THE history OF SCOTLAND, During the Minority of King james. Written in latin by Robert Johnston. Done into English by T. M. LONDON, Printed by W. Wilson, for Abel Roper, and are to be sold at the Sun against St. Dunstans Church in Fleet-street. 1646. The Translator to the Reader. INgenious Reader, this carping age I know expects an Apology, though I have done nothing worthy there of, yet lest I should infringe the Prescript of custom,( which parallel in prevalency with nature) which is to premise something like a praeludium to entertain my Reader, I must render those Adamantine attractives which gave being to this metamorphisis. History( not to fall into common places thereof) is a more lasting pillar then that of absalon; for sure we had never heard of that pillar, had it not been upheld by the sacred pillar: It perpetuates the memory in the leaves of eternity, rescuing old age from the jaws of oblivion, adorning youth with gray hairs of experience, so that we may well say, Nos jam jam a pueris illico nascimur senes. This induced my eyes to wander amongst the tombs of our fore-fathers, where besides a Catalogue of those rare virtues which enriched the celestial sparkles, their souls, there was black epithets of 'vice, which more depressed others famed, then the Marble did their bodies. The first, I supposed, writ for invitation to imitate, the second to stand like an Index anchoralis, or seamarke, lest posterity should collide upon the same rock. But to draw myself into a lesser circled, finding the History of Scotland to be a stranger unto us, of the same Isle: especially that of our late King James, whose chequered fortune may run equipage with the most Potentates. I fixed by the propitious deity, my eyes upon this production of Master Robert Johnstons, where having fed my memory with a sufficient banquet, I could do no less, being conscious, that omne bonum est diffusinum, then force him to leave his exoticke, and appear in our own language, but dulcius ex ipso font bibunturaquae. Water is best at the spring head, I know it, and desire that such whose ingenuity can, will red him in his own Character, as for others, give them leave to taste at second hand: but the Author loseth his lustre, I confess it, yet so far as the propriety of our speech, and my weak intellect can reach I will be careful thereof; If some critical Grammarians think that I wander too far from home, pray let them know I am not reading a verbal translation, yet dare presume the sense of the Author is no ways invarted, and who knows not that we have Anglisismes as well as the latin have their proprieties; remember that sage and learned speech. Nec verbum verbo reddere cures. For the Translation I say no more, then that it was the work of one, who could say in part with Seneca, non vaco somno, said succumbo et oculos vigilia fatigatos, Sen. Ep. 8 cauentesque in dollar detineo. If my pen seem sometime to play the wanton, know it was used in a liscencious time, and take but an inch where it might have an ell. Thus I am ingenious in confession( and so no Antinomian) be as ingenious in remitting, so thou wilt be a true Christian. The Author who hath paid nature her due having no Issue descended from his loins, well knew the maxim libri sunt liberi, which caused him be so profuse in giving life to 22. book, a concarination of the memorable passages in this our Isle, and our neighbour of Ireland with some exotickes from the year 1571. to the year 1629. two whereof only saw light, the rest running the same hazard which abortives do, are involved in a Scotch mist. I have entirely transcribed the History of Scotland, so far as is extant, knowing that Master Cambden( who now speaks English) will supply the rest for our own Nation, that the Author had no other end then free himself from that tie, wherewith he stood engaged to his country, may appear in all his actions an abreviation whereof it writ in these, or the like Characters over edinburgh college gate. Master Robert Johnston Doctor of the Civill and Canon Law, expended upon this University eight Fellowships, the disbursements concerning which, amounted to twelve thousand pounds; he enriched the Library with many volumes; commanded John Joffy to erect these four chambers, and by his last will he left 40000 pound to be distributed in pious uses for the City, with many other deeds of his bountiful mind, he left them as eternal monuments of his piety in the year of our Lord 1639. If my infant quill shall fail in its enterprise, and by blotting these few sheets, blot the Authors candour,& perspicuity: let me desire thee, by that which is the desires of thy soul, to take off those imputations from the Author by a Metamorphosis of thy own; thus I shall be perpetually engaged to thee in condescending to my poor requests, and the world to me, in that I have engaged thy quill. Carpere vel noli nostra, vel ede tua. Mart. Thine if favourable, T. M. The Author to the Reader. IF I who have taken upon me to handle, and let Posterity know those memorable Acts of Queen Elizabeth and King James; having herein given demonstrations of greater diligence, and fidelity, then eloquence of Phrase, can by these my intellectuals, and willing endeavours, add any sparkle to the beauty of this our britain, I shall account it a supper abundant fruit of my labours: and as I dare not invite your palate to any excellent, or egregious banquet, having taken an account of my own strength, where I find nothing save a great burden, and perhaps a dangerouus undertaking. The integrity of my conscience, the wisdom and humanity of my Readers, who will deign to foster, I doubt not, these my lucubrations, gave life to my resolves in displaying those heroic performances of the fore-named Potentates to the open view of all. believe it, my faith is not mercenary, nor pinned upon any mans favour. I have brought forth no abortive, the product of my brain I sacrifice to your censures, so I am full of hopes my labours shall not be ingratefull. And now Gentlemen, I supplicate upon the knees of ardency, that you adhibite such equity in reading, as you desire me to do in writing: I look for no other reward of my endeavours then this, of a good report, and perm●nent memory when I have satisfied nature. I value not much what breath every man is pleased to blow upon this Infant, knowing that there is not any thing sublunary so exquisite, which will retish in the Critical senates of our Sciolists, who suppose themselves the Censurers of elegancy. My language is not in that Character, that an ingenuous Reader may give it an ambiguous Interpretation, or call any thing into question; seeing that naturally benevolent and understanding men are courteous, and so human, as to give every man his due, not eyeing so nearly the ornaments of speech as the truth thereof: whereas maligning, base, harsh, detracting, envious spirits put all things well spoken upon the Rack of a sinister Interpretation, depraving the whole structure of the building, erecting strong Batteries of malice against others. If the bolts of these men are shot from the bows of levity, or rashness, I matter not: if from the vulgar ignorance, I despise it: if of malice, I forgive them: But I tremble at, nay rather adore, and admire the others gravity, prudency, authority. It lies not in the verge of any mortal to compose a Ditty delightful to every ear, seeing some delight to wallow in the mire of obsolete words; while others set their repose in grave and sage sentences: others take pleasure in Laconical brevity, and are overjoyed with a concise and subtle pen; others, as if offended with brevity and over accutenesse, labours after a dilated and sublime language; it's the folly now in fashion amongst our writers, to effect Caesars sublime eloquence, Cato or Salusts brevity, Tacirus pomp, Livies Eagle-soaring, and sweetly moving speech. This production I ingeniously confess, hath not any indument above the vulgar: expect only to see her pres●●● you with Brittains actions, barely invested with clothes of necessity, devoid of Fucus, imbrodering insinuation, or inveterate heart-burning. Might my trembling pen add any tittle of honour to their late Illustrious Majesties: or muzzle the black mouths of detraction then my desires arrive at the haven of repose. Lastly, having sequestered my thoughts from gaping after vain breath of praise, and popular applause. I sand not this forth as an Herald of my ingenuity, but rather an Index of labour, which will say my end of intention was not glory, but desire of truth, and a good report in after ages. I matter not what calumnies the ignorant, or critics do cast, or the obliterations of such, who personating Consorers, metamorphose many things according to the dictate of their own will, bot●hing up some few depraved additions, or else ●op off seeming exuberances, who suppose no Author worthy their perusal which speaks not with a refined Ciceronian tongue, supposing to compose a Garland of glory for their own brows, by descauting on Letters or Syllables, if by a bare conjecture they can restore lustre to any one word, they are presently elevated with a superstoicall arrogancy: Mistake me not, for as I cannot embrace the confidence of these men, so by no means do I derogate any thing from the various prelections of the learned, from their corrections, observations( which are collected with fidelity, and modesty, both in opinion and conjecture) upon the obscure and depraved places of Authors. But me thinks I hear some say, What a Candle at noon day, Mr. Cambden being every way a superlative scholar hath compiled annals both true, naked, comely, and delectable, of such Acts as Queen Elizabeths reign produced, which might deter any other from writing thereof. Surely, that rare Author weighs as sad in the balance of my understanding as in any others: and by how much he exceeds in modesty, so much the more he attracts me to light my candle at his Luminary: nor can I memorize him without a congratulation, in that he would accommodate others whose minds were bent upon compiling an History, with convenient matterialls, as he candidly attests in his Preface to the Reader: If so, I hope my candid and impartial Judges( who have the authority to adjudge of my imbecility& rash attempts) will acquit these my imbicile endeavours, after so exquisite an Author, not to be altogether foolish, nor my undertakings rash: however, I know they will absolve me as innocent, pardon me if nocent. To draw to a haven, if any Popeling shall brand me for seeming to elevate the Queen of England above the sphere of her deserts, let him know, truth speaks not the commemoration of any benefit I enjoyed, or the hope of future advancement; it was the Chariot of those angelical virtues adorning her soul, which mounted her so high, for which that wicked brood in vain envied her; and as infamous Rebells( who had divested themselves of all allegiance and fidelity to Prince or country, barked against her in their Pulpits, against whom the wicked jesuits inveighed, those whom neither fear nor modesty, nor religion could deter from machinating the most wicked of Plots, robbing by the high way without being punished, amplifying their fortunes so far as either their violence or deceit could extend; hatching plots to ruinated the Nobility, disturbing the Kingdom by their temerity and madness, and faster the ignorant multitude with frenzy, that they alone like Wolves or lions might dominier in the Church. For my part, I suppose every Writer is engaged to resist and delineate their rash attempts, and perfidious practices, who strive to overthrow their country; being Authors and Archietectors of every molestation. And now Readers let me tell you in this Tract, it will be no less apparent than if writ with a beam from the fun, how zealous I have prosecuted what ever might be material to the truth of History, to excite my Readers minds to embrace virtue, honesty, and wisdom. If in the least degee I hold correspondency with your Expectat●●ns, and execute my Office,( a faithful Historian) my Exultations will be abundant, if my judgement,( which surely is very little) may have your approbations, your often perusal of these my endeavours will invite me so much the more to perfect, and put a period to my begun purposes: so that I shall be at your command, ready to give life to some other birth of my brain? THE history OF SCOTLAND, During the Minority of King james. Anno Domini. 1572. THe Diadem of Scotland adorned King james the sixth, ere his head was well out of its Cradle, his Mother consenting thereto: but the disparity betwixt his age and rule, caused him govern by proxy: so that while a guardian sate at the stern of the Common-wealth, he enjoyed the sovereignty and Title of King: His childhood was placed in the hazards of extreme danger, tossed by the strivings of fortune; he was bereaved of his Father, while the Cradle was the place of his repose; The horrid tempests of bosom Jars and civill distempers, hurried the Queen Mother( having devested herself of majestical robes) into exile. Nor was the period set here, for he was well nigh overwhelmed by the floods of sedition, and buslings of the Nobility about regency in the weal public, which molested his inward quiet. The slaughter of the earls of Murrey and Linnox, Protectors( added more fuel to the fire of disturbance) the earl of Mar, a man exhibiting no small lustre of equity and prudence in time of his regency, was swallowed up by I know not what sudden death: thereupon succeeded the Nobles Election of the Earl of Morton to be Regent: the residue of the Kings minority was obscured by quotidiā whirlwinds, storms, and tempests. These ominous passages of his Fathers bitter funeral, Mothers flight and banishment, the most execrable murder of his Granfather, no sooner had their exits, then the smiling face of Heaven caused affairs to succeed more prosperously, so that in future, he did as it were compose mirrors of felicity and virtue, for his Successors to behold themselves in; such may we nominate the almost lavish expense and pomp he manifested in solemnizing his Mothers funeral, causing the Law revenge his Grandfathers quarrel, the sword his Fathers. In the midst of domestic disconsolations, and the State public perturbations, Morton being elected to steer the Common-wealth, the transferring of which power, converted his thoughts to the republic, so that he by his authority summoned the Nobility to hold a Parliament at Edenburough, in which was enacted divers Laws, profitable for the defence of the reformed Religion, the kingdoms tranquillity, and His Majesties safety; He likewise with the consent of the Parliament, decreed that such as refused the reformed Churches Communion( unless after warning exhibited) they repented of their superstitious madness, should be branded with the note of Infamy, not worthy to bear office in the State, or be advanced to any dignity. Secondly, that such as were contumaciously averse to the Protestant Religion, should lose the privilege of Subjects. Thirdly, those whom the Church did excommunicate, to be held Rebels; Lastly, all Subjects should be bound to defend the received Protestant profession with their persons and estates, against all such Potentates as sided with the counsel of Trent, to the destruction of Protestants. And there issued forth a Proclamation in the Kings name, to make all Popish Bishops uncapable of bearing any office or public employment, whether they were of ecclesiastical or Civil Jurisdiction, unless according to the solemn form of abjuration, they renounced publicly their erroneous tenants: but the ancient Protestant Ministers who detested the dregs of popish superstition, were not to expect any diminution of honor or Jurisdiction. And it was further declared, that forthwith all Massemongers should be devested, and stripped of their functions and ecclesiastical revenues. These things thus established, many who were solely addicted to the Romish religion, yet being seized on by fear of losing their estates, did not only swear to the Protestant Religion, but also confirmed the same by subscription. Let not here be matter of wonder administered, that the Religion within so many precedentages, had by the three runged ladder; of mans authority, covetousness, and popish tyranny, attained to an incredible altitude, should now at once, by the hearing of mans threatenings and fear of losing estates, fall flat to the ground. But to make our progress in the Infancy of the Churches reformarion, certain men were elected Ephori, or as others call them, Superintendents, who were invested with authority to ordain, chastise, or displace Ministers: these men not differing from others either in habit or dignity, governed national, provincial, and presbyterial Synods, according to the dictates of their own will, every man being attentive to the opinion of Superintendents. This institution had its rise from the downfall of the Romish, and restauration of the Protestant Religion, on which depends the Kings splendour, the kingdoms security. The Regent Morton conceived the Function of Prelates to be no less necessary then commodious, yet he desired that it might be enacted that Orthodox Bishops in Scotland should be regulated according to the Church of Englands rule, that such Bishops as were blinded with the mists of Popery might be ejected, wishing withall those who were to enjoy the title and revenue of the Bishops, should be men of quiet natures, and that they might freely give their Votes in Parliament, be abridged of exercising authority over other Ministers, wholly abstaining from that part of their Office: so great, so free was the power of Synods, Presbyters, and moderate Presidents in that tempest. Religion thus settled, and the Princes safety so observed, Morton had time to take a view of Civill and private affairs; he had a vigilancy, least any thing obnoxious to that obligation of Queen Elizabeths amity might entervene the education and conservation of His majesty: He conferred on Alexander Eskine, the earl of mar being as yet rather fit to be educated then to educate, he constituted George Beuchanan( a man ascended to no little height of same by the scale of learning) his Tutor which with exquisite care and diligence in teaching him piety to God, and justice to men he performed. These things being in agitation, james Hamilton, Duke of Castle-herauld, the earls of Arguile and Huntly, Hume, Seton, Haris, ancient Barons of the kingdom, withsome others who moved in no inferior sphere, seeing Infancy adorned with majesty, and the Regency of the State in the hands of a protector under a childs domination, begun to murmur against the viceroys government, and withstand him, by leaning to the French faction, least otherwise his authority might be corroborated: But to overturn a government established by Parliament, was of more difficulty to effect, for the Protector being by these blasts and combinations awakened, became daily more cautelons, and fortified himself against such attempts by the forts of the Citizens love, prudent deportment in governing, and renown of his friends; yet he would not bee adverse to any counsel, tending to tranquillity, if such a happy Star might appear in that horizon. Much about this time John Knox, very famous for being a Temple Incendiary, and an imitator of the vandals devastations, under the pretence of Religion, ruinates the monuments of our Ancestors piety, suffering not so much as Church bells or leads to scape his sacrilegious raving hands, a beaken apt to have put the whole kingdom in a posture of war. These things thus upon the Stage, Morton extinguished the lustre of repute he had already lighted, and that he hoped in the future to kindle, by the obloquy of one infamous fact, which was thus: The earls of Northumberland and Westmerland adjudging their case desperate at home, fled privately into Scotland, that so they might either by flight or private lives divert the currant of punishment; Charles nevil earl of Westmerland sojourned at the house of Carr Farnihurst, or Buckclough, until fearing the English Army under the conduct of the earl of Sussex, he made his escape into Flanders, there spending the residue of his days in indigency. As for Thomas Piercy Earl of Northumberland( a man of ancient Family) the Lady Fortune( whose will is her law to rule by) gave him the ignoble and forsaken woods of Harcley for habitation, and his comrades were the Grames, infamous for robberies, who had a greater eye to perpetrate wickedness, then to keep their promise, they nefariously deliver this banished earl lurking in Cottages, to Murrey the Protector, who least he should be thought to desert his office or trust, dreaded to deliver him to be swallowed up of his enemies. But after that Morton being placed on the pinnacle of honour, falling either by the error of his mind, or longing after money, spontaneously delivered Northumberland( whom honour had made great, and to whom he stood engaged by the ties of demerit) into the hands of Henry carry, Baron Hunsdon governor of berwick, for some reward promised; But Northumberland( a branch of that great stock of Piercies) not long after was lopped off with the fatal Axe at york: the fruit of so ungrateful wickedness, the Protector received in the ultimum of his life, as if God punished such a fact. The knife of envy ere this had partend the kingdom into two unnatural factions of Son and Mother, King, and captivated queen; In this dissension many of the Nobility displaying the Banner of public good, striven to advance their own honour and potency; England and France were not wanting in frequent Missions to attract the opposites to accord, and lay down their arms: But the French K. sent Monsieur Viriac ambassador into Scotland, to see in what condition the kingdom stood in and to supplant peace, if it lay within the verge of his effecting, which part he exquisitely performed for the Vizor of his ambassage permitted him not only to stand as spectator, but to act the somenter of War against the Viceroy. Queen Elizabeth on the other side perceiving the plot was as diligent to countermine him, which Shee did by dispatching Henry killigrew ambassador into Scotland, that he might do his ultimate devoir in resisting Viriac by cleaving to the Protestants. The Protector delighting more in the pleasant streams of peace, then in the bloody waters of war, endeavoured in a long Oration made to the Nobles, to induce to concord, conjuring them by their fidelity and allegiance to bury in oblivion all private injuries, so to eradicate the thoughts of war, as that they should be had no more in remembrance, to remember the forgetting of all controversies and discords, nor try the last of refuges; For which prudent moderation, those who had not tasted of the bitter roote of affliction, congratulated his endeavours, and desired God prosper him in this business. killigrew the English ambassador gave sincere demonstrations of his desires to reduce the kingdom into the haven of tranquillity: but Monsieur Viriac the French Orator, or rather the Guises ambassador, strives to launch her forth into the deep of Civill broils by his alluring the chiefs of Scotland to restore Popery, and violently re-establish the Queen of Scots in her Throne, assuring those of the French Faction( if their resolutions hold firm) should be assured of aid ere Long. After this many conferences of composure were betwixt the ringleaders of either party, at last Truce was taken, and Perth appointed the place of convening: the love of peace and quiet, and loathing of war, are principles which nature hath endowed us with: the time of consultation was not to be till the tenth of February, and till that day of convening was come, all acts of hostility were to surcease, and so continuing till the Treaty ended. nevertheless William Kircade Lord of Grange, governor of Edenburough Castle, whose fiery genius made a discord in this sweet harmony of civill concord: The Nobility of both Parties desired him not to be so averse in so happy an opportunity for the Commonnalty, nor to set the State upon the rack of discord, under pretence of siding with either Faction: but this wholesome counsel could not any ways demoove him from his more desperate progress: whether it were that he was excited thereto by his confidence in that inexpugnable place, against which he supposed neither force nor art could so far prevail as enter or demolish, it being provided with Ammunition and victual for a long siege. The Castle hath the advantage of an high rock inaccessible on every part, and fortified by a Fen or lake on the side, and a moat which surrounds it. It may be likewise supposed his courage was sharpened by the whetstone of hope which he fixed on the French Forces ready to come, whom he supposed would free him from all exigencies, in that he had sent his brother james Kircade not many dayes before into France to make known their condition, and implore them to sand men and money; But how closely soever this crafty counsel was kept, yet it arrived at the Regents ears, who knowing the Castle of blackness sea●ed on the banks of Forth, to be the most safe and convenient receptacle for Kircade, covertly complies with Alexander Stuart the governor thereof, who wanted 〈◇〉 behaviour( though of the adverse party) and by faire promises, which were seconded with gifts, he drew him to serve his King, to stay Kircade, and seize on the money at his return, and the conclusion of this plot gave a just correspondency to the premises, for james Kircad returning from France with some 1000. crowns of gold to elevate the spirits of the queens party, sailed to blackness, not having a thought of the Governours deserting their party, since he had not long before solemnly vowed never to renounce it: thus did he throw himself headlong into the snare, where he was caught, and the treasure seized on; Whereupon the governor posts to Edenburough, that he might acquaint the Viceroy with the success. Now accurate Kircade knowing well that he was circumvented, and at the Enemies disposal, corrupted his keepers and watch with those few crownes he had reserved, so that by the sudden change of Fortunes wheel, and souldiers perfidiousness who were on the watch of a prisoner, he was metamorphised into a president, the keys and custody being delivered him, thus he repaid the fraudulent man in his own coin. The sun had not twice run his course ere Stuart with his unarmed company, not harbouring the least suspicion entered, and by the souldiers whom Kircade had suborned for the betraying, was presently cast into prison: where having a guard set over him, was kept in fetters; But the tediousness of imprisonment caused him study revenge, and opportunity of alienating his Keepers, and the souldiers affection from Kircade, so that he might entangle his adversary in the same net which so lately caught him, he being dressed in the garb of squalour and sorrow, made the indignity of his condition the subject of a doleful story to fill some of the souldiers ears, entreating them by all those old ties of souldiers fidelity, by those many hard-ships whereof he participated with them, to commiserate his case, and repair the breach of trust made by them or their Comrades, by effecting some noble exploit of trust; Lastly, to wipe off by some officions performance, when opportunity might be their own, those blots of disgrace injected upon that quondam governor, the very deformity of their so closely circumvented,& depressed governor, and the remembrance of his former dignity, caused the common souldiers melt with pitty and compassion, and in this neck of time, Fortune presented a pat opportunity to the souldiers acceptance for innovation of their condition, and thus it happened: Kircade to demonstrate himself a loving Husband, would with his maeniall servants accompany his Wife, departing from him out of the Castle: but he was no sooner forth, then hastily shot out by the combined souldiers, who broke open the prison doors, and caused a sequestration pass twixt the fetters and Alexander Stuarts legs, setting him gently at liberty. He( Fortune delighting to play the Chamelions part) of a President became a prisoner, of a captive is become a captain, and the Castle( as if willing) to show itself a changeling to day, it favoured this, yesterday the other party. While frequent betrayings, Peers revolting,& Regents murders, infested the kingdom, the most eminent of either party wearied with the sustentation of so long and grievous dissensions upon the forementioned 10th. of February met at Perth, to consult about the reducing of the kingdom to its former quiet. The Viceroy accompanied with others of the Nobility of the Kings party appeared; for the Queens party, there was present the earl of Huntly the queens Vicepresident for the North parts of Scotland, with the chief of the Hamiltons, and the rest whose affections were conglutinated to her, there it was concluded by the interposition of Qu: Elizabeths power; After long debates had about the conjunction of King and Queen in Regency, that there should be a cessation from arms on both sides, and an act of perpetual oblivion upon all offences committed, except the murdering of the King, Murrey, and Lenox, Protectors: private wrongs were to be forgotten, least concord should be infringed, and private and public injuries were to have their pardons, al mercenary souldiers to be disbanded, save four companies which the Regent was to keep on foot so long as the Parliament might conceive any profit accrueing thence to the kingdom; all should embrace the Religion professed in Scotland, aclowledge the Kings Primacy, and Supremacy, as well in Jurisdiction as Authority: that whatsoever should bee enterprised after the publication thereof in the Queens name, to be null, and of no validity, whether publicly or privately acted. To fulfil these Articles, both parties were bound by oath, delivering of Hostages, and other pledges, so that civill dissensions grew sleepy, and Peace was obtained by the Protectors special vigilancy and care: until that the Lord Grange( a man rather blowing tempests then commodious breath) both despising the King and histories authority, not desiring the security of his country, sought more for the opportunity of fomenting War, being fed with the main hope of aid from France and Flanders. For no sooner was the Truce expired, but he thundered with a minancing kind of noise upon the City of Edenburough, infesting the Citizens with continual excursions, making their houses sacrifices, by throwing granades and scalding pitch thereon; he sent such thundering Nuncios into the most famous streets in the City, as that scarce any passed without extreme danger of his life. Nor was the Edenburgians much short of him in rage, after they had once taken up arms in defence of their City, For being set down before the Castle, they cast up a slight work, not ceasing night and day to raise Forts in such convenient places as might hinder the castilians excursions, so that their City was not so much exposed to the fury of the merciless fire, although their houses were shot thorough, yet they walk in more security: to conclude, they turn the edge of Granges violence& fury, they divert the waters course, that in stead thereof, affliction might run into the Castle: the diverting of which, and the mingling lime with the water in standing pools, caused many slight skirmishes; At the foot of the rock sweetly issued forth a fountain of very pleasant water: to defend which, the besieged sallied out at a postern, erecting a bulwark that might scouretheir water:& such as were wont to go up and down for water, the besiegert on the contrary striven to cut them off from it, thus no day passed, wherein Mars did not display his bloody colours. A great slaughter there was of the common souldiers: and one Captain, whose quarters was near Cuthberts Church. Achison a Commander, while he in the night carelessly walking the round, was overtaken by a bullet, which summoned him and five more of the common sort to appear at Deaths Court: The besieged threw granades, shot wild-fire, which lighting upon poor thatched Cottages, burnt them, and not far from the Westgate, many stately buildings with Ware-houses full of rich merchandise run the same hazard. The Citizens were surrounded with fear and care, supposing the City but fuel for Gr●●ge's 〈◇〉, 〈◇〉 did pendent danger or timidity so much affright them, the fire being always extinguished by the care of their servants: or did the daily terrors trouble them so much, as did the urgent waves of care torture the Regents breasts: for though he had besieged the Castle, yet there was a famine of Engines offensive in his Camp. The Protector( least he should spend his time to no purpose) sent divers convenient men to divert the governor from the queens party, and to embrace peace, and to this end proffers him very reasonable conditions? While things were in a reasonable posture these instructions being given, the men whom Morton had selected to treat, set forward to meet, and treat with Petarow the Lord Grange's Nephew, betwixt Leith and Edenburough, where they manifested the Regents great desire to avoid effusion of blood, desiring withall that they would surrender themselves, bee obedient to the Protector, aclowledge the Kings authority. But these Propositions had no other answer of the courageous young Gallant, then an obstinate denial and refusal, nor would he transact the negotiation of peace; The Treaty breaking off, both parties departed in great rage. The Scots being trained up in the Accademy of Mars, least( through idleness at home, they should prove ill Proficients) traveled into Holland, Swethland,& France: there giving many demonstrations of valour, following Pallas close at the heels. But while Edenburough was the stage of war, Mr. John Knox, as if inspired by heaven, in a most eloquent Sermon, gives a prediction of the assaulting of the Castle, which as it was a goodly act, so it should want no less success, and that mad man Grange should come over the walls, and rubbish in a rope to treat, which succeeded according to his words. The French King sent Monsreur Crone to understand how affairs stood, who writ back that Scotland& England were united by League, that his propositions of conjoining the King and Queen in government, or toleration of the Popish Religion, would be null, besides it could not be effected without the High Court of Parliament, who had already removed her from the Throne, and extirpated Popery roote and branch, and that the Viceroy with the consent of the council, had sent the queen and Roman religion into perpetual banishment. queen Mary( a Lady of an undaunted spirit) hearing hereof, excites all Princes to sand aid, even of his Holinesse himself, and she privately covenants with the Guises to set her at liberty. Anno Domini 1573. Morton seeing the fiege prolonged, the Governours audacity, and the slow progress in besieging, produced more to the befiegers, then to the besieged; withall considering that his small forces were not potent enough to enter for a place every way fortified, sent to implore of England men and ammunition, which was condescended unto, upon these conditions, that the Viceroy should not make any composition with the besieged, without the Queens consent, that he should not receive, protect, or succour any English Fugitives; and if the Castle should be surrendered, that what ever was in it, should be free booty for the besiegers, save what was the Kings Utensalls or precious Ornaments. The Protector being great with desire to obtain the Castle, grants all the Propositions. Not long after, the English Navy laden with Cannon, Engines of all sorts, powder and iron bullet,& other ammunition, rid at anchor in the Haven of Leith near Forth, where the Sea stretcheth forth one of her arms to embrace the floods? Besides, William Drury Marshall of Barwick, marched into Scotland by land with 1500. Foot, who declared Her Majesties of England sincere love and ardent affection to Her Neighbours of Scotland, and that they might give a candid manifestation thereof. This exploit was undertaken, the greatest part of which charge and trouble Shee sustained herself, that they might restore them to their former freedom and peace: which ere they would not effect, their own freedom and peace should run the same hazard, all which Shee hoped they would not forget to remember. The English and Scots having joined Forces ere they mounted their Canon, sought by all means possible to have the Castle surrendered: but the Canons of treaty not making any breach in their breasts, they begin furiously to assault the Castle, so that 4. of the Castle Towers begin to tumble for fear: then mole like they undermined and raised Trenches upon the sharp side of the hill. Since nature had prohibited the surrounding it, Drury supplied what ever was desicient for opposing, so that no man might pass in or out of the Castle. That performed, he mounts 30. brass pieces, with which he batters the walls for four dayes together without any intermission, so that in fine Davids Tower receiving many wounds, yields itself captive to ruin, and with an hideous noise lays its airy head on the ground, leaving the Defendant naked to the ecemies fury: the first day when as yet there was scarce hope left of resisting, while their bodies were not defatigated, they valiantly received the charge, and maintained the breach, sending ever and anon ambassadors to death, or the chirurgeons, to tell them that the Messengers had shewed more of tumult then valour in entering the walls, art countermined art, and force was answered with force, having hitherto endured what cruelty could afflict. At last they begin to despair of their strength, either in that the Cannons sent such showers of led( which watered their bodies with drops of blood) or that the rock broke, or their houses fell, or in that the number of their slain and wounded were many, or that Captain Trotter was fallen, who while he lived, made good the breach with his own sword. The English perceiving their courage to be quelled, filling the air with their cries, sets ladders to the lower walls half ruinated, getting over, some few resisting, and those few ill armed for resistance being already conquered with grief, were beaten down; The souldiers in the lower tower seeing themselves not able to resist the insulting English, retire into the upper, but no sooner there then assaulted with the distrust of their own and the places debility, for they were dtiven into great straits by reason of the penury of water, which caused such debility of body, as they could not endare any more hardship. All was resolved now to yield, a parley was desired, the next day Truce was taken, Henry lay an English man, and George Fleck a Scot, Morton's Sisters son, were delivered as Hostages. The Lord Grange, Robert Melvine, and Petarow climbing over the walls, for the gates were obstructed,( Knox his prophesy in this being accomplished) came to treat with Drury: Their demands were to enjoy life and security, but could obtain nothing, save to yield themselves and all they had to the queen of Englands mercy: In this pitiful plight and deplorable condition( seeing the laws of necessity must be obeied) they yield themselves up the conquerors pleasure, and the Queen of Englands mercy: the common souldiers laying down their arms were safely dismissed. After the Castle was surrendered, many considerable persons were taken prisoners: among others these were of special note, Alexander Hume being the flower of his Family, and in the flower of his strength, the Lord Grange a man courageous and valiant, Secretary Matlain renowned among strangers, and adored by such as knew him for his valour, with John his Brother, who afterwards was chancellor, whose youth was decked with singular virtue and excellency in Arts, especially with the imitation of his Brother, Petarow one of great authority and estimation amongst those of his own Faction, Robert Melvine whose accurate ingenuity could sustain the most weighty affairs; besides Cockman and Mosney two rich Citizens of Edenburough, and the renowned countess of Arguile, the late wife of James the fifth, who was the daughter of an Harlot. Thus skill and valour of the English in besieging, caused the Castle and 200. souldiers to surrender themselves in the space of 33. dayes; as for Matlaine, he lay long under the tyranny of the gout and cramp, which ceased upon his wholebody. Natures candle being come to a snuff, which was extinct by the breaking in of that vast Ocean of sorrow and sickness while he was in prison at Leith, or else he dyed voluntarily to avoid the enemies severity: he was a man whom nature had adorned with the accoutrements of accuratenesse and prudence, and would have exhibited the same, if Fortune( the over-swaier of human counsels) had not delighted to make him like herself, blind with public calamities, but mortals are not cautelous enough to withstand Fortunes fury. It was reported that Matlain poisoned himself: after the Castles surrender, George Douglas the Regents Brother with a guard was sent to receive the treasure, guns, and the Kings Utensels, the souldiers according to the agreement having the goods and treasure given them for pillage, which the Citizens had sent thither as to a most safe treasury. Not many dayes after, Queen Elizabeths pleasure was exhibited and made known, the Lord Grange and his Brother James were executed by the common Hang-man in the Marketplace of Edenburough, where the people displayed his gallantry in its colours, relating how great& how many gulfs of dangers he had shut for the public liberty, what attempts he had undertaken against the French and English, for the safety and honour of his country, when he was even ready to suffer death, no tongue suffered his former renown to be forgotten, notwithstanding all this, the sad remembrance of their City burning, being fresh in their memory, cried so loud in their ears, as they sought revenge by seeing him suffer: Mosney and Cockran, both goldsmiths, took their journeys into another world from the Gallows, queen Elizabeth obtaining of the Protector that the lives and estates of Hume, Petarow, and Melvin should bee preserved with the rest, onely their persons shonld be imprisoned: by this act of clemency she became admired for mansuetude and mercy, Thus the English setting a period to those disasters, they came to quiet,( coming thither by invitation of the Protector, and compulsion of Grange his rashness) leaves Scotland in tranquillity, and with the loss of a few men returned with their prise to berwick. The raging storms of civill war being overblown, the heat of killing, firing and spoiling were allayed. And now Morton to induce the bloody minded& warriors, to embrace peace, quiet, and humanity, with great diligence educacated the noble young branches in the liberal sciences, that the public safety and kingdoms tranquillity might have firm foundation; he did not give any manifestation of grudge against the Hamiltons, who were in those days no less potent in power then allies, but rather labours to compose such differences as kept the Nobility disunited;& to this end calls a Parliament at Edenburough, in which, for the public good, he suppresseth divorces, adulteries, pillaging, murders, rapine, burning, robbing, and luxury, besides many acts he passed against cozenage in bargaining, and out of the rest selects a chief number( whom long experience had endowed with knowledge fit for such undertakings) to consult about State affairs. he made all Malignants to become Aspen leaves, austerely punishing such as had contaminated their hands in the late Kings blood, or were any ways conscious thereof: he constituted Sir John Carmichell a gallant spirit, Warden of the Marches, gave him an annual stipend, and the command of so many souldiers as might prohibit those violaters of human institutions, who casting off all obedience to the league, made incursions and wasted the borders of England: not to expatiate, he brought forth many hopeful blossoms for future government, being of an honourable presence, to receive the popular applause, in that he trod in the steps of moderation, not satiating or thirsting after blood, but with the sword of Justice cut away all corrupt matter where ever it was. This weather was too faire to continue long, for seeing himself to be invested with command, he lets loose the rains, riding after lust and covetousness, making incursions into the Subjects coffers,& under the pretext of Justice, makes the Law denounce severity, that he might the sooner fill the jaws of his greedy avarice. This sudden commutation exhibited as sudden rumors, for famed now began to blast, rather then blazen his name. He called the Court Officers to such a strict accounpt, as that they did not without some misery perform: having exhausted their treasures, they were then to inform the Judges selected for that purpose, of all that had eaten flesh in Lent, who were commanded to appear: and if they could not free themselves thereof by oath, the Judges pronounced them guilty of the breach of the Law, and inflicted punishment according to the Statute, which the Protector seldom or never remitted: but when he perceived the Commonwealth impoverished, he supposed it safer to enhance privately the Kings coin, then publicly to gape after the Citizens estates. And now being Lord of an ample fortune, he maintained his retinue with the dignity of moderation in food and aparrell, converting both public and private riches to honour& magnificence, erecting that Palace of Dalkeith to his no small charge, adorning it with Tapestry and incomparable pieces of art, so that its splendour almost soars to a majestical stateliness; he caused rich pieces of silver and gold to be coined which to this day is hoarded up in Usurers coffers: on the one side the gold bore King James the sixts portraiture, with the inscription of In utramque paratus on the one side: on the other side was a lion rampant, Mars in a double tressure counter flowered, being the royal Arms of Scotland within this insciption, Partere subjectos, et debellare superbos: The silver pieces bore two swords with Trajans Motto, which he together with the sword delivered to the mayor of the City. Pro me si mereor, si non, in me. He was the first that brought the detriment of brazen coin to the Common-wealth: for the Scots before this had nothing currant but gold and silver, which now was corrupted both at home& in the Netherlands by the Merchants, who being slaves to their unjust gain, transported the starling money into foreign parts. These his exactions were observed by an ingenious fool of his, patrick Bovy, who used ever and anon to rub his Masters soars, as may candidly appear by this subsequent story. It so fortuning that some importunate beggars beseeched the Viceroy to relieve their poverty: which being over-heard of the fool, it was as earnestly begged to have these importunate fellows burned, which moved the Regent extremely, so that he told him he was an uncharitable man, not to show mercy to those that so ardently sought it: hereupon the fool instantly replied, what and if ye commit these as fuel to the flames to day, ere the Sun shall run his course, to morrow you can make as many rich men beggars, intimating thereby that his rapacity being conjoined to covetousness, eat up the Citizens fortunes. But in conclusion, having reduced the Kings coffers to a little purse, he sets upon the clergy, purposing to make them a bit to stay his hungry stomach; Such benefice as were vacant, the revenue being small, he bestowed upon any Protestant Ministers: but those of a greater' value were conditionally given to Court Preachers that his clients and favourites might have some annual fruit of their labour; His spurious brats were the enjoyers of Rectories and other Church Beneficies which were no less faire then profitable; In this storm these were the barns into which the spiritual mens harvests were gathered. But be pleased to go retrograde with me in observing the Churches Ataxy even from the beginning, for it is worth your review. Upon the Protestants desire to Queen Mary for the sustentation of their Ministers, seeing all the spirituals were in the possessions of Papists: Shee assembled the High Priests, the Prelates, and such of the Popish Clergy as were of especial note, admonishing rather then entreating them, because relief could be no otherwise obtained for the Protestant Ministers to put to their assisting hands: Shee was confident there was not any in that great Convention who would either refuse to relieve or excuse the Ministers poverty, which Shee desired might bee done willingly, in that the diminution of their fruits could not be done without injury. The issue of the meeting was a setting a part of the thirds of Spiritualties, with which her majesty was to relieve the Orthodox Ministers, as if it were a mere donative; But the conclusion seemed to either party a collusion. The Popish faction grievously complained that their wings were clipped, the Protestants suppose themselves not at all sublevated by that affencted munificence. After this a Remonsteance of the Ministers stipends is drawn up to the Protector Morton, which he seems to take into serious consideration, promising to cut the Popelings avarice, and with if all cause of strife, declaring that he would not be deficient in any thing advantageous to the Church, and that every Minister whose life and doctrine were inculpable, should be supplied with a competency of estate annually, if that the thirds might be granted His majesty: The clergy was induced by this pollicitation to subscribe to the compact, obliging them irrevocably to performance. The Viceroy catching the fish he angled for, knowing he wanted ability to perform what was promised, he supposed it the best way( as the case stood) to commit the cure of 3 or four parishes to one man, that out of the relics of the thirds might arise a great treasure: this he conceived to be the best gain those times would afford. But the Church( although in vain) exclaims that the covenant was infringed while he made all fish that came to his net, the Ministers were instant and urgent with the Protector, declaring that to appoint Ministers for every Church, and more ample stipends according to the agreement for every minister, was a matter no less requisite then of absolute necessity: he with great reluctancy after much debate, refers the business to the Cuncel-table, to whom the Clergy exhibited their bill of complaint against the Viceroy( men of prevalency in the State) declared their sense therein, but nothing was obtained of the Viceroy save delays; the grief of this repulse stuck so fast in the Clergies breasts, as that twixt them and the Regent there was a cessation of friendship, which instigated them perpetually, and openly to chastise his libidinosity, dissect his avarice, and aggravate the matter by invectives: but all this wind would shak no corn, for their thundering words was so far from terrifying of him, as that he did not so much as stop their mouths. Much about this time( after a long peregrination) Andrew Melvine returns to his native soil( if my judgement fail me not) in the three tongues, and other polite learning, was not inferior to many, so exquisite in the Pulpit and lists, as the Andrepolitan Divines could not go equipage: and in Saint Andrews, both his doctrine and authority were more prevalent then any other mans, he being seasoned with the Gevevian discipline, drew some young heads to embrace his opinions, of re●orming the Church of Scotland, according to the Idea of Geneva, which he prosecuted with such vehemency, as that his spleen begun to rise at the proposal of any other Discipline, then that which he prosecuted, not at all calling to mind, that the Government of a City is different from the government of a kingdom. But he supposed that if this Discipline should be established, he with some others of his associates, might steer the Ship of the Church of Scotland as they pleased; to effect which, he inveighes against the office of of Bishops openly in the Pulpit, defaming them so that they might be depressed, with what envy could inflict; he professed that there was a parity in the ministry, and that Ministers were not inferior to Bishops: and those Tenets were no sooner broached then there were two sorts of men to drink it up; one was laics, supposing this the direct way to obtain Spiritualities into their own disposing; the other was Clergy, who by the slip of ambition grew higher in the desire of honour: these men inflamed the already incited people by their hot disputes, and state-medling Sermons, which caused an unbridled and indomitable licentiousness of tumults; a great part of Scotland had their affections conglutinated to erect the Geneva Discipline, and extirpate episcopal authority and dignity: these vapours arising caused a cruel tempest, which tossed the ark of the Church. In this storm the Arch-Bishop of St. Andrewes and Glascow laboured with a strong hand against Melvine, administering such things as that season required. Adamson Arch-bishop of St. Andrewes, made his ingenuity shoot point blank at the Geneva Discipline, accurately confuting it in the Pulpit, wounding Melvin, and his Independentiall Tribe even to the soul, by the sword of his preaching: but the dissensions after long exagitation flew as high as the viceroys ears; he being a man without all controversy, who knew to fish in such molested puddles, was not much grieved at the Clergies clashing, supposing that in the future all bills of complaints henceforth would arise from the Clergy: so that he by blowing and fanning the fire of debate, rather forgeth destruction for them, then laboured to extinguish it; when as it became him to have fought against these bold men by the dint of reason or chastisements, not to have permitted their Antagonists to have been blemished with bitter railings in the Pulpits, and freely to divest them of all the plumes of honour and dignity in the Convocation. The Orthodox party being afflicted by diuturnall mollestations, made piteous complaints of the injuries and contumelies wherewith they were oppressed, desiring the Protectors Auxiliatory hand against the Church disturbers; he by this time being defatigated with connivency, labours to take up the quarrel, putting them in mind of the assemble at Leith, where he exhorted them to follow peace amongst themselves, not to raise any uproars under the pretence of discipline, not to innovate any thing in the reformed Religion, so long as the King was in his minority: for the Vice-Roy was not ignorant of the animosity and violence of these Disciplinarian Innovators: the Nobility plots, and the Clergies Pleibeian spirits, determining so long as the least spark of composing their dissensions did but appear, to endure all things: but his patience and former connivency gave such fuel to the flames of the zealots fire, as that neither riches, authority, or counsel could extinguish; so that it had been far better never to have given them a sword, then afterwards to have resisted them being so prevalent. Anno Domini. 1574. While these sparks of intestine dissensions were rather raled up in embers than dead: the Papists and such of the Nobility as were blinded by French presents, consulted more like so many Franticks then counsellors to seize upon the Princes person, and so to carry him into France, and to disrobe the Vice-Roy Morton of his authority; But the Protector was not difficient in wit or prudence to divert those furious streams and imminent dangers: for as from the beginning he had protected the English party, so had he kept the French under his girdle; withall reposing his whole confidence, and the kingdoms safety in Queen Elizabeth, as in a sure refuge, desirous to sift out what opinion those who were about his Majesties person had of him, retaining very harmless followers, who by their sugared and oratoricall expressions, even enchanted all tender ears. Now lest a gap might be left open to ambition, and his enemies hatred, he was vigilant over the Churches tranquillity, the Cities safety, the kingdoms incolumnity, and his Majesties honour, and when the poor could find no redress in their miseries from the Judges Tribunals, he constituted others to hear their complaints. Great was the respect he exhibited to George Buchanan, one whom the Muses had adorned with their influences, more than any of his contemporanians, whose famed was augmented, by the special care demonstrated in educating King James, with all politic learning, and wisdom: nor did his respects rest solely in Buchanan, but it extended itself to every good Tutor. But now you must behold the Scene altered; for Morton heretofore intentive on public affairs, now whether by human frailty or by the destiny of ruling became inflamed with lust and avarice, polluting the secret Chambers of the palace by the foul blast of adultery, and deflowering of Virgins, thinking thus to wax strong in pleasure, became weak in body and authority: for he was a frequenter of unseasonable riotings, baths, and such places which art or nature had made delicate: and pretending the insupportable ponderosity of the weal public, he invents exquisite and nimble ways of poling the Commons, and seeing that there was not any subject for him to exercise his sword upon, he pretended to lay Barkleyes wood equal with the ground, in that it was a receptacle of thieves: and when the earth called for weapons, into whose hands she may pay her Tribute, he called for all men who were able to bear arms to march after him against this great forest, and all to be in readiness at the sound of a Trumpet: but there being a frustration of divers musterings, he gave over the expedition, disbanding such as were content to pay for their absence: but the rest continued in arms. red the Bishop of Orkney disposing his whole estate upon pious uses, and maintenance of Students, was frustrate of his desire by the Vice-Roy, who made his Testament null and of no validity:( as if he had authority to dispose of mens fortunes) threatening to inflict punishment upon the Executors if they should eudeavour to fulfil his Will and Testament: nor did he stay here, for in a most ravenous manner he invaded Houses, Lands and Treasure, confiscating the richest Merchants estates, as if guilty of most heinous crimes, defrauding them of their most proper goods. Nor did his rapacity onely catch flies, but he soared for great Fowles, such of the Nobility as were descended from ancient Progenitors, he oblitterated with some blot or other of their Ancestors, which he had collected from the leaves of Antiquity, exacting of them vast sums of money, which were as so many additions to enlarge his fortunes: but recollecting himself, supposing that the Nobilities love and mutual amity were material props to uphold his sliding power, he begun to foment enmity, jealousy, hatred, and injuries amongst them, that so matter of offence( which consequently induceth punishment might be administered.) But although they were affronted by whole troops of contumelies, charged with multitudes of injuries; yet they deferred to seek revenge until opportunity was theirs, making temperance and wisdom their guides in this tempestuous night. Lastly, this horse-leech exhausted so much treasure out of the veins of the body of Scotland, as his Coffers could well contain, stretching himself forth to embrace covetousness, and avarice, and this was all under the pretence of public service: which not onely enriched himself, but also his favourites patrimony: also he supposed that England might be within the line of his avarice; for he desired that some annual stipend might be assigned to him, and those of his party: but Qu. Elizabeth was adverse to his desires, being seconded by her counsel; which denial had the taste of an injury in Mortons pallet, so that he laid it to heart. Anno Domini. 1575. Whilst domestic dissensions took a little rest, the Vice-Roy Morton begun to cast an eye upon the public, fortifying Castles, performing many good acts, according to the Counsels, desires, the beautifying of the kingdom with inward and outward Ornaments of Market places, regal structures, palaces Courts, finishing with majestical magnificence his building at Dalkeith; moreover he subdued that part of Scotland which is adjacent to Ireland,& reducing the Aebudans to yield obedience to the Queen of England, he stops likewise all excursions into Ulster, admonishing the Islanders to forbear all acts of hostility against her Majesties subjects, or to intermeddle with the English government in Ireland. After this he summoned the Lawyers in Scotland to assemble,( under the specious pretence, about the restriction of robbing on the Borders) but the event was to consiscate mens esrates, notwithstanding all other pretences: but the discovery augmented his hatred, and diminution of authority. Thus whilst the Protector became vilified for his avarice, a sudden accident happened, which administered cause of complaint to the English, and had well nigh been a Leak to let in whole floods of war into the State: which was thus. Sir John Carmichel, the valiant governor of Lidsdale, Sir John Foster, governor of the middle borders; with the governor of Barwick, Francis russel, eldest son of the earl of Bedford, Sir George Heron, Cuthbert Collinwood, Henry Fennick; as also others of the Gentry in Northumberland, meeting on Redsquire hill in Ridsdale, on the confines of Scotland, where Sir John Foster there commander, begun to expatiate himself in the detriments which were incident to the English by the Scots, as that their goods were made booties: and after complaints made, there was not restitution; he insisted likewise on the delivering of all Fugitives. But Carmigell retorts his arguments on him, lays open the grievances which the English had brought into the Borders by disquicting them with plundering and spoiling. When these sharp soars were in dressing,( haughty spirits not brooking a haughty word) 'twixt chiding and striving arose a tumultuous hubbub amongst the Borderers, who had encompassed the Governours: in the dispute Carmichel was made Captive; Victory residing on the English brow; so that they took that opportunity to pillage the Scots of such things as were brought thither for sale; but while they gazed too much on plunder, and were hurried with temerity, the Scots surprised the victory: for they raising the country by their clamours, as they run through towns and Fields, gathered themselves into a body at Jedburgh; from whence marching towards the English, they made fury, and the sword hue a way through the sides of their enemies, to regain their prey: the number of the slain on the English part were many, amongst the rest Sir George Heron, Knight, Carmichell espying the defeat, made his escape to the Scots, whom he encouraged to charge home: the flying English, lest that they should make a safe and faire retreat. The governor Foster, Francis russel his son in law, Cuthbert Collinwood, Henry Fennicke, and divers others perceiving an escape impossible, accepted of quarter, who were carried to the Regent at Delkeith; He received them with all courtesy, and after they had entred Bond to appear at a certain day in Scotland, he sent them home with a safe convoy. But this disaster was no sooner arrived at the Court, by the wings of famed, beiug secouded by letters from the Governours own hands, then the Queens mind was lifted off the hinge of patience, and hurried away by the violence of anger: nor did Carmichell's fact so much incense her, as the Protectors ambition, or rather negligence, besides the Scots,( whom shee had next under God) reduced to their pristine liberty, dignity, and safe tranquillity, should against all law or right in time of Treaty fall upon the English; and to led away in a triumphing manner Sir John Foster, with that hopeful and illustrious noble youth Francis russel, who sought onely to escape out of deaths jaws: Nay after all this to the contumely of the English Nation, force a subscription, and delivery of pledges for their return, these were as so many goads to drive forward her already incensed mind: the transaction hereof put both the borders in a posture of war, which were ready almost to join battle: but Morton shewed his experimental prudence in accusing the English heady governor, who caused the multitude run into this offence, in beseeching her majesty not to condemn him, ere she heard him answer for himself, desiring her Highnesse remember his ancient demerits, and what great fires of trouble would have their being from this spark of dissension, and how it might stand with her Majesties honour to raise a war, which must be maintained with the blood of many of her loyal Subjects, and all for the offence of a few: but if Shee would not lend an ear to his humble desires, then lastly let her but look upon the common cause, which begs a defence of the peace betwixt the two kingdoms, lest that Scotland having a deficiency of Englands aid, might be necessitated to call in the French, that the hand of her benevolence towards Scotland might not be contracted by reason of this sudden tumult; he likewise declared that there was not any thing done by public consent, but 'twas the fact of the Commanders and souldiers as imprudence or fury had precipitated, after the receipt of a damage: besides it should be very perspicuous to her majesty, that ere time was grown much elder, he would do such good offices for her State, as might countervail those inconveniences already happened, and as for questioning the governor in Scotland, he answered that the President in Henry the 7ths Reign, was his apology: for when expiation of Sir Robert Carr ( that noble Knight and governor of the Middleborders) death was sought after, it was concluded that there should be a meeting held in Scotland, where the Governours had power to inquire after all misdemeanours, plundering, pillaging, and spoiling, and that to be performed without any dram of hatred or envy. But the producing of such a hoary headed instance, rather stimulated then repressed the Queens anger; for Shee supposed that this act of prescribing a place of convening, was a stain cast upon her honour, and that it rather flowed from the Regents arrogancy of mind then otherwise; and to remedy these injuries, Shee asks advice of the council-table which way shee should steer her course: some aggravates the complaints more then the rest, but all make such cruel and ingratefull indignities as were done to her Majesties faithful Subjects by the Scots, the subject of their exclamations; others again insisted upon the Regents haughtiness, in deciding the controversy in Scotland, but all of them concluded, that so sudden a tumult( not worthy the mentioning) was to slight a cause for wageing war. The Queen being overcome by the authority of such reasons tending to peace, as her counsel exhibited, likewise perceiving that a great storm might fall upon britain, arising from these fogs of dissension, Shee remitted the crime, and was reconciled, only requiring that Carmichell might bee sent into ENGLAND, according to the Articles before agreed upon. This though not without a certain reluctancy of grief, yet by a necessary compulsion was condescended unto. The Viceroy seeing hopes of quiet were not within a kenning by any other ways, then condescension, went to the Boundrod in the confines of Scotland to the queens Substitute the Ea: of huntingdon, where in most ample manner declaring the tumults great crime, freeing the State from any such act, and denying that the League made betwixt the two Kingdoms did oblige him to deliver up Carmichel, notwithstanding lest he should be thought author of effusion of so much blood, and raising so great troubles, he would deliver him according as the Privy-councell had advised, lest he of himself might do any thing prejudicial to the State. Carmichell was guarded to york, where he rather tasted the entertainment of a guest then of a prisoner, being afterwards dismissed with large rewards, and his return brought a return of his former honours, with an addition of Regency over the whole Marshes; the reinvesture caused him with a vigilant eye to overlook the confines, rewarding all freebooters& peacedisturbers with an halter for their labour, the rest being terrified by the punishing of offenders, left their trade of ●●●●●ng, stealing, and thieving. The English entirely affencted the Viceroy for restraining limitanean robbers. In this year the Preciscians forgetting their ministerial modesty, raging because no redress was had about their stipends, were so presumptuous as to utter what ever their fancy dictated, or act what they adjudged convenient, but the Regents remembrance of the Treaty at Leith, which was that there should not be any innovation in Religion, the King being in his Minority, stopped their mouths. In this year dyed James Hamilton Earl of Arran, and Duke of Castle-herould in Poitier, a Prince descended of the royal line, Grandchild to James the second of Scotland, after the death of James the 5th. which was in the vigour of his age, and Mary his daughter succeeding him in his Throne, had for her Protector; This James who was declared to bee heir apparent to the Crown, a man he was of a mild and tractable disposition, who was ready to embrace tranquiilty and avoid trouble, if that turbulent spirits and fawning friends had not dimoved his mind from its natural hinges, who more regarding their own ambition then his honour, drew him from his retired life to undergo the public government after his transvection of Mary Qu: of Scots into France, there to be espoused to the Dolphine, where he was created Duke of Castle-herault, and Captain over a troop of Horse, armed cap-apee: but after he had laid down the sceptre of his authority he took, was reinvevested with his former nature, being far removed from Courtly ambition: He was every way happy, so that he began to dote on the sweet running streams of Glott, and peaceably passing over the remainder of his dayes in the company of his friends and Favourites at his own house: but the boisterous Kingdoms disturbing blasts would not suffer him to enjoy his rest and quiet, for he that was of unblamable repute, of the royal blood, and renowned Ancestors, as much as in him lay defended the life and famed of Queen Mary against her rebelling Nobles: although George Buchanan the most renowned writer of Scottish affairs( whether his instigations were from his own malice or others I know not) interpnted this his mild disposition in a contrary sense, upbraiding him with imbecility and sloth. From this root proceeded four branches male, James earl of Arran, John Claud, and David, whereof three( being infected with an hereditary disease derived from their Mother) became frantic, John was adorned with mildness, and munificence left behind him a young twig, which excelled in inward and outward habiliments. Claud being the staff and hope of his family, ere that madness had seized on him, was fruitful in the production of many tender branches. Anno Domini 1576. The angry Commons and incensed Nobilities fulminations, nothing terrified the hated Vice-Roy from his money-getting way, but that he will make the receivers be account ant to a Boddel for the customs: his avarice was not locked up in the Exchequer, or Revenues; for setting the Citizens affections to sale; and trampling upon his own famed, he caused intermission of Commerce by reason of his immoderate exactions, and perpetual troubles. But lest he might appear secure, he set his thoughts on the public, expelling the Grames beyond the River Eske, and brought into subjection other Brambles which cumbered the kingdom; as for such Border-robbers which stolen onely to satisfy Nature with necessaries, or such as were fostered up in idleness and sloth, being nourished by the hopes of plunder, he labours to reduce those by the manual Trades of Husbandry, or other employments: and in all parts of the kingdom inflicted punishment upon offenders, restraining others from the like misdemeanours by the magnitude of punishment; he placed Garrisons on the Marches for the restraint of incursions, which the Borderers made, and robbing of travellers; he placed likewise Garrisons on the Frontiers next England, for the restraint of any sudden commotion: constituting Archibald Douglas earl of Angus, the top branch of that family,( whose youth was condecorated by the sweetness of his Genius) governor over the Marches, who lest he should be branded with remissness, marched strait way to Dumfreis, hindering the Annandailes Incursions, compelling the ring-leaders to swear obedience and fidelity after that they had delivered pledges, he received them into favour, so that he settled peace, and managed the rest by delicates while he returned to the Protector: the long tract of secure peace had so mollified the turbulent and disquiet spirits, as that they either betook themselves to execute civill affairs, or feast themselves with the banquet of peace. Whilst these things were in agitation, his bosom friends, and the earl of Angus, whom modest ingenuity and innate comity adorned, denounced apparent ruin, heavens vengeance, and ingruent dangers to the Regent, unless he would exonerate the communality and Nobility of those insupportable exactions, which would bee an unspeakable comfort to all, whose continuance would be cause of Civill war: but he being hitherto dandled in Fortunes lap, madly neglected their desire, answering the Nobility with envy, the Commons with contradiction, seeming not to fear the Moon-like face of variable Fortune, who never gives kingdoms of felicity, without Empires of envy. Morton whom power, wealth, and honour had made sublime, yet was set out as a white for malice to shoot her arrows at, by the inconstancy of fortune, whose recreation it is to tumble the highest stones lowest: or by his own negligence who had metamorphosed a moderate government into pride, and avarice: every mans mouth now is expanded in defamations, as against one who had practised unlawful pleasures, fornication, adultery; nay in one word to say all, all kind of wickedness: his lust brought forth the child of covetousness, which gaped, and with an ardent longing after the Citizens estates, he called an assembly of Lawyers, which rather had an eye to the greatness of the Fee, then the goodness of the cause, so that you might have heard more men condolling for the extraction of their estates, then of their blood. I will not commemorate the many exactions of money, which were imposed by the rigour of Law, the more prudent were always against such gain, because they produced hatred; but whatsoever famed may pratle, 'tis evident as the sun in his length, that he was more servile to his avarice then anger, that the most rich were his prey, that his judgement was more directed by the heaps of gold, then heinousness of Delinquents crimes; that the least offences many times bore the greatest punishments; that he faithfully observed the League with England; that he caused money of the greatest value to be coined; that he adjudged 'twixt opposites with all equity, and that he honoured Justice, and Piety: those things he performed for the public good; other things were acted as private malice dictated, which made demurs in his magnificent performances: his eyes sparkled with anger against the whole race of Hamiltons, whether innocent, or nocent, besides that hereditary hatred they bore to the Douglasses, he dreaded them as fatal enemies to him, according to the warning given him by an old prophetical rhyme, admonishing him to take heed of the earl of Arran, which dignity long continued in the flourishing family of the Hamiltons: but he supposed that danger was privately denounced by the Hamiltons, the mayor part whereof he banished, who stepped aside into England; but his human machinations would not divert the punishment so divinely revealed, for he being by James Stuart earl of Arran accused of high Treason, was beheaded, as shall be apparent in the sequel: he summoned Calen Cambell of the Noble Family of Arguile, a man of a sharp wit, to appear on such a day; upon which he not appearing, adjudged him to be proclaimed rebel: Arguile affirmed the judgement was illegal, since neither the place or day appointed stood with his safety in appearing, neither did it appertain to the Vice-Roy to adjudge of such matters: this incited Arguile to let loose the reins of his anger, supposing he had now got opportunity to suppress the Regents pernicious and intolerable power. He therefore with the earls of athol and Montrosse, who were of a combined society, accompanied with a great retinue went unto the King at sterling, where finding him with a small number of attendants, they drew up a Remonstrance of such grievances as the Vice-Roy had imposed, to the diminution of the Kings power, painting them forth in contumelious colours; they were seconded by such friends, and fit instruments as were then resident at Court, few of Mortons Favourites were present, nor those who were present could excuse such heinous criminations and blots as had been objected: all rather dissimulating his virtues, commemorating his delays, and iniquities, his multitudes of exquisite delapidating arts, and his defatigating the country by Taxes; but the more prudent Nobility persuaded them not to disturb the kingdom by taking up arms, since such things might be redressed more conveniently by treaty. But Arguile would not cease to inculcate, and that with great li●our and malignity Mortons accusations, for waxing proud by reason of the trust he was invested in. The King with a childs modesty answered, that neither he nor his counsel could judge of a cause, until they had heard the matter agitated; and to that end he dispatcheth Letters 'twixt ambiguous fear and anger unto Morton, that he should with all speed repair to the Court, there to answer such things as should be objected against him, concerning the managing of the Kingdoms affairs. Morton considering that there was no safety in going alone, did therefore a long while protract his appearance by various delays, calling his friends to counsel, which was the best way for him to steer his course; divers were their opinions, according to the diversities of his Favourites ingenuity: some, as if fear had taught them language, desiring him to have respect unto his own security, lest his Regency, which he could not long retain: others again; seeing the disssention 'twixt him and Arguile was civill, that it might be by some reasonable conditions accorded, which if it could be effected, they proposed it as a more safe way: this opinion was generally received of them; as that moderate men were employed to make up the breach 'twixt the Vice-Roy and the earl; they importnately importuned Arguile to desist from further accusing, and to betake himself to his former friendship, but he was deaf on that ear, unless that Morton would voluntarily resign up the Regency; the Protector perceiving the hatred of Arguile to be inexpiable, and that the matter was not to be transacted by friends, he separates himself from his enemies power, pondering with himself how great a fall it was to have a cadency from majestical magistracy, to live a private life. In this boisterous tempest the Preciscians, whose pursuit was always after innovation, knowing that the histories authority was daily vilified, they publicly anatomised his words, acts, and counsels. He commanded the Arch-Bishops of Glascow and St. Andrews not to show obedience to the Synods decretals: against which command the whole body of the Clergy( as I may so speak) bent their forces, exagitating in the Pulpit his avarice, luxury, and lust, which were very delightful to the Auditors ears: hence arise an alienation of the Commons and Nobles affections from him, who had administered cause of offence to many of them. The men that stood up in his defence, were only the Ea: of Angus( who was allied to him by blood) the most renowned of the Douglases, and Carmimichell with his armed troops, who exhorted the Protector valiantly to subdue the Commons to his authority, for the establishing of Religion, preservation of his dignity, and retaining of his posterity: thus Carmichell seemed to foment war, detesting in most opprobrious manner the pride and arrogancy of Arguile, as the sole disturber of the public tranquillity, unless Morton would divest himself of that most envied title of Viceroy. But the Protector could not condescend to Carmichell in this, least that any cause of a war might be administered, telling him that he reposed more confidence in his innocency then in magistracy, to reverberate the poisoned darts of his accusators: and withal said, how that it even pierced his reins to hear that his magistracy and authority was contaminated by the tongues of men so prevalent in the Pulpit and Convention, seeing he had exhibited himself a most strong defender of Religion and Ecclesiastical Order, that it was his whole endeavour to establish Religion in that form which the Primitive times had used, to elevate men as their learning and piety required, to have the word of God sincerely taught by able men, to cause unity flourish in the Church: but these disturbances threw all off the hinges in Scotland. Anno Domini, 1577. King James being defatigated by the quotidian complaints and supplications of Arguile( yet lest he might be thought to enterprise th● least matter without the Nobles advice, or which had not presidence) called a Parliament, summoning the Peers to appear at sterling upon the 10th. of M●rch, where he proposed the injuries& complaints of Arguile to be examined: but the Viceroy in that he had not potency to swim against the stream of his enemies faction, determined to be as sent both from Parliament and City, that so the State might not be molested, nor this meeting produce tumults, and to this purpose sent Archibald Douglas Ea: of Angus, John Glame chancellor, William Ruthen Treasurer, and John Harris baron, with Instructions to demolish such structures of criminations as his enemies had erected. Those of the more prudent Clafis bent their whole endeavours to reduce the factions, to embrace concord, and couserve the Viceroys dignity the high flown disposition and fierce hope of Arguile, could not descend to the matter propounded, so that the way of Treaty could not reconcile so potent Antagonists. Arguile in a full House of Lords and Commons, commemorates the Protectors unprecedented decree against him, appealing therein to His majesty and Nobles, defiring them to divest Morton of his office, proceed against him as a public disturber, and cause of all these distractions. He no sooner had sate down, then Angus whom indignation had incensed, prostrating himself at the Kings feet, humbly desired His majesty to give him leave for speaking in the defence of the absent Protector: hereupon His majesty conferred with the State, commanded him answer what he could; he then undantedly complained that Morton( a man every way deserving of the weal public) was opposed by an army of calumnies, which speak in no other language then untruths and envy, next he exposed to their view, how much of danger was eminent if Arguil's haughty contumacy went scotfree, who had so often contemned His majesty and the Regents authority, who was either ringleader or confederate in many civil commotions, in those parts of Scotland adjacent to Ireland: he likewise requested the Honourable houses not to be too credulous in any matter against the upright innocent Protector, nor yet suffer defamations, or any unjust criminations which maligning spirits might produce to his harm, but rather counterbalance them with those his many and inestimable demerits( whereof they all could attest) for which the Common-wealth stood engaged to him. The deprecators& Nobility of the adverse party were more prevalent with the King, then the objected criminations; amongst other things it was voted to have him deposed: hereupon the chancellor Glaymes desires the sufferages of all the House, and in fine, he declares that by Vote Morton was to relinquish both Magistracy and Jurisdiction: thus the fortune of one hour overturned the felicity of many yeares. After this the Nobility then present ( lest by procrastinations new uproars might arise) desired His majesty to writ to Morton how that he might be as advantageous now to his own security, public tranquillity, and the Nobilities request as heretofore, when he was invested with full Jurisdiction and Regency, dispatching the Chancellor Glaymes, the Treasurer Ruthen, and the Lord Harris to the Regent, for the obtaining a voluntary resignation of his Protectorship which might appease the emulators fury, who could not brook the altitude of his potency; and upon his abdication of Regency, the King promised to discharge him of all accounts concerning the Protectorship: the alternate letters of His majesty and the Viceroy are extant. Morton expending his own potency, and the power of ingruent fortune, fearing lest an addition of contumely should be incident with the amission of his estate, to the no less envied then laborious title of Regent, desiring to spend his hoary age in private security and quiet, having got his quietus est, of so well a governed Common-wealth, the public faith being by His Majesty interposed for security, which he would confirm at his arrival at 21. yeares of age: He delivers up his Regency in the presence of Glayme, Ruthen, and Harrais councillors, withall delivering the Crown, sceptre, and the other regal Vestments to the Earl of Angus, with command of a presentation therof to his Majesties own hands, which was performed in a great convention of the Nobles, who with an extrajudicial cry professed his sidelity, and being authorised by Morton, and the rest of the Nobility, invested his majesty therewith, who having not yet attained to the years of youth in this turbulent& miserable season, took upon him to sway the sceptre, proclaiming that the solemnity of his Coronation shonld be celebrated at Edenburough, which was most welcome news to the people, and joy to the whole State: In this concourse Morton by his pleasant smiles, filled the Edenburgians hearts with ineffable joy, protesting that he did not relinquish his authority which was conferred by act of Parliament for any imbecility of mind, or his adversaries potency, but he spontaneously had delivered it up with all fidelity,& obsequiousness, for the public quiet, after his resignation, 500. Gentlemen, with a multitude of others guarded him home, who extolled his care of the public good; thus Mortons authority was extinct by the sun-rising hand of his adversaries. The Nobles assembling at Court, do institute Trimestriall councillors, who were to propose to the council-table whatsoever his Majesty was to negotiate, and these men were to be elected by the Parliament, always to be ready at Court to direct and protect his majesty in all consultations and authority, for the King did not do any thing either public or private, but such things as these assistant Nobles, who as Tutors, should approve of; such as were chosen enter upon their Office at sterling, and Clientwise they execute their quotidian Offices, being probationers of the young Kings behaviour, indoctrinating him how he ought to demonstrate himself a Prince and Patriot to his country; the three months of their function being at an exit, others of the Nobility, whom prudence and virtue had given Supremacy over the rest, were constituted Guardians, with the like authority as was granted to the former. In the interim Morton devoid of dignity, began to wallow in the mire of pleasure, sometimes reposing himself at Dalkeith, other whiles enjoying such delights as the banks of Bodotry or Fife produced, where he was accompanied with young spirits of noble extract, over whose Nonage he had constituted Guardians. The above mentioned Commissioners were again sent unto Morton, who had the fruition of a more tranquil& solitary living in his retirement at Dalkeith, where they declared His Majesties and Councells pleasure to him, not once dreaming thereof, that he should deliver up the Castle of Edenburough with all the Appurtenances which he had received, and also the stamps for the coinage of money; he upon the hearing redelivered the stamps: in the business of delivering the Castle, he was backward; the Delegates no sooner perceived Mortons procrastnations then they declared that the place was not for tergiversations against Princes; withall desiring him to beware of anger and impetuosity, and to cast his anchor of hope rather in the equity of his cause then in arms. But the Commissioners receiving no answer correspondent to their desires, departed, commanding the Edenburgians to do their endeavour in preserving the city from detriment, in looking to their own and childrens safeties; hereupon the Citizens set a most strict guard with a prohibition of public and private relief to be allowed for the Garrison souldiers. Hence issued a greater flood of division twixt the castilians and Citizens then before: this grew to a tumult, in which were slain some few of either side, but many wounded, because the uproar was without any leaders: at that time it so fortunately happened that George Douglas was both governor of the Castle and Provost of the City, so that he with the four Bailiffs at length appeased the people for that time, until the memory of the slaughtered was a whetstone to set a sharp edge upon the Edenburgians, so that they surrounded the Castle. The State being put into this turbulent posture, Andrew Earl of Rothese, Ruthen treasurer, and the Lord Harris were sent with instructions to Morton from the King and council, to admonish him to relinquish his pertinacy, and that his too much confidence reposed in one Ca●●le should not incitehim to run the hazard of a dubious and unnecessary w●r which might cause the common peoples affections to be estranged, and their hearts ebulliate envy against him; whereupon he consults with some of his friends about the delivering up of the castle: but the Commissioners returning to sterling, related to His majesty what had been incident. Much about this time David Lindsey Ea: of Crawford, and John Leon earl of Glaymes, Chancellor( men whose birth made them move in an high sphere) were Dissonants, not Consonants: the discord arised from a controversy about their bounds, and fostered by envy, and abitter emulation twixt their followers, insomuch that they were at deadly feud. Glaymes for his paciferous ways, merciful judicature in the civil Law, prudency and moderation, was held in great repute; the other being nervous by his strong affinities of noble descent, and great achievements, his elegancy of behaviour, magnificence,& riches, advanced him to the title of Craford; but as his life was inquinated with luxury, so Glayms his dayes were adorned many, and those egregious honours being a pattern of gravity and dignity. It so fortuned that an unhappy altercation was incident at sterling twixt their Followers, which came to that height that a hubbub was made, in which Glayms was slain by a bullet: He no sooner was dead then the dignity of chancellor was translated upon Athol, one as he succeeded in place so according to the common account in virtue and prudency; the atrocity of Glaymes death, excited the mindes of most well minded men: but above the rest Thomas Leon was a most eager young gallant to revenge his Uncles death, over whom was constituted a Tutor, who striven to make fire and sword avenge his and his Families injuries, making many devastations into the Lindseyes country, nor less bitter was the endeavours by the adverse party. These depopulations arriving at Court, caused the King by the authority of his council to dismiss Delegates, which might declare a cessation from further acts of hostility, so long as the matter might be descided by law. In conclusion Craford being apprehended, was cast into prison for the death of Glayms; yet by the earnest and ardent desires of the Nobility, not long after was safely dismissed as he returned through Angus, the Inhabitants congratulated his freedom: this was like a new fuel to inflame Glayms Tutor unto so vehehement anger, as that Craford all his life was glad to stand in a souldiers posture. The deposing of Morton exalted the precisian hopes, in erecting the Genevian Discipline, and diruating the episcopal wealth, so that Pastors, deans, and Superintendents should rule; these mens endeavours had been furstraneous by the procrastinations and delays of the Viceroy, while the King was under his protection. Upon this a Synod was held, wherein the cherishing of faction was more agitated, to the prejudice of his royal majesty, then matters of divine Worship: there the Ministers decreed that the Regency of ecclesiastical affairs should be managed by Superintendents, declaring that Bishops ought only to take care of one Church, not execute ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, relinquish Episcopacy, and omit the dispensation of divine duties. The King by the interposition of his Councells-authority, withstood the Synods decree, by revokeing the business to his own breast. In the conflict about the prelatical Jurisdiction, the Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrews was the valiant Champion to defend their cause and dignity, beseeching with more then fiery zeal, that the dignity whose institution was divine, whose power for so many ages together had stood inviolated in the Church, might not now suffer shipwreck by this precise party. But the adverse cause had for their captain Andrew Melvin, a man famous for Divinity, yet give me leave to say his precipitate mind and anger overswayed his prudency: he vindicated an equality in the ministerial function, and liberty in the Church, admonishing the Bishops to be of humble and meek spirits, neglect riches, not to follow the stream of the times, hungering after wealth and power, nor let pride or arrogancy domineer: for Religion and the true Worship of God would bee shipwrecked unless men took down their top-sailes of pride, insolency, arrogancy, unless they would cast overboard their lugga●● of riches, power, and honours; remembering that naked they came into the world. But his Majesty could not away with Melvins proceedings, because he withstood the prelatical dignity, and arrogantly endeavoured to pluck the Plumes of the Churches ancient authority, seeking to erect a Statue of honour from the ruins of the Bishops disgrace. Thus sick and ill disposed was the Churches estate; and although the precisians were prevalent in number, yet there was not wanting Nobles who stood as pillars to uphold Episcopacy; the King having communicated the business to his counsel, and hearing their determinations, made answer to the Antiepiscopall men, that he would himself govern the fainting Church; that they ought to infuse and instil piety and subjection into the peoples hears, abstain from innovating any thing, to follow peace and concord, reverence Bishops, and not be authors of dissension in these tempestuous dayes: this answer being given, there was not any to whom it was not conspicuous, that the Authority of episcopacy would rather be augmented, then diminished whilst his Majesty was at under age. Thus the matter was crushed by a hand of moderation for the present, so that no other remedy was to bee had but patience, when all hopes of reducing the Clergy to accord was relinquished: it seemed good to the King, and his most renowned Nobles to declare their determinations about these present distractions, and admonish the Clergy not to make any further progress in the division: the episcopal party answered, that they were ready to submit to his Majesties command, but their Antagonists were altogether refractory; continually after in a furious manner ensulting over the Bishops in their pulpits, as if they arrogantly more eyed their own commodity and profits, then their sheeps safety: an arrogant act of ministers: for what can be more arrogant, then for an ordinary Clergyman, to teach the Bishops in matters of Religion. Thus you see many and vehement were the Contentions 'twixt Melvin, and the Arch-bishop of St. Andrewes; the Arch-Bishop answered Melvin,( who contumaciously and haughtily railed against Bishops in the open schools) with such an ex tempore eloquence, fervency, and gravity, defending the honour and dignity of Prelates, as that he easily attained the applause: Melvin after this neither would, neither was able to encounter with the Archbishop in public, in that he saw himself overcome by eloquence, but strived to contaminate his life by a satirical Epigramatizing, stirring up the peoples hatred against him, omitting nothing which might any ways diruate the Bishops authority. This bitter way of preaching, excited the tempest to that boysterousnesse, as the Church of Scotland was almost overwhelmed in the Kings Minority; for it laid a gap open for all dissensions to enter in. Anno Domini. 1578. George douglas, base brother to the earl of Morton, being denudated of all aid which might manage the Castle of Edenburough, knowing likewise that there was an irreconcilable hatred fostered in the Edenburgians against him, he begun to fear, least that the sight of the Garrison souldiers should rak up the coals of revenge in the Citizens hearts, and cause them burn to the height of a Plebeian commotion, to avoid which he dismissed his men by a devious postern; after that delivering up the Castle, with the Ammunition, Furniture, pearls, Jewel, and Robes unto Alexander Erskin of Gogaran, whom the King( in that he saw modesty, honesty, and fortitude advanced in his soul) made to be Lieutenant of the same: he both for his own memory, and others satisfaction, took an Inventory of such things as were left in the presence of Ruthen, Treasure, the Lord Lindsey, and Alexander Hay public Notary. The government of the state being a burden too sad for the Kings tender shoulders, caused a Convention of the Nobles to be summoned, to consult about the administration of the kingdoms affairs, which was put into the hands of the most renowned, the Earls of Arguile, athol, Montrosse, Catnesse, the Lord Lindsey and Harris; to whom were adjoined an equal number of the most eminent Clergy, and men of especial note about the Court, Ruthen Lord Treasurer, the Abbot of Dumferlein, Secretary, George Buch●nan, Keeper of the Privy Seal, Murrey of Tilliberdine Comptrouler of the Kings house, James Magill Master of the Roll●s; and they were to continue in their places until his Majesty arrived at maturity of age: these men as skilful Pilots steered with such art the Common-wealth, as that for a while matters succeeded with more serenity: their ears were open to hear the complaints of the poor, whose faces were grinded by the tyrannous oppression of the mighty, and under their wings they shrouded themselves: many other laws were made as pillars to confirm the state of the kingdom, amongst the rest, whatsoever Grants, Charters, Letters Patents, Immunities issued from his Majesty, not having approbation of six of his counsel, and the Subscription of the Lord chancellor, were to bee of no validity. In these tempestuous blasts appeared that preheminent vigilancy and industry, which athol Lord Chancellor had over the weal public; the execution of the laws were his exercitations, his Princes safety, created him watchful; and he gave many demonstrations of an egregious and faithful counsellor; and that the rather because the earl of Morton, who having eased his shoulders of the burden of the kingdoms affairs, not swimming against the streams of envy and fortune betook him to his retirement at Dalkeith, where he disburdened his body from labour, his mind from perturbation, being no ways molested by any Court ambition, affirming that the administration of the state matters, and domination over terrene businesses was an Atlantian imposition: and these were no Claudestine speeches: yet the sting of his injuries still yielded so much purulant matter, as that his machinations were privately to foment and foster suspicions amongst those of noble extraction, making their divisions his gain; and to accomplish his ends, he encounters with that thrice noble and famous young gallant John earl of mar, with no superficial craft; for he told him that his uncle Alexander Erskin,( who was grown great by the additions of Fortune, and the Princes Education) did exclude him from all hope of honour, so that it stood him in hand to be no more a Dor-mouse, but as the top branch of that noble Family, to awaken, lest these privileges purchased by his Ancestors hands should be deposited in his Uncle, a thing inconsistent with his felicity: the words of Morton, who for his singular prudency was esteemed both by the Commonalty, Nobility, and Clergy an Oracle, were prevalent over the novice spirits of this young Nobleman,( who had a Genius ingenuous, above the ordinary level) so that he became incensed against his Uncle Alexander Erskin, because he had without any respect shewed to the earl of mar, behaved himself as the chief of that Family, and usurped the Princes Tutelage: this active gallant takes his way towards sterling with a train of friends and servants of no small number, not at all declaring whither his intentions tended; but presently possesseth himself of the Castle, apprehends his Uncle Alexander, who either was taken at unawares, else betrayed by some of his followers; so he laid down his Office of governing the Castle, and Prince at once. The earl of mar likewise acting rather by force than counsel, detrudes Arguile from his Trimestriall observance, and to those of his servants who were superlative faithful he committed the Castle: in this Commotion there set a star,( I would have said) the gallant and illustrious son of Alexander Erskin, falling into a violent Fever; or if the conjectures of others may be of authority, the resentment of his fathers calamities penetrated his soul so deeply, that he departed this pilgrimage. This subitaneous and boisterous disaster being carried abroad by the wings of famed, caused the Nobility& counsel to meet in a hostile manner at sterling, where four dayes were spent in deliberating about the public quiet, and the Kings safety, whose age delivered him into the hands of others to be ruled. Arguile as plaintiff lays his Bill of injuries done by mar,( who onely was Mortons instrument) hereupon mar was summoned to answer such crimes as were objected against him; but his noble descent and demerrit of Progenitors did purge away this act of green impudence; the King and the counsel prevailed so far with him, as that he studied to preserve the public tranquillity, as also to quash all occasions of intestine discord, and civil broils; the counsel strive to reconcile athol, Arguile, and Morton, mar, and his Uncle Alexander, appointing twelve men, chosen by both parties to determine the controversy, the Commissioners composing the differences were men of more than ordinary authority, who met at Edenbrough, there to define and decide the variance according to the rules of Law. These disputes 'twixt Uncle and Nephew were laid aside by the determination of the Arbitrators, which was, that the young earl of mar should be held the most noble of that Family, should solely bee governor of the Castle of sterling, and Guardian to the Prince, according as his Ancestors had been: but if he should go to his grave, not leaving any issue, then the honor to be translated unto his Uncle: for the present, Alexander was to keep his Regency in the Castle of Edenbrough: as for Morton( although he was dejected, and involved into misery by the precipitate fury of Arguile and Atbol) yet he would have condescended to any reasonable conditions of concord. Thomas Randolph, whose many Legations had made him exquisite, was received into Scotland with the smiling face of the kingdom: his ambassage was a congratulation of those rare and various ornaments of so miraculous ingenuity which were conspicuous in the King at such an age, he commemorated the many endeavours and favours issuing from his princess the Queen of England, withall he demonstrated to athol, Arguile, and Morton, how that nothing was more desirable then concord and public tranquillity nothing worthier detestation then discords and dissensions, which by devastations and solitude, swallowed up the beauty of alliances, families, towns, kingdoms: he did therefore by a more then superlative ardency beseech them to let all these private grudges arising from hatred and envy to run the race of oblivion: his last request was, that Arguile would restrain the Islanders from sublevating the Irish with further aid, provision, and ammunition: but this last desire appeared in the species of an unjust request, because Agnus and James his brother, Lord of the Isles; and Surly Boy, or Charles, who from a mark in his body was surnamed Yellow, being descended from the Mach-Onales, were wafted over with a great strength of their followers into Ireland, and possessed themselves of that part of Clandebois, adjacent to the Isle of Racline, which they supposed to belong unto their ancestors and the Family of Mac-Donalds; they performed many valiant achievements, and bloody disputes against the inroders in Ireland; but Shan O neal slaying Agnus and James, so excited the Family of Mac-Coneales, as nothing but the blood of Shan O neal could quench the flames; Donell& Agnus of the same Line, reassumed Arms, and seize upon Clandeboy, as an heritage for them and their posterity, causing their swords enter controversy with the English, not without cadaverous and ambiguous events; nor did they sheathe their swords until her majesty of England assured them of their possessions in Ireland: this caused Arguile sand aid privately and furnish the Irish with all conveniences to prosecute the war against the English. In the interim the Deligates consult with his Majesty, for a reuniting of the Nobility( if by any means it might be affencted) the result of their consultations was, that the day ensuing, the Antagonists should convene in the middle way 'twixt Dalkeith and Edenbrough, where when both parties came, Monton with a guard of his friends, A●holl and Arguile, with three hundred expert horse-men, after salutations ended, they all went at the entreaty of Morton to Dalkeith to dinner, the next day brought them to sterling: in the way they were met by a conflux of people, which came from the neighbouring towns, to congratulate their amity; nor was the Court imitating his Majesty, inferior, in rejoicing at their entertainment, and while they were yet coming, thanks flew into their breasts, the heavens being filled with acclamations of alacrity. Mortons prudent behaviour and sweet moderation was an attractive to draw the Kings approbation: so he had him in more high esteem: nay the Commons, as if treading in the Kings steps, adorned his brow with the wreathe of praise. He in the interim being not ignorant how turbulent a storm of envy approached, engendered from those ruins of malice, harboured in the Nobilities hearts, did what in him lay to attract unto his faction by the Load-stone of favours, riches, potency, by conferring Court offices, and public preferments on divers persons, his haughtiness was grown to the height, that he could no longer dissemble it, but abolished the trimestriall vicisitude of ruling, and now he will trample upon the neck of his adversaries, foaming with anger, rusheth headlong to his own ruin; thus he added fuel to the sparkles of malice which was not defunct, but rather raled over with ashes in the breasts of Arguile, athol,& Montrosse: He challenged the second place after the King to be due to him at sterling, usurped or rather monopolised the steering of all things; This irritated the leaders of the adverse party so far, as to draw up a most bitter satirical complaint against Morton. How that in administration of affairs he had behaved himself like a libidinous, proud, covetous creature: that he who because he sold himself over to avarice, was degraded from Regency, now by Serpentine windings strives to obtain a continued Magistracy, that he usurped his Majesties authority by Act of Parliament taken from him, swayed the sceptre in the interim, abolishing the constitution of serving the Prince by course, enervating the authority of public counsel, that his breast might bee the Oracle on which the Prince might solely depend for counsel and authority: they proceed likewise to let the Privy council and select Nobility understand how that his arrogance and violence were inconsistent with legitimate magistracy, desiring not to suffer such unjust power to sway: but if he should contemn the Kings minority and councils authority, then they would be propugnators of such wrongs; But in conclusion the Citizens were desired to take arms for the bringing to condign punishment such as strive to enervate the force of Parliaments, which was the Subjects freedom, against such as had demolished the trimestriall vicissitude of giving counsel, and solely usurped authority over the Kings majesty. His Highnesse was at a stand, not knowing to what this swelling would ptove, however his royal resolutions were fixed on a meeting to be held in July following, which He divulged by letters, summoning the peers and the Antagonists to appear in Parliament, where they should expect Justice. The place for convention was Edenburough, where many of the Noble Order were assembled, who secretly enter Covenant one with another: this arriving at Mortons knowledge, he determined to make fractions of that whole Parliament at Edenb. which derived its authority from the weak age,& constitution of the Prince, affirming that the place was destitute of pleasures and health, that sterling was a place more commodious. Arguile, athol, and Montrosse the Innovators, proposed the contrary, that such of the Nobility as assembled at sterling did not legally congregate, that Edenburough the place appointed was pat for the business in agitation, that the meeting at sterling where the earls of Morton and mar recided at Court, were full of armed souldiers, that the concourse of people might open a gap to their enemies, so that there could not be any security for life or free agitation, when surrounded with fears of an overawing power: besides this was an offront offered to the mayor part of the Nobility, who had chosen Patrick Lord Lindsey as a Commissioner to let his majesty know thereof. The Kings answer to their Remonstrance was, that he would take care of the Nobilities security if they came to sterling, by putting the Citizens in a defensive posture against any subitanious commotions or accidental violence, so that jealousies of an overawing power should be taken away. But the time for meeting grew near, and according to their wonted course the peers were summoned to give their Votes in the Court of the Castle at sterling, not in the Common hall according to the usual course, al there present accorded without reluctancy in matters of Religion, and the true worship of God: there deliberations were unanimous and extrajudicial in affairs of State. The Edenburgian Nobles decreed to declare by their Commissioners Montres and Lindsey, that the convention had in the castle of sterling was against the fundamental Laws and ancient prescript, nor was it legal, withall protesting that what ever was there acted, to bee illegal, disorderly, and of no validity, seeing the mayor part of Peers was absent for fear of death. The Delegates coming to sterling caused a sudden and frequent convening of the Nobility to hear what Propositions were brought: where the Kings Highnesse being adorned with his purple robes, sceptre, and other majestical Ornaments, answered that it was not material in what part of the city they met, in that care was had of his safety against any approaching ruin, that the Court was ready to entertain any, exclude none, that their not convening in the common hall should be no prescript to posterity, that none went about to prohibit his moderate Tutelage, but he enjoyed the same liberty, which was granted to his Ancestors: that it was his sole desire not to innovate any thing against his Predecessors laws or institutes, nor enervate the authority of Parliaments, nor yet revoke the houses suffrages, that which the Parliament had proposed to his Majesty, or which the States ordered, the same ought to be established; that it was unjust to suppose the opinions of some few should countervail the votes of the whole house, for no other cause then inane Jealousies which their guilty consciences dictated; Lastly, he demonstrated that all Acts had passed legally and rightly, approving the Parliaments authority by open proclamation, and commanded that Montrosse and Lindsey should be under free custody, separated from the commerce of all, to impede colloqution and negotiation of councils twixt them: but Montrosse made his escape by the Keepers fraudulency( notwithstanding divers horsemen) were sent to prosecute and bring him back. he upon Eagles wings posting to Edenburough, where in the convention of the Nobles, he declared their eminent dangers if prevention were not had,& force resist force, so that such injuries should not be unrevenged. The fomentors of these stirs put themselves in a posture of war, the Families of Humes and Cars siding with them. Having consulted what was to be acted, they raise forces, and imploring aid of their Allies, Attendants and friends, they march forward with some troops of horse and foot, promising them pay, declaring that their taking up arms was to set the King at liberty, restore the Nobilities dignity, and the kingdoms safety and liberty. The Kings majesty although begird with this sudden commotion, yet undauntedly declared by Mortons advice, that unless the chiefs of that faction would lay down their arms before such a day, let them expect to be dealt withall as common enemies to the State. These as cracklings of thunder nothing amazed them, who courageously prosecuted their enterprise, villif●ing an Herald sent to them and his message, rending the Princes letters, so that they make a commixture of divine& human things. On the contrary, Angus, mar, and Morton do the same for their own defence at sterling, besides many of the Nobility come thither upon the consideration of their Princes safety, and their own affection with a great Concourse of the Commonalty. Athol, Arguile, Montrosse▪ and their friends with 10000. armed men, pressed in their march many High-land men or mountainers associating, pitched their tents in an open field nigh the chapel Nary. The next day Kennedy the chief of that Family, and Berganie, with 400. gallant horsemen conjoin themselves, the Nobility would not move further, having greater hopes in the besieging of sterling, then in its oppugnation. But Angus in whom was deposited the chief strength of the Kingdom, marched before with a party of 500. horse to scout out and take all stragglers and pillagers, thence arise a light skirmish twixt the horse, while Mar and Morton leading up the Army, consisting of a promiscuous multitude, encamp themselves in the fields adjacent to sterling, obstructing all passages, and keeping strict watch: this done, the troops retreated. One thing is memorable, William Tait a fierce man of Tevidale, desirous of honour, challenged James Johnston servant to the Lord Glayms, a man whose valour was found true upon the touch-stone of experience, who embraceth the challenge, causing his spurs give an alarm to his horse, couching his lance in his rest, rage was so prevalent in the encounter, that either sheathed their lance in the others body: Tait being Deaths prisoner, fell from his horse, the lance( as if detaining that his Masters Antagonists should survive) being fastened to Johnstons thigh nigh the horse, overturned him. While this tragedy was on the stage, Sir Robert bows the English ambassador intermitted no time to mediate a peace by his progress and regress twixt the opposites, sometimes beseeching the Nobles to commiserate their own fortunes, and look back to His Majesties incolumnity; after a long time spent in debate, it was concluded by this intercession lest fraudulency might issue from the fomentors, or lest the armies might forage, both parties were to disband, only some few horse were to be kept on foot for restraining the Borderers from plundering: Arguile, Montrosse, and Lindsey, were selected Privy councillors, and eight men were appointed Commissioners to determine the controversy amongst the Nobility, to nominate the Governours of Edenburough and Dumbarton Castles, to reduce the Nobility to their lustre, and to preserve the laws and customs of the kingdom. Thus when the armies were ready to drown each other in blood, peace as the common good for all Scotland( in her white robes) appeared, but its continuance was momentary, notwithstanding the promulgation thereof by proclamation in the City royal: the Nobles hereupon take their journey to Edenburough, that their faction might be confirmed in strength, by the access of the Families of Gordones, Lindseys, and Barons in Fife, the High-land men depart home. In the interim His Majesty, whose desire was public serenity, bends his news to pacification, admonishing the chiefs of either party that jars and dissension were ill beseeming Privy councillors: and to consummate the discord, He proposed these Lords to be Moderators, Lindsey, Harris, Ogilby, innerness, for Arguile, Rothesse, Buchan, Ruthen, and bided for Morton. The Commissioners neither seeking excuse or delay go about the conjunction: after a long debate held at sterling, it was concluded, seeing dissensions were obnoxious to the Nobility, mortiferous to the Crown and State: on the contrary peace was the onely safety of the kingdom: The Nobles were not only to extirpate dissension, but consummate the war, so that in stead of malicious enemies, they should become friends, and in stead of mortal enmity there should be immortal friendship. And although there was not omission of any thing advantageous to concord, yet the breach could not be repaired, for Arguile knowing Morton's insinuations was so obstinate as no conditions would be embraced, unless the other was debarred of all commerce with his Highnesse; Whereupon Morton perceiving himself unable to grapple with the Nobilities envy, and defatigated by the procrastinations of these present troubles; having taken his farewell of the King, departed the next day, many of his friends bringing him to Dalkeith. Afterwards he allayed the furious animosities of his adversaries by the lenitives of prudency, and moderation, assuaging that execrable hatred with virtue and observance. The matter now was in that posture, as that the supporters of this controversy were become friends, and their Retinue even sought opportunities to congratulate each other, ten men were select for further conference, the earl of Montrosse, the Abbot of Newbottell, Sir James Balfour Knight: Thomas Kennedy of Bergany and Peter Hay were constituted for the earls of athol and Arguile: for Morton were the earl of Buchan, the Abbot of Dumferlin, the Lord Boyde, Sir John Gordon of Lothenwar, Knight, and James Halliburton of Dundy. The place for Convention was at the Church of Innernes, the time was likewise agreed upon: after some days the Delegates met in the adjourned place, where they were environed with a great multitude of their friends and followers; the next day they returned to Liberton,( in that it was conceived placentious) where the day was consumed in deliberating, but yet they could reach no harbour; the next adjourn was to Newbottell, where at last they struck anchor in the haven of Concord but because the principal parties were absent, there could be no transaction to the full: It was concluded that Morton, athol, and Arguile should meet at Leith without any weapons, where after an interview there passed a most benign and human congratulation, having obliterated all dissension caused from diuturnall jars, they communicated themselves each to other at a public banquet, an act producing an unspeakable gladness of the Commons, and no less joy of his majesty, who having his kingdom once again in tranquillity, called a Convention of the Nobles at sterling, where He congratulates those who had been studious to cause domestic dissensions and intestine factions to acquiesce; This royal act of thanksgiving inflamed those noble spirits to discuss what ere might be commodious for his plaintiffs safety, authority, and dignity, his families magnificence▪ and splendour. The Lord of the privy council to sublevate the indigency of the Kings coffers, declared by Proclamation that the Kings coin should bee of greater value, this was overbitter a potion for the Citizens to digest, who had learned in the school of experience that the augmentation of price on silver, induced the augmention of price on victual, and vendible commodities, besides greater detriments would ensue to the Kings revenues, Exchequer and patrimony; but the Lords threatened to imprison such as refused obedience, yet the fears of prison could not deter them from obstinate contumacy, upon the neck of this Proclamation issued forth another to proclaim them Traytors which refused, the terror hereof caused obedience, this austere course was fathered upon Morton, in that he had tried all ways to raise moneys. The precisians would not suffer their plea to fall this year, being invested with a perpetual and constant desire of overturning the Prelates, for the Bishops had not prevalency either in authority, or favour to withstand so numerous opposites, according to the desires of these precise men the Parliament first handled Religion, enacting that all his Majesties subjects should profess the reformed religion,& wholly extirpate Popery; and the Statutes made in the Protectors regency for its establishment were decreed to stand in force. This year Margaret Douglas yielded herself to the coacting laws of contraries, a woman of a Princely majesty, in the 63. year of her age, descended from Henry the seventh, for Margaret his elder daughter was assigned for the imperial Crown of Great britain, and by the applause of the Nobles and Commons betrothed to James the fourth, of whom sprung James the fifth. After the candle of James the fourths life was extinct, Margaret who was his espoused, took to husband Archibald Douglas Earl of Angus the flower of the Scots Nobility, by whom shee had Margaret Douglas at Harbotell in Northumberland, Matthew Earl of Lenox married this Margaret, he was a man of renowned Progenitors, who having left France, came into England, where Henry the 8. adorned him with unparallelled honour, for besides the large possessions he invested him with in York●shire, he obtained for him Margaret Douglas his Sisters Daughter; from the conjunction of these two great Stars, Henry Stuart Lord dearly issued: this Henry took to wife Mary Stuart Queen of Scots, allied by consanguinity before, which Mary brought into the world James the sixth King of Great britain; this most zealous and thrice noble Lady had the checkers of good and bad fortune, which posterie will memorize for external lineaments and internal ornaments egregious; Her descent was regal, the fruit of her womb and their numerosity was no less. While King Edward wore the crown in honour, but novercating Fortune( lest this Lady should be oblivious of mortality) overshadowed her fair heaven of prosperity, with many inconveniences of human frailty: Shee was Supervisor to 8. of her Children thrice imprisoned for affecting Loves, not for any crime against the Crown or State: the first was with Thomas Howard the Duke of Norfolks son, whose ardency in love was so violent, as that he wanted ability to alloy the perturbations of his mind: the next cause of restraint was, that her son Henry Lord dearly, had entered a conjugal tie with Mary Queen of Scots, the last was by reason of the marriage consummated twixt Charles her younger son, and Elizabeth Candish Mother of Arbella; thus the chased and legitimate law of Matrimony contruded this most faithful woman into prison( where shee was more sensible of the adversities then prosperous estate incident to her own Family) this act of imprisonment was rather supposed to proceed from the indignation then dignity of queen Elizabeth: yet after the perpetration of her Sons murder, the Lady Margaret enjoyed her liberty: but the repute which had risen from virtue was permanent, not that which was daubed over by infelicity. Shee was invested with supreme honour, her exequies were solemnized at Westminster, where her bones were entombed amongst the Kings of England, an elaborate Sepulchre, an heroical Elogium erected; Shee left behind her a Nephew and a niece, James the 6. and Arbella. About this time His majesty sent the Abbot of Dumberlin to congratulate her majesty of England for her mutual affection towards him, for her desire of peace and concord: after the congratulation was ended, he desired Her Highnesse to re-establish the league of edinburgh, to cohibite the tumults upon the confines, to compress all machinations against Religion, to make restitution of such goods as had been violently taken by the Bordering robbers, to perpetuate the amity between the two kingdoms, and if it were possible to connect them in a more restringent tie of Covenant. Lastly he desired as heir apparent the ancient patrimony of the house of Lenox in England. The Queen answered Shee was ready to grant any mutual league for the tranquillity of either kingdom, and security of Religion: but as for the patrimony of the Earl of Lenox, it was of more difficulty then to expedite in so short a space, besides it was a matter fit for consultation; seeing the ambassador had demonstrated by many arguments▪ and historical examples, that the King of Scots was Heir by an undoubted title to his Ancestors patrimony, and that was the proper patrimony of his majesty, which was a sustentation for his negotiations; whereupon he earnestly supplicated Her Highnesse that the estate conferred upon the Kings Ancestors in the County of huntingdon, successively by the Kings of England, should not be denied his majesty which was her near Kinsman. After a long debate queen Elizabeth remitted the business to Her council, they to divert the ambassador from it, required the States of Scotland to give assurances that the K. while He was in His Minority should not enter or renew league with any without the queens knowledge thereof, or solemnize matrimony, or be transmitted out of Scotland; to these proposals the ambassador gave response, that his Commission reached not so far, but the patrimony for the present was not restored, yet her Majesty put him in hope of reaping the profit. Anno Domini 1579. The Earl of athol Lord Chancellor in the Infancy of his yeares, by reason his disease augmented its vigour at Kincarn, was detained in a Village belonging to Montrosse, where not long after he yielded nature her due, the anxiety of his mind brought him to his exit, or a delaying and consuming poison took him hence, according to the supposition of some( which I rather credit) in that all the symptoms and paths of poison were apparent in his cadaverous bulk; the obsequies were celebrated by a convention of tears, multitudes, and a banquet at Edenburough in Saint Giles Church, where all the ceremonies conducing to honour, were executed: upon the Tomb stood the Effigies of a pelican delacerating her breast with her beak to give the young suck, intimating that he was ready to sacrifice his blood in defence of the kingdom: the suspicion had of Atholls death fell sad upon his corrival Morton. Hence was it that after the solemnization was consummated, grievous contumelies were injected upon him, and Athols Lady even wearied with a more tedious sorrow, sends forth sad complaints, in fine an apparition of reconciliation appeared twixt his accusers and him. Arguile one who suspected and abhominated the thoughts of his friends death, succeeded him in the place of being chancellor. The King although mild towards his Nobility, yet was inflamed both by instigations of Morton, and his own anger against the Hamiltons for the slaughter of his Grandfather Linox, and earl of Murry Regents, as also for other notorious crimes abolished in the year 1573. This much honoured family Morton determined, since they were dimoved from Court, to follow them with fire and sword; and now that Morton saw his corrival athol to be re-entered into the earths womb, he began to dilate his malice in remembering affronts, and seeking to revenge them; and as it became him, sought to secure himself, opposing in an hostile manner the grand enemies of Lenox. John& Claud the most glorious Stars of the Hamiltons perceiving that the enemy surpassed them in number, determined to secure themselves in strong holds, but remembering that a sudden irruption might circumvent them, they desisted, choosing rather to trust unto flight and nocturnal shades. The Earls of Mar, Angus, and Morton marched with their allies, retinue, and souldiers into the Hamiltons possessions, the rest of the Nobility and Citizens according to the councils decree, were to sand aid▪ the earls sent forth parties of horse, to give the Hamiltons an alarm, and so provoke them to fight, but they durst not so much as fall upon the stragglers; hereupon they laid the parts adjacent to Glot wast, burning houses and plundering the country, approaching close to the Castle of Hamilton, planting their pieces,& stoping up all passages, the place was fortified both by its natural site, and strong Garrison: but yet the Defenders being impatient to endure a siege, desire pardon, and onely leave to depart with their lives: the Abbot of Driburg was presently dispatched to his Majesty at sterling, who answered him that it became him not to treat with men who by treachery, unhumanly butchered his Grand-father Lenox: but they ought to be esteemed as men already condemned for guilty, and begging life upon the delivery of his Majesties answer to the besieged, there arose a great strife about the delivery up of the Castle betwixt the guilty and innocent: but while they disagreed within, Sir James Hamilton, surprised the Castle of Drefson, putting to the sword all such as withstood him; and the earl of Glenearnes son, cutting of the watch, possessed himself of Paslet: thus the race of Hamiltons was circumvented, sub-planted, and put to the sword by the treachery of inhabitants, and domestic dissensions: for these losses drives them into such straights, that seeing their deploreable condition, the guilty desire to surrender themselves up to his Majesties mercy, who onely caused some of those that were actors in the parricide to be executed, and their goods confiscated, the residue were pardonned: thus the King shewed himself equally merciful and just: he kept Garrison in the Castle to suppress any insurrection. In the interim, John and claud, the sons of the Duke of Castlebraull, seeing no safety to consist in arms, and the Kings forces to be in several places, fled forth of Scotland for fear of Anguse, mar, and Morton: when they had reached a place of refuge, they take counsel whether it were better to try the mercy of the French or English, although Queen Elizabeth was great with anger against the Hamiltons, for siding with the French Faction; yet the sublunary vicissitude, and renown of their Progenitors, excited her Majesty to give them an harbour and refuge for the weather-beaten Boat of their fortunes: and she sent Master Errington unto his Majesty; earnestly to intercede for them. Tell me, did he ever come forth of his mothers womb who to behold those miserable objects of a most strange fortune, with their dear wives, and sweet children following them, would not have burst forth into commiseration? and were they not the more to be pitied, in that they rather choose thus to bee afflicted then raise Civill war in their country, which surely they might have done. Much about this time, did Mary Queen of Scots, being now an Exile, desire her Majesty of ENGLAND in some convenient time, to take into consideration her miserable condition; and if neither consanguinity, or her being born a free Prince, although beaten out of her kingdom by a detestable Rebellion of Subjects, could not move her, yet let pitty prevail to suffer her reign together with her son, which she supposed would be an unparralleld act of clemency. But these her petitious, and humble obsecrations, could not revoke Queen Elizabeth to lenity and commiseration, in that having consulted with the Scots, they made answer, her liberty would involve their Nation into a most sad and destructive war; for she would labour to revenge the injuries done her, diminish the young Kings authority, and change the State and Religion. The Queen of Scots being commoved by the grief falling from such hopes, earnestly entreated the Kings of France and spain not to suffer her who was allied to them by Consanguinity, Nobility and degree to perish in prison: but to revenge these indignities, late Rebellions, and plundering of her Subjects; these motives were prevalent with the Kings, who fostered a hope of restoring her to liberty and former dignity. Secretary Nay a French-man, was immediately dispatched into Scotland with Letters, and private Mandates from Queen Mary, where he arriving, required to have admittance into the Kings presence, to consult about the state, and condition of his mother: his Majesties counsel having red the Title, running thus: Queen Mary to James the sixth Prince of that Name, stormed vehemently thereat; insomuch as they would neither entertain those haughty Letters, nor messenger; both because that instead of writing to the King, she had writ to the Prince, as in diminution to his authority, especially seeing the King was lawfully enthroned by her consent. The Messenger notwithstanding pertinaciously assevered that the power of Regency was in the Queen Mothers hands: the Privy Counsel therefore determined to remit him answerlesse, unless the queen would rectify that fault, and writ to the King of Scots; which if she denied to perform, shee might surcease in hoping to receive her desires. The Monsieur being hereupon irritated, incon tinently departed: The Queen of Scots understanding by him, how there was no way to impetrate any thing, unless shee renounced her Title, subscribing not onely to her son but also to his Majesty. The Court was spread over with notorious libels, which spoken sometimes Poetically, otherwhiles Oratorically, besprinkling Morton, and other Illustrious Nobles with Obliquie. The Authors of these spurious brats were one Turniball, and one surnamed Scot, who after judgement past on them, were executed in the Marketplace of sterling, after an unusual manner; for the custom was to punish libelers, either with temporal banishment, or confiscation of their estates. Morton by vindicating his quarrel in this more severe manner, became odious. These things thus in agitation, there came into Scotland amiss Stewart, Lord Obigny, so called from Aubigny, a village in Aquitaine, who was lineally descended from Lenox, being the son of John Stewart, brother to Matthew earl of Lenox, who in the Kings minority was Regent: this amiss Stewart was supposed to have been sent over by his near allies, the Guises, to subvert Religion: or as others thought, Montrosse and Arguite sent for him to overturn Mortons authority: or at least to break the Truce 'twixt England and Scotland; he arrived at Leith, where his Majesty commanded that he should be received with especial honour, and so in great state he was carried to edinburgh; from thence to his Majesty at sterling, where coming into the Presence Chamber, he prostrated himself, desiring the King of Heaven to bless his Majesty with perpetual felicity: No sooner did the young King see him, but in that he was so near allied in blood, of so renowned a Family, eminent ornaments of body and mind, took him up and embraced him in a most amorous manner, conferred on him presently a rich inheritance; and that he might be employed in state-affairs, elected him one of his honourable Privy counsel, Gentleman of his Bedchamber, and governor of Dumbarton Castle. But this Trumpet of famed being heard over all britain begot envy, especially because Obegny attracted the Scots to the French amity, and attempted to revoke Thomas Carr of Farnihurst, a faithful servant to the exiled Queen from banishment: You may be pleased to look back to the original and discent of Lenox in France, John Stewart of the same Line, in the reign of Charles the seventh, when open war was proclaimed 'twixt England and France, transported an Army over for their aid; for which he was created Master of the Horse, in a conflict at Bauge overthrew the English, so that he won a possession in Barry or burgess: in the reign of Charles the eighth. Bernard of the same house was held in great repute for prowess shewed in the Neopolitane war, subduing Italy, and vanquishing Alphonsus King of Arragon. Indeed hath any Historian sufficiently collauded the worth of this man? but he having no issue, he conferred his estate in France upon John Stewart his cousin: after him were John and amiss, both valiant, if their times had called for proof thereof; both took their repose in the Civill war. This man was of a mild Genius, if the Chariot of his mind had not been driven by violent persuasion, he was ready to relinquish troubles: his fidelity to his sovereign, was unblemished, love to the Nobles great, Fortunes darling for three yeares, afterwards the subject of hatred and domestic troubles: to say no more, he shewed himself worthy of his Progenitors, and family of Lenox. His Majesty summoned a Parliament to be held at Edenburough the thirteenth of October, where he resolved notwithstanding all mutations of weather to be in person; nor indeed could the rain, storms, hideous blasts, and lowering heavens dimove him from undertaking this necessary journey: upon the way from sterling to edinburgh, he with his Nobles and followers were so weather-beaten, that it was night ere they came to Limnough, where lodging that night, the next day they came to edinburgh. And on the first day of the Parliament, he being invested with his regal Bobes, bravely mounted, rid in great state through the City to the Parliament house, the Nobility and Clergy according to their degree going before: thus was his Majesties entrance into the Principality solemnized with great splendour, the imperial ornaments were supported by Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angusse, colen Cambell Earl of Arguile, Robert Steuart, earl of Lenox. After these came his Majesty adorned with the rays of imperial glory, his Retinue, and servants waiting upon him: This rare spectacle was an attractive to draw the multitudes eyes after it; so that they follow the King with clapping of hands, venerations, and prosperous wishes: ascending his tribunal, in few words he briefly declared to the Lords, having taken their places, that this concourse of the States, elevated his soul on the wings of alacrity, seeing it tended to the establishing of the Common-wealth, that he was conscious how his Nonage administered occasion of Commotions, that he reposed his chief hope of tranquillity, peace and concord in their wisdoms. Lastly, he calls God to attest that his intentions aimed onely at the preservation of Religion, Subjects safety, and kingdoms security. The Parliament first cast their eyes upon Religion, enacting that those solely should bee esteemed Members of the true Church, who professed that form of Confession agreed upon in Parliament, 1567. And agree to the Prescript of administering the Sacraments in act and will; that no Religion was to be esteemed orthodoxal in Doctrine and Discipline, save that the Scots embraced, in the present. The Nobility were not to transmit their sons into foreign Countreyes, unless having a warrant from his Majesty: which obtained, the Travellers were to oblige themselves both by oath, and subscription, that they would observe inviolably the Doctrine and Canons of the Church of the Church of Scotland; that every Family should have and retain a Scottish Bible. The power of Ministers was likewise confirmed to preach the gospel, administer the Sacraments, to censure mens behaviours, and chastise Delinquents, the Discipline erected publicly by Bishops and the Super-intendents su●●ered diminution, although as yet no synodical act had passed for their abolition. The next thing agitated was that of the Hamiltons; many of the Nobility demonstrated the equity of their punishment, returning his Majesty thanks and praise for his care had therein, John and Claud Hamilton whose veins flowed with Noble blood, and other fifteen of especial note in that family, upon the discovery of the murder, by a general Vote were held Rebels, for the death of Murrey and Lenox Regents, to have their Estates confiscated, which were no less delicious then fructiferous booties. The next Scene which came upon the Stage was the donation of Paslet to Obigny, and Arboth to mar: There were not wanting some, who even burning with anger and revenge, excited his Majesty utterly to abolish the name of Hamiltons and the chief of these men was Morton: but the King having more respect to his honour then their fury, would in no wise condescend to this unheard of cruelty, supposing it rather fit to apply such Remedies as the laws prescribed. There was a Remonstrance delivered to the House concerning corrupt Judicatures, depraved Judges, favour, bribery, covetousness, that the laws were invalid; nor indeed could they suppose any use of Law, seeing that the chief Judges had their judgement in their own breasts, and the laws extended not to the punishing of Wives or Servants corrupted with gifts. The Parliament to augment his Majesties Treasure, revoked all annual pensions, which were conferred on divers persons in the Kings Minority. The Donation of the earldom of Lenox translated to his Uncle Charles Stewart was revoked, and by Act of Parliament conferred upon Robert Stewart, brother to his Grandfather who willingly resigned it to Obegny, being afterwards earl of March: Obegney was first created earl of Lenox, afterwards ascended to the honour of Duke. The State thus constituted, the Hamiltons repressed and condemned both by Law and Act of Parliament, the King at his coming to the crown, won the hearts of his Subjects by his Religious behaviour, strict economy, faithful followers, and rewarding of careful Guardians; so that with great Festivity he returned to sterling to recreate himself, where Lenox begun to be very remarkable, in that he received into especial favour James Stewart of Okeltry, who had shewed himself in Holland a very venturous Commander, although of a violent Genius; and William Stewart that valiant Field Marshall, whom I have mentioned in another place. He likewise obtained a Pardon for Carr of Farnihurst, although Morton strived earnestly to hinder it; who coming back was not unmindful of Lenox his late favours, and Mortons inveterate injuries, beginning to fan up very cunningly the sparks of Discord. But now while Lenox ingratiated himself into the Kings favours, his enemies privately endeavoured by vulgar rumours, and Plebeian malice to make him odious, reporting that he machinated the destruction of the Protestant Religion, subtly promoved Popery, weakening the Kings faith: nay, some popular men were so bold as to say in open Pulpit, that he was sent by the Guises to overthrow Gods worship, foster the French Faction, and disturb the kingdom. These hideous complaints, that the Court harboured upstarts, who were ready to sacrifice the kingdom, and Religion: in the Kings unexperienced yeares, so moved his Majesty, that after consultation with the most of the eminent Clergy, he selected some few of them to instruct Lenox in the true Religion, conjuring them by their Allegiance and fidellty to lay aside all private grudges, and unfeignedly endeavour his Conversion. They returning his Majesty humble thanks fortheir election, ascertained the K. that they would endeavour what in them lay to perform his highnesse desire; and Lenox promised himself to be ready to hear them. Their congress was daily at edinburgh for conference; the Controversies fled to the Scripture for authority: the Conclusion was, that Lenox, whose soul more hungered after truth then contention, yielded to their persuasions; so that in presence of the City Magistrates, and prime of the ministry, besides a great conflux of people, he changed his faith, renouncing the papal superstition, and embraced the Reformed Religion, confessing his former errors; and for this Religion he would fight; for this he would exhaust his veins: nay for it he would lay down his life. Although this act was pleasing to his majesty, and mayor part of the Nobility, yet blind envy, the daily companion of fortune, ●eased not to detract from his virtues, corrupt his honours; and blot him with dissimulation. Hereupon his Majesty was more moved, so that he was careful to declare his integrity& confession of Faith; to which afterwards he and his menial servants, and those of his Nobility, whom blood had advanced to great dignity subscribed, that the more confidence might bee reposed in his officers. In the Interim Obigny taking his journey towards his majesty, residing in sterling, spent some few dayes sportingly in quiet and rest, besprinkling the Kings carriage, disposition, and ingenuity with the French garb, instructing him in field exercitarions of horse and foot, so that the King rides the great horse to the delight of all. Much about this time Ruthen married his Daughter Jane to the branch of hope the earl of athol, many of the Nobility solemnized the nuptials at Perth: their celebration in banqueting almost arrived at prodigality, the harmony of voices, sound of Flutes and Trumpets made all the City echo, the eyes were delighted with pictures, the ears with delightful songs. The vulgar beholded the detriments of 'vice, masques, sights, and elegancy of banquets: thus was the old national parsimony changed insonsibly into riot and attire; external luxuriousness creeping in the shape of humanity. Anno Domini. 1580. While Scotland took her rest, a blast of famed from an unknown mouth was noised abroad, that Morton Machinated to draw His majesty into England; he being bespotted with these sad desamations, strives to assoil himself at sterling, harbouring an implacable hatred against his enemies, presenting his majesty and the chief of his Nobility with a grievous complaint, as that being circumvented by forged calumnies, he must take his leave of the Court for a time, not because of any guilt in him, but lest the redintegration of contention might flamme forth into public destruction. The author who had laid those snares he knew not: yet this he knew, that who ere he was, he was no other then a liar,( a word as bad as a dart to a Noble-man.) His majesty being molested with these doloreferous complaints and devious rumours, strives to compose the matter, lest that sedition might get head, imputing all fault to the rude multitude; withall, telling Morton that he ought not to be troubled at such an idle and improbable report: besides he was not suspected of the least fraudulency or attempt. When Morton was almost appeased, Argaile his ancient emulator began to reblazon this report, intimating to the council-table this bold enterprise of transmitting his majesty into England: but this weak assertion having no other staff for support then his word, was overthrown by the bare denial, which he durst not prosecute for fear of incurring an ignominious taint, so that he desisted from any further progress, having already received a check for his malevolency and hatred. Queen Elizabeth hearing that Lenox, Mar, and Athol were elected privy councillors, was much troubled, especially that Lenox who was known to be a devoted vassal to the French King, and born in Aquitaine, should be a privy counsellor, which made Her fear the ●●●●●●ation in Religion, and disunion twixt the two Nations. The tempest had now been turbulent a long time, and those whom Her majesty of England had sent to acquaint Her how affairs stood, spread grievous reports. Peaceable Lenox( whose sweet disposition I have mentioned else where) seemed to employ his wit in promoting James Stuart to be Guardian to the Earl of Arran, who had now been 15. yeares mad, and likewise to be captain of his Majesties guard: his desires were not frustrate, for he was made Guardian over Arran, and Captain of the Guard, which no sooner obtained, but then he possessed himself of the Isle and Castle Arran and Kinvell, and othet riches belonging to that Family, committing many and turbulent outrages without all law or custom; To give you a short Character of him, he was a lewd, ambitious, harsh, and indiscreet man▪ composed even by industry for terror and astonishment, insolent, immane▪ and haughty, he could not brook a free word or look, by nature fiery, of a souldiers constitution, being more imperious then the turbulent spirits of the Scots could endure, he would have a ●●nger in every thing, causing his tenants subject themselves to his cruelty, libidinosity, and avarice, he assailed the Nobility with no less livor and malignity he was odious both to them and the Gentry, daily augmenting their anger by the ●imerity of his Genius, and violence of judgement: he would often among his intimates threaten destruction to some of the Nobility, retaining a catalogue of their names who were designed to death or exile: when he disinherited the Nobles fidelity, then he kept a guard about himself, placing every where in the fields parties of horse: he questioned many men of good rank by interrogatories concerning their life, fortunes, reputes, after an unusual manner of proceeding. And now being secure by reason of the turbulence and heartburnings amongst the Nobility, he laid a foundation for his potency, converting all his care and cogitations to enrich his treasure and set his estate in order, but yet he durst not ascend to the height of his design before he had supplanted Morton; When the Common-wealth was in so great an amazement, and tottering condition, all things being steered by James Stuart of Okeltry, the Ministers beseech and invoke God( the revenger of pride and cruelty) to rain down imminent judgements upon him. Morton being of a bitter& fiery nature, was not able to brook the haugty domineering, and unlimited power of this yesterday ambitious creature, in a free kingdom. He began therefore to see if by any means he could circumvent him; but in that he had not sufficient strength to divert the fury of discord, he only for the present excited the Nobility, repositing his indignation for a time; but the fire of domestical discord could not be hide: for one who was privy to Mortons design, hasted to James Stuart, who no sooner heard him up with the constitution of his Genius being pride, then he began to fear, lest he might be reducted into order, leaves no way unattempted for the prevention of Mortons plot: nor was it long after that James Balfour, one whose nurtriture was discord and sedition, and a cunning sour of debates among men, returned into Scotland, being not more desirous to accuse Morton for injuries past, then for his exile. he produced a schedule which was subscribed by the Kings Parracides, and signed by Morton: and as he rashly brought this to light, the light glimmerings of these rumours shone to her majesty of England, who feared that Religion might bee eclipsed in Scotland, and so by consequence the national league would be broken, and an occasion of putting the Kingdom in a military posture. Shee therefore could have desired to have seen Lenox( being one that was no Favourite of her Faction) less in authority, favour& potency at Court, and her womanish fears being augmented by the report of Mortons depressing, and the low ebb those that favoured the English were at: besides Balfour was made governor of that invincible Castle of Dumberton, which stood near an arm of the Sea upon the banks of Glot, a very commodious Haven for the French to land: which was probable since Balfour came to transport the King into France; Upon these and the like considerations Shee sent Sir Robert bows Treasurer of berwick presently to acquaint her majesty therewith, in what condition the kingdom stood, and how the Scots were affencted to the English, to accuse Lenox as one who had done his whole endeavour, to deliver▪ the King, kingdom, and the Subjects of Scotlands liberty into the hands of their enemies: That he had solicited his majesty,( contaminating his green yeares with ill counsel) to alienate his affection from the Queen of England. Sir Robert bows being admitted to the council-table, where showing his letters of trust to the King and council, refused to expostulate any further concerning the purport of his ambassage in the presence of that known Favourite of the Guises Obigny: and lest delays might be obnoxious to public proceedings, he desired that he might be removed, whose presence would hinder any free consultation. But the council answered that his demands were unjust, and his desires to put out one of the privy council, without the least specification of any crime, was a thing not to be embraced. They desire further to see his Commission, if he had any such direction from Her majesty of England, which he refused to show; whereupon he was dismissed by the votes of the whole council Table, as an ambassador without Instructions, nor could His majesty be induced to do otherwise, although counseled by some few, because the whole council had so datermined. Sir Robert bows aggravated the not hearkening to Her Majesties salutiferous council, tending to the peace, concord, and common good of both kingdom, and omitting his duty in taking leave of his majesty, departed out of Scotland. But his sudden and precipitate regress was seconded by a progress of Alexander Humes of North-barricke, who was sent ambassador into England to excuse the matter to Her Highnesse, and not ●ndeservedly to return the contumacy of violating her ambassadors office upon the head of bows, who upon the demand of seeing his Instructions,& that at the Covncel-Table, denied to do it. The queen being highly displeased at the great neglect of Her majesty, and her dignity, and the contempt offered to Her ambassador: that Shee might repay like for like, remitted Hume already freting thereat, unto the Lord Burley, who at that time was not only of her council, but one on whose poles of fidelity and industry, the dignity and honour of England was moved: the Lord Burley gave him to understand how unhonourably bows in his ambassage had been used, a gap being laid open to discord, that the most sacred law of Nations was contemned and violated: with a great sense and sorrow prosecutes the contempt of majesty, removing the blame from off the young King, who was steered more by others then his own judgement, and imputes it only& wholly to those his evil councillors, unskilful in the law of ambassage: who to cury favour with the common enemies to both kingdoms, neglected equity and justice, their old duties, the Covenant and league established, but rather made breaches of amity twixt the two Princes, fostering them with hopes of new friendship, casting themselves headlong again into the French servitude; by name he accused Lenox and Ja: Stuart, as desirous to extinguish her Majesties favour with the King; besides he expostulated of the daily incursions of robbers from Scotland, which molested the borders, and in the last place adorned Sir Robert Bows the English ambassador with what Encomeans, Words, or praise could speak. Hume on the contrary attested with great ardency, that for his own person he had always been most desirous of a perpetual peace and accord twixt the two kingdoms, having observed what fidelity or diligence could expect, all those offices of humanity; That her majesty had denied him audience or congress, which was an indignity not only offered to himself, but to the King his sovereign: Withal he admonished Burley to remember as that he was elected a councillor and faithful adviser of Her majesty, so those councillors of their neighbouring King was not unskilful, but ought likewise to be esteemed faithful and Wel-wishers to his Majesty. The residue of his speech was complaints of the ravenous English borderers, and calumnies of the English ambassador. Much about this time were the nuptials of John earl of Mar, and the Sister to the Lord Drumond solemnly celebrated with a great confluence of friends: he for authority, grace, offspring, riches, and potency, was so prevalent, that no Earl in Scotland could run paralled, nor was his hopes of posterity less then himself. A secret fire of contention was kinled in the bosom of Ruthen Lord Treasurer, descended from the height of honour, and of no less potency in his retinue, and of the young Lord Oliphant, whose dignity and love run equipage with his opposites. This altercation arisse from over licentiousness of language which past twixt their Followers: the dispute began to be so hot, as one of Ruthens servants was slain,& he hereupon fled from the imminent slaughter. This accident put the council-table into a posture of great care, lest that they should assemble their friends and Followers suddenly to bang it out bravely, which made them take the controversy into consideration; they found that the tumult arisse from both parties. Oliphant and his Followers being contaminated for the fact, and frighted by the fear of punishment, betaketh themselves unto flight, sending their advocates to desire his Majesties pardon: many of the Nobility interposed their authority, lest by these unhappy distempers the Common-wealth should be disjoined: but the fire was not so soon quenched, and to augment it, Mortons more favoured his kinsman Oliphant then Ruthen, his most intimate friend; hereupon grew that envy and hatred which was mortiferous to both. But let us look back upon James Stuart Guardian to Arran, who domineered over the lives and fortunes of very upright men, supposing that there was now nothing to establish his potency, save the eversion of Morton: and having knowledge of that tacite heartburning which was betwixt him and Ruthen, he added flax to his sire by disjunction and subtle practices, offering himself to bee at Ruthens command: thus by dissimulation he catched him in his net, who stood him in good stead, for hereby wrestling with these distempers grew enraged: and ere he had well premeditated what to object, upon his entrance into the Court at Holyrude house, with a doleful countenance, affirming before the counsel in the presence of his Majesty, and chief of the Nobili●y, that Morton was worthy of death, as being guilty of Treason, insatiable covetousness, and of murdering his late majesty. he likewise accused Archibald Douglas of Wittingham, as an actor therein. Upon this accusation Morton was commanded to be diligently kept in the Palace: others were sent forthwith to apprehended Archibald Douglas, but he well knowing in what condition he stood, and affrighted by the fear of the times, or of punishment, took the opportunity of that night to fly from his own house to England. Morton being guarded with a great multitude of followers, was lead prisoner, first to edinburgh, then to Dumberton, where he was attended on by divers troops, and men of espe●iall note, as the earl of Glencarne, the Lord Seton, Robert Stewart of Orkney, the Tutors of Cassill, Bargany, Lochenwar, Coldinknowles, and Manderston. The day of his trial approaching, the Family of the Douglasses were great with rage, that so Noble a spirit should be oppressed by one of a dayes production: the earl of Angusse, Mortons intimate friend, and kinsman was grieved at his detaining, he with five hundred horse, leaving nothing unattempted,( laid in ambush to intercept him in his journey, and threatened Lenox with fire, destruction, sword, and banishment, if any greater punishment should afflict Morton. To prevent all plots hatched by the Douglasses his journey was hastened, but Morton would in no ways condescend to their endeavours, rather restraining their tempestuous designs, as one who confides more to his own innocency, and the Kings clemency, then their precipitate courses. Those Subjects that had behaved themselves valiantly and untaintedly towards their country, were mindful of Mortons demerits; and deplored their present condition, which proceeded from immoderate liberty kept at home: others there were, and those not a few, whose Natures abhorred peace and quietness, either being effected with some injuries done them by the Protector, or with his condemnation, or other tempestuous storms, hoped that this new form of sovereignty would effect somtthing to satisfy their desires of revenge, or exalt them to some higher Dignity: James Balfour, who was either Engenier, or actor in all the Scottish troubles, Thomas Carr of Fernihurst, and Manderson, exited by the Banishment of the Humes of Coldinknowlls, and by other private injuries, proffer themselves as adjutors to the Guardian of Arrane, whom they admire, accompany, obey. But few there were of Illustrious extract, who voluntarily came in unto him, or any of a good repute, which did not tremble at, dread and fly from him as from some savage, and inhuman creature, because he exercised his imbred severity upon the poor, or such who did not effect his money-racking way to manage his affairs. In these black mists, the jesuits, and Popish Priests stolen into Scotland, labouring of intestine sorrows, that they might promote Popery, re-erect and confirm by their presence the drooping spirits of such as were Popishly affencted, and endeavour to innovate matters in the State: the ring-leader of this crew was John Dury, who undertook to be a shield in defence of Edward Campian, that English jesuit, against those strokes of John Whitaber, who gave occasion to the Ministers of England to enter the lists in matters of Faith, as shall bee conspicuous when wee come to speak thereof in its place. But to return; her Majesty of England sent Thomas Randolph, Post-master general, ambassador into Scotland, to divert, if either wisdom or prudency could effect it, the Cloud of destruction hanging over Church and State; and to solicit for Morton, whose life and repute was in very great danger, to sand away the Duke of Lenox, an Antagonist of the English Favourites, and elevate the mindes of such whose affections were concentricall with them. Randolph shows his Commission from the Queen to his Majesty and counsel, making splended recital of those many demirrits done to King and kingdom, even when FRANCE sacrificed her whole strength for her destruction; but the kingdom of Scotland by Gods blessing upon the English Forces, had pulled her feet out from the French tyranny, and was at liberty; he insisted, likewise, that those ties of Consanguinity and Religion, were sufficient Motives why she should strive to preserve him; for all which merits she desires that Obegny, the endeavourer to subvert the Reformed Religion, ruin of ancient Families, the private and public object of hatred; and as it was apparent by the intercepted Letters of the Bishop of 〈◇〉; that he onely stayed for opportunity to innovate matters of State, should be exterminated the kingdom, that Morian who was accused for the Kings death, should bee tried after the usual manner, that Archibald Douglas might be questioned without racking, that Jews Balfoure, lately returned into his country, being guilty of murdering the late King, and for many yeares had been a fomenter of all uproars, might be imprisoned; and he accused Lenox of the same crimes. To which his Majesty gave answer, that for his Kinsman, in whom he had not found any crime; he was ready to satisfy the Law when ere he should be brought to his trial; but it stood not with his honour to condemn a Noble man without suffering him to pled his defence, or giving audience: but thus he seemed to question the liberty of the kingdom of Scotland, more then the reports or deeds of Obigny; as for Morton he need not fear any punishment, before that he should be tried by his Peers, concerning the crime whereof he was accused; and Archibald Douglas, who had set at nought the vigour of Judgement by absenting himself, should have liberty to free himself from those most foul blots; but as for a prescription for future punishing, he could no ways condescend thereto. Lastly it was unknown to his Majesty, that James Balfoure was actor of so many out-ranges in his Dominions: And having thus said, Randolph earnestly desires the Nobles to beg Mortons life of his Majesty: but being denied, when he saw Prayers would not prevail, he menaced open war. But the ambassadors fulminations did not at all deter his Majesties generous and sweet mind, who answered, that the fortune of a battle was incertain, and he was ready to defend his own Coasts. Hereupon Randolph grew more enraged, as if he had been incited by the spur of envy, determines rather to involve the State into further trouble, then according to his Commission apply remedies to the present distractions, making Clandestine combinations with Lenox Competitors and Mortons friends; to whom he commiserated the deplorable condition of the times, that the King was fallen into the hands of a French-man, an enemy to the English, whose wicked desires aimed to reduce the ancient Families in Scotland into oblivion, bring the K.& Religion into danger; he declares how that there was only one door left to escape out of, to free their Prince from the hands of a stranger, themselves from external violence, and force: which if they would do, he promiseth that the Queen of England would furnish them with all conveniences. But this rash counsel was presently made known to his Majesty: Randolph being conscientious of his violating of ambassage, got him privately to Barwick, and adviseth his complices Angusse and mar to provide for their own security. The King upon Lenox and Arrans motion commanded the earl of Angusse to retire himself beyond the river Spea, and to render up the Castles of Tencall and Douglasse. If he executed his Majesties Mandates, there was some sparkles of pardon yet remaining; but if these Conditions should be rejected, let him look to be Proclaimed rebel; but he knowing that there was nothing safe or sure from that wicked Guardians hands, fled into the Asylum England, and Ma●r trade in his steps, being accompanied with a great strength of his Faction, avoided further danger by flight. Mens mindes begun to stagger by reason of the sudden departure of the ambassador, some striving to palliate the foulness of flight, but the most supposed sad and turbulent blasts of destruction to approach. The English proclaim open war, and yet the Scots were not long after them in preparing for common defence, lest that some sudden danger might bee brought upon them by the Exiles. Her Majosty of England sent downedivers Commanders with a great Army into Northumb●rland: The King of Scotland, lest he should not be fitted to embrace their threats, dispatched John Graham, earl of Montrosse his Lieutenant, with a considerable strength of five hundred horse,& two thousand foot into the Borders of Scotland, to restrain any depopulations, if the war should be prosecuted; and by the coming of the Lieutenant general Graham, the English were at a ne plus ultra, so that they did not any thing of note, unless it were to denounce, rather then prosecute war. The Families of Humes, cars, and Scots, kept Garrison in the middle borders, Johnstons and Maxwells in the west, having a great Army of the country people, who by keeping their watch and ward kept the country in quiet. His Majesty had for his personal Guard ten foot companies, and some Troops of horse to defray their charges, he called a Parliament, and desired a Subsidy for to pay them: But the English disbanding their Army, gave the King occasion to dismiss his Guard. Arrans Guardian, who hating all that had reference to Morton, reassumed his fury against George Fleck, Mortons sisters son, and Alexander Lawson, his intimate friend, whom he brought to the rack, to confess such questions as were objected; he distorted Fleck with his Brazen rack and grim countenance for a long time, that he might extort from him those falshoods, that athol dyed insensibly of poison given by Morton: but this was not of violence sufficient to draw the least syllable which might prejudice Morton: Lawson being of a cowardly degenerate spirit, at the very sight of the Tormentor, confessed the most secret intentions of his Patron, where his Treasure was, the feigned conspiracy, and a long Catalogue of offences; but sooner would the Rack have divorced the soul from the body, then fidelity from the soul of Fleck: for when he was brought back to the Torment, he seemed to rack both the Racker, and rack itself: It was not binding or buffeting, no nor yet the cruelty of those unmercilesse men, which could induce him to betray Morton▪ Thus it appeared, that torments do not moderate every mans Nature: the like cruelty he exercised on the chief of the Douglasses; Thomas Douglas of Loghleven was accused of things concerning life, who answering by his Advocate, was removed into the North of Scotland, James Douglas▪ and Archibald, the natural sons of Morton, George their Bastard brother, malcolm, Lord of Many, Sir John Garmichel, his intimate friend& kinsman were banished; and it was likewise proclaimed that none should harbour or relieve them with money, victual, or other necessaries. To sum up all, he who was Guardian to Arran, is created earl of Arrane, ascending by the steps of cruelty, and inhumanity of nature to a greater degree of hatred and malice in the eyes of all good men. Anno Domini 1581. The sudden departure of Randolph so moved his Majesty, as that he sent without intermission, Sir John Seton ambassador into England to represent unto her Highnesse, his candour, withall to complain of Thomas Randolph, who had rather been a fomenter, then alleys of the hot flames, holding correspondency with Angusse, mar, and other Nobles in matters no less perilous and cunning, then pernicious to the kingdom of Scotland. Seton in that he was a friend of Lenox was commanded to stay at berwick, till the Queens pleasure was further known, Where after some few dayes abode, without any entertainments of honour, returned home. Whereupon his Majesty grew incenced, and wholly dedicated to anger, expostulated by Letters that grievous affront offered to his ambassadors, first to Alexander Hume, now to Sir John Seton, he grievously accused Randolph for his flight out of Scotland, complained that Archibald Douglas of Whitingham impeached for the the Kings death, his conscience bearing him witness of the guilt, was resident publicly in the Court of England, desiring that he might be apprehended and delivered according to the League. The Queens Highnesse to wash away all the dirt of these criminations, answered, that Randolph was one of an unstained famed, whose fidelity was perspicuous in every action▪ that he was desirous of public quiet in Scotland, having often both by hand and brain, action and counsel been their adjutor, and now he was ready to render an account of his ill-managed ambassage before her counsel, if any thing were objected. As for Archibald Douglas, suspected for the late Conspiracy, his abode in the Court was only until enquiry was made after those injected crimes; but in the future he should have no estimate of honour or employment, although he remained in England, being of great use to the Queen& counsel, carrying himself as ambassador from the King of Scots, without any Mandate or Letters of trust, he set his wits to disturb the weal-public▪ of Scotland. Much about this time James Steuart constituted Guardian over the earl of Arrane, by reason of his impotency of mind,( which I commemorated before) being not satiated with the title of Guardian, and enjoying many commodities thereby, he was,( as if lead by a Deity) created earl of Arrane, and confirmed by an Act of Parliament to the ruin of that Family, contrary to the laws and customs of their Predecessors: And this Omen Morton applies to his own ruin, remembering the old prophesy, that he must take heed of the earl of Arrane; nor was his supposition mere chimeras, for the first act of this new earl was the death of Morton: and here we may contemplate the variety of casualties incident to him, as also the sports of fortune on him, now smiling, presently frowning, so that he seemed to be tossed twixt the Rackets of honour and disgrace. Morton being conducted speedily by the earls of Arrane and Montross, with a great train of armed men, and two Troops of Horse unto edinburgh, there to be tried before the Peers, who were assembled to hear him pled the matter, the day of his trial appearing, and according to the ancient custom of the kingdom: there was a place of Judicature constituted, where Arguile chancellor, Montrosse chief Justice for that day, and divers others of the Nobility, sate upon the Bench; the prisoner being produced from custody, excepted against Arguile, in that he was no competent Judge, by reason of enmity, and irreconcible hatred, against the Lord Seton, by reason of inveterate envy, and against Vaughton, for suspected pretences against the King and State. But exceptions against Judges were not granted. Morton openly professed, that the proceedings were disorderly, and without president of Predecessors. The earl of Arrane and Robert Chreton his Majesties Advocate, even to the height of envy prosecuted the crime of Regicide against him vehemently, because he had consented to the murdering of the King, and subscribed to the crime in love to Bothwell; But besides these bitter and many percunctations of Arrane, the Kings Advocate violently urgeth a Manifest signed by Mortons own hand, urging likewise the hatred he bore the State after his relinquishing the Regency. Morton after a large commemoration of his Offices for the public, proceeds to wash his hands of that most horrid murder, not palliating it with fraudulency: for seeing he could not deny the proofs against him, that he was privy to the murder revealed by Bothwell, being conscious of the detestable parricide: he was condemned by the suffrages of the Nobility, and judgement was denounced against him by Montrosse, who was invested with supreme authority for that time: because as the accuser pertinaciously affirmed he did not prosecute the Law against Archibald Douglas of Wittingham, his Favourite, and that being conscious to that detestable fact revealed by Bothwell to him, he kept in silence, he was removed to prison, having a guard set over him, who were receivers of his words, fighs, and looks, in that he was condemned he kept silence, his expectation of his last hour was firm: so that having received that celestial Manna of the Sacrament, his thoughts were conversant about eternity and immortal life. Those Ministers that were there present, desired him to give his soul the wings of courage, seeing that death was not to be lamented, whose consequence was immortality. He not at all daunted, knowing the lease of his life was almost expired, detests those sublunaries, fixing his anchor of hope upon the shore of eternal safety: In the interim, the Earl of Arran inhumanly denounceth his last necessity to approach, and desires him that ere he departed out of this pilgrimage, to subscribe a confession of his criminations: but Mortons conversation being with heaven, having detruded all secular disturbances, exclaimed that he was interrupted by inhuman& wicked words. He was attentive to the Ministers admonitions going undauntedly to the Market-place of edinburgh where he was to suffer; great was the concourse of people: and he not to be moved by the present fear of death, affencted candour of speech and countenance, that his innocence in this parricide neither yet would he deny or dissemble, that Bothwel had solicited him for subscription to that truculent fact, but it was always a bugbear and terror to his thoughts: as for that he did not give light to the crime, it was because he was overswayed by fear of Bothwell's strong hand: and from further progress herein, he converted his speech to his God in meditated and composed prayers, not being unmindful of his Majesties safety, the kingdoms tranquillity, and the peoples incalumnity: having implored the most merciful Fathers mercy, he shut up his prayers, desiring the Executioner to do his office. While he valiantly laid down his neck upon the fatal block, to the unspeakable sorrow of all; his head was partend from his body in the presence of that greedy spectator his enemy Farnihurst: the head in stead of its body was exalted to stand upon the common hall; his body was interred without any solemnity of funeral. Thus you have the last end of Morton, the last Prorex of Scotland: He had been for natural prudency, moderation, integrity, and industry, celebrated by the trumpet of famed, if his extorting of money had not stained his magistracy, and that act of delivering up for a sum of money Piercy Earl of Northumberland who fled into Scotland, as if he had thirsted for his blood. cruel Arran, not satiated with the punishment of so great a Peer, bended his nerves to eradicate the splendour of the Douglases, that his power might be established, he exterminated the Earl of Angus into England, and hailed many servants( whose fidelity to their Lords were permanent) unto punishment and torture; the consequencies of Mortons death were domestical dissensions, clandestine grudges, and calamities: In sine the death of the author of his death, the Earl of Arran. The next day John been one of Archibald Douglas servants was delivered to the truculency of a rope, in that he participated in the Kings death; Dalkeith and Aberdower( the late Palaces and possessions of the earl of Morton) unfortunate gifts were conferred upon Lenox, nor with much better success John Maxwell had the honour and title of Earl of Morton, in that it continued not long in that Family. And now that turbulent Earl of Arran seeing his corrival removed, and the opposite faction laid in the dust, ascended from avarice& cruelty to wallow in the mire of lust, contracting himself in a filthy marriage with Elizabeth Stuart the daughter of the Earl of Athol, who in her childish yeares being conjoined in a nuptial tie to the Earl of March, debased herself by adultery with this new Earl for hope of domination, who did more fragrantly and constantly lust after her then her Husband did. And now seeing he was Fortunes Favourite, nothing less would satisfy her, then to be his Wife and fellow ruler, striving to obtain of the ecclesiastical Judges a divorce under the pretext of impotency. No time was intermitted for the divorce, nor many days had not appeared in the heavens ere the strife was determined, and the just and legitimate matrimony was dissolved. Thus shee that was the late bedfellow of Lenox, being divorst from his most noble sheets; her belly declaring her pregnancy, without delay took upon her the title of countess of Arran, a very bad president; thus Arran was in one and the same day Husband and Father of an Infant begot by an adulterous act, in anothers matrimony, born in his own: hence arise all those vulgar clamours of her immodesty, wantonness, luxury, and lascivious behaviour, not so much as her Followers but detested her incivility and his insolency, desiring her to consider this unprecedented act, from whom she had divorst herself; was it not from one of the blood royal, and his Majesties intimate? and was shee not branded thereby with dishonesty? But her heart was so obdurate to relent into tears, the woman being of an insolent and proud spirit, desirous of a potent Husband, passed without those bounds nature had prefixed, her sex requireth, and custom approves of: shee frequented vaulting flowers, usurped mens exercitations. But I must stay my pen, lest these narrations intended for the public good, may occasion private contumelies, by reason of the similitude of cafualties. When the State was thus overclouded, a Parliament was summoned to appear at edinburgh for the administration of public affairs, where Obegny, whom Nobility, famed, and authority had made great, ascended to the highest seat of favour& honour, and his creation of Duke of Lenox was confirmed by the Parliament: He was arrived at that height of potency, as to govern things by his word: William Ruthen Treasurer was created Earl of Gowre, James Stuart Earl of Arran, John Maxwel Earl of Morton, and Robert Stuart Earl of Orkney: it was likewise adjudged that the Douglasses should be proclaimed Rebels, banished, and their goods confiscated; thus that Family who had deserved well of their country, was detruded, and cut down by the anger and hatred of this new erected man: their enemies set their inventions to coyne● against them, and their tongues to threaten, that this popular name might become odious to the vulgar. The King seeing his Exchequer at an ebb, and the kingdom in poverty, according to an act of Parliament then made, revoked the donations of his patrimony, seized on the confiscations of mens estates, and reaped the first fruits, appointing limits for immoderate donations and grants. He established many laws commodious for the public, and composed those private dissensions twixt the Cordones and Forbosses, which arose about their bounders. The tenths and thirds of ecclesiastical Livings were employed for the sustentation of the Ministry, and other pious offices, the revenues of the Monasteries were confiscated, and the rents brought into the Exchequer to support the public treasury. By this time behold the earl of Arran ready to burst with the too much indulgency of Lady Fortune, nay degenerating even from civility, so that he rejected the Duke of Lenox society, bending his strength to undermine him, an act not a little offensive to the Prince, the first alination of affections arose from an affront offered unto one of the Dukes retinue by the Lord Seton and his son John. His majesty beholding what a Charibdis his Kinsman the Duke sailed in, was so far enraged as to dimove Arran from being captain of the guard, commanding him not to approach the Court or the Kings presence, nor think of being received into favour, unless he first submitted: he departed from the Court to Kennel and there enjoyed the pleasures of his possessions, until some happy mediators stood in the gap to make a reconciliation. Thus after a short divorce, the Dukes mind by the intercession of friends was allayed, and an act of oblivion signed by both parties, and a reconciliation of favour made, which from that day was inviolably observed, both endeavouring with an equal virtuous impetuosity to lay low their Antagonists strength, both associated ther heads to keep their withstanders under. The young noble Earl of Mar who was suspected to be a Favourite of the Douglasses, was removed from the Court, but his return was obtained by his Mother, who had obtained the crown of many gray hairs, and a continued power with his Majesty, both by her grave behaviour, and great care had over his childhood, which shee transacted with all the fidelity of an honest breast. The King well knowing that Religion was in her wain, that the title and honour of King was at a less command, enjoined John Crage his Majejesties Chaplain, to set forth a confession of faith in the English tongue, which contained the doctrines of Christian Religion, concerning God, the Creation, original sin, the Law, grace, the Incarnation of the Word, the hypostatical union, Christs passion, Resurrerection, ascension, the holy Ghost, the Church, Scriptures, Fathers, Counsels, Sacraments, and controverted questions in Divinity. The King established it by Parliament, who having concorded in a form of administering the Sacraments, all subscribed to the doctrine and discipline of the Church of Scotland, protesting that they would observe and defend it with all their endeavours against oppositions. The King and his Followers first subscribed; next he desired the Nobles and Citizens to subscribe, with all exhorting them to embrace the true Religion, relieve the Poor, have an eye to the succourless and fatherless: he admonished the Ministry not to intermeddle with State affairs, but to preach the gospel, administer the Sacraments, instruct the ignorant, call back the wicked from their ways of error, and the scandalous from their wallowing in filthiness, to draw the people from luxrious living and licentiousness unto continency, and observation of the Churches discipline, to make up the breaches of civill dissension amongst the Nobility, and to be careful of the Churches peace, dignity, and safety. And lastly to excite the people if no other ways, yet by a strict discipline to follow virtue and obedience. The authority of the Ministerial function was unanimously consented to by Parliament, and that no other government ecclesiastical should be set up in Scotland, save such as they agreed upon; and that all those dayes whom antiquity had set apart for holy remembrances, were not to be kept holy, or any celebration in apparel or solemn rites, were to be used thereon. The Ministers having got such a large Commission into their hands, begun to attempt greater matters, as to pull down the prelatical dignity. For in the Synod held at Glasgow, where Robert Ponton was Prolocutor, the episcopal authority was abrogated, patrick Adamson Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrews, James bided Arch-Bishop of Glasgow, David Cunningham Bishop of Aberdeen. Nigell Cambell who was the pearl of that Function, Bishop of Arg.& many other Superintendents, whose virtue& learning had given them the lustre of famed: these were stiff defenders of the Prelates cause and dignity, 'gainst the faction and potency of such Ministers, who sought by their maliciousness towards Episcopacy to get applause, labouring with wind and tide to root out Bishops. These men in a full house by suffrages and favour prevailed, so that it was concluded by Votes to abrogate the Prelates authority, which David Lindsey afterwards installed Bishop of Rosse, desired to adjourn to the next Convention, his desires were frustrate, and himselve reviled by many, who protested his words were intolerable burdens to their consciences, and himself not worthy to bear any ecclesiastical Office▪ who patronized the most corrupt prelatical Function: many there were, who ●est they might seem to strive against the stream, went down with their tide to eradicate the prelatical splendour. famed slept not till she had acquainted his majesty with the Synods proceedings herein, and Lindseyes intercession, the King having first consulted with his counsel,( who he knew were most eminent both for wisdom and favour with the people) what would be most convenient to the kingdoms present condition, and being displeased at the affronts and injuries offered to the Bishops, declared by a Messenger, that their proceedings were every way displeasing unto him, and that he would apply a medicament in due time. But they absolutely denied, that they were ready to embrace any change in their opinions, declaring that the Regency of church-affairs by the Synods Decree was at their disposal; and they having finished their work, begged of his Majesty, to let his Proclamations issue forth concerning the Discipline of the Church, giving his royal assent to the Synods determinations. But the King crushed their desires by a denial; because he fore-saw a great cloud of troubles to come from that act of Abrogating Episcopacy, and erecting by his command the presbyterial Discipline: he therefore hoped that they would, nay admonished them to desist from prosecuting their intempestuous desires, and not to abuse the power put into their hands to the kingdoms destruction, by framing things after the model of their wills, or strive the diruating the Prelates authority. Thus the established Discipline of the Church run with a more powerful stream amongst the Nobility, Magistracy, and ignorant vulgar, though less favour with the King, by reason of their pride and arrogancy, who had not onely by his power put life into their semi-mortified Authority, but also established their potency over the people. But whilst these things were upon the Stage, his Majesty ceased not to add virtue and knowledge to those his natural Dowries, adorning the Cabinet of his breast with true oriental pearl, sporting himself with riding the great Horse, Tilting, and Hunting. The year drawing to a period, turbulent Horiferous even well-nigh overturned the ark of the Church, for James Boyd, having taken up his residence with the worms, resigned his chair of Glascow to his Successor; the strife thereabout was so vehement, that it had almost brought the kingdom into a fit of distraction: in conclusion, Robert Montgomery Preacher at sterling, who was both an eye-soare to the Clergy and Commons, ascended to the episcopal chair, by the Duke of Lenox aid: yet at the instigation of some friends, more looking upon their own utility then his dignity, lent him his hand to get the Mitre, upon the Contract, that the Title and 1000 pounds annually should be involved upon him, not looking to reap any further fruit of his bnfice: The report hereof took the wings of the wind, and arrived at the ignorant multitude, and at the ears of some young Grammarians, who by their Orations blew up those coals of Contention to a great flamme of envy amongst the Nobles and Commons. Whereupon the episcopal Antagonists take courage to spit infamous granades from the Pulpit in the face of Montgomery, contaminating his whole life, as if unworthy ro bear rule in the Church. But the Privy counsel calling these men to an account, reproved them with great bitterness of speech, giving them to understand, that an Election having the Kings consent, ought to be obeied, and that for the good and profit of the weal-public: Likewise they declared, that Montgomery was commanded to succeed by that authority devolved upon his Majesty: they therefore gave warning from any further process in such mollestations, but quietly to aclowledge them their Diocesians whom his Majesty should assign. Thus did the State stand for the present: but the fiery Spirits of the Ministers could not be extinguished: what the issue will be, the next year will declare. FINIS. Imprimatur Na: BRENT. JAN. 5. 1645.