A progeny, Of PRODIGES: Or, TREASONS; Arraigned, Convicted: and Condemned, Discovered. In the Many successive practices: and Succesles' Attempts of the Hamiltons to gain the crown of Scotland.  
Hic niger est hunc, tu Britanne caveto: Nemo potest diu personam ferre fictam: cito in naturam suam recidunt, quibus veritas non subest. Magna est veritas & prevalebit.  
Printed in the first year of King Charles, the second, 1649.   

To the Sacred majesty: Of King Charles the second, undoubted Successor to the crowns: Of England, Scotland, and Ireland, defender of the faith  
Sir.  
DId not my natural duty and Allegiance to your Sacred majesty oblige me to this performance, the Gratitude, and Reverence, I owe to the precious memory of your ever Glorious Father, would provoke me to this duty, besides both these, the trust and employments: I had the honour to receive from him, engage me to an account, and the discharge of my loyalty & faithfulness to you. Sr. I most humbly beg your majesty's pardon, that I make that discovery of such treasonable practices, which will perplex, sooner than satisfy and quiett your expectation: The subject can give your highness no delight, when it only discourseth, the Aspirings of an Ambitions Subject to a crown, of rights appertaining to your Highne. Sr. I should inexpressibly mourn my sad misfortune, should my zeal to your majesty's service and happiness, mistaken encounter other effect, than what is clearly intended: The preservation of your life, and royal Dignities.  
Sir, should the disclosing of these Treacheries and Falshoodes [wherein I present most eminent truths] unhappily increase, or continue the disturbance in your majesty's present and most important affairs. [I abjure from my very soul the single thought of so bad a consequence.] yet were I lest guilty, then if I should conceal the traitor, and by a calm, inconsiderate silence, render myself accessory to the Treason, If this contribute the least to your great designs, I am highly rewarded in my service. I have satisfied my conscience, and paid one debt, I owe to Truth to the God of truth, and to your highness, God's Amointed, and Vicegerent my constant Actions shall witness to the whole world, that it holds not a Person more.  
Sir, your majesty's loyal and faithful Subject. Rob. Gardiner:   

The author's apology. To the royal Reader.  
CAMARADE.  
THou hast no sooner read the Title in the Frontispiece, but I know thy judgement, methinks I ●eare thee all ready pronouncing thy cen●ure. Alas poor, honest Gentleman, it 〈◊〉 great pity, he is mad. A fool's bolt. Who but a Mad Man durst write so bold, ●ruths? pray give me leave to creep gra●elie into the wits, I am like, a young nim●le, prodigal Cashkeeper, unawarrs run ●ut of, & to recover my credit, before you ●ake out too hastily this Commission of Bankrupte against me. Et insanire cum Ratione. I had rather be that madman twice told you speak of, than a dull, sober fool. I would choose sooner, to have my throat cut, for voicing any man Traitor then by his Good leave, conceal his name, and become interressed in the Treason, and for a conclusion be hanged. There are others, that have throats too, and as fit to be cut.  
We must see the hopes of our being, our well being The only support of our lives, our well, living hereafter, the royal King, at whose Devotion we prostrate our lives; we must see him, upon the precise minute of falling into those hands, those cursed hands, that subscribed the murder of his Glorious Father of sacred memory, and sold (him) to those Murtheres, and themselves to the devil to work sim and wickedness, we must see him upon the critical Now, of being beetrayde likewise, and we like fools, must digito compescere labellum, ●um, follow at that distance, the fright ●●e Apostles did our saviour when he was ●eetrayde, and like precious Disciples, ●ite the lip for anger, and tacitly look ●n I will not say with those lewd translators of the psalms we will prevail, our tongues shall us extol. But to far I'll go along with them, our tongues are ours ●ee aught to speak, what Lord shall ●s control? I would sooner eat my ●ayles, bite my finger's ends off, then ●ake no better use of them! lay my hand on ●y mouth. peace, and catch a mouse while others are setting a trap to ensnare our most hopeful King. and serve him as they did his too credulous, but never enough commended and bemoaned, Father.  
There is a proverb frequent, in every man's mouth in Scotland. He that deceives me the first time the devil take him, and not me, if he deceive me the second time, the devil take me, and not him, but if the third time, the devil take us both. The devil take me, if ever I trust any of them more. any of there Factions, there Divisions and there subdivisions? I know all there Hocus Pocus tricks; I know the independent mountebank Lords that with there Presbyterian Zanies fill up one Presbyterian independent Classis. And wish they were all Pendant together. The English Arguile, and the Scotch Cromwell. I must acknowledge there is a royal loyal Party in Scotland, but who must Command them? the King in Person, or that Person, I am confident, they will trust there souls with. The Strafford of that kingdom, and the Alexander of the world, but neither of them did such miracles as incomparable Montros. who can only be, by himself outdone; I am strongly of there opinion, that persuade the King to remove him.  
I would presume to advise the same. only I would assign the place, whither: Send him considerably into Scotland, to see what it is they can allege against him.  
His Allegiance. 'tis that indeed which must Chastise there saucy, unmannerly and peremptory demands. there is a way of reclaiming these Haggard rebels. keep them sharp, and then feed them morning, and at night with good sharp two handed Swords. if they can digest cold iron they shall have there Gorge● full. they will need no other castings▪ since he left Scotland, they are returned with the dog to the vomit, and when he goes back we shall see them with the hog, wallowing in the Myre.  
They teach preposterous and false Doctrine, that say rebels will, be tamed by yielding. with which Caesaer was unacquainted. I do not think it treason to say. I would see King Charles aut Caesar ant nihil. I wish him a larger Empire. I would see him act over the black Prince, and far on't do him. some thing that might cancel The Acts, and deface the Monument, of preceding Ages at which posterity, showlde gaze with wonder. He is ●ot inferior to any in Dignities and Ex●ellencies. and I covet to see him supe●ior to the whole world in Glories. Greater than Charles the great, hap●ier than Charles the Good. I would ●ot for a world (it should be the last ●hing in the world I would see) his high ●nd just designs disappointed pretences, ●nd coulorable Treacheries of those that ●ayde his Glorious Father low, and would ●is honour in the dust had they him in equal power to dispose. this is too sad 〈◊〉 Truth, and the Truth is I am Mad. ●s I live and Breathe Mad: 'tis not op●ression, that makes the wise Man mad which puts my thoughts into this Distraction. I am a Fool; yet to be preferred to a Knave. too much knowledge of there damnable Design and traitorous practices in Scotland, makes me thus wildly deliver my mind in Holland, and discover the naked truth to the whole world, in sheets.  
My Fears, lest that son of goodness the inheritor of all his Glorious father's Excellencies the now King, should give to much Credit to those persuasions and counsels, that would call on and hasten his ruin and undoing.  
Such fears disturb me. My zeal to his service, and my knowledge of there horridand dangerous subtilles transport me: knowledge of crimes laesae Maiestatis cause in me loesum Cerebrum.  
And my brains are crackte instead of there necks.  
I should grow calm on a sudden, did I see this cloud that hangs over the King's head dispelde, and those evil Counsellors removed, that portend a storm, and prognosticate foul weather, how fair so ever they seem, to pretend. Reader farewell! farewell for good and all. I cannot expect to live above a mouhe having spoken so much truth, unless I lie in; and Gallants hot in the distempers of there bloods, have a ●ust excuse the spring after the fall. I shall not keep my Chamber, not that I would not be found, but Toms, run out of there wits, have ever the perpetual motion, and there extravigant humour. at it of ram●ling a broad I go in Danger but not fear of my life, who will be so much Bedlam as 〈◊〉 Question his x. yet I had rather fall by the noble hand of a loyal Pretender, then suffer an unlucky Death by the common and rude hand of a Rebel Trooper in a crowd, that I shall not know to whom to owe the favour of my Death. The King's Glorious Martyrdom hath made me ambitious of suffering. the murdering of him makes me in love with death. when I see ye deadly heart, I shall imagine it Cupids, fall in love with Death and court it as my Mistress.  
I cannot live, and lie fallow. if I lie fallow, I am dead when I produce no fruits of my obedience. Till my sword shall be rendered useful, I must employ my penknife, my Blade at the best, can strike but a single rebel, at one blow destroy but a melancholy Trooper. one stroke of my Pen, can put a ragged Begiment of Rogues to a rout. a second. cut of a whole Brigade. one dash more of the Quill, discomfit, and put to wing an host of disloyal Traitors when they see there Treasons be trayde; if I fall in this happy service, I bequeathe all his majesty's subjects. Loyalty for a legacy.  
R. G.   

IN this exigency of time and pressure of affairs when a general sadness, and kind of despair óreclouds & shadows the face of things, as well as Men. I know nothing so necessarily conducing to his majesty's concernments as information; which must not come lamely creeping forth, as if it were afraid ●o view the light or be seen by any and unawares be disco●ered, but appear in bold, naked, and justifiable truths! the King is in no condition to be flattered, when he is in so great 〈◊〉 hazard, and visible danger of being beetrayde, and by com●ination of those factions who gave that fatal and cursed ●…owe to his Glorious Father, of ever belssed memory. And ●resentlie threaten appairent ruin to his royal posterity.  
Without counsel no high undertaking can be succefull, or attain to its wished period. Without information ●ounsell is at a stand, and fixeth the Pillars of Hercules, be ●…re we have performed the least of his labours. The end of ●ounsell is action, execution. The end of this designed action 〈◊〉 restore the King: before the King can settle and establish 〈◊〉 Throne he must settle and confirm his counsel. Which ●hile it continues in this unhappy distraction, his wavering ●●…d unfixt resolutions will be so divided, that he shall but 〈◊〉 certainly know, to which, with best advantages he should ●●…line when Faction, professing the same ends, with the royal party labours in there pursuit to arrive at them by other, and most indirect means, and by the way endeavour to exclude them. I shall communicate freely, what either the undoubted information of others, or my own apprehension, and certain knowledge hath suggested to my sense and judgement. And since most men are led, and seduced by opinion, let every one, [it is an uncontrollable liberty that all men will take] frame what Arguments and censure he pleaseth, from what he finds most faithfully asserted.  
I hold myself obliged to the whole world to render a du● and strict account of my observation and knowledge and wi● entirely endeavour to vindicate truth so excellingly precious and absolutely to rectify, misinformed and erring judgements I shall do it with such impartiality and so sincerely, tha● nota Person living, of what faction soever, whithersoever hi● particular interests and Relations lead him, will be able t● disprove.  
There are diverse papers exhibited to the world in prin● which, because they are obvious to every common eye, purposely omit. They discover the manifold practices and A●tempts of the Hamiltons, for the obtaining of the Crown● and government of the kingdom of Scotland, at which the have aimed, more than one hundred and twenty years, in constant proseqution of there disloyal designs.  
If we examine seriously the whole tract of the Duke's life and reflect on the series of all his actions, we shall discov● no less design of usurpation, and fiery ambition of rule, in hi● then in his Predecessors. Encouraged by several Prediction and Astrologies, to which that family is much addicted. shall beeginne with, but not insist on his desires to the King 〈◊〉 Sweden, for his assistance to his unjust pretence: to who● David Ramsey was sent a Commissioner, who imagining h● Master already King, and himself his ambassador, stood n● upon bare ceremonies, but readily put on his hat, in the presence of the King.  
The most material things worthy our observation and strict survey, are the Duke's Actions and deportments, after the pu●lishing of Mr Meldrume's scandalous & traitorous book; which declaring him to have the only just right to the crown of Scotland, cherished in him such an insatiate and implacable ●mbition of reign, that death only was able to extinguish the one, with the other. The book was burned by the Hang●an, but the Author was entertained by the Duke, and relea●ed, after three years' imprisonment in the fleet, notwith●anding the base aspersions of so inglorious a libeler.  
Touching the Duke's next design, I refer the Reader to the depositions of the Lord Rhe, Lord Ocholtrie, Maior ●arstwike with diverse others, extant upon Record, and sin●● published in print.  
His pretexte of levys for Germany. A 1630. was only a ●lott to get power into his hands, that having men in a rea●ines on foot, and well appointed, he might, supresse the ●ing and kingdoms by that power, joined with his factions 〈◊〉 either kingdoms. The King, the people, all men in such ●rofound security, not suspecting the hidden and concealed, ●anger, were not able to make the jest considerable resi●ance.  
The Duke had resolved to launch out into the deep, and ●●ter two days sailing to return to Hull, plant a garrison ●●d leave a Governor, while he should march to London, ●yne with his faction, imprison the King in the Tower. And ●ere dispatch him by poison, send the Queen to France ●rowne himself King of Scotland, declared to be Prote●or of the young King.  
The island of Orcades were offered to the Lord Rhe, ha●ng a Regiment of fiveteene hundred men, to join in the ●esigne.  
To this end the Duke procured twelve or ●●●●teene thousand arms, to be disposed pri●●●elie in sev●ral places of his interests, and caused diverse pieces of Cannon to be cast, by his x Alex: Hamilton in that kingdom,  
He pressed tbe king to all Monopolies, of which himself had the greatest share. And yet had his emissaries to poison the people against them, and to murmur and cry out against the king in both kingdoms.  
He importuned the king to call Parliaments and then urged reasons to dissolve them, thus be brought the king into hatred, and incited the people to commotions. While he always studied to send all persons, from Court malcontente he ordinarily reviled the king, and where he had freedom tovent his expressions, had him in hate and derision.  
When he was Deputed Commissioner for Scotland, he had particular warrant to limit and regulate episcopacy, or pass from it altogether, as might best conduce for peace; the king justly fearing, that the troubles and stirs in Scotland if not quieted and appeased on any terms would breed unrest in England; and put his discontented subjects into a combustion at home, yet he deserted the Assembly, suffering them to sit, abandoned the government, took with him all Officers of● State and purposely let the reins of Government lose that ye people might have ye easier liberty to rebel. He told the king, that if he did not cut of those rebels he did not deserve to reign, The king had done well to have beegunne with him yet double Toungde he whispers to the people, the● king was a Coward; the innocent death and unjust suffering of the King the guilt and deserved punishment of the ●●ke speaks who appeared the cowart on the Scaffold, he advised them to hold the king strictly to it, and not to depart from there unreasonable demands. Telling them if they gave him his will, he would prove a Greater tyrant than Ne●ro; when he was first employed with a fleet into the Scotch Sease, he might have either hindered them from coming to ●nntzlawe or, if he had landed in the North of that kingdom, as he was often solicited, by the King's friends he might ●here have brought twenty thousand men on there backs, as is most notoriously known: but having five or six thousand men 〈◊〉 board, he never made the least attempt.  
While he was in the fleet, he had private meetings every ●ther day, and conference with the chief of the rebel's com●ittee, discovered to them all the King's designs and provided, ●emedies against them, and either approved there counsels, ●r put them upon new projects all his friends of greatest intima●ie, and nearest relation to him, who were never accustomed 〈◊〉 desert him in the most unjust designs imaginable, were the ●nely mortal and most malicious enemies against the, king and ●emed in that only, to appear against him, his people, his ●angers on did ordinarily drink healths to king James the ●venthe and he did tacitly allow, and countenance it at ●●ch times as he lay in the King's Bedchamber, he frequently ●●ed to search his majesty's pocketts for letters, sent the dup●ates to the rebels, by which intelligence, the King's friends ●●re disappointed of there intentions to do him service he so ●●btily insinuated with the king [he could pick thanks as ●ell as pocketts] as he prevailed for a Commission to go ●●o Scotland, with a coulorable pretence, to settle and com●●se there differences: he referred all to the determination 〈◊〉 a National Synod at Glascow, which he soon dissolved, ●●d returning to the king incensed him against his subjects of ●●otland. The war followed he to himself purchased the ●●mmand of the Navy, he came to the Forth of Scotland but ●●eatned by the Covenantars', who sent some to the ships to 〈◊〉 him know that if he did prejudice them, they would discover all, and prove against him the Accusations of my Lord Rhe and ocholtry, he desisted from enterprising any thing, conducing to the King's service, unless the munity he enforced on his soldiers, advantaged it, a pacification was made between the king and his Subjects of Scotland who the ensuing year invaded England. The Duke held correspondence with the chiefest Covenanters.  
He persuaded the king to pass an act for the Triennial Parliament; and more to eternize that, while it was not to be dissolved without there own consent.  
Anno, 1641. At the kings going into Scotland, the Duke to ingratiate himself with the people joined with ye marquis of Arguille in that faction, with whom, he deserting the Parliament at Edinburg, retired into the Country, pretending a plot against him by some Courtiers and soldiers. At which time the king publicly declared in Parliament, that the Duke was the only man, had incensed him against the kingdom, how ever he seemed now to comply with them.  
When he was his majesty's commissioner he often said in private, to the chief Covenanters, that nothing would prevail with the king but force, and necessity. When the Earl of Traquaire being Commissioner in Scotland, did return to London, he concealed him ten days in his Bedchamber, gave no occount of his trust to the king, till they had resolved on a bitter relation against the Scots, which compelled the king to declare a war, which done, he sent them informations, advertisements, helps and assistances to state them in a condition, of defence.  
He did subtly weave himself into the Command of the Navy the second time, he provides it with a vast expense▪ pretends (as he knew well to dissemble, though unfit for reign) some easy discontents, causeth all the Ships to be unvictualed, the stalladges and other necessary accommodations for horse & foot to be demolished, within ten days following, he urged to have his charge renewed, 〈…〉 to be revictuald he brings a saucy bill of Fare; the 〈…〉 chargeth the account, upon his one score, the ships up●n the Dukes, to which, being chief of his cabinet counsel, he had persuaded him in a very short time. Thus are the King's Treasures unnecessarily exhausted, and time allotted to the rebels in Scotland to advance in there undertakings.  
When the king had made a prosperous progress in his affairs ●nd had very near subdued all his opposers in England, when ●ee had reduced the whole kingdom to his obedience except London, and three or four other Garrisons, and those few Members who styled themselves a Parliament had no visible means left to preserve themselves, or oppose the King, but the ●uiting in of the Scots, when it was if not possible, at least ●ery difficult, for the Covenanters to afford, or contribute ●ny considerable assistance to there confederates in England, if ●hose who protested themselves the King's friends in Scotland ●ad faithfully acted there Parts; then Hamilton thought it ●ighe time for him to Passover from the Covenanters, and ●retend for the king that having free access to his Counsels, ●e might at pleasure betray, and disappointe his designs ●●hen the incomparably noble Marquis of Montros had at ●orke informed the Queen, of the Scots conspiracy, and ●ad fully represented to her majesty, the treacheries and ●mminent danger of the Covenanters, had unripped there ●olicies and unmasked all there devices, when he advised 〈◊〉 mature prevention, and by anticipating there designs, to ●pell force with force. to which more than a bare lawfulness, 〈◊〉 in evitable necessity did urge. The Duke posted with more ●ast then good speed to York, with a colour to kiss her Ma●sties hands and congratulate her safe arrival into England. ●om whence he had formerly designed to send her on an Embassy: but his plot was entirely to overthrow and confound the seasonable and faithful counsels and persuasions of that truly perfectly loyal soul, that Man of honour the Marquis of Montros, he possessed the Queen how raw, indisgested, rash and Dangerous the counsels of the Marquis were and altogether condemned his judgement and in that his own which in all men's ought to be highly preferred to the Duke's Opinion, he did more than put a remora, to retard, he gave check to the marquess' high undertakings and by subtle art and cunning, got the disposing of the Men and the whole game iuto his own hands by which means after, he gave checkmate to the King he offers by fair means to hinder the raising of an Army in Scotland, if the too often deceived King would trust him with the managinge of that business, to rend 〈◊〉 it more plausible, he promiseth to perform it, without trouble or expense to his majesty whose bags he had milked before; such easy proffers have ever a powerful influence on princes reduced to want and irresistible necessity, but his vile an● cheap counsels, which he always gave for nought cost the King dear by dissembling a danger, he had contracted o● himself from the Legislative Covenanters, and counterfeitin● the hazards he seemed to run, although he came not withou● there privity and allowance and abundantly furnished with there treacherous instructions, he gained from the King a●● absolute trust.  
Returned to Scotland, he made great Professions at hom● as he had done abroad and would have gladly seemed the most joyous, and most zealous person living for the King's in●terest, yet in all his proceedings, he crossed the advices an● resolutions of the King's friends he betrayed the Kings tru●● and filled up the blanks committed to him, with the King● approbations to that Convention of Scotland, where a levy o●● twenty thousand, men for England, and six thousand fo●●●reland were ordained. The King advertisde that the Co●enanters had indicted a Convention of state without his con●●nt or knowledge did write a letter to the Duke and those of ●●e counsel to discharge the Convention, the Duke concea●ng the letter desired the Earl of calendar to confer with ●●e Earl of Roxbroug, and some others, best affected to his ●ajestie to ask their advice they all unammously concluded, ●●e King should disclaim the Convention, and declare it ●●egall but the Duke, [who without the King's knowledge ●●d consent, and contrary to ye laws of the kingdom inter●●sing the King's name and authority, had invited, and com●lled the Covenanting Lords to frequent Assemblies] ac●●aints them by the Earl of Callander, that it was the King's ●●tention and purpose, to approve the Convention, with some ●●w restrictions, and limitations; this false suggestion of the ●uke, made them to alter there advice the King never having ●rboured such a thought until it was insinuated, to him by ●●milton as the advice of a friend from Scotland, that there ●●ere probable conjectures and possible hopes, to overpowre 〈◊〉 Covenanters, And carry the matters in the Convention, 〈◊〉 the King's advantage, or at least to impede and obstruct any ●●stance to be sent into England against him. Thus the ●●ngs expectation, was deluded and the hopes of his faithful ●bjects in Scotland frustrated, while both, were induced by ●●e Duke's policy to approve and countenance the Convention ●●d the King's affairs suffered an infinite prejudice when at that ●●me it was very feosible to have suppressed there confederacy 〈◊〉 its infancy or growing Estate, ere it had aspired to that ●●ighte and perfection, since Scotland wanted not, rather a●unded with Men loyal, trusty, and valiant, those men wan●●d neither power, or those necessary accommodations for ●●rre, the sinews, the ligaments that Causa sine qua non, ●oney, only the King's Commission, by which they should have power to act, was deficient with which once inspired, they would have attempted any thing, might present danger, and administer any occasion to express there honourable regard to the Kings most inestimable life, and royal dignities. Delay (in affairs of great importance ever dangerous, and to be avoided) could only destroy there hopeful designs then, a● our just fears are, it will do at present▪ there are too many sa●… witnesses of the Dukes and his Brother the Earl of Lannerick● Deportments in that Convention, and afterwards; there Actions were in no wise answerable to there promises in there conference with the Noble men that were well affected to the King, they refused to join with them in a course of opposition, or to give there approbation, that they should actuate without his Personal appearance in the business, these that would have adventured there Fortunes, there lives, whatsoever wa●… dear unto them, for his majesty's preservation were ignominiously betrayed.  
When the Duke for his heinous Crymes and Treasonabl● practices, was justly committed Prisoner to Pendennis Cast●… his Brother the Earl of Lannericke, deserted his Majestie● service at Oxford, and secretly conveyed himself away having no excusable pretence, unless the Duke's deserved imprisonment can justify his Defection from so dear and Bounteou● a Master, that to the Duke had ever given more than he could deserve, and no more in this then what he deserved. Lannericke prefers the safety of a Brother to the preservation of hi● countries Father, to save one, on whose being some particular friends, and Followers had dependence he leaves as much as in him lay, the King to the mercy of his enemies to be destroyed, in whose life and well being the preservation and security of three kingdoms did alone consist. He repairs to London, joins himself to the Scotch Commissioners, for which he will never be able to repair his weather-beaten reputation and blasted honour. The Commissioners welcome ●s revolt and congratulate his dishonourable retreat from ●s Master's Cause and Service. They dispatch him away to ●ere Army, by sea, with Letters of Commendations. From ●e Army he beetakes himself to Scotland, where in a sol●●ne meeting in there Parliament, he not only protested that ●e was penitent for his former carriage in adhering to the ●●ing, but that he would not have deserted his Master until ●s Master had deserted God [well said thou good and ●thful servant] he declared publicly that it he did see visibly. 〈◊〉 Religion destroyed, and the Mass openly mantained and ●●ofessed both in the Army, and at Oxford [a zealous convert ●at speaks more than the Truth,] he hath no sooner given ●idence of his penitent and Contrite heart, but they are mer●full to the Sinner, they receive him into there honourable ●●cietie, and adorn him with the reverent title of a Cove●nter [a holy and blessed order] Thus qualified, they admit ●●e sanctified Brother, to there Religious counsels and on ●m immediately confer the command of forces against the ●●ngs majesty, which he like a grateful and loyal Subject ●ost thankfully receivesly how vigorous and stirring he proved 〈◊〉 all his undertakings with the rebels, all men, that know ●●y thing of that kingdom perfect know, he did show ●●ch rare feats of his activity, in there Combination, that ●●th quick and nimble motion he skipps into the place of a ●eading Member, he appeared like a Ruling Elder, nothing ●s done, or indeed could be done, without him, at that ●eate battle of Kilsythe where six thousand rebels were ●yne under the well managed Conduct of the Noble Munt●s, he had drawn together one thousand foot, and five ●ndred Horse, of his friends and Followers, which were on ●ere March within seven miles, to have joined with the ●●bells not with standing all the entreaties, and solicitations, persuasions, and promises loyal Montros did use, to make him join with him, in the King's service, against which he stubbornly persisted, and continued in arms and opposition till Montros by the King's express commands, had disbanded his Forces [the royal Party.]  
When the King was at Newcastle, he was credibly informed, that upon a serious consultation amongst the Covenanters, what instructions they should send to the Scotch Commissioners residing at London, concerning the King who as they said was the Author of so much bloushed, the Generous Earl of Lannericke gave out these words:  we can never have Peace so long as this King or any of his Race remains. 
[A worthy position] but we deny his Major and his mino●… and pray against his Conclusion, touching the race of the King▪ an Argument he may chance to run himself out of breath● in! upon another occasion he delivered his mind in these words.  we can have no difference of Monarchical government all the Difference will be, who shall be King. 
His scrupulous conscience needed not have raised so dangerous a doubt, it may be, he expects the accomplishment of his horoscope, wherein (as himself since related, he had so grea● confidence) that when he was thought to be in danger, before his Escape from Oxford he was heard to say.  he was sure he was not near his death for it was promised him that before he died he should be greater man, than was safe for him to mention. 
[Would he be more than a Duke?] if his Ambition cannot ●●e satisfied with his brother's title, God send him his Place ●●o; he may be an angel in heaven, but must not a King up●● earth, unless he designs to rule some new Plantation, the ●●d Britain's prefer the Stewarts to the Hamiltons.  
Some old wives in Scotland affirm that the Midwife at his ●●tivitie, out of the strength of all inspired, did prophesy most ●wrefully, and let some odd and strange things drop from ●er, they say with all that he was an eminent witch.  
When the Duke was set at liberty from imprisonment and ●●e to London, he was heard say.  wherefore should he go to the King [then at ●ewcastele] how could he ever trust that man who ●●en he was in power împrisond him. 
[I wonder he did not do it sooner an that he had trusted 〈◊〉 so long] this unhandsome expression discovered the re●●ment he had of his imprisonment. When he came to Neu●astele, he and his Brother Lannericke, did undertake to the ●●ng, to carry him into Scotland, which if they had performed ●●cording to promise it had been very easy for ye king to have, ●●gaged that kingdom, and there Army, for restoring his Maje●●e to his just Rights in England. But his coming into Scot●●d and there designs were incompatible. his presence there ●ould have to much eclipsed there greatness, and have clipte to ●ort the wings of there too high-soaring Ambition. they divert 〈◊〉 from his resolutions, with fair pretences leading him along, 〈◊〉 a strict guard was set upon his Person. Withi● some few ●yes after he was delivered [being sold] to the Parliament brokers the Parliament of Scotland they made a fair semblance of reasoning for the King, had a pretty flourish, a skirmishing in words but when it came to the push of a Vote concerning his deliveri● the two Brethren in iniquity were in the Negative themselves but all there friends and dependants, whose voices they used t●● command with the same freedom, they did there own, were a●●together in the Arffirmative for selling the King contrary to the aforsayde brethren's promise & asseurance to his Majesty. Tho● greedy Merchants that so fiercely voted for selling the King, we●● as violent in there debates for making the Duke General in ther● late engagement, for when not only the lawfulness, but the unavoidable necessity of engaging in a war against the breakers of that Covenant, of ever cursed memory, with Englan● was made manifesty to appear and had received the stamp, an● authority of the convened States.  
Duke Hamilton by the contrivance of his complices and the connivance of is competitors is Elected general. A Person 〈◊〉 of the most eminent Titles, so of the greatest activity and vigo● amoungst them; he, having had the command of an Army h● retofore in Germany, and for some few other intricate Reason it thought Fittest to command the present designed to go● against the common enemy, of the confederate Kingdome● They proceed to levy men, which are lifted with that unwilli●gnes, and so slowly, that they seem to be too heavy a Burthe● for the Country, and the cause too light; whatsoever is so spe●●ouslie pretended by thes new undertakers, it is suspected 〈◊〉 most Men and beeleeved by many, the Good and happy beei●● of the King and his Royal posterity is the least in there intention●  
This was the Reason, why this new Model of a cause met o●●struecion in the house ad oppofition abroad the Dissentors 〈◊〉 Parliament, having Abettor is in the assembly by whose Divi●● assistance, they were more then encouraged. for the Persoaha● brought the Caule into suspicion and controversy.  
In the most stricst examination, and disquiry of particular●●●ey found Argument and Ground enough whereon to raise a ●●rre but the general they had pitched upon, would not hold 〈◊〉 water; he had sprung a leak before, & was not sound at ●●ttome.  
Had the affairs be managed under another conduct, the un●fulnes of the engagement had not been imputed for sin. So ●●e was it judged from being unjust, that by all sides it was con●● to be inevitably necessaire. So much acknowledged to be ●re D●ty, that Necglect would prove perjury. They conclu●● in a kind of Dilcmma, either take up arms, or shake hands ●●h the Covenant & part. Lay it altogether aside, or use the ●ost Endeavonrs to make it Good; stand to it now, or let it 〈◊〉 for ever. could the Duke in there opinion have been as ea●● cleared as there other Doubts, the Church in all men's opi●●n had undoubtedly gone along for Company. And those ●●pits which were fraught with most bitter invectives, had been ●ull of exhortations and motives. Large promises of Blessings 〈◊〉 been the snbject of Sermons, that now abounded with revi●●s & bitter curses yet I wonder not to hear him called mad ●●gge to his theethes, out of the pulpit at Edinburg, when no●● was so sold as his own chaplain at Hamilton in his presence ●●urse the engagement & damn all such as should prosecute it, 〈◊〉 do I wonder at his impudence, when I know others the ●●ke had sent to, to exclaim and inveigh against ye unlawful en●●ement. Who out of conscientiousnes refusing were suddenly ●●cke dumb. Silenced by ye Assembly.  
All the use they made, of Preaching, was first exprobration to 〈◊〉 Duke, and Commination to the People. Which he him●● hairs with that wonderful Patience, that he seems ra●● pleased with the Doctrine then offended with the Applica●●: that not one of them was ever in Q●estion; calls the Hearers Q●estion, & might put it out of doubt, they were conscious ●hat they had heard an Ordinance is provided to stop there mouths, which they open then vider to there very faces The Duke takes notes, but no notice of there Sermons, being very confident, as he often affirmed, all they could vent in those places, would not suffice, to prevent his designs, which i● the unhappy event proved too true. Yet by this A●t by this cunning of preaching the Levies are almost everywhere retarded in the West they rise to oppose them. the insurrection is brough● soneere the Dukes own Gates, that wise men imagined, it wa● contrived within, for his own Vassals were as busy as the best● And the chief Actors and Leaders of the R●bellion, were left a● liberty to sit down, till the dispersing of the first, and the Gathering together of the second levy might administer a fresh occasion to manifest whose children they were.  
If the Duke's design was to ruin the well Affected to the King and the royal party as it was rationally conj●ctured, than i● very much did conduce to his purpose, to preserve so necessary instruments for perfecting the work where he had laid 〈◊〉 most strong foundation.  
He had soon discovered of what excellent use they would prove in due time, that had already supdlyde him with a handsome excuse that his motion to the assistance of the royal Party i● England might not be censured slow, and the delay, to which se●emed inforete, receive some colour to justify the reason, though the insurrection it lelfe had none.  
Before that time, there Deportment to the English had received a scurvy construction. Little were they beholding to them for the advancing of there affairs, when all arts and industry was used to hold them back. there diligence and utmost Powers would have been employed to the advantage of there undertakings, had the Duke simply espoused a quarrel for the King, and not a quarrel against him, for one of his kingdoms to which that an easier way, and not so open, may be found 'tis thought expedient to destroy first his majesties known faithful, friends in England those fir●●e Pillars once removed, the royal palace must fall, being ●o longer supported. whose ruin that it might be certain, ●●nd unsuspected, Prerogative must receive its fatal wound ●hrough the sides of a pretended loyalty.  
Sir Marmaduke Langdale is treated with. A Person whose ●ndoubted integrity, and perfect courage had so powerful in●uence on his majesty's Party, that from all parts he was able ●o draw forces to his Assistance. He is permitted to take ●erwicke and Carlisle and pntt in Garrisons, but upon this ●ondition, that they be surrendered into the Duke's possession, 〈◊〉 soon as he should enter into England, with his Army. As ●laces to retreat to, should his Army be beaten. If he had ●estined them to that end before, it was a subtle plot to dis●ossess the King's friends, and secure those towns in the ●ands of his professed enemies. It could not be expected, ●●e Army once vanquished those Garrisons would hold out long, ●onsisting all of Officers and soldiers at the Duke's Devotion.  
Sir Marmaduke Landale had purchased so great a reputa●on, by the surprise of Berwick and Carlisle that his forces are ●ery much increased, by a conflux of people from those ●diacent parts. Men are not wanting to him so much as arms, ●f which he stood much in need yet every one had his breast ●rmed with resolution and loyalty, not intending to turn ●ere backs on the rebellion's enemy.  
Messengers are dispatched to the Duke to desire a supply ●f arms, tustie expecting a readiness in them to further and ●romote there enterprise, from whom they had received en●ouragement to attempt it.  
Although there necessity, and the great consequence is ●ade to appear, there is little show of compliance while ●ere demands are unsatisfied, by much solicitation and im●ortunitie, five hundred arms to Berwick, and three hundred to Carlisle are privately conveyed. For the Duke will not be s●en to allow or countenance there proceedings albeit the beeginnings were warranted with promises of his grace's assistance. Which being at any time implored, was at no time so ready as an excuse. And that backte with reasons to colour the ne●glect. A further supply of arms is required, and promise made to restore them so soon as there soldiers should march to the Borders. Protestation is made they have them not. Some arms there are of the old Generals but they will not make bold, to handle them withou● his leave, which, I know not if they ever asked. So little i● he there friend, whom they feared to make there enemy▪ that those arms are reserved for their destruction which prob●●bly Might have proved there preservation. They choose rather to prejudice there certain friends, then hazard the offending of one, at that time doubtful, but after there declare● enemy. This not granted, they are desired to furnish them● with so much money, for the present occasion, and they woul● take care to provide arms, there being then Good store i● Leithe and for caution, they would make choice of wha● Northern Gentlemen, they pleased to secure themselves.  
They had met so many occasions to disburse large sums▪ that money was the hardest commodity to come by. Thi● slender excuse serving for a denial, no more is insisted on, bu● that they would procure them credit with the Merchants, & they would drive the bargain, make the best marquett they could. But this demand also is supposed to be so unreasonable that it is not assented to, and it was thought as strang● that proposals to advantageous should meet so cold an entertainment. But 'tis no wonder if duly considered; for ad●mitt the restoring of the King to be the sole object of ther● purposes, than would the English forces share too much in th●●lory of the Action, and rob the Duke of the honour due ●●ohis Name. Suppose sinister and worse ends, than would ●hose forces with there daily Accruits, if tymouslie supplied, ●ave grown to that greatness and strength, it would not have ●eene in the Power of the Duke or the adverse Army, to who ●●e they seemed to be destineda prey, to have gained so easy a ●onquest. Notwithstanding the no help he receives.  
Sir Marmaduke advanceth into the Country swells into a ●ody of four or five thousand horse and foot; he mar●eth forward, meets an open enemy and a secret order ●ot to fie. In obedience to this order he rerreats. The ●nnemie pursves; he forbidden to fight, secures his forces in Carlisle; Lambert sits down before it.  
Sir Marmaduke, blocked up on one side of the town is re●uced to an unnecessary necessity, a needle's extremity. He ends away to aquainte the Duke in what a posture his affairs ●ood, his Grace little sensible of the inconveniences would ●nsuer, etournes but an unsatisfactory answer.  
Sr Marmadukes' wants admit of no delay, nor will they ●uffer him to be in jest. Doubtful of the Duke's intendments 〈◊〉 come, and desirous ot know certainly, what he was to ●xpectt and trust to, dispatches a Gentleman to renew his for●er solicitations and inform him precisely of there real ●●d insupportable condition. And importune his sudden ad●ance.  
Colonel Lockher is sent before with twelve hundred ●orse to visit the Borders, but the Plague was, he hath no ●rder to releevi the distressed. Otherwise they might have, in ●l probability, performed that, in an instant, a long time ●ould not serve to undo especially if they had at the same ty●e spared colonel Gray five hundred or a thousand horse, ●hich were in a readiness. And for which he offered pro●ortionable pay to go into Northumberland, of which he had been undoubtedly absolutie Master. And had endangered the enemy's Garrison in Newcastle which they had resolved to surrender and of which ye Duke was informed. A part of the Army is not worth the hazarding, one blow shall suffice to cut of the whole.  
The Duke is now at length on foot, he takes Carlisle into the arms of his protection; Marcheth forward, goes, as if he had been beewitcht into Lanchashire, and without performing any, the least considerable thing, his mighty, and all threatning Army is totaly routed, we defeated of our expectation, and the travail, the hard labour of so many months destroyed in a moment. a strange Catastrophe, this sudden execution made very many believe they had received there doom long before, that the enemy might give the easier, and an irrecoverable overthrow order was taken to disperse them to there hand, the rear of the Army being distant from the Van, more than forty miles; good miles but bad ways and there I leave his Grace, where he left his Army to be disbanded after a strange new, mode, of which there is nothing left, but the sad remembrance.  
No sooner had the welcome news of the armies defeate● arrived in the West, but they rise in arms being in a readiness before and expecting this blessed opportunity. The● Brethren in Fife had more prophetic Spirits who wrote diverse Epistles wherein they made mention of the very Tyme● and so precisely related particular accidents, is if they had consulted before with the Duke or the devil.  
The Rebels in the west have slain some of the intended second levy in there own Country, and being fleshte the blood hoauds hunt for prey abroad. they advance and threaten Edinbourough. The standing Committee, is running out of there wits, thy advice what way is best to take. They agree, they will not longer prosecute the late engagement, ●ut resolve the endeavouring to preserve and secure there ●wne Persons, by joining those small forces they have to ●ose newly returned from England. there old secretary is ●osen there new general: the same hand directs the Pen, ●d the Sword sing the second part to the same tune the good ●ukes brother is about to perfect what himself had leftun●one.  
Scarce warm in his but yesterday Title, he hastens to ●s command! the design must not cool. Before he secu●s the town, he takes possession of the Fei●de. The Castle 〈◊〉 left in the hands of an enemy to keep out friends that ●ight as easily have been committed to the safe custody of friend, that would have kept the enemy at a greater ●stance.  
He takes along with him the Earl of Glenkerne. The Lord Lynsey by usurpation Craford stays behind to pro●de arms formy Lord Mourtons' Regiment. But being ●easurer and carryng the bag not keeper of the Castle, he ●ew better how to lay up, then to distribute. he stays not ●ng, for the destroying enemy approaching, he flies like ●icodemus to seek a saviour by night, and at Heddington ●eets the other desciples, who were thither fled, not for ●e testimony of a Good conscience, and here they lay the ●undation for there intended ware. But the general wants ●en, those men he hath want arms. We have a certain ●nde of treasurer, and he wants money, which would have ●ene much more acceptable to the soldier than his per●n.  
They send letters to recall General Majior Munro out of ●ngland, who being left behind to guard the Cannon, his ●rees were preserved entire, when the Army disjointed fell ●to pieces.  
The triumvirate, L. Lannerike, Lynsey and Glenkerne, march towards the borders, to unite with some scattered Tropes, that had escaped the enemy and were come into Scotland. They meet at a rendezvous, join, and March to Dunce.  
The Lord Honby, and the Lord Lee, come with overtures for a Treaty with the Chancellor then in arms about Edinburgh. They embrace the offer; send back there proposals, which if the enemy condescend to, they will prosecute the treaty wherein they hope to retoncile there private differences, & with an unanimous consent oppose Cromwell that bore intestine hatred to their Nation. And so happily recover there lost honour. This is made the ground, and pretence for a treaty.  
Yet we were not ignorant that Letters were intercepted in there passage to Lambert; wherein he had order to hazard fighting with Sir Marmaduke Langdale on any terms, that if possibly, he might join with them in the West of Scotland with whom they held correspondence, and where himself was daily with his forces, expected. 'tis a wonder to simple honesty, that rational men (for such should men of those eminent places be) could imagine, that the westland people would combine with there enemies, to repel there friends, whom they had long before invited, and were now ready to entertain.  
Of there inclinations to the one faction, and of there hate and aversion to the other this there second insurrection, had given a sufficient testimony.  
What expectation, what asseurance could bee had of those people now, that in the Pride and glory of a puissant Army durst with a few oppose, and dispute the unlawfulness of the engagement; would they allow that for lawful now, when there are as few to withstand them strong, at least in there own opinion, both in number and Power.  
Nor were we ignorant of the great disadvantage the delay of treating would bring upon ourselves. And of what excellent ●se it would be to our Adversaries, which they wisely taking ●nto there consideration, demand there may be a cessation for ●●veteene days, in which time they would endeavour to compose the discords then between them, which they desired ra●her, and intended should be continued David Lesley thought ●●veteen days enough to put his undisciplinde Mutineers into 〈◊〉 warlike Posture, and about that time, as after he did Crom●ell would come to there assistance. There demands are thought ●oo hard, and unreasonable, to yield too, Lynsey is appointed to ●o and meet with M. G. Munro. to invite him, to his own loss ●ojoyne with us. To which he is readily persuaded, being ●imselfe a Person of much Gallantry, he was confident they ●ent upon the same principles of honour that he did, nor did ●eesuspect any thing, but the King's interest, to be the object of ●ere be gun quarrel, and this continued controversy. Our ●ords like the devil having compassed the earth return to ●eddington, where G. M. Munro. in a noble compliance with their ●esires, gives them a faithful asseurance of his utmost powers.  
At that instant Sir Jaruis Lucas, & colonel Chater two En●lish Gentlemen of known loyalty and trust, are sent from the ●●maining forces in England under the command of Sir Thomas ●●insley with offer of there aid and assistance, to the proseqution 〈◊〉 the war wherein they were first engaged mutually; and although two or three thousand men were not at such a time in●nsiderable, they are rejected, and return with a bare, a thred●re compliment, They camot come, they may not enter into ●e holy land, [Scotland is Canaan] without the Covenant ●ere mouths are stopped, but before they face about. they are ●ld to ask a certain question or two.  
First, if, that in case, Cromwell should press so upon ●em, they were no● able to keep footing in there own Coun●y, they would give them leave to come upon Scotch Ground ●eerly for there own preservation.  
By no means my Lord Lannericke cannot allow that in consistency with his designs. that will call in Cromwell, wh● under a colour of pursuing them, will with a greater an● more considerable number, join with the enemy to there in●finite prejudice, which to avoid, they are advised to dis●band, when they are no longer in a possibility of making good there own country. which nevertheless did not divert Cromwell from his design and long purpose of coming into Scotland, but only which was enough, weaken and destroy the King's Party in England thus private policy undermines, and easily ruins a strength, that being once joined to them, the public enemy would have encountered a difficulty before there overthrow: counsel seconded with seeming reason. puft a fatal and final end, to that force, would have begun a new work, that might have met a revolution, sooner th●n a period.  
The officers and other Gentlemen obtain a liberty to secure themselves in Berwick, under protection of there Garrison, but had not most of them provided better for there own safety, they had been secured with those that adventured a stay, in a Prison. yet was it desperately sworn, they would hazard all there Fortunes the last drop of there bloods, in the defence and just preservation of those Gallant men that had so freely laid there fortunes, there lives at stake in joining with them. yet Berwick is not only surrendered, but those Gentlemen, of whom there is no mention in the capitalation, are given up a sacrifice to there cruel enemy. and with the town, as if that were too little, they resign up the preceding governor, out of whose Custody they had taken it formerly, it seems, and may be presumed, on purpose to put it into those hands.  
Now is the L. Lamericke joined to G. M. Munro there united forces discover a handsome Body, only the L. Glenkerne is in doubt, what face to put on it. Here is an Army ●●le to justify the cause, but the cause in itself doth not ap●eare to be just and so not justify them. (they told not this to ●unro before) when in there letters to him they had conjured ●●m by his loyalty to combine with them, and sworn to him, 〈◊〉 prosecute the late engagement while there veins contei●ed the least drop of blood. notwithstanding. there private ●greement at a committee to desert it) a tender conscience; ●tisfaction must be given. it was thought just, even by these ●ersons, and requisite to suppress them when they did rise ●efore in the West and is not it equally just to destroy them, ●ow, that made so ill use of there former Mercy.  
The Persons are the same only more in number, the cause ●f there Rebellion is the same, only 'tis not the same Re●ellion. 'tis another, but to the same tune, the second Re●ellion for the first cause. was the engagement at first law●ll, and is it unlawful to pursue it.  
The engagement is not less lawful, but we are less able, so ●ore unwilling to continue in it, to make it good. The Duke ●vanquisht, gone to the Dogs, and who knows what will ●ecome of poor Lannericke and us? The Duke is down the ●inde, and Lannericke will but swim against the stream. 〈◊〉 Yet if the refractory enemy condescend not to there de●ands, which only tended to there own preservation, 'tis ●estionles most lawful to engage the poor, deceived Soul●er to fight it out to the last man. The proposals are rejected ●e word and sign are given, we advance, and approach the ●nemy with such boldness, as if we resolved, either certaine● to beat and conquer the foe, or at least to make sure of the ●ippe, then in Leithe Roade, that was sent with arms from ●e Princes highness to the L. Lynsy and L. Lannericke, which ●d been no ill service, considering my L. Mourtons' Regi●ent consisting of about a thousand men were quartered within ten miles of us, and stayed behind us for want of arms. A Commanded Party is sent out, which about Musslebourough rancunters a Porty of ye enemies horse, who being so very lately borrowed from the Plow, were as unacquainted with this new trade as there raw riders, they draw back, and both make use of there heels, and in there flight leave about ten, behind them, which being dead, weight, were too heavy to carry and there they gave the first proof how they meant (not) to fight.  
The whole Body of our Horse advanceth to Musslebourough the sands by r●ason of the sea were not then passable. we march● to the Bredge, where we makes a halt, and in a cecem●ny give the● foot the way to march before us. while we are sent to seek out new adventures, to find a pass, and where the river was fordable, albeit we might have marched over the bridge● before our foot had come up. we have discovered a pass▪ where some of our men having crossed the river they are cal● back with a witness, rogues, for obeying Commands.  
That they might more asseuredly prevent encounters, the Foote are commanded back, to quar●er in the town and the horse behind them, least happily we might gain too grea● an advantage over the enn●my. the next morning care is take● to give them asseurance not to come, to quarter within thre● miles of Edinbourough. and now are they at rest, for they are sure to hinder our meeting. The enemy intends not t● forsake his ●renches, yet about five h●ndred of there Horse● had made a long retreat upon a supposed alarum the nigh● before; if Fighting must have decided the controversy it wa● seared the rest would not have stayed long behind, but to encourage, and secure there stay, we March away, about the promised distance. and leave behind us a pawn, as an asse●●rance of fidelity to them a ship with arms to dispose a● they think good. and now they rest with there Predecessor● 〈◊〉 the Castle. The L. Mourton may secure his foot in the ●hippe, it is not likely the old general that good subject ●il furnish them with arms now, that had denied them ●efore. if he withheld those which were entrusted in the Castle for security, we my justly expect, for his own sa●●tie, he will, not part with a lawful Price.  
All the account the t King will r●ceive. is, that his arms ●e in Hucksters hands. they were malignant arms, though ●ot in the unlawful engagement, and are committed to the ●astle for safe custody. but now they are converted, and if ●e Castle secure them they secure the Castle; and such arms ●ithin the walls, are good collateral security.  
If they cost the King dear, to purchase them at first, it ●ill stand him in much more, to redeem them now. though ●ings at second hand usually go less. they are bought and ●ld the second time, or betrayed for nought. his highness' ●ust expect as much; if (which heaven forbid) he fall into ●e same hands. Yet they deal more faurtably with the Earl 〈◊〉 Castles. who having taken up his Quarters in Lithco. is ad ●rtisde before of our approach.  
That the world may know to whom he owes this courtesy ●d his preservation, the provident Lord Threasurer, unwil●●g so good a friend as Castles, should be the first should suf●r. dispatches before hand. a messenger to inform him cer●●inly of the danger of his stay, and our Armies advance. which ●d he not with speed avoided, he might have been sent to ●ilde Castles in the air.  
That he might have time enough to escape with his whole ●egiment, our Horse are drawn up to Quarter in te field. G. M. Munro having intelligence of the enemies Quartering 〈◊〉 Lithco. Encourageth his foot as unacquainted with his de●gne, as he unknowing of Lynseys', to march that night to ●thco. There needed not much rhetoric to persuade to a Good town, the soldier wearied with tedious matches, and worse quarters.  
Yet ye hopes of surprising any thing was called enemy, would have winged there feet whose only sorrow was, they had left one behind, and had not there hands at liberty to fight. We enter the town, but Castles a wiseman, to whom, one word is is enough, upon his timely intelligence had removed his men to fresh Quarters, Our soldier's mouths are soon stopped, though they could not but bite the lip for anger, that the enemy had escaped out of there hands to which they had a greater appetite, then to the meat, they left behind them, Although they had bourn away Castles on there camel backs, they marched away with empty bellies. The Alarum was so hot and there courage so cooled: they had no leisure to take there super from the fire, which they had provided for themselves, and left ready dressed for us. We thank ye good Catarers, and they may thank the good L. Threasurer, or they might have been well sauc'te, though our Men are ill cooks, had we come in season. But, since the birds are flown our men are forced to make merry with what they find, and soon are reconciled there hungry stomachs to the food, though they will never forgive Lynsey for taking away there best Dish.  
He had been his own foe, that having fasted all the day, would have nicely refused to eat because it was prepared for the enemy. He had had no stomach, or a stomach to great that would have usde, or stood upon other ceremony than the word, and fall on.  
Being so well refreshed at Lithco, we out of ye strength may thereof, March the next day, to Sterling, That we may prevent, the joining of Arguiles forces with Lesly. Arguile had newly possessed himself of the town but before our Lords had time to give him notice of our approach Arguile had made a sudden sally out of the town, but at the wrong Porte, leaving his men to our mercy, & the town to our protection,  
G. M. Munro, receving intelligence that Arguile was in Ser●ng, stays not to advertise our good Lords, of it, or his design, ●ast his present hopes might be unhappily frustrated by those ●at had deceived his former intention.  
He resolves to carry the news himself, that when they saw ●im, they might believe he was come in good earnest. Not ●nowing how welcome they would make him in the town, ●ee takes his way to the bridge, resolving to make good his Quarters there or lose, his life, if he cold not gain that ●●sse without which all was lost, this desperate undertaking he ●owned with so much gallantry and wonderful success, that ●ad his fortunate enterprise been seconded with a serious and ●gorous Proseqution of the war, he had soon reversed what was ●tely forfeited, and regaind here what was lost in England. If it appeared so great a wonder that ten thousand in a well ●rdered Body should destroy an Army of thirty thousand that ●ere so dispersed they cold never be brought to fight, this 〈◊〉 a miracle! Munro with five men breaks in upon about se●en hundred disperseth them, takes above five hundred prisoners; the rest are either slain on the ground, or drowned in ●e water.  
Arguile well horsed with two men hardly escaping. they that ●eadge the fing●r of God was seen in the first, must con●ss his hand is visible in this. nor was the reputation of this ●●tion less than if he over came D. Lesley with his adherents. It would prove a more difficult work, of another nature, 〈◊〉 reduce them to obedience, and make them good subjects. 〈◊〉 If they pretend devotion, and Religion to colour there re●llion, we conceal Rebellion under colour, and pretence 〈◊〉 obedience. our treachery will balance there treason, if ●e appear not the greater Traitors, by how much, a pro●●t enemy is less dangerous and more excusable than a see●●g friend.  
The Lords are at last come to be witnesses of the execution, but whereas they are expected to congratulate the victory▪ they manifest the greatest indignation, and aversion to the act. The daring soldier is well rewarded for the hazard of his life while they, for whose preservation we ignorantly fought, discountenance both the attempt and success. and seem to curse the event of that day which we all thought heave● had bestowed on us for a blessing, and were thankful.  
The enemy was not in greater disorder and confusion the● were these Lords; it began to grow doubtful which syd● had got the victory. Yet we lost but one man, who was stobbed by one to whom he had given Quarter. They seem so much concerned, that had we exchanged the Fortune of that day with our enemies, there could not have appeared more recentment, or a face dressed in more sadness, the● what our Lords put on.  
The pitiful L. Threasurer grieving to see the blood of hi● friends, so prodigally spilled, opened his purse mouth and said he would have given a hundred pounds, [out of the abundanc● of his tender compassion, and his majesty's revenues,) tha● we had not come to Sterling that day. Munro is not used t● bribes, but if he would have given all his Estate, he knew no● whither else we could go. Lesly pursueing in the rear. Ar●guile possessed of sterling.  
The left handed L. Glenkerne public protested he● would have given his right hand we had not come. he cowl● have cursed those fingers that made such work that day. it wa● Generally thought he might have spared it and would have fought with one hand as soon as with two.  
They all resolve to renew the treaty. Policy must undo● what we had achieved by force.  
That they may express there penitence for blood drawn against there will, and without there knowledge they wil● condescend to dishonourable Conditions which for that very ●eason they had rejected before. A trumpet is sent to give ●ee enemy an account of our actions, and break a gap ●or the treaty to enter. they intimate, that notwithstanding God [he indeed is much in there thoughts) had been pleased ●ut of his goodness, not there desert.] to give them a victory ●uer Arguiles forces [we might have hoped for a second o●er Lesley had we not fall'n to treating] to manifest to the ●vorld they did not desire there country's ruin, and that ●ey did, not thirst after blood [nor hunger after righteous●es) they would treat upon the old Score. 'tis accepted. a ●lace appointed L. Treasurer. and Glenkerne are commissioners for us. well may they treat, and talk of the business ●s not thought, there will be any debate amongst friends.  
Differences will soon be composed, when persons of so ●ame Spirits, and easy natures have the managinge. We ●ay expect good Quarter, when Lynsey and Castles draw in ●ouples and all our hopes hang upon them. We are like to ●ay long in Sterling, when our Treators, would have given 〈◊〉 liberaly we had never come there.  
Who can imagine I ynsy will not beetray us, when he fin●es so fair an opportunity, that used before such diligence ● be treacherous.  
Will he be faithful in a cessation, that was false in time ●f hostility. When so easy a way as a treaty may be found to ●stifie his meeting with his good friend Castles. With whom ●is heart went sti●l along though we had the honour, but no ●appines, of his company; he misdemeaned himself so in all ●s actions, as it is no contradiction to say, he was with and ●gaynst us. That under a colour of being on our side, he ●ight secretly and unsuspected do us greater mischief. I ●ish we had not the unhappy occasion to say there were grea●er traitors with us then against us. 'tis yet undiscovered, who gave advise to colonel Laweere to march speedily to Burntellin in Fife with his Regiment and join with Lessey, lest he were prevented as was Arguile, who mistook his way & went by weeping Cross. but this is certainly known, though we had early intelligence, that there was no Party sent to stop their passage, till the next day after they had croste● the Sea and us.  
The steed is stolen, and L. Lannericks own Regiment of horse is sent, to shut the stable door, to repair this ill lost● opportunity, we grow wiser for the future. Since we came to late to meet with our enemies, we make the more hast to discover our friends. well knowing of the good affections of the inhabitants of St. John stones to his majesty, and the cause which we pretended to be his. we go to secure the town being a very considerable pass, and undo the▪ to-bee-pittied, people, who having given evidence of there loyalty to the King, forfeit there charter, and become slaue● to Tyrants.  
It was cruelly done to betray our friends, and leave them t● the mercy of a severe enemy, to be destroyed. when w● take care to preserve our known and professed enemies.  
D. Lesley is untouched, undisturbde in his house at St Iohn●stons, when his soldiers had left nothing standing in S● William Nisbets house, but the Walls. a captain of hors● must not come in competition with a general, and have hi● wrongs repaired upon the others sufferings.  
The world shall see, the revenge we intend shall be exe●cuted on those to whom we pretend a friendship we writ● letters to our acquaintance in the North of power, and o● either known or suspected fidelity to the King, to inuit● them to our assistance, and here own undoing. for at tha● same time, although we had procured them a safe pass at S● Johnstons. we wear in treaty with the enemy, and ha● before it began, Resolved what should be the conclusion The letters had not come long to there hands, but others are ●ispatcht to desire them to disband the Forces, they had not ●llowde them time to raise! there own letters shall serve to un●aske there policies and render those subtleties perspicuous ●hich they might suppose invisible.  
Sterline. 19 Sept. 1648.  
Right honourable.  
Such are present distempers of this kingdom. and our danger from abroad, [the prevailing Army of Sectaries being now upon our Borders, and as we are informed are invited to this kingdom] as all men who are zealous for the good 〈◊〉 Religion, love the honour of the King, and have any re●ards to the freedom and liberty of this ancient and yet un●nquered nation, must either now bestir themselves, or ●solve to be slaves for ever. we know the Principals of pie● loyalty, and honour you go upon, and are confident you ●ll now show yourself, for the preservation of all that is ●arest untous. and therefore shall desire, that you will instant● draw together all your Friends and ●ollowers, and with 〈◊〉 imaginable diligence march to the Braes of Angus and from ●ence come hither to this place, in the best condition you can ●herby you will express yourself a Good Christian, a Loy● subject, and an honest countryman, for so seasonable assistance you shall give your country in there extremity, which shall ever be highly valued by us who are.  
your Affectionate friends. Craford▪ Glekerne. Lannericke Lyone.  
Sterline Sep. 27. 1648.  
Right honourable.  
SEeing that all differences beetwixt us, and those lately in arms in and about Edinbourough, are removed and a joyn● resolution taken of disbanding all forces not only for easing the Country of the insupportable burden of maintaining Armies but likewise for removing of all occasions of mistakes beetwix● this kingdom and our neighbour Nation of England; we hav● thought fit to give you notice thereof, and to return you hearty thanks for your readiness, and cheerfulness to assist us in preserving the authority of parliament, and those entrusted by them and withal desire you to disband your forces.  
your Affectionate friends Craford: Glenkerne. Lannericke. Lyone.  
'tIs not ill spent time, nor labour to observe how much rhetoric, is used, what strong reasons are asserted to persuade them to engage in this holy war and upon what easy conditions they are required to disband. In the first they ●mply there extremest cunning and arts to invite, and civilly ●ourt them then what little pains they take, how slovenly they ●idde them farewell in the last. Which seems to unriddle the ●eacherie of the first  
Such are the present distempers of this kingdom, [heightened ●ytreason on the one side and treachery on the other.] And our ●ur dangers from abroad. [Or nowhere for we are very secure ●t Sterline.] The prevailing Army of Sectaries being now upon ●ur Borders [we may thank the Duke for that] and as we are ●nformed are invited in. [Y●u were informed of that before the Duke went into England.] As all men who are zalous for the good of Religion. [what religion is a Politian of? poor un●ortunate religion that must ever serve for a mask to impiety, ●nd acloake for villainies,] love the honour of the King. damna●le hypocrisy▪ there are great reguardes had indeed to the honour of the King, it is much insisted on in the Articles, of the treaty.] A●d have any reguardes to the freedom of this on ciert.  
And yet unconquered Nation [let not Cromwell hear that, he hath conquered it as far as sterline & made you throw down your A●mes, and but that he saw it was an ancient kingdom, he would have bid fair for all. Must now beestir●e themselves [to great purpose, to be disbanded with our next letter] or resolve to be slaves for ever, [to the Duke and his Faction] we know the principals of piety, loytlty, hand honour you go upon. nobody knows yours.] And are confident [to trip up your heels, lay your honour in the dust, and ruin your fortunes for your cons●ience. And loyalty. You will show yourself. A fool, to be betrayed with a guilded pill.]  
For he preservation of all that is dearest to us, [our selves, for whose preservation we are in arms] and therefore desire you to [bee undone] draw all your friends and Followers [that they likewise, may be undone like fools,] And with all imaginable diligence [we conceive you, no haste to hand true folks] nor more haste then good speed] March to the Braes of Angus to join with such forces as shall be on foot forth service, they shall be on foot, but you'll disband them as soon as youdare [and thence come to Sterline [of blessed memory] in the best condition you can [and we'll put you in a worse than you could suspect, and the worst we can] whereby you will express yourself a good Christlan [good but an ill politician] a loyal Subject. Very good, to the King whose good we are pursueing in the Articles of the treary] and an honest contriman [excellent, an honest, simple Countryman, merely drawn in] for so seasonable extremity [which we have brought on it by an unsesaonable treaty.] Which shall be highly valued [and you Soldoat the best rate we can] by us wht are [no good Christians, Loyal Subjects, or honest countrymen.  
your Affectionate [seeming) friends, [you do but say so dissemblers]  
seeing that all differences [but not the present distempers of this kingdom, and our dangers from aborade betwixt us [all us Treators] and those lately [and still) in arms in and about Edinbourough are removed [and the Army of Sectaries brought in by Arguile] and a joint resolution taken to disband all [our] forces. [thereforces are not disbanded yet] not only for easing the country [honest countrymen] of the insupportable burden of maintaining Armies [to do nothing but Plunder the country in time of Treating] but likewise for removing all occasions of mistakes [good Christians that take all matter of scandal away] betwixt this kingdom and our neighbore Nation of England [betwixt two Factions, Presbyterians and Independents] we have thought good [but have not a good thought] to give you notice [and they are extreme weak that ●o not take notice of this and the rest of your jugglings.] and ●turne you hearty thanks [from the lips outwards] take your ●ankes again] for your readiness, and cheerfulness to assist us 〈◊〉 preserving the authority of Parliament, and those entrusted 〈◊〉 them. [now all the whole matter is out. neither the good 〈◊〉 religion, nor honour of the King, was the subject of there ●arrell, but the Authority of Parliament, and there own ●eservation.] and withal to desire you to disband [first let them 〈◊〉 raised] your forces [which we shall not need hoping to ●eepe our places, or have better, when the Duke shall return triumph from our neighbour Nation of England to make ●otland a kingdom.  
your [same] Affectionate friends.  
HOw like Linsey-Woolsey looks this last letter, wherein the whole design is betrayed. the former discovers quick invention intricacies and subtle plots, and this unawares ●●covers the subtleties of there plots. in the first where we 〈◊〉 invited to engage. we are made sensible of the distempers, 〈◊〉 home, dangers from a broad, threaten us; the good of ●●ligion must inflame our zeal, loyalty and Love to the 〈◊〉, must quicken our duty, and provoke our powers. Free●e and liberty must serve to express our regards to the na●n. whose extremity commands our assistance, which if ●●sonable will speak us, good Christians, loyal subjects, 〈◊〉 honest countrymen. but now Lynsey comes, and out of a ●●der conscience as before out of a rotten heart, discloses whole truth. We insist not so strictly on those severe Principles of Piety, Loyalty, and honour that th●y shall▪ hold us at a longer distance, all Differences betwixt us are removed and not one of those trifles ever came into controversy.  
Shall an imprisoned King, be the subject of our quarrel? must we for his honour appear in open field, in hostile manner? or shall the defence of I know not what, Religion, engage our swords? shall we keep up Armies, to save us, from being trodden down, or maintain our vassals to preserve u● from being perpetual Slaves?  
They must be disbanded to ease the Country whose preservation is dearer to us, than Piety, Loyalty or honour. teach● children piety, preach Loyalty to Courtiers, and let the● soldier swell, in Robes of honour.  
The resolution we have taken to disbande, will declare u● honest countrymen, and remove all mistakes between us an● our neighbour nation, the taking away all occasion of offence will show we are good Christians. The Laying down of Ar●mes when the Army of sectaries is not upon our Borders b●●farre advanced into our Country will undoubtedly speak 〈◊〉 men of honour, what bet character can we give of loy● subjects, then to submit and yield obedience to Arguile, wh● all the world knows, how much he is the King's friend, an● well wisher.  
Noble resolutions, and worthy such men, from whom n● better could be expected, when they had written letters to the enemy, that they continued in arms not in prosequutio● of the late engagement, but for the preservation of there ow● persons and places. All that love the honour of the King co● to Sterline. in the best condition you can, & express yourselv● loyal subjects. the Crown and sceptre, by wondrous Magic● is converted into a staff and a pen. our honest Countrime● have changed there Religion. The Army of Sectaries hath co● led there Presbyterian and not long lived zeal. and will 〈◊〉 doubt have regards to the liberty and freedom of this Au●ent, and yet unconquered Nation.  
Thus ends the quarrel declared to be personal. all differenes betwixt them are reconciled. And the mistakes of the ●eighbour nation, removed.  
To show they are good Patriots, those forces are disbanded or the ease of the Country; that were never raised, for its pre●rvation. good Christians that lay down arms for the testi●ony of a good conscience, that were never taken up for the ●efence of Religion. Loyal subjects, that since they had no ●tention to fight in so noble a cause as that of the Kings, they ●ould not hazard the life of a subject in so degenerous a cause there own. what more they are, there needs nothing more 〈◊〉 make them known to the world, than the Articles of the ●reaty at Sterline.  
To give a perfect judgement of the whole Matter, it is ne●ssarie to understand aright. Which we shall easily, if we ●flectt on the Dukes, behaviour in England, and survey the ●portment of his confederates in Scotland; Compare S●erl●e with Preston, and you will find the translation agrees with ●e original, if we parallel there several actions, we may ●cyde a Question disputable before, and be confirmed in a ●th, that might have been suspected. Sterline and Preston ●oke like the comment, and the text, where the knottiness, ●d the intricacies of the one, are made plain, and unfolded the other. An easy exposition of a hard Chapter. Preston a ridd●e, Sterline the solution murder will out; the treason Preston is discovered at Sterline. There was an Army destroyed with a blow, and without a word. here was an Army ●stroyed with a word, and without a Blow. and the King's ●einds ruined at both. The Duke wanted good intelligence, Preston, and his Brother at Sterline, common understanding the Duke lost the honour, which he never had, at Preston; at Sterline they forfeited the honesty, they made a show off. I know The Earl of Lannericke disclaims the Articles of the Treaty at Sterline, he constantly avows, his assent was never to those dishonourable Conditions. yet he signed the Commission by which the Traitors had power to treat, and determine. and after he did write letters to the Governors of Berwick and Carlis●e to surrender there Garrisons, (Which was the most material Article of the traety without any respect had to the English, although he had deeply protested the contrary to S. laivis Lucas, it is more than probable, that afterwards he did accept of the Articles. at that time he stood impeached of more than twenty Articles of high Treason. For amoung other questions the committee of the Parliament at Edinburg proposed to him; the first was, whither he did acknowledge them a lawful committee the next, whither he did accept of the Articles of the Treaty at Sterline to which he had formerly openl● protested, he would never yield his approbation and consent. affirming them to be most dishonourable. He well knew that it was no time in that place to dispute the Authority of the Committee, he advisedly acknowledged the lawfulness of there Calling, though certainly now, the Parliament Trade is no lawful calling. Touching the Articles, they next put him to trial. Which had he renounced, they had certainly put him into a worse condition, a Prison. For all this while although he was accused of high Treason● he had the liberty to walk at pleasure, and was unconsined many months after the disbanding of the Army at Sterline and in the height and extremity of there prosequtions, was no more than confined to his House, twelve Miles distant from Edinburge, from which he had leave to take a two mile● walk. had he been of the King's Party, he had be●ne made more sensible of there power, and authority, though never so unjust, and unlawful. we are all knowing of there riguor and ●everity extended to them one day had apprehended him, th●●ext adjudged him, on the third he had received his dis●harge. ●ith the resignation of his head.  
Which that he might save, he betakes him to his heels; and ●ommitts burglary, breaks by night The Houses order of ●onfinement, and is come to tell a plausible story of his adven●ures, and escapes. That having timely advertisement, and ●dvice from his friends in the house of Parliament, that a party ●f Horse was to be sent the next, day to guard him to Edin●urg, he prevented there design, and (Arguile like) com●i●s himself to a boat goes aboard a ship, which it seems the Earl of Lauderdale had brought for this cleanly con●eyance, he is no sooner there, but a Messinger is sent from the Parliament to the ship, riding in Leithe Roade, to com●ere Lauderdale, and Lannerike and summon them to give ●curitie to the Parliament not to act any thing prejudicial to ●em. If they suspected there fidelity, it had been a very easy ●atter to have secured both themselves, & them while the one ●ood under the Notion of treason, and the other walked free● in the streets at Edinburg. But that would have spoiled ●ere designs at the Hague, the plot was better cast, they ●eighe Anchor, and no sooner are they put to sea, but to ●ulour there devices. They are both comperde to give in ●ution to the Parliament, within three days, or to be pro●aimed Traitors, a handsome cloak. I do not hear that the arliament of Scotland, insists on there banishment from ●ourt, they may act as residents for them. Yet are they ●iltie of more disservices, and later, to the sat then the He●icke Montros, who only in that, had disobliged them, ●at to his Master's commands he was a faithful servant! ●e late unlawful engagement is, canceled. The killing of rguiles men at Sterline is buried in oblivion, which gives ●ee great cause to beelelve, there peace was concluded in those nights the Earl of Lannericke, had his private meetings and consultations w●i●h his adversary Arguile.  
I wonder what security Arguile had from Lannerike then. Without it I am sure he is so monstrous a dwarf in courage, he would never have met, those night walking Spirits that had frighted him so lately from Sterline. This juggling is a riddle to others. and will ask more years for the solution than sphinx allowed days for the displaying of his AEnigma. I am so well acquainted with all the devices, that to me they are no wonders because I know them, There late proclaiming of the King, is a pretty piece of Mockery. it will serve to blind● the Common people: who must be always kept in there desperate ignorance. to satisfy them, they openly proclaim him King, they all confess it to be his indisputable right, but he must not exercise his regal power, till he give those Rebell● satisfaction in there unreasonable demands. They allow him his Title, but viciously declare against the virtue thereof here is the stamp, the Image of a King, and the King stands for no other than an Image, while his coin is thus rounde● and clypte, his Motto. circumscrib' de, and his Image defaced. he must give satisfaction to the kirk, [it may be they will enjoin it in sackcloth] than is Mais jack presbyter, a greater man of worship then the King his Master, and shal● take an account and survey of his actions as often as he pleaseth, which, under pain of there petty damnation, Excommunication he must not refuse to give. thus they will handle him worse than a text, which many of them as little understand, as there Auditory, them! Then [Beloved Brethren i● the Lord Arguile] and not till then, they will admit him to that presbyterian Sacrament, the holy ordinance of the Covenant. Bold, forward rebels. I wish, those that impose the Covenant on his majesty, would do like cavaliers, like brave men, unlike themselves. and answer the Reasons of the university of Oxford objected against there Covenant. I won●er those molten Calves, do not more strongly defend there ●doll. it alludes so much to impudence and subtlety, that I ●ight ca●l it there brazen Serpent, and would, did I not see it ●o be a type of Antichrist. Those Reasons have been in print ●bout three years and neither the Synod in Fngland nor the ●ssembly in Scotland, did ever dispute there solidity, or satisfy tender Conscience esin the contradiction. 'tis all the mo●esty they ever expressed. They confess the truth of them unde●iable, by there Diliberate silence, which implies there assent ●e do not think there reply, 'tis so, because it is so and we ●ave voted it so, to be of weight enough to persuade, because 〈◊〉 proceeds from the Plumbeous Cerebrosity of a sleepy Chair ●an, or an immoderate Moderator. we do not believe that ●ere accidental holiness, doth oblige us to implicit Faith. ●ee do not believe infallibility to be annexed to that scorne●ll chair, which we know stands in Errors Denne The Par●ment house we know, they err as Men, and damnably too 〈◊〉 devils, and we demand Reason for a guide to our Faith. ●ationall men, that hold nothing of that refractory Spirit of contradiction. are well content, with the well grounded Po●ions, of the university, and believe Oxford equal in Autho●tie, to either Glascowe or St. Andrew's in Scotland. they ●e fortified with so strong Arguments, that they are high ●ovenant proof at hand, and not to be beaten from those Te●ents, they maintain, or can be forc●te to re●ire from so firm ●rinciples.  
grant [which I never will] that the King take the Cove●nt. he may be a King of Scotland. they will never further ●m in his progress to the crown of England. when they pu●ikly declare, they will preserve the unity and agreement [I ●eleve they are agreed] between the two kingdoms. yet the pretended Parliament, and usurping power of England, have thrust forth there declaration, that they will never admit of Kingly government. And with the late King of blessed memory, have destroyed Monarchy. I wonder that the Parliament men of Scotland were such bold knaves to send, or there commissioners such silly fools to come, on so sleeveles an errant to mock and affronte the King 〈◊〉 they give laws to him, and will instruct him in his Duty, before they know, or practise there own! Brave Montros must be banished, and to attend him for a life guard all such as are declared ennem●es by the parliament of England When those blood thirsty persecutors had taken off the head of great Strafford, Cardinal Richelieu was pleased to say. England had but one wise man, so excellingly wise, and the fools had cut of his head. [yet those cursed fiends could never make a devil of him.] There is but one loyal, faithful, and powerful Scotch Lord, so superlatively able to do service● near the King, and he must uncivilly be put to a civil Deathe● banishment, and Exile I know there are, who to lessen (if 〈◊〉 were possible) his reputation, object his unability to do the King service in Scotland and consider him as one man, a syngl● person, he is a singular person, indeed and one amongst● ten thousand men, and taller in merritt than they all by the head, and shoulders. Reflect on his Gallant actions; an● compare them with the petty doings of the rest of that King● doom, you will find the difference, and confess his interest t● be more than all theirs! concerning the Duke, and the Hamiltons power in that Nation, give me leave to say thus much that who so knows the present condition of that kingdom, wi● acknowledge it nothing. They exclaim of the Duke's treachery, or cowardice, call it what you please, in England, an● dislike, and cry out against his brother's proceedings at Sterline so much, that at there disbanding it was one common voice of the Officer, and soldier with full mouth, in open street, God ●damne him, that ever followed a Hamilton more. When the Duke, at the height of his power went into England amongst ●orty colonels of Horse, and thirty nine colonels of foot ●here were very few, that went not upon there own scor, to ser●e the King's interest. and amoungst them very many, who were ●ver averse to the Hamilton Faction; the Duke suffered but few of his F●iends to take charge in the Army some few that desired ●t, could never have his countenance after.  
Turn your eye, and behold Arguile the Boatman, the ferryman of Scotland, see how all his purblind Actions look a ●quinte on the King's service I shhowld be sorry to see him engaged in his majesty's service, he is so unblessed in all his underta●ings; he never brought men to fight [as he hath done very ●ften, but never stayed to fight himself,] which came not ●lwayes by the worst. They are weary to follow so unpros●erous a Commander, withso unlucky and ill a visage. They ●ay that when he, having lost all is men at Sterline, went to in●vite Cromwell into Scotland, which he did the same night, Cromwell stood upon his guard, add durst not suffer him to ●ome within the point of his nose, though he knew him to ●e an admirable coward. Cromwell might have kept him at that dista●ce, and be in no danger of his poisonous looks. His eyes ●re not more prodigious than the others nose, which serves for 〈◊〉 kinds of an head piece to his face.  
Would both there headpeices were off once. These are the two heading Factions of Scotland. the Hamiltons, and the Camels. Touching the chief of the Hamiltons, I see nothing but that he goes into Scotland, unless he hath under wrought his peace, on the ●ame terms, that the Marquis doth, I mean in relation to Scotland, 〈◊〉 know other wise there is a great difference, the one having ser●ed the King, the other the State. And both proclaimed traitors, & unless there be craft in the daubing, Lannerick can●ot return in to Scotland, but upon the King's account. The King must do his business now, and not he the Kings, when he is in disgrace with the State, And how will he do the King's business in time to come, that heretofore at Sterline ne●glected, and wilfully lost so fair an opportunity. I will not quarrel fate, and dispute the necessity of contingencies, but I could almost Mathematically, demonstrate, that had the Earl of Lannerike, a● Sterline improved his time, or usde but his meanest faculties to the advantage of his majesty's service, the King's head, had been upon his shoulders at this very day, if the crown had not been upon his head. although he was pleased to say, he might keep Sterline, and have the full command of all Scotland on that side the forth which is the most considerable part of the kingdom but it would contribute nothing to the King's service. [I think so to, if the sequel was the service he intended] only it would undo and destroy a poor kingdom, [of which it may be he dream● te to be a King;] he had good reason then, to preserve it to his power. when he was demanded, why he would not rather fight then condescend to so dishonourable conditions, he answered; He would not be a traitor to his Country for no man alive. [The King was then in being albeit in a bad one] it being replyde that no such aspersion could be thrown on him, so long as he owned his majesty's interest, he answered, that, he never iutended to act the second part to Montroses scaeve. If by it he meant the loyal subject. all men will readily believe his words at volley he chooseth rather as Secretary to write after the Duke's foul copy Then as general, to set before him, the noble Example and wondrous Actions of so inimitable a marquis.  
We may trust him to raise fresh supplies, that disbanded a force might have held of the confederacy between A●guile and Cromwell, if not utterly have broke it, have beaten Lesley before Cromwell's advance into Scotland.  
I shall not condemn so much, Arguiles league with Cromwell, when the Duke before his going into England held a Correspondency with the Earl. of Denbighe, a grateful ser●ant of the Late King of sacred memory, and an Archeinde●endent Traitors. one letter was intercepted from Denbighe 〈◊〉 the Duke. wherein he entreated him to make all haste, and dis●atche his coming into England, for every thing was in a ●ght way, and to his wishes! how much the Duke intended the King's service and happiness is easily collected out of his ●wne speech on the scaffold.  
'tis no time to dissemble. How willing I was to have ●rved this nation in any thing, that was in my Power, 〈◊〉 known to very many pious, honest, and Religious men. ●nd how ready I would have been to have done what I ●wld to have served them, if it had, pleased them to ●ave preserved my life in whose hands there was a Po●er. they have not thought it fit, and so I am become ●nusefull in that which willingly I would have done.  
I never acted to the prejudice of the Parliament I ●ore no arms, I meddled not with it.  
These are the words of a dying Man, and they always carry ●ith them weight, and often times Credit. I wish that all men ●f his opinion, were in the same condition yet his Death sig●ifies nothing. it is a hard Fate, when his suffering cannot acquitt him from the fact for which he died. yet he died not so much.  
For the fact, for which he stood condemned as to satisfy particular spleen and faction; wherein truly Arguile did out wit him. Who was neither safe, nor confident of his own life, while the other was in being. Cromwell having shaken hands with Arguile and they being mutually resolved, thought it not so proper to suffer Hamilton to live, of whom he could make little or noose, in subserviency to his purposes; first that he was politic as himself, next as Treacherous. Of which he had the experiency, and therefore judged it as indiscreet as unnecessary to tr●st him. Thus Machiavelli like, he hugs the Treason, but he hates the Traitor, and having battelde awhile in the treason, he strikes off the traitor's head having done his work! I would not have his tragedy made the Argument, to trust the Hamilton Faction of whom the King must the more diligently beware, and walk with greater circumspection, for upon this ground, there are those that will not ●aile to insinuate, with his Mje●y, whisper in his ear the Duke's Loyalty, and integrity, ho●● treacherous so ever the whole tract of his life hath appeared to the world. ●harity bids me bury the rest with him in his Grave he hath satisfied the world. But many in the world are very much unsatisfied, while Persons of so near Relations to him, are so conversant with his majesty. being no whit inferior to the Duke, in Court Arts of Matchivilian practices, if they do not far excel.  
Now let all the world judge, what the King can expect● from these men; or what trust he may repose in Factions? will not those malicious villains that have digged up the Kingly root, be as ready to catch opprtunity when: they can to lop off the royal Branches? although the independents acted the Jews to put the King to death, the Presbyterians played Pilate and delivered him over bound, what confidence can the King give to Scotland that now mantaines so much of independency, and countenance the murder of his glorious Father of blessed memory, by there compliance with the English pretended Parliament, and audiaciously controling Army.  
The kirk of Scotland hath already procured the Patronage of all the churches in the kingdom not withstanding any writ of the King, Barons or others, and for carrying on there beegunne independency. Mr, Roe Scoutmaster general to Cromwell, hath been often with Arguile in private, hath given him full instructions.  
From the arch-Traitor his Master. England's Belzebub, and is not long since with abundant satisfaction and rejoicings of Spirit, returned to him that sent him. There appear no other Hopes now, but that his majesty must wholly rely upon the royal Party, he must lay the foundation of his hopes, & build them up upon the Terrafirma of there constant loyalty, not lose his own party, with deceitful hopes to gain traitors and conspirators, when all there design is to inveigle the King, and get him into there hands, by which they will easily cashier and destroy his majesty's party, who cry down Montroses power [none ever durst his will to serve his Master] let them read the volume of his ac●s, who living, is his own, and Glorious Monument. Viewhil ●yding on a tired ●ade that would have discomposed Job, & vexte his patience at●ended with a clookbagge, stuffed with loyalty, behold him stealing [yet no thief] into Scotland when they had on foot ●en thousand men, at home, and in England twenty. See him ●n six battles more than a Conqueror, and beetrayde in the seventh, we gaze with wonder on all his Actions, and but that they are uncontradicted, should have pain to believe posterity will be infidels and reading his life, will conclude it a Romance, oh that the King would renew that commission which [as he had taken it up] he laid down at the commands of his Dearest Master.  
His reputation is so far from flooping, that it towers aloft flies high, but not to lessening, and hath the rebel in his Eagle Eye, which he will make his prey so soon, as he can fasten his talons, ●eesydes him there is none that can or will s●tt the crown on the Kings most sacred head. If any wonder that the Duke performed nothing at all with so many men, and the marquis of Montrose, so much, with so 〈◊〉 know there Principles were different. The marquis perfectly Noble pursued simply, the kings inte●st. The Duke was treacherous, and prosecuted his own. Both would have set up the crown, the marquis on the King's head the Duke on his own. The marquis would have made a king, the Duke would have been one, wonder at the Duke, Admire the marquis, and obey the king.  
Fac Deus, infestos penitus Rex dissipet hosts, Tempora, perpetuò viridi cingente coronâ Accinctum femori gladium perstringe, Superbos Deijce! Qui solus potis es confunde rebels.   

ERRATA.  
In the last line of the first pag. in the Epistle dedicatory, for Rights. rea, right. for Highne. rea highness in the 11, l. of 2. p. for lest. r. less. In the Apolo. to the Reader. for Royal read Loyal. 3. p. for fright●de. r. srighted. l. 10. p. 14. ●oi hart. r. dart. l. 9 disappointed pretences. disappointed by. in 6. p. l. 24, for 〈◊〉 t, r. account. 11. p. 2. l. r. for receivesly. receives p. 13. l. 8. or all r. Ale. l. 10. for sher. r. her. for he 〈◊〉 she 28. l. for withim. r. within. p. 14. for concerving r. concerning. l. 20. for it. r. is 〈◊〉 30. for Abettoris r. Abettors. p. 15. l. 1 for fowd. r. found. l. 5, for. be. r. been. l. 20. for Theethe. r. teeth. p. 16. l. 1. for theu videt r. the wider. 20. l. for which seemed. 〈◊〉. which he 23. for inforete. r. inforc'te. for. reason, r. reason. p. 17. l, 10. for pntt. r. put. l. 25. for rebellions. r. rebellious. l. 27. for tustliely. r. justly. pag. 19 l. 11. for. sigh. r. ●ght. for retreats. r. retreats. 12. for. nee. r. he, 18. l. for entuer. r. entue. for. etournes. 〈◊〉 returns. 28. l. for. releene. relieve. r. p. 20. l, 30. for howds r. hounds. p. 22. l. 2. for. Troper. r. troops. p. 23. l. 9 for yield. r. yield. p. 24. l. 14. for. pust. r. puts. 26. p. l. 3. ●or porty. r. parley. pag. 12, for. Breegs. bridge for. mako, r. make. for. cetemny. r. ceremony. p. 27. l. 5. for. my. r. may. l. 18. for faurtably. r. favourably. l. 30. for ●e, 〈◊〉 the. 29. p. l. 1. for serling. r. Sterline. p. 31. l. 15. for. came, r. calm.