation Now shall it be said for that we run divers ways to one end understand not rightly others Language we shall pursue others with Fire and Sword and extirpate others from the face of the Earth God is not in the bitter division and alienation of affections nor the raging flames of sedition nor in the Tempests of the turbulent Whirl-winds of contradictions and disputations but in the calm and gentle breathings of Peace and Concord If any wander out of the High-way we bring him to it again If any be in darkness we shew him light and kill him not In Musical Instruments if a string jar and be out of tune we do not frettingly break it but leisurely veer it about to a Concord and shall we be so churlish cruel uncharitable so wedded to our own superstitious opinions that we will barbarously banish kill burn those whom by love and sweetness we might readily win and recal again Let us win and merit of these men by reason Let them be cited to a free Council it may be they shall not be proved Hereticks neither that they
away by the current of grief and swallowed up in the gulf of despair All his faults are but some few Warts in a most pleasing and beautiful Face He was very much beholding to the excellent Poets of his time whose commendation shall serve him for an Epitaph Ariosto who knew him only by fame in the Person of Zerbino whom he nameth Prince of Scotland glaunceth at his worth Zerbin di Bellezza e di Valore Sopra tutti i Signori eminente Di virtu essempio e di Bellezza raro In another place but Romzard who with his Queen came to Scotland and was his Domestick Servant describeth him more to the life Ce Roy D' Escosse estoit en la fleur de ses ans Ses Cheveux non tondus commine fin or linsans Câ—â— donnez et crespez flotans dessus sa face Et sur son col de laist luy donnoit bonne grace Son Port estoit royal son reguard vigoureux De vertus et de honneur de guerre amoureux La douceur et la force illustroient son visage Si que Venus et Mars en avoient fait partage So happy is a Prince when he cherisheth and is entertain'd by the rare spirits of his time that even when his Treasures Pomp State Followers Diadems and all external Glory leave him the sweet incense of his Fame in the Temple of Honour persumeth his Altars A Princes name is surer preserved and more deeply ingraven in Paper than in all the rusting Medals blasted Arches entombed Tombs which may serve to any as well as to him raised with such loss of time vain labours of Artizans vast expence to be the sport of the Winds Rains Tempests Thunder Earthquakes or if they shun all these of superstition faction and civil Broyls After this Prince had some years rested in a Tomb not only it but the most part of the Church was made equal to the ground by the Armies of his Uncle King Henry the Eight whose malice left him not even when he was dead proving as horrible an Uncle as Nero was a Son A while after he was transported to another Vault by the piety of his matchless Grand-Child James King of Great-Britain where he was embalmed again enshrined and his Coffin adorned with the Arms of the Kingdom cognoscances and a Crown With which Honours I leave him till some famous pen encouraged by the favours of his Royal Successors raise his Fame from the dust of obscure Papers to Eternity THE END MEMORIALS OF STATE Considerations to the KING December 1632. THere is nothing more dangerous to a King than to suffer Majesty and that sacred respect which a Subject oweth him to be violated and his Fame and Reputation lessened by other mens boldness whose presumption may lead them forwards not only to dally with his Person but with his Crown But his Ears are so often guarded by these men that he never heareth virtues till he hath granted what he cannot well amend and his wounds be incurable If a Prince hold any thing dear it should be the Right and Title of his Crown which concerneth not only himself but his Posterity out of which a small Jewel 〈◊〉 away maketh it the less Radiant And to all Subjects that should be as Mount Sinai not to be approached In every case we should take greater heed to what in it is hurtful than to what is in it profitable for what profit and commodity any thing carrieth with it easily presenteth it self unto us but any one point which may hurt us unless it be observed and carefully taken away may overthrow and bring to nought all that hath been rightly intended The restoring of the Earl Monteeth in blood and allowing his descent and title to the Earldom of Strathern is thought to be disadvantageous to the King's Majesty and that a more dangerous blow could not be given to the Nobleman himself We may easily conjecture of things to come and imagine them by those of the like nature which have proceeded The Stage of the World is the same still though in times the Actors be changed and come about again For the Kings Majesty it would be considered if Henry the sixth King of England would if it had been in his power reclaimed the approbation restoring in bloud and allowing of the descent and title of Richard Duke of York who openly in Parliament thereafter made claim for the Crown as in his own right laying down thus his title The Son of Ann Mortimer who came of Philipe the Daughter and sole heir of Leonel Duke of Clarence third Son to King Edward the third is to be preferred by very good right in Succesion of the Kingdom before the children of John of Gaunt the fourth Son of the said Edward the third but Richard Duke of York is come of Philipe the Daughter and sole Heir of Leonel Duke of Clarence third Son to K Edward the third then to be preferred before the children of the fourth Son who was Henry The like reason may be alledged in the Title of the Earl of Strathern The children of a first marriage by the common Law are to be preferred in the Succession before the children of the second marriage for the marrying of Elizabeth Moor did but legitimate and make her children to succeed after the children of the first marriage As for the authority of a Parliament it would be considered whether or not the Authority of a Parliament may confer and entail a Crown from the lawful Heir thereof to the next apparent heirs Or if an Oath given unto a King by mans Law should be performed when it tendeth to the suppression of Truth and Right which stand by the Law of God Then if one Parliament hath power to entail a Crown whether may not another Parliament upon the like considerations restore the same to the righteous heirs But the Subject resigneth all his right to his King It would be considered whether a subject may safely capitulate with his Prince that is to say give over and quit-claim all right and title which he hath to his Soveraigns Crown his Right being sufficient and if by his capitulation his heirs be bound and if it be honourable for a Prince to accept his conditions The trouble which Edward Baliol raised in Scotland is yet recent to the Readers of Histories Notwithstanding that his Father John Baliol had resigned unto Robert King of Scotland all the right and title which he or any other of his had or thereafter might have to the Crown of Scotland concerning any interest or claim which might be avouched for any cause or consideration He anno 1355. gave to Edward the third King of England a full resignation of his pretended Right of the Crown of Scotland As before being assisted by the said King and the confederate Gentlemen of Scotland in a Parliament holden at Perth where he had been confirmed King of Scotland by the three Estates It would be considered if
and things necessary to matters of money immediatly dispatched so so much as could be gathered together with a great many young Noblemen of the Kingdom to remain Hostages for the rest who after the English Writers were David son to the Earl of Athol Alexander Earl of Crawford the Lord Gordon John de Lyndesay Patrick Son and Heir to Sir John Lyon David de Ogleby Sir William de Ruthen Miles Graham David Mowbray and William Oliphant These were honorably received entertained and kept The Kings Father in Law the Earl of Somerset the Cardinal his Brother accompanied their Niece to the Borders and there taking their leave returned back The King with the rest of their Train received with many Troops of Nobles and Gentlemen who swarmed from all parts of the Kingdom to give him a dutiful welcome into his Native soyl and themselves the contentment of beholding one they had so long desired and expected with loud acclamations and applauses of the Commons as he held his Progress on the Passion Week in Lent came to Edinburgh During his abode there he assembled many of the Estates listened to their Petitions prepared for the approaching Parliament which had been summoned before his coming The Solemnities of Easter finished the King came with his Queen to Perth and from thence in the beginning of the moneth of May to Scone where the year 1424. by Mordock the Governour Duke of Albany and Earl of Fife to whom that charge by custom of the Kingdom did appertain and Henry Bishop of S. Andrews the 27 year of his Age there was a joynt Coronation of himself and his Queen being according to the Computation of the old Scottish History the hundreth and one King of Scotland At which time Sigismond son to Charles the fourth An. Dom. 1424. was Emperour of the West John the seventh the son of Andronicus of the East Amurath the second Great Turk Alphonsus the fifth King of Spain Charles the seventh King of France Henry the sixth King of England and with Martin the fifth many claimed the Chair of St. Peter The ends in calling the Parliament were the Coronation of the King to make the People see a Princes authority was come where they had but lately a Governours the establishing a Peace amongst the Subjects and taking away all Factions the exacting a Subsidie for the relief of the Hostages in England To this last the Nobles held strong hand by reason many of their Sons were engaged Here a a general tax was condescended upon through the whole Realm as twelve pennies of the pound to be paid of all Lands as well Spiritual as Temporal and four pennies of every Cow Ox Horse for the space of two years together When the Commons had taken it grievously that the Subsidie granted by the states of the Kingdom in Parliament was exacted mostly of them after the first Collection the King pitying their poverty remitted what was unpayed and until the Marriage of his Daughter thereafter never exacted any Subsidie of his Subjects For he would gently strain milk and not wring blood from the breast of his Countrey rendring the disposure thereof chaste sincere and pure for expences necessary and profitable not for profusions which neither afford contentment nor reputation for money is both the nerves which give motion and veins which entertain life in a State Amongst others whom the King honoured Alexander second Son to Duke Mordock was dubbed Knight The Parliament dissolving the King came from Perth to Edinburgh where having assembled all the present Officers and such who had born Authority in the State during the time of Duke Robert and Duke Mordock especially those whose charge concerned the Rents of the Crown he understood by their accounts that the most part of all the Rents Revenues and Lands pertaining to the Crown were wasted alienated and put away or then by the Governors bestowed on their freinds and followers the Customs of Towns and Burroughs only excepted This a little incensed his indignation yet did he smother and put a fair countenance on his passion seeming to slight what he most car'd for occasion thereafter no sooner served when he began to countenance and give way to Promoters and Informers necessary though dangerous Instruments of State which many good Princes have been content to maintain and such who were not bad never denied to hear but using them no longer then they were necessary for their ends to rip up secret and hidden crimes wrongs suffered or committed during the time of his detension in England He received the complaints of the Church-men Countrey Gentlemen Merchants against all those who had either wronged them or the State and would have the causes of all Accusers to be heard and examined Here many to obtain the favour of the Prince accused others Upon pregnant accusations Walter Stuart one of the Sons of Duke Mordock was Arrested and sent to the Bass to be close kept so was Malcolm Fleming of Cammernauld and Thomas Boyd of Kilmarnock committed to Ward in Dalkieth Not long after the Nobility interceding Malcolm and Thomas goods being restored which they had taken wrongfully and Fines laid upon them for their Offence promising to satisfie all whom they had wrong'd were pardoned all faults and then set at Liberty The King by listening to Promoters came to the knowledge of many great insolencies committed by sundry of his Nobles which as it bred a hatred in him so fear in them and both appeared to study a Novation They for their own safety He to vindicate Justice and his Authority The Duke had highly resented the committing of his Son as had his Father in Law the Earl of Lennox The Male-contents being many if they could have swayed in one body as they came to be of one mind threatned no small matter The King from the intelligence of close Meetings secret Leagues some Plots of his Nobles began to forecast an apparent storm in the State and danger to his own Person whereupon being both couragious and wise he proclaimeth again a Parliament at Perth where the three Estates being assembled in his throne of Majesty he spoke in this manner I have learned from my tender years that Royalty consisteth not so much in a Chair of State as in such actions which do well become a prince What mine have been since my coming Home and Government among you I take first God and then your selves for witnesses If all of them be not agreeable to you all and if any rigorous dealing be used against some Let him who is touched lay aside his particular and look to the setling of Justice in the State and publick Good of the whole Kingdom and he shall find his sufferings tolerable perhaps necessary and according to the time deserved I have endeavoured to take away all Discords abolish Factions Suppress Oppression as no Forein Power hath attempted ought against you hitherto so that ye should not endeavour ought against another nor any thing against
sort they set Tribute others they compel to Minister to them sustenance and necessaries The God Prince Law which they obey are their barbarous Chieftains amongst which he is thought the best who doth most transcend in Villany The King seemed to give small faith to these relations entertaining kindly and feasting from all parts all such who daigned to see him mostly those who were the Chiefs and Principals of the Families in these bounds by whose means all whom innocency did guard came freely to Court and many guilty by fair promises and hopes of the Kings clemency presented themselves Others though most refractory and unwilling at first that they might not seem out of the fashion of their Companions and appear suspect resorted thither Thinking these Offices might be interpreted to proceed of good will and obedience which were done of emulation Fourty of these Leaders and Chiefs meeting at once and being together within the inclosure of the Castle Walls were surprized and committed to close Prisons Some days after two whose wickedness was throughly known Alexander Mack-Rore or Mackrarey and John Mackcarture were hanged James Cambel for the murther of John of the Isles renownd amongst his own was beheaded The rest upon hope of further Tryal were committed to Prisons of which for example and terror to others many were executed the remains in peaceful manner sent home the King having graciously exhorted them to a life according to the Law of God and Man Alexander of the Isles Earl of Ross being taken in this trap was brought by the King to Perth where he was accused of oppression and many barbarous cruelties were proved against him yet such was the Kings clemency he was only some few days committed and after lovely advice at the Council-Table rather to obey his Prince than render himself Chieftain of Thievish Troops he was freely dismist but benefits oblige not ignoble Minds and mercy shown to a fierce and obstinate nature disgraceth the beauty of the clemency of a Prince for no sooner was he returned to his own Territories where interpreting imprisonment a dishonour and shame to a Man of his Power and Qualities and telling that a promise made by one imprisoned by the Judgment of Lawyers themselves was nothing worth he gathered together a Rabble of Outlaws and Mountainers came towards the Town of Innerness which peaceably he entered and was courteously received having before dispersed his men among the Fens and Hills toward the West they so soon as Night had brought the inhabitants to rest spoiled them and set their houses on fire And because the Castle was the place in which he had been surprized he besieged it with a thousand lewd fellows practised in daily depredations and Robberies At the noise of this cruelty the Gentlemen of the Neighbouring Shires from all quarters assemble themselves for the defence of their Friends the King listeth speedy preparations at the approach of which the Clans Whattons and Camerons with other Thieving Troups dispersed themselves and fled into their lurking holes Alexander abandoned of their Forces with so many as he could keep together fled into Lochquhabar from thence passed to the Isles deliberating to go to Ireland but things answered not his expectation for by his Spy finding that he was way-laid and that numbers of people a prize being set upon his head in all places laboured to surprize him when he had long continued desolate and a vagabond at last he began to intercede with his Friends at Court for Mercy to him from the King Sundry tempt the Kings Clemency but he will not promise nor assure them of any favour before Alexander in person as Supplyant render himself and his estate to his disposure Thus finding no escape and destitute of all help he was emboldned to come privately to Edinbrough there on Easter day wrapped in a mourning Garment and concealed in the dragg of the multitude the King being in the Church of the Holy-rood at divine Service he fell prostrate at his knees beseeching him for grace which at the request of the Queen and other Assisters he obtained His life and private estate was granted him but that he should do no more harm and be reduced to a more modest behaviour William Dowglass earl of Anguss was appointed to take him in custody and that within the Castle of Tantallon his Mother Euphem Daughter to Walter Lesly sometime Earl of Ross a Mannish implacable woman who had solicited and raised her Son to all that mischief was committed to the Isle of S. Colm Donald Balloch Cousin-germain to Alexander Lord of the Isles a man of a haughty mind resenting the Kings proceedings against his Cousin raised a great number of Out-laws and Robbers and invaded Lochquhabar omitting no cruelty which enraged Savages use to commit Alexander Stuart Earl of Marre and Alane Earl of Caithness with such numbers of People as they could in hast raise came to defend the Country against the incursions of these Highland men and rencountred them at Innerlochty where by an over-weening opinion of Victory which easily deceiveth young Souldiers imagining they went to fight with untrained raw Theeves who would never abide their march and misregard of martial Discipline Allan was slain and Alexander Earl of Marre discomfited and Balloch insolent of his Victory with a great Booty returned to the Isles The King at the Rumour of this disaster in all celerity with a great Army came to Dunstaffage intending from that to pass to the Isles which when the Clans and other chief men understood turning their defence into submission they came in hast to Dunstaffage and humbly begg'd pardon laying the fault of the whole Rebellion on Balloch and some adventuring Thieves many of which Balloch had pressed to that mischief against their minds the King finding extream rigour at that time a cure unreasonable taking their oath of fidelity and that they should persue Balloch and his followers accepted them in his favor only transporting some of the most factious along with him They in few days to seem worthy of the Kings mercy surprized a great number of them three hundred of which died all on Gibbets and punishment had taken away a much greater number had he not considered that there is no man so miserable who is not a member of the State The King lest hope of impunity might cherish Rebellion resolves to find Balloch and hearing he lurked in Ireland in the bounds of one named Odo he sends to have him delivered Odo either out of fear of the Kings displeasure or hope of rewards seizeth on him and suspecting if he sent him alive he might by power or stratagem slight his Convoy chopping off his head and sent it to King James then remaining at Sterling The Clans Whattons and Camerons spairing the Magistrates sword yet executing Justice by mutual slaughters one of another had rendred the North very peaceable of that scum of Thieves some Chieftains were shut up in fast Prisons among which two
most eminent in all mischiefs hating mortally others and hated of all good men Angus Duff of Strath-Navern and Angus Murray these the King out of Policy of State let out and set at liberty of purpose that they might be thrust forward in a greater danger Returning to their wild countries Duff nothing respecting the Kings clemency accompanied with many Thieves and Robbers driveth a great prey of cattle and other spoils from the Confines of Murray and Caithness which to recover Angus Murray 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-Navern There strongly is it fought neither of the parties being inferiour to other in number cruelty or despair This conflict continued so fierce and eager 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 Countries These many executions nothing appalled one Mac-Donald born in Ross a Thief flesht in all murthers mischievous without 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 hast 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 had served the woman and when three days for a spectacle to the people they had been hurried along the Town his companions were Gibbeted and he made shorter by the head Gross enormities cut away factions repressed the King maketh a Progress throughout all the parts of his Realm doing Justice upon all sorts of Male-factors 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 favourable eye of Providence looketh upon him and in the year 1430. in the moneth of October Queen Jane is delivered of two Sons at Holy-Rood-House Alexander and James the one deceased in his infancy the other succeeded to his Father and was King To heighten the joy of his people and diffuse it universally many prisoners are set at liberty amongst which were Archibald Earl of Dowglass Sir Gilbert Kennedy the Kings Sisters Sons the Earl had been kept in Lochleavin the other in Sterling They had been committed rather upon suspicion of the times than 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 Dowglass son to the Earl who after succeeded to his Father in the Earldom of Dowglass A sweet calm diffusing it self through every corner of the Realm the King imagining the rest of his Reign to be but the enjoyment 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 hear and determine of all sorts of quarrels and suits if any were brought unto them whereof the ordinary Judges either for fear dared not or power of stronger could not or for hatred 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 Handycrafts and turned the Sciences contemptible especially since the Reign of Alexander the 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 Neighbour 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 founded to which great Liberties and Priviledges were granted the King well knowing that what ever is excellent in any Estate from them had beginning and seed and that there is no better means to sweeten and tame the wild nature of Men then to busie their spirits with peaceful and sedentary Exercises rude and untrained minds being inclinable of themselves 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 Muses 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 Canon in any Cathedral Church unless he were Batchelour in Divinity or at the least of the Canon Law Though he challenged King David and named him a grievous Saint to the Crown for dilapidating so much Rent in extraordinary Donations to the Church yet with great cost and magnificence he founded the Convent of Charters in Perth and bestowed fair Revennues 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 estates as have encreased their Dominions and became mighty by Wars have found their ruin in a luxurious peace Men by a voluptuous life becoming less sensible of true honour The Court and by that example the Country was become too soft and delicate superfluous in all delights and pleasures Masques Banqueting gorgeous apparel revelling were not only licensed but studied and admired Nothing did please what was not strange and far brought Charity began to be restrained publique magnificence falling in private Riot What was wont to entertain whole Families and a train of goodly men was now spent in dressing of some little rooms and the womannish decking of the persons of some few Hermophradites To these the wise King had a while given way knowing that delicate soft times were more easie to be governed and a people given to mild arts and a sweet condition of life than rough and barbarous so they turned not altogether womanized and that it was an easie matter to bring them back again to their old posture At these abuses some of the severer sort of the Clergy began to carp yet could they not challenge the Prince who in the entertainment of his own person scarce exceeded the degree of any private Man yea was often under the Pomp and Majesty of a King But the blemish of all this excess was laid on the English who by the Queen their Country woman with new guises daily resorted hither and turned new-fangle the Court. The King not only listened to their plaints but called a Parliament to satisfie their humours Here Henry Wardlaw Bishop of S. Andrews highly aggravating the abuses and superfluities of Court and Country all disorders were pry'd into and Statutes made against them They abolished Riots of all sorts of Pearl many Rivers in Scotland affording them not only for use but for excess only women were permitted to wear a small Carkanet of them about their Necks costly Furs and Ermins were wholly forbidden together with the abuse of Gold and Silver lace Penalties were not only imposed upon the transgressours but on workmen which should make or sell them excessive expense in banqueting was restrained and dainties banished from the Tables of Epicures with Jeasters and Buffons In this year 1430. the first of June was a terrible Eclipse of the Sun at three of the clock afternoon the day turning black for the space of an half hour as though it had been Night therefore it was after called of the Commons The BLACK HOUR The last and greatest matter which busied the Kings thoughts was the encreasing of his Revenues and bringing back the Demesn of the Crown a work no less dangerous than deep and difficil and which at last procured him greatest hatred For till then smothered malice did never burst forth in open flames And though this diligence of the King concerned much the publick weal yet such as were interessed by rendring what they had long possessed though without all reason esteemed themselves highly wronged The Patrimony of the Crown had been wasted and given away by the two Governours to keep themselves popular and shun the envy of a factious Nobility Thus the King had neither in magnificence to maintain himself nor bestow upon his friends or strangers He had advisedly perused all evidences and charters belonging to the Crown hereupon he recalls all such Lands as had been either alienated from it or wrongfully usurped Together what was wont to be idly given away as forfeitures escheats and wards were restrained to the Crown and kept to the King himself There remained upon considerations of encreasing the Demesns of the Crown the Lands of the Earl of March whose Father had rebelled against the Kings Father Robert though faults be personal and not hereditary and the heirs of ancient houses hold little of their last possessours but of their Predecessours those the King seized on The Earl proved by good evidences and writings brought forth his Father had been pardoned for that fault by the Regents of the Kingdom he was answered again that it was not in the Regents power to pardon an offence against the State and that it was expresly provided by the Laws in crimes of Lese Majesty That children should undergo punishment for their Fathers transgressions to the end that being thus heirs to their Fathers rashness as they are to their Goods and Lands they should not at any time with vast ambition in the haughty Pride of their own Power plot or practise to shake and tear the Publick Peace of the Prince and Country Thus was the remission by the Parliament declared void and Earl George himself committed to the Castle at Edenbrough William Earl of Anguss Warden of the Middle March William Creightoun Chancellour Sir Adam Hepburn of Hailles immediately received the Castle of Dumbar the keeping of which was given to Sir Adam Hepburn The King not long after set Earl George at Liberty and to save him from the like dangers which were wont to befall his Predecessours to fly into England for every small cross and light displeasure at Court he bestowed on him as it were in exchange for these lands in the Marss the Earldom of Buchan in the North with a yearly pension to be paid out of the Earldom of March setting the Tay and the Forth betwixt him and his too kind friends of England Buchan had faln to the King by the decease of John who was Son to Robert the second and Earl of Buchan he was slain at Vernveill in France with the Marshal Duglass and left no lawful children after him to succeed The Earldom of Marre was incorporate also to the Demesn Royal by the decease of Alexander Stuart Earl of Marre who was natural Son to Alexander Stuart who was the Son of Robert the Second He was a Man of singular prowess and in his youth followed the Wars under Philip Duke of Burgundy he married Jane Daughter to the Earl of Holland and had greatly obliged his Country by transporting Stallions and Mares hither out of Hungary the Stood of which continued long after to his commendation and the commodity of the Kingdom The Earldom of Strathern was appropriated also to the Crown by the Decease of David Stuart Earl of Strathern Uncle to the King who having but one only Daughter who was married to Patrick Graham a younger brother of the Lord Grahams the Earldom being tailed to the Masculine Line was devolved again to the Crown Thus did King James succeed to three Brothers who were Sons to Robert the Second All good men with these proceedings of the King were well pleased for if Princes could keep their own and that which justly belongeth unto them they could not be urged to draw such extraordinary Subsidies from the blood sweat and tears of their people yet was this the Shelf on which this Prince perished for many who were accustomed
had not yet heard the names of any but most the Army by reason of the Nobility many of which who liked not the present form of Government were irritated against him Were the Conspiracy a Rebellion and in general by them all they were ready in Arms to maintain their Factions and if upon suspicion the King should attach any being secretly joyned in a League He could hardly have medled with their persons without a Civil War which in regard of his Engagement with England he endeavoured to spare perplexed pensive sad he cometh to Perth stayeth in the Covent of the Dominicans named the Black-friers a place not far from the Town Wall endeavouring so secretly as was possible to find out the Conspiracy But his close practising was not unknown to the Conspirators as that there was more peril to resolve than execute a Treason a distance of time between the Plot and execution discovering and overthrowing the enterprise Hereupon they determine to hazard on the mischief before tryal or remedy could be thought upon The Conspirators were Robert Graham Uncle and Tutor to Miles Graham Robert Stuart Nephew to Walter Earl of Athol and one of the Kings sworn Domesticks But he who gave motion to all was the Earl of Athol himself the Kings Fathers Brother whose quarrel was no less then a pretended title and claim to the Crown which he formed and alledged thus His Brother David and he were procreated by King Robert the Second on his first Wife Eupheme Ross daughter to the Earl of Ross and therefore ought and should have been preferred to the succession of the Crown before King John named Robert and all the Race of Elizabeth Moor who was but his second wife and next them but Heirs to King Robert the second They were the eldest sons of King Robert after he was King John and Robert being born when he was but in a private State and Earl of Strathern for it would appear that as a Son born after his Father hath lost his Kingdom is not esteemed for the Son of a King so neither he that is born before the Father be a King These reasons he thought sufficient the King taken away to set him in the room of State But considered not how sacred the name of a King is to the Scots Nation how a Crown once worn quite taketh away what defects soever and that it was not easie to divest a King in present possession of a Crown who had his right from his Father and Grandfather with the Authority of a Parliament approving his Descent and secluding all other less came it in his thought that those children are Legitimate and lawful which cannot be thrust back and rejected without troubling the common Peace of the Country and opening Gates to Forreign Invasions Domestical disturbances and all disorders with an unsetled course of Succession the common Errour making the Right or Law Athol animated by the Oracle of a Sooth-sayer of his Highland Country who had assured him he should be crowned in a Solemn Assembly before his Death never gave over his hopes of obtaining the Crown and being inferiour and weak in power and faction to the other Brothers to compass his designs he betaketh himself to treacherous devices It was not in his power to ruine so many at once for mischief required there should be distance between so many bloody Acts therefore he layeth his course for the taking away of his kindred one by another at leasure he soweth jealousies entertaineth discords maintaineth factions amongst them by his counsel David Duke of Rothesay the Kings eldest Brother was famished in the Tower of Falkland neither had James then a child escaped his treachery if far off in England he had not been preserved He perswaded the Earl of Fife that making out of the way the King his Brother he should put the Crown on his own head He trafficked the return of King James and he being come he plotted the overthrow of Duke Mordock by fit Instrument for such a business proving the Crimes laid against him in the Attaindor he himself sat Judge against him and his Children Thus stirring one of the Kinsmen against another he so enfeebled the Race of Elizabeth Moor that of a numerous off-spring there only remained James and his Son a childe not yet six years of Age upon whose Sepulchers building his designs with a small alteration of the State he thought it an easie step to the Crown Robert Graham had been long imprisoned at last released but being a man implacable once offended and cruel whom neither business could oblige nor dangers make wise an enemy to Peace Factious and Ambitious alike by many wicked Plots afterwards and Crimes against the Laws of the Country driven to an Out-lawry and to live as banished he had ever a male-talent against the King since the adjudging of the Earldom of Strathern from his Nephew Miles Robert Stuart was very familiar with the King and his access to his Chamber and Person advanced the Enterprise being a riotous young man gaping after great matters neither respecting Faith nor Fame and daring attempt any thing for the accomplishing of his own foolish hopes and his Grandfathers aims and ambition These having associated unto them the most audacious whom either fear of punishment for their misdeeds or hopes of preferment by a change of the Government would plunge into any enterprise in the moneth of February so secretly as was possible assembled together where the Earl spake to this sense unto them These engagements which every one of you have to another and which I have to every one of you founded on the strongest grounds of consanguinity friendship interest of committed and received wrongs move me freely here to reveal my secret drifts and discover the depths of my hidden purposes and counsels The strange Tragedies which in the State and Government have been enacted since the coming of this English man to the Crown are to none of you unknown Mordock with his children hath been beheaded the Earl of Lenox his Father in Law had that same end the Nobility repine at the Government of their King the King is in jealousie of his Nobles the Commons are in way of rebellion These all have been the effects of my far-mining Policies And hitherto they have fallen forth as fortunately as they were ingeniously Plotted For what more ingenious and cunning Stratagem could be projected to decline the rank growth of these Usurpers then to take them away by handles made of their own Timber And if there was any wrong in such proceedings in small matters wrong must be done that justice and equity may be performed in great My fear was and yet is that the taking down of the Scaffold of Mordock should be the putting up of ours Crowns suffer no corrivals the world knows and he himself is conscious to it that the right and title of the Crown by descent of blood from Robert the second my Father was in the
This Earl ambitious factious popular subtile vindicative prompt in the execution of his enterprizes liberal and far from the dor-muse humour of his Father began to think neither himself nor his kindred in safety if the deaths of his Brothers and Cousins wrought by the two Rulers remained unrevenged and therefore since openly without troubling the common peace of the Country he could not by secret and umbragious ways he laboureth to bring it to pass procuring a far off a disobedience to their Decrees and contempt of their Authority by men in a great distance from him in place blood friendship and familiarity who after any fashion grudged repined complained of the present form of Government or aggravated imaginary wrongs are supported and protected by him his houses turned places of Refuge to distressed Male-contents One John Gormack of Athol not without suspicion that he wrought by the motion and order of the Earl and understood his Cabal essayed with a great number of Out-laws to hinder the execution of a Malefactor and take him by main force from the Sheriff of Perth William Ruthen but he perished in the enterprize Patrick Gilbreath in the Castle of Dumbartoun for priority of command killeth Robert Simple and to save his person or justifie his homicide flyeth to the Earl of Dowglass by whom he is protected notwithstanding the many informations given in against him at Court and his citation to answer to Justice The King whose non-age was now near expired began to relish the sweetness of Government in his own person and became tyr'd of the long and awful tutelage of his jarring Rulers and the flower of his Youth seeming fram'd for great affairs promised the fruit of a wise and happy Reign finding it difficult to put men near daily unto him long experienced and greedy of Rule from high places except by the entertaining a stronger and more powerful faction He setteth his thoughts upon the Earl of Dowglass small favours to him would be a great umbrage to the ambition of his Tutors bring them within the compass of answering to what might be objected to them concerning their service in the State he would not sue to the Earl but as occasion served he gave many signs and open speeches that he had not altogether withdrawn his love and favour from the ancient House of the Dowglasses their passed faults being by them acknowledged and recompenced with fidelity and obedience in times coming The Earl of Dowglass whose towardness and liberality had acquired him many friends at Court upon assured advertisement of his Princes good-will towards him cometh to Sterling and is no sooner presented upon his knees before the King in the Church when with all demonstrations of benevolence he is received in grace pardoned and not many days after admitted to be of the Privy Council The King imparting to him his greatest affairs sheweth he will follow them by his advice and counsel honoureth him with the plausible name of Cousin and entertaineth such familiarity with him that all others give him the place The promotion and credit which the Earl of Dowglass in a short time acquired about the King his faction daily encreasing moved the two Rulers by their moderation seeking to avoid disgrace to leave the Court. After which they were both removed from their offices and their places and authority in Council with their whole friends and followers They are upbraided with disorders both in their private actions and the manner of their Government and at last are summoned to answer before the King to such things as they should be legally accused of the murmurs every where whispered amongst the people warned and certified them if they should appear and present themselves of some sad and Tragick Act. Whereupon with protestations of their Innocency declining the time appealing to the King in his majority and when he should be of full years from these Judges their mortal enemies than abusing absolute Power they suspend their appearing declaring with all their readiness in every thing to obey the King This availeth them nothing for at a Parliament holden in Sterlin Articles being forged and urged against them especially of Peculate as sale of Crown-Lands waste of the Kings Treasure the laying of their hands upon the Kings Jewels transporting Lands to themselves and their friends distributing Offices and places of the Crown and State which should have been by the Authority of the Council as Hunters divide a Prey between themselves Dispensing with Riots and taking the force and vigour from the Laws of the Kingdom thus as betraying the administration of the Realm into the hands of worthless and corrupted men they are denounced Rebels their persons and Estates proscrib'd Charge is given to Sir John Foster of Corstorphane and others the Dowglasses adherents to bring all their moveables to the use of the Exchequer demolish their Houses invade their Friends with fire and sword and all that sided them Thus the uncertain vicissitude of Humane accidents overturns often them who seem to be raised to the highest degree of honour The Castle of Barentoren is besieged taken thrown down with other houses upon the Governours and Chancellours Lands their Farms and small Villages are plundered and ransacked In revenge of which the Rulers waste the Earl of Dowglasses Territories the Villages of Straw-brock Abercorn Blackness are burnt with Corstorphane The ravage begun continueth with daily loss to both parties and the overthrow of the Common-wealth The Earl wondreth now having the Kings Authority to find his enemies so strong and hold so long out against him he suspecteth they have secret support by some not well affected towards him The most powerful and eminent of which he guesseth to be James Kennedy Bishop of St. Andrews and Cousin german to the King He knew him jealous for his sudden favours at Court and that he had whispered amongst his friends that he feared the ambition of the Earls unlimited heart was now exalted to such exorbitancy of height that becoming top-heavy it would fall by its own weight and turn up the Root The Earl will have this Prelate less powerful to assist the Rulers or do harm unto him To this effect he instigateth the Earl of Crawford his Allie and Alexander Ogleby of Innerwharely to invade the Bishops Lands and rifle his Vassals in Fife without order or declaration of wrongs done by him The Bishop after the burning and spoyling of sundry of his Farms being weak by power to resist their violence and repair his losses took him to his Spiritual Arms and excommunicated the Earl of Crawford Though he made small account of this verbal Thunder yet did not this injustice long escape the revenging hand of God who raiseth up ordinarily one oppressor to execute his justice against another Alexander Lyndesay Son to the Earl of Crawford pretended a title to the Baylerie of Arbroth out of which he was kept by Alexander Ogleby whose title was equal to his if not better This enmity
kindled to such a flame that upon either side they assemble their friends in Arms The Ogleby calleth the Lord Huntley the Lindesay the Hamiltons to assist their Rights frequent meetings having been to calm matters and reconcile them and nothing agreed upon nor concluded they resolve at last to decide the cause by their Swords The Earl of Crawford then remaining at Dundee advertised of the present danger of his friends posted in all haste to Arbroth and cometh at the very chock of the skirmish and when hey were to enter the Fight Here intending by his wisdom to take up the quarrel and presuming upon the respect due to his place and person he rashly rusheth forwards before his Companies to demand a party of Alexander Ogleby with his Son But ere he could be known or was heard he is encountred by a common Souldier who thrust him in the mouth with a Spear and prostrate him dead upon the ground This sudden accident joyned the Parties who fought with great courage and resolution The Victory after much blood inclined to the Master of Crawford Alexander Ogleby sore wounded was taken and brought to the Castle of Finelvin where he died the Lord Huntley escaped by the swiftness of his Horse John Forbess of Pitsligow Alexander Barkley of Garteley Robert Maxwell of Tillen William Gordoun of Borrowfield Sir John Oliphant of Aberdaguy with others fell on the Oglebies side they fought the Twenty fourth of January One thousand four hundred fourty five 1445 Now by attending opportunities to encrease publick disorders turn the times dangerous and troublesome and confound the State the Earl of Dowglass kept himself in the absolute Government by umbragious ways he nourished discontentments in all parts of the Country amongst the Nobility Gentry Commons of the Realm Alexander Earl of Crawford put to death John Lynton of Dundee Robert Boyd of Duchal and Alexander Lyle slew James Stuart of Auchenmintee Patrick Hepburn of Hails surprised the Castle of Dumbar Archembald Dumbar as if he would but change places with him taketh the Castle of Hails where he was besieged by the Earl of Dowglass and with conditions of safety rendred it Sir William Creighton all this time kept the Castle of Edenburgh and when by intreaties nor power he could not be induced to render it to the King his Castle of Creighton is plundered a garison placed in it and the Castle of Edenburgh by the Earl of Dowglass is besieged and blocked up Nine months the Assailers lie about it but it proveth impregnable and without loss of many Subjects cannot be taken about the end of which time mens courages waxing colder conditions are offered and received which were that the Chancellor should be restored to grace place and whatsoever had been withheld from him by his enemies at Court an abolition and abrogation of all former discontentments should be granted the besieged should pass out bag and baggage free At a Parliament holden at Perth the Chancellor was purged by an Assise of his Peers of what was laid against him his lands and goods seized upon by the King or Dowglasses are decreed to be restored as well to his followers as himself he is established in his dignities and places of Honour notwithstanding of all Edicts Proclamations Confiscations before which were declared null all matters past put in oblivion as not done This considering the credit of the Earl of Dowglass was thought very strange but James Kennedy Bishop of Saint Andrews whose respect and Authority was great with the Churchmen perfected this Master-piece of State and the Earl of Dowglass knew though the Chancellor was unbound he had not yet escaped During these Garboyls in Scotland Margaret Sister to King James and wife to the Daulphin of France Lewis died at Chalones in Champagne a vertuous and worthy Lady beloved of all France but most of Charles the seventh her Father in Law who for her respect matched her three Sisters who remained at his Court honourably Helenora with Sigismond Arch-duke of Austria Elizabeth to the Duke of Bretaigne Mary with the Earl of Camphire She was buried in the great Church of Chalones but after when the Daulphine came to the King he caused transport and bury her in the Abbey Church of Loan in Poittow Many Elegies were published upon her death which are yet extant Sir James Stuart the Black Knight husband to the Queen at this time died also He had turned a voluntary exile to shun the dangers and envy of the Factions of the Country which he incurr'd by his free speeches against the misgovernment and miseries of the time and as he was bound towards Flanders by the Flemings was taken upon the Seas The Queen out-lived not long her Daughter and Husband she was buried the fifteenth of July in the Charter-house of Perth neer her first husband James the year One thousand four hundred forty six She brought forth to the black Knight of Lorn three sons John Earl of Athole James Earl of Buchan Andrew Bishop of Murray The Chancellor having recovered his honours and State to the disadvantage of the Earl of Dowglass though of good years and tyred with the troubles of a publick Life yet findeth not any desired rest A Marriage being designed for the King with Mary daughter of the Duke of Guilders by the instructions of Charles the seventh the French King but secretly by the procurement of the Earl of Dowglass the Chancellor as a Man grave great in place and experimented with the Bishop of Dunkel and Nicholas Otterburn is sent over the Seas in Embassie This troublesome and unprofitable honour abroad is laid upon him that he might be separate from the King and suspended from opposing to the private designs of the Earl at home This obstacle of his ambition removed which had neither moderation nor limits the Earl may exclude such Officers in State or Court who were not agreeable to him and substitute others of his Creation after his pleasure he hath now room and opportunity for his greatest designs His Kindred are without pausing preferred to Offices of State his Brothers to new honours Archembald is made Earl of Murray by the marriage of a Lady of the house of Dumbar who was Heir of the Lands and the Kings Ward George is created Earl of Ormond John made Lord of Balvenie and hath his Donation ratified in an Assembly of three Estates who were convented at Edenburgh for matters concerning the Marriage of the King but in effect that the Earl might pursue his old Enemies The Commissioners are chosen after his pleasure are prepared and instructed by him prelimitated and to combine power with craft he entreth in an offensive and defensive League with many Noblemen Barons and Gentlemen of the Kingdom All the wheels and vices of his Clock being right set Alexander Levingston late Governour Alexander his eldest Son Robert Levingston Treasurer David Levingston James Dundas Robert Bruce of Clackmannan Knights for Peculate and converting the Princes Treasure
and wicked men begin at that which seemeth the least of evils or not an evil at all at the first your last aim is likely to be the robbing upon the Crown Consider my Lord ye are born under a Monarchy which admitteth no Soveraignty but it self and it is natural to Princes to hold it in highest esteem and in no case to suffer it to be shaken by their Subjects Take your Prince for your best protection and an innocent life renounce that Union and League with your Peers which excepted or commanded or approved or remitted by your Prince subsisteth not in Law nor in Reason being forbidden under great pains and let it not be heard any longer that ever such an unjust Confederation way and so wonted clemency shall be preferred before deserved Justice The Earl replyed The League being drawn up by the common consent of many Lords Barons and Gentlemen and subscribed it could not be cancell'd nor renounc'd but by their common consent nor was it profitable for the King nor to him other ways to have it done That being together they might condescend to the renouncing and cancelling of it But says the King you to shew good example to the rest shall first begin Neither living shall any Traytor in my presence disavow and disclaim my Authority in what is within my possibility of accomplishing The Earl requests him to remember he came to Court upon a publick assurance A publick assurance cannot so warrant any man but that he may fall by his own private misdemeanor answered the King withal considering a mean courage in a King to be an imputation and that he did neither wrong towards God nor his Fame in revenging himself upon the enemies of the State The place a strong Castle his present power all within being his Councellors and Servants the danger if he should escape the easiness of suppressing the Rebellion the head taken away The Earl continuing hot and stubborn in debating his points of the League wrath banishing other Doubts and Interests his Dagger performed what armed Justice scarce dared attempt The Kings blow the noise arising was seconded by a number of his Servants who rushing in the Room left him dead upon Shrewd-Eve the Twenty second of February One thousand four hundred fifty two About the last Scene of this Tragedy a pair of Spurs between two Platters an Emblem of speedy flight as a part of the Kings Banquet is directed to Sir James Hamilton of Cadyow This he communicated to the Lords and Gentlemen of the Union in which time the News of the Earls death is spread abroad The Leaguers finding themselves weak to carry so strong a place as the Castle in hot blood set on fire divers quarters of the Town of Sterlin make Proclamation against the King and his Council for violating the assurance granted the Earl Infamous Libels are spread every where and the safe Conduct of the King and his Council bound to a wooden Truncheon at a Horses-tail is trailed along the streets In the Market-place by the mouth of a Cryer to the sound of all their hunting-horns they declare the King and those that abode with him Faith-breakers perjured persons enemies to all goodness and good men James the next brother of the house of Dowglass a Church-man being proclaimed Earl in rage and madness committing all sort of Hostility they over-run the Lands and Possessions of those whom they suspected would side the King and not prove of their party John Lord of Dalkeith their Kinsman and of the name of Dowglass they besiege in his Castle of Dalkeith for that he hated their proceedings the Tenants and Vassals of the Earl of Anguss are plundered for the same cause The strength of the place raised the Siege of Dalkieth and the Earl of Anguss by their many wrongs and insolencies remained more constant to the King In this time the King writeth to all the good Towns in the Realm and Church-men giving reasons for the taking away of the Earl imputing the fault to the Earl himself exhorting the people to make no stir for the just execution of a Man born for the ruine of the Kingdom and who voluntarily had precipitated himself in his own mis-hap offering all his power to keep the Country in quietness according to that Authority in which God hath placed him This blow as particular Interests made the hearts of men incline and as passions were various was variously and in several manners taken Some without inquiring of circumstances after what fashion or occasion soever done allowing it thought the King had more clear and evident inducements for his deed then could fall within the Labyrinths of reasoning The Majesty of a Prince hardly falleth from an height to a midst but easily is precipitated from any midst to the lowest degree and station The King said they hath obviated this fall hath set afoot again and raised his Authority threatned with ruine he hath vindicated his liberty almost thrall'd hath assured the Lives Honours Estates of many Loyal Subjects which were endangered by not adhering to the League of the Earl and keeping their Oath of Allegiance to the King he if he please now with Honor and Reputation may hold his Parliaments bring to pass his designs for the conservation of his Authority and the peace of his Subjects Others blamed this Deed every where and in every circumstance laying perjury and murder against him and the breaking of the publick Faith and Assurance the common Band of humane Society the common defence of all and the ground of Justice To which it was answered that the Earl was not taken away for his past demerits and misdeservings but for what he had recently committed in the Kings own presence having spoken to him with an insupportable irreverence They which have safe conduct being obliged to shun all kind of offence towards him who gives it them any enormity being sufficient to annul the benefit of it More for the breach of Faith the Earl and his confederates were the more perjured and he the murtherer of himself they having violated that Natural Oath to their King which all Subjects owe to their Soveraigns by drawing up a League among his People to the breaking of the tyes of Soveraignty giving by this occasion and just cause to the King to reward them after their demerits Most said the killing of the Earl was evil but that it was a necessary evil That as Nature suffereth not two Suns so reason of State suffereth not that in one Kingdom there be Two Kings but that of necessity the one must overthrow the other and matters going thus he who giveth the first blow hath the advantage Thus did Men judge diversly after their proper Interests of the deeds of others The Torrent of these disorders encreasing Laws are neglected Towns Villages Houses the High-ways are every where afflicted with Rapine Fire and Fury and save needy boldness nothing is safe and secure in any place The changing Multitude
like Mad-men limning Pourtraicts with their own blood delight in their Proceedings and daily encrease the number of the Rebels In this Insurrection the King is reduced to many extremities and is said to have thought upon an escape by Sea to France if he had not been diverted by James Kennedy Bishop of St. Andrews who told him That to leave the Kingdom was to give all over to the insolency of his Rebels and for fear of burning to leap into the fire it self That besides the high and long continued Title of a King which the best part of his Subjects yet reverenced he had sufficient Friends and Warlike men who appearing in a Field with him would raise a just fear in the hearts of those who so hainously dared disobey him That God would be present to revenge wronged Majesty and turn their hopes in despair That the Common People were ever changing and a little time would make them flow to these from whom they did ebb and all would return again except such as were guilty of other offences or such whose poverty made them fear a beggerly Peace as their greatest punishment That his chiefest and principal City stood good for him which example the other Towns would undoubtedly follow that Rebellion was like Thunder the noise of which if observed duely was often more terrible than the blow and dissolved ordinarily in tears of Repentance and fair Weather that here the prudence of a Prince manifesteth it self when he cannot suppress and stop all the evils in his State to suffer and tolerate the least and with leasure and time abolish and extirpate the greater and make vertue of Rebellion The King by the Bishops Counsel and Assistance gathereth an Army but will not try the hazard of a Battel before those he had advertised and sent for should joyn with these already about him and his Forces from all the Quarters of the Kingdom be united In the North the Earl of Huntley had raised a goodly Company to come to his aid but the Earl of Crawford a Confederate of the Earl of Dowglass with a power of the men of Anguss and all who would follow him guided by some French Commanders essayed to cut off his passage and rencountreth him at Brechen the Battel is fought and the Victory inclined where the Kings Standard was displayed by the Earl of Huntley The equity of the cause laid aside the occasion of this Victory was ascribed to John Coloss of Bonnymoon who having one of the Wings of the Army to guide which consisted of Battel-axes great Swords and long Spears and the best invasive Weapons in the hottest of the Skirmish gave ground and left the middle Ward naked upon his side the reason of his revolt is reported that the night before the Battel when every man was resolving with his affairs of the World Bonnymoon requested the Earl of Crawford of whom he held his Lands-Ward and relief since the next day he was resolved either to be victorious or die in the Field to subscribe a Precept himself falling for entring his Son to his Lands This the Superiour refusing the Vassal out of a just indignation when he should have Charged retired and his Company with him Such thoughts possessed not the Earl of Huntlies minde he dealt not so sparingly with his friends in hope of their good service To the Forbesses Oglebies Leslies Grants Irwines he freely gave many of his own Lands which raised their courage to the height In requital of which the King after bestowed upon him the Lands of Badyeenoch and Lochaber In the conflict the Earl of Huntley lost two Brothers the Earl of Crawford and Sir John Lindsay his brother being left on the Field fled to his house of Phanheaven where he was heard to say He would be content to remain seven years in Hell to have in so timely a season done the King his Master that Service the Earl of Huntley had performed and carry that applause and thanks he was to receive from him This conflict happened upon the Ascension-day the Eighteenth day of May One thousand four hundred fifty two The King by the confluence and resort of many worthy Subjects unto him having time to breath and finding himself in a calm keepeth a Convention of the States at Edenburgh Ere the Earls of Dowglass Crawford Ormond Murray the Lord Balveney Sir James Hamilton and others are cited to answer according to Law They instead of appearing in the Night upon the doors of the Principal Churches and other places eminent fix many Placates and Libels signed with their hands which bear The Earl of Dowglass nor his Followers will never obey Command nor Charge in time coming nor answer citation for that the King is not a just Master but a Blood-sucker a Murtherer a Transgressor of Hospitality a Surpriser of the Innocent and such who deserved no harm at his hands Not long after the King levied an Army which by the approaching Winter did little Service and the Earl of Dowglass to save the Lands of Beatrice his Brothers Widow unseparated from the House sought by a Dispensation from the Pope to have her in Marriage alledging her untouched of his Brother which being refused him he kept her in place of his wife the effect of his Sorbon Divinity and found hereby more Bryars than Roses The Earl of Crawford placing two stricts of Seas betwixt him and the King spoileth the Lands of all those who forsook him at Brechen and Archembald Earl of Murray burneth the Pile of Srath-Boggy pertaining to the Earl of Huntley in revenge of which the Earl of Huntley burnt and herried all the Lands of the Earl of Murray beyond the Spey The King too in this madness of Mankind defaceth his own Country pulling down the Houses of his Rebel-Subjects and wasting Annan-dale This ravage and mutual overturning of all having continued almost two whole years the Faction of the Earl far inferiour to the Kings now weakned with such lasting Incursions sundry of the chief men and heads considering the least faults were the best that it was better to strike sail in time than make a full shipwrack of their Persons Honors and the well of the Kingdom and State counsel the Earl that Fervors growing colder since it could not be undone which was done he would not set greater work on foot but proceeding with conveniency submit himself friendly to the King who had as much goodness as generosity and sought and required nothing of his Subjects but obedience and having now proved how difficile it was to overcome them by Arms was perhaps as much tyred as they would pardon these faults which he could not otherwise amend Necessity in Affairs of Princes constraining them to yield to many things in Government against their first Conclusions and resolve to grant that which they could not well hinder That there were many hours in the day and the hearts of Princes were subject to change in them that he should not forsake
want of good will to enter the Lists as well to refresh and cherish them to be more prompt and lusty of courage the next morning as to take counsel what course to follow and how to dispose of their Game he stayeth that afternoon and pitcheth his Tents To men unfortunate every thing turneth an enemy Whether Sir James Hamilton gave way to this or not uncertain but after it is said that in a chafe he told the Earl he had neglected the opportunity of Fight and should never see so fair a day again in which he might have hazarded one cast of a Dye for a whole Kingdom But his Fortune was now declined and perhaps would never stand upright that by giving that night to his Souldiers to pause and deliberate on the matter they would perchance take the safest way be more advised what to enterprise the next morning readily not Fight at all consisting of a number of bold young Gentlemen Volunteers who for the most part out of bravery and compassion followed him That the Kings Army by his lingring and lying off was encouraged finding they were to cope with men who would advise ere they fought After which speeches he bad the Earl farewel And now knowing that the way lay open both for Pardon and Favour to him that would first seek it he in the night breaketh out with some friends and having got over the fields betwixt the two Camps was brought safely to the King who graciously received and freely pardoned him The Army having understood the clandestin Revolt and escape of Sir James Hamilton disbanded every man slipping away by secret passages to his own habitation that on the morrow there was nothing to be seen but the solitary field upon which they had encamped The King out of joy of this bloodless Victory caused Proclaim in all his chief Towns That since Soveraign Authority had no less splendor by the actions of Clemency then by these of Justice all those who had followed the Earl of Dowglass and been of his party rather by mis-fortune and unadvised rashness than any evil will against him should be freely pardoned Those who would abandon the Earl and come to the Kings Camp whosoever they were no Justice no Law should trouble them but they should be received to mercy and have all Pardon After this Proclamation many submitted themselves to the King and were pardoned though Sir James Hamilton was remitted yet that under colour of reconciliation worse mischief might not be plotted the King sent him with the Earl of Orkney to the Castle of Rossline during his pleasure and the taking in of the Castle of Abercorn remembring also it was some prejudice to a Prince to be obliged to any Rebel The Earl of Dowglass gathering together the split pieces of his Ship-wrack with his Brothers and so many of his Confederates as would not forsake him flieth to England here with much Travel by many promises of Rewards great hopes of spoil gathering unto him a power of Out-laws Felons Bancker-outs and such as lived by Rapine as well of his own Nation as of the English he maketh a Rode upon the West borders of Scotland some Villages being burnt many preys much spoil being driven into England at last he meeteth with the valiant men who were appointed to defend the Marches the Maxwells and Scots here in a furious skirmish his Companies are discomfited Archibald Earl of Murray's Brother is slain and his Head sent to the King the Earl of Ormond is taken Prisoner himself with the Lord Balvenny with great difficulty escaped in a Forest when he sought to return again into England he findeth all passages stopped up the ways layed for him and beginning to feel much want he is constrained in a disguised habit to lurk meanly in the inmost parts of Scotland till he wandred toward the far High-lands where finding Donald Earl of Ross Lord of the Isles one of his League a man cruel arrogant unpolisht after many discourses and long conference with him being no less eloquent than active he possesseth him with great hopes after a division of the Kingdom between them two of an absolute power and Government of all the Highlands besides the wealth and treasure which he would purchase by the spoil He requireth only he would break upon the more civil Countries bring all the Fire-brands he could to kindle and trouble them and cut work for the King whilst he with new supplies and a great Army to be raised in England should invade the Marches and bordering Countries The Earl of Ross who thought nothing impossible to him being to himself in these barbarous parts by phantasie a King and was used to vaunt of a long pedegree from Fergus relisheth the profit and possibility of this Enterprise sweareth to leave nothing undone for the accomplishing of it and parting with him upon mutual assurance entreateth only celerity and swift performance of what they had concluded Scarce was the Earl of Dowglass in England when the Earl of Ross the two Pillars of his Designs being Injustice and Violence supported by fair hopes from the South with his wild Mountainers and Islanders like an inundation over-runneth the Neighbour bounds Argile suffereth the first effects of their fury the Isle of Arran is taken and the Castle made a Bon-fire as if they were the Sacrifice for the sins of the rest the Bishop of the Isles saveth himself by flight and taketh Sanctuary Lochquebar and Murrayland are spoiled the Town of Innerness is set on fire the Castle surprised Murders Ravishings Robberies with what insolency the barbarous Canibals could commit are every where and the sad image of death ravageth amongst the common people The Earl of Dowglass now at his last shifts and efforts leaveth no shifts nor helps unsought out such who lived upon prey and spoil resort unto him he maketh hot incursions and after a most hostile manner which purchaseth him the hatred of all his Country-men and turned those who were indifferent in his quarrel his professed enemies this ravage continuing Henry Earl of Northumberland after slain at Caxtoun-field whom love of the valor of the House of Dowglass and the true commiseration had brought to take arms with him invadeth one quarter of the Marsh and the Earl of Dowglass turneth towards another But whilst they are dispersed and more eager and intentive to carry away spoil than to look to their own safety and military discipline the Earl of Anguss with Sir James Hamilton of Cadyow put them both with number and confusion overborn to flight slaying many and taking more Prisoners After this overthrow during the Kings reign the Earl of Dowglass deliberating not to oppose longer to necessity but to be still till better times never attempted to Invade his Country Amidst these incursions the Earl of Ormond at Edenburgh is beheaded the Countess of Dowglass Beatrice all hopes being lost of restoring her Husband despoiled of her Lands and fair Heritage turned now a Monster
of Fortune the blame of her unlawful Wedlock laid upon the Earl consented to by her out of a certain fear of her life submitted her self to the Kings Clemency The King who denied not mercy to any that sought it of him that the less guilty amongst the seditious might withdraw themselves and the obstinate remain the less powerful and weak receiveth her and giveth her in Marriage to his Brother John Earl of Athol son to the Black Knight of Lorne designing for her Dowry the Lordship of Balveny By her example the Countess of Ross abhorring the fierceness and cruelties as she gave out of her barbarous Husband but rather out of policy to be an Agent for him flyeth to the King and hath Revenues allowed her for the maintenance of her Estate Not long after the Earl of Ross himself the misadventure of his Confederates having taught him now some wisdom having seen the Kings Clemency towards others equal to him in Treason and Rebellion by many humble supplications craved pardon and begged peace The King by his great prudence and the course of the affairs of his Kingdom knew that it was necessary sometimes to condescend to the imperfections and faults of some Subjects and having compassion apply and accomodate himself to that which though according to the strictness of equity was not due yet for the present occasion and reason of State was convenient answered he would neither altogether pardon him nor flatly reject him there being many signs of his wickedness few of his changed mind when honestly without fraud or guile he should crave a Pardon and give satisfaction to those whom by blood and pillage he had wronged and by some noble action deface the remembrance of his former crimes then should it be good time to receive him Notwithstanding this should not discourage him but he should know he had a desire to make him relish the effects of his bounty so he himself would find the means and subject In this interim he wished him to keep the common peace of the Country and not oppress any of his Neighbours About this time the University of Glasgow was founded by William Turnbul Bishop of that See William Hay Earl of Arrol George Creightoun Earl of Caithness William Lord Creightoun died One thousand four hundred fifty five and the Bishop of St. Andrews is made Chancellour The King partly having loosed partly cut in pieces that Gordian knot of the League of his Nobility began to reobtain again the ancient Authority of the Kings his Predecessours giving and imposing Laws to his Subjects according to reason and greatest conveniences Shortly progressing through the Quarters of the kingdom by the sound counsel and instructions of the Bishop of St. Andrews James Kennedy and William Saintclare Earl of Orknay used such clemency that in a short time he reclaimed all his turbulent subjects In the year One thousand four hundred fifty five he held a Parliament where he ratified what was resolved upon to be done for the peace and weal of his People establishing many profitable Laws for the posterity after this time Embassadors came from England and France unto him Henry the sixth King of England a soft facile Prince and more fit to obey than command having restored in blood and allowed the descent of Richard Plantagenet Duke of York the Duke under pretence and countenance of reforming the State and removing of bad Counsellors from the Court the umbrage of all Rebellions by one Jack Cade an Irish a bold man and who had a Spirit which did not correspond with his low condition who feigned himself to be a Cousin of his of the House of Mortimer and other his Instruments raised a Rebellion which began amongst the Kentish-men and was after continued by his Confederacy with the Duke of Norfolk Earls of Warwick Salisbury Devon and others and notwithstanding he had sworn fealty to King Henry at Blackheath again openly took arms gainst him at St. Albans where in pitched field Edmond Duke of Somerset his greatest Competitor and who had been preferred to his place in the Regency of France was killed the King wounded taken and committed to the Tower of London At a Parliament after the Duke is made Protector of the Kingdom at another Parliament he maketh claim for the Crown as in his own Right laying down thus his Title The Son of Ann Mortimer Daughter and Heir to Roger Mortimer Earl of March Son and Heir of Philip the Daughter and sole Heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence the third Son of King Edward the Third and elder Brother to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster is to be preferred by very good right in Succession of the Crown before the Children of John of Gaunt the fourth Son of the said Edward the Third but Richard Plantagenet Duke of York is come of Philip the Daughter and sole Heir of Lionel Third Son to King Edward the Third then to be preferred to the Children of the fourth Son who was John of Gaunt and so to Henry the Fourth the Usurper his Son to Henry stiling himself Henry the Fifth his Son and Henry the Sixth now wrongfully calling himself King of England This Parliament chosen to the Duke of Yorks own mind at first various at last unanimously enacted that Henry during his life should retain the Name and Honour of a King but that the Duke of York should be continued Protector of the Country and be declared Heir apparent and Successor of the Crown after the death of Henry Margaret the Queen Daughter to Rheny King of Sicily more couragious than her Husband disclaimeth the Parliamentary Authority and this Agreement of her King with the Duke of York as a matter done to the prejudice of her Son and against the Laws of Nations which admit not of a forced Contract and done by a Prisoner The Crown of England hanging at this point the Queen to her defence imploring the aid and assistance of her best greatest Friends and Allies sendeth Embassadors to King James These remembring the duties one King oweth to another against Rebels and the Usurpers of their Crowns the correspondency and amity of King Henry with King James during his posterity expostulating the cruelty of the Rebels against Edmond the late Duke of Somerset Uncle to King James slain by them in defence of his Prince promise in their Kings Name Queens and their Sons with the approbation of the Noble-men of their Party to restore to the Kings of Scotland the Lands of Northumberland Cumberland and Bishoprick of Durham after the manner the Kings of Scotland in former times had held these Territories of the Kings of England so he would raise an Army and advance to their aid and supply The Duke of York sent hither also his Embassadors giving in many complaints against King Henry he had oppressed the people with taxations and all kinds of exactations he had preferred to places of State and Government new men by whose counsel and his Queen he governed
being by the English taken upon the Seas limited in credence of governing her Children by the insolency of a proud Nobility or reputation branded after a long languishing with inward discontentments turned as it were recluse and began to bid farewel to this world Her melancholy growing incurable amidst her last Trances when her Son had come to visit her she is said to have spoken to him almost to this sense That providence which brought me upon the Earth and set a Crown on my head doth now recal and remove me to a better Kingdom and my happiness is not in this a little that I leave this life without change of that Estate in which I peaceably lived Death now sheweth me as in a mirrour the frailty of all worldly Pomp and glory which before by the marble colours of false greatness was over-shadowed and covered from me My Griefs have been many few my contentments The most eminent of which was the hopes I conceived of you and my other children and now my greatest regret is that I leave you before I could see my wishes accomplished towards you My only care was to have you brought up in all vertue and goodness But Heaven shall bestow that charge to more prudent Governors Always take these motherly directions from me who can leave you no better Legacy Be earnest to observe these Commandments which are prescribed unto you by Religion for this supporteth the Scepters of Princes and a Religious King cannot but have obedient Subjects What an unreasonable thing is it that a King will have a People to acknowledge him for their Soveraign Prince upon Earth and will not acknowledge God for his Supream Lord in Heaven A King who rebelleth against God all subordinate Creatures will rebel against him Love my children and laying aside the Port and Stateliness of a King receive them with the affection of a Brother Endeavour to make your Subjects obey you more out of Love than Fear or make your self beloved and feared both together seeing love alone of it self is often cause of contempt and fear alone begets hatred Remember ye Govern not the soft effeminate People of the South but a fierce Warlike Nation of the North which oftner use to be entreated than commanded by their Princes Be sparing to lay Subsidies on them which maketh many Male-contents and live upon your own suffering others to enjoy what is theirs Beware of Flatterers and exalting undeserved persons above your ancient Nobility Suffer not your Prerogatives to come in Question but fore-seeing the danger rather give way to all that with reason is demanded of you Moderate your Passions He shall never Govern a Kingdom who cannot govern himself and bring his Affections within the Circle of Reason It fears me Envy and Malice arm themselves against you which to overcome endeavour to be Martial in your self for a Prince that is not Martial in himself shall never be freed of Rebellion amongst his Subjects a strong arm should hold the Ballance of Justice When dissention ariseth be not a Loyterer and Sluggard but with all celerity suppress it in the Infancy Rebellion is like Fire in a City which should be quenched though with the pulling down of the Neighbour Houses Others will instruct you in the art of Governing with greater curiosity and wisdom but not with the like love and affection I wish this counsel be ingraven in your heart and conscience after my death for a perpetual testimony of my sincerity in your education And if by the unjust counsel of others ye be brought to practise ought contrary to these instructions Remember ye cannot shun inevitable dangers both to your State and Person But now I am warned from above to deliver this grief-ful Body to the rest of a desired Grave After she had thus counselled and blessed her Son not living many days she was buried with all Solemnities and Funeral Rites at Edenburgh in the Colledge of the Trinity which she her self had Founded in the year One thousand four hundred sixty six 1466 The King as he encreased in years encreasing in strength and ability for exercises either of recreation or valour by the Regents is given to a Brother of the Lord Boyd to be bred in Knightly Prowess a man singular for his Education abroad and demeanor at home The Kennedies were now aged and become tyred to give such assiduous attendance at Court as they were wont and the times required The Lord Boyd by the weakness of his Co-partners governed the State alone as Sir Alexander his Brother did the young King To whose Natural inclination he did so comply and conform himself that he had the whole trust of his affairs and the King had no thoughts but his So soon as the King began to know himself he turned impatient of being subject to the Laws of Minority that he himself should be restrained by that Authority which did derive from him to loath the Superintendency and Government of others and to affect an unseasonable Priviledge to be at his own disposal and the governing himself Many things are done without the advice of the Governours and occasion is sought to be disburdened of their Authority The Lord Boyd and his Brother in a little time encreasing in greatness and having an intention to transfer the Power of the State and Glory of the Court to their Family fail not to find opportunity to free the King from the severity and rigour of the Governours Schooling and to frame him an escape Whilst the King remaining at Linlithgow the Lord Hayls Lord Somervail Sir Andrew Carre of Chesford Sir Alexander Boyd agree upon a match of Hunting and will have the King Umpire of the Game Early the morning following the Gentlemen who were upon the Plot failed not in their Attendance The King being a mile off the Town and holding the way towards Edenburgh the Lord Kennedy whose quarter then was to attend and who had leasurely followed suspecting this Hunting to be a Game of State the King continuing his Progress laying his hands upon the Reins of his Bridle requested him to turn again to Linlithgow for that he perceived the time was not convenient for him to go further neither was he at a convenient match in absence of his best deserving followers Sir Alexander Boyd impatient that the King should have been thus stayed after injurious words stroke the Reverend Governour with a Hunting-staff upon the head and took the King along with him to Edenburgh At a frequent meeting of the States the Kennedies urged to have the King continue under Minority the Boyds to take the Government in his own Person after long contestations wisdom being overcome by boldness the Authority of the better party was forced to give place and yield to the will of the greater Thus the Faction of the Boyds prevailed After this the Kennedies full of indignation and breathing Revenge leave the Court cares grief and age about this time brought James Kennedy Bishop
a neighbour Prince were sufficient to keep him safe on his Throne which by this match was endangered They suggested that the Boyds builded their estimation in the air of popular applause and endeavoured to endear themselves in the opinion of the multitude A Prince is not a Lord of that people that loveth another beter than him Should the Boyds be accused of peculate and robbing the King and the common Treasure the King might make a prey of their unlawful conquest and by their Attaindors reward the services of many of his necessitated friends it being acquired most part by spoils and the taxing of the Subjects unlawfully The height to which their riches was encreased should be feared the faults of all the disorders of the Commonwealth are laid upon the Boyds as the Authors of every breaking out and sedition that they might the more securely possess the places near the King At this time complaints from all parts of the Kingdom and by all sorts of persons incessantly being given unto him advance the intentions of their Enemies and the Kings mind naturally inclined to fears and superstition being long tossed and perplexed began to turn away from the Boyds and with their power in some degrees brought lower and lessened Preambles of Ruine but he would go leasurely to produce this effect and make one change bring forth another The King encreasing in years and youthful perturbations is counselled for the continuing of the Race and Succession and the keeping his Person without the common disorders of the world to think upon some match profitable for his Country and honourable for himself He is courted by many and courteth others the Duke of Burgundy had offered him his Daughter as to other Princes his friends and neighbours but his mind was not to have her married at all during his life-time Andrew Stwart Lord Evandale then Chancellour of the Kingdom with the Bishops of Glasgow and Orknay being sent Embassadours to Christern King of Denmark for an accommodation and taking up some business concerning the Isles of Orkenay and Schythland One thousand four hundred sixty eight the quarrel was taken away by a marriage to be celebrated between the King and Lady Margaret King Christerns daughter a Lady thought worthy of his bed in respect of the excellency of her beauty her royal descent and greatness of her birth All matters being agreed upon these Isles engaged for her Dowry there wanted only an honourable retinue and convoy to bring home the Lady To this Negotiation by the craft of some about the King and vanity of others who gloried to see their friend promoted to such great honour Thomas Earl of Arran as a man flourishing in fame and riches and able to maintain and discharge all magnificence is deputed as the fittest person Thus by the ambition and unattentiveness of his friends his worth was made the Scaffold of his Ruine the lamentable condition of men of high desert In the beginning of the Harvest accompanied with some young Noblemen and Gallants most of which were his select friends and well-wishers he ascendeth his ships Whilst as the King of Scotlands brother in law he is some months riotously entertained at the Danish Court the rigor of that Northern Climate by the congealing of the Ocean moored up his ships and barred all return till the following Spring In this absence of a man so near unto the King his Father and Uncle by age sickness and their private affairs not so frequently haunting the Court as they were accustomed the Kennedyes and they of the contrary Faction having shaken the Kings affection and broken these bands his pleasures idleness and vacancy from the publick affairs of the State by which the Boyds thought they had kept him sure move him now a little delighting in action to proceed to the consideration of such matters as might be objected against the Government of the Boyds But that this might not appear to be an act of Faction but the universal consent of the Kingdom apart a Parliament was summoned to be holden in November at Edenburgh Here Robert Lord Boyd with his brother Sir Alexander are summoned to answer in Judgment to such points as should be exhibited against them At the appointed day the Lord Boyd appeared but accompanied with such multitude of the common people and numbers of his friends vassals and followers all in arms with such ostentation and boasting that the King and Courtiers were well pleased to suffer them dissolve and scatter of their own free wills At this insolency and malepartness yet to our own time an usual custom in Scotland the King conceived such indignation that he raised a strong guard to attend justice and his commandments and laid secretly Forces to assist these if the Boyds should oppose his laws by convocation of the Lieges The Lord Boyd after private intelligence of the Minds of the Court to blow him up rather amazed than in choler at the change of his Masters mind fled into England his brother Sir Alexander arested by sickness and relying upon his own integrity more than he ought to have done considering the malice of his enemies was brought before the Parliament his brother and he were challenged that upon the tenth of July One thousand four hundred sixty six they laid hands upon the Kings Person and against his purpose brought him off the high way to the Castle of Calendar and that by their private power and consent contrary to the established order of the State and the other Regents advice they brought the King to Edenburgh when Sir Alexander sought to produce an act of Parliament for abolition of approbation of this deed as good service it was kept up and he being condemned had his Head cut off Their other accusations contained the topical faults of Favourites that they had enriched themselves out of the Kings Treasure monopolized things belonging to the Crown diminished the Revenues thereof removed worthy men from the Council placing such in their rooms as had dependency from them Thomas Earl of Arran employed in a Publick charge by the kingdom absent unheard is declared Rebel with his father and his moveables escheated to the King to his original faults was added that he dared marry the Kings Sister without consent of the States the King being of non-age At the noise of this thunder clap Robert Lord Boyd left this world at Anwick No sooner had the Spring rendred the Baltick Seas Navigable when the Danish Lady with her Fleet Anchored in the Forth The Earl of Arran who was the Paranymphe and her convoy in that general gladness by the persuasions of some of his friends was preparing to come on shore and to submit himself to the Kings clemency but his Lady who had afar discerned his danger coming abroad disguised and giving him particular information of the calamity of his house the weakness of his friends at Court and the many snares envy and malice had laid to surprise him he hoysted Sails
and with her who would be partaker of all his misfortunes returned to Denmark from Denmark by Germany he came to King Lovys in France who interposed his requests to King James for his regress and restoring but the Letters in his favour producing no effects Charles Duke of Burgundy making War against his Rebel Subjects he was graciously received by him and entertained as his Ally his Lady remained at Antwerp where she bore him two children James and Gracile Lady Margaret the 10 of July 1469. or after others 1470. maketh her entry into Edenburgh 1469. and scarce having attained the sixteenth year of her age is married to King James in the Abby Church of Holy-rood house and in the month of November following by a Convention of the three Estates was Crowned Queen The King inexorable in the behalf of the Earl of Arran and breathing his total Ruine sendeth Letters to Antwerp filled with promises and threatnings to move his Sister to return to Scotland These at the first prevailed nothing with this Lady to make her forsake the husband of her youth many Letters and from several friends and well-wishers in several fashions and stiles coming to her at last she was brought to believe her presence would mollifie the mind of her enemies and work her husband a re-establishment of his former favours with the King her Brother and restore him to all his Possessions and Dignities Upon which hopes she comes to Scotland But these hopes proved all false for instead of having access to her brother she is kept at Kilmarnock the chief House of the Boyds as in a free Prison and her Husband is summoned within threescore days to adhere to his Wife under pain of Divorce the unfortunate Earl for fear of his head not appearing his Marriage is declared Null his Wife is divorced from him and is constrained to marry James Lord Hamilton to whom also the Earldom of Arran was given for Dowry Not long after her two children to Earl Thomas James and Gracile are brought to Scotland who in the proceeding of time proved little more fortunate than their Father for James was slain by Hugh Montgomery of Eglington and Gracile though first married to the Earl of Cassiles and after to the Lord Forbess was barren Some have recorded that the Earl Thomas after this violent bereaving him of his Wife died of displeasure at Antwerp and had a Tomb raised over him with an honourable Inscription by Charles Duke of Burgundy others who hate the Boyds tell he died not at Antwerp but at Florence and that he was killed by a Merchant of Florence out of jealousie of having abused his Wife Queen Margaret the third year after her Marriage in the Month of March brought forth a Son who was named James and Christern King of Denmark to congratulate the happy delivery of his daughter and of expectation of a continued succession to the Crown of Scotland of his Race released all his right title claim which he or his successors might have to the Isles of Orkney and Scythland The King calleth after a Parliament at Edenburgh wherein though the Reformation of abuses as wearing of Silk and other foraign triffles the building of Ships and the enacting Laws for the present time were pretended a liberal Subsidy was the greatest aim His Exchequer being empty and many of his best friends turning necessitous and needy John Lord of the Isles was attainted for his own and his Fathers misdemeanour the King raiseth Forces to pursue him the Earl of Crawford being made Admiral the Earl of Athol the Kings Uncle Lieutenant of the Regiments by Land such means in a short time was used by the Earl of Athol that the Lord of the Isles submitted himself to the Kings clemency and in a convention of the States at Edenburgh he resigned all the right he had to the Earldom of Ross the lands of Knapden and Kintyre which the King annexed to the Crown Patrick Graham Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews having at Rome understood the fall of the Boyds returneth to his own Country where first amongst his friends and the most peaceable sort of the Clergy he divulgateth the Bull of the Pope for his Supremacy over the other Churchmen of the Kingdom and his power of their tryal and promoting to benefices and after caused proclaim it at all publick places The laudable Elections anciently used about the Places and Offices of Churchmen by the corruption of the times being taken away and that Power altogether assumed by the King The Courtiers who were accustomed to sell Benefices and the Churchmen who were wont to buy them reject the Bull and set themselves against him by their traffick he is discharged to take the Place or Ornaments of an Arch-Bishop or carry any other Cross or Cap than what the former Bishops used to have But here they set not up their rest William Schevez a man in those times admired for his skill in Astrology and promoted to be Arch-Dean of Saint Andrews seconded by John Lock the Rector of that University a better Grammarian than Christian Excommunicates this Arch-Bishop for his presumption and that he sought to bear Rule over his brethren Bishops When this censure had passed upon him he is degraded and shut up in Prison William Schevez is after promoted to his place and Consecrated upon the Passion Sunday in Lent at Holy-rood house the King being present he likewise received the Title and Faculty of Legate and is confirmed Primate of the Realm notwithstanding the impediments objected to Patrick Graham by the Church-men concerning that same dignity and preheminency So various and deceitful are the ways of Men. The King being slow to action and more inclined to a solitary form of Life than to travel and business his brothers being Princes of unquiet and restless Spirits to whom publick imployments were recreations 1469. and withal being ambitious prodigal desirous of Rule and to be Governours of the people themselves and Kings in fact however their elder brother was in title they set themselves altogether to study novations and bring the King in contempt with his Subjects and divert their minds and love towards him To this effect they had drawn by their towardness and familiarity many of the young Nobles and Gentlemen to follow them The King was obnoxious to some publick Scandals for by his too great frugality care to encrease his Treasure and study of Purchasing by Taxations sale of Church Benefices and too exact taking up of Fines supervaluation of Wards he had gotten the name of Covetous and was no small distast amongst the Commons Edward King of England that the Scots by the instigation of the French should not trouble his new and scarce settled government imploying all his counsels and diligence to divide them amongst themselves wrought not a little on the unquiet Spirits of these young men The Duke of Albany having been taken upon the Seas by the English was honourably entertained by him
to the Cannons Gate in Edenburgh the King compassionate of his disease sendeth his Physitians to attend him they to restore his understanding which was molested open some veins of his head and arms in which time whether by his own disorder or misgovernment in his sickness the bands being loosed which tyed the lancing or that they took too great a quantity of blood from him he fainted and after sowning died unawares amongst the hands of his best friends and servants These who hated the King gave out that he was taken away by his command and some Writers have recorded the same but no such faith should be given unto them as to B. W. E. who was living in that time and whose Records we have followed who for his place could not but know and for his possession would not but deliver the very Truth certain Witches and Sorcerers being taken and examined and convicted of Sorcery at this time and being suborned they confessed that the Earl of Marr had dealt with them in prejudice of the King and to have him taken away by incantation For the Kings Image being framed in Wax and with many spels and incantations baptized and set unto a fire they perswaded themselves the Kings person should fall away as that Image consumed by the fire and by the death of the King the brothers should reach the Government of the State with such vanities was the common people amused Alexander Duke of Albany imputing the death of his brother to the favourites of the King and a vouching them to have been the occasioners of his distraction stirred the Nobility and People to revenge so foul a deed but whilst he keeps private meetings with them of his Faction in the Night to facilitate their enterprise betrayed by some of his followers he is surprised and imprisoned in the Castle of Edenburgh Out of which about the appointed time of his tryal by the killing of his keeper he escaped and in a Ship which to that effect was hired sailing to the Castle of Dumbar of which he had the keeping he passed to France After the escape of the Duke of Albany the Lord Evandale Chancellour of the Kingdom raising the power of the nearest Shires beleagured the Castle of Dumbar the besieged unprovided of Victuals as men expecting no such alterations betake themselves in small Boats to the Sea and came safe towards the Coasts of England The Castle having none to defend it is taken some Gentlemen in pursuit of the flying souldiers by their own rashness perished The Kings of Scotland and England tossed along with civil troubles and affecting peace with all their neighbours by an equal and mutual consent of thoughts send at one time Ambassadors to one another who first conclude a Peace between the two Nations and that the Posterity might be partakers of this accord contract afterwards an Alliance between the two Kings It was agreed that the Princess Cicilia youngest daughter to King Edward should marry with James Duke of Rothsay when they came to years of discretion A motion heard with great acceptance but it was thought by some familiar with King Edward and in his most inward Counsels that really he never intended this marriage and that this negotiation aimed only to temporize with Scotland in case that Louys of France should stir up an Invasion of England by the King of Scotland King Louys at this time had sent one Doctor Ireland a Sorbonist to move King James to trouble the Kingdom of England and to give over the projected marriage which when King Edward understood knowing what a distance was between things promised and performed to oblige King James and tye him more strongly to the bargain that this marriage might have more sway he caused for the present maintenance of the Prince and as it were a part of the Dowry of Lady Cicilia deliver certain sums of money to King James Notwithstanding of which benevolence the witty Louys wrought so with the Scottish Nobility that King James sent Embassadors to the King of England entreating him not to assist the Duke of Burgundy his brother in Law against King Lovys which if he refused to do the Nobility of Scotland who were now turned insolent would constrain him by reason of the ancient League between the French and the Scots to assist the French The Duke of Albany during his abode in France had married a Daughter of the Earl of Bulloigne she was his second Wife his first having been a Daughter of the Earl of Orkenay a Lady of great Parentage and many Friends who incessantly importuned King Lovys to aid the Duke for the recovery of his Inheritance and places in the State of Scotland out of which he was kept by the evil Counsellors of his brother Louys minding to make good use of his brother and underhand increasing discords and jealousies between him and the King of England slighting his suits told him he could not justifie his taking of Arms to settle a Subject in his Inheritance That Princes ought to be wrought upon by persuasion not violence and he should not trouble a King otherways then by Prayers and Petitions which he would be earnest to perform Upon this refusal the Duke of Albany having buried his Dutchess troubled with new thoughts came to England King Edward with accustomated courtesies receiving him giveth him hopes of assistance entring of in communication with him how to divert the Kingdom of Scotland from the invasion of his Dominions at the desire of the French the Agents and traffickers of Louys lying still in Scotland and daily bribing and soliciting the Scots Nobility to necessitate the English to stay at home The Duke freely and in the worst sense revealed the weakness of his Kingdom that his King was opinionative and had nothing of a Prince in him but the Name His ungoverned Spirit disdained to listen to the temperate Counsel of sober men obeying only his own judgment Such who govern'd under him were mean persons and of no account great only by his favour and indued with little virtue who ruling as they listed and excluding all others made use of his Authority for their own profit and advantage The Nobility were male-contents and affected a change in the Government which might easily be brought to pass by the assistance of King Edward If he would help to raise some civil broyls and dissention in the Nation it self he needed not to be in fear that they could or would trouble his country by any Invasion The King hearing the Duke manifest what he most affected approving his judgment promised him all necessaries and what he could desire to accomplish the design and he undertaketh by some fair way to traffick with the Nobility of Scotland for an alteration of the present form of Government After a dangerous 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 Commonwealth nor the State alter'd without the sequestring of those from the King who misgovern'd him And these could not be remov'd by that power which was amongst themselves 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 Albany 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 licence of a Tyrant in Peace than 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 another Army not to fight but to seize upon the Kings Favourites and misgovernors of the State for which the English should have many thanks That this Enterprize could not but prove most successful 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 King 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 another 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 setled 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 Sovereignty 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 tye of great affairs Rumours are spread that the Dukes of Gloucester and Albany with James late Earl of Dowglass and Alexander Jerdan 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 Kelso The King wakned out of his Trances by the Alarms of his Nobility and clamors 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 Two and twenty thousand and five hundred and a number of Carts 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 Borders or nearer would never Invade them The King at this time is marvellously perplexed and become suspicious of the intentions of his Nobility in this Army in this confusion of thoughts fell upon two extreames In his demeanor and conversation too familiar and inward with his old Domestick Servants and Favourites which rendred them insolent 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 Nobility 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 independant 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 rash though long projected attempt After many private conferences in their Pavillions 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 Commonwealth 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 Majesty from these naughty upstarts who abuse his Name and Authority and despise of all good men and have a care that the Commonwealth 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 Pavillion 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 James Homill Robert Cochran who of a Surveyor of his works was made Earl of Mar or as some mitigate that Title Intromittor and taker up of the Rents of that Earldom by whose device some Authors have alledged 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 clamours of the Army were immediately hanged upon the Lidder John 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 the Kingdom by this notorious act at Lawder being engaged and being made partakers of the Quarrel of the discontented Noblemen
all solemnity of greatness returned towards London being welcomed by the King with many demonstrations of great joy He to show how much he approved the conditions of this Peace went solemnly in procession from St. Stephens Chappel now the Parliament House accompanied with the Queen his Sister and a mighty retinue of the greatest Lords into Westminster Hall Where in presence of the Earl of Anguss the Lord Gray and Sir James Liddale Embassadors extraordinary from Scotland the Peace was Ratified At the return of the Scots Embassadors to their Country King Edward sent an Herauld with them who in his Masters name gave over the Marriage contracted between the Lady Cicilia and the Prince of Rothsay and required the money which had been delivered upon hopes of consummation to his King The Citizens of Edenburgh had given their Bond for the redelivery and a day being granted to them for the Payment they at the appointed day entirely delivered the sum Some thought King Edward recalled this Marriage of a suspicion he conceived that the Ambition of the Duke of Albany and the hatred of the Subjects against their King amidst the manifold distractions of the Realm might hazard the Succession of the Prince of Rothsay to the Crown But King Edward having gained what he had endeavoured most to acquire a division amongst the Nobles of Scotland and by this a Security from their assisting the French rejected the Match Besides the Duke of Gloucester who after his coming in Scotland was laying the Foundations of the Usurping the Crown of England his Brother once dead thought the Alliance of his Brothers Daughter with a King of Scotland too strong a Support to that Race which he was to declare Bastard and a Rock upon which he was confident he should make a fearful shipwrack Neither his Brothers daughter being married to a King of such martial and turbulent Subjects as the people of Scotland durst he ever attempt the taking away of her Brothers and King Edward in neglect of this Match committed a greater error of State than he did in his marrying the Lady Elizabeth Gray and forsaking the Lady Bona Daughter to the Duke of Savoy According to the Records of some Authors whilst the King is kept nine Months in the Castle of Edenburgh the Duke of Albany the Lord Evandale Chancellour the Earl of Arguile the Arch-bishop of St. Andrews the Earl of Athol his Uncle who for the preservation of his person and honour of his Office accepted the charge to attend him in that Fortress govern'd the State The King say the honest Records had all honour which appertained to a Prince save that he could not come abroad and none was permitted to speak unto him except in the audience of some one of his Lords Keepers and that his Chamber doors were shut before the setting of the Sun and long after the rising opened Proclamations were Publisht in his Name and Authority and other publick Writings Such who only heard of him could not but take him to be a free and absolute Prince when near he was but a King in phantasie and his Throne but a Picture the Regal Authority being turned into a Cloak to cover the Passions of those who did govern The Duke of Albany daily importuned by the solicitations Prayers and tears of the Queen a calm and temperate Lady for her Husbands Liberty finding himself not so respected by the other Governours as his Birth and merits did deserve being a man who delighted in nothing more than in changes and novations of Court and State after so many scorns and rebukes offered to his Brother and King commiserating his long sufferance and believing that good turns would make past offences be forgotten and recent benefits were sufficient to blot away old injuries with all remembrance of former discontents whilst the other Governours at Sterling securely passed the time posted in the Night to Edenburgh Here a meeting being appointed of some of his Friends and Vassals who knew nothing of his intentions by the assistance of the Citizens of Edenburgh men entirely loving their King and devoted to him all the time of the Insurrection of his Nobles who gave the first assault yet was it rather their intelligence than Force the Castle is surprized the King and all his Servants set at liberty This unexpected and noble Act of the Duke of Albany having so fortunate a success brought a mighty change on the Court and State The King is now again reinstall'd and hath this Residence in his own Palace to which many Noblemen and Gentlemen have frequent concourse rejoycing to see such evident tokens of love pass between the two Brothers if their affection could have continued The Provost and Baylies of Edenburgh in recompence of their Service were made Sheriffs within all the bounds of their own Territories and rewarded with other Priviledges contained in that Patent which they call their Golden Charter One thousand four hundred eighty two The Lords of the contrary Faction who remained at Sterlin by this new accident betook themselves to new thoughts and considerations every man full of fears and repinings flying to his own dwelling place and conceiving a great hatred against the Duke of Albany They said he was inconstant rash mad in setting at liberty the man who would prove his Executioner and one who would never forget any profer'd injury that if he perished before them it was but his own just deserving and procurement The Duke contemning those reproaches and answering their calumnies and evil words with patience and good deeds by the mediation of the Earl of Anguss studied a reconciliation between the King and his discontented Lords And his endeavours had such good success that in a short time after this Atonement some of them turned so familiar and inward with the King that like the Ivy they began to sap the wall by which they had been supported They made the wound of the Kings old jealousies ranckle again and added poyson to former discontents remembring him of the unnaturalness of his Brothers first Rebellion and assuring him that his ancient Ambition had yet more power of him than his new fears of honesty and respect That howsoever he shewed outwardly the arguments of a reconciled Brother he loved yet to govern and aimed at the Crown That he had wrought his liberty to bring a greater confusion in the State than he had ever done before The King who ever had a watchful eye over his reconciled enemies and who desired to be freed and fairly quited of them all gave way to their calumnies And they after long deliberation resolve upon a Plot to bring the Duke within compass of Law and summoned him to answer upon Treason And this was the rendring of the Town of Berwick to the English which they undertook to prove was only by his Intelligence procuration and being in company with the Duke of Gloucester in that expedition Though the Duke had an absolute and general Pardon and an
remain'd lay hold upon this Overture and beginning from their particulars they make the cause to be general They spread Rumours abroad that the King was become terrible and not to be trusted notwithstanding all his Protestations and Outward demeanour that he yet meditated Revenge and had begun to invade and shake the ancient Priviledges of the Humes more out of spight and discontent against them for having assisted and follow'd the Lords of the Reformation of the State than any intention of the increasing the Rents of his new erected Chappel That ere long he would be avenged upon all whom he either knew were accessary or suspected to have been upon the Plot of Lawder Bridge or his Committing in the Castle of Edenburgh That it was sometime better to commit a fault unpardonable than venture under the Pardon That the King had taken a Resolution to live upon the Peoples contributions and give his own Revenues to particular Men. The faults of his Counsellours are highly exaggerated They are base Persons and he himself given to dissimulation misdevotion and revenge as occasion served he would remember old wrongs It was good to obey a King but not to lay the head upon a Block to him if a Man could save himself After long smother of discontent and hatred of the Nobility and People Rankor breaking daily forth into Seditions and alterations The Lord Hume and Haylles being the Ring-Leaders many Noblemen and Gentlemen under fained pretences especially the courses of swift Horses keep frequent meetings Where they renew their Covenant agreed upon at Lawder Church the necessity of the times and the danger of the Commonwealth requiring it and gave their Oaths that at what time soever the King should challenge them directly or indirectly or wrong them in their Rights Possessions Places Persons They should abide together as if they were all one Body marry each others quarrels and the wrongs done to any one of them should be done to them all When the King understood the Confederacy of the Lords to anticipate the danger he made choice of a Guard for the preservation of his Person and Servants Of which he made John Ramsay of Balmayne a Man whom he had preserved at Lawder and advanced to be Master of his Houshold at Court Captain giving him a Warrant not to suffer any Man in Arms approach the Court by some miles This in stead of cooling exasperated the Choler of the Male-contents and stirr'd them to assemble with numerous Retinues all in Arms. The King scarce believing the Minds of so many were corrupted and persuading himself the Authority of a King would supply the want of some Power summon'd certain of them upon fourty days to answer according to Law Of those some rent his Summons and beat shamefully his Heraulds and Messengers for discharging their Offices Others appeared but with numbers of their Adherents Friends Allies and Vassals And here he found that the faults of great Delinquents are not without great danger taken notice of and reprehended he used some Stratagems to surprise the Heads and Chiefs of their Faction But unadvisedly giving trust to the promises of those who lent their ears but not their hearts to his words his Designs were discovered before they produced any effects his secrets all laid open to his great hatred and disadvantage the Discoverers taking themselves to the factious Rebels and cherishing unkind thoughts in all whom they saw distasted with his Government Perceiving himself betrayed and his intentions divulged he remained in great doubt to whom he should give credit The nature and manner of all things changed by the League of the Confederates he thought it high time to remove a little further from that Torrent which might have overwhelmed him and made them Masters of his Person To temporize and win time caused furnish the Castles of Edenburgh and Sterling with provision of Victual Ammunition and Garrisons to defend them from the dangers of War he resolved to make his abode beyond the River of Forth and to leave the South Parts of the Kingdom After which deliberation he entred a Ship of Sir Andrew Wood a famous Navigator and stout Commander at Sea which pretended to make sail for the low-Countries and was lying at Anchor in the Forth These who saw him aboard spread a rumour that he was flying to Flanders The Lords of the Insurrection making use of this false report seized on his carriage in the Passages towards the North rifled his Coffers spoiled his Servants of their stuff and baggage And then after certainty that he was but Landed in Fyfe and from that was in Progress to the Northern parts preparing and directing his good Subjects to be in readiness to attend him at his return they surprized the Castle of Dumbar The monys found in his Coffers wage Soldiers against him and the Harness and Weapons of his Magazines arm them Having gathered some companies together tumultuously they overrun the Countries upon the South of the Forth rifling and plundering all men who went not with them or whom they suspected not to favour their desperate and seditious ends In his progress the King held Justice Courts at Aberdeen and Inneress where William Lord Creighton not long before impeacht with the Duke of Albany submitted himself to his Clemency and was received in favour and pardoned after which grace he shortly left this World Whilst the King in the North the Lords in the South are making their Preparations When they were assembled at Lithgow they find themselves many in number and strong in Power the success of their proceedings being above their hopes there only wanted a man eminently in esteem with the People and noble of Birth to give lustre to their Actions shadow their Rebellion and be the titular and painted head of their Arms. When they had long deliberated upon this great Man they assented all that there was none to be Parrallel'd to the Prince of Rothsay the Kings own Son So strongly Providence befools all human Wisdom and fore-sight his Keepers being corrupted by Gifts Pensions and promises of divers Rewards he is delivered into their hands and by Threats That they would otherwise give up the Kingdom to the King of England he is constrained to go with them To heighten the hatred against the King and the closlier to deceive the People for the love of Subjects is such towards their natural Kings that except they be first deceived by some pretences and notable sophism they will not arise altogether in Arms and Rebel they make Proclamations and by their Deputies by way of Remonstrances spread abroad Seditious Papers in what a Sea of blood would these men launch into that all true Subjects should come in defence of the Prince and take Arms because his Fathers jealousies and superstitious fears were risen to that height that nothing but his Sons Death or Imprisonment could temperate them That he was raising an Army to take his Son out of their hands that he might
do with him as he had done with his own Brothers That Force was the only means to work his safety and keep the Plotters of this mischief within bounds they also should take Arms to reduce the Government to a better form for that the Kingdom was oppressed with insupportable grievances the King being altogether given to follow the advice projects and counsels of base men to amass and gather great sums of mony from his People upon which he studied to maintain his Court and State and give away his own When the Engine was prepared for the People and spread abroad they sent to the Earl of Dowglass then closely as a Monk shut up in the Abby of Lyndores to come out be of the Party and assist them with his Counsel and Friends promising if their attempt had happy Success to restore him again to his ancient Possessions and Heritage former Dignities and the Places of Honour of his Ancestors The Earl whom time and long experience had made wary and circumspect having a suspicion the Earl of Anguss who possessed the greatest part of his estate had been the chief motioner of this liberty and that rather to try what he would do than that he minded really to set him free refused to come out of his Cloister And by his Letters dissuaded them from their bold enterprize against their Prince wishing they would set his house and himself for a pattern and President of Rebellion He sent to all such of his Friends whom his disasters had left unruined to take arms for the King as the Dowglasses of Kayvers and others The King neither losing courage nor councel for the greatness of the danger of the Rebellion trusting much to his good fortune with such Forces as came with him from the North in Captain Woods Ships and other Boats and Vessels prepared to that end passeth the Forth near the Blackness an old Fortress and Sea-port in West Lothian not far from the Castle of Abercorn and that place where the forces of the Earl of Dowglass left him and the King his Father obtained so harmless a Victory Before the arrival of the King at this Place the Earls of Montross Glencarn Lords Maxwel and Ruthven with others advertised by Letters of the Rendevouz hand come to the place had encamped and were attending him And he mustered a sufficient Army to rencounter the Lords of the association who from all quarters were assembled having with them the Prince to add Authority to their quarrel The two Armies being in readiness to decide their indifferences by a Battle the Earl of Athol the Kings Uncle so travailed between the Lords of either Party and the King that a suspension of Arms was agreed upon and reconcilement and the Earl of Athol rendred himself a pledge for the accomplishing of the Kings part of the reconcilement to the Lord Haylles and was sent to be kept in the Castle of Dumbar This was not a small fault of this Prince the Confederates Forces were not at this time equal to his neither had they essayed to hinder the Landing of his Army being but in gathering the Castle of Blackness was for his defence and his Ships traversing up and down the Forth in case of necessity for succour That if he had hazarded a Battle he had been near to have recovered all that reputation he had before lost Now upon either side some common Souldiers are disbanded some Gentlemen licensed to return to their own dwelling places The King in a peaceable manner retireth to the Castle of Edenburgh The Earl of Athol was now removed from him and many of the other Lords who loved him returned to their houses the Counsel of Man not being able to resist the determinations of God The Lords suspecting still the King to be implacable in their behalf and unacceptable in his Castle keeping the Prince always with them entring upon new Meditations hold sundry meetings how to have his Person in their Power and make him a Prey to their Ambitious designs The Town of Edenburgh is pestered with Troups of Armed Men the Villages about replenished with Souldiers The King warned of his danger fortifies of new the Castle of Edenburgh for his defence and is brought to such a tameness that resolving to do that with love of every Man which he feared in end he should be constrained unto with the universal hatred of all and his own damage and danger out of a passive Fortitude sent Commissioners indifferent Noblemen to the Lords and his Son to understand their intentions and what they meant Why his Son was kept from him and continued the head of their Faction Why his Uncle was so closely imprison'd and himself as it were blocked up by their tumultuous meetings in Arms He was content they should have an abolition of all that was past that their punishments should not be infinitely extended and that they should think upon a general agreement after the best and fittest manner they could devise and set it down They finding their offences flew higher than hope of Pardon could ascend unto Their suspitions and the conscience of their crime committed breeding such a distrust out of an apprehension of fear answered that they found no true meaning Open War was to be preferred to a peace full of deceit danger and fears that being assured he would weave out his begun projects against them they could not think of any safety nor have assurance of their lives nor fortunes unless he freely resigned the Title of his Crown and Realm in favour of his Son and voluntarily depose himself leaving the Government of the People and Kingdom to the Lords of his Parliament divesting himself wholly of his Royal dignity Neither would they come to any submission or capitulation until he consented to this main point and granted it submissively King James notwithstanding of this answer after a clear prospect of the inconveniences and mischiefs which were growing and the many injuries indignities and affronts put upon him yet really affecting a Peace sought unto Henry King of England as also to the Pope and King of France to make an attonement between him and his Subjects The Kings accordingly interposed their Mediation in a round and Princely manner not only by way of request and persuasion but also by way of Protestation and menace declaring that they thought it to be the common cause of all Kings if Subjects should be suffered to give Laws unto their Soveraign a Legitimate King though a Tyrant was not subordinate to the Authority of Subjects James was not a Tyrant his errours proceeding most part from youth and evil counsel That suppose the King had done them wrong it was not wisely done for a desire of revenge to endanger their particular Estates and the peace and standing of the whole Kingdom What State was there ever so pure but some corruption might creep into it That they should be very cautious how they shook the Frame of Monarchical Government too far
Princes testifying the same by the Letters which contained That Edward the eldest Son of Edward the Fourth who succeeded his Father in the Crown by the Name of Edward the Fifth was Murthered by Richard Duke of Gloucester their unnatural Uncle but Richard the younger Son his Brother by the Man who was employed to 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 Dutches of Burgundy That King James 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 only to the safe preservation of their own but also to the Aid of all such Allies as change of time and State have often hurled down from Crowns to undergo an exercise of sufference in both fortunes and Kings should repossess Kings wrongfully put from their own As his Predecessors to whose royal vertues he was heir had repossessed Henry the Sixth King of England spoyled of his Kingdom and distressed by which Charity obliging all vertuous Princes unto him he should find ever as his own Maximilian of Bohemia Charles of France and Margarite Dutchess Dowager of Burgundy King James 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 entred with an Army into Northumberland but not one Man coming to side with them the King turned his enterprize into a Road and after he had spoiled the Country returned to Scotland It is said that Perkin acting the part of a Prince handsomely where he saw the Scots pillaging and wasting of the Country came to the King and in a deplorable 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 ruine of his People whereunto King James 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 James again entred 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 Neighbour Princes might take upon him this Reconciliation Hialas accepteth the Embassage and coming to King James after he hid 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 should find some wise and temperate Councellour 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 James The Commissioners of both sides meet at Jedbrough and dispute many Articles and conditions of Peace Restitution of the spoils taken by the Scottish 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 James 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 resident 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 Judge of his Title he had received him as a Suppliant protected him as a Person fled for refuge espoused him with his Kinswoman 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
The cause which was given out to the rumours of the People of their coming was That the French King having no Male Children crav'd the advice and counsel of the King of Scotland his Confederate concerning the Marriage of his Eldest Daughter whether he should bestow her upon Francis of Valois the Daulphine and Duke of Augulesm or upon Charles King of Castile who had presented her with many tokens of affection and by his Embassadours earnestly sought her from her Brother But their great Errand was to divide the King from his brother-in-Brother-in-law King Henry and make him assist Lovys these two Potentates intending a War against other Ann Daughter of Francis Duke of Bretaign after the death of her Sister Isabella remained sole heir of that Dutchy her Wardship falling to the French King Charles the Eighth He terrified so her Subjects guided her Kindred and the principal Persons about her that making void the pretended marriage of Maximilian King of the Romans which was by Proxie she was married unto him Notwithstanding he had the Daughter of Maximilian at his Court with great expectation of a Marriage to be celebrate with her After the death of King Charles Lovys the twelfth having married Jane the Sister of Charles and Daughter to Lovys the Eleventh by his many favours bestowed upon Pope Alexander the Sixth and his Son Cesar Borgia obtaineth a Brief of Divorce against her by the power of which her weakness for the bearing of Children the necessary upholders of a Crown by his Physitians being proved he had Married Ann of Bretaign for he would not lose so fair a Dowry for the blustering rumour of Male-contents which in a little time would grow stale and vanish Pope Alexander dead Julius the Second a turbulent unquiet but magnificent Prelate and a stout defender of Church-Patrimony suspicious of the Power of the French in Italy and that they would not rest content with the Kingdom of Naples and Dutchy of Milan but one day hazard for all fearing also they would because they might put him out of his Chair and substitute in his Room their Cardinal of Amboise or some other of their own began to study novations and means to send the French back to their own Country his ordinary discourse being that he would one day make Italy free from Barbarians He requireth King Lovys to give over the Protection of the Duke of Ferrara and of Annibal Bentivoglio whom he had thrust out of Bulloign The King refusing to forsake Confederates the Pope betaketh him to his spiritual Arms and threatneth with Excommunication the Duke and all who came to his aid and support especially the French they decline his Sentence and appeal to a true and lawful General Council with which they threaten him Henry the Eighth then in the fervour of his youth amidst a great Treasure left by his Father and by more than ordinary bands of love and friendship tyed to the Pope as having dispensed with the marrying of his Brothers Widow interposeth himself as an indifferent Mediatour and Intercessor for Peace between the two parties but in effect was the chief maintainer of the Quarrel effecting nothing because he would not Conditions being refused by King Henry he essayeth to draw the French arms from the Popes Territories by cutting them work nearer home and bringing a necessity upon them to defend their own Upon this determination he desireth King Lovys to restore and render to him his Dutchies Guyenne and Normandy with his ancient Inheritance of Anjow and Mayne and the other old Possessions of the English in France which wrongfully had been detained and kept from him and his Ancestours The War of Italy by these threatnings was not left of for the Pope coming to Bollogn with intention to Invade Ferrara is besieged with his Cardinals and he sendeth Declarations to the Christian Princes protesting the French not only thirsted after the Patrimony and Inheritance of St. Peter but even after Christian Blood Mean while he absolveth the Subjects of King Lovys from their Oath of Allegiance abandoneth his Kingdom to any can possess it at a Council at Lateran he dispatched a Bull wherein the Title of most Christian King is transferred upon Henry King of England who to his former Titles of France having now the approbation of the Pope and the Kingdom interdicted prepareth an expedition in person After which with five thousand barded Horses fourty thousand Foot coming in Picardy he encampeth before Therovenne a Town upon the Marches of Picardy Here the Emperour Maximilian resenting yet his old injury entreth into the King of England's Pay and weareth the Cross of St. George But so long as he stayed in the Army it was governed according to his counsel and direction King James before his meeting with Bernard Stewart and Bishop Forman was fully purposed to prove an indifferent beholder of this War but Bernard having corrupted the Courtiers and the Bishop the chief Church-man of the Kingdom after their long and earnest intercession he was drawn altogether to affect and adhere to the French To throw the apple of Dissention Bishop Forman is sent to King Henry to demand certain Jewels by their Fathers will or her Brothers Prince Arthurs appertaining to Queen Margarite his Sister King Henry mistrusting that Embassy offereth all and more than they demand from him Shortly after the English beginning to interrupt the traffick of the French by Sea King James will send his Ships lately well mann'd and equipped for Fight which not long before had been prepared as was given out to transport the King into Syria to his Cosin Queen Ann supposing this Gift would rather seem a Pledge of friendship and Alliance to the English than any Supply of War But James Earl of Arran having got the command of them instead of Sailing towards France arriveth in Ireland whether by tempest of Weather or that he would disturb the King's Proceedings in Assisting the French instigated and corrupted by King Henry it is uncertain and after he had spoil'd Knock-Fergus a Maritime Village returneth with them to the Town of Ayre The King taking in an evil part the Invasion of Ireland but more the lingring of the Earl for he had received Letters from Queen Ann and Bishop Forman regretting the long and vain expectation of his Ships giveth the Earl of Anguss and Sir Andrew Wood a Commission for both him and them The Earl of Arran by his Friends at Court understanding his Masters displeasure ere they could find him hoisted up Sails and committeth himself rather to the uncertain fortune of the Seas than the just Wrath of a King After great Tempest arriving in French Bretaign these Ships built at such extraordinary Charges Sayls and Cordage being taken from them rotted and consumed by weather in the Haven of Brest Now matters grew more exasperate between the Brother Kings Robert Car Warden of the Borders is killed by three English Hieron Lilburn Struthers Andrew Barton who upon an old quarrel begun
of the Nobility opposed it as to his coming into Scotland to accept the Government he alone would go to France charge him with it be his Convoy hither and maintain his Title This he was thought to have done for that despairing to reach and obtain this Dignity himself out of emulation he laid a design that never any other of the Nobles of the Kingdom should 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 also if the Faction of the Dowglasses prevail'd the greatness of the Earl of Anguss would be an umbrage to his and lessen impair it Their Lands Fortunes lying near to other as that the Queen by her power in England would cross his fairest projects The King of England had sent a Letter to the Lords of Scotland as he had done to the French King for that same effect remonstrating how dangerous it was for the State of Scotland and young King if they should make choice of the Duke of Albany Notwithstanding of all which through ambition malice envy of others discords amongst themselves they made choice of this Gentleman a stranger by his education and birth ignorant of the nature and 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 Country of Scotland in Wars and Troubles so he might defend the French Nation by making the Scots fight their battels After many private Letters from his Friends in Scotland especially from the Chamberlain inviting him to come home and accept his new dignity the Duke at last is required by the State and Lyon King of Arms is directed to him to acquaint him with their proceedings and make him forward on his way He to endear his coming and make himself the more desired of the People excusing his stay for a while which he laid upon the Treaty of Peace which was then to be agreed upon between England and France by the marriage of Lovys the French King with Mary the youngest Sister of Henry King of England which required his presence sendeth home the King of Arms with Letters from the French King with Sir Anthony Darcea le Siour de la Beautie This manpropounded certain conditions which the Duke required What should be the form of his Government his Guards what Castles should be delivered to him for his Garrisons the restoring his patrimony and Fathers dignities to him Which particularities being condescended unto the Castle of Dumbar was instantly delivered to la Beautie to be kept for a French Garrison at the Dukes coming and Sir Patrick Hamilton Brother to the Earl of Arran James Oguilbuy Abbot of Arbroth with the King of Arms were sent back again to France After their Arrival the Duke of Albany furnished with all necessaries by the French King with eight well rigged Ships took the Seas and in the month of May arrived on the West coasts of Scotland from whence with a great retinue of the Nobles and Barons of the Country by easie journeys the Queen meeting him he came to the Town of Edenburgh In the Parliament which had been prorogued for his coming the Duke accepted the Government and gave his Oath of fidelity to the King and Country and the three Estates gave their Oath of obedience to him and both swore in the Administration of Justice neither should be deficient to others Here is he restored to all his Fathers inheritance Titles and honours Being declared Duke of Albany Earl of March and Governour of the Kingdom till the King 's full maturity Many Laws are made for the weal of the Kingdom and to gratifie his Linnage James the natural Son of James the fourth is created Earl of Murray At the presence of this new Governour the face of the State turned more beautiful and the Court more Royal oppression is restrained justice sincerely executed the Court is frequented with good and virtuous men Malefactors and naughty persons banish themselves He maketh a progress to all the notable Towns of the Kingdom seeing crimes punished and faults amended Being a Stranger and not throughly acquainted with the municipal Statutes and particular practices of the Country in matters great and of importance he proceedeth by the instructions and 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 counsel of John Hepburn Prior of St. Andrews whose judgment in his greatest difficulties he receives as an Oracle This man being of a subtle mind 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 choice Servants turned his only Privado and almost possessed alone his judgment and ear He informed him of the strength and Riches of the Country of the nature of the people manner of their Laws revealed to him many secrets of the Government He gave him a Catalogue of the whole deadly fewds and divisions amongst the Noblemen and Gentry opening unto him which were inveterate and had long continued and which were fresh upon what accidents they had their beginnings How in prosecuting Revenge in them they cared not how innocent any man was if he were of the Name and Alliance but rather thought the more innocent any was the more it testified their spight which they desired to manifest by taking him away He shewed him what factions were in the Kingdom who sway'd them and were the heads He told him the Scots were a violent fierce people mutinously proud and knew not how to obey 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 James the First they had killed they had made a League against King James the Second in open Battel they had overthrown King James the Third and the last King was by best judgments 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 kindred Alliances Bonds of service or Homage that no Gentleman of any quality although a Malefactor and a guilty person could
Dunkell his Uncle to offer them what honourable satisfaction they could require All that he propounded being rejected by implacable men and finding the only way to be freed of violence to be violent and that danger could not be avoyded but by a greater danger with an hundred hardy resolute men armed with long Spears and Pikes which the Citizens as he traversed the Streats out of Windows furnished him he invested a part of the Town and barricadoed some Lanes with Carts and other impediments which the time did affrad The adverse party trusting to their number and the supply of the Citizens who calling to mind the slaughter of their Deacon shew them small favour disdaining the Earl should thus muster on the Streats in great fury invade him Whilst the bickering continued and the Town is in a Tumult William Dowglass brother to the Earl of Anguss Sir David Hume of Wedderburn George Hume brother to the late Lord with many others by blood and Friendship tyed together enter by violence the East Gate of the Town the Citizens making small resistance force their passage through the throngs seek the Earls enemies find them scoure the streets of them The Master of Montgomery eldest Son to the Earl of Eglintoun Sir Patrick Hamiltoun Brother to the Earl of Arran with almost fourscore more are left dead upon the place The Earl himself findeth an escape and place of retreat through a Marsh upon the North side of the Town The Chancellour and his retinue took Sanctuary in the Dominican Fryers the tumult by the slaughter of some and flight of others appeased the Earl of Anguss now freed of danger licensed all who pleased without further pursuit peaceably to leave the Town of Edenburgh and return to their own Houses Some daies after the Humes well banded and backed with many Nobles and Gentlemen of their linage by the Earl of Anguss consent took the Lord Humes and his brothers heads from the place where they had been fixt and with the funeral Rites of those times interr'd them in the Black-Fryers The Earl of Anguss having angled the Peoples hearts by his Magnificence Wisdom Courage and Liberality his Faction began to bear greatest sway in the Kingdom For the continuance of which the King of England dealt most earnestly with the French King to keep the Duke of Albany still in France with him But the French had contrary designâ— And when the Duke understood the great discords of the Nobility of Scotland persons of Faction being advanced to places dangerous immunities being granted to the Commons France and England beginning to be tyred of their Peace and preparing for a new War to curb the Scottish Factions keep the Nation in quietness in it self by giving the Subjects other Work abroad whilst common danger should break off particular Discords Notwithstanding of the English Ships which lay in wait to take him after he had been about five years in France in November he arrived on the West Coasts of Scotland at a place named Garloch The Governour coming to Edenburgh set himself to amend the enormities committed in his absence the Magistrates of the Town are deposed because in the late uproar they had been evil seconds to the Lords of the West when they went to surprise the Earl of Anguss A Parliament is called to which many Noblemen and Gentlemen are cited to make appearance in February to be tryed and to answer for offences committed by them in the Governours absence The appointed time being come these who appeared not were Indicted and fled into England Amongst which and the chief were the Humes and Cockburns men Authors and accessory to the death of Sir Anthony Darcy The tyde now turning and mens affections changed the Earl of Anguss with his Brother Sir George Dowglass by the Intercession of the Queen are constrained to seek a Pardon which was obtained for them but with the condition that they should leave the Country and stay in France one whole year which they obeyed Others have Recorded they were surprized in the Night and in French Ships conveyed privately away Mr. Gavin Dowglass Bishop of Dunkell in the absence of his Nephew finding the Governour violent in the Chase of the Faction of the Dowglasses fled privately to the Court of England where he gave informations to King Henry against him He alone had taken to him the custody of the young King the sequel whereof he much feared he was an irreconcilable Enemy to the whole Family of the Dowglasses The principal cause of his coming to Scotland was to engage the Nation in a War against England that the English should not assist the Emperour against the French King and make his Nation slaves to France This Bishop shortly after dyed at London and was buried in the Savoy Church having been a man Noble Valiant Learned and an excellent Poet as his Works yet extant testifie The King of England upon such informations sent Clarencieux King of Arms to Scotland to require the Duke to avoid the Country according to the Articles agreed upon between the French King and him in their last Truce It belonged said Clarencieux to his Master to tender the life wellfare honour fortunes of his Nephew of none of which he could be assured so long as the Duke ruled and stayed in Scotland It was against all reason and unbeseeming the man should be sole Guardian to a King who was the next heir to the Crown how easily might he be tempted by opportunity to commit the like unnatural cruelty which some have done in the like case both in England and other parts of Europe if he loved his Nation and Prince as he gave out he required him to leave the Country which if he yield not unto but obstinately continued in a resolution to stay he denounced from his Master present war He farther complained That the Earl of Anguss who was King Henries brother-in-Brother-in-Law was by him banisht and detained in France That during the banishment of the Earl which had been near a whole year the Duke had importuned his Sister the Queen with dishonest love The Governour answered Clarencieux That what the Kings of France and England agreed upon in their Treaties of Peace was to him uncertain but of this he was most certain That neither the King of England nor France had power to banisht him a Foreiner over whom their authority did not reach his native Country like over like having no jurisdiction As concerning the King of Scotland who was yet young in years he reverenced him as his Soveraign Lord and would keep and defend both him and his Kingdom according to his Conscience honour and bound duty that there were ever more men in the world who desired to be Kings than there were Kingdoms to be bestowed upon them of which number he was none having ever preferred a mean estate justly enjoyed before a Kingdom evil acquired For the Earl of Anguss he had used all Courtesies towards him notwithstanding of
opposed by the Queen and Nobility he was likely to have lost himself and the whole Kingdom or revenged the death of his Cousen His courteous nature went above his ambition he could as well lay down his Honours as he had modestly when they were laid upon him received them Before the Rumor of the Duke of Albanies taking the Seas was spread abroad the King of England by secret Letters had required the Earl of Anguss who then an Exile staid in France to come to him after the receit of which with a short-leave taking he left France where he had staid almost three years cometh to England King Henry had brought him to believe That the Duke had determined to extirpate his whole Linnage To prevent which he made him offer of Men and Ammunition to preserve his own and by his faction at home and his assistance to send the Duke over Seas which if he had staied the Earl was esteemed powerful enough to have accomplished The Duke of Albany being in France the Queen with the Government of the State assumeth the person of her Son whom she moved to leave Sterlin and come to Edenburgh the third day after he had made his entry in the Town she lodg'd with him in the Maiden Castle and it seized on armed with authority she doubted not to make the Country yield her all obedience That the Supream Magistrate of the Town should not oppose her Designs he is put from his Office and the Lord Maxwell a man to her obsequious is substituted in his place To give the fairer lustre to her Actions a Parliament is called at Edenburgh that what she did might consist with Law When King Henry understood the Duke had left Scotland to exclude and bar him all regress he sent one Magnus a great Oratour but greater by the renown of his skill in the Laws with Roger Ratcliff his Embassadours to try how the Scots amidst unnecessary turmoils would rellish a Truce and Cessation of Arms and these lay the blame of all the disorders and discords between the two Nations upon the Duke The Nobles tyred with their tedious Wars beginning to espy a Haven of rest cheerfully accept of this Embassie and agreeunto a Truce for one whole year To confirm which they condescend Commissioners shall be dispatched instantly who shall treat not only for a Truce but for a firm and lasting Peace between the two Nations and unite the Crowns in bands of Amity as well as they were united in degrees of blood The Earl of Anguss his enemy abandoning the Kingdom after honourable entertainment of the King of England many promises to befriend him and blandishments at his departing cometh to Scotland and his return began to change the Game of State The Queens and Earl of Arrans Faction carryed all matters of importance the Earls of Lennox Arguyl and the Humes had been sequestred from publick imployments the first faction by his presence find their power diminisht the other by his counterpoise and assistance have new hopes of arising both factions disliked that Anguss should arise to the first place and suspected he would not be content with the second they loved to have him an equal not Supreme Private jarrs smothered and interests delayed matters concerning England requiring a hasty and present discharge Gilbert Earl of Cassiles Robert Cockburn Bishop of Dunkell David Mill Abbot of Cambuskenneth are sent Commissioners to the Court of England At Greenwich they are honorably and kindly received by King Henry whose countenance promised them a refusal of no reasonable thing they would require The Bishop had a speech the Sum of which was That dissention and hatred taken away between the two Nations a faithful Peace might be agreed unto and confirmed their Discords turned into Union their Rancour into Love which to bring to pass and make durable the only apparent and probable means was to bestow the Lady Mary the Kings daughter upon James the young King of Scotland The English with great joy applauded to what was said And King Henry appointed certain Commissioners to treat about that purpose in private These when they had met to advance the Union of the Kingdoms desired these Conditions First That the Scottish Nation giving over and fairly forsaking the League they had with France should enter in a new League with them upon the same conditions and terms which were contained in their League with France Next That the young King of Scotland till by age he was able for marriage should be brought up at the Court of England When the Embassadours of Scotland had answered That these conditions were above their Commission to which they could not well answer and desired a time to acquaint the Council of Scotland with them it was condescended unto Thus two of them remaining at London the Earl of Cassiles returned to Scotland to bring back an answer When the day in which the Parliament should have been held was come the Queen and they who were of her faction as the Earls of Arran Murray Eglintoun fearing the Earl of Anguss might turn the wavering peoples affection and move them to some Revolt which might hinder their Determinations or terrify the Commissioners by the frequent convention of his Friends and followers constraining their voices and restraining their freedom of speech Or that they had a plot to surprize some of the contrary Faction and by authority of Parliament commit them in that place caused a Proclamation to be made That none of the three Estates should sit or assemble themselves in the Town of Edenburgh but that they should keep their meeting in the Castle and there give their presence The Earls of Anguss Lennox Arguyl Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrews Bishop of Aberdeen and Dumblane with their adherents and others who joyned with them rather out of fear than good will refuse to enter the Castle and require That the Parliament be kept in the accustomed Place the King may in Triumph be shewn to his own people conveyed along the High-street All which being denyed them giving out That Justice was violated the King kept against his will as a Prisoner the Government and custody of his person seised on without consent of the three Estates they surround the Castle with two thousand men in Arms stop all furniture of food and Victuals which should been afforded by the Town In this distress they in the Castle turn the great Ordnance against the Town and threaten the innocent Citizens with the overthrow of their buildings Some powder and time spent in terrifying the people at last Church-men interposing themselves and interceding persuading with the parties an accommodation and atonement is wrought their fury quenched all rancour supprest injuries forgotten the King in magnificence and pomp is convoyed from the Castle to his Palace at Holy-rood-House and the Estates assemble in the wonted place of the Town of Edenburgh In this Parliament the Authority of the Governour is abrogated by which means they saved him a
labour from returning into Scotland again Eight Lords were chosen to have the custody of the Kings person quarterly every one his Moneths successively and the whole to stand for the Government of the State yet with this Limitation That the King by their Counsel should not determine nor ordain any thing in great affairs to which the Queen as Princess and Dowager gave not her free consent and approbation The Lords were the Arch-bishops of St. Andrews and Glasgow the Bishops of Aberdeen and Dunkell the Earls of Anguss Arran Lennox Arguyl Time urging resolution the Lords of Parliament direct the Earl of Cassiles again to the Court of England to declare their resolution concerning the marriage of the King and the establishing a Peace between the Kingdoms The news of the overthrow of the French Army and the taking of their King at Pavia by the Imperialists being come to the Court of England before the Arrival of the Earl of Cassiles King Henry told the Scottish Embassadours in plain terms He could not determine any thing concerning the Marriage of his Daughter without acquainting the Emperour her neerest Kinsman and his Confederate with his proceedings which could not be done in hast and so soon as they required considering the troubles of Italy Hereupon the Embassadours their hopes of this Alliance delayed having obtained a Truce between the two Nations for the space of three years and three moneths faithfully to be kept returned to their own Country The State began of new to be tossed by the troublesom Factions of the Queen and Earl of Anguss the Original of which sprang from matters of the Church the Abbacy of Holy-rood-House falling vacant by the promotion of George Creightoun Abbot to the Bishoprick of Dunkell the Earl of Anguss to whom the custody of the King was entrusted either by lot or consent moved him to confer this Abbacy upon his Brother Mr. William Prior of Coldinham without acquainting the Queen with the Gift or seeking the consent of the other Rulers at this the Queen turned so displeased that abandoning the King to the pleasure of the Earl of Anguss She with her Followers retired to Sterlin By this inconsiderate retreat the Earl administred all alone leaning to the greatness of his own power that some might have thought the Queen set her Game to make up his All favours and punishments pass by him All Offices and Places of importance are distributed to his favourites He made Archembald Dowglass his Uncle Treasurer Sir George his Brother Great Chamberlain the Abbacies of Coldingham and Holy-rood-House were in his Brothers hands neither temporal nor ecclesiastical Dignity escapt him his greatness instantly procureth him envy The Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrews the Earls of Arran Arguyl Murray who were of the Queens faction lay a plot to accuse Anguss of high Treason They challenge him That he kept the King against his will insolently restrained his Liberty and that contrary to the order established by the Estates which was that the custody of his person should every four Moneths by turns be allotted to the Governours of the Country in a Circle That he could not dispose of any thing of moment alone the contrary of all which he had usurped whereupon they charge him to dismiss the King and restore him to them and the other Counsellours equall in Government with him under the pain he should be reputed a Traytor and no loyal Subject for this invassalling his Prince to his attendance The Earl of Anguss himself to this answered not but Sir George his Brother moved the King to give the answer himself His Mother and those other Rulers should not be thus solicitous for him for with none more cheerfully willingly and contentedly could he live and spend his time than with the Earl of Anguss neither could he leave the company of one so highly favoured of his Uncle and so well meriting of himself For all this answer he had secretly sent Letters to his Mother and those of the adverse party intreating They would remove him from the Earl and not suffer him any longer to remain under his imperious Government and if it could not be otherways done to accomplish it by main force of arms if they had any pitty or if any Sparks of duty remained unquenched in them towards him if they dared Enterprize ought for a Royal though now thrâ—lled Supplyant or obey the Command of a King in Prison that the answer which he sent before unto them and his Mother was by constraint and compulsion drawn from him and far from his Mind Upon this advertisment the Queen and they of her Faction assemble what power they could raise in such a suddenness at Sterlin and with great expedition marched towards Edenburgh to separate the King from the Earl his Guardian Who resolved to repel force by force with the Townsmen of Edenburgh many friends and adherents and the King though against his will marched out of Edenburgh to encounter the fight of these Rebels When the Leaders of the Queens forces understood the King in person was in the adverse Army either dazled with the splendour of the presence of a King or fearing if they joyned in battel the person of their Prince might be endangered or that they found themselves not strong enough in number and arms for a Conflict they retired back again to Sterlin where they disbanded and returned every man to his own dwelling place The Queen with the Earl of Murray went to Murray-land the Earl of Arran and Arguyl to the West the Archbishop of St. Andrews to Dumfermling This Faction dissipated the Earl of Anguss remained more stable and assured of his Guardianship and now he findeth no Competitour The want of the great Seal being a hinderance to many of his projects and he disdaining to be a suiter to his enemy for dispatch of publick affairs caused the King send a Letter for it and the Archbishop with all respect sent it immediately to the Earl with whom to be equal he took himself to new Meditations The Queen many waies provokt by her Husband the Earl of Anguss and lastly by detaining her Son against his will and contrary to the publick course agreed upon the Archbishop persuaded her To intend a process of Divorcement against him and dissolve her marriage this might produce some great effect at least it could not but diminish the Earls reputation among the people The Queen and the Earl many times in private between themselves agreed upon a separation disliking each others conditions for it was fatal to her as to her Brother King Henry to delight in change of Wedlock and be jealous of her Matches The Earl is therefore cited before the Archbishop of St. Andrews to hear the sentence pronounced according to the Laws of the Church in those times at the day appointed he appeareth The Queen alledged He had been betroathed given his faith and promise of marriage to a noble woman of the Kingdom a daughter of
so perilous time setting aside all particular Respects and Quarrels they would have a care of the Common good of the Country If the Earl of Lennox should carry the King from him and remained Victor of the Field he would not stay there his next mark would be the Hamiltouns whom he was in the way to put from all title to the Crown the report going already that the King would intail it to him out of his own favour and had designed him Heir to the Earl of Arran he having no children of his own That the King had a magnetical affection towards him which if Fortune favoured with a Victory would increase now meriting which before was but meer favour The custody of a young King was not for a man of so short experience The Hamiltouns finding that man their Suppliant who late was their Competitor delighting to live in a troubled State and be Copartners of the Government and managing the affairs of the Kingdom which was promised them in their new band of Friendship laying aside all former discontent and grudge accept the Quarrel and assemble their Forces at Linlithgow To this Town the Earl of Lennox was advancing and he being the Sisters Son of the Earl of Arran by Gentlemen well affected towards him and of his kindred they intreat him to turn back and not to try the hazard of a battel for a conquest he could not long enjoy the Government of a young Prince whom a little more time would make Governour of himself and who perhaps would reward his service with disgrace It being ordinarily seen that great obligations to Princes procure rather their hatred than love whilst it is more easie to pay men by contempt than benefits that if he came forwards no interest of blood would save him from their just and lawful stopping of his passage and enterprize The Earl of Lennox answered it was no time then in the eye of the World to abandon so just a quarrel that shame wounded deeper than death which he would rather imbrace than not see his Prince at Edenburgh And finding the Bridge over the Avan possest by the Enemy passed his Companies over the River Et near the antient Monastery Immanuel the Master of Killmayers guideth the Vanguard consisting of West-land men the Earl of Cassiles and himself the main Battel many of which were High-land men being of all as some write ten thousand The Earl of Anguss having essayed in vain to bring the King to the Field with the power of Edenburgh leaving that Charge to his Brother Sir George and Archembald Dowglass Provost of the Town accompanied with the Humes and Cars being of all two thousand maketh a speedy march towards Lynlithgow But the Earl of Arran spurr'd by the ambition and youthful heat of his Son Sir James Hamiltoun had begun the fight before he could appear for a long time it is valiantly fought victory inclining to neither side till a great clamour arose seconded by the appearance of fresh Troops of Enemies the Dowglasses and their Friends at which alarum many of the High-land and West-land men turned their backs the rest by the advantage of the place sustain the Fight The King after much loytering and many delays having heard the Armies were near joyning and much solicitations of Sir George Dowglas issueth out of Edenburgh at a slow march But when at Corstorphine Hills he was awaken'd with the noise of the great Ordnance he urged his Followers to make all haste to come to the fight It was reported Sir George Dowglass drove his Horse in a great rage gave him injurious words which he never after forgot Being half way he is advertised that the Earl of Lennox Highland-men were fled and by all appearance the Earl of Arran was Master of the Field This news perplexed him not a little but making the best of that worst he dispatch'd all his domestick Servants with Andrew Wood of Largo to save so many as they could in the Chase especially the Earl of Lennox whose life he now tendereth as his Crown But this Earl after he had been taken by the Laird of Pardowye in cold blood was unnaturally slain by Sir James Hamiltoun who either killed or wounded on the face all that came under the dint of his Sword in the Rout. They found the Earl of Arran mourning over his Corps over which he spread his Cloak the Laird of Howstoun lay dead by him the Master of Killmayers sore wounded at their coming maintained the fight and was by them with difficulty saved with so many others as either the Kings authority or their power could rescue This Conflict happened in September After the victorious Earls had restored their wounded Soldiers and refreshed themselves in Lithgow they accompany the King to Sterlin and immediately march through Fyffe in quest of those who had been the cause of taking Arms against them of which number the Queen was but the Archbishop of Saint Andrews was the most eminent who as before he had seconded Arran to surprize Anguss so now he had stirred Lennox to the overthrow of them both Because the Archbishop was not to be found for he as some record was turned a true Pastour and in Shepherds weeds kept Sheep on some Hill they spoiled the Abbacy of Dumfermling and Castle of St. Andrews defacing all the Ornaments and carryed away the Moveables and Stuff in them The Queen with her Husband Henry Stuart and James his Brother betook them to the Castle of Edenburgh which the Lords at their return besieged The Mother hearing her Son was amongst the Besiegers in Person obtaing favour for her Husband and his Brother caused the Gates to be cast open But for their safety such who loved them advised the King to commit them to that place during his pleasure Now the Earl of Angus and Arran summoned all who had born Arms against the King to appear in Judgment and answer according to the Law as Traytors Some compounded for Sums of Money others became Dependers of the Houses of Anguss and Arran Gilbert Earl of Cassiles being summoned and compearing Hugh Kennedy his Kinsman answer'd the Indictment that he came not against the King but to assist the King for proof of which he offered to produce the Kings own Letter Though the Earl of Cassiles escaped the danger of the Law he did not the fury of the Revenge was taken about some disparaging words for as he was returning home he was surprized in the way and killed Some write by the Sheriff of Aire but by the direction of Sir James Hamiltoun About this time the Archbishop of St. Andrews and other Church-men in revenge of the spoiling of this Houses and persuing himself for questions of Religion burn the Earl of Arrans Brothers Son Mr. Patrick Hamiltoun and banish Mr. Patricks Brother James Sheriff of Lithgow Not long after mens wrath by time diminishing and their blood growing colder the Archbishop having bestowed on the Earl of Angus Sir George
his Brother and other their Friends some Church Benefices and many Leases of Tythes was reconciled unto them and with appearance of great friendship they mutually entertained and feasted each others at the Christ-Mass in the City of St. Andrews But small confidence could be long among reconciled Enemies Now went every thing as the Earl of Anguss could have wished he was not only entire and familiar with the Kings Person but with his Office some of his Enemies were dead others overthrown in open Field with the rest he was reconciled No Faction for power or riches was equal to his Nor remained there any Castle or Fortress not seised on by him and garrisoned with his Friends and Followers except the Castle of Sterlin a part of the Queens Dowry which being desolate by her Miseries and only haunted by some of her poorest and meanest Servants was neglected by the Earl which in him was a great Error the fitness of the place for a revolution and change of Court considered Many days the Earl had not seen his own dwelling Places nor thought upon his private Affairs being carried away by the storms of Court now he thinketh he may securely pass to Lothian whilst at Faulkland the King shall be safely entertained by his Brother Sir George Archembald his Uncle and James of the Parkhead Captain of the Guards having earnesty entreated their attendance on the King he crosseth the Forth with resolution soon to return His departing was not so concealed but the Archbishop of St. Andrews had knowledge of it and he inviteth Sir George to see him in his City of St. Andrews to receive the Leases of the Tithes promised all now perfected valid and according to Law sufficient Whilst Sir George is here detained Archembald the Treasurer by other Letters for matters of love is inticed to Dundee But nothing could make the Captain of the Guards leave his Charge The King amidst his solitary Walks in his Park of Faulkland considering of what a tedious Train he was relieved and how suddenly occasion might turn her bald scalp if presently he took not hold of her resolveth to accomplish by Stratagem what the Factions of his Nobles could not perform by force It is delightful to understand every particular circumstance in the progress of the actions of Princes Upon this resolution he directeth the Forrester of the Park to give advertisement to such Gentlemen about who kept Hounds the next morning to attend him for he would early have his Game He suppeth sooner than his custom was entertaining the Captain of the Guards with more than usual ceremonies and representations of the next mornings sport withall inviting him to go to his rest the Night being short about the Summer solstice The Waiters all shifted and the Court husht shutting his Chamber Door in the Apparel of one of his Grooms unperceiv'd he passed the Guard to the Stable where with two who attended him with spair Horses he posted to Sterlin where by the Queens intelligence he was expected in the Castle When the certainty of this escape was noised abroad many Noblemen repair to Sterlin some by Letters sent unto them others at the rumour of his evasion that in a little time he found him safe and far from any danger again to be surprized the Earls of Arguyl Atholl Glancarn Monteeth Huntley The Lords Graham Drummond Levingstoun Sainclaire Lindsay Evandale Ruthen Maxwell Simple the Earl of Eglintoun Rothess James Beatoun Archbishop of St. Andrews the Deviser of his escape The Earl of Angus full of miss-giving thoughts with many of his Friends was also on his way to Sterlin but Proclamation being made against him Discharging him from all Offices and publick Functions and being by an Herauld forbidden with his Friends and Followers to come near the Court by some Miles under pain of Treason either moved by inward terrours or love of the Peace of his Countrey turned back to Linlithgow where two days he attended News of the Kings pleasure which at last was declared That neither he nor none of his should presume by some miles to approach his Residence The more particular favours were That the Earl should confine himself beyond the River of Spay in the North whilst his Brother Sir George Dowglass should render himself Prisoner in the Castle of Edenburgh and there remain during the Kings pleasure When the Dowglasses had refused these offers they are cited to answer according to Law in a Parliament to be holden in September at Edenburgh before the day of appearing the Earl of Angus accompanied with an able Train of his Friends and Followers essayeth to enter the Town of Edenburgh and there attend the coming of the King but by the Lord of Maxwell and the Lord of Lochinvarre who in the Kings Name had invested the Town he is kept out and the King with an unexpected suddenness with two thousand men coming from Sterlin he removed The Earl not appearing at the appointed day is by Decree of Parliament attainted and forfeited with his Brother Sir George Dowglass Archembald Dowglass his Uncle Alexander Drummond of Carnock and others The points of which they were to be accused were The assembling of the Kings Lieges with intention to have assailed his Person The detaining of the King against his will and pleasure and contrary to the Articles agreed upon the space of two years and more all which time the King was in fear and danger of his life At this Parliament some write the King made a solemn Oath never to give a Remission to any of the Dowglasses there forfeited as the Lords did never to interceed nor request for any of them and in disgrace of the Earl of Angus Henry Stuart who had married the Queen his Wife was created Lord Meffan The Dowglasses having all favour denied them being openly declared Enemies to the King and Countrey commit all Hostility the last refuge of desperate men on their Enemies bounds Caust-land and Cranstoun are burned they ravage even to the Gates of Edenburgh the harmless people suffering for the faults of the great under shadow of their Followers all Robberies and Oppressions brake forth and by whomsoever committed are laid to their charge The King will not hear of them in any other terms than Oppressours and common Robbers In their defence they fortifie their Castle of Tantallon with the readiest Provision taken from the nearest adjacent bounds In October the King raiseth a great company of Soldiers with great Ordnance and other Engines of War brought from the Castle of Dumbar Tantallon is besieged but proveth impregnable and David Faulconer the General of the Ordnance at their removing is slain A Commission is sent to the Earl of Bothwell as the Kings Lieutenant to invade with Fire and Sword in all places the Dowglasses which he either out of human compassion or that he knew wise States-men should extenuate the faults of others rather than aggravate them refused to accept But the Earl of Arguyl and Lord
maintain Opinions condemned by the ancient Councils Let their Religion be compared and parallel'd with the Religion of the first Age of the Church Shall we hold this People worse than the Jews which yet have their Synagogues at Rome it self Let them receive instructions from a free and lawful Council and forsake their Errors when they shall be clearly and fairly demonstrated unto them Heresie is an error in the fundamental grounds of Religion Schism intendeth a resolution tn Separation Let a good Council be convocated and see if they be ready or not to re-unite themselves to us That which they believe is not evil but to some it will appear they believe not enough and that there is in them rather a defect of good than any habit of evil Other points when they shall be consider'd shall be found to consist in external ceremonies of the Church rather than in substance of Doctrine or what is essential to Christianity These men should be judg'd before condemn'd and they should be heard before they be judg'd which being holily and uprightly done we shall find it is not our Religions but our private Intrests and Passions which troubleth us and the State The King followed not this opinion but gave himself over to the Counsel and Government of the Prelates They remonstrate to him that he should not rashly alter approv'd and long receiv'd Customs that there was nothing more dangerous in Government than to abase the authority of ancient Laws Let him well consider and set before his eyes the malice of man who ever when he is drawn off one course of evil precipitateth himself in a worse It was less evil in State to tolerate disorders known unto which usual and accustomed remedies might be applyed than by altering and changing foundations to give way to new to find out Remedies to which would take and consume a whole age That this would be a way not only to take away the abuses but even the good uses of every thing and put in hazard all matters and main points concerning Religion They desired him to consider how there were two sorts of persons affecting these new Opinions and studying Novations The multitude or common people and some of the Nobility and Gentry It was likely the common people might be deceived and to give them satisfaction and appease them by granting them a Reformation or change in Religion would not be a means to illuminate and instruct them but to bring in a popular licence If he should suffer them to misbelieve distrust call in question points of Religion or search or find out more light they would immediately thereafter presume to make Laws and limit the Government by degrees restraining the Soveraign Authority and after they had examined sifted narrowly and discust Ecclesiastical authority they would essay to correct and find the difficulties of the Temporal That it was more easie to oppose and resist the first demands of the multitude than pleasing them in a part after bound and limit their desires and petitions As to the great Men of his Nobility and Gentry he might be assured they had not Religion and Piety for their Ends but to impatronize and lay hold on the Church Rents and Ecclesiastical Goods To turn absolute and free men acknowledging neither Church nor King To this end many reserved themselves and kept close their opinions attending the change which once appearing their faces would turn all one way Which imminent evils if the King would prevent there was no other means than to use his Authority and Power whilst the most and greatest part of his Kingdom yet obey'd him That celerity in this was most necessary before their number increas'd and ere they discover'd that universal commodity which would follow the imbracing of these new Opinions It was safer to compose these Tumults by his absolute command and authority and if this produced not the wished effect to perform it by Arms than to give reins to a popular Licence and the ambition of great Men. After this Counsel had prevailed most rigorous Inquisitions are Established and punishments denounced against all who professed Opinions differing to the Church of Rome Whereupon some out of a muffled zeal of Religion others to revenge their particular quarrels most to possess Moveables and Lands pursue many to judgment Of which some are executed by fire others banished many imprisoned amongst which was that famous Poet and Historian George Buchanan who whilst his Keepers slept escaped by a Window of the Prison the Muses holding the Cable the more frequent the publick executions were and banishments the greater number embraced the opinions of them which suffered The King of England having understood that the Pope giving out the confirming of a Peace between the Emperour and the French King had a meeting with them at Nice a maritime Town upon the confines of Provence and assuring himself that matters there would be both consulted upon and determined to his prejudice sendeth again to his Nephew the King of Scotland that he would come and see him at York for now he had more vehemently irritated the Pope having condemned as Rebels and confiscated the Goods of all who maintained Papal Authority and raised from their Tomb the Bones of Thomas Becket commonly named St. Thomas of Canterbury canoniz'd by Pope Alexander the third for being kill'd for the maintenance of the liberties of the Church 1171. to whom there was yearly a Festival Day kept by the Roman Church and by the hands of a common Executioner caused burn in ashes and throw them in the River The revealing of which to the World was a secret more derogatory to the Pontifical State than any stumbled upon heretofore or opened up Upon this the Sentence of Excommunication some years deferred was pronounced against him By which he was deprived of his Kingdom and those who adhered to him declared uncapable of what they possessed His Subjects were dispensed from their Oath of Allegiance and discharged to obey him Strangers were inhibited traffick with his Kingdom All Christians charged to arise in Arms against him The Estates Goods and Persons of such Subjects as followed him given over to be a prey and spoil to any would invade them It was time for him to look to himself Such of the Nobility as loved peace and the Weal of the the two Kingdoms stirr'd King James to this interview especially they who favour'd the reformed Religion assuring him King Henry was disposed with all demonstrations of good will that his Person would be far from any danger And if by this conference they should join in bands of Amity a great benefit to themselves Country and Posterity would redound Why would King Henry in the face of the World and Neighbour Princes brand so his Reputation as to break the Laws of Hospitality wrong a Prince whom he had invited to come and see him Why would he violate those of consanguinity attempting against his own Nephew The Emperour Charles the
what Heretick could pass unpunisht Besides the investing himself in the Sheriffs Office and Lands which he never minded to restore he had a Pick against him for that whilst he sat Judge in Lithgow he pronounced a Sentence by which he was interested in some petty gain The Sheriff falling so far short of his expectation that he findeth himself the first subject of his Cousens Justice and highly resenting his Kinsmans cruelty whom he knew under pretext of Piety ready to execute his own Revenges resolveth to prevent his mischief He had sometime been familiar with Sir James had known his by-paths his secret Plots and airy brags had not escaped his observation some alike in Kindred to them both were emissaries suborned to mark not only his actions but words and behaviour by which one way or other he might be intrapt He knew Sir James stood in some umbrage with the King and that some suspitions by no Innocency could be taken away When at last he had found his hot-spur Cousen who threatned him with Death and Fire within the circle of his conjurations he directeth his Son to the King who at that time was ready to pass the Forth in his Barge this bashful Messenger giveth advertisement from his Father that the King should make his Person sure from his foes at home for Sir James Hamiltoun had secret Intelligence and Plots with the Earl of Anguss and Dowglasses and that he attended only the occasion when he might surprize him either alone or with a mean Retinue and then or openly he would invade him or breaking up his Chamber-doors assassinate him The King giving attentive ear to a business which concerned him no less than the safety of his Person the accusation being given by a Cousen of the suspect against a Family which a little disorder in the State might turn Successors to the Crown directeth the young man to Edenburgh and beyond his private instructions giveth him a Ring well known by the chief Officers to be a token of power and secrecy to assemble so many of the Counsel as were resident Sir Thomas Areskin Secretary Sir James Lermound Master of the Houshold William Kircaldie Treasurer and others meet fear consult upon the Treason labour how to prevent it come to Sir James his Lodging make sure his Person in the Castle of Edenburgh and at that same time proceed according to the Kings direction to instruct his Process Sir James passionately resenting his imprisonment by his Friends imploreth the aid of the Church-men upon his innocency They apprehending his accusation to be a Stratagem of State forg'd by these of the Reformed Religion for the stopping any further progress of the Inquisition already so furiously begun interpose their credit with the King for his Liberty to the discharging of his Commission against Hereticks If the King should hearken to every Informer against a man in State and Office he should never have an end for thus no man is so innocent who may not be detracted and calumniated Sir James was known to be a man rash and insolent in words his Brains having been a little giddy like one looking from a great height by his advancement in honours and place in Court but sincere in the service of his Prince and loyal If he was arrogant in boldness of terms that was to acquire some more credit with the Commons that he might do better service to his Prince They who committed Sir James Hamiltoun knowing the King facile and easie to be wrought upon by the Clergy some of them too professing or giving way to the Reform'd Religion resolve if he should escape free of this accusation that an imminent ruine hung over their Persons and Estates Necessity and fear combining the distracted powers of their minds they come prostrate before the King beseech him not so much to look to the quality and circumstances of the Crime as to the evil inclination of the man who powerful factious and naturally vindicative would never forgive nor forget the danger he was driven unto that his Majesty would consider his pass'd life terrible and cruel against all whom he could over-reach That to give him liberty and relieve him of his imprisonment before the Crimes of which he was accus'd were clearly proved or not would be their and the accusers overthrow whom they esteemed loyal Subjects and except upon evident probabilities had never given informations against him That he was a man perfectly hated of the People and a more acceptable sacrifice could not be offer'd unto their fury it he prov'd guilty At their Supplications the King gave the Judges full power to proceed against him and administer Justice according to their Consciences and the Laws of the Kingdom The pannal being found guilty of such points of the Indictment as was laid against him was condemned to die and thereafter accordingly beheaded his Quarters being set aloft on the Town gates his Lands annexed to the Crown The Crimes of which he was found guilty as from those who lived near that time have by tradition been received were he had intelligence with the Earl of Anguss and Dowglasses whom he laboured to have restored though with the Kings death he had a plot to have broken up the Kings Chamber-doors and killed him devolving the title of the Crown or at least Government of the Kingdom to his kindred Being directed to have repaired a Castle in Bute and to this effect receiving three thousand Crowns in April he went not thither attending some change in the State which was to be accomplished by treason against the Kings person He kept still with him men of desperate minds and fortunes who at his direction durst enterprize any mischief Where he had repaired some of the Kings houses he had placed a Statue resembling himself or which to some he had named his Statue what Mole hills are turned into Mountains when a Prince will pry into the actions of a disgraced Subject above the Kings arms He had detracted from his Master naming him the King of Clowns and Priests and Scourge of the antient Nobility He had laboured to hinder the Kings marriage at his being in France To these points the people who rejoiced in his ruin added he had slain cruelly the Earl of Lennox at the battel of Lithgow after he was Prisoner to Purdowye he had way-laid Gilbert Earl of Cassiles who was killed by his direction and Councel This back-blow of Fortune proveth that it is dangerous once highly to offend a Prince and after remain in his service for Princes put old offences up as neglected and when the occasion serveth them surprize long after the Delinquents for some faults for which they are scarce guilty Sundry of the Nobility appall'd at this sudden fall of Sir James Hamiltoun for though they loved not the Man they hated the examples of such strict Justice left the Court retiring to their own dwelling Houses which made the King suspitious of them and believe they favoured
Aytoun Langtoun Ormestoun Waughtoun many of the Kings Domestick Servants were taken Prisoners brought to London and remained there till after the Kings death The certainty of this voluntary defeat coming to the King at Loch-Maban or Carlawfroke as others so astonished all the powers of his mind that he neither had counsel nor resolution what to follow neither remembring his own valour nor the number of his Subjects yet flourishing he remained as one distracted and abandoned of all hopes The Plot of the Nobles at Falla-Moor against his Servants the refusing to give battel on English ground made him apprehend that the whole body of his Nobility had conspired his overthrow The Cardinal and Earl of Arran coming to Edenburgh he also returned all so cast down that they were ashamed to come within sight of each other some daies After which in a retired manner he passed to Fyffe and from Hall-yards to Faulkland where he gave himself over to Sorrow No man had access unto him no not his own Domesticks Now are his thoughts busied with revenge now with rage against his scornful Nobility long watchings continuall cares and passions abstinence from food and recreation had so extenuated his body that pierced with grief anguish impatience despair he remained fixt to his bed In these Trances Letters come from Lithgow to him That the Queen was delivered of a Daughter the eight of December When he heard it was a Daughter was born he is said to have turned his face from them that read the Letters and sighing a farewell to the World it will end as it began says he the Crown came by a Woman and it will with one go many miseries approach this poor Kingdom King Henry will either make it his by Arms or Marriage The Cardinal put in his hands some blank Papers of which they composed a Letter Will which whether he subscribed or not is uncertain After which he said not many words which could be understood but mused on the discomfiture of his Servants at the Solloway-Moss In which fits he left this World the thirteenth of December 1542. the three and thirtieth year of his Age and two and thirty of his Reign Some record he was troubled by an unkindly Medicine and that the Cardinal was conscious to it but upon far conjectures for the event proved that his death was not only the ruine of the Cardinal but of the whole Church-men of the Kingdom and frame of the Roman Religion His Body was conveyed from Faulkland to Edenburgh the Cardinal Earls of Arran Arguyl Rothess Marshal accompanying it and in January buried in the Abby Church of Holy-rood-House near the Body of Magdalen his first Queen He left behind him many natural Children of his Marriages only one Daughter five days old at his death the Heir of his Kingdom and misfortunes This King was of a well made body and excellent mind if it had been carefully polisht he was of a middle stature Nature had given him strength and ability equal to any but by exercise he had so confirmed it that he was able to endure any travel and practise all feats af Arms as his attending on Malefactors proved for he was ordinary thought the first of his Troops who pursued them and the last that left the chase being daring and forward In his private affairs he was attentive and liberal yet spared his Treasure that he should not want and when occasion required caring for no charges Never man did entertain Soveraignty more familiarly being of easie access to the meaner sort as to the great He was studious of all good Arts naturally given to Poesie as many of his Verses yet extant testifie He was of as great sobriety as of little continency he was a great favourer of learned men The poor men loved him the great feared him he made the rushy bushes keep the herds of Cattel he was thankful towards his Friends dangerous towards his Enemies He infinitely obliged his People by establishing a Justice Court among them and bringing all sorts of Manufactours from Neighbour Nations home By the Germans he found the Gold Mines of Crawfoord Moor being unknown to this part of the World before him out of which he extracted Treasure He left his Arsenals furnisht with all sorts of Arms and furniture for War Now as in Pictures not only the light but the shadow is observable let us look upon him in all his umbrages This Prince in his long pursuit of the Dowglasses seems to 〈◊〉 had a strange humor that he could never forgive And most of his miseries may be traced to this Source these he would have extirpate and the King of England could not forsake a man who was his brother-in-Brother-in-Law and had been ever obsequious to him Seeking only that he might be restored to his own out of which he was cast not by any Treason or aspiring to the Crown but of an ambition he had to be near the King and equal to any Subject his own worth Kindred and Followers animated him thereunto having Married the Kings Mother and one of the greatest Kings Sister of those times The burning alive of the Lady Glames beheading of the Master of Forbess and after him Sir James Hamiltoun turned many of his Nobles from him and made the Commons detract him For though they delight sometimes to have great men made equal to them when they find not evident proofs and sound grounds of their sufferings and executions they abhor the Actors Princes should remember that as the People are their Subjects so are they the Subjects of Time and Providence This humor of revenge made many believe if he had not been prevented by death many Scaffolds had been embrued for Falla-Moor Plot and Sollowny-Moss The Lord Maxwel who had studied the Character of the King at that Road vowed when he might have escaped among his known Borderers he would rather be the KING of Englands Prisoner and see him at London than return home and be shamefully hanged at the Cross of Edenburgh He studied very much the overthrow of his ancient Nobility not considering that the Titles of Crown in Hereditary Kingdoms belong only to Kings for that they are the most Ancient Noblemen and also first of the Primitive Blood In his last years he was altogether governed by Romish Prelates dangerous Pilots in the Ocean of a troubled State that Body in which one humour signorizeth cannot last long and a Prince perisheth when he is governed by only one sort of men Neither was he ruled so much by them out of great zeal to Religion being a Prince altogether given to his own pleasures as that he found them counterpoise the Nobility whilst he swayed the ballance His death proveth his mind to have been raised to the highest strain and above mediocrity for he could dye but could not disgest a disaster He seemeth to have too much confidence in himself and that he forgot the conditions of Mortality Whilst he suffered himself to be carried
and surpass the affection of their hearts So in this Nation the affection of their hearts is far above all they can express by words Daign then Sir from the highest of Majesty to look down on their lowness and embrace it accept the homage of their humble minds accept their grateful zeal and for deeds accept that great good will which they have ever carried to the high deserts of your Ancestors And shall ever to your own and your Royal Race whilst those rocks shall be overshadowed with buildings buildings inhabited by men and while men be induced either with Counsel or Courage or enjoy any piece of Reason Sense or Life An Apologetical Letter March 2. 1635. My Lord IN a time when men for reading of Papers concerning State are challenged it must be a great hazard to write them and a greater to send them from home and the most to send them to one so near the Helm as is your Lordship who the next day perhaps may put in the Princes hands what is sent him And then though what is set down may be free of great faults yet must it pass and be understood as it pleaseth the Prince to construe it But what Marius Geminus said to Julius Caesar may be said to King Charles Caesar qui apud te audent dicere magnitudinem tuam ignorant qui non audent humanitatem And writing to your Lordship I know to whom I write Thus the way of glory lying near the Gates of danger I have adventured this sheet of Paper of which I beseech your Lordship to be both Judge and Patron What a noise hath been raised in this Countrey by prosecuting a piece of writing supposed to be derogatory to the Honour of the Kings Majesty No times have been without such men Wise men keep their thoughts locked up in the Cabinets of their Breasts and suffer the faults of times patiently Fools rail cry out but amend nothing What ever advice hath been given for the putting of Libellers to the extremity of Law I would say with all humble respect to grave Statesmen that in a matter of a Calumny and reproach with Subjects a Prince can do nothing more fitting his own fame and reputation than to slight and contemn them as belonging nothing to him and that 't were better to neglect than be too curious in searching after the Authors So Theodosius Honorius Arcadius were wont to say If any man speak ill of the Emperour if he do it of lightness it is to be contemned if of madness to be pittied if of injury to be remitted And Alexander the Great used to say Regium est benefacere male audire or as Plutarch reporteth it Regium est a quibus male audias magis esse iis beneficum Nero otherwise a terrible Prince when that Pasquil was given out against him Quis neget Aencae magna de stirpe Neronem Sustulit hic Matrem sustulit ille Patrem Or as DION citeth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nero Orestes Alcmaeon Matricidae He took no notice of it followed not the Writers with any punishment sought them not as ye find in Suetonius Et quosdam ad Judicem delatos ad Senatum affici graviore poena prohibuit Writings which we scorn and make none account or themselves vanish and turn into nought If we chafe and fret it would appear that we have been therein touched and vively see in them our own faults and misdemeanor taxed and laid open If these Papers for the Kings honour were not to be seen and read or if they did derogate to the fame of the Nobles why were they not suppressed and hidden But is this the way to suppress and hide them To imprison arraign banish execute the persons near whom they are found Or is it not rather to turn them a piece of the Story of the Time to make such a noise about them and by seeking to avoid the smoak to fall into the fire What we would most evite and shun to be the Authors to bring upon our own heads What gained Queen Elizabeth the twenty three of her Reign by cutting off the hands of Stubbes and Page on a Scaffold for writing that Book against her Marriage with the Duke of Anjou save that out of horror of that new and unpractised punishment the People acknowledged her to be the right and not uncertain Daughter of King Henry the Eight and she began to be feared where before she was beloved of her Subjects Whom a People fear they hate and whom they hate they wish taken away A Prince should be more violent in revenging other mens quarrels than his own That unfortunate Duke of Buckingham in the time of Richard the Third could make good use against the Succession of the Race of Edward the Fourth in his Speech to the Commons of London by remembring them of the strange proceedings of King Edward against a Merchant named Burdet who dwelling at the Sign of the Crown and having said to his Son that after his death he would make him Heritor of the Crown meaning his own House was for this Tale in four hours after quartered which blot is eternally fixed to that Prince In the Reign of King Richard the Third who had ever known that Pasquil against three of his Courtiers Louell Ratcliff and Catsby The Rat the Cat and Louel that Dog Rule all England under the Hog If his Tyranny had not been mightily extended against that poor Gentleman Collingburn the Maker of it Ye will say it is in a Princes power to suppress such Papers by Authority That is the only way to make all men seek them and being found highly prize them Tacitus telleth us of certain Verses of Fabricius Viento against Church-men and Senators which were condemned to be burnt as long as the reading and finding of them was dangerous they were much sought for and with danger read but being afterwards licentiate to be read and the liberty of having them obtained they were forgotten and no man cared for them No Prince how great soever can abolish Pens nor will Memorials of ages be extinguished by present power the posterity rendring to every one his due honour and blame It is true that great men should direct their great care to Fame and hold nothing more dear unto them and he who contemneth it neglecteth those actions by which it is acquired But it is pitty men should be more careful and studious of fame for times to come in which they are not than of honesty in the present times in which they live Sometimes it is great wisdom in a Prince not to reject and disdain them who freely tell him his duty and open to him his misdemeanours to the Common-wealth and the surmises and umbrages of his People and Council for the amending disorders and bettering the form of his Government As if a man should tell King Charles That there is none in all his Kingdoms here can reckon himself Lord of his own Goods
amongst so many Taxes and Taillages so much pilling and polling So that substance is daily plucked and pilled from honest men to be lashed out amongst unthrifts that as Thucydides writes of the great Plague in his time at Athens Men seeing no hopes of safety spent all they had in one night So the uncertainty of enjoying and holding what they have for the present draws the thrifty and unthrifty to one end for no man being sure of Lands less of Moneys every man is turned in a desperate carelesness of his Estate As to tell him also about this Subject who is the subject of this Letter the People say Kings seeking Treason shall find Land and seeking Land shall find Treason The denial of a Princes desire was the destruction of an innocent Naboth the voice of the People should not be kept up from the Ears a Prince As to unfold to a King if Usury be not lawful at all for it is against Nature that Money should beget Money and not tolerate by the Mosaical Law and in Ezekiel cap. 18. v. 13. it is reckoned amongst the roaring sins such as are Adultery and bloudshed it being a sin in the persons of subjects it is a greater sin in the person of a Prince for any sin is greater in the person of a Prince than in the persons of subjects As sin was worse and greater in Angels than men Nothing is profitable to a Prince which is not joined with honour and the State of Kings unless it stand in pureness and fidelity it cannot subsist in power As to tell King Charles what a strange thing it is to swaer a man for the true value of his own Substance Since the valuing of Subjects Lands and Rents Rents were never less nor the Lands worse a secret scourge of God having followed it the Country scarce affording bread to the Labourers of it Remember Davids numbring the people In the times of King Henry the eight Regnante Cardin. Volseio this was held uncouth strange and terrible and no wonder if men scare and start at it now under a Prince of so meek a Spirit so innocently good who preferreth peace before war rest before business honesty before profit None of all his kingdom no not one being more holy more chaste nor a better man in whom reigneth shamefastness and modesty and patience taking all worldly crosses in good part never gaping for glory nor thirsting after riches but only studying the health of his soul peace of his Kingdoms and how to advance the holy Church and restore her to her first Rents and integrity But God knoweth what he hath predestinated and ordained for the Scourge of this Country against whose Ordinance prevaileth no counsel A Prince should be advertised that the hatred and distast of mens present estates and fortunes setteth them on work and maketh them exceeding earnest to seek novations for finding themselves plunged in the beggary of a miserable estate as many do believe it turneth not them base nor keepeth them under but raiseth in them a mad desire to change their fortune and this hath been the ensign of Malecontents to attempt and enterprize dangerous matters for it hath often been found that nothing hath sooner armed a people than poverty and poverty hath never so often been brought upon a Nation by the unfruitfulness of the Earth by disasters of Seas and other human accidents as by the Avarice of the Officers and Favourites of Princes who are brought foolishly to believe that by tearing of the skins of the flock they shall turne the Shepherd rich It is no property of a good Shepherd to shear often his flock and ever to milk them Nor is it of a Prince to gall and perpetually afflict a people by a terrible Exchequer Brutorum se Regem facit qui premit suos Now in such Theams it were not evil for a Prince to read Jan Marianai and George Buchanans piece de jure Regni apud Scotos for his own private and the publick good Princes have in their actions this disadvantage that in matters of wrong and injuries concerning their Subjects though they sometimes suffer by reason of their power being thought stronger they are ever esteemed to do the wrong which should move them to abstain from all violent courses and think really their Subjects losses are their own Ye will then say the case of Princes is pittiful if Writers of infamous Libels be not rigorously punished without all question the Law is just and necessary against them But in some cases good Princes never follow the rigour and extremity of punishment set down by their Laws no not against the naughtiest Subjects and especially when the case concerneth their own particulars There is much to be considered in the convoy of such Libels If they contain Truths there is small wrong in such papers as to call Mary Magdalen a Sinner Matthew a Publican Thomas a Misbeliever Paul a Persecutor Peter a Denyer of his Master and the rest fugitives from him and these are to be slighted and past over If they contain mixed truths and apparences they may be neglected If they admit no interpretation but true and flat railing then is a Princes patience to be tryed and the Libel to be scorned If they propound novelty and causes of sedition upon apparent grounds they are to be answered and by good reason to be overthrown If they be presented by way of Supplication for redressing of errors in the State it is a question whether they be Libels or not That Supplication of Humphrey Duke of Gloucester to King Henry the sixt of England against the Cardinal of Winchester Archbishop of York may have place amongst Libels for the King is taxed there of notable dotage As that by the counsel of the Cardinal he had set at Liberty the King of Scots suffered his Jewels and houshold-stuff to be sold granted the Cardinal a Charter of Pardon for taking up his Rents which were sufficient to have maintained the wars in France many years The setting of the Duke of Orleance at liberty against the Duke of Burgundy the great friend of the English and many other points Yet this being done by way of Supplication for redress of wrongs in the State he was not threatened for perhaps verity but remitted to the Council and what for fear and what for favor saith the English History the whole matter was winked at touching the Duke and nothing said against the Cardinal Miseria summa ubi de injuria conqueri pro delicto habetur These who set their Prince on work to follow and persue such an idle piece of Paper if they had fair Judges and powerful Enemies near the Court may themselves be brought within compass of that same punishment which they would have laid upon others as Pâ—rillus was brought to take an Essay of his own brazen Bull for no better are they which relate divulgate and are occasioners to have infamous Libels published than they which
it was not out of any evil intention he had done it but only to procreat a Monster with which having nothing to sustain his life he might win his bread going about the Countrey For the like cause it may be thought these men found out their new Poesie differing from the Matters Manners Rules of former ages either they did not see the way of Poesie or were afraid to enter it The Verses of Camillus Quernus as they are imitated by Strada seem very plausible and to admiration to some but how far they are off right Poesie Children may guess These mens new conceptions approach nearer his than to the Majesty and Stateliness of the great Poets The contempt and undervaluing of Verses hath made men spare their travel in adorning them but Poesie as it hath overcome ignorance at last will overcome envy and contempt This I have been bold to write unto you not to give you any instruction but to manifest mine obedience to your request W. DRUMMOND To the Right Honourable the Earl of Sterlin WHen the pittiful news came of so dear Funerals though I had an intention to have written to your Lordship I restrained my self both because your wound was flagrant and that I had not an argument of comfort which was not your own Nothing is now left me but to manifest that the sence of this loss could not but perplex him grievously who never made any difference between your fortunes and his own I hold my self Copartner of all your Griefs as I have been of your prosperities I know your Fatherly affection I know too your constancy which being seasoned with piety will not suffer you to repine at that which is the determinate will of God Your erudition and experience instruct you that such accidents should be taken in a good part and chearfully which are not incident to us alone and which by our sighs tears plaints we may not evite and put far from us ye must not attend till time mitigate your languor for this do the vulgar sort of men with sola dies poterit tantum lenire dolorem A wise man should prevent and anticipate time over-run new-born Grief which is an ungrateful Guest thrusting out and ransacking the Matters of their Inn. I who am conscious to your patience and wisdom am assured ye have performed all this already upon which confidence I will leave off to trouble you farther or lay a heavier burthen and needless task upon my self W. DRUMMOND To _____ SHould ye think to escape this Enemy of Virtue Fortune when she never spareth the most Worthy Who hath ever yet in many excellencies been eminent whom she hath not either after one fashion or other if not trampled yet tossed And make not a long search in the old ages of the World and through the Mists of Antiquity but look upon our own Times and our Fathers Ye have Sidney cropped in the vigour of his Youth by a muthering Bullet Rawleigh brought to a fatal Scaffold la Nove with the Marquess D' Urfee complaining in miserable Prisons Tasso famishing in the like Thraldom the two Counts of Mirandula Spectacles of Pitty and Cruelty the one by too soon a Death if death can be too soon the other by being assassinated by his nearest Kinsmen As if Excellencies were the only Object of Disasters and some secret influence laboured to make the bravest of men and the basest equal Or that the superior powers thought Glory to belong only to them and no praise-worthy Actions should befall poor Mortals Yet should they not envy silly men a dusty honour which in some small moments of time vanisheth and reacheth no farther than the narrow bounds of some few Climates of this small Globe of the Earth We may doubt whether Excellencies and Heroical Virtues were to be desired with so many dangers and miseries lackying them or a homebred untaught rude Plebeian life W. DRUMMOND To S. W. A. SIR MY silence this time past proceeded no waies of any forgetfulness of you but from my many new cares and sorrows The loss of so many friends this season hath estranged me from my self and turned my mirth into mourning what civil arms and discord have performed in other kingdoms of Europe a still mortality hath done in this So many Funerals these many years have not been seen as in this one There are few bands of kindred societies acquaintances friendship which by death are not broken here without respect of Age vigour rank quality and justly this mortality might claim the name of Pestilence if the Dead were deprived of customary burial Well have some Astrological Divines guessed that this year should be the great Judgment What is recorded of the years 100. and 120. that Church-yards were not ample enough to contain the dead bodies but that new ground was digged up is true in this and what of the year 1348. that the third of mankind was sweeped from the Earth we may say that though this Country hath not lost the third yet that the Almighty providence hath taken away the tenth part of the people This is perhaps a part of that Judgement which the late blazing lights of Heaven did signifie unto us the defects of the Sun besides the malignant influences of other Celestial Bodies This one year is enough to make men hereafter if not altogether believe yet fear Astrological Predictions which though they fail in particulars yet strangely hold true in some generals Heavens I hope shall preserve you ad molliora et meliora tempora to be a witness and Recorder of their Just Proceedings on this Globe of the Earth for the Good of your self your Friends and all that love you W. DRUMMOND 1623. The Oath of a KNIGHT I Shall fortifie and defend the true holy Catholique and Christian Religion presently professed at all my Power I shall be loyal and true to my Soveraign Lord the King his Majesty and do honour and reverence to all Orders of Chevalrie and to the noble office of Arms. I shall fortifie and defend Justice to the uttermost of my power but feed or favour I shall never flie from the Kings Majesty my Lord and Master or his Lieutenant in time of battel or medly with dishonour I shall defend my native Country from all aliens and strangers at all my power I shall maintain and defend the honest Adoes and Quarrels of all Ladies of Honour Widows Orphans and Maids of good Fame I shall do diligence wherever I hear tell there is any Traytours Murtherers Rovers and Masterfull Theeves and Outlaws that suppress the Poor to bring them to the Law at all my Power I shall maintain and defend the Noble and gallant State of Chevalrie with Horses Harnesses and other Knightly Apparel to my Power I shall be diligent to enquire and seek to have the knowledge of all Articles and points touching or concerning my duty contained in the Book of Chevalrie All and sundry the Premisses I oblige me to keep and fulfil so
to the constellations of Heaven the Genethliaticks have other observations than the Stars they conjecture by the disposition temper complexion of the person by the physiognomy age parents education acquaintance familiarity conversation out of all which they collect many apparences possibilities likelihoods and their prophecies are refer'd ad Sortem ad Pacta ad Prudentiam consultorum stultitiam Consulentium the sagacity of the Astrologer the blockishness of the Consulter Of Contingencies no certain knowledge can be obtained by Art But all those events which Astrologers aver to come are fortuital and casual contingents then they cannot be learned or known by any precepts of Art How can a Caldean by that short minute instant moment of time in which a man is born set down the diverse changes mutations accidents of his life If we were to consider of those things it would appear we should not be solicitous so much and take notice how the air is affected at the infants coming in this World as we should observe and respect the matter and disposition of the whole body in which a greater virtue is infused or of the time of the conception Then how unlikely is it and without any semblance of truth that the many almost numberless conjunction of Stars which occur and present themselves in the progress of a mans life should match and countervail that one Horoscope or Conjunction which is found at his birth Moreover to find out and know the actions of the free will of a man of what importance should we hold nourishment education age the place his conversation every one of which after their own manner contributing to the constitution and complexion of the person how great effects must all these together produce If that moment of the time of birth be of such moment whence proceedeth the great differences of the constitutions of Twins which though together born have strange divers and contrary Fortunes in the progress of their lives all that knowledge if there be any such of things contingent to which we attain by the aspects of Stars is uncertain frivolous and changable This the Devils themselves confessed when upon consultations of things to come for the most part they gave doubtful and ambiguous answers The Stars are not malignant mischievous spiteful nor by their Aspects malicious if they were such that should be either by election or nature They are not by Election for then they should have senses and souls and as Animals be troubled with perturbations and tossed like unto us which followeth election They are not malicious by nature sith God created them and God is not a Creator of what is evil nor is the framer of what 's not good the Heavens are all good and in every degree and figure the Divine bounty shineth Why do not Astrologers at their pleasure procreate Kings for they have no great labour but to choose out opportunam horam and ask counsel of the fatal Stars Had Giges who of a Servant became a King a kingly Aspect or Servius Tullus or that Tartar Tamerlane Royal Images and Figures Vain should all Laws be all sentences and doom of Judges vain the Rewards of virtue and good men vain the punishments of vices and evils if the great beginnings and Originals of them were compelled driven and forced and if what is just or wrong were not in a man himself The Thief should not be a Thief the Murtherer a Murtherer wicked and unjust they should not be the one being necessitated to steal the other to shed blood by the Stars Trust in the first cause God Almighty and scorn vain Predictions That infinit eternal essence though the Stars should incline yea necessitate and be averse can countermand and turn them propitious All things turn unto the best unto such as rely on his Eternal goodness W. DRUMMOND A CYPRESSE GROVE THough it hath been doubted if there be in the soul such imperious and super-excellent power as that it can by the vehement and earnest working of it deliver knowledge to another without bodily Organs and by the only conceptions and Ideas of it produce real Effects yet it hath been ever and of all held as infallible and most certain that it often either by outward inspiration or some secret motion in it self is augur of its own misfortunes and hath shadows of approaching dangers presented unto it before they fall forth Hence so many strange apparitions and signs true visions uncouth heaviness and causeless uncomfortable languishings of which to seek a reason unless from the sparkling of God in the Soul or from the Godlike sparkles of the Soul were to make unreasonable by reasoning of things transcending her reach Having often and diverse times when I had given my self to rest in the quiet solitariness of the Night found my imagination troubled with a confused fear no sorrow or horrour which interrupting sleep did astonish my senses and rowse me all appalled and transported in a sudden agony and amazedness of such an unaccustomed perturbation not knowing nor being able to dive into any apparent cause carried away with the stream of my then doubting thoughts I began to ascribe it to that secret fore-knowledge and presaging power of the prophetick mind and to interpret such an Agony to be to the Spirit as a faintness and universal weariness useth to be to the body a sign of following sickness or as winter Lightnings or Earth-quakes are to Commonwealths and great Cities Harbingers of more wretched events Hereupon not thinking it strange if whatsoever is human should befall me knowing how providence overcomes grief and discountenances Crosses and that as we should not despair of evils which may happen us we should not be too confident nor lean much to those Goods we enjoy I began to turn over in my remembrance all that could afflict miserable Mortality and to fore-cast every thing that with a Mask of horror should shew it self to human eyes till in the end as by unities and points Mathematicians are brought to great numbers and huge greatness after many fantastical glaunces of the woes of mankind and those incumbrances which follow upon life I was brought to think and with amazement on the last of human terrours or as one termed it the last of all dreadful and terrible Evils Death For to easie censure it would appear that the Soul if it fore-see that divorcement which it is to have from the body should not without great reason be thus over-grieved and plunged in inconsolable and unaccustom'd sorrow considering their near union long familiarity and love with the great change pain ugliness which are apprehended to be the inseparable attendants of Death They had their being together parts they are of one reasonable Creature the harming of the one is the weakning of the working of the other what sweet contentments doth the soul enjoy by the senses They are the Gates and Windows of its knowledge the Organs of its delight If it be tedious to an
That Providence which prescribeth Causes to every event hath not only determined a definite and certain number of days but of actions to all men which they cannot go beyond Most _____ then answered I Death is not such an evil and pain as it is of the Vulgar esteemed Death said he nor painful is nor evil except in contemplation of the cause being of it self as indifferent as birth yet can it not be denied and amidst those dreams of earthly pleasures the uncouthness of it with the wrong apprehension of what is unknown in it are noysom But the Soul sustained by its Maker resolved and calmly retired in it self doth find that death sith it is in a moment of Time is but a short nay sweet sigh and is not worthy the remembrance compared with the smallest dram of the infinite Felicity of this Place Here is the Palace Royal of the Almighty King in which the uncomprehensible comprehensibly manifesteth Himself in place highest in substance not subject to any corruption or change for it is above all motion and solid turneth not in quantity greatest for if one Star one Sphere be so vast how large how huge in exceeding demensions must those bounds be which do them all contain In quality most pure and orient Heaven here is all but a Sun or the Sun all but a Heaven If to Earthlings the Foot-stool of God and that Stage which he raised for a small course of Time seemeth so glorious and magnificent What estimation would they make if they could see of his eternal Habitation and Throne And if these be so wonderful what is the sight of him for whom and by whom all was created of whose Glory to behold the thousand thousand part the most pure Intelligences are fully satiate and with wonder and delight rest amazed for the beauty of his light and the light of his beauty are uncomprehensible Here doth that earnest appetite of the understanding content it self not seeking to know any more For it seeth before it in the vision of the Divine essence a Mirrour in the which not Images or Shadows but the true and perfect essence of every thing created is more cleaâ— and conspicuous than in it self all that may be known or understood Here doth the Will pause it self as in the center of its eternal rest glowing with with a fiery affection of that infinite and al-sufficient good which being fully known cannot for the infinite motives and causes of love which are in him but be fully and perfectly loved As he is only the true and essential Bounty so is he the only essential and true beauty deserving alone all Love and Admiration by which the Creatures are only in so much fair and excellent as they participate of his Beauty and excelling Excellencies Here is a blessed Company every one joying as much in anothers Felicity as in that which is proper because each seeth another equally loved of God thus their distinct joyes are no fewer than the copartners of the Joy And as the Assembly is in number answerable to the large capacity of the place so are the joyes answerable to the numberless number of the Assembly No poor and pittiful mortal confined on the Globe of Earth who have never seen but sorrow or interchangeably some painted superficial pleasures can rightly think on or be sufficient to conceive the termless delights of this place So many Feathers move not on Birds so many Birds dint not the Air so many leaves tremble not on Trees so many Trees grow not in the solitary Forests so many waves turn not in the Ocean and so many grains of Sand limit not those Waves as this triumphant Court hath variety of delights and Joyes exempted from all comparison Happiness at once here is fully known and fully enjoyed and as infinite in continuance as extent Here is flourishing and never fading youth without Age Strength without Weakness Beauty never blasting Knowledge â—â—thout Learning Abundance without Loathing Peace without Disturbance Participation without Envy Rest without Labour Light without rising or seeting Sun Perpetuity without moments for Time which is the measure of Endurance did never enter in this shining Eternity Ambition Disdain Malice Difference of Opinions cannot approach this place and resembling those foggy Mists which cover those Lists of Sublunary things All pleasure paragon'd with what is here is pain all Mirth mourning all Beauty deformity Here one daies abiding is above the continuing in the most fortunate estate on the Earth many years and sufficient to countervail the extreamest torments of Life But although this Bliss of Souls be great and their joyes many yet shal they admit Addition and be more full and perfect at that long wished and general meeting with their bodies Amongst all the wonders of the great Creator not one appeareth to be more wounderful replied I than that our Bodies should arise having suffered so many changes and nature denying a return from privation to a Habit. Such power said he being above all that the Understanding of Man can conceive may well work such wonders For if Mans Understanding could comprehend all the secrets and councels of than Eternal Majesty it must of necessity be equal unto it The Author of Nature is not thralled to the Laws of Nature but worketh with them or contrary to them as it pleaseth him What he hath a will to do he hath a power to perform To that power which brought all this All from nought to bring again in one instant any substance which ever was into it unto what it was once should not be thought impossible for who can do more can do less and his power is no less after that which was by him brought forth is decayed and vanished than it was before it was produced being neither restrained to certain limits or instruments or to any determinate and definite manner of working where the power is without restraint the work admitteth no other limits than the Workers will This world is as a Cabinet to God in which the small things however to us hid and secret are nothing less kept than the great For as he was wise and powerful to create so doth his knowledge comprehend his own Creation yea every change and variety in it of which it is the very Source Not any Atom of the scatter'd Dust of mankind though daily flowing under new forms is to him unknown and his knowledge doth distinguish and discern what once his power shall waken and rise up Why may not the Arts-Master of the world like a Molder what he hath framed in divers shapes confound in one mass and then severally fashion them out of the same Can the Spargirick by his Art restore for a space to the dry and withered Rose the natural purple and blush and cannot the Almighty raise and refine the body of man after never so many alterations on the Earth Reason her self finds it more possible for infinit power to cast out ftom it self a finit world and restore any thing in it though decaied and dissolved to what it was first than for man a finit piece of reasonable misery to change the form of matter made to his hand the power of God never brought forth all that it can for then were it bounded and no more infinite That time doth approach O hast ye times away in which the dead shall live and the living be changed and of all actions the Guerdon is at hand then shall there be an end without an end time shall finish and place shall be altered motion yielding unto rest â—nd another world of an age eternal and unchangeable shall arise which when he had said me thought he vanished and I all astonished did awake To the Memory of the most Excellent Lady JANE Countess of Perth THis Beauty which Pale death in dust did turn And clos'd so soon within a Coffin sad Did pass like lightning like to thunder burn So little Life so much of Worth it had Heavens but to shew their Might here made it shine And when admir'd then in the Worlds disdain O Tears O Grief did call it back again Lest Earth should vaunt she kept what was Divine What can we hope for more What more enjoy Sith fairest Things thus soonest have their End And as on Bodies Shadows do attend Sith all our bliss is follow'd with Annoy Yet She 's not dead She lives where She did love Her Memory on Earth Her soul above To S. W. A. THough I have twice been at the doors of Death And twice found shut those gates which ever mourn This but a lightning is Truce tane to Breath For late-born Sorrows augurre fleet return Amidst thy sacred Cares and Courtly Toils Alexis when thou shalt hear wandring Fame Tell Death hath triumph'd o're my mortal spoils And that on Earth I am but a sad Name If thou e're held me dear by all our Love By all that Bliss those Joys Heaven here us gave I conjure thee and by the Maids of Jove To grave this short Remembrance on my Grave Here Damon lies whose Songs did sometime grace The murmuring Esk may Roses shade the place On the Report of the Death of the Author IF that were true which whispered is by Fame That Damons light no more on Earth doth burn His Patron Phoebus Physick would disclaim And cloth'd in clouds as erst for Phaeton mourn Yea Fame by this had got so deep a wound That scarce She could have Power to tell his death Her Wings cut short who could her Trumpet sound Whose blaze of late was nurs'd but by his Breath That Spirit of his which most with mine was free By mutual traffick enterchanging store If chac'd from him it would have come to me Where it so oft familiar was before Some secret Grief distempring first my Mind Had though not knowing made me feel this loss A Sympathy had so our Souls combind That such a parting both at once would toss Though such Reports to others terrour give Thy Heavenly Virtues who did never spy I know thou that canst make the dead to live Immortal art and needs not fear to dye Sir WILL. ALEXANDER FINIS