Chapter III: Appendix: Knox's Confession (2)

The occasion of the war was this. Harry the Eighth, King of England, had a great desire to have spoken with our King; and with that object he travailed long until he got a full promise made to his ambassador, Lord William Howard. The place of meeting was to be at York; and the King of England kept the appointment with such solemnity and preparation as never, for such a purpose, had been seen in England before. There was great bruit[30] of that journey, and some preparation was made for it in Scotland: but in the end, by persuasion of the Cardinal Beaton and others of his faction, the journey was stayed, and the King's promise was falsified. Thereupon, sharp letters of reproach were sent unto the King, and also unto his Council. King Harry frustrated, returned to London; and, after declaring his indignation, began to fortify with men his frontiers fornent[31] Scotland. Sir Robert Bowes, the Earl of Angus, and his brother, Sir George Douglas, were sent to the Borders. Upon what other trifling questions, as, for example, the Debateable Land and such like, the war broke out, we omit to write. The principal occasion was the falsifying of the promise. Our King, perceiving that the war would rise, asked the prelates and kirkmen what support they would make to the sustaining of the same; for rather he would yet satisfy the desire of his uncle than would he hazard war, when he saw that his forces were not able to resist. The kirkmen promised mountains of gold, as Satan their father did to Christ Jesus if He would worship him. They would have gone to hell, rather than that he should have met with King Harry: for then, thought they, farewell our kingdom; and, thought the Cardinal, farewell his credit and glory in France. In the end, they promised fifty thousand crowns a year, to be well paid, so long as the wars lasted; and further, that their servants, and others that appertained unto them and were exempt from common service, should not the less serve in time of necessity.

[30] Talk (common).

[31] Over against.

[Sidenote: War with England: 1542. Halden Rig.]

These vain promises lifted up in pride the heart of the unhappy king: and so began the war. The realm was quartered, and men were laid in Jedburgh and Kelso. All men, fools we mean, bragged of victory; and in very deed the beginning gave us a fair show. For at the first warden raid, which was made on St. Bartholomew's Day, in the year of God 1542, the Warden, Sir Robert Bowes, his brother Richard Bowes, Captain of Norham, Sir William Mowbray, knight, a bastard son of the Earl of Angus, and James Douglas of Parkhead, then rebels, with a great number of borderers, soldiers, and gentlemen, were taken. The Raid was termed Halden Rig. The Earl of Angus, and Sir George his brother, did narrowly escape. Our papists and priests, proud of this victory, encouraged the King. There was nothing heard but, "All is ours. They are but heretics. If we be a thousand and they ten thousand, they dare not fight. France shall enter the one part, and we the other, and so shall England be conquered within a year." If any man was seen to smile at such vanity, he was no more than a traitor and a heretic. And yet, by these means, men had greater liberty than they had before, as concerning their conscience; for then ceased the persecution.

[Sidenote: Fala Raid.]

The war continued until mid September; and then was sent down the old Duke of Norfolk, with such an army as for a hundred years before had not come into Scotland. The English were engaged in amassing their forces, and setting forward their preparations and munitions, which were exceeding great, until mid October, and after. Then they marched from Berwick and tended to the west, ever holding Tweed upon their one side, and never camping more than a mile from that river during the whole time they continued in Scotland, which was ten or twelve days. Day forays were run to Smailholm, Stitchel, and such places near about, but many snappers[32] they got. They burned some corn, besides that which the great host consumed, but they carried away small booty. The King assembled his force at Fala, for he had information that they had proposed to advance on Edinburgh. Taking the muster all at one hour, two days before Halloween, there were found with him eighteen thousand able men. Ten thousand men, with the Earl of Huntly and Lords Erskine, Seton and Home, were upon the borders, awaiting the English army. These were adjudged men enough to hazard battle, albeit the enemy were estimated at forty thousand.

[32] Stumbles.

[Sidenote: The Lords plot against the Courtiers.]

While the King lay at Fala, waiting for the guns and for information from the army, the Lords began to remember how the King had been long abused by his flatterers, and principally by the pensioners of the priests. It was at once concluded that they would make some new remembrance of Lauder-bridge, to see if that would for a season somewhat help the state of the country. But the Lords amongst themselves could not agree upon the persons that deserved punishment. Every man favoured his friend, and the whole escaped; and, besides, the purpose was disclosed to the King, and by him to the courtiers. After that, until they came to Edinburgh, the courtiers stood in no little fear; but that was suddenly forgotten, as we shall hear.

[Sidenote: The English Army retires.]

While time was thus protracted, the English army, for scarcity of victuals, as was rumoured, retired over Tweed by night, and so began to skaill.[33] The King, informed of this, desired the Lords and Barons to assist him to follow them into England. With one consent, answer was given that they would hazard life and whatsoever they had to defend his person and the realm; but, as for invading England, neither had they so just title as they desired, nor could they be then able to do anything to the hurt of England, considering that they had now been long absent from their houses, their provisions were spent, their horses were wearied, and, greatest of all, the time of year did utterly forbid. This answer seemed to satisfy the King; for in words he praised their prudent foresight and wise counsel. But the mint[34] made to his courtiers, and that bold repulse of his desires given to him in his own face, wounded his proud heart. Long had he governed as he himself chose, and he decreed a notable revenge. This, no doubt, he would not have failed to have executed had not God, by His own hand, cut the cords of his impiety. He returned to Edinburgh; and the nobility, barons, gentlemen, and commons dispersed to their own habitations. This was on the second and third days of November.

[33] Disperse.

[34] Threat.

[Sidenote: The Courtiers and Priests plot against the Lords.]

Without delay, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a new Council was convened, a Council, we mean, of the abusers of the King. There accusation was laid against the most part of the nobility. Some were heretics, some favourers of England, some friends to the Douglases, and so could there be none faithful to the King, in their opinion. The Cardinal and the priests cast faggots in the fire with all their force. Finding the King wholly given over to their devotion, they delivered unto him a scroll containing the names of such as they, in their inquisition, deemed heretics. For this was the order of justice kept by these holy fathers in damning innocent men. Whosoever would delate any one of heresy was heard; no respect or consideration was taken as to what mind the delater bare to the person delated. Whosoever were produced as witnesses were admitted, however suspicious and infamous they were. If two or three had proven any point that by their law was holden heresy, the delated person was a heretic. There remained no more to be done but to fix a day for his condemnation, and for the execution of their corrupt sentence. The world may this day consider what man could be innocent where such judges were party. True it is that by false judgment and false witnesses innocents have been oppressed from the beginning. But never gat the Devil his freedom to shed innocent blood except in the kingdom of Antichrist, "that the innocent should die, and neither know accuser nor yet the witnesses that testified against him." But how shall the Antichrist be known, if he be not contrarious to God the Father and His Son, Christ Jesus, in law, life, and doctrine. But this we omit.

[Sidenote: "An Answer worthy of a Prince."]

The Cardinal and prelates had once before presented the same scroll unto the King, at the time of his return from the circumnavigation of the Isles. But then it was refused by the prudent and stout counsel of the Laird of Grange, who opened clearly to the King the practice[35] of the prelates, and the danger that might ensue. The King, being out of his passion, was tractable, and after consideration gave answer in the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the Cardinal and prelates, when they had uttered their malice and shown what profit might arise to the crown if he would follow their counsel. "Pack you, Jesuits; get you to your charges, reform your own lives, and be not instruments of discord betwixt my nobility and me; or else, I avow to God, I shall reform you, not by imprisonment, as the King of Denmark does, nor yet by hanging and heading, as the King of England does, but I shall reform you by sharp whingers[36] if ever I hear such motion of you again." The prelates, dashed and astonished by this answer, had ceased for a season to attempt, by rigour against the nobility, to pursue their schemes any further.

[35] Intrigues.

[36] Hangers (small swords).

[Sidenote: Solway Moss: how it began.]

But now, being informed of all proceedings by their pensioners, Oliver Sinclair, Ross, Laird of Craigie, and others who were faithful to them in all things, they concluded to hazard once again their former suit. This was no sooner proposed than it was accepted, with no small regret made by the King's own mouth that he had so long despised their counsel; "For," said he, "now I plainly see your words to be true. The nobility desire neither my honour nor continuance; they would not ride a mile for my pleasure to follow my enemies. Will ye therefore find me the means whereby I may have a raid made into England, without their knowledge and consent--a raid that may be known as my own raid--and I shall bind me to your counsel for ever." There concurred together Ahab and his false prophets; there were congratulations and clapping of hands; there were promises of diligence, closeness, and felicity.

Finally, conclusion was taken that the west border of England, which was most empty of men and garrisons, should be invaded; the King's own banner should be there; Oliver, the great minion, should be general lieutenant; but no man should be privy of the enterprise, except the council that was then present, until the very day and execution thereof. The Bishops gladly took the charge of that raid. Letters were sent to such as they would charge to meet the King, on a day and at a place appointed. The Cardinal was directed to go with the Earl of Arran to Haddington, to make a show against the east border, when the others were in readiness to invade the west. And thus neither counsel, practice, closeness, nor diligence lacked to set forward that enterprise. And, among these consulters, there was no doubt of a good success. So was the scroll thankfully received by the King himself, and put into his own pocket, where it remained to the day of his death, and then was found. In it were contained the names of more than a hundred landed men, besides others of meaner degree. Amongst these, the Lord Hamilton himself, then second person of the realm, was delated.

It was bruited that this raid was devised by the Lord Maxwell; but we have no certainty thereof. The night before the day appointed for the enterprise, the King was found at Lochmaben. To him came companies from all quarters, as they were appointed, no man knowing of another. No general proclamation had been made; all had been summoned by privy letters. Nor did the multitude know anything of the purpose until after midnight, when the trumpet blew, and all men were commanded to march forward, and to follow the King, who was supposed to be with the host. Guides were appointed to conduct them towards England, and these did so both faithfully and closely.

Upon the point of day, they approached to the enemies' ground; and passed the water without any great resistance made unto them. The foray went forward, fires rose, and herschip[37] might have been seen on every side. The unprepared people were altogether amazed; for, bright day appearing, they saw an army of ten thousand men, and their corn and houses upon every side sending flames of fire unto the heaven. To them it was more than a wonder that such a multitude could have been assembled and convoyed, without knowledge thereof coming to their wardens. They looked not for support, and so at the first they utterly despaired. Yet began they to assemble together, ten in one company, twenty in another; and, as the fray proceeded, their troops increased, but to no number; for Carlisle, fearing to have been assaulted, suffered no man to issue from the gates. Thus the greatest number that ever appeared or approached before the discomfiture, did not exceed three or four hundred men; and yet they made hot skirmishing, for, on their own ground, they were more expert in such feats.

[37] Plundering.

About ten o'clock, when fires had been kindled and almost slokened[38] on every side, Oliver thought it time to show his glory. Incontinently,[39] the King's banner was displayed; Oliver was lifted up on spears upon men's shoulders, and there, with sound of trumpet, he was proclaimed general lieutenant, and all men were commanded to obey him, as the King's own person, under all highest pains. The Lord Maxwell, Warden, to whom properly appertained the regiment, in absence of the King, was present; he heard and saw all, but thought more than he spake. There were also present the Earls Glencairn and Cassillis, with the Lord Fleming, and many other Lords, Barons, and gentlemen of Lothian, Fife, Angus, and Mearns.

[38] Quenched.

[39] Forthwith.

[Sidenote: The Rout at Solway Moss.]

In the meantime, the skirmishing grew hotter than it had been before: shouts were heard on every side. Some Scotsmen were stricken down; some, not knowing the ground, laired,[40] and lost their horses. Some English horses were of purpose let loose, to provoke greedy and imprudent men to prick at them: many did so, but found no advantage. While disorder arose more and more in the army, men cried in every ear, "My Lord Lieutenant, what will ye do?" Charge was given that all men should alight and go to array; for they would fight it. Others cried, "Against whom will ye fight? Yon men will fight none otherwise than ye see them do, if ye stand here until the morn." New purpose was taken that the footmen (they had with them certain bands of soldiers) should softly retire towards Scotland, and that the horsemen should take horse again, and follow in order. Great was the noise and confusion that was heard, while every man called his own slogan.[41] The day was nearly spent, and that was the cause of the greatest fear.

[40] Stuck in the mire.

[41] Battle-cry.

The Lord Maxwell, perceiving what would be the end of such beginnings, remained on foot with his friends, and, being admonished to take horse and provide for himself, answered, "Nay, I will here abide the chance that it shall please God to send me, rather than go home, and there be hanged." And so he remained on foot and was taken prisoner, while the multitude fled, to their greater shame. The enemy, perceiving the disorder, increased in courage. Before, they had shouted; but then they struck. They threw spears and dagged[42] arrows where the companies were thickest. Some rencounters were made, but nothing availed. The soldiers cast from them their pikes, culverins, and other weapons of defence; the horsemen left their spears; and, without judgment, all men fled. The tide was rising, and the water made great stop; but the fear was such that happy was he that might get a tacker.[43] Such as passed the water and escaped that danger, not well acquainted with the ground, fell into the Solway Moss. The entry to it was pleasing enough, but all that took that way, either tint[44] their horses or else themselves and horses both.

[42] Shot.

[43] Carrier.

[44] Lost.

To be short, a greater fear and discomfiture, without cause, has seldom been seen. It is said that, where the men were not sufficient to take the hands of prisoners, some ran to houses and surrendered themselves to women. Stout Oliver was taken, without stroke, fleeing manfully; and so was his glory (stinking and foolish pride we should call it) suddenly turned to confusion and shame. In that discomfiture were taken the two Earls foresaid, the Lords Fleming and Somerville, and many other barons and gentlemen, besides the great multitude of servants.

Worldly men may think that all this came but by misorder and fortune, as they term it; but whosoever has the least spunk[45] of the knowledge of God, may as evidently see the work of His hand in this discomfiture, as ever was seen in any of the battles left to us on record by the Holy Ghost. For what more evident declaration have we that God fought against Benhadad, King of Aram, when he was discomfited at Samaria, than that which we have that God fought with His own arm against Scotland? In the former discomfiture, two hundred and thirty persons in the skirmish, with seven thousand following them in the great battle, did put to flight the said Benhadad, with thirty kings in his company. But here, in this shameful discomfiture of Scotland, very few more than three hundred men, without knowledge of any back or battle to follow, did put to flight ten thousand men without resistance made. There did every man rencounter his marrow,[46] until the two hundred slew such as matched them. Here, without slaughter, the multitude fled. There those of Samaria had the prophet of God to comfort, to instruct, and to promise victory unto them. England, in that pursuit, had nothing. But God by His providence secretly wrought in these men that knew nothing of His working, nor yet of the causes thereof; no more than did the wall that fell upon the rest of Benhadad's army know what it did. Therefore, yet again we say that such as behold not in that sudden dejection the hand of God, fighting against pride for the freedom of His own little flock, unjustly persecuted, do willingly and maliciously obscure the glory of God. But the end was yet more notable.

[45] Spark.

[46] Match.

[Sidenote: The Blow falls on the King.]

The King waited upon news at Lochmaben, and when the certain knowledge of the discomfiture came to his ears he was stricken with a sudden fear and astonishment, so that scarcely could he speak, or hold purposed converse with any man. The night constrained him to remain where he was, and so he went to bed; but he rose without rest or quiet sleep. His continual complaint was, "Oh, fled Oliver! Is Oliver ta'en? Oh, fled Oliver!" These words in his melancholy, and as if he were carried away in a trance, he repeated from time to time, to the very hour of his death. Upon the morn, which was St. Katherine's Day, he returned to Edinburgh, as did the Cardinal from Haddington. But the one being ashamed of the other, the bruit of their communication came not to the ears of the public. The King made inventory of his poise,[47] and of all his jewels and other substance; and departed to Fife. Coming to Hallyards, he was humanely received by the Lady Grange, an ancient and godly matron: the Laird was absent. There were in his company only William Kirkaldy, now Laird of Grange, and some others that waited upon his chamber. At supper, the lady, perceiving him pensive, began to comfort him, and urged him to take the work of God in good part. "My portion of this world is short," he replied, "for I will not be with you fifteen days." His servants, repairing unto him, asked where he would have provision made for Yuletide, which then approached. He answered with a disdainful smirk, "I cannot tell: choose ye the place. But this I can tell you, ye will be masterless before Yule day, and the realm without a King." Because of his displeasure, no man durst make contradiction unto him. After he had visited the Castle of Carny, pertaining to the Earl of Crawford, where was the said Earl's daughter, one of his paramours, he returned to Falkland and took to bed. No sign of death appeared about him, but he constantly affirmed that, before such a day, he would be dead.

[47] Secret hoard of money.

[Sidenote: The Birth of Mary Stuart.]

In the meantime the Queen was upon the point of her delivery in Linlithgow, and on the eighth day of December, in the year of God 1542, was delivered of Mary, that then was born, and now does reign for a plague to this realm, as the progress of her whole life to this day hath declared. The certainty that a daughter was born unto him coming to his ears, the King turned from such as spake with him, and said, "The devil go with it! It will end as it began: it came from a woman; and it will end in a woman." After that, he spake not many words that were sensible. But ever he harped upon his old song, "Fie, fled Oliver! Is Oliver ta'en? All is lost."

[Sidenote: The Death of James V.]

In the meantime came the Cardinal, in the King's great extremity, an apt comforter for a desperate man. He cried in his ear, "Take order, Sire, with your realm: who shall rule during the minority of your daughter? Ye have known my service, what will ye have done? Shall there not be four regents chosen, and shall not I be principal of them?" Whatsoever the King answered, documents were taken that things should be as my Lord Cardinal thought expedient. As many affirm, a dead man's hand was made to subscribe a blank, that they might write above the signature what pleased them best. This finished, the Cardinal posted to the Queen. At the first sight of the Cardinal, she said, "Welcome, my Lord. Is not the King dead?" Divers men are of divers opinions as to what moved her so to conjecture. Many whisper that of old his part was in the pot, and that the suspicion thereof caused him to be inhibited the Queen's company. Howsoever it may have been before, it is plain that, after the King's death, and during the Cardinal's life, whosoever might guide the Court, he got his secret business sped by that gracious lady, either by day or by night. Whether the tidings liked her or not, she mended with as great expedition of that daughter as ever she did before of any son she bare. The time of her purification was accomplished sooner than the Levitical law appoints: but she was no Jewess, and therefore in that she offended not.

King James departed this life on the thirteenth day of December, in the year of God 1542, and on news thereof the hearts of men began to be disclosed. All men lamented that the realm was left without a male to succeed; yet some rejoiced that such an enemy to God's truth was taken away. By some he was called a good poor-man's king; by others he was termed a murderer of the nobility, and one that had decreed their utter destruction. Some praised him for suppressing theft and oppression; others dispraised him for the defiling of men's wives and of virgins. Men spake as affection led them. And yet none spake altogether beside the truth; for all these things were in part so manifest that, as the virtues could not be denied, so could not the vices be cloaked by any craft.

[Sidenote: The Cardinal claims the Regency.]

Throughout this realm the question of government was universally moved. The Cardinal proclaimed the King's last will. Therein were nominated four Protectors or Regents, of whom he himself was the first and principal, with him being joined the Earls Huntly, Argyll, and Moray. This was done on the Monday at the Market Cross of Edinburgh. But on the Monday following the whole Regents had remission from their usurpation. By the stout and wise counsel of the Laird of Grange, the Earl of Arran, then second person to the Crown, caused assemble the nobility of the realm, and required the equity of their judgment in his just suit to be governor of this realm during the minority of her to whom he would succeed, in the event of her death without lawful succession. His friends convened, the nobility assembled, and the day of decision was appointed. The Cardinal and his faction opposed themselves to the government of one man, and especially to the regiment of any called Hamilton: "For who knows not," said the Cardinal, "that the Hamiltons are cruel murderers, oppressors of innocence, proud, avaricious, double, and false; and, finally, the pestilence in this commonwealth." Thereto the said Earl answered, "Defraud me not of my right, and call me what ye please. Whatsoever my friends have been, unto this day no man has had cause to complain upon me, nor am I minded to flatter any of my friends in their evil doing. By God's grace I shall be as forward to correct their enormities as any within the realm can reasonably require of me. And therefore, yet again, my Lords, in God's name I crave that ye do me no wrong, nor defraud me of my just title, before ye have experience of my government." At these words, all that feared God or loved honesty were so moved that with one voice they cried, "That petition is most just, and unless we would act against God, justice, and equity, it cannot be denied."

[Sidenote: The Earl of Arran is proclaimed Regent.]

In despite of the Cardinal and his suborned faction, the Earl of Arran was declared Governor, and with public proclamation so announced to the people. The King's Palace, treasure, jewels, garments, horse, and plate were delivered unto him by the officers that had the former charge; and he was honoured, feared, and obeyed more heartily than ever any king was before, so long as he abode in God. Great favour was borne unto him, because it was bruited that he favoured God's Word; and because it was well known that he was one appointed to have been persecuted, as the scroll, found in the King's pocket after his death, did witness. These two things, together with an opinion that men had of his simplicity, did, in the beginning, bow unto him the hearts of many who afterwards, with dolour of heart, were compelled to change their opinions. We omit a variety of matters, such as the order taken for keeping the young Queen; the provision for the mother; and the home-calling of the Douglases. These appertain to a universal history of the time. We seek only to follow the progress of religion, and of the matters that cannot be dissevered from the same.

[Sidenote: Thomas Williams and John Rough preach, in despite of the Friars.]

The Governor being established in government, godly men repaired unto him, and exhorted him to call to mind for what end God had exalted him; out of what danger He had delivered him; and what expectation all men of honesty had of him. At their suit, more than of his own motion, Thomas Williams, a Black Friar, was called to be preacher. The man was of solid judgment, reasonable letters for that age, and of a prompt and good utterance: his doctrine was wholesome, without great vehemence against superstition. John Rough, who after, for the truth of Christ Jesus, suffered in England, in the days of Mary of cursed memory, preached also sometimes, not so learnedly, yet more simply, and more vehemently against all impiety. The doctrine of these two provoked against them and against the Governor the hatred of all that favoured darkness more than light, and their own bellies more than God. These slaves of Satan, the Grey Friars (and amongst the rest Friar Scott, who before had given himself forth for the greatest professor of Christ Jesus within Scotland, and under that colour had disclosed and so endangered many) croaked like ravens, yea, rather they yelled and roared like devils in hell, "Heresy! heresy! Williams and Rough will carry the Governor to the devil."

[Sidenote: Edinburgh drowned in Superstition.]

The town of Edinburgh was, for the most part, drowned in superstition: Edward Hope, young William Adamson, Sibella Lindsay, Patrick Lindsay, Francis Aikman; and in the Canongate, John Mackay, Ryngzean Brown, with a few others, had the bruit[48] of knowledge in those days. One Wilson, servant to the Bishop of Dunkeld, who neither knew the New Testament nor the Old, made a despiteful railing ballad against the preachers and against the Governor, and for this he narrowly escaped hanging. The Cardinal moved both heaven and hell to trouble the Governor and to stay the preaching; but the battle was stoutly fought for a season. He was taken prisoner, and was confined first in Dalkeith, and after that in Seton. But, in the end, by means of bribes given to Lord Seton and to the old Laird of Lethington, he was restored to St. Andrews. Thence he wrought all mischief, as we shall afterwards hear.

[48] Repute.

[Sidenote: Liberty to read the Scriptures is demanded.]

At the approach of Parliament before Easter, there began to be question of abolishing certain tyrannical acts, formerly made at the instance of the prelates, for maintaining of their kingdom of darkness; to wit, the Act "that under pain of heresy, no man should read any part of the Scriptures in the English tongue, nor yet any tractate or exposition of any place of Scripture." Such articles began to come into question, we say, and men began to inquire if it was not as lawful to men that understood no Latin to use the Word of their salvation in the tongue they understood, as it was for Latin men to have it in Latin, and for Greeks or Hebrews to have it in their tongues. It was answered that the first Kirk had forbidden all tongues but these three. But men demanded when that inhibition was given; and what Council had ordained that, considering that Chrysostom complained that the people used not the Psalms, and other holy books, in their own tongues? If it be said that these were Greeks, and understood the Greek tongue, we answer that Christ Jesus commanded His Word to be preached to all nations. Now, if it ought to be preached to all nations, it must be preached in the tongue they understand. If it be lawful to preach it and to hear it preached in all tongues, why should it not be lawful to read it, and to hear it read in all tongues, to the end that the people may try the spirits, according to the commandment of the Apostle.

Beaten with these and other reasons, it was admitted that the Word might be read in the vulgar tongue, provided that the translation were true. It was demanded, what could be reprehended in the translation used? Much searching was made, but nothing could be found, except that "love," said they, was put in the place of "charity." When they were asked what difference was betwixt the one and the other, and whether they understood the nature of the Greek term _Agape_, they were dumb. The Lord Ruthven, father to him that prudently gave counsel to take just punishment upon that knave Davie,[49] a stout and discreet man in the cause of God, and Mr. Henry Balnaves, an old professor, reasoned for the party of the seculars. For the Clergy, Hay, Dean of Restalrig, and certain old bosses[50] with him.

[49] David Rizzio.

[50] Worthless characters.

[Sidenote: An open Bible is secured.]

The conclusion was that the Commissioners of Burghs and a part of the nobility required of the Parliament that it might be enacted, "That it should be lawful to every man to use the benefit of the translation which then they had of the Bible and New Testament, together with the benefit of other tracts containing wholesome doctrine, until such time as the prelates and kirkmen should give and set forth unto them a translation more correct." The clergy hereto long repugned; but, in the end, convicted by reason and by multitude of contrary votes, they also acquiesced. So, by Act of Parliament, it was made free to all men and women to read the Scriptures in their own tongue, or in the English tongue; and all Acts of contrary effect were abolished.

[Sidenote: The Bible becomes fashionable.]

This was no small victory of Christ Jesus, fighting against the conjured enemies of His truth; no small comfort to such as before were so holden in bondage that they durst not have read the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, or the Articles of their faith in the English tongue, without being accused of heresy. Then might have been seen the Bible lying upon almost every gentleman's table. The New Testament was borne about in many men's hands. We grant that some, alas! profaned that blessed Word; for some that, perchance, had never read ten sentences in it had it most commonly in their hands. They would chop their familiars on the cheek with it, and say, "This has lain hid under my bed-foot these ten years." Others would glory, "Oh! how often have I been in danger for this book. How secretly have I stolen from my wife at midnight to read upon it." Many did this to make court; for all men esteemed the Governor the most fervent Protestant in Europe. Albeit many abused that liberty granted by God miraculously, the knowledge of God wondrously increased, and God gave His Holy Spirit to simple men in great abundance. Then were set forth works in our own tongue, besides those that came from England, disclosing the pride, the craft, the tyranny, and the abuses of that Roman Antichrist.

[Sidenote: King Harry suggests the Betrothal of Queen Mary to Prince Edward.]

The fame of our Governor was spread in divers countries, and many praised God for him. King Harry sent unto him his Ambassador, Mr. Sadler, and he lay in Edinburgh a great part of the summer. His commission and negotiation was to contract a perpetual amity betwixt England and Scotland. God seemed to have offered the occasion, and to many men it appeared that from heaven He had declared His good pleasure in that proposal. For, to King Harry, Jane Seymour (after the death of Queen Katherine, and of all others that might have made his marriage suspect) had borne a son, Edward the Sixth of blessed memory, older some years than our Mistress, and unto us was left a Queen. This wonderful providence of God caused men of greatest judgment to enter into disputation with themselves, whether, with good conscience, any man might repugn to the desires of the King of England, considering that thereby all occasion of war might be cut off, and great commodity might ensue to his realm. The offers of King Harry were so large and his demands were so reasonable that all that loved quietness were content therewith. There were sent from the Parliament to King Harry, in commission, Sir William Hamilton, Sir James Learmonth, and Mr. Henry Balnaves. These remained long in England, and so travailed that all things concerning the marriage betwixt Edward the Sixth and Mary Queen of Scots were agreed upon, except the time of her deliverance to the custody of Englishmen.

[Sidenote: The Contract of Marriage is adjusted and ratified.]

For the final conclusion of this head, William, Earl of Glencairn, and Sir George Douglas, were added to the former commissioners, and to them were given ample commission and good instructions. Mr. Sadler remained in Scotland. Communications passed frequently, yea, the hands of our Lords were liberally anointed. Other commodities were promised, and by some received; for divers persons taken at Solway Moss were sent home, ransom free, upon promise of their fidelity,--how this was kept, the issue will witness. In the end, all were well content (the Cardinal, the Queen, and the faction of France ever excepted), and solemnly, in the Abbey of Holyroodhouse, the contract of marriage betwixt the persons foresaid, together with all the clauses and conditions requisite for the faithful observation thereof, was read in public audience, subscribed, sealed, approved, and allowed by the Governor for his part, and the Nobility and Lords for their part. That nothing should lack that might fortify the matter, Christ's sacred body, as Papists term it, was broken betwixt the said Governor and Master Sadler, Ambassador, and received by them both as a sign and token of the unity of their minds, inviolably to keep that contract, in all points, as they looked to Christ Jesus to be saved, and to be reputed men worthy of credit before the world in after time.

[Sidenote: The Papists refuse to acknowledge the Contract.]

The Papists raged against the Governor and against the Lords that consented, and abode sweir[51] at the contract. They made a brag that they would depose the Governor, and confound all. Without delay, they raised their forces and came to Linlithgow, where the young Queen was kept. But, upon the return of the Ambassadors from England, pacification was made for that time. By the judgment of eight persons for either party, chosen to judge whether anything had been done by the Ambassadors, in contracting that marriage, for which they had not sufficient power from the Council and Parliament, it was found that all things had been done by them according to their commission, and that these should stand. So the Seals of England and Scotland were interchanged. Master James Foulis, then Clerk of Register, received the Great Seal of England; and Master Sadler received the Great Seal of Scotland. The heads of the contract we pass by.

[51] Unwilling.

As soon as these things were ratified, the merchants made frack[52] to sail, and to resume the traffic which had for some years been hindered by the trouble of wars. From Edinburgh were freighted twelve ships richly laden with the wares of Scotland. From other towns and ports departed others. All arrived in Yarmouth; and entered not only within roads, but also within ports and places where ships might be arrested. Because of the lately contracted amity and the gentle entertainment that they received at first, they made no great expedition. Being, as they supposed, in security, they spent the time in merriness, abiding upon the wind.

[52] Made bustling preparation.

[Sidenote: The Papists turn the Tables.]

In the meantime there arrived from France to Scotland the Abbot of Paisley, called bastard brother to the Governor, but by many esteemed son to Crichton, the old Bishop of Dunkeld, and with him Master David Panter, afterwards Bishop of Ross. The bruit of the learning and honest life of these two, and of their fervency and uprightness in religion, was such that there was great hope that their presence should have been comfortable to the Kirk of God. It was constantly affirmed that, without delay, the one and the other would occupy the pulpit, and truly preach Jesus Christ. Few days disclosed their hypocrisy. What terrors, what promises, or what enchanting boxes they brought from France, the common people knew not, but shortly after it was seen that Friar Williams was inhibited from preaching, and so departed to England. John Rough retired to Kyle, a receptacle of God's servants of old.

The men of counsel, judgment, and godliness that had travailed to promote the Governor, and that gave him faithful counsel in all doubtful matters, were either craftily conveyed from him, or else, by threats of hanging, were compelled to leave him. Of the former number were the Laird of Grange, Master Henry Balnaves, Master Thomas Bellenden, and Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount; men by whose labours the Governor was promoted to honour, and by whose counsel he so used himself at the beginning that the obedience given to him was nothing inferior to that possessed by any king of Scotland for many years before. Yea, it did surmount the common obedience, in that it proceeded from love of those virtues that were supposed to have been in him. Of the number of those that were threatened were Master Michael Durham, Master David Borthwick, David Forrest, and David Bothwell. These had counselled the Governor to have in his company God-fearing men, and not to foster wicked men in their iniquity, albeit they were called his friends and were of his surname. When this counsel came to the ears of the foresaid Abbot and the Hamiltons, who then repaired to the Court as ravens to the carrion, it was said in plain words, "My Lord Governor and his friends will never be in quietness, until a dozen of these knaves that abuse his Grace be hanged."

These words were spoken in his own presence, and in the presence of some of them that had better deserved than so to have been entreated. The speaker was allowed his bold and plain speaking, and the wicked counsel being tolerated, honest and godly men left the Court and the Governor in the hands of such as led him so far from God that he falsified his promise, dipped his hands in the blood of the saints of God, and brought this commonwealth to the very point of utter ruin. These were the first-fruits of the godliness and learning of the Abbot of Paisley: hereafter we will hear more.

[Sidenote: The Abbot and the Cardinal next threaten the Regent.]

All honest and godly men once banished from the Court, the Abbot and his council began to lay before the inconstant Governor the dangers that might ensue the alteration and change of religion; the power of the King of France; and the commodity that might come to him and his house by retaining the ancient league with France. He was also called on to consider the great danger that he brought upon himself if, in any jot, he suffered the authority of the Pope to be violated or called in question within this realm; for thereon alone stood the security of his right to the succession of the Crown of this realm. By God's Word, the divorcement of his father from Elizabeth Home, his first wife, would not be found lawful, his second marriage would be judged null, and he himself declared bastard. Caiaphas spake prophecy, and wist not what he spake; for at that time there were no men that truly feared God that minded any such thing. With their whole force they would have fortified the title that God had given unto him, and things done in time of darkness would never have been called in question.

Another practice was used. The Cardinal, being now at liberty, ceased not to traffic with such of the nobility as he might draw to his faction or corrupt by any means, seeking thereby to raise a party against the said Governor, and against such as stood fast for the contract of marriage and peace with England. The said Cardinal, the Earls Argyll, Huntly, and Bothwell, and the bishops and their bands, assembled at Linlithgow: thereafter they passed to Stirling, and took with them both the Queens, the mother and the daughter, and threatened the deposition of the said Governor, as inobedient to their Holy Mother the Kirk, as they term the harlot of Babylon, Rome.

[Sidenote: The Regent breaks Faith with England, and receives Absolution.]

The inconstant man, not thoroughly grounded upon God, was left destitute of all good counsel by his own default, and had the wicked ever blowing in his ears, "What will ye do! Ye will destroy yourself and your house for ever." Beaten with these temptations, the unhappy man surrendered himself to the appetites of the wicked. Quietly stealing away from the Lords that were with him in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, he passed to Stirling, subjected himself to the Cardinal and to his council, received absolution, renounced the profession of the holy Evangel of Christ Jesus, and violated the oath that he had made for observation of the contract and league with England.

[Sidenote: King Harry remonstrates without avail.]

At that time our Queen was crowned, and new promise was made to France. The certainty hereof coming to King Harry, our Scottish ships were stayed, the sails taken from their rays,[53] and the merchants and mariners were commanded to sure custody. New commission was sent to Master Sadler, who still remained in Scotland, to demand the reason for that sudden alteration, and to travail by all means possible that the Governor might be called back to his former godly purpose, and that he would not do so foolishly and inhonestly, yea so cruelly and unmercifully, to the realm of Scotland. He was assured that he would not only lose the commodities offered and presently to be received, but that he would also expose Scotland to the hazard of fire and sword, and other inconveniences that might arise from the war that would follow upon the violation of his faith: but nothing could avail. The Devil kept fast the grip that he had got, yea, even all the days of his government. The Cardinal got his eldest son in pledge, and kept him in the Castle of St. Andrews until the day that God punished his pride.

[53] Yards.

[Sidenote: War is declared by King Harry.]

King Harry, perceiving that all hope of the Governor's repentance was lost, called back his ambassador, and that with fearful threatenings, as Edinburgh afterwards felt. He proclaimed war, made our ships prizes, and our merchants and mariners lawful prisoners, and this alone was no small hardship to the burghs of Scotland. But the Cardinal and priests did laugh, and jestingly said, "When we shall conquer England, the merchants shall be recompensed." The summer and the harvest passed over without any notable thing. The Cardinal and Abbot of Paisley parted the prey betwixt them: the abused Governor bare the name only.

[Sidenote: The revolt of the Earl of Lennox.]

In the beginning of the winter the Earl of Lennox came to Scotland, sent from France in hatred of the Governor, whom the King, by the Cardinal's advice, promised to pronounce bastard, and so make the said Earl Governor. The Cardinal further put the Earl in vain hope that the Queen Dowager would marry him. He brought with him some money, and more he afterwards received from the hands of La Broche. But, at length, perceiving himself frustrated of all expectation that he had either from the King of France, or yet from the promise of the Cardinal, he concluded to seek the favour of England, and began to draw a faction against the Governor.

In hatred of the other's inconstancy, many favoured him in the beginning. At Yule there assembled in the town of Ayr, the Earls of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassillis, the Lords Maxwell and Somerville, the Laird of Drumlanrig, and the Sheriff of Ayr, with all the force that they and the Lords that remained constant to England might make. After Yule they came to Leith. The Governor and Cardinal, with their forces, kept Edinburgh, for they were slackly pursued. Men excused the Earl of Lennox in this matter, and laid the blame upon some that had no good will towards the regiment of the Stuarts. However it was, the said Earl of Lennox was disappointed of his purpose, and narrowly escaped; and first got himself to Glasgow, and after that to Dumbarton. Sir George Douglas was delivered to be kept as pledge. The Earl his brother was taken at the siege of Glasgow in the following Lent. It was bruited that both the brethren and others with them would have lost their heads if, by the providence of God, the English army had not arrived sooner.

[Sidenote: Cardinal Beaton stirs up Strife betwixt his Enemies.]

After the Cardinal had got the Governor wholly under his control, and had obtained his desires concerning a part of his enemies, he began to practise that such as he feared and therefore hated should be set by the ears, one against another. In that, thought the carnal man, stood his greatest security. The Lord Ruthven he hated, by reason of his knowledge of God's Word: the Lord Gray he feared, because at that time he sought the company of such as professed godliness, and bare small favour to the Cardinal. Now the worldly-wise man reasoned thus: "If I can put enmity betwixt those two, I shall be quit of a great number of unfriends; for the most part of the country will either assist the one or the other; and, otherwise occupied, they will not watch for my displeasure." Without long process, he found the necessary means; for he laboured with John Charteris, a man of stout courage and many friends, to accept the provostship of Perth, which he purchased[54] to him by donation of the Governor, with a charge to the said town to obey him as their lawful provost. Thereat, not only the said Lord Ruthven, but also the town was offended. These gave a negative answer, alleging that such intrusion of men into office was hurtful to their privilege and freedom. This granted unto them free election of their provost from year to year, at a certain time appointed, and this they could not or would not prevent.[55]

[54] Procured.

[55] Anticipate.

The said John, offended hereat, said that he would occupy that office by force, if they would not give it unto him of benevolence; and so departed, and communicated the matter with the Lord Gray, with Norman Leslie, and with other friends. These he easily persuaded to assist him in that pursuit, because he appeared to have the Governor's right, and had not only a charge to the town, but also had purchased letters empowering him to besiege it and to take it by strong hand, if any resistance were made unto him. These letters made many favour his action. The other party made for defence, and the Master of Ruthven (the Lord that afterwards departed to England) undertook the maintenance of the town, having in his company the Laird of Moncrieffe, and other neighbouring friends.

[Sidenote: The Fight for the Provostship of Perth.]

The said John made frack for the pursuit; and upon the Magdalene's day, in the morning, anno 1543, approached with his forces, the Lord Gray taking upon him the principal charge. Norman Leslie, with his friends, should have come by ship, with munition and ordnance, and they were in readiness. But because the tide served not soon, the other, thinking himself of sufficient force for all that were in the town, entered by the bridge. They found no resistance until the foremost were well within the Fish Gate, when the Master of Ruthven, with his company, stoutly rencountered them, and so rudely repulsed them that such as were behind gave back. The place of the retreat was so strait, that men durst not fight, and could not flee at their pleasure, for Lord Gray and his friends were upon the bridge. The slaughter was great; for there fell by the edge of the sword threescore men. The Cardinal had rather that the unhap had fallen on the other side; but, howsoever it was, he thought that such trouble was for his comfort and advantage. The knowledge of this came unto the ears of the party that had received the discomfiture, and was unto them no small grief. Many of them had entered into that action for his pleasure, and thought they should have had his fortification and assistance. Finding themselves frustrated, they began to look more narrowly to themselves, and did not so much attend upon the Cardinal's devotion, as they had been wont to do. Thus was a new jealousy engendered amongst them; for whosoever would not play to him the good valet was reputed amongst his enemies.

[Sidenote: Treachery of the Cardinal.]