iill H -7- .0^^ /' v^ . .^i ^' Oo^ ^^^-^ ,<^^' .V^^ .^^ " r^ ^^ -%. s> r^.-^ '^ .^ ..^^ v/^ ■-^^/ \M F^ .-■^^^^ -' -^ :)o ' V v^ ^^'^^ oc^ \0 o^ A^^' A' >,*^ Ci' V _^ .•\ v\ .V ^^°. >% ''i? .0^ o- '^/^ * O S ^ <^^ o S V . ^^ % V XV ^ " " , <^ ■^ c;^' ^^^ A .0^ A^^" "^^. ^\-'.. \ .^>' b. s^^ ■,■«- ^'" 'b. o.'^~ ^S oo oo^ / iz-tf, THE LIFE ' MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. BY pforHEADLET, AtJTHOE OF "life OF THE EMPRESS JOSEPUIXJ:," ETa NEW YORK: C. M. SAXTON, BARKER & CO, SAN FRANCISCO : H. H. BANCROFT & CO. 1860. -s.yf,> Kutered according to Act of Congress, In the year one thoasand eigbt bnndred anil fifty -tliree, by Dkrby and Miller, In the Clerk's Offlceof the District Court of the Northern District of New-York. O. A. ALVORD, PRINTER, KEVT YORK. PREFACE. The universal interest felt in the romantic and tragical career of Mary Stuart, seemed to demand an American biography, adapted to the popular mind. Such a work the one now offered to the public was designed to be. The authors mainly consulted and quoted are, Mrs. Strickland, Miss. Benger, Mignet, Mo- Crie, and Hume. Some of these historians, in their unquali- fied and extravagant admiration of the Queen of Scots, apolo- gize for every fault, and illustrate glowingly every virtue. Others lean to the defence of Elizabeth, at the expense of Mar ry s cause. Both extremes have been avoided in purpose, if not in fact, in this biography. Less pure and loving than Josephine, Ma- ry Stuart was more beautiful, and tassed on more tempestuous seas ; a weary captive, she laid at length her crowned head on the executioner's block, affording an historical record, and a moral lesson, none can contemplate without benefit to the in tcllect and to the heart. CONTENTS. CHAPTER L Tads, Personal and historical interest of Mary's life — Her ancestry — Circumstances of her birth — Death of James V. — Henry VIII. of England, solicits the hand of Mary Stuart for tlie young Prince of AYales — Mary's coronation — The treaty "with England broken, and an alliance with France formed — War is declared by King Henry — Upon the death of Henry, Somerset becomes Protector — He prosecutes the plans of his late King — Battle of Pinkie — Mary's removal to Inchma- home — She sails for France — Her arrival — Her residence in the Convent — She is removed to the Palace — The Court of Henry II. — Mary's education — Letter to her Mother — Inci- dents — Her beauty and accomplishments — Her character at the age of fifteen, 13 CHAPTER n. The Dauphin — Mary's attachment to him — The treacherous conditions of marriage — The magnificent nuptials — The Commissioners' return to Scotland — Rejoicings and develop- ments — Elizabeth ascends the Throne of England — Her per- son and character — Henry of France makes her the rival of Mary Stuai't — Changes in the French Court — Death of Hen- ry II. — Results — The Dauphin's joy at his elevation to the Throne — The condition of afi"airs in Scotland — The Regent's death — Treaty of peace — Death of Francis II. — Mary's VI CONTENTS. FAQK Mourning — Elizabeth's condolence — Foreign Ambassadors — Catherine's jealousy — Mary prepares to return to Scot- land — Letter of the Laird of Lethington — Negotiations — The Queen's journeyings — Elizabeth refuses a safe conduct — Mary's departure — Her adieu, 36 CHAPTER m. The voyage — Mary arrives at Leith — Popular rejoicings- John Knox — Mary's religious concessions — Her public en- try into Edinburgh — Interview with John Knox — The com- promise — Lord James Stuart — Life at Holyrood — Conspir- acies and revolt — Mary heads an army — Another interview with Knox — Correspondence with Elizabeth — Proposed meeting of the Sovereigns — Traits of character — Scenes in the Palace — Lovers — Lords Dudley and Darnley — Negotia- tions — James Melvil's mission — Randolph's visit to St. An- drews — The result — Murray 'a conspiracy and revolt — The wedding, 73 CHAPTER IV. The immediate results of Mary's marriage with Darnley — Campaign against Murray — Mary Stuart is victorious — Slie writes to Archbisliop of Glasgow — Issues a proclamation — She discloses her plans for restoring tlie Catholic faith — Let- ter to Philip II., of Spain — Mary marching a third time against Murray, totally routs his faction — He flies to Eng- land — Elizabeth extorts a confession that she did not en- courage t^ie rebellion — Mary's policy — Rizzio's elevation — Darnley loses the Queen's confidence — His aspirations — Darnley plots Rizzio's death — The tragedy — Mai-y's feel- ings and conduct — Mary is a captive — Darnley relents — The flight — Mary gathers an army — Campaigns and victo- ries — Trouble with Darnley increases — A son is born — Congratulations — Anticipations — Bothwell and Mary — Excursions — Darnley's plans — Yields to Mary — The Cliris- tening — A divorce or murder suggested to Mary — The Gon- epiracy — Mary's guilt — The Issue, ... ..... 112 conte:n^ts. vii CHAPTER V. PAOIL Mary's movements aftei" the death of Darnley — Mary at Setou — Popular feeling — The Earl of Leiiuox writes Mary — Let- ter from Elizal)oth — Mary's intimacy with Bothwell — The mock trial and acquittal of the Earl — His arrogance and designs — The banquet — The nobles sign the bond praying Mary to marry Bothwell — His rudeness to the Queen — Her devotion to him — The stratagem to hasten the wedding — its success — Mary's return to Edinburgh — Tlie nuptials — Domestic discord — Embassies — Rebellion — Feeling in the Court of Charles IX., of France — The confederates march towards Bothwick Castle — Bothwell escapes — Mary's flight The preparations for battle — Mediation of De Croc — The Queen's extremity — March to Edinburgh — Her distress — The waiTant for her imprisonment — Mary Stuart in Loch- leven Castle, l7l CHAPTER VI. N'ew dangers threaten Mary — Sir James Melvil — Elizabeth's interposition — The designs and action of the Confederates — Throckmorton's embassy and instructions — The corona- tion of James — The arrival of Murray — His interview with Mary — Is proclaimed Regent — The people approve the measure — Elizabeth only interferes — Murray triumphs — Both well's fate — His companions — Mary in prison — At- tempts to escape — She is at length successful — Raises an army — The battle — Mary flies — Reaches Carlisle — Writes Elizabeth — Throws herself on the mercy of the Queen of England — Negotiations — Elizabeth demands a trial of Ma- ry — Letters to her from the Captive — Preparations for the conference — The Court at York — The position and error of Mary, 212 CHAPTER Vn. Tlie conference — Letter of Mary Stuart to the King of Spain — ^Tho Scotch Commissioners withdraw — Murray accuses Vlll CONTENTS. PAGE Mary — Elizabeth proposes to her Prisoner a reply to the ev- idence — Mary refuses — The Queen of England writes to Mary — Mary vindicates her course — The conference closes — Mary Stuart's letter to Elizabeth — The conflict of royal determinations — Mary is removed to the Castle of Tut- bury — Murray's movements — The Duke of Norfolk as- pires to the hand of Mary — His designs discovered by Elizabeth — Mary is more closely confined — The Duke ia arrested — Mary writes to Elizabeth — Insurrection — Mur- ray is triumphant — His assassination — His character — Let- ters of Mary — 'Negotiations with Elizabeth — Conspiracy — It is detected — Norfolk's death and character — Mary's condition, 209 CHAPTER Vm. Changes in the Regency of Scotland — Massacre of St. Barthol- omew — Its effects on Elizabeth and Mary's prospects — De- signs against Mary — Death of Knox — The total overthrow of her party in Scotland — Letter to Elizabeth — Lenity oi the English Queen — Correspondence of Mary Stuart — An- other conspiracy — Letters to Archbishop of Glasgow — Ex- ecution of Morton, Regent of Scotland — A new conspiracy — Its failure — Letter of Mary to Elizabeth, S23 CHAPTER IX. Mary Stuart is arraigned before the High Court of Justice — Scenes of the trial — Elizabeth hesitates to pronounce the sentence of death, according to the unanimous voice of the Commissioners — The result of the trial is announced to Ma- ry — Letters to friends — Her last message to Elizabeth — Interference of Foreign Courts — Unnatural conduct of James VI. — Elizabeth signs the warrant of Mary's execution — Paulet refuses to slay his prisoner privately — The officers of justice repair to Fotheringay Castle — The scenes there — The warrant is read to Mary — Her reply — Affecting in- terviews — Her last night — Writes her will — Pi'ospect of death, 403 CONTENTS. IX CHAPTER X. PAGB. Mary Stuart's last slumber — The morning dawns — The inter- view with her servants — Her devotions — The summons — The Captive's death-march — Her address on the scaffold — Religious scenes — The Victim prepares for the sacrifice — The fatal stroke — Funeral ceremonies — Effect of Mary's ex- ecution on the public mind — Her character, 438 LIFE or MAEY QUEEN OE SCOTS. CHAPTER I. rEESONAL AND HIS'iOEICAL INTEREST OF MARy's LIFE HER ANCESTRl CIRCUMSTANCES OF HER BIRTH DEATH OF JAMES V. HENRY TUB Tin. OF ENGLAND, SOLICITS THE HAND OF MARY STUART FOR THE YOUNG PRINCE OF WALES MAIIy's CORONATION THE TREATY WITH ENGLAND BROKEN, AND AN ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE FORMED WAR IS DECLARED BY KING HENRY UPON THE DEATH OF HENRY, SOMERSET BECOMES PKOTECTOR HE PROSECUTES THE PLANS OF HIS LATE KING BATTLE OF PINKIE — Mary's removal to inchmahome — ^she sails for France HER arrival HER RESIDENCE IN THE CONVENT SHE IS REMOVED TO THE PALACE THE COURT OF HENRY IL MARy's EDUCATION LETTER TO HER MOTHER INCIDENTS HER BEAUTY AND ACCOMPLISH- MENTS HER CHARACTER AT THE AGE OF FIFTEEN. The name of Maiy, like tliat of Josephine, awakens a unirersal and mournful interest. Born to royalty, slie was the most beautiful and accomplished sove- reign in the world during a stormy period of the Scot- tish monarchy, and after a captivity of nearly half of her life-time, died on the scaffold, in the full maturity of her womanhood ; illustrating the mutability of "all things terrene," and how great a misfortune may be the heritage of greatness. The peninsula of Northern Britain, which was the mountainous home of the Gal- lic race, after the ceaseless war of clans for centuries, 14 MARYQUEENOFSCOTS. and invasions of tlie Saxons, Angles, and Danes, be^ came an independent monarcliy about the middle of the fourteenth century, when David II. ascended the throne founded by his illustrious father, Robert Bruce. An alliance with France modified the severe manners of the Scottish nobility, and opened a refuge for the unfortunate Mary. Of the four kings who reigned before Mary's father took the sceptre, James I. and James III. died by the hands of the assassin, and James Jl. and James lY. were slain in battle. James Y. succeeded to the throne in 1513, then only eighteen months old, under the regency of Margaret of Eng- land, his mother. The biography of Mary Stuart, therefore, has not only the interest of tragedy, but is a focal point in history, in which the past and present meet, with an intensity of life, perhaps, unknown in the annals of woman, if we except the rise and decline of the Em- press, wliose destiny was the dial of Napoleon's fate. Mary Stuart was born December 8, 1542 — (accord- ing to Miss Benger's Memoirs, December 7,) — at the palace of Linlithgow, situated on the shore of a beau- tiful lake in the heart of Scotland. Her father, James Y., assumed the reins of government when seventeen years old, and at twenty-three, married Magdalen, daughter of Francis I. She died two years later, and the King married Mary, eldest daughter of Claudo de Guise, of Lorraine, and widow of Louis of Orleans — an accomplished and fascinating woman. There was a sad omen in the circumstances attending the birth of Mary. James, who had refused to meet Heurv MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 15 the Eiglitli of England at York, to form a religions union, was caressed and flattered by the cardinal and bishops, while the increasing spirit of faction spread among his nobles. When, therefore, his army came to battle with five hundred English, at Solway Moss, they immediately fled. His proud and passionate heart was stung with mortification, and weakly yield- ing to the calamity, he died a few days after hearing the tidings of Mary's birth. Upon the factious deser- tion of his forces, " the King passed out of Ilolyrood House to Falkland, and there became heavy and do- lorous, that he never ate nor drank that had digestion ; and so he became vehement sick that no man had hope of his life: then he sent for certain of his ]ords^ both spiritual and temporal, to have their counsel, but ere they came, he was well nigh strangled to death by extreme melancholy. By this the post came to the King out of Linlithgow, showing him good tidings that the Queen was delivered. The King inquired whether it was a man-child or a woman ; the messen- ger said, 'It is a fair daughter;' the King answered. Adieu ! farewell : it came with a lass, and it will pass with a lass ; and so he recommended himself to the mercy of Almighty God, and spake little from that time forth, but turned his back to his lords, and his face to the wall. At this time Laird Beaton, Cardi- nal of Scotland, standing in presence of the King, seeing him begin to fail of his strength and natural speech, held a throck of paper to his grace, and caus- ed him to subscribe the same, wherein the said car- dinal wrote what pleased him, for his own particular 16 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. thinking, to have authority and preeminence in the government of the country. But we may know here- by the King's legacy was very short, for in this man- ner he departed, as hereafter I shall show you. He turned him upon his back, and looked and looked and beheld all his nobles and lords about him, and gave a little smile of laughter, then kissed his hand, and offered the same to all his nobles round about him, thereafter held up his hands, and yielded his spirit to God." 'No sooner was the King buried, than the uncon- scious infant, his only daughter, became the object of political intrigue and bitter jealousies. The English monarch dispatclied Sadler, a distinguished negotia- tor, to secure the marriage of his son Edward to the heiress of Scotland. His design was to consolidate the interests of the two kingdoms, and establish abiding peace. The difficulties to be overcome were 'manifold. The nobility were divided. A large party was dependent on England, another sympathized with France, and a third, the smallest faction, was com- posed of genuine patriots — high-minded men, ready to defend with their blood, the independence and glo- ry of their ancient realm, Tlie clergy were of course hostile to the Reformation, and actively fanned the flame of discord between England and semi-catholic Scotland. / Meanwhile, the Earl of Arran, through the ascendency of the nobility, was appointed by Parlia- ment Regent of the kingdom. To him Sadler pro- posed the alliance. Cardinal Beaton, who had as- pired to the regency, employed his influence over the MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 17 earl, to prevent tlie consummation of the politic scheme, and obtain a similar arrangement with France, a papal power. Although Arran vacillated, Henry the VIII. might have succeeded, had not his fiery and impetuous nature urged his claims too vehemently. He demanded the guardianship of Mary till she was of marriageable age, and also asked the surrender of several of the most impregnable fortresses in Scot- land. This exaction roused popular feeling, and Hen- ry was compelled to contract his royal ambition, to the simple requisition, that the juvenile Queen be sent to England when she had reached her tenth year, and espouse the Prince of Wales. On the 1st of July, 1543, a treaty was concluded between the Regent and King Henry. During this excitment, spreading over two monarchies, and enlisting the diplomacy of lords and kings, Mary Stuart was smiling in the dreams of helpless infancy at Linlithgow. The loch sparkled beneath the castle windows — fountains sent up their showers of diamonds — and the soothing ac- cents of Janet, her nurse, were more welcome than the salutations of steel-clad barons and earls, who came to look on the child, and congi'atulate the wid- OAved mother. It was well that neither parent nor offspring saw the strange contrasts and fearful hours of the future. Mary was about nine months old, when her coronation was appointed, on the 9th of September, 1543, at Stirling Castle — less than a score of miles from Linlithgow — where this pageant had for many years been witnessed. The day was one of universal and thrilling interest 2 18 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. in Scotland. The first female sovereign on the throne of Bruce, was to be invested with crown and scepter. Two rival kingdoms, and the reformers of Europe were concerned in the significant event. To behold the magnificent scene, came pilgrims from liighland and lowland, and from adjacent realms, winding up the hill sides from the beautiful vales, to the rocky- summit, frowning with the battlements and towers of Stirling Castle. In the glittering train that followed the infant Mary, the Earl of Arran bore the crown — Lennox held the scepter. It is a singular fact, that the fathers of Darnley and Bothwell, the immediate instruments of Mary's tragical overthrow, were among the attendants, who assisted in her coronation. Car- dinal Beaton placed the symbol of regal j)Ower upon the brow of the laughing babe, around whom fac- tions sternly faced each other, and the shouts of the multitude made the old fortress rock to its base. The only bewildered and unconscious being there, was the heiress to scarcely less than a crown of thorns. AYlien the imposing ceremonies had passed, and the intrigues of aspiring men were renewed, the Earl of Arran began to feel the force of a long cherished family preference for French alliances, and the artful appeals of Cardinal Beaton. Renouncing his Protest- ant tendencies, he joined the Catholic party, of which the Queen Dowager, distinguished for her dissimula- tion and diplomacy, was the head. The covenant with England was therefore annulled, and on the 15th of December, less than six months after the treaty with Henry was formed, an alliance with France was signed MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 19 at Edinburgli, by the Regent and Estates of Scotland, wlio at the same time ratified, in Mary's name, all the treaties which liad been made between the realms, since the reign of Robert Bruce. Tliis was the signal of war, which was declared by the enraged monarch of England, and a fleet was dis- patched to the Frith of Forth. This armament left black desolation in its path along the coast, and at length threatened with the torch of conflagration the noble city of Edinburgh. Upon the southern frontier hung the English army, ravaging the Scottish ]3lains with frequent and lawless incursions. It was the folly of a prince, haughtily impatient of restraint, to an- ticipate success by urging young Edward's right to Mary's hand, upon the resolute Scotch, with the ruth- less enterprise of a freebooter. The inevitable result was, a deepening hatred of the English, and more determined resistance. From France, auxiliary troops were called, to prosecute vigorously the war. The whole country was in a state of alarm. Persecution went abroad, with unrelenting cruelty. The castle of St. Andrews and the French galleys received the leaders of the English Reformation in Scotland. Tlie virtuous and gifted "Wishart went to the stake under the religious despotism of Cardinal Beaton ; and bloody deeds were everywhere common. The death of Henry YIII. in January, 1547, left his experiment of uniting the houses of the Stuarts and the Tudors, a total failure, and the kingdoms of Scotland and England wider asunder than at any previous period. The Duke of Somerset, uncle of Edward YI., was 20 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. appointed Protector of the kingdom, during tlie mi- nority of the Prince, and carried forward energetically the plans of the late King. "With an army of eighteen thousand men, he aj^peared on Scottish soil, and ofler- ed to retire, only on conditions that Mary should re- main in her native land till old enough to marry, and that all negotiations with France cease forever. But the sjjirit of national independence, wdiich spurned the humiliation of concession, lived among the high- lands, and in the palaces of the divided nohility. The Earl of Arran gathered a force of more than thirty thousand soldiers, and marched to the banks of the Eske, four miles from Edinburgh, where Somerset had taken his position. The Protector then renewed his proposals to evacuate the realm, and also repair dam- ages which he had committed, upon the same terms as before. The Scotch, confident of victory, refused, and after some manceuvering, the battle ojoened. The strife was fierce ; and when the clashing of spears had died away, and the tempest of arrows ceased, there lay ten thousand of Arran's host on the field, and the remainder were flying hotly before the shouting ene- my, whose loss was scarcely two hundred men. This decisive contest was called the battle of Pinkie, from the seat of a nobleman near the scene of bloody en- counter. The English, advancing to Leith, finally entrenched themselves in the southern part of the country, and received the surrender of the lairds along that frontier. Somerset, alarmed by cabals against him at home, hastened to London ; and Scotland, im- proving the delay, turned anxiously to France, ten- MART QUEEN OF SCOTS^ 21 dering tliat power tlie guardiansliip and inlieritance of Mary Stuart. Tlie Princess had passed the period of these exciting events at Stirling Castle, under the care of her governors, Lords Erskine and Livingston, a lovely, laughing girl, not six years of age, when the tidings of defeat at Pinkie reached the royal fortress. Stirling was now in danger of assault, and it was determined to remove Mary to the island of Lichma- liome, in the lake of Monteith.* There was a mon- astery there, sheltered by its isolation from the fora- ging troops of the English army. It Avas a romantic retreat, devoted to religious purposes mainly, and like Calypso's island to the young captive of Stirling Cas- tle. Li addition to the curators of her person, slie was attended by Erskine, the prior of Inchmahome, the parson of Balmacellan, the nurse, Janet Sinclair, her governess, Lady Fleming, daughter of James Fourth, and over all, Mary of Guise, whose clear in- tellect was stimulated to activity and vigilance by maternal affection. To increase the pleasures of an only daughter, and give completeness to her culture, she formed a social group, or school, of four girls, about the same age, and bearing the name of the Queen. The first was Mary Beaton, niece of the car dinal ; the second, Mary Fleming, daughter of Lord Fleming ; the third, Mary Livingston, and the fourth, Mary Seaton, Little is known of Mary Stuart's history in Inch- mahome. She had begun an acquaintance with the * Mr. Abbott puts Mary's removal to Inchmahome aboiit three j-(',ars earliei", which does not agree with Mignet and others. 22 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. French language, and, it is paid, with other classics. Doubtless, excepting the occasional recitations, mat- ins and vespers, these children, six years of age, pas- sed their time as others do, amid the pleasant scenes of quiet life, in juvenile pastimes, and rambles over the green esplanade of their consecrated home. In a few months the Marys were removed from this tran- quil and delightful refuge, to Dumbarton Castle ; where bold and romantic scenery has furnished glow- ing themes for Scottish song. This transfer, which contemplated the interference of the Duke of Somer- set to prevent the escape of Mary to France, was, on that account, of short continuance. Admiral Yil- legognon, with four galleys, was in the Clyde, to con- vey the Queen and her retinue to the dominions of Henry II., who had succeeded Francis I. The fleet sailed from harbor the Yth of August. The parting with her mother was affecting ; but it is afiirmed by biographers, that no murmurs escaped the young ex- ile's lips. She wept with a multitude of her people, as tlie royal vessel floated away, and her native land began to recede from her radiant eye. Scarcely had the fleet passed out into the deep, before the English squadron arrived at St. Abb's Head, to oppose its de- parture from the coast of Scotland. After a pleasant voyage, the flying Mary, with her company, arrived at Brest, August 13th, 1548. She was received with great pomp by the King of France, and the procession moved on to Paris amid the regal splendor of that extravagant period of French history. Prison doors were thrown open at the approach of the cavalcade, MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 23 and tile captives restored to freedom. It was a iBtrangely exciting scene to tlie laughing girl wlio was fclie cause of it all. After a brief residence in the palace of St. Ger- Qiain, surrounded with courtly pageantry, Mary was removed to a convent, to complete her education. She was subjected to strict rules of discipline, and regularly accustomed to join the nuns in their devo- tional exercises, and ascetic humiliations : and so read- ily- did she comply with whatever was required by her spiritual directors, that they began to cherish ambitious hopes of their royal pupil, and to boast that she had a religious vocation. This persuasion was too agreeable to self-love and to enthusiasm, to be confined to their own community ; the nuns offi- ciously j)i'Oclaimed their conviction that the little Mary Stuart would be a saint on earth : and witJi such zeal was the rumor propagated, that it oven reached the King, who had just returned from Bou- logne, and who, not relishing the suggestion, in. me- diately demanded that his daughter-in-law elect should be transferred to apartments in the ]3alace, where she could no longer be accessible to sainted maids, or exposed to their pious seductions. A', cord- ing to her learned biographer,* the execution o£ this mandate drew from Mary more tears than sh j had shed on leaving Scotland. "Wliether the end1ART QUEEN OF SCOTS. di late M. Asqiiin to his son, who is here. I humbly en- treat you never to give me anything but your com- mands, as to your very humble and very obedient daughter and servant, for otherwise I shall not think I have the happiness of being in your good graces. As for my master, I mil do as you have told me. 1 have shown the letters you have been pleased to write to me to my uncle, Monsieur de Guise, thinking that you would wish it, though, after the directions you have given me, I should not have shown them but that I was afraid I could not arrange things without his help. I write two other letters with my own hand ; the one concerning Mde. de Parroys, and the other for my master, that you may be able to show that of my said master without this, so that they may not think that you have told me anything about it. . . . . I should have written to you in cipher, but my secretary has told me that it was not necessary, and that he was writing to you in cipher. I write also to my natural brother, {frere lastard^) according to the advice of my uncle, M. de Guise. The said letters are open, in order that you may deliver them if you approve of them." Music, poetry, drawing, the exciting pleasures of the chase, aquatic excursions, and social scenes, were crowded into the premature experience of Mary. On one occasion, riding at full speed in pursuit of a stag, attended by a party of the nobility, her dress caught in the boughs of a tree, and in a moment she was unhorsed, and lying upon th<3 tiuf. The company 'S2 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. passed on without seeing the fallen Queen. Her coolness was admirable ; she made no outcry, and when her steed was brought back, she arranged her disheveled hair, and remounting, again dashed for- ward in the chase. The following letter, written about this time, when Mary was twelve years old, and addressed to her mother, gives a glimpse of the careful guardianship with which she was environed, and of her filial temper : " Mad^\3Ie — ^I have been well pleased to find so good an opportunity to write you, as I still remain here in this place of Mendon, with madame, my grand-mother, where the King and the Queen are to come Thursday next, to the baptism of my little cousin. My uncle, the cardinal, has informed me that all the lords of my kingdom are well disposed to obey you, and to do for you, as well as for myself, whatever you may please to command them, for which I am very grateful, and well pleased, desiring very much to hear your news, and awaiting which, I present my very humble compliments to your good grace — praying God to give you, madame, happiness and long life, I am your very humble and very obedient daughter Mary. Madame, once more I thank you." A year later she composed a Latin speech, and re- cited it in the presence of the King, the Queen, and the entire court, assembled in the hall of the Louvre. The Cardinal of Lorraine wrote to her mother in the following strain of eulogy : MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 33^ " Your daughter has so increased, and indeed in- creases daily in height, goodness, beautj, wisdom, and virtues, that she is as perfect and accomplished in all tilings honest and virtuous as it is possible for her to be ; and there is no one like her to be found in this kingdom, either among noble ladies or others, of what- ever low or mean condition and quality they may be : and I am constrained to tell you, madame, that the King takes such a liking to her, that he often passes his time in chatting with her for the space of an hour ; and she knows quite well how to entertain him with good and wise conversation, as if she were a woman twenty-five years of age." Tlie homage paid to Mary's beauty and graceful mien was universal. Upon a grand religious occasion, when a magnifi- cent procession moved at evening, each lady bearing aloft in her right hand a lighted torch, and in her left waiving a plam of victory, it is recorded that a wo- man, with superstitious wonder, approached Mary, while her beaming face reflected the brightness of her beacon, and exclaimed, " Are you not indeed an an- gel ?" Mary also excelled in the art of embroidery, then a popular and essential part of female education, and which she cultivated, together with the invention of heraldic and other devices, under the eye of the dignified, refined and imperious Catherine, the Queen of France. It is related by Conseus, that while Mary Stuart was passing the limited hours, with the King's daughters, in the royal apartment, she "had neither 13* 3 34 MAKY QUEEN' OF SCOTS. eye nor ear but for her elect step-motlier ; she eagerly treasured every word that fell from her lips, watched her looks, imitated her motions, and evidently was anxious to form herself upon the accomplished model before her." The same writer adds, that when Cath- erine inquired of the princess, why she preferred her society to the companionship of youthful persons, the womanly maiden replied, " that with them she might, indeed, enjoy much, but could learn nothing; whilst in her Majesty's wisdom and affability she found an example and a guide for her future life." Catherine smiled at the reply, as an idle compliment. She nat- urally felt her maternal pride wounded by the trans- cendent attractions of her protege in contrast with her own daughters, and fearing future rivalry in the claim to royal honors, soon betrayed a secret enmity towards the unoffending Mary. , Contemplating the extraordinary endowments of the fair exile, with her subsequent history before the mind, who can suppress a rising sadness in view of the beauteous victim, having all of life that was joy- ous, and kept like a pagan offering in the temple of sacrifice, caressed and crowned with garlands, for the altar. And it cannot be denied that Mary Stuart's heart and conscience were continually in danger ; if neither were stained by her friendships and contacts with the accomplished and unprincipled nobility, she were a greater marvel than the Hebrew amid the convivial population of the cities, from which he fled to escape the retributive storm. Her guardian uncle, Cardinal MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 35 of Lorraine, stamped upon her religions character his own hostility to John Knox and the spirit of reform, which must have modified those sensibilities that are refined by a pure Christianity. Tlius, at the age of fifteen, the fairest princess of Europe is a fascinating, flattered, and educated maiden ; virtuous, but her gentle spirit expanding in a tainted air ; conscientious in religious duties, but according to the unsoftened dogmas of an ancient and persecuting faith. Realms and their sovereigns are deeply interested in the des- tiny of the exiled daughter of the House of Stuart — a destiny wdiich at this early age reached an exciting and decisive turn, in its gay and onward march to the abyss of human woe. CHAPTER II. niE DAUPHIN — Mary's attachment to him — the treacherous condi- tions OF marriage THE magnificent NUPTIALS THE COMMISSIONERS* RETURN TO SCOTLAND REJOICINGS AND DEVELOPMENTS ELIZABETH ASCENDS THE THRONE OF ENGLAND HER PERSON AND CHARACTER HENRY OF FRANCE MAKES HER THE RIVAL OF MARY STUART CHANGES IN THE FRENCH COURT DEATH OF HENRY II. RESULTS THE DAU- PHIn's JOY AT HIS ELEVATION TO THE THRONE THE CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN SCOTLAND THE REGENT's DEATH TREATY OF PEACE DEATH OF FRANCIS II. MARy's MOURNING ELIZABETH'S CONDOLENCE FOREIGN AMBASSADORS CATHERINE'S JEALOUSY MARY PREPARES TO RETURN TO SCOTLAND LETTER OF THE LAIRD OF LETHINGTON ^ NEGOTIATIONS THE QUEEN's JOURNEYINGS ELIZABETH REFUSES A SAFE CONDUCT MARY's DEPARTURE HER ADIEU. Fkancis, son of Henry II. and Catlierine de Medici, was born at Fontaineblean, January 19, 1544 ; and was, therefore, about a year younger than Mary Stuart, by whom, from early childhood, he had been regarded as her future husband. This was the arrangement of royal policy ; and the youthful heirs to sovereignty had, during the pastimes of childhood within the same palace, formed a mutual affection. The Dauphin* was constitutionally and mentally weak, yet amiable, and when aroused, energetic. His pei'sonal appear- * So called from the ancient province of Dauplunj, a prince of which, upon the loss of his only son, bequeathed his large estates to the King, on condition that the eldest son of the reigning moa- arch of Franco should thereafter bear the title of Dauphin. MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 37 ance was plain, and his disposition extremely retiring. Shrinking with timid sensibility from responsil)ilities, he was neither formed to command, nor win the pop- ular homage. Although Mary was in all respects his superior, eclipsing by the splendor of her talents, his ordinary endowments, and fond of learning as he was of intellectual indolence, she evidently loved him for his virtuous habits and enthusiastic devotion to her, whose smile and pleasant words would always kindle into animation, the habitual repose of his yet juvenile features. But had she even felt a repugnance to the al- liance, so completely was she under the influence of her uncles, Duke of Guise, who was at the head of mili- tary affairs, and Cardinal of Lorraine, who controlled the clergy and finances, that her real sentiments would not have been revealed by lips which were carefully trained to the concealment of kingly de- signs and motives. Whatever the depth of Mary's love, the nuptials were appointed to be celebrated on Sunday, April 24th, 155S. Catherine opposed the marriage as premature, while the secret reason was the glory of the princess, in conflict with the hopes of her own aspiring family. Tlie Protestants of Scot- land, also, desired to defeat a union which threatened the dawning reformation with powerful restraint, if not temporary overthrov/. So bitter was the animos- ity, that, according to historical anecdote, Stewart, an archer in King Henry's guard, attempted to poison Mary, but was detected and beheaded. There were other factions at home and abroad, hostile to the ap- proaching marriage. All these sources of solicitude 38 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. stimulated Ilcnry to consummate the favorite purpose of his heart. In the meantime, on the 31st of Octo- ber, 1557, he wrote to the parliament of Scotland, in- viting them to send a de^jutation to Paris, and sanc- tion the marriage in the name of their kingdom, and attend the ceremonies of the wedding. December 14th, Parliament met, and, assured by the regent's plausible representation, appointed nine commission- ers to fulfill the royal request. These were, Arch- bishop of Glasgow ; the Bishops of Ross and Orkney ; the Earls of Rothes and Cassillis ; and Lords James Stuart, James Fleming, George Seaton and John Erskine of Dun. They were instructed to secure as an indispensable condition of approval, from both the Queen and the Dauphin, " a promise to preserve the integrity of the kingdom, and observe its ancient laws and liberties." We now have to record a treacherous act, matured and completed by a corrupt court, but in which Mary was a party by consent. She was only a maiden, truly, but a tender conscience and resolute will would have dared, for honor's sake, to oftend unscrupulous aspirants for crowns. On the 4th of April, Mary signed, at Fontainebleau, two se- cret acts of sweeping and dangerous import. Tlie first of these acts M^as a full and free donation of Scot- land to the Kings of France, in consideration of the services which those monarchs had at all times ren- dered to Scotland, by defending her against the Eng- lish, her ancient and inveterate enemies^ and especially for the assistance which she had received from King Herny II , who had maintained her independence at MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. od liis own expense during the minority of lier Queen. "The second act seemed frumed merely to meet the case of the non-execution of the first, in which she also conveyed to him any claims which might ac- crue to her upon England and Ireland. The usufruct of the kingdom of Scotland was granted to the King of France, until he should have been repaid the sums which he had expended in her defence. Estimating these sums at a million of pieces of eight, which Scot- land, in her existing state of poverty, could not re- store, Mary Stuart ordained that the King of France should have the enjoyment of her kingdom until they were entirely liquidated. With the consent of her uncles, the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal of Lor- raine, whose opinion she had consulted on the matter, she thus placed Scotland in pledge for debts which Scotland had never accepted." April 19tli, the youthful Queen entered into the most solemn engagements with the commissioners, directly in opposition to her private pledges. " The eldest son sprung of this marriage was to be King of France, and, if daughters only were born, the eldest of them was to become Queen of Scotland, to receive four hundred thousand crowns as a daugh- ter of France, and not to marry without the consent of both the estates of Scotland and the King of France ; the Dauphin was to assume the title and arms of King of Scotland, and if he died after his accession to the throne of France, the Queen, his widow, was to receive a jointure of six hundred thou- sand b'vres." 4:0 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. Without the prospect of ultimate benefit to Henry, the conflicting articles of agreement were a sad lesson for Mary in the art of royal treachery. Tlie glow of virtuous feeling must lose intensity by such contact and yielding, and the lovely instrument of ambitious princes did not escape the inevitable result. This was tlie day of her hetrothment, and in conformity with custom, it was performed in the great hall of the Louvre ; the scene was private, and closed with a brilliant ball. Paris was now alive with preparation for the public celebration of the nuptials. The workmen were bus}'^ with the church of Notre Dame, erecting a covered gallery to connect with the Episcopal palace of the Bishop, afibrding to the spec- tators through its long vista, a view of the royal pro- cession when it entered. It was lined with purple velvet, and embossed with rich and elaborite orna- ments, and opened at the cathedral into an amphi- theater of grand outline and finished proportions. The Sabbath dawned, and the throngs of excited people were hastening towards the ample area, to witness the dazzling pageant, wliich was called in honor of the event celebrated, the Triumph. A royal canopy, strown with the Jleurs de lis, which were symbols of reverence and marriage, hung over the entrance of Notre Dame, around which stood the pa- pal legate, archbishops and prelates, in their sacer- dotal robes. Military bands, with tlie music of Swiss melodies, joined the imposing group of prelatical magnates. " After these came the Duke of Guise, as grand- MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 41 master of the King's household, who, having with his accustomed dignity, sahited the Bishop of Paris, Car- dinal Eustathius du Bellay, and the princes of the blood, turned towards the assembled crowd, and per- ceiving that they were impeded in their view, waved his hand, and signified to the grandees that they should retire, for the accommodation of the lower or- ders, whilst he himself marshaled the procession, which was heralded by music. Tlie performers wore an uniform of yellow and red ; bat endless was the variety of their harmonious strains, in which the trumpet and the lute, the bass-viol and the flageolet, the violin and hautboy, all intermingled in harmoni- ous concert : immediately after followed the two hun- dred gentlemen attached to the King's person ; next, the princes of the blood, with their immediate at- tendants; bishops and abbots, before whom were borne their crosiers and mitres, the ensigns of their dignity ; a cluster of high-capped cardinals, among whom were conspicuous John of Bourbon, Charles of Lorraine, and John of Guise ; lastly, came the Pope's legate, before whom was borne a cross of massive gold ; after these marched the Dauphin Francis, con- ducted by the King of Kavarre. Although his feeble and ill-proportioned figure was plainly contrasted with the tall martial form of Anthony of Bourbon, the im- pression was somewliat relieved by the presence ot his two younger brothers, the Dukes of Orleans and Angouleme. Far different was the sensation created by the appearance of his fair bride, affectionately supported by her father-in-law, the King of France, 4:2 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. and ■\vlio was also attended by lier youthful kinsman, the Duke of Lorraine : though she had not completed her sixteenth year, her stature rose considerabl}' above the female standard ; but so perfect was the symme- try of her form, and so graceful were her movements, that even this lofty height l)ut gave to her person an air of mingled dignity and elegance, that added to her attractions. On this day, Brantome describes her, as " more beautiful and charming than a celestial goddess ; for as every eye dwelt with rapture on her face, every voice echoed her praise ; whilst, univer- sally, in the court and city it was re-echoed, happy, thrice happy, the prince who should call her his, even though she should have had neither crown nor scep- tre to bestow !" Unlike Brantome, the frigid chron- icler, instead of expatiating on Mary's charms, des- cants with much energy on her superb attire: "The robe, white as the lily with which it was embroidered, but so prodigally rich and gorgeous, glittering with diamonds and silver, as to be too dazzling for words to describe." ITer sweeping train was borne by two young girls, whom grace and beauty fitted for the office ; her neck was encircled with a diamond carcanet, from which was suspended a ring of inesti- maljle value ; on her head she wore a golden coronet, encircled with jjrecious stones, in which the diamond, the ruby, and the emerald contended for magnifi- cence, and in the centre of the coronet shone a car- bunkle valued at five hundred crowns. Although it was impossible but that such habiliments should have attracted the vulgar eye, we may be permitted to sus- MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 43 pect, tliat tliey rather disguised tlian embellished a youthful beauty ; nor is it an equivocal proof of Mary's superior grace, that under all this jjonip and state, she preserved her accustomed elegance and un embarrassed movements. Behind the young Queen (not witliout secret envy) walked Catherine de Me dicis, with the Prince de Conde ; after whom follow ed, in due gradation, Madame Marguerite, the Queei of Navarre, and an almost interminable train ol ladies. When the procession had reached the great door of the church, the King drew from his linger a ring, which he gave to the Archbishop of Rouen, who, having placed it on the young Queen's linger, pro- nounced the nuptial benediction. Mutual congratula- tions followed, and Mary gracefully saluted ner hus- band by the title of King of Scots. TK.< Scottish deputies, whom the chronicler does not ouce deign to mention, followed her example ; after which, the Archbishop of Paris delivered a suitable discourse, which, probably, extorted not much attention. In the mean time, the Duke of Guise had succeeded in his efforts to induce the nobles to open a vista to the people, who stood clustering in the streets, at the win- doAvs, on turrets, and scaffoldings, to catch a glimpse of the imposing spectacle ; but not even his vigilance and activity were adequate to the task of preserving order and decorum among the motley crowd ; and when, according to custom, the heralds, having pro- claimed largess, in the name of the King and Queen of Scots, began to shower money on the people : 4:4 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. "Then," says tlie chronicler, "you might have wit- nessed the tumult and confusion of the muUitude ; some, in their avidity, precipitating themselves on their companions, others fainting, whilst many were stript of hats, cloaks, or even skirts ; so terrible was tlie conflict, that at length even the populace, in dis- iriay unutterable, implored the heralds to desist from throwing among them the golden bait of discord." The bridal procession advanced to tlie choir, or main space of the edifice, under the royal canopy, and celebrated mass. This was followed by a cosily collation in the bishop's palace, and then a ball. At five o'clock in the evening the royal train returned to their palace. The two Queens of France sat together in a litter escorted by cardinals ; Henry and Francis rode on horseback, and after them on richly capari- soned steeds came the ladies of princely rank. The Duke of Guise presided over the ceremonies of the evening' entertainment. The King's band of a hun- dred men, poured through the ample apartment, strains of ravisliing music. While the guests were becoming animated with the prospective pleasures, twelve artificial horses, mantled in golden cloth, en- tered with the motion of life, and bestrode by sons of the nobility. Kext came a company of pilgrims, each reciting a poem ; then were ushered into t.he hall six diminutive galleys, "covered like Cleopatra's barge, with cloth of gold and crimson velvet ; so skill- fully contrived as to appear to glide through the waves, sometimes rolling, sometimes tacking, tlien veering, as if agitated by a sudden swell of the tidq MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 45 till the delicate silken sails were cracked asunder." Upon the deck of each sat a cavalier, who, M'hile the miniature navy moved along, in turn sprang to land, and seized a fair lady, bearing her to a vacant chair ready for her reception. After these splendid pano- ramic scenes there was a grand tournament, in which Francis, from physical debility, was forbidden to break a lance. For fifteen days this extravagant and resplendent festivity continued. An English writer^ gives the following translation from Buchanan, a poet of that period, who describes Mary's beauty : "For saj', if met as once on Ida's height, The assomhled gods had held tlieir awful state; Heard thy young vow, and to tliy prayer had given, In wedded love, the choicest boon of heaven ; What brighter form could meet thy ravish'd sight, Or fill th^' bosom with its pure delight? On her fair brow a regal grace she wears, While youth's own lustre on her cheek appears ; And soft the raj's from those bright eyes that gleam. Whose temper'd light and chasten'd radiance seem, As thouglit mature had given the beams of truth, Gently to mingle with the fire of youth." Tliere is a tribute to the brave and hardy people of Scotland, whose worth Mary did not overvalue, from her foreign education : "I will not tell of Scotia's fertile shores, Or mountain tracts tliat teem with choicest ores^ Or living streams, from sources rich, that flow, For other regions nature's bounties show — (And thirst of wealth alone their souls employ, •Miss Benger. 46 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. Whose grov'ling spirits feel no loftier joy.) But this her own, and this her proudest fame, The strength, the virtue, of her sons to claim. 'Tis theirs in early chase to rouse the wood. And fearless theirs to breast the foaming flood. A land beloved to guard in many a field, Their swords her bulwark, and their breasts her shield; 'Tis theirs to prize pure fame, ev'n life above, Firmly, their faith to keep, their God to love. And while stern war its banner wide unfurl'd, Terror and change o'er half the nations hurl'd ; This the proud cliarter that in ages gone, Saved their lov'd freedom and its ancient throne. To the parliament of this nation, the commissioners returned, believing their instructions faithfully fulfill- ed ; and December following the marriage of Mary, their mission and its results were ratified by that body, and the matrimonial crown was bestowed upon Fran- cis. It was also ordered ^;hat future acts be published in the name of "Francis and Mary, King and Queen of Scotland, Dauphin and Dauphiness of Vienne." The youthful sovereigns retired to a country resi- dence near Paris, while the highlands of Scotland echoed back the shouts, and shone with the illumina- tions of popular rejoicing, as the tidings of the marriage spread. But these soon died away before the practi- cal developments that succeeded the surface excite- ment of a kingdom. The Queen Dowager having secured her object, began to show without disguise her French aflinities, in official appointments and treating carelessly those whose influence she had before feared. This palpable change in the exercise of her sovereignty, gave a de- MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 47 cisive blow to the supremacy of foreign Yiews; it broke the spell of quiet control which had stolen over the people from the court of France. Another cause of threatening disquietude was tliQ conflict of Calvin- ism with prelacy. Tlie Queen of Navarre, and other distinguished subjects of Henry, warmly espoused the cause of reform, sustained as it was by intellect, in- telligence, and purity of both worship and life. Ir Scotland, the Earl of Arran sympathised with the re- formers. Just as this crisis was reached, Mary Tudor of England died, and the Protestant Elizabeth ascen- ded the throne, restoring immediately, on the second downfall of popery, the faith of her father, Henry VIIL, and of her brother, Edward VL Soon as this new order of things was established, introduced No- vember, 1558, Mary Stuart's relation to England as- sumed an aspect widely diiferent from that occupied before, and modified essentially the condition of fac- tions in her native realm. Elizabeth was declared by the French court, in accordance with the Catholic sentiment, illegitimate ; and Mary as a direct descend- ant of Henry YH., through Margaret Tudor, was deemed heir to the crown. The King of France, with a strange infatuation, ordered the arms of England to be quartered on the regal escutcheon with those of Scotland, proclaiming by the act, the assumed right and the aspiration to the sceptre of England, in be- half of the Dauphin and Dauphiness. Tliese disclo- sures naturally aroused the fiery spirit of the English Queen, who saw in Mary her rival to royalty and glory. Under the bloody reign of her sister, sh« had 4:8 MAET QTJEEN OF SCOTS. lived in comparative seclusion, dissembling the reli gious feith and strong feelings, which were cherished like subterranean fires, beneath an exterior haughtilj calm, and delusively smiling. Giovanni Michele, the Yenitian ambassador, describes her person, accom- plishments, and hints at her character, in his records of the times, when Elizabeth was twenty-three years of age : " Slie is no less remarkable In body than in mind, although her features are rather agreeable than beau- tiful. She is tall in person and well-made ; her com- plexion is brilliant though i-ather dark. She has fine eyes ; but above all, a splendid hand, which she is very fond of showing. She possesses great tact and ability, as she has abundantly proved by the wise way in which she has conducted herself in the midst of the suspicions of which she was the object, and of the perils which surrounded her. She surpasses the Queen, her sister, in her knowledge of languages. Besides English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Latin, which she knows as well as her sister, she has no slight acquaintance with Greek. She is haughty and high-spirited. Although born of a mother beheaded for adultery, she esteems herself no less highly than the Queen, her sister, and considers herself equally legitimate. It is said that she is very much like the King, her father, to whom she was always very dear on that account, and who had her as well educated as the Queen, and made an equal provision for them botli in his will." Elizabeth was clearly Mary Stuart's superior in vi^ MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 49 orous intellect, masculine judgment, and general force of character ; while slie was her equal,if not in beau- ty, in mental culture and the fascination of a lively imagination. Though less gentle and winning than her rival, she was endowed with the qualities of a great and successful Queen. Surrounding herself with a cabinet of strong ndinds and devoted hearts, she swayed them and her subjects with a will which disdained counsel, only as an expression of views which might strengthen, without controlling her own unbiased decisions. She declared this independence with self-glorying, when she said, " that she would let the world know that there was in England a woman who acted like a man, and who was awed neither by a constable of Montmorency, like the King of France, nor by a bishop of Anas, like the King of Spain." The reformers and restive parties of Scotland found a friend in the English sovereign, and these events ri- pened the royal collision; when changes in France gave a new form and interest to the struggle for do- minion. The 26th of June, 1559, was appointed for the es- pousals of Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of Henry, to Philip of Spain. Tlie order of arrangements re- sembled that of Mary's marriage. Tlie princess passed the night of the 24th in the bishop's palace, and was led to the altar of N'otre Dame through a covered gallery, attended with the lavish display of royal treasures, which never failed, whether the poor and toiling masses were fed, or lifting their piteous cry for bread. The bride appeared in robes of golden C 4 50 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. texture, studded witli diamonds, lier brow resplendent with a crown of jewels, beneath which beamed her dark and expressive eyes, while the flush of excite- ment betrayed a sensitive nature, oppressed with the burden of queenly honors. This gorgeous scene was succeeded by banquets and balls, with the usual pa- geant of a grand tournament. The Place Antoine was selected for the field of contest. An ample theatre was erected for the spectatoi-s, and crowded with noble and anxious beholders. Kever before was gathered to such an entertainment so great an attsemblage of foreign princes, ambassa- doi*s, and generals. The national costumes and the insignia of rank bewildered the eye. Tliat vain glory which had emblazoned on the heraldic scroll Mary's claim to the sceptre of England, displayed the device on the Dauphin's banners, carried by his band, who opened the jousts. The British ambassadors frowned, and the attendants of the fair Stuart exclaimed, as she was borne to her royal balcony, "Place, place for the Queen of England !" There can be no apology for this insult to Elizabeth of England, which foreshad- owed future sorrow. The next day King Henry entered the lists. His fine figure and stately bearing were well set oif by liis black and white costume ; and near him rode the Duke of Guise, who, in honor of a remembered beauty, wore a crimson livery. The monarch won victo- ries, and was applauded by the excited multitude. The third day of the tournament, he was riding, MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 51 with a heart animated and proud with success, ovei the plain strown with the tokens of conflict, when he discovered two unbroken lances. Seizing one of them, he challenged Count Montgommeri to wield the other. The count hesitated, and the King's family sent messages of expostulation, as if a di'ead presentiment of evil had clouded their joy. But flushed and ardent, he ordered Montgommeri to wheel for combat. Tlie signal was given, and amidst the wild acclamations of the people, the brave steed?, bore their riders toward the decisive encounter Henry's martial air was never more kingly, as ho dashed toward the graceful Montgommeri. The lar.- ces met, and Henry reeled in his saddle, while a hush, then cries of alarm, followed the tragical close of pop- ular rejoicings. A splinter of the count's lance had pierced the visor, and when the helmet was lifted, large red drops oozed from his death-wound. Ho exonerated his victor from blame, and after sufferin(^ eleven days, died July 10th, 1559. Pasquier, in his annals of those times, gives the impression made on the public mind by this fatal combat. He alludes to the alliance and treaty with Philip of Spain, and the persecution of Protestants^ which followed a imion of the Catholic monarchs, se- cured by the interference of a Jesuitical monk. Pa& quier will not allow what strikes the serious student of history as altogether probable, that Henry's fate was a rebuke from Heaven, of his vaunting ambi- tion. " This deplorable catastrophe has given rise to va- 52 MARY QUE EN OF SCOT 8. rious sinister reflections ; and there are some who fancy they discover in it the visible retribution of Providence, since, if we may credit the assertions of Cardinal Lorraine, the King had hurried the peace purposely, that he might be at leisure to extirpate by force, the heresy of Calvin. With tliis view, he sud- denly presented himself to the parliament, on the 10th of June, to collect the various opinions of the members, of whom the majority recommended the suspension of penal laws, and the convocation of a general coun- cil. In the course of these deliberations, the King, having lieard certain sentiments, with which he was justly offended, ordered several of the orators to be taken into custody. Tliey were instantly conveyed to the Bastille, whence, according to certain sinister in- terpreters, the evil has lighted upon him by the spe- cial will of God, for having interrupted men in the exercise of their official duties. It is also observed that, as it was on the 10th of June that he consigned the counselors to the Bastille, so it was on the 10th of July that he received the stroke of death ; thus rea- son the misjudging multitude, who speak from pas- sion rather than reason. But it is a singular fact that he should have commenced his reign on the lOtli of June, with the combat of Jarnac and la Chataigne- raie ; and that, on the lOth of July, it was terminated in consequence of his combat with Montgommeri. . " His corpse lies in state in the very hall which he had erected for the celebration of the nuptial festivi- ties. Tlie constable, in disgrace, watches the corpse ; MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 53 Ibe Guises are omnipotent, the young King having espoused their niece ; the queen-mother is greatly commiserated ; and consternation universally prevails with the people." During the last moments of Henry, amid the la- mentations and tears of relatives, according to Mary's desire, Cardinal Lorraine and Duke of Guise were selected as the future ministers of the Dauphin. To complete the arrangements for a permanent liar- mony with foreign sovereigns, Margaret, the youngei sister of Francis, was privately married to the Duke of Savoy, in the light of torches, with an ejnthalain ium of convulsive sobs, and the almost audibl-e gasp- ing • of the dying monarch. Francis was conlined to his couch in the palace of Tournelles, when the officers of state entered his apartment, and announced bis father's death, on the bended knee of loyalty, by saluting him King. As if an unearthly voice had sent the health-thrill along his nerves, he sprang from his bed, and declared he was well. Such is the mas- tery of ambition ; it gives to boyhood the front of a heartless trifler with human affection and the soul's departure to eternal scenes, and like the eagle whoso eye confronts the sun, it gazes restlessly though vainly upon the veiled splendor of the "White Throne." Scarcely had Francis conferred with his counselors, before his mother joined them, to accom]3any him to the Louvre, where would be offered the usual con- gratulations and homage, upt)n the transfer of a crown to the brow of a successor. Mary silently followed in the train, when Catherine, who saw the declir^ag d-t MAEY QUEEN or SCOTS. glory oi !ier family, in the elevation of the Guises, said to her, " Pass on, madam ; it is now for you to take precodouce." The young Queen acknowledged the civility, but on reaching the chariot, refused to en- ter, until the desponding and ambitious widow passed in before her. T?>ie Dauphin was crowned at Rheims, where that ceremony had long been pei-formed, and immediately assumed the reins of government. In the meantime, the revolution in Scotland, remotely kin- dled by the resurrec tion tones of Luther's voice, and, favored by the brave martyr, Wishart, and the fear- less Knox, had gone forward among the people. Lord James Stuart, the Queen's brother. Lord John Erskine, and Lord Lorn, had joined the standard of the bold reformer, with other influential barons, and formed themselves into relis-ious conm-effations. "Wherever Knox was summoned by the offended priesthood, he scattered the live coals of truth upon the popular mind. At length, emboldened and en- couraged by success, he appealed to the regent, Ma- ry of Lorraine, for royal sanction to the new doctrines. She met his demand with scorn, and assured him it was time to interpose a barrier to the waves of revo- lution, dangerous both to church and state. Knox was obliged to fly from the wrathful enemy to his re- treat — Geneva, the home of Calvin. Soon after follow- ed the solemn covenant proposed by the exiled re- former, which was a mutual pledge by the Protest- ants to openly expose the corruptions of Rome, and worship God according to their own conscience. They farther formed an insurrectionary government, MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 55 called tliG Lords of the Congregation., wlucli prepared the way for bloody collision with the state. The regent, elated with prosperity in her favorite plans, became more intolerant, until she virtually de- clared civil war, by affirming the decisions of the Inshops against heretics, and declaring her purpose to restore, on the overthrow of the reformers, the uni- versal sway of the Catholic church. Some of the fiercest battles of tlie Covenantei-s were fought about the time Henry of France received the fatal lance of Montgommeri, An armistice, extending to July 24:th, 15 GO, followed. This interlude was employed by the regent in sending a requisition to her daughter for French troops, who were inactive, because of the peace of Cateau-Cambresis, while Knox proceeded to Berwick, to negotiate with the English governor for ships and soldiers, with which the Protestant cause might be sustained against foreign foes. Elizabeth's sympa- thies and jealousy of Mary inclined her to comply with his request; but she disliked both the terra champion, who had written against female sovereign- ty in the state, and the Presbyterian form of the revo- lution. She first sent them three thousand pounds sterling, and after the Lords of the Congregation in public assembly passed a resolution, deposing the queen-regent, she agreed to furnish men and muni- tions of war, on condition of reciprocity in case the Frencli turned their arms against the Queen of Eng- land. The revolutionary party preserved the appear- ance of loyalty to tlieir sovereign, by making the 56 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. treaty in her name, with the promise of obedience to her commands in all things that did not tend to mo- lest the ancient laws and liberties of the land. Eliz- abeth replied to the charge of intervention in the affairs of Scotland, in the following strain, denying that the nobility of that realm were rebels : " And truly, if these barons should permit the gov- ernment of their kingdom to be wrested out of their hands daring the absence of their Queen ; if they tamely gave up the independence of their native country, whilst she used the counsel, not of the Scots, but solely of the French, her mother and other for- eigners being her advisers in Scotland, and the Car- dinal and Duke of Guise in France, it were a good cause for the world to speak shame of them ; nay, if the young Queen herself should happen to survive her husband, she would in such a case have just occasion to condemn them all as cowards and unnatural subjects." During the long and remarkable siege of Leith, which followed these events, Mary of Lon-aine, ex- hausted with anxiety and care, was taken sick, and conveyed to Edinburgh castle. She was soon aware of approaching dissolution, and asked an interview with the leaders of the Protestant party. Tlie meet- ing was kind and affecting. She recounted the troub- les of her kingdom, whose burden had hastened her death, and advised the removal of all foreign troops, and an adherence to that alliance which would best preserve their national independence. Then embra- cing them with a dying kiss, she died amid their tears, MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 57 June lOtli, 1560. She had intellect and heart ; but, led by ambition, and ruled by French advisers, she embittered her widowhood, involved her enthroned daughter in mournful calamities, and breathed her last, encircled with foes instead of family friends, whom she left in her native clime, for the empty honors of a brief regency. A treaty of peace sealed after her decease, contained the following articles : " The French troops were to evacuate Scotland ; the fortifi- cations of Leith to be demolished ; the sovereigns of France cease to bear the arms and title of King and Queen of England ; the Duke of Chatelherault and other Scottish nobles who possessed property in France, to have restored to them the lands and titles of which they had been deprived since their rebellion ; the high offices of Chancellor, Treasurer, and Comp- troller to be conferred not upon ecclesiastics but upon laymen ; and the guardianship as well as the admin- istration of the kingdom never to be again entrusted to foreign soldiers and dignitaries. The conduct of af- fairs was to be confided to a council of twelve members, seven of whom were to be nominated by the Queen, and five by the estates of the realm ; and this council was instructed to introduce a better system into the government of the country. It was also agreed that a free Parliament should assemble in the month of August." English influence and the reformers were now fairly in the ascendant. Meanwhile the health of Francis H., which had al- ways been frail, rapidly failed. The Guises wera C* 58 MART QUEEX OF SCOTS. busy with plans for the extermination of Protestant- ism in France, which, with other ambitious and law- less schemes, sowed the seeds of a terrible harvest for unhappy France. Tlie young King was no more than the toy of their fancy. One day suddenly fainting, he was borne to his chamber to die. Mary watched by his bedside faithfully, whose kindness he apj)reci- ated with child-like gratitude, and for whom he de- sired of Catherine, his mother, maternal interest. He expired December 5th, 1560, separating in his death the crowns of Scotland and France, and suspending the almost imperial power of the Princes of Lorraine. However sincerely Mary may have mourned the loss of Francis as a husbmid, in a political view the union had been of disastrous omen to her future prospects. It had given energy and triumphs to the Keforma- tion, made the French odious, and shorn the regal authority of its strength and majesty to the Scotch nation. Mary saw the extent of her bereavement — left an orphan and widow at eighteen, and compelled to abandon a throne, for the regency of Catherine de Medicis, whose aspirations for power were so revived by the Stuart's affliction, that she seemed cheerfully to sacrifice an inefficient son. The Queen, sadly beautiful in her grief, retired to seclusion in the pal- ace, whose solitude for several weeks was broken only by the presence of immediate relatives. The device which f-^lie invented for a mourning seal, was a liquor- ice tree, whose root only is valuable ; beneath it was "Dulce meum terra tegit" — My treasure is in the ground. The following letter was written in answer MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 59 to messages of condolence from Philip ; and in its brevity exhibits ?. refined sense of propriety, while its sentiment is altogether womanly and touching : THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO KING PUILIP II. " To the King of Spain. " Monsieur my good Brother — I was unwilling to omit this opportunity of writing to you, to thank you for the polite letters you sent me by Signor Don An- tonio, and for the civil things which he and your em- bassador said to me concerning the sorrow you Iclt for the death of the late King, my lord, assuring you, monsieur my good brother, that you have lost in him the best brother you ever had, and that you have com- forted by your letters the most afflicted, poor woman under heaven, God having bereft me of all that I lov- ed and held dear on earth, and left me no other con- solation whatever but when I see those who deplore his loss and my too great misfortune. God will assist me, if he pleases, to bear what comes from him with patience ; as I confess that, without his aid, I should find so great a calamity too insupportable for my strength and my little virtue. But, knowing that it is not reasonable you should be annoyed by my let- ters, which can only be filled with this melancholy subject, I will conclude, after beseeching you to be a good brother to me in my affliction, and to continue me in your favor, to which I affectionately commend myself, praying God to give you, monsieur ray good brothei, as much happiness as I wish you. '• Your very good sister and cousin, « Maby." 00 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. Ellzabetli of England sent the Earl of Bedford to convey her condolence to her mourning rival. After this duty was performed, he urged the Queen, as Throckmorton, the English an^bassador, had before vainly done, to ratify the treaty of Edinburgh. It is not singular that she continued to refuse, while her aspirings towards a foreign throne were cherished by the controlling minds of the house of Lorraine. She expressed the desire to have a personal interview with Elizabeth, and requested her portrait ; and thus ter- minated the two-fold mission of the earl. The Span- ish ambassador was amono- the first foreign ofiicials admitted to the j)resence of Mary, and Catherine saw in the incident the foreshadowing of an olfer of mar- riage to Don Carlos, son of Philip 11. The sovereigns of Sweden and Denmark also as- pired to a similar honor. The regent of France, from suspicion of an alliance unfavorable to her augment- ing power, or prompted by a cherished antipathy to Mary, intimated to the duke and cardinal her wish to have the attractive young Queen more remote from the arena of her own ambitious designs. The duke therefore, who was a man of high spirit and no prin ciple, persuaded his niece to depart for Rheims, N/here her mother's form was buried. Thence she was to visit her grand-mother. Duchess of Guise, at Joinville, who still lived in dismal solitude ; and, soon after as possible, embark for Scotland. Mary loved the sunny clime of France. It had been the home of her childhood, and her dead were there. Her sensitive nature recoiled from the cold air and sterner manners MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 61 of lier native land. At tliis crisis a letter was written from tlie "Laird of Letliington" to Sir William Cecil, that gives a comprehensive view of the attitude of factions in Scotland, and from which a passage is quo- ted, disclosing the public feeling in view of Mary's expected advent : " Sir : Tliat thus long I have delayed to write unto your honor, I pray, impute it only to my absence. I have been these forty days in the north parts of Scotland with my Lord James, where we have not been altogether unoccupied ; but so far as occasion would serve, advancing the religion and connnon cause. Since our returning, I have understood the stay of Monsieur d'Osel, and judge that you have wisely foreseen the inconveniences that might have followed upon his coming hither. I do also allow your opinion anent the Queen our sovereign's journey towards Scotland ; whose coming hither, if she be en- emy to the religion, and so affected towards that realm, as she yet appeareth, shall not fail to raise wonderful tragedies. Althovigh the religion here hath in outward aj)])earance the upper hand, and few or none there he that ojpenly dare profess the contrary, yet know we the hollow hearts of a great numher, who would he glad to see it and us overthrown / and if time served, loould join with her authority to that ef- fect : but I foresee, that the difficulty thereof shall make that which is most principal in intention be last in execution. Sure I am, the suppressing of religion is chiefly meant, but the same must be pressed but 62 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. by indirect means. First of all, the comfort which we have of the Queen's majesty's* friendship must be cut off by dissolution of the intelligence begun of late ; which being not feasible in her absence, her own presence will make more easy. Tlie Papists, you know, be in their hearts, for religion's sake, altogether enemies to this conjunction. Those that gave them- selves forth for Protestants be not all alike earnestly bent to maintain it. Some have been accustomed so to feed upon the French fare, that their delicate stom- achs cannot well digest any other. Some be so cov- etous, that wdieresoever the lure of commodity is show- ed unto them, thither will they fly. Some so incon- stant, that they may be easily carried away by the countenance of their princess' presence, sometimes showing them a good visage, and sometimes, as oc- casion shall require, frowning on them. Others there be so careless and ignorant, that they wall rather re- spect their present ease, which shall bring after it most grievous calamities, than with the hazard of a little present incommodity put them and theirs in full se- curity afterwards : these to be a great number, in our late danger, we had large experience ; yet I doubt not but the best sort will constantly and stoutly bear out that which they have begun. Marry, what difficulty and hazard shall be in it, you may judge, when the Queen shall so easily win to her party the whole Pa- ])ists, and so many Protestants as be either addicted * Elizabeth, — a correspondence with whose ministers had com^ meneed during the commotions in Scotland, oad was regularly eon tinned till her death. MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS, 63 to the Fiencli faction,* covetous, inconstant, uneasy, ignorant, or careless. So long as her highness is ab- sent, in this case, there is no peril ; but jou may judge what the presence of a j)rince, being craftily counseled, is able to bring to pass. Every man once in a year hath to do with his prince's benevolence ; if at that time, when his particular business occurreth, her countenance shall be but strano-e to him in sisrht of the peril, in what case shall the subject then be? Every man hath in his private causes some enemy or unfriend : what boldness shall they not take, seeing an advantage, and knowing their, adversary to be out of the prince's good grace ? She will not be served, ■with those that bear any good-will to England. Some quarrel shall be picked to them, not directly for reli- gion at the first ; but where the accusation of heresy would be odious, men must be charged with treason. The like of this in that realm, I think, hath been seen in Queen Mary's days ; a few number thus disgraced, dispatched, or dispersed, the rest will be an easy prey, and then may the butchery of Bonner plainly begin. I make not this discourse as our meaning to debar her majesty from her kingdom, or that we would wish she should never come home (for that were the part of an unnatural subject,) but rather desiring such things as be necessary so to he provided for in the meantiine^ that neither she, by following the wicked advice of God's enemies, to lose the hearts of her sub- jects, neither yet so many as tender the glory of God * The French and English factions still distracted Scotland. 64: MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. and liberties of their native country, to be the sons of death. Tlie best is, that intelligence begun betwixt these two kingdoms may endure and be increased, the breach whereof I know will be attempted by all means possible. " The great desire I have of the continuance, makoth me so earnest to wish that her majesty may be indu- ced by good means to enter in the same conjunction ; wdiereunto if she cannot by one way or other be per- suaded, then can I not but doubt of the success in the end. Although I do chiefly respect the common cause and public estate, yet doth my own private not a little move me to be careful in this behalf In what case I stand, you will easily judge by sight of the en- closed, which, I pray you, return to me with speed. I know by my very friends in France, that she hath conceived such an opinion of my aifection towards England, that it killeth all the means I can have to enter in any favor. " But if it miglit be compassed that the Queen'a majesty and her highness might be as dear friends as they be tender cousins, then were I able enough to have as good part in her good grace, as any other of my quality in Scotland. If this cannot be brought to pass, then I see well, at length, it will be hard for me to dwell in Rome, and strive with the Pope. I as- sure you this whole realm is in a miserable case. If the Queen, our sovereign, come shortly home, the dan- gers be evident and many ; and if she shall not come, it is not without great peril ; yea, whflt is not to be MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 65 feared in a realm lacking lawful government ? It is now more than two years past that we have lived in a manner without any regiment ; which, when I con- sider sometimes with myself, I marvel from whence doth proceed the quietness which we presently enjoy, the like whereof, I think, all circumstances being weighed, was never seen in any realm. It would seem impossible that any people could so long be con- tained in order, without fear of punishment and strict execution of the laws ; and, indeed, I cannot by searching, find out any probable reason, but only that it has pleased the goodnes of God to give this glory to his truth preached among us ; but by all worldly judg- ment, the policy cannot thus long endure ; so that for this respect her absence to us is most pernicious. Thus, whether she come or not, we be in a great strait." Tlie Catholic party, at a secret meeting, commission- ed John Lesley, of Aberdeen, to assure the Queen of their unabated devotion to her majesty. He inter- cepted her at Yitry in Champagne, en route from Rheims, where she had passed a part of the winter, to Joinville. Lesley proposed an immediate return to Scotland ; that she should detain her Protestant brother in France, who had been dispatched by the revolutionary Parliament, until after her return to her realm ; and to sail to Aberdeen, when a force of two thousand men would escort her to her thvone. Mary wisely rejected the propositions of an unreliable fac- tion, and sought for measures of more general and popular character. She had sent four commissionera 5 6(y MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. to convey expressions of affection to lier people, and promises of conciliation npon her speedy retnrn. Parliament responded by dispatching Lord James, whose rank and growing influence with the reform- ers, and strength of character, fitted him for the deli- cate mission. lie met Mary the day after the inter- view with Lesley. By all his pleas in behalf of the congregation, and the treaty of Edinbiirgh, she was unshaken in her determination to maintain the Cath- olic faith, and dissolve the union between her king- dom and England. She attempted, by the offer of a cardinal's hat, and other royal gifts, to win Lord James to her views. But, steadfast in his convictions, he secured by his decision, however distasteful in it- self to the Queen, her greater confidence — a result always certain in the trial oi jprinciple. Mary con- tinued her .journey to ISTancy, into which she made a public entry. Here her noble relatives honored their guest with a succession of splendid entertainments, and the excitements of the chase, and all the dazzling variety of invented pleasures. "Wearied with this gayety, and frail in health, she hastened to the fine climate and solemn entertainments of Joinville. She found the venerable duchess veiled in crape, the pre- siding spectre of her sepulchral mansion. The spring had vanished, and glorious June had tinged with re- viving breath her pallid cheeks. Ller dark tresses fell to her m. urning apparel, which was snowy white, in graceful lines ; her beaming eyes were full of soul and gentleness ; and her subdued tones had an indis- cribable eloquence, that charmed to silent admiration MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 67 tliose "wlio came in licr presence. She was admired by prince and jieasant, and the throngs gazed at her when she appeared in pnblic, as if a celestial visitant were j)assing. This strange beauty and Mary's ro- mantic experience already cast into eclipse her faults of character. From Joinville she revisited Rlieims, and after a brief stay proceeded to Paris.- Her entry into the capital was not attended with a tumultuous throne, but with peculiar appropriateness. She was escorted by the princes of the royal line, and a company of cavaliers, who appeared like a select train of devotees around their serene and unrivaled goddess. While in the brilliant centre of Parisian pleasures, Protest- ant influences not unfrequently reached her. During an interview with Tlirockmorton, she freely declared her unyielding adherence to Pome : " To be plain with you, the religion which I pi-o- fess I take to be the most acceptable to God ; and, indeed, neither do I know, or desire to know, any other. Constancy becometh all people well, and none better than princes, and such as have rule over realms, and especially in matters of religion. I have been brought up in this religion, and who might credit me in anything, if I should show myself light in this cause ? And though I be young, and not well learned, yet have I heard this matter oft disputed by mine un- cle, my lord cardinal, and I found therein no great reason to change my oj)inion. " I am none of tho^e that will change my religion 68 MARY Q U E K N O i*" SCOTS. every year ; tmd, as 1 told you in tlic beginnini^, I Dieau to constrain none of my subjects, but would wish that they were all as I am ; and, I trust, they should have no support to constrain me." The struggle in Mary's heart between ambition, stimulated by the Guises, and attachment to the ge- nial air and early friends of France, was intense ; but it turned in favor of a perilous voyage and a more perilous throne. She prepared " to go and reign in her wild country." D'Oysel was commissioned to be her herald, and requested from Elizabeth a safe con- duct through her kingdom. The stern sovereign of the world's most mighty realm in the great elements of power, promptly refused the permission until Mary had signed the treaty of Edinburgh. This repulse touched keenly the sensibility of the Queen of Scots. She thus gave expression to her emotions in a private conference with the English ambassador : "There is nothing that doth more grieve me than that I did so forget myself, as to require of the Queen, your mistresu, that favor which I had no need to ask. [ needed no more to have made her privy to mv journey, than she doth me of hers. I may pass well enough into mine own realm, I think, without her passport or license ; for, though the late king, your master, used all the impeachment he could, botii to stay me, and catch me, when I came hither, yet know. Monsieur I'Ambassadenr, I came hither safely : ana T may have as good means to help me home again, as 1 MART Q U K E N OF SCOTS. 69 had to come hither, if I would employ my friends.* Truly, I was far from evil-meaning to the Queen, your mistress, at this time to employ her amity to stand me in stead than all the friends I have ; and yet, you know, both in this realm and elsewhere, I have both friends and allies, and such as would be glad and willing to employ both their forces and aid. You have often told me, that the amity between the Queen, your mistress, and me, were very necessary and profitable to us both. I have some reason, now, to think that the Queen, your mistress, is not of that mind ; for, I am sure, if she were, she would not have received me thus unkindly. It seems she makes more account of the amity of my disobedient subjects, than of me their sovereign, who am her equal in degree, though inferior in wisdom and experience, her nearest kinswoman, and her next neighbor. The Queen, your mistress, doth say that I am young, and do lack expe- rience. But I have age enough and experience to behave myself towards my friends and kinsfolks friendly and uprightly, and I trust my discretion shall not so fail me that my passion shall move me to use other language of her than is due to a queen and my next kinswoman." Tlie next day, July 21st, she addressed Throckmor- ton, in the following very beautiful words, which re- veal her sad forebodings of evil : " I trust the wind will be so favorable as I shall not need to come on the coast cf England, and if I do, •Cabala. 70 MART (^UEEN OF SCOTS. then, Monsieur rAmbassadeur, the Queen, your mis- tress, shall have me in her hands to do her will of me ; and if she be so hard-hearted as to desire my end, she may then do her pleasure and make sacrifice of me. Peradventure that casualty might be better for me than to live ; in this matter God's will be fid- mied." Catherine's proud spirit was softened by the ap- proaching separation, and she accompanied Mary to St. Germain, where, thirteen years before, she first saw and embraced the laughing girl, who now left her a widow, mature in character, and drinking deeply of sorrow's cup. From St. Germain, the princes of Lor- raine, with a retinue of the nobility, made the journey to Calais, a triumphal procession in appearance, while many hearts were painfully throbbing ; and none more wildly beating than that of the sad and silent Mary. After six days' delay, she saw the two galleys and two vessels of burden, riding at anchor, ready for the royal train. Amid a throng of excited spectators, the youthful Queen folded her graceful arms around cher- ished forms, and shed tears like rain, in that mourn- ful adieu. The four Marys were with her. From infancy she had cherished the strange, superstitious fancies of the age. Writes one* of the departing at- tendants : " Habitually superstitious, in embarking for the royal galley, Mary was appalled by the mourn- ful spectacle of a vessel striking against the pier, and sinking to rise no more ; overwhelmed with the sight, * Brantome. MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 71 the unhappy queen exclaimed, ' O God ! what fatal omen is this for a voyage !' then rushing towards the stern, she knelt down, and, covering her face, sobbed aloud, ' Farewell ! France, farewell ! I shall never, never see thee more !' " The galley having left port, and a slight breeze having sprung up, we began to set sail. . . . She, with both arms resting on the poop of the galley near the helm, began to shed floods of tears, continually casting her beautiful eyes towards the port and the country she had left, and uttering these mournful words : Farewell, France ! until night began to fall. She desired to go to bed without taking any food, and would not go down into her cabin, so her bed was prepared on the deck. She commanded the steers- man, as soon as it was day, if he could still discern the coast of France, to wake her and not fear to call her ; in which fortune favored her ; for, the wind hav- ing ceased, and recourse being had to the oars, very little progress was had during the night ; so that when day appeared, the coast of France was still visible, and the steersman not having failed to perform the commands which she had given to him, she sat up in her bed, and began again to look at France as long as she could, and then she redoubled her lamentations : Farewell, France ! Farewell, France ! I think I shall never see thee more !" Such was the anguish of the mourning exile, in whom, on this touching occasion, the woman eclipsed the queen, and won admiration which was never ren- 72 MART QTJEEN OF SCOTS, dered to tlie severer virtues of Elizabeth. Mary was gifted with poetical genius, and commemorated this rending of ties and beginning of sorrows, in a beauti- ful poem.* * Adieu. Adieu, plaisant pays de France 1 ma patrie, La plus clierie ; Qui a nourri ma jeune enfance. Adieu, France I adieu, mes beaux joural Lanef qui dejoint mes amoui's, N'a cy de moi que la moitie Une parte te reste ; elle est tienne ; Je la fie a ton amitie, Pour que de I'autre il te souvienne. " Adieu. "Farewell to thee, thou pleasant shore, The loved, the cherished home to me Of infant joy, a dream that's o'er, Farewell, dear France ! farewell to thee I "The sail that wafts me bears away From thee but half my soul alone ; Its fellow half will fondly stay. And back to thee has faithful flown. "I trust it to thy gentle care ; For all that here remains with me Lives but to think of all that's there. To love and to remember thee." CHAPTER III. THE VOYAGE MART ARRITES AT LEITH POPULAR RtJOICIXGS JOHN KNOX MARy's religious CONCESSIONS HER PUBLIC ENTRY INTO EDIN- BURGH INTERVIEW WITH KNOX THE COMPROMISE LORD JAMES STUART LIFE AT HOLYROOD CONSPIRACIES AND REVOLT MARY HEADS AN ARMY ANOTHER INTERVIEW WITH KNOX CORRESPONDENCE WITH ELIZABETH PROPOSED MEETING OF THE SOVEREIGNS.^— TRAITS OF CHAR- ACTER SCENES IN THE PALACE LOVERS LORD DUDLEY AND DARNLEY NEGOTIATIONS JAMES MELVIl's MISSION RANDOLPH'S VISIT TO ST. ANDREWS TUB RESULT MURRAY'S CONSPIRACY AND REVOLT THE WEDDING. "When the morning dawned upon the royal galley, and the banks of oars dripped with the flashing wa- ters, Mary's tears flowed afresh at the siglit of a shad- owy outline of the land she had left forever. She gazed fondly at the fiiding horizon, wliile the breeze lifted her dark tresses, and filled the drooping sails. The rowers ceased their measured strokes, the vessel's prow cut the foam, and in an hour, all that remained of France to Mary, was a mournfully pleasant dream, and the companions of her voyage. The galley swept past a dangerous shoal, and she remarked upon the peril to which it had been exposed, " that for the sake of her friends, and for the common weal, she ought to rejoice ; but that for herself, she should have es- teemed it a privilege so to have ended her course.", D 74 MART QTEEN OF SCOTS. Slie had anticipated the appearance of English cruisers, despatched by Elizabeth to intercept her course ; but nothing occuiTed to prevent a prosperous transit to the shores of her unquiet kingdom. On the 19th of August, 1561, the fleet emerging from a heavy fog which had fallen the preceding evening, sooner than was expected by the Queen's subjects, sailed into the harbor of Leith. The tidings flew, and the people flocked to behold and welcome their Queen, whose charms made a fa- vorable impression upon those who dreaded her reli- gious influence upon the realm. The nobility has- tened to escort her to Edinburgh, and the ancient palace of Holy rood. A palfrey was provided for her, and her train rode upon highland ponies, " such as they were, and harnessed to match." Mary felt keen- ly the contrast between the pomp and magnificence of the French court, and her humble entrance into the ruder dominions of her inheritance. Tears again dimmed lier vision ; and she saw in the plain man- ners, and music of sacred psalmody, characteristic of the reformers, a source of perpetual pain to her natu- ral and religious sensibilities. The surface-dressing in social life and divine worship, which had polished tlie daughter of Stuart, unfitted her for the stern ele- ments on which she must thenceforth lay her gentle hand. John Knox, in a graphic description of Mary's re- ception, discloses his own strong emotions and fearful apprehensions, in view of the reign of a Catholic sove- reign. MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 75 " The very face of the heavens at the time of her arrival did manifestly speak what comfort was brought into this country with her: to wit, sorrow, dolour, darkness, and all impiety ; for in the memory of man that day of the year was never seen a more dolorous face of the heavens, than was at her arrival, wh^'ch two days after did so continue ; for, besides the sur- face wet, and the corruption of the air, the mist was so thick and dark that scarce could any man espy an- other the length of two pair of butts. The sun was not seen to shine two days before nor two days after. That fore-warning, gave God to us — but alas ! the most part were blind. " At the sound of the cannon wdiich the galleys shot, happy was he or she that first must have pres- ence of the Queen. The Protestants were not the slowest, and therein they were not to be blamed. Because the palace of Holyrood-TIouse was not thor- oughly put in order, for her coming was more sudden than many looked for, she remained in Leith till to- wards the evening, and then repaired thither. In the way betwixt Leith and the abbey, met her the rebels and crafts of men of whom we spoke of before, to wit, those that had violated the acts of the magis- trates, and had besieged the provost. But because she was sufficiently instructed that all they did was done in spite of their religion, they were easily par- doned. Fires of joy were set forth at night, and a company of most honest men, with instruments of music, and with musicians, gave their salutations at her chamber window; the melody, as she alleged, 76 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. liked her well, and she willed the same to be contin- ued some nights after with great diligence. Tlie lords repaired to her from all quarters, and so was nothing understood but mirth and quietness, till the next Sun- day, which was the 24th of August, when that prepa- ration began to be made for that idol, the mass, to be said in the chapel ; whidi perceived, the most of all the godly began to speak openly : ' Shall that idol be suffered again to take place beneath this realm ? It shall not.' The Lord Lindsay (then but master) with the gentlemen of Fife, and others, plainly cried in the close or yard, ' The idolatrous priests shall die the death, according to God's law.' One that carried in the candle was evil afraid. But then began flesh and blood to show itself. There durst no Paj)ist, neither yet any that came out of France, whisper, but the Lord James, the man whom all the godly did most reverence, took upon him to keep the chapel door. His best excuse was, that he would stop all Scottish men to enter into the mass. But it was and is suffi- ciently known, that the door was kept, that none should have entry to trouble the priest, who, after the mass was ended, was committed to the protection of the Lord John of Coldingham and Lord Kobert of ■ , who then were both Protestants, and had communicated at the table of the Lord ; betwixt them both the priest was conveyed to the chamber. . . . And so the godly departed with grief of heart, and- in the afternoon repaired to the abbey in great com- panies, and gave plain signification that they could not abide that the land which God by his power had MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. YT purged from idolatry, should in tlieir eyes be polluted agaiu, and so began complaint upon complaint. The old duntebors and others, that had long served in the court, hoped to have no remission of sins but by vir- tue of the mass, cried, they would away to Franco without delay — they could not live without the mass ; the same affirmed the Queen's uncle ; and would to God, that altogether, with the mass, they had taken good night of the realm forever." Knox, whose " single voice could put more life into a host than six hundred hlustering trumjjets, " was a ter- ror to many. In the sublime persuasion that he was commissioned by God to lead the " sacramental host " against the corrupt hierarchy of Rome, he was unap- proachable by bribery, unmoved by penalties, and only annealed for combat in the furnace of trial. The blandishments of wealth, the sufferings of penury, and the scoffs of the great, were equally unfelt by him, who had made, as an oblation to the Lord, the entire consecration of his powers to the one object of life — the extermination of Popery in his beloved Scotland. Gifted with a high order of intellect, and courageous, he was animated by ardent enthusiasm, controlled by inflexibility of purpose, and a thorough knowledge of the human heart. He swayed men by his lofty determination, fearless denunciations, and evident sincerity. The faults of such men as Luther, Knox, and Cromwell, were those of champions in a mighty conflict, who had not time to polish their weap- ons, or always regard the amenities and rules of more peaceful life. 78 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. " It was as an apostle, or rather as a prophet, that Knox challenged homage. In his own conceptions he was alternately the Elijah rebuking Ahab — the Jeremiah denouncing Israel — the John the Baptist, who could overawe even the presumptuous Herod. Woe to the man who incurred his wrath, or fell under his chastisement ! Unhappy they who became the ob- ject of his antipathy or suspicion ! In this predicament was Mary Stuart ! Whatever prejudice he had ori- ginally conceived against a daughter of Guise, was con- firmed and justified by the administration of her un- cles. Educated under their auspices, imbued with their principles, he regarded her as infected with their cru- elty and perfidy — as a Papist, incapable of any moral virtue — as an idolater, worse than an infidel. If she would subdue his prejudice, she must disclaim her superstitions, renounce the mass, forsake the idol — on no other condition could he be persuaded that she was entitled to esteem and confidence. " He regarded the mass the coronation of the " man of sin " upon Puritan soil ; and he therefore said, that " one mass was more fearful to him than if ten thou- sand armed enemies were landed in every part of the realm." And soon after the first Sabbath of the royal retinue in Ilolyrood, he thus unbosomed his heart in a letter to Calvin at Geneva : " The arrival of the Queen has disturbed the tran- quillity of our aff'airs. She had scarcely been back three days, before the idol of the mass was again set up. Some prudent men of great authority endeav- MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 79 ored to prevent it, saying tliat tlieir pnritied con- science conld not suffer that that hind shonkl again be contaminated, which the Lord, by the efficacy of his word, had purged from idolatry. But as the ma- jor part of those who adhere to our faith thought dif- ferently, impiety gained the victory, and is now acqui- ring fresh strength. Those who favored it give as a reason for their indulgence, that all the ministers of the Lord are of opinion, and that you yourself declare, that it is not lawful for us to prevent the Queen from practising her religion. Although I contradict this rumor, which appears to me very false, it has taken such deep root in men's hearts, that it will be impos- sible for me to dislodge it, unless I learn from you whether the question has been actually submitted to your Church, and what was the answer of the breth- ren. I am always troubling you with such inquiries, but I have no one else into whose bosom I can pour my cares. I confess candidly, my father, that I have never until now felt how painful and difficult it is to combat hypocrisy when concealed under the mask of piety. I have never feared open enemies so greatly, but that, in themidstof my tribiilations, I have hoped to gain the victory." It was no pleasant pastime to confront such a leader of the Protestant party — a party too powerful to crush, and invincible to the flatteries or imposing forms of papal worship. Yet Mary hoped to conciliate her restive subjects by her smiles, and a concession which she thouglit 80 MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. might roconcile tliem to her private observance of her own religions forms. She issued a proclamation, that no alteration should be made in the established reli- gion, " and that any act, whether public or private, which tended to change its form, should be punished with death." She also exchanged her apj)arel of white crape, which had won in France the appellation of " Keine Blanche" — WJdte Queen — for the mourn- ing of her people — a sable dress. This attire en- hanced her beauty, like the dark back-ground to a picture of celestial penciling. On the second of September she made her jDublic entrv into Edinburo-h. Her train issued from the castle in the afternoon, and moved towards "Scotia's ancient seat," under a canopy of violet velvet, and fol- lowed by the nobility. She was greeted with the pageant of a child, six 3'ears of age, issuing from a cloud, as if descending from Heaven, who, after repeating a poem, presented her with the keys of Edinburgh, a Bible, and Book of Psalms. Contrasted Avith these signals of loyalty, were warn- ings in various symbols along her way. The fate of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, were set forth, with other significant exhibitions of indignation against the rites of idolatrous Kome. After these scenes had transpired, Mary desired to have an interview with Knox, whose presence she was willing to endure for the sake of her kingdom. The following is the ac- count given by the reformer himself, of his visit to the Queen, whom he found alone with her brother, Lord James, and who at the outset reproached him MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 81 for his work against Female Sovereigns. To tliis lie replied : " Learned men, in all ages, have had their judg- ments free, and most commonly disagreeing from the common judgment of the world ; such also have they published both with pen and tongue, notwithstanding they themselves have lived in the common society with others, and have borne patiently with the errors and imperfections which they could not amend. Plato, the philosopher, wrote his book of the Commonwealth, in the which he condemns many things that were maintained in the world, and required many things to have been reformed ; and yet, notwithstanding, he lived under such politics as then were universally received, without further troubling any state ; even 80, madam, am I content to do, in uprightness of heart, and with the testimony of a good conscience I have communicated my judgment to the world. If the realm find no inconvenience in the regimen of a wo- man, that which they approve shall I not farther dis- allow them within my own breast, but shall be as well content, and shall live under your majesty, as Paul was to live under the Roman Emperor ; and ray hope is, that so long as you defile not your hands with the blood of the saints of God, that neither I nor that book shall either hurt you or your authority ; for in very deed, madam, that book was written most espe- cially against wicked Mary of England." " But you speak of women in general ?" " Most true it is, madam ; and yet plainly appear- etli to me that wisdom sliould persuade your majesty D* 6 82 IMAIiT QUEEN OF SCOTS. never to raise trouble for that which this day hath not troubled jour majesty, neither in person nor in anxi- ety. For of late years, many things which before were holden stable, have been called in doubt ; yea, they have been plainly impugned : but yet, madam, I am assured that neither Protestant nor Papist shall be able to prove that any such question was at any time moved in j)ublic or in private. Even, madam, if I had intended to trouble your estate, because you are a woman, I might have chosen a time more con- venient for that purpose than I could do now, when your own presence is within the realm." Knox repelled the charges of sedition and necro- mancy, which seemed to satisfy the Queen, who yet complained of the seditious influence of his reasoning. " You have brought the people to receive another religion than their princes can allow — ■ and how can that doctrine be of God, seeing that God command- eth subjects to obey their prince ?" "Madam, as right religion took neither original nor integrity from worldly princes, but from the eternal God alone, so are not subjects bound to frame their religion according to the appetite of their princes. If all the seed of Abraham should have been of the reli- gion of Pharaoh, what religion should there have been in the world? Or if all men in the days of the Eoman Emperors should have been of the religion of the Roman Emperors, what religion should have been on the face of the earth ? Daniel and his fellows were subject to Nebuchadnezzar and unto Darius, and yet they would not be of their religion." MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 83 Mary, in reply, urged that none of the worthies mentioned took arms against the king. Ejiox con- tinned : " Yet, madam, ye cannot deny but that they resisted ; for those that obey not tlie commandments given, in some sort resist." " But yet," reiterated the Queen, " they resisted not by the sword." " God, madam, had not given them the power and the means." "Think you that subjects, having the power, may resist their princes ? " "If princes do exceed their bounds, madam, or do against that wherefore they should be obeyed, there is no doubt they may be resisted, even by pow- er ; for there is neither greater honor nor greater obe- dience to be given to kings and princes than to father or mother ; but so it is, that the father may be strick- en with a phrenzy, in the which he will slay his own children ; now, madam, if the children arise, appre- hend the father, take the sword or other weapon from him, and finally bind his hands, and keep him in pris- on till his phrenzy be overjjast, think ye, madam, that the children do any wrong ? " The mention of a jprison awakened Mary's fears with so visible effect, that afterwards it was related as evidence of supernatural inspiration in this stern reprover of monarchs. When Knox alluded to the protection sovereigns might give to the church of Christ, slie replied in an- ^er — "Yes, this is indeed true, but yours is not the S4 T\[ART QUEEN OF SCOTS. cliurcli that I will nourish. I will defend the church- of Rome, for I think it the true church of God." He replied indignantly, that her toill was not reason, and her opinion could not change that harlot into the im- maculate spouse of Christ. He farther offered to prove that the Catholic church was more degenerate and corrupt than the Jewish nation, when they cru- cified Christ. But Mary closed the exciting debate, and bade him farewell. He left her presence, pray- ing God " she might be as blessed in the common- wealth of Scotland, as ever Deborah was in the commonwealth of Israel." The zeal of the unyielding Puritan displeased the more politic leaders of the Protestant party. In a letter to Cecil, Lethingtou wrote : " You know the vehemency of Mr. Knox's spirit, which cannot be bridled, and yet doth sometimes utter such sentences as cannot easily be digested by a weak stomach. I could wish he would deal with her more gently, being a young princess unpersuaded. For this I am accounted too politic, but surely in her comporting with him slie doth declare a wisdom far exceeding her age. God grant her the assistance of his Spirit !" The compromise with Protestantism which pre- vailed, secured to the Queen the enjoyment of her own faith, conferred authority upon a mixed council, and retaining two-thirds of the revenues for the Catholics and nobility, devoted one-third to the use MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. R5 of tlie new church. But other troubles reniciined untouched. There were the revolted and factious nobles to subdue ; the probable collision with Eliza- beth ; and, finally, the question of her marrige, — for to accept a foreign prince would endanger her crown, and to many a subject would sow additional discords in her kingdom. Lord James Stuart was a master spirit among her admirers, and acted wisely, though a decided Protes- tant. The Queen made him Earl of Mar upon his marriage with the daughter of the Earl Marshal, and invested him with power to subdue the rebels on the frontier. He entered upon the diflicult command, and with the heroic energy of his decided character, soon finished the work. His elevation increased the discontent of a jealous aristocracy; and in a fit of insanity, the Earl of Arran revealed a plot, which was disclosed to him by Earl of Bothwell and the Abbot of Kilwinning, for invading the palace, making Mary a prisoner, and killing Lord James, to secure the rein,^ of government. The conspiracy was of course crushed, and its authors were arrested. Mary, meanwhile, had given to the sombre apart- ments of Holyrood, the luxury and much of the ele- gance of a French court. She embellished the walls with tapestry, adorned her person with jewels, and found ionusement in directing, by her taste, the im- provements in landscape gardening. Of the four Marys who had been her companions from girlhood, the amiable Flemming married Maitland, Mary Liv- ingston, "William, eldest son of Lord TemjDle, and 86 MART QUEEN OF vSCOTS. Mary Beaton, tliongli once engaged, and Mary Sea- ton, remained unmarried. The following passages from Sir Thomas Randolph, the English Ambassador, afford interesting glimjDses of life at Holyrood, Tlie Queen, after a sitting of her council, was walking with him in the garden, when she inquired, — " How like you this country — you have been in it a good space, and know it well enough ?" " My answer was, that the country was good, and the polity might be made much better." " The absence of a prince hath caused it to be worse — but yet, is it not like unto England?" I answered, " That there were many in the world, worse than her grace's, that were thought right good, but I judged few better than England ; which, I trusted, that some time after, her grace should witness." " I would be content therewith if my sister, your mis- tress, so liked." I said, " That it was the thing that many of her grace's subjects did desire, and, as I judged, would also content my mistress." Randolph adds : " I receive of her grace, at all times, very good words. I am borne in hand by such as are nearest about her, as the Lord James and the Laird of Lethington : that they are meant as they are spoken of, I see them above all others in credit, and find in them no alteration ; though there be that com- plain, they yield too much to her apj^etite, whicli I see not. The Lord James dealeth according to his nature, rudely, homely, and bluntly ; the Laird of Lethington more delicately and finely, yet nothing swerving from the other in mind and eflfect. She is patient to hear, and beareth much. The Earl Maris- MART QUEEN OF SOOTS. 87 clial is wary, but speaketli sometimes to good pur- pose ; — his daugliter is lately come to this town: — we look shortly for what shall become of the long love betwixt the Lord James and tliat lady. The Lord John of Coldhigham hath not least favor, with his leaping and dancing; — he is like to marry the Lord Bothwell's sister. The Lord Robert consumeth with love of the Earl Cassil's sister ; — the Earl Bothwell hath given unto him old lands of his father, in Tevi- otdale, and the Abbey of Melross. The duke's grace* is come to Ivinneil, and proposes not to come near to the court, except that he be sent for. I hear of nothing that is proposed against him ; it is thought that he may be well enough spared. My Lord Arran proposeth not to be at court so long as the mass re- maineth : there come few to it, but herself, her uncle and train. Three causes, I perceive there are, that make my Lord of Arran to absent himself; the one is the mass ; the other, the presence of his enemy ; the third, lack wherewith to maintain a court. By the first, he maintains his credit with the precise Pro- testants ; the other argues less courage in him than many men thought, that his enemy is yet alive to have that place which he is unworthy of; the third mani- fests the beastliness of his father, that more than money, hath neither faith nor God. The lords now begin to return to the court, the bishops flock apace ; the Metropolitan of St. Andrew's arrived here on Monday last, with eighty horses in train, and to be * Chatelherault. 88 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. seen lie rode half-a-mile out of liis way througli tlie High-street of Edinburgh ; — we know not yet what mischief he and his associates come for : he had with him only two Hamiltons." Though the Earl of Mar had paralyzed the strength of the Hamiltons in the northern districts of Scot- land, the Gordons were rebellious in the West. Earl of Huntly had planned a conspiracy against the life of Lethington and Earl of Mar. His son, John Gor- don, had aspired to Mary's hand. But in consequence of a duel with Lord Oglivy, he was summoned to re- pair to Stirling Castle. The mandate of his Sover- eign he disregarded, and appeared in open revolt at the head of a thousand horsemen. ELis father. Earl of Huntly, having fortified the castles, took up his quarters in the mountains, to await the approach of Mary Stuart, who was making a tour to the northern frontier. She marched at the head of a small army, commanded by Earl of Mar. Reaching the Castle of Inverness, which was shut against her, she ordered an attack, followed by surrender, and the execution of the captain who held the stronghold. She displayed great heroism in this campaign, en- during exposure and wearisome marches, fording riv- ers, crossing highlands, and encamping on the deso- late heath ; regretting " that she was not a man, to know what life it was to lie all night in the fields, or to walk upon the causeway, with a jack and knapsack, a Glasgow buckler and a broadsword." After this expecjition, she gave to her brother the earldom of Murray, which resulted in open war with the Gor- MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 89 dons. The final issue was, tlie conquest of the ITara- iltons and Gordons, the farther triumph of Protestant- ism, and augmenting the power of Murray, who was virtually supreme, and ruled with no less energy than prudence. Knox was, after all, the power behind the throne, whom Murray and the Queen regarded as a Titan among reformers. He wrote of her appearance in Parliament : " Tln-ee sundry days the Queen rode to the Toll- booth ; the first day she made a painted oration, and there might have been heard amongst her flatterers, ' Vox.JJiancB^ the voice of a goddess! (for it could not be Dei^ and not of a woman ! — God save that sweet face ! Was there ever orator spoke so properly and so sweetly !' All things," he adds, " misliked the preachers. They spake boldly against the super- fluity of their clothes, and against tlie rest of their vanity, wliicli they afiirmed should provoke God's wrath not only against these foolish women, bat against the whole realm. Articles were presented for orders to be taken of apparel, and for reformation of other enormities, but all was winked at." Mary's marriage was a subject of much specula-- tion and prophecy. Knox heard that she liad reject- ed the king of Sweden, and was in danger of an Aus- trian or Spanish alliance, and openly denounced her course. He was again summoned into her presence; and, accompanied by John Erskine, of Dun, whoso 90 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. temper and aspect would remind one in contrast with Knox, . of Melanctlion by Luther''s side, lie promptly obeyed the royal mandate. The record of the inter- view, as given by himself, is an interesting exliibition 3f his own and Mary's peculiar qualities. lie af- firms, that she immediately began to weep, and exclaim : "That never prince was used as she was ; ' I have,' said she, 'borne with you in all your rigorous man- ner of speaking, both against myself, and against my uncles ; yea, I have sought your favour by all possible meanes ; I offered unto you presence and audience whensoever it pleased you to admonish mee ; and yet I cannot be quit of you ; I vow to God I shall bo once revenged :' and with these words scarce could Marnocke, one of her pages, get handkerchiefs to hold her eyes dry ; for the tears and the howling, be- sides womanly weeping, stayed her speech. " The said John did patiently abide all this fume, and at opportunity answered ; ' True it is, madame, your nuijesty and I have beene at diverse controver- sies, into the which I never perceived your majesty to be offended at me ; but when it shall please God to deliver you from that bondage of darknesse and errour wherein ye have been nourished for the lack of true doctrine, your majesty will finde the liberty of my tongue nothing offensive ; without the preach- ing place, I thinke few have occasion to be offended at me ; and there I am not master m^'selfe, but must obey Ilim who commands me to speak plaine, and to flatter no flesh upon the face- of the earth.' MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 91 " ' But what have you to do,' said she, ' with my marriage ?' " *If it please your majesty patiently to hear me, I shall shew the truth in plain words. I grant your mf '^sty offered unto mee more than ever I required, but my answer was then as it is now, that God hath not sent me to awaite upon the courts of princes, or upon the chamber of ladies, but I am sent to preach the Evangell of Jesus Christ to such as please to hear ; it hath two points, repentance and faith : Now, in preaching repentance, of necessity it is that the sinnes of men be noted, that they may know wherein they offend. But so it is, that most part of your nobilitie are so much addicted to your affections, that neither God's word, nor yet their commonwealth, are rightly regarded ; and, therefore, it becometh me to speak that they may know their duty.' " ' What have you to do with my marriage, or what are you within the commonwealth V " ' A subject, borne within the same, madame ; and albeit I bee neither earle, lord, nor baron, within it, yet hath God made me (how abject that ever I bee in your eyes,) a profitable and a usefull member within the same : yea, madame, to me it appertaineth no less to forewarn of such things as may hurt it, if I foresee them, than it doetli to any one of the nobility ; for both my vocation and office craveth plainnesse of me : and therefore, madame, to yourselfe I say that which I spake in publike : Whensoever the nobility of this realme shall be content, and consent that you be sub- ject to an unlawful husband, they doc as much as in 92 MARY QUEEN OF SOOTS. them lietli to renounce Christ, to banish the truth, to betray, the freedom of this reahne, and perchance shall, in the end, doe small comfort to yourselfe.' " At these words, howling was heard, and teares might have been scene in greater abundance than the matter required. John Erskine, of Dun, a man of meeke and gentle spirit, stood beside, and did what he could to mitigate the anger, and gave unto her many pleasant words of her beauty, of her excellen- cy, and how that all the j^rinces in Europe would be glad to seek her favours ; but all that was to cast oil into the flaming fire. "No such mitigation, however, was offered by Knox, who stood still, without any alteration of coun- tenance, and in the end said, ' Madam, in God's pres- ence I speak, I never delighted in the weeping of any of God's creatures, yea, I can scarcely well abide the teares of mine own boys, when mine own hands cor- rect them ; much less can I rejoice in your majestie's weeping; but seeing I have offered unto you no just occasion to be offended, but have spoken the truth, as my vocation craves of me : I must sustaine your majestie's teares rather than I dare hurt my con- science, or betray the commonwealth by silence.' Herewith was the Queen more offended, and com manded the said John to passe forth of the cabinet, and to abide further of her pleasure in the chamber. " But in that chamber where he stood as one whom men had never scene (excejit that the Lord Ochiltree bare him company,) the confidence of Knox did not forsake him ; and, therefore, began he to make dis MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 93 course with the ladies, who were there sitting in all their gorgeous apparel ; which, when he espied, he mcrrilj said, ' Fair ladies, how pleasant were this life of yours, if it should ever abide ! and then in the end that wee might passe to Heaven with this geare : but tie upon that knave. Death, that will come whethei we will or not ; and when he hath laid on the arrest, then foule wormes will bee busie with this flesh, be it never so faire and so tender ; and the silly soule, I feare, shall be so feeble, that it can neither carry with it gold, garnishing, targating, pearl, nor precious stones.' " Farther efforts at intimidation were made by the Queen in vain, and Knox left her in triumph. Soon after he was married to the daughter of Lord Ochil- tree, an interesting young lady, twenty years of age ; resembling, in her companionship with the Reformer, \ bell-flower clinging to the side of an immovable rock. The question of Mary's marriage also involved the English interest. She wished to be declared the pre- sumptive heiress of Elizabeth, and on that condition would submit to her the choice of a husband. For three years, it was a matter of correspondence between the sovereigns, and their ambassadors endeavored to make the negotiations friendly and successful. The English hoped to secure a Protestant alliance, and with it Mary's conversion from Popery. But while she firmly refused to sign the treaty of Edinburgh, a step urged by her rival, she as little thought of renouncing, under any circumstances, her 94 MAltY QUEEN OF SCOTS. allegiance to Rome, The Queen of England was as deeply hostile to nominating Mary her successor. While pursuing these different ends, to bring the con- flicting claims to a favorable termination, a personal meeting was proposed. When, therefore, Lethington returned to Edinburgh, with a kind letter from Eliza- beth, and her p)ortrait, offering an interview, in the hope of cultivating, permanently, harmony between the two realms, Mary manifested great joy. With her natural vivacity and hopefulness, she said to Ran- dolj)h, " I trust by that time that we have spoken to- gether, our hearts will be so eased, that the greatest grief that ever after shall be between us, will be when we shall take leave, the one of the other. And let God be my witness, I honor her in my heart, and love her as my dear and natural sister." This pledge from Elizabeth was not fulfilled. She was involved in the continental wars, assisting the Huguenots, which slie plead in her message to Mary, as a sufficient reason for postponing the interview till the following summer. Tlie disappointment of the Queen of Scots upon hearing the announcement from Sir Henry Sidney, was significant of future attempts of a similar kind. I^or could it well be, that the am- bitious sovereigns, so dissimilar in the whole outline of character, should confide in each other. " Both training and nature conspired to make these women opposites. Elizabeth's youth had been one of fear, and caution, and restraints, and her deportment al- ways bore traces of this hard discipline, in its stiffness and want of grace. Mary's had been tenderly fos- (maky queen of scots. . 95 tered ; slie was admired and even beloved, as far as tlie denizens of that court had hearts to love. Her ' charming nature' could expand in all the sunshine of general approval — there were no cold checks shutting her up within herself; her manner was, there- fore, open, frank, engaging, and cordial — how should a prosperous, joyous beauty's ever be otherwise ? But it was only an accomplishment, formed not by the heart so much as by external circumstances. She had no need in her youth for habitual circumspection, and her general demeanor was the gainer by it." During the winter of 1563, Mary dispatched Leth- ington to the court of Elizabeth, to gain her favor towards the princes of Lorraine, and assert the right of succession, if the question should be agitated. Mary's temperament, and unfortunate education, were never more conspicuous than at this period, while vital questions to herself and her kingdom were pend- ing. She abandoned herself to all the amusements and pleasures of a gay court. Music, dancing, fal- conry, poesy, and gallantries were the variety of life in the palace of Holyrood. In vain Knox mounted his pulpit to denounce the midnight festivities of roy- alty. He complained, " that princes are more exer- cised in liddling and flinging, than in reading or hear- ing of God's most blessed word. Fiddlers and flatterers who commonly corrupt the youth, are more precious in their eyes than men of wisdom and gravity, who, by wholesome admonition might beat down in them some part of the vanity and pride whereunto all are born, but in princes take deep root and strength by 96 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. wicked education." Mary's dissipation, naturally enough, engaged her in unhappy attentions from em- boldened admirers. A Captain Hepburn was so familiar and indelicate in his advances, that he escaped punishment only by flight. Chastelard, a poet and musician from Dau- pliiny, became a lover. He addressed poems to the beautiful Queen, to which, by proxy or otherwise, she replied ; she allowed private visits in her cabinet more frequently than to any of her nobility ; and by other expressions of peculiar regard, intoxicated him with passion. One evening he ventured to conceal himself under her bed, and upon his discovery, Mary ordered him to leave the court forever. Instead of compliance with the command, the infatuated lover followed her into Fife, whither she had gone on a tour to the North, and again concealed himself in her apart- ment. In a glow of indignation, she ordered Murray to kill Chastelard on the spot. But the calmer states- man put him under arrest for more deliberate con- demnation. Two days later he walked to the scaffold, reciting Ronsard's hymn to death ; and when he stood ready for the fatal blow, he raised his eyes to Heaven and exclaimed, " O cruelle dame ! " The wide-spread and deep sensation produced by this tragical affair, which, whatever the desert of " the mad lover," tar- nished Mary's reputation, urged upon her the neces- sity of marriage. Amid the many politic offers of an alliance, Elizabeth about this time proposed, through her ambassador, Randolph, Lord Robert Dudley, son of the Duke of Northumberland. He had wisely MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 97 governed England under Edward YL, but presented no inducement to Mary Stuart, unless Lei haughty rival would secure the right of succession. Besides, another suitor more promising to her ambition, and more pleasing to her fancy, entered the field of this matrimonial tournament. Lord Henry Darnley was the son of the Earl of Lennox, a refugee in England for having joined the cause of Henry VIIL, who mar- ried Lady Margaret Douglas, daughter of Margaret Tudor, widow of James lY. Connected thus with the royal families of both England and Scotland, and a young gentleman of very fine personal appearance and elegant manners, Darnley was a favorite with the Queen. His mother had, since Mary's return, been secretly planning for her son's promotion, unconscious that it would be his ruin. Lennox was invited to resume the lands and honors which he had forfeited and abandoned in Scotland ; Elizabeth consented, and the earl arrived on his ancestral domain, Sep- tember, 1564:. Mary lavished her favors upon him, though it excited anew the disj^leasure of the Ham- iltons, his bitter enemies. Mary determined, after consulting him, before a final resolution on the sub- ject, to ascertain more- fully Elizabeth's views of her prospective marriage, and the two suitors. She there- fore dispatched James Melvil, a finished diplomatist, a scholar, and an accomplished' gentleman, to the English court. Elizabeth, whose vanity was as pro- verbial as her policy, received Melvil with every mark of distinction. He was a guest of Lady Straf- ford, the Queen's confidant — Elizabeth entertained E T 93 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. him with her music, and danced in his presence. lie disphayed his tact and talent in the reply to the (pies- tion, the color of whose hair was reputed best — that of her own or of the Queen of Scotland? lie answered that " there was no one in England comparable to her, and no one in Scotland so beautiful as Mary Stu- art." She was not satisfied with so equivocal a com- pliment, and Melvil assured her, she excelled Mary in complexion, music and dancing. Such flatteries reached the proud heart of Elizabeth. She kissed the portrait of Mary Stuart, and smiled brightly on Mel- vil. lie, however, assured her, that Lord Robert Dudley would fail of winning the hand of his sove- reign. She replied excitedly, " Lord Robert is my best friend ; I love him as a brother, and I would my- self have married him, had I ever minded to have taken a husband. But being determined to end my life in virginity, I wished that the Queen, my sister, might marry him, as meetest of all others with whom I could find it in my heart to declare my succession. For being matched with him, it would best remove out of my mind all fears and suspicions to be oflended by any usurpation before my death ; being assured that he is so loving and trusty, that he would never permit any such thing to be attempted during my time. And that the Queen, your mistress, may have the higher esteem of him, I will make him, in a few days. Earl of Leicester, and Baron of Denbigh." Soon afterward Elizabeth fulfilled her pledge, and with her own hand placed the coronet of an earl upon his brow, and when the splendid ceremonies were over, she turned MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 99 to Melvil and asked his opinion of Dudley. He replied, " tliat as lie was a worthy servant, so he was happy who had a princess who could discern and reward good service." Pointing to Darnley, who, as nearest prince of the blood, bore the sword of lionor, she added, " Yet you like better yonder long lad." With a courtier's deceptive speech, he told her "that no woman of spirit would make choice of sucli.a man, who was more like a woman than a man, for he was handsome, beardless, and lady-faced." During repeated interviews, Elizabeth affirmed that if Mary would marry Lord Dudley, the matter of succession would be arranged. She said "that it was her own resolution to remain till her death, a virgin Queen, and that nothing would compel her to change her mind, except the undutiful behavior of the Queen, her sister." Melvil records, that upon his departure for Scotland, " she used all the means she could to oblige me to persuade the Queen, my mistress, of the great love she did bear unto her, and that she was fully minded to put away all jealousies and suspicions, and in times-coming to entertain a stricter friendship than formerly." The conclusion seems inevitable, that Elizabeth was patriotic as well as ambitious, and the glory of England was more attractive than the heart- less mockery of love in a royal marriage. It doubt- less would have been her choice, that Mary should live single like herself, and this policy entered into her proposal of Lord Dudley, who, she must have known, would have been rejected without the condi- tion of the renewed succession to the Queen of Scots. 100 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. Tlie following letter is an interesting review of the events wliicli have been related : THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW.* " From Lislebourg, 2nd November, 1504. "Monsieur de Glascow, the bearer of this, has beg- ged so earnestly to be taken into my service, that, without considering his youth, as I had before done, I would not let him set out without this short letter, in which I shall give you much news, referring to that which I have commanded him to say relative to the appointments of the Duke,t and of the Earl of Len- nox, for the doing of which the more easily, it was necessary that this duke should resign to you the pro- vostship of Glasgow, agreeably to the promise which he made you. I assured him that you would assent either to my disposing of it, or reserving it for you, being certain that, at my request, and for my service, you would at any time give it back to the said Earl of Lennox, as the bearer will tell you ; also about the return of Melvil, whom I sent to the Queen, my good sister, -with an apology for some letters which I had written to her, and which she considered rather rude ; but she took the interpretation which he put upon them in good part, and has since sent me Randolph, * James Beathon, or Betliun, the last Catholic Archbishop of Glas- gow, fled from Scotland when the Catholic religion fell into disre- pute, and retired to France, where he acted as ambassador for Mary, and her son James VI., for the period of twenty years. He died in Paris in 1603, at the age of 80. f The Earl of Arran, created Due de Chatellerault, by the Xing of France. MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 101 wlio is here at present, and lias brouglit me some very kind and polite letters, written by her own hand, con- taining fair words, and some complaints that the Queen'-'' and her ambassador, had assni'ed her that I had published in mockery propo- sals which she had made me to marry Lord Robert.f I cannot imagine that any of those over there CQuld wish to embroil me so much with her, since I have neither spoken to anybody, nor written respecting this proposal, not even to the Queen, who, I am sure, would not have borne such testimony against me ; but I have thought of writing about it to M. de Foix, and to Baptiste. In the meantime, if you hear any- thing, talk to him on his return from England ; let me know, but do not mention a word about what I am writing to you to any one whatever. " For the rest, I shall hold the Parliament on the 5th of next month, for the sole purpose of reinstating the Earl of Lennox in his possessions, and afterward I shall not fail to dispatch to you a gentleman, who will acquaint you with all that has occurred, more at length than I can inform you at present. Meanwhile I beg you to answer the letters I wrote to you by Holland, and give me a circumstantial account of all the news where you are. I conclude at present, recom- mending myself heartily to you, praying God to give you his grace. " Your very kind mistress and friend, " Mary E." * Catherine, Queen of France. •(■ Lord Robert Dudley, afterward Earl of Leicester. 102 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. At the beginning of ths year 1565, Mary Stuart, having retired to St. Andrews for an interlude to the cares of the palace, Randolph visited her there at the repeated solicitation of Elizabeth. He has given a sketch of the interview. " Her grace lodged in a merchant's house ; her train was very few ; and there was small repair from any part. Her will was, that, for the time that I did tarry I should dine and sup with her. Your majesty was oftentimes dranken unto by her, at dinners and suppers. Having in this sort continued with her grace Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, I thought it time to take occasion to ntter that which last I re- ceived in command from your majesty, by Mr. Sec- retary's letter ; which was to know her grace's reso- lution, touching those nuitters propounded at Berwick by my Lord of Bedford and me, to my Lord of Mur- ray, and Lord of Liddington ; I had no sooner s^^oken these words, but she saith, ' I see noAV well that you are weary of this company and treatment ; I sent for you to be merry, and to seehowlikeaBourgeoise wife I live, with my little troop, and you will interru})t our pastime with your great and grave matters ; I pray you, sir, if you be weary here, return home to Edin- burgh, and keep your gravity and great embassade imtil the Queen come thither ; for I assure you, you hall not get her here, nor I know not myself where she is become ; you see neither cloth of estate, nor such appearance that you may think there is a Queen here ; nor I would not that you should think that I am she at St. Andrews, that I was at Edinburgh.' MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 103 " I said that I was very sorry for that, lor that at Edinburgh she said that she did love my mistress, the Queen's majesty, better than any other, and now I marveled how her mind was altered. It pleased her at this to be very merry, and called me by more names than were given me at my christening. At these merry conceits much good sport was made. ' But well, sir, ' saitli she, ' that which then I spoke in words shall be confirmed to my good sister, your mis- tress, in writing ; before you go out of this town you shall have a letter unto her, and for yourself, go where you will, I care no more for you.' The next day I was willed to be at my ordinary table, being placed the next person (saving worthy Beaton'"^) to the Queen's self. " Very merrily she passeth her time : after dinner she rideth abroad. It. pleased her the most part of the time to talk with me ; she had occasion to speak much of France, for the honor she received there ; to be wife unto a great king, and for friendship shown unto her in particular, by many, for which occasions she is bound to love the nation, to show them pleas- ure and to do them good. " Her acquaintance is not so forgotten there, nor her friendship so little esteemed, but yet it is divers ways sought to be continued. She hath of her peo- ple, many well affected that way, for the nourriture that they have had there, and the commodity of ser- *Mary Beaton, who, from lier infancy, had been a maid of honor. She was the niece of Cardinal Beaton. 104: MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. vice, as those of the guard, and men at arms ; be sides, privileges great for the merchants, more than ever were granted to any nation. What priv^atelj, of long time, hath been sought, and yet is, for myself to yield unto their desires in my marriage, her ma- jesty cannot be ignorant, and you have heard. To have such friends, and see such offers (without assu- rance of as good,) nobody will give me advice that loveth me. JSTot to marry, you know, it cannot be for me : to defer it long, many incommodities ensue. How privy to my mind, your mistress hath been here- in ; how willing I am to follow her advice, I have shown many times, and yet can I find in her no resolution nor determination. For nothing, I cannot be bound unto her ; and to France, my will against her. I have lately given assurance to my brother of Murray and Liddington, that I am loath, and so do now show unto yourself, if your mistress did, as she hath said, use me as her natural born sister or dauffli- ter, I will show no less readiness to oblige and honor her than my elder sister or mother ; but, if she will repute me always but as her neighbor. Queen of Scots, how willingly soever I be to live in amity, and to main- tain peace ; yet must she not look for that at my hands, that otherwise I would, or she desireth. To forsake friendship offered, and j)resent commodity for uncer- tainty, no friend will advise me, nor your mistress herself approve my wisdom. Let her, therefore, measure my case as her own, and so will I be to her. For these causes, until my sister and I have further proceeded, I must apply my mind to the advice of MART QUEEN OF SOOTS. 105 those that seem to tender most my profit, that show their care over me, and wish me most good." At this crisis, Darnley, a youth of nineteen, joined his father in Scotland. The motives which governed Elizabeth in permitting him to leave her realm, are not certainly known. It is most natural, certainly, to STippose, that while continental princes were expec- tant of success, and Darnley's presence could not make matters worse ; she also granted the request as a condescension to him. The young lord was a shrewd dissembler, and a captivating suitor. He placed himself under Murray's guidance — in the morning went to hear Knox preach, and in the even- ing danced a galliard with Mary. The Protestant church he would thus conciliate, and also secure the favor of the court. Educated a Catholic, he was neither a devotee of Kome, nor an adherent of Knox. But Murray was not so easily won. From this moment the struggle began between the two candidates of the Reformers and Catholics ; be- tween Leicester, who was supported by Lethington and Murray — and Darnley, who was strongly sus- stained by the Earl of Athol, all the Scottish barons who had remained faithful to their ancient creed, and an Italian named David Rizzio, who had succeeded Raullet as the Queen's Secretary for French corres- pondence, and who had already gained great influ- ence over her. Lethington, at this time, wrote to Cecil a number of letters, full of the most polite con- siderations, in favor of a marriage which he thought E* lOG MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. might bo so useful to their couimon cause and their two countries, and besought him to obtain from Eliz- abeth that concession wliich alone was needed to en- sm*e its success. But Elizabeth complained that this was transforming the negotiation too much into a matter of bargain, and jocularly told Melvil, that Lethington, in his constant allusions to the succession, was, like a death-watch, ever ringing her knell in her ears. Lethington replied that his mistress merely sought a probable reason to lay against the objections of foreign princes, that they might see that no vain or light conceit had moved her to yield to the Queen of England's request in her marriage. As for him- self, giving way to an enthusiasm which Avas far from habitual in him, he reminded Cecil of the union of England and Scotland, which would be effectuated by tliis marriage, in language full of noble patriotism. " Such a stroke of policy," he remarked, '' would secure for us a more glorious memory, a more unfa- ding gratitude in the ages to come, than belongs to those who did most valiantly, serve king Edward the Fii*st in his conquest, or king Robert, the Bruce, in his recovery of the country." Murray took a similar view, and urged the claims of Lord Dudley. If Elizabeth was ambitious in re- fusing to nominate her sister successor, Mary was no less aspiring in rejecting Dudley, if the English crown prospectively were not made the premium of acceptance. A definite declaration becoming neces- sary, Elizabeth directed Randolph to communicate to Mary Stuart, her decision not to recognize the right MAEY QUKEN OF SCOTS, 107 ofsnccession in any emergency ; but if the Earl of Leicester were accepted as such, she Avould have no cause to repent the confidence reposed in her munifi- cence. "When the message was delivered, the Queen of Scots wept long and violently. Tlie storm passed, und Mary's feelings and purpose turned toward Darn- ley. She admired him, and there was probably more affection indulged than she had known toward any other lover since Francis died. The step was one of collision with Murray, who opposed the marriage, and developed the opposition of the Protestant party, with the hostility of the Hamiltons, foes of Lennox ; while Elizabeth saw in it a probable alliance with the Cath- olic powers of Europe, which would array against her the subjects of her own realm who maintained the Komish faith, Mary having settled- the choice of a husband, addressed herself to the work of reducing .the cticnr^i: '■f "pposers. She recalled from France the dissolute Earl of Bothwell, to confront Murray, whom he intensely hated, and proposed the restora- tion of Earl Huntly, whose family Murray had dis- graced. She likewise endeavored to convert her brother to her plans, by commanding his return to the court from which he had withdrawn, and de- manding his signature to a paj)er approving her mar- riage. This he refused, and gave reasons of state and church policy. Mary was indignant, and with- out sufficient ground, charged him with aiming his rebellion at her crown. The result was open war be- tween them. Murray appeared in Edinburgh with five or sir 108 M A li Y QUEEN OF SCOTS. thousand men, to procure Botliwell's condemnation, and entered into a league with the Duke of Chatell- erault and Earl of Argyle for mutual aid and de- fence. He conferred with the Protestant clergy con- cerning their protection, and applied, through Ilan- dolph to Elizabeth, for whatever help she might be willing to afford. Tlie choice of Darnley had been de-_ clared in the Privy Council of the Queen of England, "prejudicial to both Queens, and consequently dan- 'geroiis to the weal of both countries." She sent Throckmorton to carry to Mary Stuart that opinion, and once more propose Lord Dudley. When he reached Scotland, it was quite too late to interfere. She had Jiot only watched at the sick bed of Darnley, but on the 1st of May, 1505, she announced to a con- vention of the nobility, which she had called for the purpose, her intention of marrying him. Tlie meas- ure was approved unanimously ; and she then added to Darnley's honors, the lordship of Ardmanoch, and the earldom of Ross. She replied to Throckmorton's message : " As to her good sister's great dislike to the match, this was, indeed, a marvelous circum- stance, since the selection was made in conformity to the Queen's wishes, as communicated by Mr. Ran- dolph. She had rejected all foreign suitors, and had chosen an Englishman, descended from the blood royal of both kingdoms, and the first prince of the blood in England ; and one whom she believed would, for these reasons, be acceptable to the subjects of both realms." ^ Mary postponed the wedding, if possible, to propi- MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. 109 tiate lier powerful neighbor, and avoid a liopeless alienation. Elizabeth was enraged, and sent 'tlie Countess of Lennox, Darnley's motlier, who was still in England, to the Tower, and summoned the Earl and his son to return. Lennox refused, until assured of the Queen's favor, Darnley replied to the mes- senger, with more spirit : " I do now acknowledge no other duty or obedience but to the Queen here, whom I love and honour ; and seeing that the other, your mistress, is so envious of my good fortune, I donbt not but she may have need of me, as you shall know within a few days. Wherefore to return I in- tend not; I find myself very well where I am, and so purpose to keep me ; and tliis shall be your an- swer." Elizabeth assured the Reformers of her support, who made a desperate effort to prevent the marriage. The General Assembly of the Scottish Churcli met at the call of Knox and Earl of Argyle, and resolved to petition the Queen for the abolition of mass, and uniformity of the established religion throughout her kingdom. She conceded their right to maintain di- vine worship as they desired, but claimed the same toleration toward himself. "While she calmed the fears of many, Murray, whose whole nature was in a glow of indignation, in which blended the fires of hate to Popery and personal enemies, and the appre- hension of peril to both church and state, headed a plot to surprise Mary and Darnley, on their way from Perth to Callendar — either kill, or deliver him to the English — imprison Mary, and reinstate Muiray. 110 MAKY QTJEEN OF SCOTS. The cojispirac J was detected, aud the only alternative was a general revolt. Murray called the people to arms, and Mary sum- moned the vassals of the crown to assemble immedi- ately at Edinburgh, prepared for war. She issued a proclamation, designed to keep the church tranquil, and for the first time attended at Callendar, the ser- vices of a Presbyterian minister, and heard the gos- pel from what she deemed heretical lips. This was a sacrifice of consoienGe, to prevent an uprising of the Keformers to join the rebellious nobles. She felt the need of haste, to remove inducements to opposition, and creating Darnley Duke of Albany, she received, July 22d, a dispensation from the Pope of Rome, making legal her marriage with a cousin, and ap- pointed Sunday, the 29th, as the day for the nujjtials. The preceding day she gave Darnley the title of King, which completely intoxicated his brain, and he began to show his consciousness of authority. Wise men shook their heads at the strides the "long lad" was making. The Sabbath-dawn had scarcely reached the zenith of heaven, when, between five and six o'clock,. Mary, in her rich mourning apparel, and the noble form of Darnley, entered the royal chapel of Holyrood. The Dean of Restabrig performed the ceremony ; the Queen, after the matrimonial salutation from Darnley, kneeled at the altar to hear mass, while he retired to the chase — avoiding, by this movement, the increased suspicion of the Protestants. Upon reaching her palace, Mary put off the sable attire, MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. Ill and appeared in magnificent bridal robes. A ban- quet followed. The Earls Atliol, Morton, Crawford, Eglington and Carsilles, were table attendants. Mon- ey was scattered among the gathered populace, and the scene concluded with dancing and festivity. Darnley flaunted in kingly splendor, and Mary Stu- art dreamed of a glorious future, as the silence of morning succeeded " music's voluptuous swell," and the hum of excited guests — -a brief and delusive vision ! CHAPTER IV THE IMMEDIATE RESULTS OF MARt's MARRIAGE WITH DARNLEY CAMPAIGW AGAINST MURRAY MARY STUART IS VICTORIOUS SHE WRITES TO ARCH- BISHOP OF GLASGOW ISSUES A PROCLAMATION SHE DISCLOSES HER PLANS FOR RESTORING THE CATHOLIC FAITH LETTER TO PHILIP IL OF SPAIN MARY MARCHING A THIRD TIME AGAINST MURRAY, TOTALLY KOUTES HI3 FACTION HE FLIES TO ENGLAND ELIZABETH EXTORTS A CONFESSION THAT SHE DID NOT ENCOURAGE THE REBELLION MARy's POL- ICY RIZZIO'S ELEVATION DARNLEY LOSES THEQUEEn's CONFIDENCE HIS ASPIRATIONS DARNLEY PLOTS RIZZIo's DEATH THE TRAGEDY MA- Ky's FEELINGS AND CONDUCT MARY IS A CAPTIVE DARNLEY RELENTS THE FLIGHT MARY GATHERS AN ARMY CAMPAIGNS AND VICTORIES TROUBLE WITH DARNLEY INCREASES A SON IS BORN CONGRATULA- TIONS ANTICIPATIONS BOTHWELL AND MARY EXCURSIONS DARN- LEy's plans YIELDS TO MARY THE CHRISTENING A DIVORCE OR MURDER SUGGESTED TO MARY THE CONSPIRACY MARY's GUILT THE ISSUE. Maey's marriage to Lord Darnley was a decisive stroke in lier destiny — the glory-gilded summit, from which her descent to a sea-girdled prison began. The friendly correspondence that had for four years existed between the Queen of Scots and Elizabeth, closed ; and a hostility commenced, which necessarily involved their kingdoms. Murray had not been idle, during the hymenial festivities of his sister. He wrote to the Earl of Bedford, to " crave his comfort, as of one MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 113 to whom God had granted to know the subtle devices of Satan, against the innocent professors of the gos- pel, to stir up the powers of the world against the same." Randolph urged Elizabeth to aid Murray, "unless she wished to see Protestantism, and the English party in Scotland, fall together." She had said to the revolutionists, " Keep your sovereign by all lawful means from doing wrong, and you shall have all the help which I can give you, but it is no part of a subject's duty to oppose her by force." The assistance ofi'ered was scarcely more than a small sum of money, leaving the insurgents to their own resour- ces. Meanwhile, the bride and bridegroom hastened preparations for the campaign. In the capital, " the swash, the taborin and the drum, were stricken through the streets, to raise recruits for the army." Mary marched forth to meet the enemy. Darnley rode by her side in "gilded armor," — Earl of Lennox lead the army, Chancellor Morton commanded the centre, and the King and Queen, attended by Parson Balfour, David Rizzio, and another Italian musician, brought up the rear. This force moved so rapidly against Murray, that he was compelled to fly from Stirling to Glasgow, and thence into the domain of his ally, the Earl of Argyle. Mary sent back the English Envoy, Tamworth, dispatched by Elizabeth with a " haughty message," who, leaving a spii-itcd reply, was intercepted by a band, because he refused to acknowledge Darnley, King, and carried a prisoner to Hume Castle. The fugitive Reformers had no al- ternative, but to collect their available strength, and 8 Hi . MARY QTJEEISr OF SCOTS. march to Edinburgh, the metropolis of the reahn, and the strong-hold of Protestantism. With a thousand men Murray reached the capital, expecting a general uprising of the people. To his amazement, there was no sympathy displayed ; none came to his standard, and his ranks were fired upon by the ordnance of the castle. The citizens, whatever their opposition to Catholicism, were not prepared to rise in rebellion against their beautiful Queen. Another appeal was made by the party in revoli to Cecil, the Queen's adviser, and Earl of Bedford, who commanded the English army on the frontier, for three thousand men, and ships of war, to cruise in the Forth. Elizabeth delayed, and Mary improved the time. She assembled a force of ten thousand men, and swept Murray's adherents from Edinburgh, like leaves in the hurricane's path. She then marclied into the county of Fife, and taught sudmission to the offending barons. Her perfect form on a dashing charger, with pistols at her saddle bow, and a glow of intense excitement on her lovely face, made the Queen of Scots a strangely fascinating object, amid the evo- lutions of a con(j[uering host. But there were stormy passions beneath that surface so radiant with beauty. Pursuing to Dumfries the departed Earl of Murray, retreating toward the English border, she declared to Randolph that she would rather peril her crown than lose her revenge. Leaving her routed foe, she communicated in a let- ter to the Archbishop of Glasgow, in France, iier plans, and view of the civil war. MARY QUEKN OF SCOTS. 115 THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO THE AECHBISUOP OF GLASGOW. " From Lislebourg, 1st October, 1505. " Monsieur cle Glascow : I am greatly astonished ; for a very long time I have received no tidings from you, not even Mauvissiere, who calls himself am- bassador from the King. I beg you will let me hear oftener from you. As for any news here, you must know that Mauvissiere was commissioned to treat preliminarily between me and the Queen, my neigh- bor. Tliis I willingly agree to ; but as to "treating with my subjects, having conducted themselves as they have done, I had rather lose all. " Now, I am sure, you must have heard enough upon this subject from your brother, and since, from dial mer : and there is nothing of very recent occurrence, but that they are getting worse and worse, and are now at Dumfries, where they have resolved to stay until I leave this place, which will be to-morrow, and then they will go, as I am informed, to Annan, which they propose to defend against me with the aid of three hundred English arquebusiers of the garrison of England : and they boast that they shall receive more succors, both by sea and land, so as to be able to make head against our army, which is to set out to-morrow, or the next day at the latest, and with which the King and I intend to go in person, hoping that, the time of the proclamation having expired, we shall retire and give them time to wait for the army of the Queen of England, which is to be ready next spring. Urge the Queen as often as you can, and by all the means in your power, to send us men and mon* 116 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. ey in this emergency, and then write forthwitli what I have to hope for : and beware, above all things, of exciting the jealousy of a certain person whom you know, and with whom you must privately use the like persuasions. Something w^as known at court about your dealings with Bay, " I shall write you more fully on the first opportu- nity ; but above all, keep a good look-out, and see if my rebels hold any secret communication over there with the Protestants, or Chatillon ; and if the Duke and Earl of Murray have any agent about the Queen, whom you may assure that they have full liberty of conscience, and that this is not the motive which influ- ences them, nor the public tVelfare ; for I have made no changes in the order of things to which they have themselves consented ; and if they were not at the council, it has been because I never could get them to come to it after my marriage, except a few, who, after taking part against them, subsequently went over to their side, which they now begin to repent of, and among others the duke and Gudo, . . . who have sent me word to that eifect. " Yesterday, Dromleveriel and Lowener sent to me to beg pardon, saying they would serve us, assuring me they had forsaken them, finding their intentions so difi;erent from what they represented. The traitor Maxwell is deeply ashamed of having so basely bro- ken his faith with me ; he does not appear disposed to send his son to England as an hostage, not having forgotten how his last was treated ; this he sent me word himself. Li short, when England perceives that MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 117 we have ever so little succor to hope for, they will draw back, I should think, from seeing those people so disheartened. You will see the meniorandum which 1 have given to the bearer, of what he is to say to the king, instead of instructions. Tell me how he acquits himself of his commission, for I assure you he is more English than Scotch. Here I conclude, praying God to grant you a happy and long life, "Your very good mistress and friend, " Maey E." She expressed her estimate of the rebels fully, in a proclamation issued at this crisis of affairs. " Certain rebels, the authors of this uproar lately raised up against us, have given the people to under stand that the quarrel they have in hand is only reli- gion, thinking with that cloak to cover their ungodly designs, and to draw after them a large train of igno- rant persons, easy to be seduced Their ambition could not be satisfied with heaping riches upon riches, and honor upon honor, unless they retain, in their hands, us, and our whole realm, to be led, used, and disposed at their pleasure. We must be forced to govern by counsel, such as it shall please them to appoint us — and what other thing is this, but to dissolve the whole policy, and (in a manner) to invert the very order of nature, to make the prince obey, and subjects command. The like was never demanded by any of our most noble progenitors here- tofore, yea, not of governors and regents. When we, ourselves, were of less age, and at our first returning 118 MAEY QTJEEN OF SCOTS. into this, our realm, we had free choice of our coun- cil at our pleasure, and now, when we are at our full maturity, shall we be brought back to the state of pupils, and be put under tutory? This is the quarrel of religion they made you believe they had in hand ; this is the quarrel for which they would have you hazard your lands, lives, and goods, in the company of a certain number of rebels, against your natural prince. To speak in good (plain) language, they would be kings themselves, or at the least, leaving to us the bare name and title, and take to themselves the credit and whole administration of the kingdom." She concluded with a promise of security to their possessions, and liberty of conscience, on condition of loyalty to their sovereign. A final entreaty was sent by the insurgents to Elizabeth, to save the im- periled church, and deliver the persecuted, who were exposed to Mary's displeasure, they affirmed, through the baneful influence of Rizzio and Darnley, both foreigners, assuming without right or the consent of the people, authority in the cabinet and over the kingdom. She had ordered troops and money to be placed at the command of Murray ; but a few days later, hearing of his defeat, countermanded the order and abandoned the cause, with an expression of live- ly sympathy. The English Queen was cautious and artful, with a steady eye upon the glory of her realm, and the proud distinction of reigning alone. Mary Stuart having gained the ascendency, no lon- ger disguised her wishes and plans. Under the di- rection of her secretary, Ilizzio, she began to plot the MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 119 restoration of the Romisli faith. Darnley united with her in an application to Pliilip II., of Spain, and the Pope, for aid in tlie undertaking, justifying their cause by the applications made already to Elizabeth. Her letter to Philip discloses her intentions. THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO KING PHILIP II. " To the King of Spain. " Monsieur my good brother — the interest which you have always taken in the maintenance and sup- port of our Catholic religion, induced me some time since to solicit your favor and assistance, as I foresaw what has now taken place in the kingdom, and which tends to the utter ruin of the Catholics, and to the establishment of those unfortunate errors, which, were I and the King my husband to oppose, we should be in danger of losing our crown, as well as all pre- tensions we have elsewhere, unless we are aided by one of the great princes of Christendom. " Having duly considered this, as likewise the con- stancy you have displayed in your kingdoms, and with what firmness you have supported, more than any other prince, those who have depended on your favor, we have determined upon addressing ourselves to you, in preference to any other, to solicit your ad- vice, and to strengthen ourselves with your aid and support. To obtain this, we have dispatched to you this English gentleman, a Catholic, and a faithful ser- vant of the King, my husband, and of myself, with ample directions to give you an account of the state of our ajffairs, which he is well acquainted with ; and 120 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. we beg you to believe him as yon would do ourselves, and to send him back as soon as possible ; for occa- sions are so urgent, that it is of importance both for the crown and the'liberty of the church ; to maintain which we will risk our lives and our kingdom, pro- vided we are assured of your assistance and advice. " After kissing your hands, I pray Grod to give you, monsieur my good brother, every prosperity and fell city. Your very good sister, " Mary K." Tliis monarch, who was the royal head of Papacy in Europe, sent, in reply to her solicitation, twenty thou- sand crowns, and wrote to the Pope, who added eight thousand more. This pontiff expressed his regrets that he could not then offer any other assistance, and also said that the hope of asserting, by armed force, Mary's riffhl of succession to the throne of Eno;land must not be renounced, and gives the reason : "This project concerns the cause of God, which is mentioned by the Queen of Scotland, since it is evidently the only door by which religion can enter into the kingdom of Eng- land, for all others are now shut." Refusing mediation oiFered by Castelnau de Mau- vissiere, the Erench ambassador, affirming in a proud speech, " I would rather lose all than treat with my subjects," she a third time, October 9th, accompa- nied by Bothwell and Huntley, marched with about twelve thousand men toward Dumfries, to expel the remnant of the revolutionary party. Murray's small force was routed at the first onset, and he fled into MAEY QTJEEN OF SCOTS. 121 England on the 14tli of the same month. Tlie Queen of Scots was victorious, and in the giddiness of ele- vation, she resorted to vengeance. She determined to condemn as traitors the rebel lords, and with the sympathy of the English Catholics, she thought to make even the haughty Elizabeth repent of whatever encouragement she had given the insurgents. She incautiously remarked to some of her nobles, who expressed a fear that her continual riding and much exposure to storms, would prove exhausting — "That she would never cease to continue in such fatigues, until she had led them into London." Her tone be- came dictatorial to Elizabeth, who in turn was sur- prised and perplexed. The Spanish and French ambassadors at her court, increased her embarrass- ment by defending Mary's interests. Elizabeth col- lected troops on the frontier, and summoned promi- nent Catholic nobles in council, the real motive of which was, apprehension that they were favorable to the designs of her now resolute and enthusiastic rival. To calm Mary's displeasure, she also affected indig- nation towards Murray, and made him publicly deny that he had received the least aid from her in the re- bellion. Then addressing him in the presence of the French ambassador, she said, angrily : " It is well that you have told the truth ; for neither did I, nor any one else in my name, ever encourage you in your unnatural rebellion against your sover- eign ; nor, to be mistress of a world, could I main- tain any subject in disobedience to his prince ; it might move God to punish me by a similar trouble F 122 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. in my own realm ; but as for you two, ye are unwor- thy traitors, and I command you instantly to leave my presence." There is a coiisistency in this with the rule Eliza- beth had before given, in respect to the duty of sub- jects. It is not certain that she favored the uprising of the people as designed by Murray, however slie desired to prevent a marriage she disliked, or feared Mary's pretensions. Tlie Queen of Scots was advised to be merciful to her foes, as a matter of policy at least, to increase her power, and avoid occasion of fur- ther complaint with Elizabeth. But passion ruled the sovereign, and following the advice of her foreign relatives, she planned the death of oftenders, by con- demnation, at the meeting of the next Parliament. David Rizzio, since he came to Mary's court, in 1562, in the suite of the Count of Moretto, the Savoy ambassador, had been gaining ascendency over the Queen. From the office of valet, he rose to that of private secretary in 1564, on the removal of Raulet. He was now at the zenith of influence in the palace. " Tlie greater part of the aftairs of the kingdom passed through his hands. He managed them with so much prudence, and brought them to so satisfactory a con- clusion, that he was greatly beloved by her majesty." Gorgeous in equipage and style of living, flattered and caressed, he became haughty and j)resumptuous. Mary's reputation w^as injured by his singular influ- ence and royal living. Elizabeth, complaining of Murray's presumption, said, " Tliat it was all owing to an Italian named David, whom the Queen of Scot- MART QUEEN OF SCOTS 123 land loved and favored, and granted more credit and authority than were authorized by her affairs and honor." A \ Rizzio was in the pay of the Pope, and urged Mary to severity towards the rebels. Darnley meanwhile had been losing the confidence and affection of the Queen. Sir William Drury wrote to Secretary Cecil, in the following strain : " All people say that Darnley is too much addicted to drinking. 'Tis certainly reported there was some jar betwixt the Queen and him, at an entertainment in a merchant's house in Edinburgh, she only dis- suaded him from drinking too much himself, and en- ticing others ; in both which he proceeded, and gave her such words that she left the place with tears ; which they that are known to their proceedings, say is not strange to be seen. These jars arise, amongst other things, from his seeking the matrimonial crown, which she will not yield unto ; the calling in of the coin, wherein they were both, and the duke's (of Cha- tellerault) finding so favorable address ; which hath much displeased both him and his father. Darnley is in great misliking with the Queen ; she is very weary of him ; and, as some judge, will be more so ere long ; for true it is, that those who depend wholly upon him, are not liked of her ; nor they that follow her, of him ; as David Rizzio, and others ; some say she likes the duke better now than formerly ; so some think, that if there should be the quan-el betwixt her and Darnley, which she could not appease, that she 124 MAET QUEEN OF BOOTS. will use the duke's aid in that affair. Tliere also have arisen some unkind speeches about signing letters ; he, immediately after his marriage, signing first, wliich she will not allow of now. His gOA^ernment is very much blamed, for he is thought to be wilful and hauglity, and some say vicious ; whereof too many were witnesses, the other day at Juchkeith, with the Lord Robert, Fleming, and such like grave person- ages." Tlie arrogant Darnley had repeatedly urged Mary to confer upon him the crown matrimonial ; that is to say, an equal share in the government of the realm, which was granted to Francis II,, her first husband. She steadily refused the request, because she despised his inefliciency, and had lost whatever aftection she entertained for him at an early period of their ac- quaintance. The disappointed Darnley, jealous of Rizzio's familiar friendship for Mary, and seeing a domestic war inevitable, charged his own failure and her displeasure upon the Italian secretary. He was the captive of ambition, stimulated by that domoniac passion, which, " is the rage of a man ; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance." Tlie purpose was formed, to remove the hated object, and disclosed to his cousin George Douglas. He also sent Douglas to confer with Lord Kuthven, concerning his griefs, and plans of revenge. Tlie assassination of Eizzio, and seizing the Tnatrimonial crown^ were leading de- signs of the conspiracy. Lord Kuthven was an invalid, but after a brief MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 125 visitation, consented to the plot, which was made known to Lord Lindsay and Randolph. The latter wrote on the subject to Leicester ; from it this passage is quoted : " I know now for certain, that this Queen repenteth her marriage ; that she hateth him (Darnley) and all his kin. I know that he knoweth himself that ho hath a partaker in play and game with him. I know that there are practices in hand, contrived between the father and son to come by the crown against her will. I know that if that take effect which is intend- ed, David, with the consent of the King, shall have his throat cut within these ten days. Many things grievouser and worse than these are brought to my ears ; yea, of things intended against her own person, which, because I think better to keep secret than wa-ite to Mr. Secretary (Cecil), I speak not of them but now to your lordship." Tlie conspiracy progressed secretly, and no suspi- cion of evil darkened the horizon of Rizzio's hopes. The friends of Mary and Lennox had united against Murray ; and now the adherents of Lennox sought a coalition with the party in revolt, to make the blow aimed at the crown successful. The Earl of Morton, a relative and warm friend of Murray, was a Protest- ant, and Chancellor of the Kingdom. Tlie retaining of his lucrative and honorable office was motive suffi- cient to induce him to act as the leader of the enter- prise, lie was equal to the emergency. " To obtain 126 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. the concurrence of the principal ministers and most powerful persons of the lieformed party ; to bring back the exiles, and to restore to them the authority which they had lost ; to secure the support of Elizabeth and lier chief ministers, Cecil and Leicester ; to murder llizzio ; to dissolve the Parliament, about to be con- voked for the purpose of legally consummating the ruin of the fugitive lords ; to imprison the Queen ; to confer the nominal sovereignty upon Darnley ; to replace Murray at the head of the government : such was the plan conceived by Morton, and adopted in Scotland by Lords Lindsay, Ruthven, and Lethington, by Knox and Craig, the two ministers of Edinburgh, Bellenden, the justice-clerk, Makgill, the clerk-regis- ter, and the lairds of Brunston, Calder, and Ormiston. The Earl of Lennox himself proceeded to England to communicate it to Murray, Rothes, Glencairn, Grange, and Ochiltree, the lather-in-law of Knox, who readily embraced it, and agreed to repair to the frontier, so as to be ready to return to Edinburgh as soon as the' plot had succeeded." Tliis daring and comprehensive conspiracy was expressed in two solemn covenants, embracing both the King and the instruments of his ambition. Tlie former set forth Darnley's determination to protect the Queen's honor, by seizing the abusers of her "gen- tle and good nature," and with the assistance of cer- tain of the nobility and others, if those enemies of the realm resisted, " to cut them off immediately, and to slay them wherever it happened." The King was committed to the defence of his confederates at all MART QUKEN OF SCOTS. 127 hazards. Tlie latter obligation bound the actors in the bloody plot, to the support of Darnley in his am- bitious schemes against all his enemies. Randolph and Earl of Bedford wrote to Elizabeth's secretary on the 6th of March, 1566, a full and most confidential account of the matured conspiracy. They said : " You have heard of divers discords and jars be- tween this Queen and her husband, partly for that she hath refused liim the crown matrimonial, partly for that he hath assured knowledge of such usage of herself, as altogether is intolerable to be borne, which if it were not overwell known, we would both be very loath to think that it could be true. To take away this occasion of slander, he is himself determined to be at the apprehension and execution of him whom he is able manifestly to charge with the crime, and to have done him the most dishonor that can be to any man, much more being as he is. " K persuasions to cause the Queen to yield to these matters do no good, they propose to proceed we know not in what sort. If she be able to make any power at home, she shall be withstood, and her- self kept from all other counsel than her own nobility. If slie seek any foreign support, the Queen's majesty, our sovereign, shall be sought, and sued unto to accept his and their defence, with offers reasonable to her majesty's contentment. These are the things which we thought and think to be of no small impor- 128- MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. tance ; and knowing tliem certainly intended, and concluded upon, thought it our duties to utter the same to you, Mr. Secretary, to make declaration thereof as shall seem best to your wisdom." Elizabeth oflPered no opposition to the intrigue. Mary was altogether in happy ignorance of it. She had seen the disaffection of the nobility toward Riz- zio, and bitterly reproached them for a selfish refer- ence to their own family glory, without regard to her choice of " a man of low estate, poor in means, but generous in mind, faithful in heart, and well adapted to fill an office." The general fast of the Eeformed church, which had commenced March third, e-athered to Edinburgh the principal clergy and laymen, among whom Knox and Craig preached on topics adapted to the condi- tion of aft'airs. Oreb, and Zeeb, and Ilaman, were held up as examples of divine justice fiilling upon the heads of guilty princes and their nngodly favorites. The conspirator fixed upon Saturday evening, March 9th, for the closing act of the tragedy. The fatal day dawned and waned as usual in the palace, until eight o'clock, when Darnley, who had supped earlier than was his custom, went by a private staircase to Mary's apartments, when she was at tea with Lady Argyle, her sister, her brother, Earl of Orkney, Areskine, master of her houseliold, her physician, and Rizzio. The court-yard was thronged with armed men, and the shout of " A Douglas ! — a Douglas ! " reached the Queen's eai's ; she was in a delicate condition, and MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 129 trembled witli alarm ; but before she could ask tlie cause of the outcry, Ruthven, clad in a suit of armor, and ghastly with lingering disease, broke into the room, Mary recoiled from the spectre ; the dying conspirator exclaimed : "Let it please your majesty that yonder man, David, come forth of your privy-chamber, where he hath been over long." Tlie Queen answered, "What offence hath he done ? " Ruthven replied, "That he made a greater and more heinous offence to her majesty's honor, the King her husband, the nobility, and commonwealth.'' " And how ? " said she. "If it would please your majesty, he hath offended your honor, which I dare not be so bold as to speak of. As to the King your husband's honor, he hath hindered him of the crown matrimonial, which your grace promised him ; besides many other things which are not necessary to be expressed, and hath caused your majesty to banish a great part of the no- bility, and to forfeit them, that he might be made a lord. And to your commonwealth he hath been a common destroyer, hindring yom* majesty togi'ant or give anything but what passed through his hands, by taking of bribes for the same ; and caused your ma- jesty to put at the Lord Ross for his whole land, because he would not give over the lands of Melvin to the said David, besides many other inconveniences that he solicited your majesty to do." Tlien the Lord Ruthven said to the King, " Sir, take the Queen your r* 9 130 MAEY QUEEN" OF SCOTS. wife and sovereign to yon," who stood all amazed, and knew not what to do. " Then her majesty rose upon her feet and stood be- fore David, he hokling her majesty by the plaits of her gown, leaning back over the arch of the window, his dagger drawn in his hand : meanwhile, Arthur Ares- kin, and the Abbot of Holyrood-House, and the Lord Keith, master of the household, with the French apothecary, and one of the chamber, began to lay hands on the Lord Ruthven, none of the King's party being there present. Then the said Lord Ruthven pulled out his dagger, and defended himself until more came in, and said to them, ' Lay no hands on me, for I will not be handled.' At the coming in of others into the cabinet, the said Lord Ruth v en put up his dagger, and with the rushing in of men, the board fell into the wall, meat and candles being thereon." Poor Rizzio cried out in broken language, " I am killed ! " begging piteously for her protection. Amid the awful confusion, during which the Queen fainted, the terrified secretary was dragged through Mary's bed-room into the entrance of her presence chamber, where, in spite of Morton's wish to keep him until the next day and hang him, George Douglas, seizing the King's dagger, stabbed him, saying loudly that it was the royal hlow. His comrades rushed on, and did not leave the bleeding form, until it was pierced with fifty-six wounds. The body was thrown out of the window into the court-yard, and carried to the por- ter's lodge. Mary, upon regaining her self-possession, MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 131 was aware from circumstances that attended the mur- der, of her husband's connection with it, and indilease the earl and conciliate the Presl)yterians, abolished all statutes restricting the free enjoyment of divine worship according to the conscience of her Protestant subjects, and made provision for the poor clergy. But the stern Puritans were not so bribed, and maintained their attitude of condemnation of both herself, and the infamous noble, whose attentions to her were growing daily more offensive to her peo- ple. Even the market women would exclaim, as Mary passed, " God preserve your grace, if you are sockless * of the Kings death." PotliM^ell had reached an elevation, from which he gazed upward to the dazzling summit of his hopes, with but two intervening objects — his wife, and the young prince. A divorce would remove the first, and the second he believed would disappear after he had secured the hand of Mary. These vaulting deeds were anticipated by discerning observers. BothwelPs might and revenge prevented the utterance to the Queen of the distressful apprehension. Lord Herries, however, with great moral courage, traveled with the speed of a courier to Edinburgh, and besought her not to marry a man universally thought to be the assassin of the King. Mary affected surprise, and denied the story. Failing in his mission, Lord Her- ries liasteued from the danger while in Bothwell's * InnocenL MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 187 reach, and by relays of horses, escaped to his distant castle, Melvil also mentidiied the exciting subject to the Queen, who related the interview to Bothwell. Tlie cautious Lethington apprised Melvil of his perilous loyalty, in the following conversation : " So soon as the Earl Bothwell gets word, as I fear he will, he will not fail to slay you. I pray you retire with dili- gence." " It is a sore matter," replied Melvil, to see that good princess run to utter wreck, and nobody to forewarn her." " You have done more honestly than wisely," said Lethington. Bothwell was enraged, and sought Melvil's life, who secreted himself until Mary had calmed his pas- sions. Tlie earl went fearlessly forward with his designs. On the 19tli of April, when Parliament rose, he invited to a banquet, the Earls of Morton, Argyle, Huntly, Cassilis, Glencairn, Rothes, Suther- land, Caithness, and Eglinton, with Lords Boyd, Se- ton, Sinclair, Semple, Oliphant, Oglivy, Eoss, Ilac- cat, Carlile, Hume, Invemeith, and others. Bothwell then informed the assembly, that, with the Queen's consent already given, he designed to marry her, and desired their assent. The place of festivity was environed with armed men, to overawe the guests. There was a sudden change in the aspect of that brilliant array of nobi- lity, and agitation was visible on all faces but the tyrant's, on whom they gazed with silent submission. Tlie Earl of Eglinton, in the commotion of the suc- ceeding moments, made his escape. The rest bowed 188 MAEY QUEIDN OF SCOTS. to tlie dictation of the successful admirer of their Queen, and the jeweled crown she wore. The memorial of the nobles, praying the Queen to marry Bothwell, after vindicating him in the Darn- ley affair, as a man " slandered by his evill willers and privy enemies ; " and enumerating his ancieni honors, closes with this passage : " In moreover weighing and considering the time, and present, and ho we the Queen's Ma^'®, our sover- aigne, is now destitute of husband, in which solitary state the common weale of this our native country, may not permit her hignes always to remain and in- dure, but at sometime her highnes in appearance may be inclined to yield to the marriage ; therefore, in case the aff'ectionate and faithful service of the taid Earl done to her Ma*"®, prove true to him, and his other good qualities and behauiour may move her Ma''^ safer to humble herself (as prefering one oi her own borne subjects unto all foreign princes) to take to husband the said Earl B., and every one us of un- der subscribed, iippon our honours, truthe and fidel- ite oblige us, and permit not only advance and forth- ward the said marriage to be solemnized com2:)lete betwixt her highnes and the said noble Lord with our wittes, counsayle, fortificacon and assistance in worde and deede, at suche times as it shall please her Ma^*® to tliinke it convenient, and how soon the laws shall leave it to be done. But in case any would presume iirectly or indirectly, openly or under whi.Lboever colour or pretence, to hinder, hold back or dis urb tlie MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 189 said marriage, we shall in that behalf esteeme, hold and repute the hindercrs and disturbers and adversa- ries thereof as comon enemies and evill willers, and, notwithstanding the same, take part and fortifie the said Erie to the said marriage as far as it please our said Soueraigne Ladie to allow, and therein shall . . and bestow our lives and goodes against all that live or die only. As we shall answer to God, and uppon our honor and fidelitie, and in case we doe the contrary never to have reputacion, honestie nor credit in our time hereafter, but be accomptedunworthie faytheles Traytours. In witness of the which we have sub- scribed these particulars with our handes as follow- eth. At Eds the xix of Aprile, the year of our God 1567 yeares. " To this the Queene gave her consent the night before the marriage took place, which was the viii day of May the yeare of our God foresaid in this — . " The Queen's Ma^'®, having seen and considered the bond aboue written, promised in the name of a Prince that she uows her successors shall never im- pute as cryme nor offence to any of the persons sub- scribed thereof their submycon or consent given to the matter conteyned therein. ISTor that they nor there heires shall never be called or . therefore. Kor yet shall the said consent or subscribing be any deroga- con or spott to their honour or they . . . undutiful sub- jects for doing thereof, notwithstanding whatsoever thing may ... or be alleged on the contrary. In witnes whereof her Ma"® hath subscribed the same with her own hand. 190 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. " Tlic names of such of the Nobility as subscribed to tlie Bond, so fur as John Read might remcnibor, of whom I had this Copy being his own liand. Be- ing commonly termed in Scotland Aynstere Supper. Tlio Erl es of Lords Murray Morton Boyd Rosso Argilo Sutherland Seyton llcrris Huntley Bothis Sinclair Hume Cassiles Gleucaren Somplo Eumermcth Cathncsso Oliphant Eglintoun sub- Oglivy scribed not but slipped away. Mary had given her signature to a promise of mar- riage, as follows : " "We, Mary, by the grace of God, Queen of Scot- land, Dowager of France, &c., promise laithfully, sincerely, and without constraint, James Hepburn, Earl of Boduil, never to have any other spouee and husband but him, and to take him for such whenever he shall require, in spite of the opposition of relation, friend, or any others ; and as God has taken my late husband, Henry Stewart, called Darnley, and in con- sequence I am free, not being under the authority of either father or mother ; I, therefore, protest that he, having the same liberty, I shall be ready to perform the ceremony requisite for nuxrriage, which I promise him before God, whom I call you to witness, and the subjoined signature, by my hand, written this . . . "MaryR." • MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 191 Botliwell, in the meantime, began to exhibit his un- restrained temper in uncivil deportment towards Mary, and insisted on the substitution of his sister in the place of Lady Beres, the Queen's confidant. An extract from a letter to the earl, will show the humil- iating thraldom of her heart : " I will take such (ser- vants) as sliall content you for their conditions. I beseech you that an opinion of another person be not hurtful in your mind to my constancy. Mistrust me but when I will put you out of doubt, and clear myself. Refuse it not, my dear life, and suffer me to make you some proof by my obedience, my faithful- ness, constancy, and voluntary subjection." Among the secret letters of the silver casket, whose authen- ticity, though denied by partizans of Mary, has not been disproved, was found a contract, dated a week before Bothwell's acquittal, signed by her, committing herself to the marriage. It was too recently that Darnley was buried to permit a wedding, and the only alternative was the resort to a ruse. It was arranged that the earl should intercept the Queen, upon her re- turn from a visit to the prince at Stirling Castle, and witli a superior force make her his captive. This would aflford an opology for submission, and slope the way to his feet, where she was panting to resign person and will to the embrace of her Moloch. Huntley, who was entrusted with the secret, used his persuasion to change her purpose. She immediately communicated her distrust of him to the earl. " lie preached to me that it was a foolish enterprise, and that with mine honor I could never marry you, seeing 192 MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. that being married you did carry me away, and that his folks would not suffer it, and that the lords would unsay themselves, and would deny that they had said. I told him that, seeing I was come so far, if you did not withdraw yourself of yourself, that no persuasion, nor death itself, should make me fail of my promise." Again she addresses him on the subject of the ab- duction with enthusiasm : " As for the handling of myself, I heard it once well devised. Methinks that your services and long friendship, having the good will of the lords, do well deserve a pardon, if above the duty of a subject you advance yourself, not to constrain me, but to assure yourself of such high place nigh unto me, that other admonitions, or foreign persuasions may not let (hinder) me from consenting to that that you hope your service shall make you one day to attain ; and to be short, to mTlke yourself sure of the lords, and free to marry ; and that you are con- strained for your safety, and to be able to serve me faithfully, to use an humble request, joined to an im- portunate action." There were unforseen obstacles to the success of the stratageijij which appeared as the time appointed ap- proached. The Earl of Sutherland declared that death was preferable to the Queen's capture' while under his protection ; and Huntley was fearful of be- ing accused of infidelity and treachery in the adven- ture. Mary apprized Bothwell of these annoyances, and concludes : " I have thought good to advertise you of the fear he hath, that he should be charged and accused of MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. 193 treason, to tlie end tliat, without mistrusting him, you may be the more circumsisect, and that you may have the more power ; for we had yesterday more than three hundred horse of his and of Livingston's. For the honor of God be accompanied rather with more than less ; for that is the principal of my care." April 21st, 1567, Mary Stuart proceeded to Stirling Castle, The Earl of Mar, who had charge of young James, from some suspicion, refused admission to more than two ladies with the Queen, into the royal apartment. The 24th she left Stirling for Edinburgh, and at Almond Bridge was met by Both well's force of six hundred horsemen. He seized Mary's horse by the bridle, and led her, without conflict, to his Castle of Dunbar. Huntley, Melvil, and Lethington were taken with her into captivity. When Melvil com- plained of the rude treatment, Captain Blacater re- plied that it was with the Queen's consent. This roy- al and romantic foraqe of the earl, was the first act in the drama of guilty and suicidal passion ; the next was the divorce of Lady Jane Gordon, Bothwell's wife. The Archbishop of St. Andrews was bribed to give the sentence of his court favorably ; asd on the 3d of May, the Catholic church, in behalf of Mary, and the Presbyterian church for the Protestant earl, declared the sentence of divorce. The same day the Queen returned to Edinburgh, with her accustomed cheerfulness and pageantry. When she came to the gates of the city, Bothwell, with great respect, laid his hand on the bridle of Ma- ry's horse, and his soldiers then threw down their I 13 194 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. spears, as tlie signal that their sovereign was net only free, but her lover was no more than a humble, unprotected servant of her majesty. The Queen expressed publicly her unconditional pardon of Both- well, and her determination to marry him. Notwith- standing the universal anticipation of the event, the distinct avowaj, of it by Mar}- Stuart sent a wave of burning indignation over the realm. "When tlie order to publish the bans of marriage was sent to the Re- formed church, there was a prompt and spirited refusal. Knox was in England ; Craig, his representa- tive, gave the reason, tJiat the Queen had not trans- mitted a written command. The justice clerk imme- diately furnished tlie paper, and Craig desired to meet the privy council. This was granted ; and w^hen the fearless man of God confronted Bothwell, it was like the meeting of the Hebrew proj)het and Ahab, while the sanguinary monarch quailed before the fiery de- nunciations of the untremulous r^jprover. He charged home upon the astonished no jle his crimes, and set before him "righteousness, cemperance, and. a judg- ment to come." Having cleared his conscience, he read in the sanctuary the hated bans, atid added : " I take heaven and earth to witness, that I abhor and detest this marriage, as odious and slanderous to the world, and I would exhort the faithful to pray earnestly that a union against all reason and good conscience may yet be overruled by God, to the com- fort of this unhappy realm," Unmoved in her delirium of love by outward com- motion, Mary, on the 12th of May, appeared in the MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 19 J Higli Court of Edinburgh, and made a declaration of her entire reconciliation to Bothwell, and her ii: • tention to increase his honors. He was made Duk j of Orkney and Shetland, receiving the coronet frori the hand of the Queen. Two days later, she signed the marriage contract ; and the next morning at i o'clock the nuptials were celebrated in Ilolyrood pal- ace according to Catholic form, and in the Protestant church by Bishop of Orkney. The attendance of the nobility was small, and there was in the event, instead of joy heralding future good, to the popular mind, something deeply ominous of coming evil. The ti- dings spread with the morning light, like a political and moral eclipse, darkening the land. On the pal- ace gates was found this significant line from Ovid : " Mense malas maio nubere vulgus ait." It is not strange that with such tokens, an untioly alliance, consummated within three months after Darnley's death, the wedding day should be distin- guished by a domestic quarrel. De Croc wrote to Catherine and Charles IX., of France, on the revolt- ing affair : "Your majesties could not do better than be very displeased with the marriage, for it is a very unfortu- nate one, and already is repented of. On Thursday (May loth) her majesty sent for me to inquire wheth- er I had perceived any strangeness between her and her husband ; which she wished to excuse to me, Baying, that if I saw she was sorrowful, it was because 196 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOlS. slie would not rejoice, as she says she never will again, and desires only death. Yesterday (May 16th) being botli in a closet with the Earl of Bothwell, she called out aloud for some one to give her a knife that she might kill herself. Those who were in the adjoin- ing room heard her. They think that unless God aids her, she will fall into des23air." Tlie storm passed, and Mary dispatched ambassa- dors to foreign courts to obtain their recognition of Bothwell as her lawful husband. She affirmed that her nobility urged the marriage, and the brilliant qualities of the faithful lord entitled him to the dis- tinction. AjDologizing for Bothwell's violence, she directed the Bishop of Dumblane, commissioned to France and Rome, to add that the civil commotions in her kingdom made an alliance with a foreign prince impossible, while among her own subjects the Earl of Bothwell was prominent, incomparably so, in wisdom, heroism, and ancestral honors. She there- fore yielded without repugnance to the wish of the three estates of her realm. Melvil, who went to the court of Elizabeth, was to offer Bothwell's acquittal in reply to the suspicion of his connection Avith Dam- ley's murder, and his legal divorce, in answer to the charge of marrying while another wife was living. Bothwell wrote to the Queen of England in a royal fitrain. He said : " Men of greater birth might have been preferred to the high station I now occupy, but none could have been chosen more zealous for the preservation of your majesty's friendship, of which MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 197 you shall have experience at any time it may be yonr pleasure to employ me." Having gathered into his liands the reins of authority in Scotland, he anticipa- ted quick success in the endeavor to gain the favor of the adjacent powers. But beneath this apparent calm, were dark and turbulent elements of retribution. The triumphs of lawless affection and advancing great- ness, were like the delusive tranquillity and glare of a torrid day, wdien it is the prelude to an earthquake's des- olating march. A league, dating back before the mar- riage of Mary, had bound together in confederation against Bothwell, the princij^al nobles of Scotland. And now that Bothwell aspired to remove the prince from his path of homicidal glory, and the might to do it was already in his grasp, the slumbering rebel- lion awoke. It was the ripe harvest of embittered feeling which the Laird of Grange had expressed in a communication to Earl of Bedford, about the time of Mary's seizure by Bothwell : " This Queen will never cease unto such time as she have wrecked all the honest men of this realm. She was minded to cause Bothwell to ravish (seize) her, to the end that she may the sooner end the marriage which she prom- ised before she caused Bothwell to murder her hus- band. There is many that would revenge the mur- der, but they fear your mistress. I am so suited for to enterprize the revenge, that I must either take it upon hand, or else I must leave the country, the which I am determined to do, if I can obtain license. I pray your lordship, let me know what your mistress wiT^i do, for if we will seek France, we may find favor 198 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. at their hands." In a letter addressed a few days later to Bedford, he gives an outline of the proposed campaign : " The heads that presently they agreed upon, is, first, to seek the liberty of the Queen, who is ravish- ed and detained by the Earl of Both well, who was the ravisher, and hath the strengths, munitions and men of war at his commandment. The next head is, the preservation and keeping of the j^rince. The third is, to pursue them that murdered the King. For the pursuit of these three heads, they have prom- ised to bestow their lives, lands and goods. And to that effect their lordships have desired me to write unto your lordship, to the end they might have your sovereign's aid and support for suppressing of the cruel murderer. Both well, who, at the Queen's last being in Stirling, suborned certain to have poisoned the prince ; for that barbarous tyrant is not contented to have murdered the father, but he would also cut ofl' the son, for fear that he hath to be punished hereafter. The names of the lords that convened in Stirling was the Earls of Argyle, Morton, Athol, and Mar There is to be joined with the four forenamed lords, the Earls of Glencairn, Cassil- is, Eglinton, Montrose, Caithness ; the Lords Boyd, Ochiltree, Buthven, Drummond, Gray, Glammis, In- nermeith, Lindsay, Hume and TIerries." As an index of the prevalent disaffection, there is the fact of Melvil's connection with the civil outbreak, MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 199 •who was Mary's favorite, and minister to England just before the open revolt. He united his aj)peal with the lairds to Elizabeth, for aid in avenging the King's death, and touched a chord of anxious interest, by intimating that France would come to their help, if she refused. In the secret instructions of Charles IX. to De Croc, we have a glimpse of Mary's reputation in his court, and his purpose, rather than let Scotland be absorbed by England, to desert the Queen, and assist the rebellious nobles. "The said Sieur de Yilleroy will say, that his majesty having made known to him the opinion which he entertains of the pitiable suc- cess of the affairs of the Queen of Scotland, seeing what has been written to him of her behavior by the said Sieur de Croc, and the strange news which he has received from other quarters ; and being also con- cerned that the enterprise of the said lords is secretly assisted and favored by the English — whose charity would only entail their ruin — the King wishes the Baid Sieur de Croc to know, that the desire and prin- cipal intention of his majesty is to keep the kingdom of Scotland in its attachment to himself, without per- mitting it, under the pretext of the many follies which are committed, to rebel and alienate itself from its attachment to himself, as it is certain it would do toward the said English, whom the said lords would seek as their protectors in this affair, if they saw they would have no assurance from the King." De Croc accordingly offered men and munitions of vrar to the revolutionary party, who also sought tho 200 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. favor of Elizabeth. Her policy fluctuated between her clierisbed opposition to tlie rebellion of subjects against their prince, and her apprehensions of French influence and strength in Scotland. She abhorred civil revolt, but she feared France more ; and Melvil received intimations that the confederates might anti- cipate aid from the Queen of England. Although the forces of the nobility augmented dai- ly, Mary was fearless, in her ignorance of their move- ments, of impending danger. Bothwell, by an at- tempt to assassinate Lethington, had driven him to the protection of his friend, the Earl of Athol, where he planned the furtherance of the formidable league. Meanwhile, the demand was made by the successor of Darnley, for the control of young James. The Earl of Mar, his guardian, refused, unless the prince were placed in Edinburgh Castle, under the care of an hon- orable, irreproachable governor. But this ambitious design was checked by the distinct tokens of battle. Mary was at Borthwick Castle, ten miles from the capital, whither she went to escape the troubled at- mosphere of her follies. The nobles had disregarded her summons to engage in a campaign to the frontier, nnder the command of Bothwell ; and he hastened in alarm to the Queen. Barely had he arrived, vv^hen the Earls of Morton, Montrose, and others, leading an army of ten thousand horseman, marched toward Borthwick Castle. Lord Hume pressed on in advance of the main force, with eight hundred men, to seize Bothwell by surprise. He had, however, escaped, and on the 10th of June, Mary, disguised in male ap- MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 201 parel, under cover of darkness, fled on horseback, and rejoining Both well a few miles distant, rode with him to his Castle of Dunbar, which they entered at three o'clock in the morning, fully conscious that something more than royal pastime was before them. The rev- olutionists, thwarted in their first bold push to the en- closure of sovereignty, moved down upon Edinburgh. Along the line of march additions were made to their ranks, until, when, on the 11th of June, they arrived at the metropolis, they numbered three thousand armed soldiers. The citizens proclaimed their adhe ■^once to the cause of the confederates. James Balfour, who had been left by Bothwell in. command of the castle, instead of directing his ord- nance against the rebels, signified his willingness to enter the league. Immediately, the triumphant in- vaders issued the following proclamation : "That whereas, the Queen's majesty, being detain ed in captivity, was neither able to govern her realm, nor try the murder of her husband, we of the nobility and council command all the subjects, specially the burghers of Edinburgh, to assist the said noblemen and council in delivering the Queen and preserving the prince, and in trying and punishing the King's murderers. And we command the lords of session, commissaries, and all other judges, to sit and do justice according to the laws of this realm, notwith- standing any tumult that may arise in the time of this enterprise ; with certification to all who shall be found acting contrary to these proceedings, that they shall 1* 202 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. be reputed as fautors of the said murder, and punisli- ed as traitors." The order was then given to march against Both- well, who was charged with violence toward the Queen, an unlawful marriage, murder, and designs upon the prince royal. In two days, Mary and Both- well had gathered twenty-five hundred men, and left Dunbar on the 14:th of June, reaching, the next day, Gladsmoor, when the Queen made to her diminutive army the following address : " That a number of conspirators, having discovered the latent motive, borne to her and the Duke of Ork- ney, her husband, after they had failed in apprehend- ing their persons at Borthwick, had made a seditious proclamation to make the people believe that they did seek the revenge of the murder of the King, her late husband, and the relieving of herself out of bon- dage and captivity, pretending that the duke, her husband, was minded to invade the prince, her son ; all which "o^ere false and forged inventions, none hav- ing better cause to revenge the King's death than herself, if she could know the authors thereof. And for the duke, her present husband, he had used all means to clear his innocence, the ordinary justice had absolved him, and the estates of Parliament approved tlieir proceedings, which they themselves that made the present insurrection had likewise allowed. As, also, he had offered to maintain that quarrel against any gentleman on earth undefamed, than which noth- MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 203 ing more could be required. And as to her alleged captivity, the contrary was known to the whole sub- jects, lier marriage with him being publicly contract- ed and solemnized, wdth their own consents, as their hand- writs could testify. Albeit, to give their treason a fair show, they made now a buckler of the prince, her son, being an infant, and in their hands ; whereas their intention only was to overthrow her and her posterity, that they might rule all things at their pleasure, and without controlment." With promises of reward for loyalty, the Queen rode forward beneath the folds of the royal standard, attired in a red dress, which reached only to her knees. She reached Carbcrry Ilill, six miles from the capital, and took her jDosition. The hostile army, hav- ing heard of her progress, hastened before the break of day, Sunday morning, toward the entrenchments of their beautiful and resolute sovereiofn. On one of their banners was pictured the slain Darnley, lying beneath the tree where he was found, with the prince kneeling beside the ghastly form, and under the exci- ting scene was the motto, " Judge and avenge my cause, Lord ! " The flaunting colors sent a thrill of fear- ful enthusiasm through the ranks, and visibly moved the populace. The insurgents threw up their fortifi- cations on the heights of Musselburgh, about a mile from Carberry Hill. A little stream ran between the foes, who lay in full view of each other. ]S'ot greatly unequal in numbers, they were more widely different in character and feeling. The nobility and the ardor 204: MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. were both against Mary Stuart. There was along the lines of the confederates, where shone the badges of haughty earls and powerful barons, a furnace-glow of revenge — a panting to punish murder, and sub- due a scorned usurper. At this crisis, De Croc, the French ambassador, en- de9,vored, in the name of Charles, his king, to concil- iate the parties, and save a bloody conflict. The lords offered to withdraw from the battle-field, if the Queen would at once and forever separate herself from the odious Bothwell. They ofiered further, to meet him in single combat, according to his former challenge, if he would come forth between the armies. De Croc unwillingly bore the terras of loyalty to Mary. He crossed the valley, and found the Queen sitting on a green mound, her features kindling with determina- tion and hope. After the usual salutations, he began by representing the nobles as still her true, though offended subjects, when Mary interrupted with these words: "They show their affection very ill, by run- ning counter to what they have signed, and by accu- sing the man whom they acquitted, and to whom they married me." She expressed a readiness to receive them upon du- tiful submission. "At this moment Bothwell came up. ' Is it of me that they complain ? ' he said to De Croc, in a voice loud enough to be heard by his army. ' I have just been speaking to them,' replied De Croc as loudly, ' and they have assured me that they are the Queen's very humble subjects and ser- vants ; and your mortal enemies,' he added in a low- MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 205 er tone, 'since yon will know it.' 'What have x done to them ? ' answered Bothwell in the same tone, as if desirous to communicate his own assurance to those who heard him, and did not feel so bold as him- self. ' I have never caused displeasure to a single one of them ; on the contrary, I have sought to con- sult them all. What they are doing is out of envy for my greatness. Fortune is free to any who can re- ceive her ; and there is not a man among them who would not like to be in my place.' He then pro- posed, in order to prevent bloodshed, to fight between the two armies, although he had had the honor to es- pouse the Queen, any of his enemies who might leave their ranks, provided he were a gentleman. The Queen opposed this proposition, saying that she would not allow anything of the kind, and that his cparrel was hers also." By this time, the army in rebellion had passed the stream, and Bothwell retired to join his standard, and JJ«) Croc went to Morton and Glencairn, with the offer of pardon, if they would obey their Queen. " We have not come here," said Glencairn, " to solicit pardon for ourselves, but rather to give it to those who have offended." " We are in arms," added Morton, " not against the Queen, but against the Duke of Orknev, the murderer of her husband. Let him be delivered up, or let her majesty remove hkn from her company, and we shall yield her obedience." Donning their casques, they ended the parley, and De Croc repaired to Edinburgh. Each army, accord- ing to usage, dismounted, and prepared to fight on 206 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. foot. The rojal force were irresolute, and demanded a personal combat between Bothwell and a champion from the enemy. The daring duke consented. Ma- ry was comjielled to submit, because her ranks were failing. After rejecting the Laird of TuUebardene on account of inferior rank, Bothwell selected Morton, who immediately prepared to contend with two-hand ed swords. Lindsay demanded the honor, as a ser- vant of the assassinated King, and kneeling in view of the whole army, prayed in a clear voice for strength to vanquish his guilty foe. While Mary was hesita- ting whether to permit the duel, her soldiers were de- serting ; a detachment of confederates had swept around the hill, cutting off the possibility of Both- well's retreat toward Dunbar. Mary yielded to the emergency, and consented to dismiss the duke, hei husband, and attend the insurgents to the capital, on the terms of his safe return to Dunbar, and their re- newed obedience. Then followed a brief and affect- ing interview between Mary and Bothwell on Carber- ry Hill, Mutual pledges of fidelity were given, and mounting his horse in company with a few friends, he rode fleetly toward his castle. The sejjaration, though neither knew it, was final. Sorrowfully, yet confi- dingly, Mary approached the Laird of Grange, who had hemmed in Bothwell just before by his military manoeuvre, and extending her delicate hand, which he kissed, submitted to his guidance. He took the bridle of her horse and conducted her into the bosom of tlie opposing army. They reverently received the Queen, who said : MAET QUEKN OF SCOTS. 207 " My lords, I am come to you, not out of any fear I had of my life, nor yet doubting of the victory, if matters had gone to the worst ; but I abhor the shed- ding of Christian blood, especially of those that are my own subjects ; and therefore I yield to you, and will be ruled hereafter by your counsels, trusting you will respect me as your born princess and Queen." The utterance of attachment to her, the condemna- tion of Both well, and insults of the common soldiery, were the commingling voices that fell upon her ear. But it was soon apparent that professions of obedience were like " the morning cloud and early dew." "The march commenced ; from the Queen's man- ner, it was supposed she anticipated a rescue, and in reality a party composed of the Ilamiltons had ad- vanced for that purpose, but she was soon convinced her expectations were hopeless. When she approach- ed the capital, a new trial awaited her, and she be- held the multitude poured forth, not to relieve or even to commiserate her distresses, but to display before her eyes a bloody ensign, on which was repre- sented the young prince, kneeling and invoking ven- geance on the authors of his father's murder. At this frightful image, Mary almost fell from her horse, and, bursting into an agony of tears, exclaimed, — "I am your native princess ! descended from the blood of Bruce ! Treat me not thus !" Her appeal was unre- garded. Even in the women, — her disheveled hair, her tears, her anguish, awakened no pity ; and she proceeded, amidst loud execrations, till she reached 208 MARY quee:n of scots. the provost's house, where she was lodged for that night." The hours of darkness were devoted to lamentations — cries for help — and piteous expressions of despair. Li the morning, the barbai'ous soldiery waived before her window the tragic flag ; when Mary raved like a lunatic, and with disheveled and neglected apparel, begged in the name of God for deliverance. The lords partially calmed her excitement with intima- tions of restoration to Holyrood and liberty. But her unalterable devotion to Both well, displayed in con^ versation and communications, affirmed to have been sent to him at Dunbar, through a bribed messenger, decided her captors to run no farther hazard of war, and their own remorseless execution. At eight o'clock in the evening, Mary was removed to Holyrood Pal- ace, escorted by three hundred hackbutters. Tlie lords then sat in council, and made out the order for her imprisonment. They set forth the necessity of taking arms ; her surrender ; and Bothwell's flight ; adding, " after they had opened and declared unto her highness her own estate and condition, and the miserable estate of their realm, with the danger that her dearest son, the prince, stood in, requiring that she would suffer and command the said murder and authors thereof to be punished, they found in her majesty such untoward- ness and repugnance thereto, that rather she appeared to fortify and maintain the said Earl Bothwell and his accomplices in the said wicked crimes, nor to sufler justice to pass forward ; whereby, if her highness Bhould be left in that state, to follow her own inordi- MAJttY C2DEEN OF SCOTS. 209 nate passion, it would not fail to succeed to the final confusion and extermination of the whole realm. So that, after mature consultation, hj common advice, it is thought convenient, concluded and decreed, that her majesty's person be sequestered from all society of the said Earl Bothwell, and from all having of in- telligence with him or any others, whereby he may have any comfort to escape due punishment for his demerits. And finding no place more meet or com- modious for her majesty to remain in, than the house and place of Lochleven, ordains, commands, and charges Patrick Lord Lindsay of the Byres, "William Lord Ruthven, and William Douglas of Lochleven, to pass and convoy her majesty to the said place of Lochleven, and the said lords to receive her therein, and there they and every one of them to keep her majesty surely, within the said place, and in nowise to sutler her to pass forth of the same, or to have in- telligence from any manner of persons, or yet to send advertisements or directions for intelligence with any living persons, except in their own presence and au- dience, or by the commandments and directions of the lords under subscribing, or part of them represent- ing the council at Edinburgh, or otherwise where they shall resort for the time, as they will answer to God, and upon their duty, to the commonweal of this coun- try, keeping these presents for their warrant !" In the night of June 10th, Mary, without a retinuC; " mounted on a sorry hackney," attired in coarse cas- sock, and guarded by the savage Ruthven and Lind- 14 210 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. say, entered Loclileven Castle. This fortress lies north of Edinburgh, on a small island in the middle of the lake. The buildings covered nearly half of the land, and on tJiree sides the waters laved the naked walls. The remaining side had a garden to relieve the view. The deep basement was a dungeon for solitary imprisonment. The only entrance to tho square tower, which was the family residence, was through a window in the second story, by a ladder, raised and lowered with a chain. ]\Iary was conhned in an octagonal tower at one corner of the massive pile. The distance to the shore was half a mile. The castle was owned by William Douglas, half brother of Murray, whose mother, Margaret Ei-skine, formerly mistress of James Y., Mary Stuart's father, was the Queen's mortal enemy. She was the wreck of a beauty, and proud as a Roman in her old age, boast- ing that her son, born of King James, was lawful heir to the throne of Scotland. She also embraced the ex- treme view of the Puritans, and became an intolerant partizan. To her tender mercies Mary was commit- ted. The captivity of a sovereign, to her subjects was a novel and startling event. While Europe had been the arena of revolutionary conflicts, till these games of oppressive, unprincipled monarchs, and the out- raged masses, were familiar horrors, this sacriligious invasion of the royal prerogative, was an alarming precedent. But such was the loss of popular interest in Mary at home, that the timorous friends of the Queen were quite indifferent to her fate. Philip of Spain was busy with a revolt in Xetherlands; and MART QtJEEN OF SCOTS. 211 Elizabeth only, of tlie surrounding monarclis, gave to- ken of decided solicitude in the issue of the daring arrest. She was indignant at the lawlessness of tlie rebels in the confinement of Mary's person ; yet she feared the ca^Dtive as a rival. And while she sent a letter of condolence to the prisoner of Lochleven, an- other conveyed her sympathy and offers of support to the insurgents. Poor Mary ! Deserted and envi- roned with gloomy walls that were washed with lone- ly waters; watched by Elizabeth, whose imperious gaze was always resting on the asj)iring daughter of Stuart ; and, worse than a widow — what hours of re- flection were hers ! But ambition ruled the %ooman^ and she was unchastened with the satire which the tragical romance of her fate made upon human great- ness. CHAPTER VI. new dangers ttireaten mart sir james mklvil elizabkth's in- terposition the designs and action of the confederates — Throckmorton's embassy and instructions — the coronation ok james the arrival of murray his interview witu mary is proclaimed REGENT THE PEOPLE APPROVE THE MEASURE ELIZABETfl ONLY INTERFERES MURRAY TRIUMPHS BOTIAVELl's FATE — -HIS COM- PANIONS MARY IN PRISON ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE SHE IS AT LENGTH SUCCESSFUL RAISES AN ARMY THE BATTLE MARY FLIES REACHES CARLISLE WRITES ELIZABETH THROWS HERSELF ON THE MERCY OF THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND NEGOTIATIONS ELIZABETH DEMANDS A TRIAL OF MARY LETTERS TO HER FROM THE CAPTIVE PREPARATIONS FOR THE CONFERENCE THE COURT AT YORK THE POSITION AND ERROR OF MARY. On tlie 20tli of June,- Mary's peril was greatly in- creased by circumstances which are related by Mignet : " George Dalgleish, Bothwell's chamberlain, liad been arrested with a casket which he was, doubtless, con- veying to Dunbar, and which contained some private papers that furnished decided proofs of Mary's guilt. This casket was made of silver, overgilt with gold, and surmounted with the cypher of Francis II., who had given it to Mary. Mary, in her turn, had given it to Bothwell, who had inclosed in it some letters which she had written to him in her own liand-wri- ting, both beforQ and after the murder of the King, MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 213 some sonnets breathing the most passionate affection for him, and a contract of marriage which she had signed some time before the premeditated surprise at Almond Bridge.* Bothwell had, doubtless, pre- served these papers as guarantees against the possible inconstancy of the Queen. He had left the casket in Edinburgh Castle, under the care of two of his ac- complices, George Dalgleish and James Balfour. Ei- ther by cliance, or by the perfidy of the odious Bal- four,f who, like many others, had joined the confed- *"Ai)e silver-box owergilt with gold, ■with all missive letteris, contractiB or obligationis, for marriage-sonetis or luif-balletis, and all utheris letteris contenit thairin, send and past betwixt the Quene, our said Soverane Lordismoder, and James, sumtyme Erie Bothuile, quhilk box and ha-ill pieces within the samyn were takin and fund with umquliill George Dangleisch,'servand to the Erie Bothuile, upon the xx day of June, the zeir of God, 1567 zeiris." Discharge to my Lord Morton, given on the 16th of September, 1568, by Mur- ray to Morton, (who, ever since the 22d of June, 1567, had kept possession of the silver box,) in presence of Lord Lindsay, the Bish- op of Orkney, the Commendator of Dunfermline, the Commenda- tor of Salmerinocli, Mr. Secretary Lethington, the Justice Clerk, and Master Henry Balnaves. See Keith, Appendix, p. 140. In a letter from Throckmorton to Queen Elizabeth, dated Edinburgh, 25th Jul}-, 1567, allusion is made to the discovery of these pa- pers in the following terms: "They mean to charge her with the murder of her husband, whereof they say they have as apparent proof against her as may be, as well by testimony of her own hand- writing, which they have recovered, as also by sufficient witnesses." {See Keith, p.. 426.) •j- "Bothwell sent a servant to Sir James Balfour to save a little BJlver cabinet which the Queen had given him. Sir James Balfour delivers the cabinet to the messenger, and under-hand, giveth ad- rice of it to the lords. In this cabinet had Bothwell kept the let- 214 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. eracy under the pretext of punisliing a crime to wliich he had been a party, Dalgleish had been seized, and the papers secured. Powrie, Bothwell's porter, met the same fate. When examined befoi*e a court of justice on the 23d and 26th of June, they had both confessed how the plot against the King's life had been contrived and executed. The depositions of these two servants of Bothwell had furnished a surer basis for the prosecution of that great criminal ; and the lords of the secret council commanded that he should be seized in his Castle of Dunbar, and con- ducted to Edinburgh, to be punished as the murderer of the King. But whilst the confessions of Powu-ie and Dalgleish placed Bothwell's culpability beyond doubt, the papers found in the silver casket furnished terrible weapons against the Queen to those who ■wished to accuse and destroy her."* ters of privacy he had from the Queen ; thus he hept her letters to bean awe-bond upon her, in case her affections should change. By the taking of this cabinet, many particulars betwixt the Queen and Bothwell were clearly discovered. These letters were after print- ed; they were in French, with some sonnets of her own making." (Knox's History of the Refortnation, vol. ii., p. 562.) * The annexed note gives a strong and interesting denial of th« genuineness of the letters in the casket : "It is, forsooth, a boxe of letters taken from one Daighleysh, who was executed for the Lorde Darnley's death, the Earles man, for Booth ; whiche letters he received at Edenborough of one Sir James Balfoure, to convey to his master ; Thus say they, but we Bay to you, as is sayd in Terrence, Non sunt hsec satis divisa tem- poribus. The very time, if nothing else were, bewraieth you, and your whole cause withal. Is it to be thought, that either the Earle would send to the said Sir James, who had before assisted the fac- MAKT QUEEN OF SOOTS. 215 At this exciting juncture, Melvil arrived, and saw Mary, in the presence of Lindsay and Ruthven, who complained in her unshaken confidence toward her tried servant, that tliev were not allowed a private interview. Melvil was not a treacherous man, but his sympathies for distracted Scotland evidently led him to the standard of revolt ; he expected no deliverance from thickening distress, under the reign of the Queen. Soon after this mission, Elizabeth dispatched Throck- morton, to confer with the nobles in regard to Mary's liberation and conditional restoration to her throne. The situation of the Queen of England was exceed- ingly delicate and difficult. Mary had asserted her right to the sceptre of Britain, and there were princes ready to sustain the claim, when the opportunity ap- peared. France and Spain were waiting to snatch the favorable turn of civil commotion, to advance the cause of papal Rome. To dispose of the royal captive, was not an easy tion against the Quene with the force and strength of Edenbo- rough Castle, and driven from thence the very Earle himselfe, or that the said Sir James would send any such thing to the Earle ? is it likely? is it credible? Had the forger and inventour of this tale, by seemely conveyance parted and divided the distinction of his times? How say ye? Whereas nowe it is in no case to be sup- posed or conjectured that such a wise vertuous ladie would sende any such letters; yet putting the case, that she had sent them, it is not to be thought, that either the receaver thereof, or that she herselfe, whom ye conceave to have sent them, would have suf- fered them, for the hasarding of her estimation and honour, to remaine undefaced, namely, seeing there was a special mention made, and warning given forthwith to burn them." (Lesley's De fence of Queen Mary's Honour: Anderson's Collections, vol. i.) 216 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. act of sovereign interposition. If restored to the realm in rebellion, an invincible army must be lier train ; if permitted to revisit France, it would give the Cath- olic cause a mighty advantage. The gifted and de- termined prisoner was no imaginary rival. And yet Elizabeth was so thoroughly a monarchist, that she hated insurrection, even by an abused and oppressed people. Her projiosals, in the conflicting appeals to her power, were, after rebuking the Queen for her marriage of Bothwell, and the nobles for disloyalty ; that Mary be divorced, and enthroned ; that the abandoned duke and his associates be punished ; " that the Castles of Dunbar and Dumbarton should be en- trusted to the keeping of those nobles who were hos- tile to Bothwell ; that a Parliament should be assem- bled, which should appoint the wardens of the marches, and the governors of Edinburgh, Stirling, Inchkeith, and the other strongholds of the kingdom ; that a great council should be established, at which five or six of its members should always be present, without whose advice and consent the Queen should be unablo to pass any act or make any aj^pointment ; and, finally, that a general amnesty should be proclaimed." Lethington, Melvil and Lord Hume, instead of ac- ceding to the views of Elizabeth, emphatically accu- sed her of political indecision, and a vacillating policy, which would soon be the ruin of the kingdom, if Mary were invested with authority. John Knox, who had returned, upon learning of the Queen's imprison- ment, pledged to the dominant party, the entire sup- port of the Presbyterians, if they would ratify th^ MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 217 statutes of 1560, wliicli Mary had refused to sanction. Tlie offer was accepted, and the last remnant of Po- pery was doomed, by the new order of things, to ex- tinction ; and the Protestant faith was made the religion of all the universities and public schools. The young prince was to have a Puritan education ; and, "to maintain the true religion now professed in the kirk of Scotland, and suppress all things contrary to it," was added to the coronation oath. The Re- formers advocated the moral equality of Christians, and denied the inviolability of kings ; and referred for precept and examples to tlie Bible. Knox openly denounced the Queen, and Buchanan affirmed that insubordination was the right of the people, when the crimes of the sovereign furnished the occasion. These opinions, maintained by men of intellect and severe morality, and sharpened with conscientious hostility to the Catholic dogmas, penetrated the common mind, and carried their less thoughtful advocates into the extremes of cruel fanaticism. The church presented a formal request that the late King's death might be avenged, " according to the laws of God, according to tlie practices of their own realm, and according to the laws which they coR jus gentium, without respect of any person." Some of the lords dissented from the summary view, and demanded only Mary's divorce from Bothwell, and her return to the regal palace. Others wished to restore her to liberty, and requiring her abdication in favor of James, compel her to re- tire to France. While a third faction loudly urged the trial of the Queen for murder, her dethronement 218 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. publicly, and confinement in perpetual captivity. July 8tli and 15th, Melvil visited Mary in prison, to negotiate, if possible, a divorce. But she was deaf to his importunity, and assured him that she would sooner sacrifice her throne than Bothwell. It was a fatal infatuation, that rendered Mary Stuart, amid all her augmenting dangers, and the counsel of England, France, and private advisers, unapproachable on the subject of abandoning Bothwell, who had already brought her to the dizzy margin of hopeless overthrow. " Tlie Queen's obstinate determination not to desert Bothwell alarmed and irritated the lords of the secret council. They resolved to preclude the possibility of her doing them any future injury, by deposing her. This deposition was prepared under the form of a voluntary abdication, which would deprive her of power without degrading her. Three acts were ac- cordingly drawn u]> for Mary Stuart's signature. By the first, she renounced the government of the king- dom, declaring it was a burden of which she was weary, and which she no longer had strength or will to bear ; and authorized the immediate coronation of her son. The second and third conferred the regency on the Earl of Murray, during the minority of the young King ; and appointed the Duke of Chatellerault, with the Earls of Lennox, Argyle, Morton, Athol, Glen- cairn, and Mar, regents of the kingdom till the return of Murray from France, with power to continue in that high ofiice, if he refused it. In case Mary Stnart should refuse to sign these acts, the assembled lords had determined to prosecute and condemn her for MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 219 these tlii'ee crimes — ' First, for breacli and violation of their laws ; secondly, for incontinency as well with the Earl Bothwell, as with others ; and thirdly, for the murder of her husband, whereof, they say, they have as apparent proof against hor as may be, as well by the testimony of her own handwriting, as also by sufficient witnesses.' " On the morning of the 25th of July, the ferocious Lindsay, and the insinuating Melvil, left Edinburgh on their way to Lochleven. One was the bearer of the three acts which were to strij) her of her authori- ty ; the other was directed to warn the Queen of the dangers to which she would expose herself by refusing to sign them. Melvil saw her first, and told her all. That a public trial would be substituted for an abdi- cation — that the hostility of the lords towards her would become implacable — that her defamation would be certain, and the loss of her crown inevitable — and that her life would probably be endangered — were some of the consequences which Melvil assured Mary Stuart would result from refusal ; whilst he did not fail to insinuate on the other hand, that any deed signed in captivity, and under fear of death would be invalid." Mary was unyielding, though agitated with con- flicting emotions of hope and despondency, when the stern Lindsay entered, with the acts of the secret council. The terror of his presence decided the hes- itating Queen. Her eyes were sufi'used with tears, and, with a tremulous hand, ahe signed the papers. Lindsay then demanded from TJiomas Sinclair the 220 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. privy seal, and the work was finished. On the 29th of July, the nobles gathered at Stirling to crown the prince royal. The Hamiltons, who were a strong faction, opposed the coronation, and had resolved to deliver the Queen. Throckmorton, Elizabeth's am- bassador, refrained from the shadow of approval, and admonished the lords to take no rash measures. He awaited his sovereign's instructions, and soon receiv- ed them, in a strain of withering indignation against the insurgents. After repudiating with scorn the right to be judges of their ruler, she continued: " What warrant have they in Scripture, being sub- jects, to depose their prince ; but contrary, and that with express words in St. Paul, who, to the Komans, commanded them to obey ^otestatibus su^ereminenti- oribus gladiuTYh gestantibus, although it is well known that rulers in Rome were then infidels? Or what law find they written in any Christian monarchy, how and what sort subjects shall take and arrest the per- son of their princes, commit and detain them in cap- tivity, proceed against them by process and judgment, as we are well assured no such order is to be found in the whole civil law ? And if they have no warrant by Scripture or law, and yet can find out for their purpose some examples, as we hear by seditious bal- lads they put in print, they would pretend ; we must justly account those examples to be unlawful, and acts of rebellion : and so, if the stories be well weigh- ed, the success will prove them. You shall say that this may suffice to such as do pretend to be carried in their actions by authority either of religion or of MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 221 justice. And as to others that for particular respect look only to their own surety, it were well done, be- fore tliey proceeded any further, if they did well con- sider how to stay where they be, and to devise how to make surety of their doings already past, than to increase their peril by more dangerous doings to fol low. We detest and abhor the murder committed upon our cousin their King, and mislike as much as any of them the marriage of the Queen our sister with Bothwell. But herein we dissent from them, that we think it not lawful nor tolerable for them, being by God's ordinance subjects, to call her, who also by God's ordinance is their superior and prince, to an- swer to their accusations by way of force ; for we do not think it consonant in nature the head should be subject to the foot. " If they shall determine anything to the deprivation of the Queen, their sovereign lady, of her royal es- tate, we are well assured of our own determination, and we have some just and probable cause to think the like of other princes of Christendom, that we will make ourselves a plain party against them, to the re- venging of their sovereign, and for example to all pos- terity." July 29th, the infant James, then thirteen months old, was crowned at Stirling, and John Knox preach- ed the sermon of the grand occasion. The Reformer seldom enjoyed a prouder triumph, than standing in the hall of Mary's stronghold, and proclaiming his 222 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. Protestant views. The ceremonies were followed hj bonfires, and all tlie popular demonstrations of glad- ness, on highland and in lowland, the King could have claimed, had he been sufficiently mature to com- prehend the pageantry about him. That coronation was one of a series of suo-o-estive events. At Stirling Castle, Mary Stuart was crowned in tho arms of her nurse ; there a son was born and baptized ; and while the captive mother was lamenting" the evil times," in prison, the wondering boy was the centre of enthusiasm. In the same renowned pile his rights were the theme of rejoicing, and her solitude was the* subject of heartless approval. Murray had heard in France of Mary's errors and calamities, and cherishing a tenderness and attach- ment toward his sister, set out, upon receiving intel- ligence of the coronation, for Scotland. Before he reached England, his hostility to the Queen's impris- onment was modified. A messenger, whom he had dispatched to Scotland, met him with the declaration of the nobles, and the disclosures of the silver casket. "When he entered the presence of Elizabeth, he was less ardent in Mary's cause than when in France. But the indignant Queen reiterated her denunciations of the lords, and her purpose to restore Mary Stuart to the throne. This increased Murray's alienation, and also the danger of the royal prisoner. The Hamil- tons had become traitors, and aspiring to the sove- reignty, were negotiating for the trial and execution of Mary. The advent of Murray at such a time, was an exciting incident. The different factions sent rep MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 223 resentatives across the frontier to enlist his sympathy. He respectfully heard their appeals, but gave no pledges for the future. Then he crossed the bounda- ry of the kingdoms, an escort of three hundred men attending him to Edinburgh. All eyes were turned to him, as the regent of distracted Scotland. He refused to decide, amid the conflicting views of the people, until he had seen and conversed with Ma- ry. The nobles did not oppose the visit, because they had no power to prevent it ; and on the 15th of Au- gust, Murray, in company with Morton, Athol and Lindsay, repaired to Lochleven Castle. It was his purpose to secure her appointment of himself to the regency, and enter upon the government with the fairest prospect of success. " On seeing him enter her prison, Mary thought that her brother had come to be her friend and pro- tector. She burst into a flood of tears, and passion- ately complained of the unjust treatment she had experienced. Murray listened to her in silence, and neither commiserated nor consoled her. The suppli- ant Mary then said, turning towards Athol and Mor- ton : ' My lords, you have had experience of my severity, and of the end of it ; I pray you also let me find that you have learned by me to make an end of yours, or, at least, that you can make it final.' But they were as taciturn and gloomy as Murray. Alarm- ed at a visit that seemed to confirm the sinister reports which had been spread concerning her, Mary took her brother aside before supper, anxiously questioned him as to the intentions of the lords, and in vaia 224 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. endeavored to fathom liis own projects ; but for two hours Murray continued silent and impenetrable. When the bitter meal had passed away, Mary again desired to converse with her brother, 'and everybody being retired, they conferred together until one of the clock after midnight.' In this second interview, Murray threw off his premeditated reserve, and spoke to the Queen with terrible frankness and inexorable se- verity. He told her what he thought of herself and her misgovernment, pitilessly reminded her of her impro- prieties of conduct, and laid before her, one by one, all the actions, which, he said, had violated her conscience, sullied her honor, and compromised her safety. The unhappy Queen was plunged into despair by this ter- rible accusation, and she lost all courage. ' Some- times,' says Throckmorton, in his narrative of this painful scene, ' she wept bitterly ; sometimes she acknowledged her unadvisedness and misgovernment ; some things she did confess plainly ; some things she did excuse ; some things she did extenuate.' After having crushed her with the weight of these dreadful recollections, Murray left his sister in an agony of fear; she thought that her fate was sealed, and that she must ex2)ect nothing but from God's mercy. In this state of mind she passed the remainder of the night. " The next morning she sent for her brother, and Hurray once more entered her room. Perceiving the impression he had made, he assumed a milder mood, changed his tone, threw in some words of consolation, and assured her that he desired to save her life, and, MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. 225 if possible, to preserve her honor. ' But,' he added, ' it is not in ^ny power, only ; the lords and others have interest in the matter. ^Notwithstanding, mad- am, I will declare to you which be the occasions that may put you in jeopardy. For your peril, these be they : your own practices to disturb the quiet of your realm' and the reign of your son ; to enterprise to es- cape from where you are, to put yourself at liberty ; to animate any of your subjects to troubles or disobe- dience ; the Queen of England or the French King to molest this realm, either with their war, or with war intestine, by your procurement or otherwise ; and your own persisting in this inordinate affection with the Earl BothwelL' ^'At these words, Mary, who had remained under the dreadful impressions of the previous night, dis- cerned a gleam of hope. She threw herself into her brother's arms, and expressed her satisfaction at his assurance that he would protect her life, and the hopes he allowed her to entertain that her honor would be saved. In order to arrive more surely at this desired result, she conjured him not to refuse the regency, ' for by this means,' she said, ' my son shall be pre- served, my realm well governed, and I in safety.' Murray hesitated, and alleged reasons, the sincerity of which we cannot suspect, against undertaking so arduous a task. Always hurried away by irresistible impulses, Mary only entreated him the more urgently to sacrifice his own repugnance to the welfare of his sister. She suggested that he should make himself master of all the forts in the kingdom, requested him J* 15 226 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. to take her jewels and other valuables into his custo- dy, and offered to give to his regency the support of her letters and the authority of her name. Murray at length assented, appearing to accept with resigna- tion what Le doubtless most ardently coveted. Before leaving his sister, he enjoined the Lords Lindsay, Ruthven, and Lochleven, ' to treat the Queen with gentleness, with liberty, and with all other good usage.' He then bade her farewell, ' and then began another fit of weeping, which being appeased, she em- braced him very lovingly, kissed him, and sent her blessing unto the prince, her son, by him.' " On this, as on many other occasions, Mary Stuart yielded to one of those rapid, momentary impressions which so frequently guided her conduct, and set at nought the dictates of prudence. At Lochleven, she displayed the same character as at the Kirk of Field, Almond Bridge, Carberry Hill, and shortly after- wards at Carlisle, always yielding to invincible pas- sions 'or deceptive opinions. After having been terri- fied into signing her deed of abdication, she had been surprised into giving her consent to it. This consent, which she ere long repented, had been obtained from her by the cold and astute Murray, whilst her troubled heart was passing from intense alarm to buoyant hope. "Assured of her important approbation, Murray proceeded to Stirling to visit the infant monarch, in whose name he was to govern, and returned to Edin- burgh on the 19th of August. Three days after, he was declared regent in the council chamber at the Tolbooth. Laying his hand upon the Gospels, like a MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 227 true secretary and ardent snpporter of the liberties of the reahn, he took the following oath : ' I, James, Earl of Murray, Lord Abernethy, promise faithfully, in the presence of the Eternal, my God, that I, during the whole course of my life, wdll serve the same Eter- nal, my God, to the uttermost of my power, accord- ing as he requires in his most holy word, revealed and contained in the New and Old Testaments ; and, according to the same word, will maintain the true religion of Jesus Christ, the preaching of his holy word, and due and right administration of his sacra- ments, now received and practiced within this realm ; and also will abolish and withstand all false religion contrary to the same ; and will rule the people com- mitted to my charge and regiment during the minor- ity and less-age of the King, my sovereign, according to the will and command of God, rcVealed in his afore- said word, and according to the loveable laws and constitutions received in this realm, noways repug- nant to the said word of the Eternal, my God ; and will procure to my uttermost, to the kirk of God and all Christian people, true and perfect peace, in all time coming. The rights and rents, with all just privileges of the crown of Scotland, I will j)i'eserve and keep inviolate ; neither will I transfer nor alienate the same. I will forbid and repress, in all estates and degrees, reif, oppression, and all kind of wrong. In all judgments I wall command and procure that jus- tice and equity be kept to all creatures witliout excep- tion, as he be merciful to me and you, that is the Lord and Father of all mercies ; and out of this realm of 228 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. Scotland, and empire thereof, I A^ill he careful to root that shall be convicted by the true kirk of God of the aforesaid crimes. And those things above writ- ten, I faithfully aflirm by this my solemn oath.' Tlie seventy-third psalm was then sung, and Murray was proclaimed regent at the Market Cross, amid the ac- clamations of the people." The wheels of revolution had reached a plane of rest. The extreme and conservative parties submit- ted without opposition to this administration. Mur- ray took the helm of the tempest-tossed ship of State, with a steady hand, and the approval of his subjects. Foreign princes acquiesced, excepting Elizabeth, whose anger was kindled intensely with repeated fail- ures to influence the captors of Mary ; but she was powerless to avert the consummation attained, and also to reverse the march of empire. Lethington as- sured Throckmorton, the English ambassador, that the lords were ready for war, and rebuked the imperious tone of Elizabeth. Murray added : " Though I were not here at the doings past, yet surely I must allow of them ; and seeing the Queen and they have laid upon me the charge of the regency, (a burden which I would gladly have eschewed,) I do mean to wear my life in defence of their action, and will either reduce all men to obedience in the Iling's name, or it shall cost me my life." Murray soon obtained command of the fortresses of the realm, and was virtually monarch. Both well had fled from the Castle of Dunbar to the MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 229 Hislilands, where lie lielcl estates. An armed de- tachment, wliose chieftain was the Laird of Grange, went in hot jDursuit of the fugitive. The freebooter then equipped a small fleet, and sought security amid the Shetland and Orkney isles, whose frowning cliffs dot the dark and tempestuous seas of the North. The Laird of Grange followed in his wake, seized two ot his vessels, and was near Botliwell's ship, when he struck a shoal, and the daring outlaw made his escape ; striking out into the open ocean, he was driven by a wild tempest to the coast of Norway. Llis career was commenced as a pirate ; and falling in with a Danish man-of-war, he was boarded and taken to Denmark. The king, Frederick IL, refused to give up the noto- rious Bothwell, eitlier to Murray or to the Queen of England, but confined him in the prison of Malmoe Castle. After the torture of constant fear of being delivered up to his enemies, his restless spirit, chafing in restraint, like a caged lion lashing the bars of his iron lair, he died a despairing lunatic. His associates and minions were many of them arrested, tried and executed. Powrie, Dalgleish, Hay of Tallo, and Hep- bm'n were of the number. The most distinguished conspirators, however, on account of their position and influence, received hon- ors, instead of the executioner's axe. And it has al- ways been thus ; human justice seldom reaches a brow which reflects the smile of mammon, or wears the laurel of renown; foreshadowing the necessity and desirableness of a final tribunal, where the evi- 230 MAKY QUEEN" OF SCOTS. dence and sentence will be unqnestioned and nnrl- terable. December, 15G7, the Parliament assembled witli unusual completeness in number, a,nd an imposing array of titles. Four bishops, fonrteen abbots, twelve earls, sixteen lords and eldest sons of lords, and twenty-seven commissioners of burghs were present. This Parliament enacted i*eligious nniformity by rati- fying the Confession of Faith of 1560, and sanction- ing the entire abolition of Catholicism ; it resumed from the laymen a third of that ecclesiastical property which they had seized, and applied it to the support of ministers and schools belonging to the Reformed church ; it recognized the legal elevation of the young Xing to the throne of Scotland, sanctioned the appoinment of the regent, and keenly debated the course to be pursued with regard to the Queen — some wishing to bring her at once to trial, while others desired merely to retain her in captivity. The more moderate party gained the victory ; biit, in order to justify the confederate lords for having taken arms, imprisoned, and dethroned their sovereign, the Par- liament passed an act, by the terms of which Mary Stuart was seriously criminated. It contains the fol- lowing clause : " That the cause, and all things de- pending thereon, were in the Queen's own default, in so far as by divers her privy letters, written wholly with her own hand, and sent by her to James, some- time Earl of Botliwell, chief executor of the said hor rible murder, as well before the committing thereof, a? thereafter ; and by her ungodly and dishonorable MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 231 proceeding to a pretended marriage with him, sud- uenly and immediately thereafter, it is most certain that she was privy to it and part of the aforenamed murder of the King her hiwful hnsband, committed by the said James, sometime Earl of Bothwell, his complices and partakers." This harsh expression of opinion, tantamount to a condemnation, rendered Mary Stuart's captivity more stringent, although by Murray's orders she was treat- ed with respect and consideration. She was more closely watched, lest she should write to request the assistance of any foreign j)ower, or should devise a plan for her escape with her friends in Scotland. She was able to write only while her keepers were at their meals or asleep, for the daughters of the castellan slept with her. The vigilance of Margaret Erskine, who watched her captive as a tigress watches the prey for her young, and the fidelity of keepers, were in vain. George Douglas, son of Margaret, was smitten with Mary's surpassing beauty, and his sympa- thies were awakened by her calamities. The magic which fell upon all hearts from the azure eye, and wondrous fascination of her graceful person, made tho Douglas a creature of her will. He resolved to ob- tain her liberty, and her hand. Disguising the pris- oner in the apparel of a laundress, who frequented the castle, he led her unsuspected to the margin of the lake. The boat glided away from the shore, and Mary's heart throbbed with the anticipation of free- dom. Friends were jn the opposite side of the calm waters, awaiting the bark. One of the oarsmen sud- 232 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. denly suspecting the disguise, approaclied the Queen, and pleasantly began to lift the veil. The impulsive and strrtled Mar j, extending her white hand to j)re- vent the view of her face, revealed, in the delicate and snowy signal, the dreaded majesty of the dethroned sovai'eign. She assumed the bolder tone of authority, and commanded the boatmen to proceed. But they feared the Laird of Lochleven more than the anger of a royal captive, and returned without delay to the castle. Mary entered her tower in bitter disappoint- ment and grief. This was on the 25th of March, 1568. She wrote to Catherine de Medici, " I have with great difficulty dispatched the bearer of this to inform you of my misery, and entreat you to have pity upon me." May 1st, she addressed Elizabeth in similar but more pathetic and supplicating terms, and renewed her ap- peals to the court of France. George Douglas, the lover, was not idle. He had continued in the neighborhood of Lochleven, and mused day and night upon plans for the escape of the Queen. He resolved upon another exper- iment, May 2d, which was Sunday. Communi- cating with Mary, Lord Seton and the Hamiltons, through a page, sixteen years of age, called the " Little Douglas," he had well and successfully arranged the plot. Seaton and others were to receive the prisoner at the castle gates. At the hour of ineals, the doors .)f the fortress were all shut, and the keys laid beside the castellan.* When the appointed occasion ai-rived, * Governor of the castle. MART QTJEEN OF SCOTS. 23^ the page placed the plate before the Laird, and, drop ping his napkin over the keys, bore them unobserved away. He hastened to Mary, who, attired in a ser- vant's dress, followed him through the gate, which was locked behind them, to prevent pursuit. They then stepped into a boat, and removing the fastening, rowed arrow-like across Lochleven. As the bark touched the beach, George Douglas and Lord Seton, who had been secreted in an adjacent village, met the smiling, hopeful Queen. Yaulting lightly to the sad- dle of her horse, she dashed oif towards Widdry Cas- tle, in "West Lothian, the seat of Seton. Resting a few hours, she journeyed forward to the strong for- tress of Hamilton, and was met by Lord Claud Ham- ilton, with a company of fifty horsemen. Upon her arrival, she was received with the salutations of the Archbishop of St. Andrews. Mary Stuart now pre- pared to assert her right to the throne of Bruce, with arms. She sent Beaton, brother of the Archbishop of Glasgow, to France, to crave assistance in the coming struggle, and dispatched a messenger to Dunbar, anticipating the surrender of the castle to lier command. The tidings of her deliverance flew like the morn- ing light, and the friends of former days, who had continued loyal, with the forgiving and the disafiected toward Murray, thronged around her to offer their love and lives to the beautiful Queen of Scotland. About forty bishoj^s, earls and lords, and a hundred barons, signed a league to place again the sceptre in her hand. In tlie presence of her council, she revoked 234: MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. lier abdication, declared Murray a traitor, and found herself, in a brief period, at the head of a force of six thousand men. The ambassador of Charles IX., of France, sought her cam]), and recognized her as the rightful sovereign of the realm ; and Elizabeth offered aid to re-establish her authority, if she would have nothing to do with foreign assistance. Mary's situation was extremely perilous, because if she triumphed on the field, the Hamiltons would urge with resistless power the mar- riage of a member of their family ; if she lost the battle she would be at the mercy of Murray. With prudent policy, she forwarded to the regent proposals of reconciliation between the two parties. He was at Glasgow, holding a court of justice, guarded only by his suite, when he heard of his sister's safe arrival at Hamilton Castle, eight miles from his judicial hall. Never did the heroism of his character, the Puritan texture, appear more sul)limely. Instead of flying for recruits as advised to do, he remained, without be- traying the shadow of a fear upon his bold heart, and .won both the greater admiration, and the more deter- mined adherence of his followers. Requesting time to consider the overtures of the Queen, he addressed himself to the raising of an army, which should decide in sanguinary conflict, if necessary, to whom the crown of Scotland belonged. His rapid, yet calm and well arranged plan of operations, inspired his partisans with courage, and drew to his standard the Presbyte- rian soldiery, Edinburgh gave him four hundred hackbutters ; Glasgow offered hei strength ; and / MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 235 Dunbar Castle repelled Mary's demand, and contin- ued true to tlie regent. The Earl of Mar hurried to the camp tlie trained men and heavy ordnance of Stirling ; from the Merse country, the chivalrous and brave Alexander Hume brought six hundred lances ; under the active, earnest Morton, the impetuous Glencairn, and the venerable Laird of Grange, recruits streamed in from valley and hill-side, till four thousand strong and fearless men stood around the reliable Mnrray, waiting his command. With something of IS'apo- leon's tactics, he directed an immediate attack on the ranks of the Queen, before additional volunteers in- creased her prospect of victory. Though Mary pre- ferred greater security of position, the Hamilton's were confident of conquest, and anxious for battle. They yielded so far to her influence, as to march to- wards Dumbarton Castle, an almost impregnable for- tress, with the determination to fight if j^ursued — an unfortunate course, exj)osing their rear to the foe, and hazarding the chances of an engagement, while in retreat. The Queen's army had to pass from the left bank of the Clyde to the south of Glasgow, where Murray had entrenched a large body of troops, to guard the road. The veteran Laird of Grange, ac- cording to his own advice, occupied the heights of Langside, with the main forces, and placed in ambush a company of hackbutters, beside a lane through which the hostile regiments must march to reach the hill. This path was through a defile, intersected with hedges, and divided into plantations, with their dwel- lings and foliage. The Queen's cavalry, though vastly 236 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. outnumbering that of Murray, could not figlit witli advantage tliere, and the infantry, confined and em- barrassed, would be quickly subdued. The Ilamil- tons, two thousand strong, entered the defile with the step of warriors who saw through the smoke of con- flict, victory folding her wings on their standard, when, like a storm of hail from a viewless cloud, a wasting fire was poured from the ambush upon that astonished vanguard. Confusion followed, and the liv- ing men pressed up the declivity, exhausted and scathed by the discharges of the unseen foe. Upon the summit they were met with Murray's welcome of pikemen, who rushed to the combat with desperate valor. The Laird of Grange swept from one wavering line to an- other, to reinforce and reanimate ; Morton, with math- ematical coolness and precision, made havoc ; Hume dashed with a tempestuous and daring onset upon the ranks of the enemy, while Murray made a bril- liant and decisive charge with his resistless columns, on the reeling host of Mary, and the field was won The triumph gained in three-quarters of an hour, was so complete, that only three hundred of the Queen's army were left dead on the silent eminence ; ten pieces of brass cannon were taken, and a large num'ber of prisoners, among whom were distinguished nobles. Mary Stuart had watched from a distant elevation the arena of *battle, where her throne was the contested prize. Her ambitious heart throbbed with the ex- citement of hope, while her battalions moved through the leaden hail to the summit of Langside ; that heart was tossed with conflicting emotions, as the carnage MAKY QTEEN OF SCOTS. 237 deepened, and sank witli despair wlien Murray swept down uj)on the wavering ranks. Descending with haste to the phiin, she mounted her horse, and attend- ed by a few servants, rode in a wild gallop towards Dumfries, neither halting or slackening speed till sixty miles lay between her and the scene of hopeless defeat. At Dundrennan Abbey, she gazed a moment on the waters, and chose a bark for England, instead of a home in France. Relying upon the repeated assu- rances of Elizabeth's kindness, she resolved to cast herself upon th.e mercy of the Queen, to whom she wrote as follows : " My very dear sister, without giving you a narra- tive of all my misfortunes, since they must be known to you already, I will tell you that those of my sub- jects whom I have most benefitted, and who were under the greatest obligations to me, after having revolted against me, kept me in prison, and treated me with the utmost indignity, have at last entirely driven me from my kingdom, and reduced me to such a condition that, after God, I have no hope in any one but you." Lord Herries, who was with Mary, sent a request to the deputy governor of Carlisle for permission to enter the city ; but before an answer could arrive, the fugi tive Queen rashly crossed the Solway Frith, in a fish- erman's boat, and May 16th, landed at Worthington, on the Cumberland coast. She immediately addressed Elizabeth : 238 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. THE QUEEN OF SOOTS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. " Madam my good sister, I believe you are not igno- rant how long certain of my subjects, whom from the least of my kingdom I have raised to be the first, have taken upon themselves to involve me in trouble, and to do what it appears they had in view from the first. You know how they purposed to seize me and the late King my husband, from which attempt it pleased God to protect us, and to permit us to expel them from the country, where, at your request, I again afterward received them ; though, on their re- turn they committed another crime, that of holding me a prisoner, and killing in my presence a servant of mine, I being at the time in a state of pregnancy. It again pleased God that I should save myself from their hands ; and, as above said, I not only pardoned them, but even received them into favor. They, how- ever, not yet satisfied with so many acts of kindness, have, on the contrary, in spite of their promises, de- vised, favored, subscribed to, and aided in a crime, for the purpose of charging it falsely upon me, as I hope fully to make you understand. They have, under this pretence, arrayed themselves against me, accusing me of being ill advised, and pretending a desire of seeing me delivered from bad counsels, in order to point out to me the things that required reformation. I, feeling myself innocent, and desirous to avoid the shedding of blood, placed myself in their hands, wishing to re- form what was amiss. They immediately seized and imprisoned me. When I upbraided them with a breach of their promise, and requested to be inform- MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 239 ed why I was thus treated, they all absented them- selves. I demanded to be heard in coiinci], which was refused me. In short, they have kept me with- out any servant, except two women — a cook and a surgeon ; and they have threatened to kill me, if I did not sign an abdication of my crown, which the fear of immediate death caused me to do, as I have since proved before the whole of the nobility, of which I hope to afford you evidence. " After this, they again laid hold of me in Parlia- ment, without saying why, and without hearing me ; forbidding, at the same time, every advocate to plead for me, and compelling the rest to acquiesce in their unjust usurpation of my rights ; they have robbed me of everything I had in the world, never permitting me either to write or to speak, in order that I might not contradict their false inventions. " At last, it pleased God to deliver me, when they thought of putting me to death, that they might make more sure of their power, though I repeatedly offered to answer anything they had to say to me, and to join them in the punishment of those who should be guilty of any crime. In short, it pleased God to deliver me, to the great content of all my subjects, except Murray, Morton, the Humes, Glencairn, Mar, and Semple, to whom, after that my whole nobility was come from all parts, I sent to say that, notwith- standing their ingratitude and unjust cruelty employ- ed against me, I was willing to invite them to return to their duty, and to offer them security of their lives and estates, and to hold a Parliament for the purpose 24:0 . MART QTTEEN OF SCOTS. of reforrhing everytliing. I sent twice. The j seized and imprisoned my messengers, and made proclama- tion, declaring traitors all those who should assist me, and guilty of that odious crime. I demanded that they should name one of them, and I would give him up, and begged them, at the same time, to deliver to me such as should be named to them. They seized upon my officer and my proclamation. I sent to de- mand a safe conduct to my Lord Boyd, in order to treat of accommodation, not wishing, as far as I might be concerned, for any effusion of blood. They re- fused, saying that those who had not been true to their regent and to my son, whom they denominate king, should leave me, and put themselves at their disposal — a thing at which the whole nobility were greatly offended. " Seeing, therefore, that they were only a few indi- viduals, and that my nobility were more attached to me than ever, I was in hope that, in course of time, and under your favor, they would, be gradually re- duced ; and, seeing that they said they would either retake all or die, I proceeded towards Dumbarton, passing at the distance of two miles from them, my nobility accompanying me, marching in order of bat- tle between them and me ; which they seeing, sallied forth, and came to cut off my way and take me. My people seeing this, and moved by that extreme malice of my enemies, with a view to check their progress, encountered them without order, so that, though they were twice their number, their sudden advance caus- ed them so great a disadvantage, that God permitted MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 241 them to be discomfited, and several killed and taken ; some of tliem were cruelly killed when taken on their retreat. The pursuit was immediately interruj)ted, in order to take me on my way to Dumbarton ; they stationed people in every direction, either to kill or take me. But God, through his infinite goodness, has preserved me, and I escaped to my Lord Herries', who, as well as other gentlemen, have come with me into your country, being assured that, hearing the cruelty of my enemies, and how they have treated me, you will, conformably to your kind disposition, and the confidence I have in you, not only receive for the safety of my life, but also aid and assist me in my just quarrel, and I shall solicit other princes to do the same. I entreat you to send to fetch me as soon as you possibly can, for I am in a pitiable condition, not only for a Queen, but for a gentlewoman : for I have nothing in the world but what I had on my person when I made my escape, traveling across the country the first day, and not having since ever ventured to proceed, except in the night, as I hope to declare be- fore you, if it pleases you to have pity, as I trust you will, upon my extreme misfortune ; of which I will forbear complaining, in order not to importune you, and pray to God that he may give to you a haj)j)y state of health and long life, and to me patience, and that consolation which I expect to receive from you, to whom I present my humble commendations. From Workinton, the ITth of May. ^ " Your most faithful and afiectionate good sister, and cousin, and escaped prisoner, Majry R." K 16 242 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. Elizabeth read this affecting plea of her rival with * deep and contending emotions. The inquiries which enlisted her thought and tried her sympathies, were, whether she should send Mary back to Scotland with a conquering army, give her a home in England, or to permit her to return to France. Danger environ- ed each of these possible plans of meeting the extrem- ity of a fallen Queen. Again on the throne, she might overthrow the Protestant faith, and renew her pre- tentions to the crown of England. If she remained on British soil, there would be the opportunity for intrigues and conspiracies with the Catholics. Should Mary retire to France, the Guises and court of that papal kingdom might give her fearful strength to awaken the tumult of sanguinary conflicts, political and religious. May 28th, another letter was addressed to the doubt- ing and suspicious Elizabeth, imploring mercy. THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. " Madam, my good sister, I have received two letters from you, the first of which, relating to myself, I hope to answer, and to learn from my Lord Scrop. and your vice-chamberlain, your natural inclination toward me, which I have always promised myself with certainty, and wish that my affection for you were as apparent as it is sincere, and then you would think your kind- ness better bestowed, than I could persuade jou by my humble " Madam, I am sorry that the haste in which I wrote my last letter, caused me to omit, as I perceive by MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 243 yours, the principal thing which induced me to write to you, and which is also the principal cause of my coming into this kingdom, which is that, having for a long time been a prisoner, and, as I have already in- formed you, being unjustly treated, as well by their acts as by their false reports, I wished above all to lay my complaint before you, as well on account of our near relationship, equality of rank, and professed friendship, as to clear myself before you from those calumnious charges which they have dared to prefer against my honor, and also for the assurance I had that, above all things, you would consider that, not being punished for the crimes committed aforetime against me, which, at your request, I forgave these ungrateful subjects, and restored them to their former state, to the detriment and prejudice of mine, whence it is evident, that out of respect to you, I did what has caused my ruin, or at least very near it. . . . With a view to repair the mischief, and to amend the error that has arisen from it, I have dispatched my LordHerries, my faithful and well beloved subject, to inform you fully of these things, and others concern- ing which I learned from Messieurs Scrop and Knowles [Lord Scrope and Sir Francis Knollys] that you are in doubt, requesting you to believe him as myself, and forthwith to let me have your answer in writing, whether it would be agreeable to you if I were to come without delay and without ceremony to you, and tell you more particularly the truth about all that has happened to me, in contradiction to all their lies, which I am sure you would have pleasure to hear, as 244 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. you have pleased to write me in your letters, that you could take my justification in your own hands till you have replaced me in the state to which Heaven had pleased to call me, and that all princes are boimd to sujDport and assist one another. " I send, on this occasion, my cousin, my Lord Flem- in, a faithful subject, in order that, being assured by you, he may proceed to France to thank the king, monsieur, my good brother, for his .... and good offices, which I reserve for another time, if I have occasion for them, contenting myself with your aid and support, which I shall feel myself obliged to acknowledge as long as I live, in every way in my power. If, on the conti'ary, that which I reckon up- on does not come from you, and from some others, for considerations which I am not aware of, at least I trust that, freely as I came to throw myself into your arms, as my best friend, you will permit me, in your refusal, to seek succor from other princes and friends, my allies, as may seem most convenient to me, with- out any prejudice to the eminent friendship between us two ; and whatever you decide will please you, I shall be satisfied with, though one would have been more agreeable to me than the other ; for, God be thanked, I have got good friends and neighbors in my so just quarrel; and there is nothing to prevent m-e from applying to them but this detention, which, to speak freely to you as you do to me, I think rather harsh and strange, considering that I came so frankly into your country without any condition, or any dis- trust of your friendship, promised in your frequent MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 245 letters ; and tlioiigli I have lived in a manner a pris- oner in your castle for a fortnight, since the arrival of your counsellors, I have not obtained permission to go to you to plead my cause, as my^confidence in you was such that I asked for nothing more than to go to you to make you acquainted with my grievances. " ISTow I besech you to consider how important my long detention is to me, and for the cause of my ruin, which, thank God, is not gaining ground. Signify then to me the consent of your natural affection for your good sister, and cousin, and firm friend, Re- member that I have kept my promise. I send you my in a ring, and I have brought you the signal, in order to tie the knot more firmly ; if you are not disposed to wrong me . . . whom you may believe as you would myself. After this long address, I shall not trouble you further than to present my affection and recommendations to your good grace, and to pray God to grant you, madam, health, and a long and happy life. " Your very faithful and " Karlil, the 28th of May, 1568." Whatever were the transient impulses of compas- sion excited by this plaintive plea, Elizabeth adhered to her policy, and secretly decided to keep Mary Stuart in her own hands. As preliminary to the ulti- mate purpose, and to prepare the way, she gave the captive a ro^^al journey from Workington to Carlisle, and lavished upon her the honors due to a Queen. After the pageantry of Mary's entry into the city 246 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. was over, she was surrounded with spies, and guarded by soldiery. Elizabeth dispatched letters of condo- lence, but refused to see her until she had proved herself innocent of Darnley's murder. The following passage is from the report of Lord Scroj^e and Sir Francis Knollys, warden and vice-chamberlain of the border, to Elizabeth, after the interview of May 28th : " "We found her in her answers to have an eloquent tongue and a discreet head ; and it seemeth by her doings, that she hath stout courage and liberal heart adjoined thereunto ; and, after our delivery of your highness's letters, she fell into some passion, with the water in her eyes, and therewith, she drew us with her into her bed-chamber, where she complained unto us, for that your highness did not meet her exjDecta- tions, for the admitting her into your presence forth- with ; that upon good declaration of her innocence, your highness would either without delay give her aid yourself, to the subduing her enemies, or else, being now come of good will, and not of necessity into your hands (for a good and greatest part of her subjects, said she, remain fast to her still) your high- ness would, at least, forthwith gi^e her passage through your country into France, to seek aid at other princes' hands ; not doubting, but both the French king, and the king of Spain, would give her relief to her satisfaction. And here she fell into discourses, that the cause of the war and disobedient treasons of these her subjects, was thereby to keep that which she had too liberally given them by violence ; since, MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 247 througli lier revocation wliercof, wlieii of full age, they could not enjoy the same bylaw; and withal (she affirmed) that both Lethington and the Lord Morton were assisting to the murder of her husband." Lord Herries was now sent to London to negotiate a loan upon the Queen's credit as dowager of France, with which to sustain the cause of her partizans in Scotland. Retaining Dumbarton Castle, they were strong and unyielding. Murray was unsparing and persevering in his efforts to subdue them, but failed to exterminate the reanimated foe. Lord Fleming was chosen to represent Mary's cause in France, with most pathetic messages to Charles IX., Catherine and the Cardinal of Lorraine. " She besought the French court to deliver her from her unfortunate position by sending two thousand infantry to the relief of Dum- barton ; by furnishing the money and accoutrements necessary for the equipment and maintenance of five hundred horse-soldiers ; by sending artillery and am- munition to enable her to recover the other fortresses of Scotland ; and by bestowing the order of St. Mi- chael on two or three of those noblemen who had especially distinguished themselves by their valor and deTOtion to her cause, in order to encourage the oth- erp, and confirm them in their fidelity." Seizing upon M;»ry's offer to establish her innocence, Elizabeth de'^ermined upon a formal trial of the prisoner. Mur- ra r urged it, with extravagant promises to furnish 0' U'whelming evidence of his sister's guilt. ifter some delay, Lords Herries and Fleming, who 248 JIAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. had readied London, were admitted into tlie presence of the politic and ascendant "Virgin Queen," at whose tribunal of justice never was arraigned a crim- inal of so manifold gifts and honors, and around whom gathered an interest extensive as regal sway. The envoys advocated zealously the claims of Mary. Elizabeth replied : " But her subjects have disseminated throughout the world a scandalous and disgraceful report, of which she is well aware ; her honor and mine require that the matter should be looked into — not that I should constitute myself her judge, but that I should inquire of her accusers what cause they have to speak thus of her, and by what right they have seized her person, her crown, her fortresses, and all her property, in doing which they cannot be excusable." "But, madam," said Lord Ilerries, "if it should appear to be otherwise, which God forbid ?" " Even then, I would not fail to arrange with her subjects, in the best and most careful manner possible, so as to secure her honor and provide for their safety." When, however, Herries requested that his mistress might be allowed to withdraw to the continent, or at all events, to return to Scotland in the little boat which had brought her over to Eng- land, Elizabeth absolutely refused. " As for the pas- sage of my good sister into France, I will not prove myself so imprudent as to permit it, and be thus held in low esteem among other princes. When she was there before, the King, her husband, assumed for her the title and arms belonging to my crown, though I was then alive ; and I will not place myself again in MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 249 fcucli embarrassing circumstances As for her return into Scotland in the humble conveyance which you have mentioned, since she has come into ray country, it would be neither to her honor nor to mine for her to go back ; and besides, it would not be to her advantage to do so." Accordingly, Elizabeth dispatched an ambassador to Murray, then le^Jing an army of six thousand men against the heroic friends of Mary Stuart, and de- manded a truce, until she had decided the right to the crown of Scotland, and the criminality of the con- tending parties. She rebuked the regent for the daring deeds which gained his elevation, and seemed anxious to inspire Mary with hope ; either because she felt the promptings of pit}^, or to make surer work of securing her victim ; that Elizabeth was not alto- gether demoniac in these complicated interests at Btake, is clear. In this strain she addressed Murray : " All these things cannot but sound very strange in the ears of us, being a prince sovereign, having do- minions and subjects committed to our power, as she had. For remedy whereof she requireth our aid, as her next cousin and neighbor ; and for justification of her whole cause, is content to commit the hearing and ordering of the same simply to ns. We have thought good and necessary, not only to impart thus much unto you, wherewith she chargeth you, and oth- ers joined with you, but also to require and advise you utterly to forbear from all manner of hostility and 250 Mz^KY QUEEN OF SCOTS. persecution against all such as have lately taken part with the said Queen, and to suspend all manner of actions and proceedings against them, both by law and arms, and to impart unto ns plainly and sufficiently all that which shall be meet to inform us of the truth, for your defence, in such weighty crimes and causes as the said Queen hath already or shall hereafter ob- ject against you, contrary to the duty of natural born subjects ; so that we, being duly informed on all parts, may, by the assistance of God's grace, direct our actions and orders principally to his glory, and next to the conservation of our own honor in the sight of all other princes, and finally to the maintenance and increase of peace and concord betwixt both these two realms." Middlemore, the plenipotentiary to Mary, delivered his message in the presence of Scrope and Knollys ; the burden of which was the reiterated determination of Elizabeth not to receive her rival, until acquitted of participation in the recent regicide. When allu- sion was made to the judgment of the Queen of Eng- land, and a tt^al^ Mary Stuart's passion was aroused, and she answered indignantly : " I have no other judge but God, neither can any take upon themselves to judge me. Of my own free will, indeed, and ac- cording to the good trust I reposed in the Queen, my sister, I oiFered to make her the judge of my cause. But how can that be, when she will not suffer me to come to her." Mary demanded an interview with Elizabeth, or MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 251 permission to depart with or without assistance, and again imploringly wrote to the unrelenting arbiter of her fate. THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. " Madam, mj good sister — I thank you for the dispo- sition which you have to listen to the justification of my honor, which ought to be a matter of importance to all princes, and especially to you, as I have the honor to be so near of kin to you. But it seems to me, that those who persuade you that my reception would turn to your dishonor, manifest the contrary. But, alas, madam, when did you ever hear a prince censured for listening in person to the grievances of those who comj)lain that they have been falsely ac- cused. Dismiss, madam, from your mind, the idea that I came hither to save my life ; neither the w^orld nor all Scotland has cast me out ; but to recover my honor, and to obtain support to enable me to chastise my false accusers, not to answer them as their equal, for I know that they ought not to enter into engage- ments against their sovereign, but to accuse them be- fore you, that I have chosen you from among all other princes, as my nearest kinswoman and perfect friend ; doing as if I supposed it to be an honor to be called the queen-restorer, who hoped to receive this kindness from you, giving you the honor and the glory all my life, making you also thoroughly acquainted with my innocence, and how falsely I have been led. " I see, to my great regret, that I am mistaken. You say that you are counseled by persons of high 252 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. rank to be guarded in tliis affair. God forbid that 1 should be cause of dishonor to you, when it was my intention to seek the contrary ! Wherefore, if you please, as my affairs require such great haste, let me see if the other princes will act in the same manner, and then you cannot be blamed. Permit me to see those who will support me without any apprehension of that sort, and take what security yon will of me when I shall afterward place myself again in your hands. Though I think you would not desire that, when replaced on my throne, my honors restored, and all foreigners out of the country, I shall come to plead my cause before you, and to justify myself for the sake of my honor and of the friendship which I bare you, and not for the satisfaction I should have in an- swering false subjects ; or even sending for me with- out giving credit, as it seems you do, to those who are not worthy of it. Grant me yoiu* favor and as- sistance first, and then you shall see whether I am worthy. If you find that I am not, and that my demands are unjust, or to your prejudice, or contrary to your honor, it will then be time to get rid of me, and to let me seek my fortune without troubling you. For, being innocent, as thank God I know I am, are you not doing me wrong to keep me here, on getting out of one prison as it were in another, encouraging my false enemies to persevere in their lying ways, and disheartening my fiends by delaying the assist- ance promised them from other quarters, if I wished to employ it ? I have all the good men on my side, and my detention may bring ruin upon them, or cause MAKY QUEKN OF SCOTS. 2o3 tliem to change tlieir sentiments, and tlien there will be a new conquest to make. For your sake, I par- doned those who are at this moment seeking my ruin ; of which I can accuse you before God, and . . further delay will undo me Excuse me, it is to me a matter of the utmost importance. I must speak to joxi without dissimvdation. You have admitted into your presence a bastard brother of mine, who fled from me, and you refuse me the favor, and I feel assured, that the juster my cause the longer it will be delayed ; for it is the remedy of a bad cause to stop the mouths of its adversaries ; besides, 1 know that John Wood was commissioned to procure this detention, as their most certain remedy in an unjust quarrel and usurpation of authority. " Wherefore, I beseech you, assist me, binding me to you in everything, or be neuter. And permit me to try what I can do elsewhere, otherwise, by delay- ing matters, you Avill injure me more than my very enemies. If you are afraid of blame, at least, for the confidence that I have placed in you, do nothing eith- er for or against me, that you do and see that I would do for my honor, being at liberty. For here I neither can nor will answer their false accusations, though out of friendship and for my pleasure, I would cheer- fully justify myself to you, but not in the form of a trial wath my subjects, if they bark at me with my hands tied. Madam, they and I are not companions in anything; and if I were to be kept here still lon- ger, I would rather die than make myself such. " l^ow, speaking as your good sis*"er, let me beseecl' 1^54 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. you, for the sake of your honor, without further delay, to send back my Lord Herries, with the assurance that you will assist me, as he has requested you in my name : for I have no answer either from you or from him, nor your license as above. I beseech you, also, since I am come to place myself in your hands, in which I have been detained so long without having any certainty, to order my Lord Scrope to allow my subjects to have access, if only one, two, or three, to come and return, and to bring me intelligence about my subjects, otherwise it would be condemning me and my defenders. God grant that you may listen to what I have intended to say to you briefly ; I should not have troubled you at such length, though I do not blame you in the least for these underhand practices against me ; but I hope, notwithstanding all their fair offices and falsely colored speeches, that you will find me a more profitable friend than they can be to you. I shall say nothing particular but by word of mouth. Wherefore, I shall conclude with my hum- ble commendations to your good grace, praying God to grant you, madam my good sister, health, and a long and very happy life. "From Carlil, the xiii of June, 1568. " Your good sister and cousin, " Maet E." The kings of Europe were increasingly interested spectators of the approaching crisis in the history of a sovereign, whose destiny would be an example to future nionarchs. The Queen, whose extraordinary MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 255 power of beauty and genius won triumphs, had been W'atched from thrones more remote than Elizabeth's, who cahnly gazed from her fastness, like a mountain eagle upon an invader of radiant plumage, till the feared and envied foe was bleeding within his talons. The crow^ned heads of half a continent saw the des- perate game, but occupied with insurrections at home, or commotions abroad, offered no interposition. Mont- morin, the envoy of Charles IX., of France, asked Elizabeth to deal kindly with Mary, and describes his visit to Carlisle : " The room which she occupies is gloomy, being lighted only by one casement, latticed with iron bars. You go to it through three other rooms, which are guarded and occupied by hackbutters. In the last of these, which forms the ante-chamber to the Queen's apartment, resides Lord Scrope, the governor of the border districts. The Queen has only three of her women with her. Tier servants and domestics sleep out of the castle. The doors are not opened until ten o'clock in the morning. The Queen is allowed to go as far as the church in the town, but she is always accompanied by a hundred hackbutters. She re- quested Scrope to send her a priest to say mass; but he answered that there were no priests in Eng- land." The cloud of despair settled down between Mary and the throne of England, and she appealed to the Cardinal of Lorraine to save her sinking- fortunes from £5G M A U Y Q U !•: E N OF SCOTS. coinplotc ruin. Ilor words are subduing. " I entreat you to have pity on the honor of your poor niece, and to procure for me the support I need. ]\[ean- while, I beseech you to send lue some money ; for I have none wherewith to buy either food or clothing. Tlie Queen of England has sent me a little linen, and supplies me with one dish. The rest I have borrowed, but I can get no more. Yon will share in this dis- grace. God is subjecting me to a hard trial ; never- theless, rest assured that I sluiU die a Catholic. God will quickly remove me i'voni these miseries, for, I have suttered insults, calumnies, imprisonment, hun- ger, cold, heat, flight, without knowing whither to go, for ninety-two miles across the country without stopping or dismounting, and then being obliged to sleep on the hard ground, and drink sour milk, and eat oatmeal without bread ; and at last I am come into this country, where, as a reward, I am nothing better than a prisoner ; and meanwhile the houses of my servants are pulled down, and I cannot assist them, aiul my servants tliemselves are hanged, and I cannot recompense them." Xo aid was extended, and the only alternative for Mary was to meet Murray in trial before the judicial bar of Elizabeth. She was more narrowly guarded, and the privy council of England " decided nnani- moiisly tliat Queen Mary shonld be removed from the frontier to some place in the interior of the kingdom. They maintained, moreover, that in virtue of the ancient feudal superiority of the crown of England over that of Scotland — a superiority which had fre MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 257 quently been asserted by the one, and as frequently denied by the other — Queen Mary miglit be brought to trial ; that the wish which she had expressed to be restored to her throne before her innocence had been proved, or else permitted to withdraw to France be- fore she had been tried, was equally opposed to the honor and safety of Elizabeth ; but that, after her cause and justification had been thoroughly examin- ed, she should be taken back to her kingdom and re- stored to her authority." July Cth, 1568, she wrote once more from Carlisle to Elizabeth, repeating her condemnation of " the rebels," complaining of additional restraint, and closes with this eloquent passage : " Good sister, be of another mind. Even the heart and all shall be yours, and at your commandment. I thought to have satisfied you wholly, if I might have seen you. Alas ! do not as the serpent that stoppeth his hearing, for I am no enchanter, but your sister and natural cousin. If Caesar had not disdained to hear or read the complaint of an advertiser, he had not so died. AVliy should princes' ears be stopped, seeing they are painted so long ; meaning that they should hear all, and be well advised before they answer. I am not of the nature of the basilisk, and less of the chamelct n's, to turn you to my likeness ; and though I should be so dangerous and curst as men say, you are sufficiently armed with constancy and with jus- tice, which I require of God, who give you grace to use it well, with long and happy life," n 258 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. Under a military escort, Mary Stuart was removed to tlie Castle of Bolton, in Yorkshire, a fortress in the possession of Lord Scrope. Promising an impartial investigation of her affairs, Elizabeth required her to renounce entirely the claim to the succession in Eng- land during the life of herself or issue ; and also to break the league with France, and adopt in religious Avorship the forms of common prayer. Mary at length yielded so far to the pressure of events, that she consented to the appointment of commissioners to arbitrate and settle lionorably the pending and mo- mentous questions of royalty. The Queen of Eng- land expressed her bias and prospective action, in a communication addressed to Murray the 20th of Sep- tember : " Whereas we hear say, that certain reports are made in sundry parts of Scotland, that whatsoever should fall out now upon the hearing of the Queen of Scots' cause, in any proof to convince or acquit the said Queen concerning the horrible murder of her late husband our cousin, we have determined to re- store her to her kingdom and government, we do so much mislike hereof, as we cannot endure the same to receive any credit ; and therefore we have thought good to assure you, that the same is untruly devised by the authors to our dishonor. For as we have been always certified from our said sister, both by her let- ters and messages, that she is by no means guilty or participant of that murder, (which we wish to be true,) %o surely if she should be found justly to be guilty MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 259 tliereof, as liatli been reported of her, (whereof we would be very sorry,) then, indeed, it should behoove lis to consider otherwise of her canse than to satisfy her desire in restitution of her to the government of that kingdom. And so we would have you and all others think, that should be disposed to conceive hon- orably of us and our actions." "War ceased in Scotland, and the regent made pre- parations to confront his sister and former sovereign. Mary chose for the occasion, to represent her cause, Lesley, the Bishop of Ross, Lords Herries, Boyd and Livingston, Sir John Gordon, of Lochinvar, and Sir James Cockburn, of Stirling. Murray appeared with Earl of Morton, the Protestant Bishop of Orkney, Lord Lindsay, and Kobert Pitcairn, with Buchanan and others as assistants. Elizabeth selected Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Sussex and Sir Palph Sadler. Lethington, who was involved in the King's mur- der, and who had always retained an attachment to Mary, endeavored to avert the public inquiry, to which she had given her assent. He felt that dishon- or to her would be a result, and forwarded the letters in the silver casket to the captive, desiring to know how he might serve her in the approaching emergen- cy. She requested Lethington to soften the severity of Murray's accusations, and secure the influence of the illustrious Duke of Norfolk. The noble Howard wielded a controlling influence in the privy council, and over the kingdom. The third time a widower, he secretly aspired to the hand of Mary Stuart. 260 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. Xorfolk immediately united liis power to Letliiiig- ton's eflorts to stay proceedings. In an interview •with tliat disloyal and pliant secretary, lie began Lis mediation with a plan of reconciliation between the regent and his exiled sister. He thus reprovingly addressed Lethington : '• Is England judge over the princes of Scotland ? How could we find it in our hearts to dishonor the mother of our futm-e king ? or how could we answer afterwards for what we had done, seeing that, by bringing his mother's honesty in question, we jeop- ardize his right to the crown of England. It had been rather the duty of you, his subjects, to cover her imperfections, if she had any, leaving her punishment unto God, who is the only judge over princes." Lethiugton endorsed these opinions, and arranged a meetinsr of Murrav with Norfolk, which occurred at night, in the soKtary gallery of the dwelling of the duke. Tlie effect of the duke's reasoning, on the evils which would inevitably attend a public defamation of the Queen, while nothing but great imprudence on the part of her accusers could prevent her ultimate possession of the crown of England, was deep and in- fluential upon the discriminating mind of Murray. The regent affirmed, however, that the contents of the casket could not be suppressed — the Queen did not deny their origin, and many had already seen them. Norfolk persuaded him not to use them as evidence, and wisely added : " You are grievously deceived, if you imagine the Que'en of England will ever pronounce sentence in MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 201 this cause. Do you not see that no answers have been returned to the questions which, upon this point, were addressed by you to us, and forwarded to the Queen? Xay, you can easily put the matter to a more certain proof. Request an assurance, under the Queen's liand, tliat when you accuse your sovereign and bring forward your proofs, she will pronounce sentence. If you get it, act as you please — if it is not given, rest assured that my information is true, and take occasion thereupon \o stay from further pro- ceedings." Murray decided to do no more than vin- dicate himself, without attacking Mary. During these private negotiations and plots — the unfolding series of events in the life of a beautiful princess, whose far-reaching interest swept over many brave and cowardly hearts, both in the splendor and under the shadow of thrones — the prisoner wrote a letter to Elizabeth, embracing a summary of her hopes, desires and fears : THE QUEEN OF 8C0TB TO THE QUEEN OF SPAIN. " Madam, my good sister — I cannot describe to you the pleasure which I have derived, at so unfortunate a time for me, from your friendly and consoling let- ters, which seem as if sent by God to solace me amid 60 many troubles and adversities with which I am surrounded. I clearly perceive how much I am bound to praise God for our having been brought up, fortunately for me, together in our youth,* which is * Elizabeth, third wife of Philip II., of Spain, was the eldest daughter of the French King, Henry IL, at whose court the Queen of Scots was brought up. 262 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. the cause of our indissoluble friendship, proofs of which you give on your part. Alas ! what return can I make, unless by loving and honoring you, and, if I should ever have the means of serving you, as I have always wished to do, and shall as long as I live. " Do not blame me, my good sister, if I have not written to you — for I have been for eleven months imprisoned, and so strictly guarded, as not to have either the means to write, or any one to whom I could intrust my letters. After that, I was ten days in Scotland, and in a castle only five miles distant from my enemies. Since then, I lost the battle.* I was obliged to take refuge here, as I informed you by Montraorin. By the way, I kiss your hands for the regret which he told me you had expressed for my misfortunes. But to return to my subject. Don Guz- man can vouch for the impossibility, in my situation, either of sending a messenger, or even a letter, in safety ; for I am in the hands of people, who watch me so narrowly, that the most trifling circumstance would furnish them with an excuse for serving me a worse turn than detaining me against my will ; and but for this, I should long since have been in France. But she [Queen Elizabeth] has positively refused to allow me to go thither, and insists on directing my affairs, whether I will or not. I cannot give you here all the details, as they would be too long ; but I have ordered the brother of my ambassador in France, to * The battle of Langside, which induced Mary to seek refuge in England. MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 263 acquaint the ambassador of the king, your lord, in London, with every particular, that he may write to you in cipher, otherwise it would be dangerous. " I will tell you one thing, by the way ; that if the kings, your lord and your brother, were at peace, my misfortune might be of service to Christendom. For my coming to this country has caused me to make acquaintance, by which I have learned so much of the state of things here, that if I had ever so little hope of succeeding elsewhere, I would make ours the reigning religion, or perish in the attempt.* The whole of this part is entirely devoted to the Catholic faith, and with the right that I have, for this reason, in my favor, I could easily teach this Queen what it is to intermeddle and assist subjects against princes. She is extremely jealous, lest this, and this only, should restore me to my country. But she tries, by all means, to make me appear guilty of what I have so unjustly been accused of, as you will perceive from a statement of all the intrigues which have been direct- ed against me ever since I was born, by those traitors to God and to me. It is not yet finished. IS^everthe- less, I must tell you I have been offered many fine things to change my religion ; which I will never do. But if I am compelled to yield, in some points, which I have stated to your ambassador, you may judge that * This letter, written at the time •when Mary -was making such strong professions of implicit submission to Elizabeth, clearly shows what England might have expected, could Mary have got rid of its detested Protestant sovereign, although her "good sister," andmada good her own claim to her throne. 264: MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. it will be because I am a prisoner. Now I assure yon, and beseecb jou to assure the king, that I shall die in the Roman Catholic religion, whatever they may say to the contrary. I cannot exercise it here, because they will not permit me, and, merely for having spoken of it, they have threatened to shut me up more closely, and to treat me with less consideration. " You have adverted to a subject in jest, which I mean to take in good earnest ; it is respecting the ladies, your daughters. Madam, I have also a son. I hope that if the king, and the king your brother, to whom I beg you to write in my behalf, will but send an embassy to this Queen, declaring to her that they do me the honor to rank me as their sister and ally, and that they are resolved to take me under their protection, requiring her at the same time, if she val- ues their friendship, to send me back to my kingdom, and to assist me to punish my rebels ; otherwise, they will themselves endeavor to do so, being assured that she will never take part with subjects against their sovereign ; she will not dare to refuse them, for she is herself in some fear of insurrections. For she is not greatly beloved by any one of the religions, while, God be praised, I believe I have gained the hearts of a great many good-people of the country, since my coming, so that they are ready to hazard all they pos- sess, for me and my cause. If this were done, and some other necessary favors, which I have mentioned to your ambassador, being in my own country, and in friendship with this Queen, whom her people will not permit to see me, for fear I should lead her into a MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. 265 better track, (for they are of opinion that I should govern her if I studied to j)lease her,) I might then hope to bring up my son in devotion to your interest ; and if it please God to be merciful to me, and, with your assistance, to gain for him that which belongs to us, I am sure that, if you grant him one of your daughters, whichsoever you please, he will be but too happy. They have almost made an offer to nat- uralize him ; and for the Queen to adopt him as her son. But I have no wish to give him up to them, and to resign my rights, the consequence of which would be to render him of their wretched religion. If I had my choice, I should much rather send him to you, and risk every danger to re-establish the ancient and good faith throughout this whole island. I beg you will keep this secret, for it might cost me my life ; yet whatever you hear, be assured that I shall never change my opinion, however I may be compelled to accommodate myself to circumstances. " I will not trouble you at present with a longer letter, but merely beseech you to write in my behalf. Should I and this Queen come to terms, I will write and inform you. But it is necessary that your am- bassador should be commanded to correspond with me in cipher, and to send some one to visit mo at times, as my attendants dare not go to them. " I humbly recommend myself to your favor, pray- ing God to give you health and a long and happy life. I have much more to write to you, but I dare not ; I am in a fever about this. I beg you to send me some one, in your especial name, and one in whom L 266 HAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. I can place confidence, so that I may make known to him all my intentions. From Bolton, this 24:th Sep- tember, 1568. " Your very hnmble and obedient sister, " Maky." Mary Stuart contemplated the arraignment of the regent, bnt evidently did not anticipate for herself the position of a criminal before the aj^pointed judges of her invaded prerogative. If she had maintained a proud refusal to answer to any charges preferred by her rebellious subjects, Elizabeth would not have been able to bring her to a tribunal ; and to continue her captivity, would have been a most difficult and dangerous undertaking. The submission of Mary to the arbitration of her rival, was not the least of the errors of her knpulsive, ardent nature, whose con- qnering loveliness of person, and ancient lineage of royalty, were made the delusive basis of nndying hope. A rainbow arched every storm, to her vision, and she awaited, with the excitement of consuming anxiety and expectation of deliverance, the trial. CHAPTER VII. THE CONFERENCE LETTER OF MARY STUART TO THE KING OF SPAIN THE SCOTCH COMMISSIONERS WITHDRAW MURRAY ACCUSES MARY ELIZA- BETH PROPOSES TO HER PRISONER A REPLY TO THE EVIDENCE MART REFUSES THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND WRITES TO MARY ^MARY VINDICATES HER COURSE THE CONFERENCE CLOSES MARY STUART's LETTER TO ELIZABETH THE CONFLICT OF ROYAL DETERMINATIONS MART IS EK- MOVED TO THE CASTLE OF TUTBURY MURRAy's MOVEMENTS THE duke of norfolk aspires to the hand of mary his designs dis- covered by elizabeth mary is more closely confined the duke is arrested mary writes to elizabeth insurrection murray is triumphant his assassination his character letters of mary negotiations with elizabeth conspiracy it is detected — Norfolk's death and character — mary's condition. The conference was opened witli pomp and cere- mony, befitting a court representing two Queens, a regent, and the leading nobles of botli England and Scotland. Mary Stuart's commissioners boldly as- serted her regal rights and honor — made a full and lucid statement of the successive shocks of revolution which had shaken the land of Bruce to its centre, and hurled their indignant condemnation upon the rebellious partizans of Murray. The regent offered his vindication with equal boldness. He described the impolitic measures and marriages of the Queen — the voluntary resignation of her crown — and her con- 268 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. Bent to his acceptance of the regency from the enthu- siastic people. He passed over the charge of murder, which was to the masses the unpardonable sin of her I'eign, and which kindled the anger of Elizabeth more than any other error, excepting the claim to succession. The commissioners replied that the marriage with Bothwell was an unwilling submission to the wishes of the nobles. To this, Murray made no answer. Elizabeth was without excuse for delaying a personal interview with Mary. Murray improved the mo- ment, to test the success of a more fearful line of procedure. He inquired of the English commission- ers whether, if he j)roved the captive's guilt, she would be condemned, and he continued in his official station. He also sent a private messenger to Bolton, to ascertain if Mary would avoid the threatened dis- grace by confirming her abdication, and remaining in England with a roj'al income. He then exhibit- ed to the lords, representing Elizabeth, the letters of the silver casket. Lesley advised Mary to yield to the regent's propositions, to which she consented, October 13th. While matters were on tlie eve of an adjustment, which would secure Murray's authority and the fal- len Queen's honor, Elizabeth, who was apprized of the secret parley, interposed, and removed the court to Westminster, under her argus-eyed inspection. The conference opened November 25th. "After Mary's commissioners had read a protest in conformi- ty to the recent instructions they had received from their sovereign, the lord chancellor, who acted as MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 269 president of the conference, informed Murray tliat tlie defence lie had made at York was considered incon- clusive : and, with a view to encourage the regent to speak more openly, he added: 'Her majesty prin- cipally wisheth that, upon the hearing of this great cause, the honor and estate of the Queen of Scots may be preserved, and found sincerely sound, whole, and firm ; but if she shall be justly proved and found guilty of the murder of her husband, which were much to be lamented, she shall either be delivered into your hands, upon good and sufficient sureties and assurances for the safety of her life and good usage of her ; or else she shall continue to be kept in England, in such sort as neither the prince her son, nor you, the Earl of Murray, shall be in any danger by her liberty. And for the time to come, her majesty will maintain the authority of the said prince to be king, and the gov- ernment of the realm by you, the Earl of Murray, ac- cording to the laws of Scotland.' " Somewhat re-assured by this declaration, Murray spoke. He said that it had long been repugnant to his feelings to make public acts of a nature calculated to sully the honor of the mother of his sovereign in the eyes of strangers ; but that he was now compelled by necessity to defend himself, and that all blame must rest upon those who had forced him to drag into light the proofs which he had hitherto concealed. However, as the verbal declarations which had been given in Elizabeth's name did not satisfy him, as he knew that princess would readily disavow them, Mur- ray required an assurance, under the English Queen's 270 MAKY QTEEN OF SCOTS. hand, that she would j^ronoiince a judgment, before he gave in his accusation. To this Cecil rej)lied, that he had ample assurance already ; and it ill became him to suspect or doubt the words of their royal mis- tress. ' Where,' he added, ' is your accusation ?' ' It is here,' answered John Wood, the regent's secretary, plucking it from his bosom, ' and here it must re- main till we see the Queen's hand writ.' As he sj)oke, the Bishop of Orkney — who was dissatisfied with the regent's vacillating policy, and who agreed with Mor- ton, Lindsay, the Abbot of Dunfermline, and Buchan- an, in wishing to put matters to extremities — stepped u]) to Wood, snatched the paper from his hands, and running to the table, placed it before the English commissioners. Wood remained, for an instant, mo- tionless, from real or feigned astonishment ; but quick- ly recovering himself, he sprang after the bishop. He was, however, too late to stop him, and was obli- ged to resume his seat, amid the ill-suppressed laugh- ter of many present. This scene of violence and buflPoonery formed the fitting introduction to the de- famation of a Queen by her own subjects, before the subjects of another sovereign. " In his accusation, Murray stated that as Bothwell was the author of Darnley's murder, so the Queen, his wife, had persuaded him to commit it ; that she was not only in the foreknowledge of the same, but a main- tainer of the assassins, as she had shown by thwarting the course of justice, and by marrying the chief executor of that foul crime. To give additional force to this solemn denunciation of Mary's culpability, the MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 271 father of the murdered king added his demand for vengeance. The Earl of Lennox presented himself before the English commissioners, and in the most pathetic language, accused Queen Mary of having conspired the death of his son, declared that until that moment he had not expected to obtain justice, except at the hand of God, but that he now laid his case in full confidence before their lordships, whom her ma- jesty, the Queen of England, whose natural-born snb- ject his son was, had authorized to hear this cause. " Mary Stuart labored under a most terrible accu- sation. Her deputies were thrown into great conster- nation, and deliberated for two days upon the course they ought to pursue. Before breaking up the con- ference, in conformity to the latest instructions they had received from their sovereign, they repelled the imputations which had been cast upon her, in contempt of all divine laws and human obligations, and bitterly complained that so unlawful and unexpected a proceed- ing had been allowed in England. ' My lords,' they wrote to the English commissioners, ' we are heartily sorry to hear that our countryinen intend to color their most unjust, ungrateful, and shameful doings against their natural sovereign, liege lady and mistress, who hath been so beneficial to them. Her grace hath made them, from mean men, earls and lords ; and now, with- out any evil deserving on her part, in either deed or word, to any of them, she is thus recompensed with calumnious and false reports, and slandered to her re- proach in this great matter, whereof they that now pretend herewith to excuse their treason were the 272 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. first inventors — having written witli their own hands that devilish bond, the conspiracy for the slaughter of that innocent young gentleman, Henry Stuart, late spouse of ou.r sovereign, and presented her in mar- riage to their wicked confederate, James, Earl Botli- well, as was made manifest before ten thousand people in Edinburgh,' " After protesting against what ' these rebels and calumniators had done in Scotland,' Mary's commis- sioners affirmed that their usurpation was not assented to by an eighth part of the kingdom, and pointed out the consequences that might ensue to other princes, from granting impunity from this example of success- ful revolt and disloyal accusation. ' If this in them be tolerated,' they wrote, ' what prince lives upon the face of the earth whose ambitious subjects may not invent some slander, to deprive them of their supreme authority during their lifetime ? Your wisdoms well understand how far their doings exceed the bounds permitted to subjects in the holy and sacred Scrip- tures, and violate the loyal duty which they owe to their native princes. They attributed the insurrec- tion of Murray's party in Scotland, not to any desire to punish the murderers of the King, but to their am- bition to govern the kingdom ; and in conclusion, they repeated that their mistress, whose ancestors had been independent monarchs, and who was herself an independent princess, could not be judged by any living authority, as the Queen of England herself had admitted. " Their next step was to demand an immediate au- MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 273 dience of Elizabeth. When admitted to her presence, they complained in strong terms of the manner in which the j)roceedings had been conducted. They reminded her of her promise, that in the absence of their royal mistress, nothing sho'uld be done which might affect her honor and authority ; complained that, in violation of this promise, her gubjects had been encouraged to load her with the most attrocious imputations ; reiterated their demand that she should, in common justice, be allowed to appear in person and plead her own cause ; and, meanwhile, besought that her accusers might be arrested. This bold de- mand perplexed Elizabeth, but she extricated herself from the dilemma with her usual astuteness. After de- claring that she had never believed the Queen of Scots guilty of the murder of her husband, she went on to say, that as the regent and his colleagues had brought this accusation against her in their own defence, it would be unjust not to give them an opportunity to prove their allegations. She had, therefore, resolved to send for them, and to demand their proofs ; after which she would willingly hear their mistress in her own justification. The partiality of this proceeding, which transformed those who were accused of rebel- lion into the accusers of a murder, filled Mary's com- missioners with indignation. They remonstrated against a further hearing being granted to Murray, and ended by solemnly protesting, that nothing that might be done hereafter had their consent, or should in any way prejudice the rights of their sovereign. " Their indignation, however, was only assumed as L* 18 274: MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. a cloak for tlieir alarm ; and whilst tliey were most bitterly inveighing against the regent, they sent to him to propose a compromise. In order to prevent the production of those formidable documents, which Elizabeth's perfidious animosity so ardently desired, they suggested that she should become reconciled to his sister, who would, doubtless, restore him to her favor, and give him and his adherents every pledge that they might recpiire. But this was only a recon- ciliation, whilst Murray and the lords of his party de- manded an abdication. Elizabeth, moreover, declared that a queen, who labored under so grave a charge, ought not to compromise the matter, but to defend herself."* During these proceedings, Mary wrote a letter of condolence and complaint to the king of Spain, which is a beautiful expression of sympathy and suffering. THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO KING PHILIP IL " Most high and most puissant prince, my very dear and well beloved brother, cousin and ally, in the midst of my adversity, I have received, at the same moment, two pieces of news, from which it would seem that Fortune is redoubling her eff'orts to put an end to me -altogether. One of these is that of the death of the queen, your consort madam, my good sis- ter, whose soul may God receive ! and the other, that some one has represented to you that I am wavering in my religion, and that, to my misfortune, you doubt, sometimes, whether I have any at all. These two ac- * Miffn^t. MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 275 counts afflict me to such a degree, that, though one leaves some hope of solace and remedy, I see none for the other. I know not which of the two grieves me most. I have reason to mourn, as I do with you, the death of so good and virtuous a princess, whose loss, I am sure, will be most painful to you. As for myself, personally, it has bereft me of the best sister and friend I had in the world — of her in whom I had the great- est hope ; and, though this loss is irreparable, though we ought to be resigned to it, and to submit to the will of God, who has been pleased to take her to him- self, and to remove her from this life to enjoy another much more happy, still, it is impossible for me to mention, or even think of her, but my heart melts into tears and sighs, while the love I bore her is incessantly recalling her to my memory. I have, also, particular cause to be afflicted, as I am afraid of losing that which she had in part gained for me with you ; that is to say, so good an opinion, that I would be very sure of finding in you that protection and favor which I need in my misfortunes, as I am certain that, if God had but spared her life until now, she would have an- swered to you for me, and have assured you that the reports made to you are absolutely false, which they really are. It is not long since I wrote to her, and I remember that, among other things, I intimated my firm resolution of living and dying in the Roman Catholic faith, whatever ill usage I might have to en- dure here on that account, and this, too, before I had the least suspicion that any one had endeavored to calumniate me to you, though I have had a long ex* 276 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. perience of the wickedness of tlie rebels and other persons of this country, who tolerate them, because they are all of the same sect ; but I never could liave thought that calumny could have so many attractions for persons professing the Catholic religion, and of that faith I believe them to be who prejudiced you against me. " I must now tell you that, whoever the person may be who has been the instrument of such disservice, I beseech you not to believe him, as he must be misin- forjned ; and if you will please to honor me by ap- pointing individuals worthy of confidence, to make inquiries of those persons who are about me, and who are the most capable of answering and speaking on any subject whatever, I am sure that they will certify the very contrary, for they have never heard me utter a single word, or do the least thing that could give them so unfavorable an idea of me, " If I do not exercise my religion, it must not be concluded that I waver between the two. Besides, since my arrival in this kingdom, I begged to be, at least, allowed to exercise it in the same manner as the ambassador of a foreign prince is permitted to do ; but was told that I was a kinswoman of the Queen's, and should never obtain that indulgence. An English minister was afterward sent to me ; he merely recites some prayers in the vulgar tongue, which I had not the power to prevent, because I was, as I still am, deprived of my liberty, and closely guarded. But if it be supposed I have done wrong by being present at those prayers v/hich I attended, * MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 277 because I was not allowed any otlier exercise of my religion, I am ready to make any amends that may be considered necessary, that all the Catholic princes in the world may be convinced that I am an obedient, Biibmissive, and devoted daughter of the holy Catholic and Roman church, in the faith of which I will live and die, without ever entertaining any other intention than this — an intention from which, with the help of God, I will never swerve in any way whatever. " But, as a single word on this point ought to suf- fice, I will not trouble you further on the subject, ex- cept to entreat you to lend a favorable ear to that which I have charged the Archbishop of Glasgow, my ambassador at the court of France, to say to your resident at the said court, that he may communicate it to you. " These presents having no other object, I conclude, very humbly and afi'ectionately recommending my- self to your favor, and praying the Creator to grant you a long and happy life. " From the Castle of Bowton, in England, the last day of the month of November, one thousand five hundred and sixty-eight. " Your very good sister. Mart." The Scotch deputies, perceiving in the determina- tion of Elizabeth to make Mary answer to the charge of complicity in the Darnley murder, and the proof which Murray was to ofi'er of her guilt in his own defence, augmenting danger to their Queen, dissolved the conference, entered a solemn protest against the 278 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. course of arbitration, and witlidrew, under the osten- sible design of self-vindication. The regent, in accord- ance with the order of the English commissioners, furnished the contents of the silver casket, with man- ifold evidence of their authority. The court atfirraed the testimony to be conclusive, and proceeded, in the face of renewed protest and dissolution of the confer- ence, to their illegal yet withering conclusions. The privy council of Elizabeth approved the entire action, and resolved " that, as the crimes wherewith the Queen of Scots had been by common fame burdened, are made more apparent by many vehement allega- tions and presumptions upon things now produced, the Queen's majesty cannot, without manifest blem- ish of her own honor, agree to have the said Queen come into her presence until the said horrible crimes may be, by some just and reasonable answer, avoided and removed from her." Elizabeth made propositions for permitting Mary to answer the fatal documents, which were promptly rejected. She also wrote to the prisoner in a sym- pathetic strain, but remained true to the policy of an imperial sway, whose unquestioned possession was more precious than a rival's bleeding heart. QUEEN ELIZABETH TO MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. " Madame, while your cause hath bene here treated upon, we thought it not nedeful to write anything thereof unto you, supposing, alwaies, that your com- missioners wolde thereof advertise as they sawe cause. And now, sithen they hawe broken this conference, MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 279 by refusing to make answer as they say by your commandment, and for tliat pnrpose tliey returne to you ; although we thinke you shall by them perceive the whole proceedings ; yet we cannot but let youe understand by these our lettres, that as we have been very sorry of long time for your mishappes and great troubles, so find we our sorrowes now dubled in be- holding such thinges as are produced, to prove your- self cause of all the same. And our grief herein is also increased, in that we did not think at any time to have seen or liard such matters of so grate ap- parunce and moment to chardge and condemne youe. Nevertheless, both in frindship, nature and justice, we are moved to couer these matters, and stay our judgment, and not to gather any sence thereof to your preiudice, before we may hear of your direct answer thereunto, according as your commissioners understand our meaning to be, which, at their request, is delivered to them in writing. And as we trust they will aduise youe for your honor to agree to make answer, as we have mentioned them, so surely we can- not but as one prince and nere cousin regarding an- other, moost earnestly e as we may in terms of friend- ship, require and chardge you not to forbeare from answering. And for our parte as we are heartely sorry, and dismaide to find such mater of your chardge ; and although we doubt not but you are well certified of the diligence and care of your min- isters having your commission, yet can we not, be- sides an allowance generally of them, especially note to you your good choice of this bearer, the Bishoppe 280 MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. of Koss, who hath not only faithfully and wisely, but also so carefully and dutifully, for your honor and weale, behaved himself, and that both privately and publickly, as we cannot but in this sorte com- mende him unto youe, as we wish you had many such devoted discrete serunants. For in our judge- ment, we thinke we have not any that in loyalty and faithfulnes can overmatche him. And this we are tliG bolder to write, considering we take it the best triall of a good seruante to be in aduersitie, out of which we wish you to be delinered by the iustifica- tion of your innocency. "And so trusting to hear shortly from you, we make an ende. Geven at Hampton Court, under our Signet the xxth of December, 1568, in the Leau- enthe year of Reigne. " Your good sistar and cousin, " Elizabeth." Mary refused to appear as a criminal, and displayed her great qualities of character. Amid all her ca- lamities — changing policy — disappointments and tears, she had never despaired. Ambitious and bold in prosecuting her plans, she assumed the bearing and dignity of a Queen in the hour of greatest peril. She spurned the thought of self-defence, and turned with unsparing attack upon Murray. She used the following language in a message to her commissioners : " Forasmuch as the Earl of Murray and his adhe- rents, our rebellious subjects, have added unto their pretended excuses, produced by them for coloring MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 281 of their liorrible crimes and offences, committed against us, tlieir sovereign lady and mistress, the charge that ' as the Earl of Bothwell was the princi- pal executor of the murder committed on the person of Harry Stuart, our late husband, so we knew, coun- seled, devised, persuaded, and commanded the said murder,' — they have falsely, traitorously, and wickedly lied ; maliciously imputing unto us a crime of which themselves were authors and inventors, and some of them even executors." Repelling the charge of having impeded the proceedings of justice against Darnley's murderers, and of havino; o;iven her consent before hand to her marriage with Bothwell, she alluded, with consummate ability and eloquence, to the danger to which the lords declared that she had exposed her son : " That calumny," she pathetically observed, " should suffice for proof of all the rest. The natural love of a mother towards her bairn, confounds them ; but in the malice and impiety of their hearts, they judge others by their own affection." Accordingly, the Scotch commissioners presented their accusations of regicide against the regent and his friends, sustained and vehemently urged by the Bishop of Ross. Upon hearing of the new order of royal battle for sovereignty, the impetuous Lindsay sent a challenge to Lord Herri e^. January 11th Murray confronted Mary's representatives, and de- manded proof of their charges. Their prosecution of him and defence of their Queen, were indefinite, and too general for any important issue. An abdication was again proposed by Elizabeth, as the only final 282 MART QUE.B:5r OF SCOTS. settlement of the distressing difference. But Mary's imprudence and guilt had gone abroad in published documents, and she would not voluntarily resign her crown, and in the act confess her criminality. She affirmed to the commissioners, — " the last words that I shall utter in my life, shall be the words of a Queen of Scotland." The conference was closed, and the condition of Mary's affairs was worse than when it began. Mur- ray returned to guard his throne, with the consent and approval of Elizabeth and her court. Mary wrote complainingly to the Queen of England : THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO ELIZABETH. " Madam my good sister — I know not what occasion I can have given to any of this company, or at least of your kingdom, that they sliould endeavor to persuade you (as it appears to me by your letter,) of a thing so distant from my thoughts, whereof my conduct has borne witness. Madam, I came to you in my trouble for succor and support, on the faith of the assurance that I might reckon upon you for every assistance in my necessity ; and, for this reason, I refrained from applying for any other aid to friends, relatives, and ancient allies; relying solely upon your promised favor. I have never attempted, either by word or deed, aught to the contrary, and nobody can lay to my charge anything against you. Still, to my unspeakable regret, I see my actions falsely rep- resented and construed ; but I hope that God and time, tlie father of truth, will declare otherwise, and MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 283 prove to you the sincerity of my intentions towards you. " In the meantime, I am treated so rigorously, that I cannot comprehend whence proceeds the extreme indignation which this demonstrates that you have conceived against me, in return for the confidence which I have placed in you, in preference to all other princes, and the desire I have shown to obtain your favor. I cannot but deplore my evil fortune, seeing you have been pleased not only to refuse me your presence, causing me to be declared unworthy of it by your nobles ; but also suffered me to be torn in pieces by my rebels, without even making them answer to that which I have alleged against them ; not allow- ing me to have copies of their false accusations, or aflbrding me any liberty to accuse them. You have also permitted them to retire, with a decree, in a manner absolving and strengthening them in this usurped so- called regency, and liave thrown the blame upon me, and covertly condemned me without giving me a hearing, detained my ministers, caused me to be re- moved by force, without informing me what has been resolved upon respecting my affairs ; why I am to be transferred to another abode ; how long I am to re- main there ; how I shall be treated there ; or for what reason I am confined, and all support and my requests refused. "All these things, along with petty annoyances, such as not permitting me to receive news from my relatives in France, nor from my servants on my pri- vate necessities, having in like manner anew inter- 284 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. dieted all communication with Scotland, nay, refused me leave to give any commission to one of my ser- vants, or to send my letters by them, grieve me so sorely, and make me, to tell you the truth, so timid and irresolute, that I am at a loss hovv' to act, nor can I resolve upon obeying so sudden an order to dej^art, without first receiving some news from my commis- sioners : not that this place is a whit more agreeable than any other which you may be pleased to assign ; wdien you have made me acquainted with your good will toward me, and on what conditions. "Wherefore, madam, I entreat you not to think that I mean any offence, but a natural care which I owe to myself and my people, to wish to know the end before disposing of myself so lightly, I mean vol- untary ; for I am in your power, and you can, in spite of me, command even the lowest of your subjects to sacrifice me without my being able to do anything but appeal to God and you, for other support I have none ; and, thank God, I am so silly as to suppose that any of your subjects concern themselves about the affairs of a poor, forlorn, foreign prince, who, next to God, seeks your aid alone, and, if my adversaries tell you anything to the contrary, they are false, and de- ceive you ; for I honor you as my eldest sister ; and notwithstanding all the grievances above mentioned, I shall be ever ready to solicit, as of my eldest sister, your friendship before that of any other. Would to God you would grant it me, and treat me as I should wish to deserve in your place ! AVhen this shall come to pass, I shall be happy ; if not, God grant me pa- MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 285 tience, and you his grace ! And here I will humbly recommend myself to yours, praying God to grant you, madam, health, and a long and happy life. "From Bolton, this xxii. of January, (1568-9.) " Your very affectionate good sister and cousin, " Maky E.' Mary again requested a copy of the letters in evi- dence against her, but Elizabeth denied her, unless she would vindicate her impeached honor. This the resolute caj)tive would do only in the presence of the English Queen and foreign ambassadors. The hope- less contest continued for weeks. Permission was desired in behalf of Mary Stuart, to leave England, as the regent, her brother, had done. Instead of compli- ance, Elizabeth removed her, under the care of the Earl of Shrewsbury, farther into the interior of the kingdom. "It was January 26th, 1569, that Mary arrived at the Castle of Tutbury, with impressions of terror and disgust, which were somewhat softened by the pres- ence of her faithful friends, Lord and Lady Living- ston, Mary Seaton, and a junior Livingston ; nor, to a heart susceptible as hers of personal attachment, could it be a matter of indifference, that in her re- duced train of domestics, she saw many faces long familiar to remembrance,* — the experienced Eaulet, her French secretary, and the gallant William Doug- lass, her juvenile protector. In the family of her new ♦Those attendants were thirty in number. See Lodge's "lUus- trations of British History," vol. ii. 286 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. guardians might be discovered the epitome of a court, with all its concomitant suspicions and intrigues, venal spies, and domestic discords. ITaturallj liberal and courteous, the Earl of Shrewsbury was united to a woman whose imperious and crafty temper constantl^^ embittered his existence. " In contemplating her desperate fortunes, she had no alternative but to suppress her discontent, to prac- tice patience, and assume the language of resignation. Instead, therefore, of proclaiming her resentment for the violence which had been offered to her inclina- tions, she not only affected to reconcile herself to a residence in Tutbury Castle, but by every possible concession labored to efface those religious or politi- cal impressions which might operate against her per- sonal interests ; and she not only persisted in attend' ing public worship according to the Anglican church, but condescended to solicit an introduction to every person who visited Lord Shrewsbury's family." A writer has recorded an interview enjoyed with Mary at this time. " Her grace fell in talk with me on sundry matters, from six to seven of the clock, be- ginning first ."^0 excuse her ill English, declaring her- self more willing than ajDt to learn that language, and how she used translations as a means to attain it, and that Mr. Yice-chamberlain (Knolles) was a good schoolmaster.' ' I asked her how she liked her change of air.' She said, ' If it might have j)leased her good eister, she would not have removed at this time ; but MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 287 added (doubtless to qualify the objection), she was better content, because sbe was come so much nearer to tbe Queen's majesty, whom she desired above all things to see.' In reply to this. White had the effrontery to remark, that ' though denied the actual, she was effectively admitted to the real presence of his sovereign, whose affectionate and sisterly ca»re was constantly manifested for her preservation. At the same time he reminded her of the perils from which she had escaped, and with solemn mockery felicitated her singular good fortune in having reached this hos- pitable realm, and received in it such honorable and liberal treatment.' The insolence of this address was, perhaps, in some degree disguised by quaint and common-place recommendations of patience and piety, with which it Avas abundantly seasoned ; and Mary listened to the didactic courtier with apparent com- placency, gently remarking, that ' j)atience was in- deed most necessary to her present state, and that she prayed God to bestow it on her.' Dismissing sub- jects of personal interest, the visitor demanded how the Queen passed her time when debarred by bad weather from using exercise. She replied, that ' she spent her time in needlework, and that the variety of the colors beguiled the occupation which she contin- ued in, till admonished by the pain in her side, that she ought to desist.' She then entered into a compar- ison of painting with sculpture ; but soon withdrew to her apartment, probably to vent the bitterness of her soul in murmurs against her pretended benefac- tors. Abstracted from the positive miseries of her 288 MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. present situation, Mary created to herself a new source of torment, by yilding to suspicions the most chimerical and absurd. That in Sir William Cecil she had an enemy she could not doubt ; but instead of attributing his hostility to the true cause, namely, his intimate association with the Regent Murray, and his ardent attachment to the religion which that statesman professed, she suffered herself to be persua- ded that the sagacious minister of Elizabeth labored to effectuate her exclusion from the throne of Eng- land, purposely that he might raise to it another pre- tender, the Earl of Huntingdon.* But, however credulous Mary might be, her English adversaries ap- pear to have been equally addicted to conjectural fan- cies, since Nicholas AVhite professed to be perplexed by the motto which he saw embroidered on her cloth of estate — • dans ma Jin est mon commenceTnent / and, for the sake of Elizabeth, adduced many reasons why ' the Queen of Scots should be seen as little as possible ; besides, that she is a goodly personage, though not comparable to our sovereign ; she hath withal an alluring grace, a pretty Scotch speech, and a searching wit, clouded with mildness. Fame might move some to relieve her, and glory joined to gain, might stir others to adventure much for her sake ; then joy is a lively impetuous passion, and carrieth many persuasions to the heart, which ruleth all the rest." * The earl had married a female descendant of the Duke of ClOr rcnc^ the brother of Edward the Fourth. MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 289 Murray was not at ease in liis triumpli. The Duke of IN'orfolk was exasperated because the regent had interposed new obstacles in the way of his marriage to Mary Stuart. Catholic earls were in a blaze of religious enmity. Assassination threatened him, and it was only by stratagem that he escaped. Pie ap- peased the Duke of Norfolk with pleas of necessity in appearing as the accuser of his sister, and promises of kindest interest for her future well-being. Mary immediately summoned her energies and her availa- ble influence to the work of attempting a deliverance from captivity. France was in sympathy with her design, Scotland was ready to furnish an armed force, and the north of England was roused, while Spain was moving for an invasion of Britain. The Duke of Chatellerault, and Lord Ilerries, with Huntley and Argyle, presented themselves to the insurgent lords, as Mary's chieftains. Murray retained with him the citizens of the towns, the Presbyterian clergy, and the most energetic, effective members of the nobility. With this array of fighting men, and the reins of au- thority in his hands, he called a convention of his adherents to secure their formal approval of his opera- tions, at Stirling Castle, and immediately marched forth to suprise the enemy. He came upon the Duke of Chatellerault and Herries, and compelled them to make a treaty, March 18th, 1569. They acknowledged the young King, on condition of restoring refugees ; and agreed upon a conference, to be held in April, for the final arrangement of conflicting claims. Tlie re- gent employed the truce wisely. He subdued the M 19 290 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. Bordei ers, and strengthened himself for a controlling power in the assembly of the nobility. Tlie evening before it commenced its sessions, April 9th, the duke and Herries received letters from Mary Stuart, con- demning their concessions and plan of pacification. Chatellerault quailed beneath her reproaches, and slept till the dawn of morning. Lord Herries was so overcome, that he was taken severely ill. They therefore retracted, and Murray put an end to dis- cussion and explanation, by ordering his guards to escort them to the Castle of Edinburgh, and place them under the care of the kirkaldy of Grange. He then marched triumphantly among the startled adhe- rents of Mary, ravaged their country, and took their castles, leaving a track of conquest from Inverness to Dumfries, from Dunbar to Glasgow. He then order- ed the assembly of the estates of tlie realm to convene July 25th, 1569. He was met at Inverness upon his return from the Korth, by Lord Boyd, whom Mary had disj)atched to negotiate with her brother concern- ing articles of restoration to her kingdom and her marriage with I^Torfolk. The duke was encouraged in his ambitious hopes, and a renewal of his scheme, which the disastrous issue of the conference interrupt- ed. Mary's partizans at home, and the friends of peace in England, favored the union of a Catholic Queen Avitli a Protestant duke, whose consanguinity to Henry YIL was an element of popularity. Eliza- beth was feeble in health, and had made no provision for the succession to the throne ; those circumstances increased the interest in the projected marriage, to MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 291 svhicli Maiy Stuart consented, contrary to an express- ed resolution not to marry again. Murray's conquests in Scotland had augmented his own strength, and greatly darkened Mary's pros- pects. Elizabeth sent to the convention at Perth, in July, three propositions. The first was to restore Ma » ry Stuart to her throne ; the second, if more desira- ble, suggested the associating of young James with her in sovereignty ; and the third, if the former were rejected, was that the people of Scotland receive the captive as a private person. The Queen of England, doubtless, did not expect the acceptance of either, amid the hostile parties and interests of a distracted realm. Mary was sadly disappointed in the issue of the discussions at Perth, and addressed herself to oth- er possibilities of success, with an unflagging energy, which has a masculine tone, in singular contrast with her charming beauty. She corresponded afiection- ately with the Duke of Norfolk, who kept open doors, and with the tact of ancient Absalom, " stole the hearts of the people." Wrote the Ambassador Fene- lon to Catherine de Medici : " Tlie affairs of the Queen of Scotland are obtain- ing great strength by means of the Duke of Norfolk, who proposes to marry her .... and even if the Queen of England should not approve of the scheme, they will nevertheless carry it out, so far are matters already advanced .... and if she does not speedily resolve to procure the liberation antl restoration of the Queen of Scotland, they will force her to do so against her will." 292 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. The watchful, observant, and determined Eh'zabeth had lieard intimations of her rival's manifold plans, and replied to the j)lea of Fenelon in behalf of Marj : " I am aware of all tJie intrigues that have been carried on since she entered the kingdom. Princes have large ears, which hear far and near. She has attempted to move the interior of this realm against me, by means of some of ray subjects, who promise her great things ; but they are persons who conceive mountains, and bring forth only molehills. They thought I was so foolish that I should not perceive their doings." The Queen of England turned her searching sus- picion toward the matrimonial plot, and soon knew it all. "When the perseverance of Norfolk, in the face of stern remonstrance, the treachery of privy counsel- ors, and the extending sympathy of the nobility in the contemplated alliance, were fully revealed, the intelligent madness of her rage spread paleness and trembling among brave and powerful men. The duke withdrew into ISTorfolk, followed by others of the nobility, to mature a revolt. Spain had furnished money to the fugitive Queen, and her lover. Pope Pius V. wrote to the Spanish general in Netherlands, where he had just crushed an insurrection : "We conjure thy nobleness, and we beseech thee with our whole soul not to forget to restore to liberty our dear daughtei;in Jesus Christ, the Queen of Scot- land, and again to establish her, if possible, in her kingdom. Thy nobleness could not undertake any- MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 293 thing more agreeable and more useful to Ahniglitj God, than the deliverance of this Queen, who has de- served well of the Catholic faith, and who is oppressed by the power of her hereticaj enemies." If there had been a united and fearless uprising of all who hated Elizabeth, in connection with foreign Catholic aid, even the haughty daughter of Henry YIII., and Protestantism also, might have yielded to tlie political storm. But no time was lost in the pal- ace of the mighty Queen. Mary was ordered to be taken from Wingfield, one of the estates of the kind Earl of Shrewsbury, and more closely confined in the stronghold of Tutbury. Thwarted and endangered, the prisoner was undaunted. She wrote to Fenelon, " I beseech you, encourage my friends to be on their guard, and to act for me now or never ;" and added, to Norfolk, an earnest entreaty to act bravely, and not trouble himself about her life, as God would keep her in safety. But Norfolk was not equal to the des- perate game. He wrote an obsequious, cowardly let- ter to Elizabeth, and in reply, she commanded his im- mediate return to court. Overcome with fear, arising from his own irresolution, and his sovereign's threats, he went to London. His reception was an arrest, and imprisonment in the Tower. During the progress of these stirring, decisive events, Mary again ti'ansmitted a message to Eliza- beth, from a pen as faithful and ready in correspond- ence, as was her restless brain in expedients for re- trievinsr her lost fortunes. 294 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. " Madam, my good sister, wisliing to exercise to the utmost tlie j^atience which it has pleased God to be- stow on me in my adversity, I have refrained, as long as possible, from importuning you with my complaints, trusting that time, the father of truth, and your own good disposition, would lead you to perceive the mal- ice of my enemies, who strive to trample me to the earth, and move you to pity one of your own blood — your equal ; who, next to God, has chosen you from among all other princes for her refuge, confiding in your favorable letters and kind promises, strengthened by the ties of consanguinity and near neighborhood, so that I have placed myself, voluntarily, and without constraint, into your hands and power, where I have remained above two years, sometimes in hopes of your favor and support, from your courteous letters, at others, driven to despair by the underhand dealings and the false reports of my enemies. " Nevertheless, my affection for you has always led me to hope for the best, and to suffer my wrongs pa- tiently ; but now that you listen to the malice of my rebels, as the Bishop of Eoss informs me, refusing to hear the just complaint of her who has placed herself voluntarily in your power, and thrown herself into your arms, I have presumed once more to try my for- tune, and appeal to the Queen, my good sister her- self. Ah, madam, what stronger proof of my friend- shij) can I offer than in thus putting my trust in you ! And, in return, will you destroy the hope which is placed in you by your sister and cousin, who neither MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 295 can nor songlit to obtain succor elsewhere ? Shall my confidence in you be disappointed, my patience prove vain, and the friendship and respect I cherish for you, be despised to such a degree that I cannot obtain what you could not justly refuse to the greatest stranger in the world ? I have never offended you, but have loved and honored you, and tried by all means to please you, and to assure you of my kind disposition toward you. False reports have been made to you about me, which you have credited so far as to treat me, not as a Queen and relative, come to seek support of you under your j)romise of favor, but as a prisoner, to whom you can impute the offense of a subject, " Since, madam, I cannot obtain permission to de- clare to you, face to face, my sincerity towards you, at least permit Monsieur de Rosse, my ambassador, to give you an account of my public as well as private deportment, and he has on many occasions witnessed the grief I feel at not knowing wherein I have offend- ed you, and on being compelled to repeat my old re- quests, respecting which I beg you to answer liim and me too, namely, that it may please you, according to my first requests, to oblige me forever, by assisting me with your support to recover the state to which it has pleased God to call me among my subjects, as you have always promised ; or if consanguinity, my affection for you, and my long patience, should not seem to you to deserve this ; at least do not refuse me the liberty to depart as freely as I came, and retire either to France or elsewhere, among my friends and 296 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. allies ; or slionld it please you to use rigor, and treat me as an enemy (wliicli I have never been to you, nor desired to be,) allow me to redeem myself by ransom, as is tlie custom among all princes, even those who are enemies, and give me opportunity to negotiate with the said princes, my friends and allies, for rais ing the said ransom, " And, meanwhile, I entreat you, as I have intrusted my person to you, and ofi'ered in all things to follow your counsel, that I may not be injured by the extor- tions of my rebels against my faithful subjects, and that I may not be weakened, for having relied on your promises, by the loss of Donbertran. ^ " And if the false reports of my enemies pre- vent you from bestowing any consideration on these points and my humble requests, and you are re- solved to take amiss all I have done, with the inten- tion of pleasing you, at least do not permit my life to be endangered without having deserved it, al- though the Abbot of Donfermelin has spread a report, and boasted that it is your intention, which I cannot believe, to put me into the hands of my rebel subjects, or other such in that country, whom they equally ap- prove of, and .with whom I am not acquainted. I 2)rotest that I have never had the wish to offend you, or to do anything which could displease you ; nor have I merited the cruel return of being so slighted, as the Bishop of Rosse has already assured you, and v/ill do again, if you but please to grant hira an au- dience. Wherefore, I beseech you most humbly, and as above, to acquaint him with A^our determination ; MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. L97 if not out of affection, let it be out of pity. Yx a "have experienced what it is to suffer affliction ; you may thence judge what others suffer from it. \_^ " You have listened long enough to my enfemies and their inventions to make you suspicious of me ; it is time to consider what are their motives for this, and their double dealing towards me, and what I am to you, and the affection towards you which has induced me to come to a place where you have such power over me. Call to mind the offers of friendship which you have made me, and the friendship which you have promised me, and how much I wish to please you, insomuch as to have neglected the su^^port of other princes, by your advice and on the promise of yours. Forget not the rights of hospitality in my case alone, and weigh all this with the respect of your con- fidence, honor, and pity for one of your own blood, and then I trust I shall have no occasion to repent me. "Consider also, madam, what place 1 have filled, and how I was brought up, and, if experiencing, by means of my rebels or other enemies, so different a treatment from that, from hands from which I hoped for every comfort, how ill I can suppoj-t such a burden, added to that of your displeasure, which is hardest of all to bear, which I have never deserved ; nor to be so closely imprisoned, that I have no means of receiving intelli gence about my affairs, or taking any steps whatevei for settling them, or consoling in the least such of mj faithful subjects as are suffering on my account. Fai am I from supporting them as I hoped. Again I be seech you, let not the false reports and malicious de- M* 208 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. signs of my enemies make you forget so many other points in my favor ; and, lastly, if nothing else can move your natural pity, despise not the prayers of the kings, my good brothers and allies, to whose am- bassadors I have written, begging them to make ur- gent intercession with you in my behalf " And that you may not take it amiss, I entreat you to excuse me, if, in case you will not listen to your natural kindness and pity, for which I have loved and honored you so much, I beg them to inform the said kings of my necessity, and to solicit them to lend that aid in my affairs which I have expected from you, and which I now crave from you before any other. If you are pleased to grant it me, as I hope, you will find in the end that I have never deserved to lose it. If in this, or in any point of my letter, I offend you, excuse it, on apcount of the extreme urgency of my cause, and the infinite trouble that I am in. " I conclude, by referring to the Bishop of Ross, who will give you every information, and beg you to credit him as myself, who present my humble recom- mendations, praying God to make you thoroughly acquainted with both my intention and my conduct. " From Tutbury, this x. of November, [1569.] " Your very kind and aft'ectionate sister and cousin, Maet E. " I beg you to excuse me if I write ill, for my im prisonment makes me unwell, and less capable of this or or any other employment." The Catholic adherents of IS'orfolk had gone too far MAB.Y QUEEN OF SCOTS. 299 to pause in rebellion. After conferring with the Pope, and appealing to interested nobles, tliej marched boldly, numbering five hundred horsemen, toward Durham. Upon a showy banner was painted Christ with the five bleeding wounds, which w^as held proud- ly up by " Old Eichard ITorton." The gates of Dur- ham flew open at the approach of the army ; the Bible was burned, the prayer-book destroyed, the communion table demolished, and the papal forms of worship established on the ruins. The rebels issued a proclamation, and soon mustered more than six thou- sand cavalry and infantry. It was a crisis to rouse the spirit and test the capaci- ty of Elizabeth. She arrested Throckmorton, the Bish- op of Ross, and other distinguished friends of Norfolk. She transferred Mary Stuart to Coventry, a strong castle in Warwickshire, beyond the possibility of sudden escape, and with orders that she be executed if the rebellion succeeded. Men of war were commissioned to cruise between the English coast and Netherlands, and Elizabeth gathered with great rapidity her royal soldiery to the imperial standard. The enemy, after vain attempts to enter large towns, besieged Barnard Castle, and at the end of a twelve days' assault, as- sisted by mutiny within its walls, took the fortress, December 12ta. Four days later, the insurgents, de- spairing of victory, disbanded, and the chieftains fled for refuge to Scotland. The Earl of Northumberland fell into the hands of Murray, and was sent to take Mary's vacant place in Lochleven Castle. To confirm his shaken authority, Murray now ap- 300 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS, plied to the Queen for money and tlie munitions of war, and desired that his sister be sent to his safe keeping. "While the request was under discussion, the regent traveled from Stirling toward Edinburgh. - At Linlithgow, through which he was to pass, lived James Hamilton, of Bothwell-Haugh, a deadly enemy of Murray. Confiscation, which was the spoils of victory, impoverished him, with many others. His wife had been turned from his home by Bellenden, a devoted servant of the regent, to whom the small es- tate had been given as a reward, in the darkness of night, and left to wander partially clothed till morn- ing, amid a desolate forest. When the dawn illumined her path, reason's light was quenched. She was a despairing maniac. Bothwell-Haugh swore vengeance on Murray, as the responsible author of the ravages which secured the cruel deed. The regent approach- ed Linlithgow with his imposing train. " The Arch- bishop of St. Andrews, uncle of Bothwell-Iiaugb, possessed a house, in front of which Murray and his cavalcade would necessarily pass. This house was placed at the disposal of Bothwell-Haugh, wlio made every preparation for tlie unfailing performance of the act of vengeance wliieli he had concerted with the Hamiltons. He took his station in a small room, or wooden gallery, which commanded a full view of the street. To prevent his heavy footsteps being heard, for he vvas booted and spurred, he placed a feather- bed on the floor ; to secure against any chance obser- vation of his shadow, which, had the sun broke out, might liave caught the eye, he hung up a black cloth MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 301 on the opposite wall ; and, liaving barricaded the door in front, he had a swift horse ready saddled in the stable at the back. Even here his preparations did not stop ; for, observing that the gate in the wall which enclosed the garden was too low to admit a man on horseback, he removed the lintel stone, and, returning to his chamber, cut, in the wooden panel immediately below the lattice window, where he watched, a hole just sufficient to admit the barrel of his caliver. Having taken these precautions, he loaded the piece with four bullets, and calmly awaited his victim." Murray was warned to avoid High street, because rumors were rife of fatal plots. But the dense crowd flocked the way, and he rode calmly forward, amid the loud shouts of an excited populace. When he reached the archbishop's house, Hamilton took cool and fatal aim at the noble form of Murray. There was a startling report, and the regent reeled from his horse, while the silence of horror, broken with muttered wrath, fell upon the just before exul- tant throngs. Then they rushed like sounding surges toward the house, from which Hamilton fled before an entrance could be made, and reached safely Ham- ilton Castle. He was welcomed by the Archbishoi^ of St. Andrews and nobles present. The same day, January 20th, 1570, Murray died. He expired pla- cidly as the setting sun, in Christian faith and hope. He was a great and heroic man, upon the surface of whose splendid career, were acts of violence and treachery, not excusable, yet scarcely avoidable, from the intrigues and pressure of tempestuous times. His S02 MAEY QTJEEN OF SCOTS. people called him the Good Eegent, and his adminis- tration of justice entitled him to the compliment. A sincere Protestant, his court wore ever the air and sober livery of the Puritan religion. Ambitious, and not always just, his tragical death is another illustra- tion of the uncertainty and brevity of earthly honors. The fall of this brilliant ruler, whose viitues, con- sidering all the circumstances of histo y, altogether transcended his errors, reanimated the faction of Mary Stuart. The Hamiltons again took the field ; Lethington, and other distinguished captives of Mur- ray were released ; the Pope issued a sentence of expommunication and deposition against Elizabeth, to revenge the Catholics ; and a certain Leonard Daese, of Gilsland, had raised the standard of insur rection, with three thousand men. The Queen of England felt that danger threw ominous shadows upon her throne. The Earl of Surrey and Lord Scrope were sent to ravage Scotland on the east and west, and the Earl of Lennox was dispatched to guide the party of his son, young James VL, in the place of the murdered Murray. During these bloody exjjeditions, Mary wrote to the Archbishop of Glasgow, urging her cause : THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO THE AE0HBI3H0P OF GLASGOW. "TuTBUKY, 30th April, (1570.) " Monsieur de Glascow — I would not for the world neglect things of importance to me, or which concern my duty to God ; and hence it is that, seeing an army in uiy country, and a most injurious proclamation MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. 303 issued against me, I have risked tliis dispatcli to the king, monsieur my good brother, and to the queen, and to all my relatives, wherein I have recommended you to them, and begged them to afford you the best means for applying yourself to my aflairs, I there- fore inform you of this, that you mayact accordingly; and, whatever may come of it, I beg you on no ac- count to be absent from court at a time so important as this, but to urge warmly the promised support. " The rest I write to you in cipher, but this I wished to signify with my own hand, to inform you of the need that I and mine have of prompt assistance. In short, make one last effort for your Queen and good mistress, your country and kindred, and after me, for your future prince. The Bishop of Ross has in- formed me of a deanery which I have given him to keep him in my service, for he has nothing whatever in Scotland. I beg him to get this matter settled forth- with, and desire that George* be dispatched from London without difficulty, for his services merit it, and the good example he has set is important at this moment. James and Baron are in my employ, and are not gone to him but with a promise to be always fjiithful to me. It is, therefore, my intention that their wages be paid them, about which you will give directions to niy treasurer ; and the same in regard to Henri Kir in quality of secretary ; and I shall be very glad when Roullet returns, and send me, if you can obtain it, a passport for Thomas Levingston to come to serve me; for should Crafurd go abroad, and I * George Douglas. SOi MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. think he will, I sliall not have any gentlemen atten- dants left, and they will not permit any to come to me from Scotland. So, referring to my cipher, and what you will hear from the hearer of this, I will conclude, praying God to have you in his holy keeping. " Your very good mistress and friend, "Maey E." The captive Queen again addressed her representa- tive at the court of France on the 13th of May, com- mending Douglas, who, it will be recollected, served her while at Lochleven Castle, and giving a glimpse of her imprisonment : THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW. "Monsieur de Glascow — Geoi'o;e Douglas having obtained permission to visit me, and to make his apol- ogies, and to beg that I would arrange his afiairs in such manner as I may judge proper, provided that what I have given be secured to him, should I think he merits it, or at least, that he may be put to the proof if he has ever offended me, explaining that wdiat he wrote to me had no other object than to let me know that, rather than I should doubt his fidelitj^, or before he would seek an appointment without my leave, lie would relinquish all that I had given him, or miglit give him. I have been very glad to afford him an opportunity to state his reasons, from the de- sire I have that he should give me as much occasion to be a good mistress to him in future, and from the pleasure I shall feel in recomi^ensing the great and MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS- 305 tigiiAl service wliich he has done me, and which, he 'jays, he wishes to continue to do me as long; as he 'jves, of which I have no doubt ; and in consequence •)f this, I have not only favorably received his excuses md justifications, but relieved him from all fear that t shall ever listen to any report to his disadvantage, without first hearing him. I inform you of this pur- posely, that you may cause him to be paid quarterly, as usual, wherever he may be, according to the capa- city under which he is entered, notwithstanding the commands I formerly gave you and othere to the contrary. " As respects myself, my health is but very indif- ferent. I am strictly guarded, and without any means Df arranging my afairs, either here, or in Scotland, or abroad, unless M. de la Mothe, by command of the king, takes pity upon me. I have but just thirty per- sons — men, women, servants and oflicers — as you will perceive by the list and the new orders, which will show whether I am a j^risoner or not. " Roullet has a continual fever, which is the reason wliy I cannot write to you more at length, which would be troublesome to me just now. Several of my people are ill ; so is also M. de Ross, and so lie hears nothing about my affairs, and my people are badly treated, as M. de Ross will inform you. I beg you will represent all this to the king, the queen, his mother, and messieurs, his brothers, requesting they will send some one to speak in my behalf. " Awaiting your rc})ly to this by Kir, I will con 20 306 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. elude by recommending myself to your favor, and praying God to grant you a long and happy life. " Send me a physician, consulting Lusgerie, to wliom I beg you to remember me ; and as regards your own affairs, tell me wliat you think would suit you, and I will write immediately to support you, for I am aw^are of your necessities. " I had forgotten to tell you that, as to the order for a thousand francs, which is in your hands, you must retain eight hundred, and give the remainder to Kir, for the purpose of paying liis debts. I have also granted him another thousand, by virtue of a letter I have written to my treasurer, and which will serve as an order, until such time as you send one for my sig- nature, also for the purpose of paying his debts there ; these two thousand francs must be deducted from the gift which I made him. I beg you will not fail doing this ; and for your security, this present, signed by my hand, must suffice until you send me an order, as I fear my treasurer will not honor any but written orders. " Your very good mistress and friend, "Mart E. "If M. the cardinal is at too great a distance, send him my letters by some one, and forward to me his answer, and meanwhile, let me know by Kir, what is your opinion, and what will be the best and safest means of securing his money, and the most conveni- ent manner for me to pay it." July 12th, the Earl of Lennox was formally elected MAKY QUEEN OF iiCOTS. 307 regent of Scotland, while tlie Duke Chatellerault, and the Earls Hiintlj and Argjle were the leaders of the opposing faction, which was nearly equal in strength to the royal administration. Elizabeth, upon the restoration of the regency, evacuated the kingdom, and opened a discussion of the treaty with Mary Stuart, which was proposed the year before at Perth. After a protracted consideration at Chats worth, where she had been confined since May, the conditions were mainly accepted, and the prisoner's heart was wild with hope and gladness. Her weary form be- came elastic, and her pale face luminous with antici- pated deliverance. To Elizabeth she wrote : " ]^o scruple now remains to prevent our sincere and reciprocal friendship, which I desire beyond that of any other prince, in proof of which I consent to place in your hands the dearest jewel and only com- fort which God has given me in this world, my only and beloved son, whose education, though desired by many, is entrusted to you, to be preferred both by him and by me to all others. " My intention is sincere to observe the conditions agreed on between us, and I am resolved hencefor- ward, in order to end my unfortunate voyage, to cast my anchor in the port of your natural goodness towards me. Having recourse, instead of any other surety, to the merit of my humble submission and obedience, which I offer you as though I had the honor to be 308 MAKY QTJEEN OF SCOTS. your daugliter (as I have to be your sister and next cousin,) and yielding to none in desire to obey and honor you in futu e, may it please you to accept me as entirely yours." Mary alludes to the treaty in a letter upon the death of John Beton, a near friend, whom she sincerely mourned : TO MO^'SIEUR DE GLASGOW, MY AMBASSADOE IN FEANCE, " Fkom Chatswoeth, October. " Monsieur de Glascow — Instead of relieving you, as I hoped, by these letters, from all anxiety, and as- suring you by this dispatch of the entire confidence which I place in you, and the satisfaction which it gave me to receive so high a testimony of the sincerity of your conduct, as that given me by the cardinal, my uncle, in his letter, I am obliged, to my extreme regret, to communicate a mournful circumstance, whicli has caused me the deepest sorrow, as Roullet and others of your good friends can testify. In short, God has at one stroke afflicted you and me, by taking from us your brother, the only minister whom I se- lected to comfort and counsel me, in this my long affliction and banishment from among my good ser- vants and friends. We are bound to praise God for all things, a point on which you can better admonish me than I you, but more especially ought we to praise him,because he died a good Christian, a good man, be- loved by every one, regretted botli by friends and ene- mies : but above all by me, M-ho, having performed the M A K Y QUEEN OF SCOTS. 309 ft duty of a kind mistress and friend, in seeing him prop- erly treated and attended to, served as a witness of his good end, solemnizing with my tears the close of his life, and accompanying his sonl with my prayers. Now he is happy, and there, whither we mnst all hope to go, while I am deprived, amid all my afflictions, of a faithful and tried servant. Tlie sorrow and grief which I know you will feel for his death, would make me apprehensive of losing you likewise, so incessant are become the attacks of misfortune, were I not aware of the good sense you possess, and that your fear of God, and your great zeal for my interest, will cause '^^ou to submit to his will, and to take care of yourself in order to serve me. " I have made up my mind to have your other brother about me, and in the same capacity as the de- ceased, thereby confirming the gift made to the latter, agreeably to his last wish, which he called me to witness. I, therefore, beg you .to send him to me, fully instructed as to what you may desire I should do for you and yours, relying upon it that I shall ex- ert myself as zealously as for any servant I have, and more so. lie had two of his relatives and servants here ; the one named Arelin Betliem, who was for- merly with me, and whom, for his sake, I shall be most willing to serve whenever occasion may offer ; the other, Thomas Archibald, whom I have taken into my household, and am equally disposed to serve. If I could do more to show how much I loved and es- teemed your late brother, most gladly would I do it. " As to yourself, Roullet can bear witness how lit- 310 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. tie lieed I gave to tliose who wished to lessen you in my good opinion ; to prove this to you, I will either make Quantly, on whom all the blame is thrown, con- fess his fault, for which he shall be rewarded accord- ing to his deserts, or give the name of his author, which I shall transmit to M. the cardinal and you, so that you can consult together, and for your satisfaction take such steps as you may consider necessary for your honor, and for making public the high opinion and confidence I have in you, of which I beg you to be assured ; and as a proof that you may not doubt the assurance which I give you of my favor, take all the care you can of yourself, that you may serve me whenever it may please God that I shall return to my country, where I hope to have you near me, as one of the pillars on which I shall found my gov- ernment. " If this treaty be soon concluded, I shall be very glad to see you here. In the meantime I shall write you a full account of my affairs by the bearer of this, whom I beg you will send back as soon as possible with your answer, as there are certain points concern- ing which it is necessary that I should have a reply in a month. I have signed an acknowledgment for something that I owe him ; I beg you will get his business dispatched, and send him back to me forthwith. " Make my apologies to those to whom I have not written with my own hand ; for, since the death of Beton, I have had a complaint in one eye, which is much inflamed, and I think that the pleasure I take MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 311 in writing to you will not amend it, as you will per- ceive from the first page. " ISTow, to conclude, I pray God to comfort you, and to be assured of my good will and gratitude for your good services ; and send your brother to me, for I have no one here to attend upon me, and to give orders to my household, and, besides, he belongs to you ; though I am sure you have a good friend in Roullet, and a friend in Seyton, who will be as ready in your absence to render you the services of a good friend, as a relation, or any other person that you might have about me, both for the affection which she bears toward all those whom she knows to have been faithful servants to me, and on account of the kindness she feels for her good friends, among whom she reckoned your deceased brother, whose soul may God take into his keeping ; and grant consolation to you and to me, an end to my afflictions, or patience to bear them according to his good pleasure, to whom be praise, in good or in evil. " Tour very kind mistress and friend, " Mart E." But Mary was doomed to speedy disappointment. Charles IX. of France, and other foreign pi'inces, dis- approved of parts of the treaty. Elizabeth embraced the embarrassments as a sufficient reason for closing the negotiation ; and the promise of a pacific disposal of conflicting interests was entirely blasted. Mary was beneath a sky of deeper gloom than ever before B\nri^, her captivity. " During the two years and a 312 MARY QDEEN OF SCOTS. half which she had been a prisoner in England, she liad sought to obtain her deliverance and restoration bv the exertions of her party in Scotland, by her marriage with the head of the English nobility, by the insurrection of Elizabeth's Catholic subjects, by the union of the Scottish lords, sustained by the court of France, after Murray's death, and, finally, by an accommodation with her fortunate and powerful rival. All attempts had, however, failed. The Scotch who were faithful to her cause, had been overcome by Murray in 1569, and weakened by Elizabeth in 1570 ; her marriage witii the duke of jSTorfolk had met with but little favor in Scotland, and had been positively prohibited in England ; the English Catholics had twice revolted, and had been twice defeated ; the ac- commodation negotiated at Chatsworth, with so many concessions on her part, had been rejected ; and France had not. only failed to support her, but seemed likely to renounce her ancient league with Scotland, to form a new alliance with England." She now turned to Philip II. of Spain, whom she hoped might be persuaded to attempt an invasion of England. To do this, she must assure him of the co- operation of the Duke of Norfolk at the head of an armed force, whenever the allies landed on English soil. Mary had maintained a familiar correspondence with Norfolk in cipher, unknown to Elizabeth. The plague, which was raging in London, entered the Tower, and the duke was permitted to retire to a pri- vate residence, partially guarded, upon a solemn promise to close forever all commimication with Mary MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. 313 Stuart, and abandon the design of marriage. "With the doom of a traitor impending if he broke his pledge, to which he consented, he immediately re- newed the most tender expressions of affection for the prisoner, and she reciprocated the devotion in her own ardent and eloquent language. He was thereupon ripe for a conspiracy, the last resort of thwarted am- bition. The Bishop of Ross, in connection with the Floren- tine Kidolfi, matured the plan of operations. Kidolfi was a wealthy banker, a relative of the Medici family, and a man of great influence with the English nobil- ity. The Duke of Norfolk was consulted, and the Florentine dispatched to the Duke of Alva, residing at Brussels. Through this Catholic counselor and general, it was hoped that an ajDpeal to the Pope and Philip II., would secure soldiers and arms for dethro- ning the Queen of England, and restoring Mary to sovereignty. The fading, defeated captive, engaged with youthful enthusiasm in the plot. The Duke of Alva thus addressed King Philip on the subject : " Considering the pity and interest with which the unworthy treatment of the Queen of Scotland and her adherents cannot fail to inspire your majesty ; considering the obligation under which you are placed by God, to obtain by all means in your power, the triumjDhant restoration of Catholicism in those islands ; considering, moreover, the injuries which the Queen of England does in so many ways, and on so many sides, to your majesty and your subjects, without any hopes of being on better terms with her, as regards N 314 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. religion and neighborhood, as long as she reigns ; it appears to me that the plan of the Queen of Scotland and the Duke of Norfolk, if it could be properly car- ried out, would be the best method of remedying the evil " If the secret were not kept, the enterprise would fall to the ground ; the lives of both the Queen of Scotland and the Duke of Norfolk would be endan- gered ; the Queen of England would find the oppor- tunity, which she has sought so long, for getting rid of her and her partisans ; the hopes of the Catholic religion would be crushed forever, and the whole would recoil upon your majesty. . . . Wherefore, no one can think of advising your majesty to furnish the assistance souglit of you, under the form in which it is requested. But if the Queen of England should die, either a natural death or any other death, or if her person should be seized without your majesty's con- currence, then I should perceive no further difficulty. The projDosals between the Queen of England and the Duke of Anjou would cease, the French would be less fearful that your majesty should seek to become master of England, the Germans would look upon you with less distrust, since you would have no other object but to sustain the Queen of Scotland against the rival claimants of the crown of England. In that case, it would be easy to reduce them to reason before other princes could interfere, as we could profit by the convenience of the Duke of Norfolk's county, where we could disembark the six thousand men he requires, not within the forty days during which he could main- MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 315 tain himself unassisted, but within tliirty or twenty- five days." July 7th, 1571, Ridolfi divulged, at the Escurial, the scheme of conspirac3^ It was to murder Eliza- beth while she was traveling, and one James Grafis was the accepted assassin ; then revolution would fin- ish the papal work in both kingdoms. While the mode of destroying the English Queen, and other points in the bold design, were under exciting discus- sion in the Spanish court, and among interested prin- ces, suspicion, first awakened in the mind of the vigi- lant Cecil, by letters from Bailly, who was cont? ed in Marshalsea prison on account of an open def' ce of Mary, led to a full disclosure of the plot. TI .5S0 letters were directed to the Bishop of Ross, and i ela- ted to the conspiracy. Bailly was removed to the Tower and put on the rack. Hq confessed all he knew, establishing tae exis- tence of the daring combination, but did no'; reveal the names of the guilty parties. In this uncertainty the aflTairs continued, until several months later, when civil war in Scotland was resumed with terrific sever- ity. Tlie Archbishop of St. Andrews was captured by the Earl of Lennox and executed. His death lent an unsparing cruelty to the contest. Mary, in a brief letter to the Archbishop of Glasgow, disclosed her unbroken attachment to the Catholic faith : THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO THE AKCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW. " Sheffield, 18th September, 1571. " M. de Glascow — though John Gordon, the bear- 316 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. er of this, is a Protestant, yet lie is a faithful servant to me, and has written against Ivnox and the minis- ters, in favor of my authority, and I hope that in time and in the society oi learned men, he will become converted ; to this end I beg you will introduce him to the most learned, as Master Riggan began ; and besides, my Lord Hundly, and my lord his father, are now at the castle, having lost all their property for adhering to my cause. I beg you, therefore to do all in your power for the bearer, agreeably to the open letter which I have given to the bearer, and to con- tinue to him his usual pension, and take pains to gain him, for he is a very learned young man, of an amia- ble disposition, and related to many worthy persons. I have no doubt, if he could but be sent to an instruc- tor who is a Jesuit, he might turn Catholic ; and to this end, M. de Glascow, take care to send a supply of money, and keep up a communication with the palace, and act as a faithful servant of God and of your country. Take care of our country, as I have not means of doing so, and be assured that you will find in me a kind mistress and friend. Solicit all the ambassadors and my relations to join you in interce- ding for me, and I pray God to grant his grace to you and patience to me. Ask the king to obtain for me a confessor, to administer the sacraments, in case God should call me by one way or other. " Your very good mistress and friend, " Maky R." The defenders of Mary Stuart in Scotland were re- MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. 317 duced to extremity, and Higliford, a secretary of tlie Duke of Norfolk, volunteered to transmit money and dispatches to Lord Herries. But the dispatches treacherously reached Cecil, A^iom Elizabeth had created Lord Burghley. Norfolk, Highford, and Bar- ker were arrested. Highford revealed the whole conspiracy minutely, and the cipher nsed by the duke in his correspondence concerning Kidolfi's mis- sion. Barker, who was aged and feeble, when he saw the rack, confessed, and confirmed the statements of Highford. Norfolk was now hopelessly involved in treason. After an attempt at denial, he was over- whelmed with the testimony of his friends, and ex- claimed, " I am betrayed ! " He then addressed his humble petitions for mercy to Elizabeth. The alarmed and inflexible Queen resolved to make him an exam- ple to the restless nobles, and indicate her royal strength and policy to foreign foes. The lords impli- cated by the letters were arrested, and the trial of Norfolk appointed. January 14, 1572, he was sum- moned before a jury of twenty-seven peers, in West- minster Hall. " The duke appeared before his judges with all the dignity of his rank, and displayed gi-eater firmness of mind than he had previously manifested. He was accused of having conspired to deprive the Queen of her crown, and consequently, of life ; of having sought to marry Mary Stuart, (whom he had termed an adulteress and murderess,) out of ambition, that he might use the claims she possessed to procure his own accession to the throne of Enp'land : of havino: 318 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. aided the Queen's enemies in Scotland ; and of having plotted on the Continent with the Pope and the King of Spain, to change the religion, and overthrow the government of Engkind. His answer to these char- ges was skilful and plausible. Admitting all that he could not disprove, he confessed that he had been aware of matters which he ought not to have known, but to which he had never been willing to consent. Although he repudiated ^ indignantly all thought of treason against the Queen, and alleged his inaction as a proof of his innocence, he was unanimously found guilty by his peers, and, on the 16th of January, con- demned to be hanged, drawn and quartered. On hearing his sentence, he protested that he should die as faithful to his Queen as any man living; then turning to his judges, he said with emotion ; ' My lords, seeing you have put me out of your company, I trust shortly to be in better company. I will not desire any of you all to make any petition for my life ; I will not desire to live : I am at a point. Only I beseech you, my lords, to be humble suitors to the Queen's majesty for my poor orphan children, that it will please her majesty to be good to them, and to take order for the payment of my debts, and some consideration of my poor servants.' " On his return to the Tower, he wrote to the Queen a letter exj^ressive of the deepest affliction and the most heartfelt repentance, recommending to her gen- erosity his children, ' who,' he said, ' now they have neither father nor mother, will find but few friends.' He did not cease to deplore the connection which ho MART QTJEEN OF SCOTS. 319 had formed with the Queen of Scotland, and, in bitter truthfuhiess, he remarked, ' that nothing that any- body goeth about for her, nor that she doeth for her- self, prospereth.J " • Mary, closely confined in the Castle of Sheffield, deprived of comp;^ny and fresh air, sank in health and spirits under this fatal blow to her wild and soar- ing hopes. Elizabeth filled to the brim her cup of woe, by hurling long delayed reproaches upon the captive ; accusing her of ungoverned passions, ingrat- itude, and the ruin of Norfolk. Mary Stuart, true to her ancestral blood, retorted, with bitter charges of deception and cruelty. She did not conceal her dis- appointment in the failure of the conspiracy, and said " she determined to allow herself to be fed with hopes no longer." She expressed patience, resignation to God's will, and courage to meet death. She affirmed that she did not entertain the thoug-ht of marrying Norfolk without the consent of the coun- cil of England, and added respecting him and other nobles, " that she should think herself worthy to be universally reputed ungrateful, and of bad natural disposition, if she did not employ all the means which God had left her in this world to mitificate the an^er of the Queen of England against the Duke of ISTor- folk, and the other nobles who had got into trouble by bearing her some good will, and if she did not supplicate her good sister to grant them her peace, or at least prevent them suffering any pain on her ac- count." Elizabeth vacillated on the sentence of the duke's execution. Justice impelled her to sign his 320 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. deatli-warrant ; then the remembrance of his rela- tionship and high position, would induce her to revoke it. The House of Commons, in which the Puritans had the ascendency, meanwhile demanded the exe- cution of Mary Stuart ; a step that would " lay the axe at the root of the evil," Elizabeth refused to " put to death the bird, which, to escape the pursuit of the hawk, had fled to her for protection." But she no longer hesitated as to the fate of Norfolk. May Slst, she signed the fatal warrant ; and at 8 o'clock on the morning of June 2d, he was led to the scaffold upon Tower Hill. The nobler qualities of his character shone forth finely beneath the gathering shadows of the spirit-land. His calm and unshrinking approach to the margin of dissolution, chained the attention of all spectators. In a long address, he avowed his sin- cere devotion to the Protestant religion ; thanked Elizabeth for her promised kindness to his offspring ; and conscious of his own ambitious aberrations from loyalty, he uttered these words of warning : " They that have factions, let them beware that they be given over betimes. Seek not to deviate God's doings, lest God prevent yours." The people were affected to tears. The duke then offered earnest prayer, and re- fusing to have his eyes covered, serenely laid his head on the block. The descending axe did its work, and the troubled brain of the conspirator was at rest for- ever ! Mary Stuart's cause in England also expired on that scaffold. Insurrections and plots had succeed- ed each other in dark and sanguinary colors. ISTorfolk resembled Darnley in an indecision which ruined his MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 821 most promising plans, but in everything else, was vastly the superior of the murdered King. Francis II., Chatelard, the mad lover, Bothwell, and Norfolk, had left Mary's side, and still she lived, weak in frame and strong in ambition. Manifold and oppressive must have been the recol- lections that thronged the mind of the illustrious cap- tive in her lonely apartments ! The gay dreams of a French court, the scenes of festivity and violence in Scotland's capital, the excitements of misplaced and lawless affection, lay in the past ; while the blackness of despair hung menacingly on the future. Unfor- tunate Queen, whose beauty was the rainbow upon the bosom of a perpetual storm 1 If* »l CHAPTER VIII CHANGES m THE REGENCY OF SCOTLAND MASSACRE OF ST. EARTnOLOMEW ITS EFFECT ON ELIZABETH, AND MARY's PROSPECTS DESIGNS AGAINST MARY DEATH OF KNOX TDK TOTAL OVERTHROW OF HER PARTY IN SCOTLAND LETTER TO ELIZABETH LENITY OF THE ENGLISH QUEEN CORRESPONDENCE OF MARY STUART ANOTHER CONSPIRACY LET- TERS TO ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW EXECin'ION OF MORTON, REGENT OF SCOTLAND A NEW CONSPIRACY ITS FAILURE LETTER OF MARY TO ELIZABETH. The Ean of Lennox had been shot bj Mary's par- tisans, and the Earl of Mar unanimously appointed his successor, at a meeting, of the King's nobles the next day. Unable to crush the faction of Mary Stu- art, Elizabeth effected a truce between the hostile armies. A treaty with France calmed her fears of trouble with Charles IX., when suddenly, as a falling thunderbolt, came the tidings of the merciless butch- ery of St. Bartholomew, A shriek of horror rose from Protestant England. The Queen assembled her council, and denied for some days audience to the French ambassador. "When she relented, and con- sented to see him, she appeared with the ladies of her court, dressed in deep mourning. A sepulcliral si- lence pervaded tlie apartment, and sealed every lip. "Wliile Fenelon passed through the crowd, the eyes of MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 323 the courtiers fell, and not a smile illumined liis ad- vance toward the liauglity and solemn sovereign. She expressed her sad surprise at the permission of his King to that Papal slaughter of Protestants, and her api3rehension of betrayal, notwithstanding the treaty. She immediately fortified Dover and the Isle of Wight, levied troops, and made preparations for invincible self-defence. Mary Stuart became an ob- ject of increasing solicitude and vigilance. She was the star of Catholic empire in Scotland and England. Elizabeth determined, as her only security, to keep her captive in perpetual imprisonment. Divines and jurists united in proving Mary worthy of death, and both houses of Parliament desired to bring in a bill of attainder, which the Queen, to her honor, rejected. Mary was again visited by English lords, and ques- tioned upon the charges preferred against her. She denied any designed hostility to Elizabeth, in the pro- posed alliance with Norfolk, and affirmed that Ridolfi's embassay aimed only at the deliverance of Scotland, and her relations to Philip II. and Pius IX. The Queen of England disregarded the explanations, and entered ujDon an experiment similar to that often re- peated vainly in Mary's experience. A plan was secretly laid to strengthen Protestantism in Scotland, by harmonizing antagonistic leaders, and delivering the royal prisoner to them for execution, upon their urgent solicitation. Sir Henry Killegrew, brother-in- law of Cecil, (Lord Burghley,) left England on this mission, September 7th, in the fever of excitement which followed the intellifrence of the Parisian tra- 824 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. gedj. John Knox was in EdinburgL, smitten with apoplexy, and evidently near death. The delibe- rate murder of seventy ^/wt^^^ia?? 6? Protestants, among them distinguished friends, roused the wasting ener- gies of the great Reformer. He was carried to the church, and mounting his pulpit, poured forth a tor- rent of eloquent execration on the slayers of his brethren. His influence aided the cause of Killegrew. The Earls Morton and Mar accepted the proposition of Elizabeth on these conditions : "Tliat the Queen of England should take their young King under her protection: that his rights should not be invalidated by any sentence which might be passed upon his mother, and that they should be maintained by a declaration of the English Par- liament : that a defensive alliance should be establish- ed between the two kingdoms : that tlie Earls of Hun- tingdon, Bedford or Essex, should be present at Mary's execution with two or three thousand men, and should afterwards assist the troops of the young King to reduce the city of Edinburgh : and finally, that that fortress should be placed in the regent's hands, and that England should pay all the arrears due to the Scottish troops." The extravagant terms of l;he noblemen, with the sudden death of the regent, defeated the scheme. November 24:th, Morton was elected to the regency of Scotland. Upon that same day in Edinburgh, John Knox was calmly waiting for his departure from MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 325 earth. He had given to the session of his church a dying charge of great eloquence and power, which deeply impressed the minds of the reverent specta- tors. With a kindling eye and difficult breathing, he said, in vindication of his ministerial career : " The day approaches, and is now before the door, for which I have frequently and vehemently thirsted, when I shall be released from my great labors and in- numerable sorrows, and shall be with Christ. And now, God is my witness, whom I have served in the spirit, in the gospel of his Son, that I have taught no- thing but the true and solid doctrine of the gospel of the Son of God, and have had it for my only object to instruct the ignorant, to confirm the faithful, to comfort the weak, the fearful, and the distressed, by the prom- ises of grace, and to fight against the proud and rebel- lious by the divine threatenings. I know that many have frequently complained, and do stiil loudly com- plain, of my too great severity ; but God knows that my mind was always void of hatred to the persons of those against whom I thundered the severest judg- ments. I cannot deny that I felt the greatest abhor- rence at the sins in which they indulged, but still, I kept this one thing in view, that, if possible, I might gain them to the Lord. What influenced me to utter whatever the Lord put into my mouth, so boldly, and without respect of persons, was a reverential fear of my God, who called and of his grace appoint- ed me to be a steward of divine mysteries, and a be- lief that he will demand an account of the manner in which I have discharged the trust committed to me, 326 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. when I shall stand at last before his tribunal. I pro- fess, therefore, before God, and before his holy angels, that I never made merchandize of the sacred word of God, never studied to please men, never indulged my own private passions or those of others, but faith- fully distributed the talents entrusted to me for the edification of the church over which I watched. Whatever obloquy wicked men may cast on me re- specting this point, I rejoice in the testimony of a good conscience. In the mean time, my dear breth- ren, do you persevere in the eternal truth of the gos- pel : wait diligently on the flock over which the Lord hath set you, and which he redeemed with the blood of his only begotten Son. And thou, my dearest brother Lawson, fight the good fight, and do the work of the Lord joyfully and resolutely. The Lord from on high bless you, and the whole church of Edinburgh, against whom, as long as they persevere in the word of truth which they have heard of me, the gates of hell shall not prevail." Besides his wife, Bannatyne, Campbell of Kinyean- cleuch, and Johnston of Elphingston, and Dr. Preston, his intimate friends, watched in turn at his bed-side. Campbell inquired if he were in pain. " It is no painful pain, but such a pain as shall soon, I trust, put an end to the battle. I must leave the care of my wife and children to you, to whom you must be husband in my room," Soon after, his vision began to fail, and he desired his wife to read the 15th chap- ter of first Corinthians. He listened devoutly to the message of God, and then exclaimed, "Is not that a MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 327 comfortal)le chapter ? O what sweet and salutary consolation the Lord has afforded me from that chap- ter ! " A few moments later he said, " Now for the last time I commend wy soul, sj)irit and body, (touch- ing three of his fingers,) into tliy hand, O Lord ! " Lingering longer than he expected, he added to his wife, " Go read where I cast my first anchor ; " mean- ing the 17th chapter of St John, After a terrible spiritual conflict, he replied to the inquiry, if he heard the prayers ofl:ered in his behalf: "AVouldtoGod that you and all men had heard them as I have heard them ; I praise God for that heavenly sound." About eleven o'clock at night, he sighed heavily, and said, " ISTow it is come ! " He was speechless ; but when desired to give a sign of peace, he raised both hands, and expired as placidly as an infant falling asleej). He was nearly sixty-seven ; less worn with age than with conflicts and trials, whose field of battle and storm is the immorality within. He had bared his breast before the enemies of his beloved church and native land. The skeptical sneer of partial historians, falls j^ower- less on the death-scene of such a man. Gifted and heroic, sometimes bold to a fault, he was beloved by the pious burghers, respected by the nobility, and universally lamented by the Presbyterian church. He discovered before his death, the coming complete triumph of the Protestant faith, under the energetic Morton. The Castle of Edinburgh, after an obstinate and brave resistance, fell into the hands of the besiegers, May 31st ; and the last fortress of Mary's dishearten- 328 MART QTJEEN OF SCOTS. ed troops was a scatlied and battered citadel, within whose walls were only suppliants for mercy. Not- withstanding much earnest interposition to save them, the Laird of Grange and his brother, Sir James Kir- kaldy, were led to the scaffold at the Cross of Edin- burgh, August 3d, 1573. They died loyal to Mary Stuart, and with the unshrinking courage of a sincere persuasion of past well-doing. With those strong adherents was lost hopelessly the cause of Mary Stu- art in Scotland. She yielded to the fury of the tem- pest, and was the victim of extreme depression. Since St. Bartholomew's day, she had suffered the severities of close captivity; forbidden correspondence and the visits of friends. N'ow that her faction was annihila- ted, more liberty was permitted. And she turned her thoughts to an altered tone of pleading with Eliz- abeth. With submissive air, she sought to gain by direct means, what she had attempted by force and stratagem. She wrote, at this period, the following letter : THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. " Madam, my good sister — I consider myself very unfortunate in having found, in my adversity, so many persons ready to injure me by all sorts of means, and wrongfully ; for I have not, that I know of, ever done anything to deserve their displeasure. Yet, they are every day making some fresh report to you, in order to make you suspicious of, and angry with me, even at the moment when I am most anxious to avoid the least occasion of giving you offence. I state this, MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. d'lO because, ever since you were pleased to send to me Mr. Wade, and other commissioners, who informed me of part of your anger against me, I have endeav- ored not to speak, to write, or even to think of any- thing that I could suppose likely to give you any cause whatever to be displeased with me. " Thus, when I heard of the loss of my Castle of Edinburgh, and other reverses, perceiving that peo- ple took pleasure in talking more about them than was necessary for comforting me, I flatly refused to converse upon that subject, not ^vishing to make my misfortunes a pastime to any one, and not being able to remedy them ; and also expressly not to furnish occasion to any one to put a malicious construction on my words ; and yet you daily heard some false report concerning me, as I perceive from the letters of De la Mothe Fenelon, ambassador of the King, my good brother. But if you would have the kindness to reserve an ear for me, before condemning me on the faith of those who, by such reports, strive to in- cense you against me, you would soon find that they have no other foundation for their statements than a malicious desire to injure me. " You have been informed that I had attempted to bribe your subjects with my money ; but if you will please to inquire, you will find it a mere supposition, and that, as I have already remarked, in writing to the said Sr. de la Mothe Fenelon, I have too many urgent calls upon the income I receive, to be able to bring more money hither than what is absolutely necessary to pay my servants, and provide for my 330 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. wants. If it had been agreeable to you, you might have seen this from the account which I have kept of my moneys, of which I have reserved but a very small sum for the above purpose. " For the rest, it appears unfortunate for my affairs tliat I have gained so many friends, seeing the ill turns that are done me on all sides ; and, though it is assert- ed that I complain of being watched too closely, and tliat I am, nevertheless, continually gaining persons to my side, I assure you, madam, that I neither see nor speak to any creature in the world, with the ex- ception of those under wliose charge you have placed me, and that with as much reserve as possible ; for, as for any complaint or remonstrance that I have made to them, God knows that they have not obliged me by any remedy they have applied; and even when they have granted me anything, at the request of the said Sr, de la Mothe Fenelon, it has always been so thwarted thjit I liave been no better for it. I do not say this to complain of any one, for I have learned to suffer, since it is your pleasure, and I shall never at- tribute to any but you the good or evil that befalls me in this country, having come and placed myself in your hands, as being my surest refuge, for the hon- or I have to be your nearest kinswoman and neigh- bor, and have no right to do otherwise than you com- mand ; and I should be very simple, having lived so long in trouble, if I did or said, in any house in Eng- land, what I wished not to be referred to you and to your council, were my affection other than it is toward you, seeing that I have access to none but MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 831 those whom I know to be charged to watch me. I suffered too severely at Bourton — recollect, if you please, the charity that was done me there — not to be on my guard elsewhere, though I may not appear to be so. " But to conclude, I feel my conscience so clear, that whatever reports may be made of my actions, provi- ded people only adhere to the truth, I will give you no cause to be dissatisfied with me, and I therefore beseech you not to believe anything that may be told you to the contrary ; for, I assure you, that I have neither written nor said more than I have said to your commissioners, or written to yourself, and in proof of my innocence in something, if you should be pleased to adopt some good expedient, that with your favor I might go to France or Scotland, things being by you reestablished for my honor and safety, you will find that I should feel myself greatly obliged to you, and I will gladly prepare to quit this country, that I may manifest elsewhere, when at liberty, my affection to you, which people strive to disguise from you, to deprive me of the opportunity of defending myself in your presence, in which the others have time and place to accuse me. Be this as it may, I beseech you in future to believe nothing concerning me, and not to credit or hearken to anything against me, but what you have sufficient proof of; for I de- sire nothing more than to do what is agreeable to you, if you will be pleased to grant me the means, and permit me to have access to you, that I may lay be- fore you my grievances ; for, till that moment, I shall 332 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. experience notliing but crosses : and fearing that I have ah-eacly fatigued you by this long letter, I will send the rest of my remonstrances to Monsieur de la Mothe Fenelon, and present my humble recommendations to your good favor,praying God to grant you, mad- am, good health and a long and very haj)py life. From the Castle of Chffeild, the W February, 15T4. " Your very affectionate and good sister and cousin, " Maky E." Elizabeth, in return, allowed her to extend her walks into the park and gardens of Shefheld, The humid air of her prison had induced rheumatism in her arms, and she was wasted with a liver-complaint, whose symptoms were aggravated by her incarcera- tion. According to her request, she was therefore permitted to visit the baths of Buxton, not far from Sheffield ; where she relinquished conspiracies and dangerous correspondence, for harmless amusements. She wrote to the Archbishop of Glasgow two or three letters, which display her business forethought and new employments : THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW, " May, 1574. "Monsieur de Glascow — None of my subjects or servants has a greater dislike to enter into disputes than myself ; yet I would do so both with the one and the other, when I love them and wish to make use of them, communicating my will and what I think it necessary for them to know, in order to dispose them MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 333 to fulfill it voluntarily ; on the other hand, as far as lies in mj power, and I see that it is reasonable, I shall have great pleasure in gratifying them when they so- licit emolument, honor, and advancement of me. As I perceive from your letters that you are mistaken in regard to my last, which you think too harsh, this makes me write to you in the style of a mistress, purposely that you may not doubt that all they con- tained was according to my command ; for I never write letters that others dictate. They may, indeed, prepare them, but I look over and correct them if they convey not my meaning, before I sign them. You cannot harbor this doubt in the present instance, for my secretary is so ill that I am obliged to write all my dispatches with my own hand ; but I am of the same opinion as he who writes for you, whom you will command to write in milder terms another time, for I do not wish to be compelled to write to you otherwise than as befitting so faithful a subject, and a minister diligent' and zealous in obeying the com- mands of a good mistress, and to remove all occasion for doubt or ignorance, or discontent, which I suspect some persons are striving to put into your head, know- ing that I would not take the same trouble to satisfy them as for you, whose services are so valuable to me. " I will tell you wdiat both your brothers told me to write to you, and I assure you, without meaning to ofiend you — that you may believe this on the word of her whose testimony alone ought to be positive proof — I have still some of your letters which I re- ceived at Winkfield and other places, in which you S34: MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. informed me that M. the cardinal had placed the seals in your hands until I should appoint a chancellor, and that you would use such authority in the best manner you possibly could to my advantage, hoping that, whoever succeeded you, he would find his road already marked out. You, at the same time, recom- mended to me a brother-in-law, or some other rela- tion of the treasurer's, and Duvergier. I appointed Duvergier on this condition ; that he should reside in Paris, and come over here to receive my orders ; fori should have been vexed had it been given to any one without my knowledge, as I formerly wrote to you. In short, you never expressed a wish to me to keep the seals for any time, or led me to suppose you would feel gratified by having them given to you ; and sure- ly, during the two years which elapsed between my gift, or at least the promise by letter written with my own hand to Duvergier, and his entering into office, you had sufficient time to let me know if you wished for the appointment or not ; for I assure you that I should have preferred you, had you frankly asked me for it ; but naturally supposing that you would have expressed your wish to that effect, if you had formed any, I did, as I always told you it was my intention to do, appoint a chancellor, and I am soiTy you should have so long deferred informing me of your dissatis- faction, for which there is no remedy. " As to what you tell me that I am censured for it, inform me who and what, for it is your duty, and not to suffer anything to be said in your presence out of pique or caprice against me, and I will let them know MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 335 what I tliink of it. They are not very discreet who wilfully intermeddle, and try to sow discord between an old experienced minister and his mistress, who ought to understand matters better than they do, clever as they conceive themselves to be. Tell them that, whenever I shall look after them, their bad con- duct will be discovered ; that you will be the first to expose it, and then each must answer for himself. As for yourself, you say that you have nofear of being made a slave, but are determined to follow my di- rections in everything, by which you shall not lose either profit, honor, or advancement ; for you shall be preferred to every one whatsoever ; and in future, M^henever you have any desire for an appointment or other favor, be not afraid to let me know it, for neith- er you nor any other person shall ever have anything in my gift but from myself, if I can help it ; but, if you are j)resented with anything from another quarter, as I have so often solicited, I shall consider myself greatly obliged. As far as I can see, the appointment would only have annoyed you, for you would have gained nothing but ill-will, if you had said absolutely that you would follow my instructions as punctually as I wish ; for people over there like to do only just what they please. If I could but speak to you, I would soon remove any unpleasant impression by ex- plaining the cause of my dissatisfaction, which in no way concerns you ; nor in my choice of chancellor has any person a right to find fault with me, or to ac- cuse me of monopoly, as you say ; but I hate those whom persons over there would wish to appoint, 33G MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. though no one was officious eaough to propose or to persuade me otherwise than what I have ah-eadj written to you, which I shall not repeat — and this is the truth. " I have been informed that, as soon as the news was known that Duvergier had a passport to come to me, it was said in your lodging that Koullet had ob- tained it from him ; wherein he was unjustly sus]3ect- ed, for the poor fellow never opened his mouth to speak to me concerning it, and would have been glad to make the journey himself, if possible, feeling him- self already attacked by that disorder which has since reduced him to his present state. In short, it was my own act and deed ; but as he is so odious to you, that you have refused to introduce him, as I requested, I will not urge you further. At all events, he will not fail to side with you as I have commanded him, and to take your advice whenever you choose to give it. I never intended that he should be either your superior or equal in the council, where, in the absence of my uncle, the Cardinal of Lorraine, you, as my representative, hold the first place, and where you are invested with authority to see to it that my affairs are conducted according to my orders, which I am certain you will implicitly follow, by way of setting a good example, more especially as you are my natu- ral subject. I beg, therefore, that henceforth I may not again see any expressions in your letters which savor of dispute and altercation, nor hear any more about the dissatisfaction and disgust which prevent you from fulfilling the duties that you are charged MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 337 with, as my present situation requires. - For the rest, if tliere are any who murmur at my orders, tell them that at the present moment, what I most desire in my af- fairs is, to know those who are disposed to obey me, that I may employ them, with the as8ured intention of re- warding them ; and those who would fain manage my affairs according to their own fancy, that they must change their conduct, or I shall persuade myself that it is not so much for my interest as for their own, that they wish to serve me. I want to see if, because I am absent or in prison, my orders are to be slighted or not, and I am willing to listen to the opinions of each, in order to follow the best counsel, which God will give me grace to discern ; but wherever I find any confederacy formed to counteract my intentions, I shall hold as suspicious all those who belong to it, and only employ such as pursue a different course. " I have made a declai-ation of my intentions, in answer to the replies made me to the instructions and estimates which I gave to my chancellor. I send it you for the purpose of showing and making it known, as herein expressed ; this I beg you to do, and to con- form to my wish, which, if I could communicate to f on in any other way than openly, you would approve of it, and be convinced, as I before told yon, that nothing was done with the intention of disparaging your faithful and agreeable services. I would most willingly have sought to procure permission for you to come over, had I not proof that it would be de- nied me, and were not all my requests viewed with more and more suspicion. I will, however, do all I O 22 338 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. can, and I beg you will do the same on yonr part. As for the money which you delivered to the English ambassador, take care and make him return it, and never again place any more in his hands, nor anything else, for they will not be answerable for anything. If my servants are urgent for their wages, I shall be reduced to great^traits. I shall soon send a memoran- dum of those I wish to be paid, the same as they were entered in my estimate. Look to this, and take care that the assignations, which I sent by Duvergier, for wages and gifts to my servants here with me, be im- mediately dispatched by the treasurer before an3'thing else ; for until this be done, I will not either give to or recompense any other, excepting the person to whom the Bishop of Ross lent a hundred crowns. I am very sorry that they have not been better satisfied, and without my knowledge. If you can do anything for them, I will most willingly allow for it, rather than remain indebted to them as I am. I recommend also to you, old Curie ; he is an old and faithful ser- vant, and his son is faithful and diligent in my service. I have assigned him some money, to be employed in the way that he knows of See to it that he is prompt- ly paid ; and, if opportunity offers of providing for any of his children, you will do me a great kindness by seeking the means. But that I may have an an- swer to this dispatch how my servants will be paid, I will send a list of those whom I wish to be paid first in France, among whom I shall not forget your ser- vants, particularly the good old man Warkar, whom I have known for a very long time. My ecuyer dd laARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 339 cuisine, notwithstanding all the orders I had given him, has not been able to get any money. I beg you, more especially as I have recommended, for my own safety, to be cautious in regard to my victuals, to let this be immediately settled ; and tell Hoteman to re- ceive his wages, and keep them for my sake ; and speak to Cheminon, and inquire if thei'e be any means of assisting him to recover part of his money, which was received but mismanaged, othei'wise it will be necessary for him to go over himself, which he has already asked leave of me to do ; and I assure you I should miss him very much. I am not out of danger if my food is not closely watched, and he is the only person here who has the care of it ; besides, as I have no apothecary, he makes up all the medicines for me and my household ; and I have not been very ill since last Lent, when I suffered a good deal from the cold and want of exercise. " Roullet has sent me a letter from Monsieur de riavigny, which I have read ; but, as the said Roullet cannot answer him, I beg you to make my recom- mendations to him, and to assure him that if ever I have the luck to recover my liberty, I shall remind him of his promise to be a courtier, at least in my company, where he will always be wished for and wel- come, as his virtues and amiable disposition deserve. I recommend to you my two orphans, Annibal and William Douglas, as you would wish me to do for those in whom you are interested. I am writing for some articles which I want ; order them to be for- warded to me as soon as possible, and money for 340 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. my houseliold. I am also writing to monsiem', my brother-in-law; to the Queens mesclames, my good mother and my sister ; to Monsieur le Due, and Mon- sieur de Montmorency ; deliver my letters to them, and speak to them in behalf of Adam Gordon, to obtain for him the place of captain in the Scotch guards, M. de Losse being promoted to a higher situation. You are aware how highly this would gratify me. I beg you also to recommend to them Lord Walhton, and render him all the service you can. In short, I beg you to solicit, wherever you can, for the good treat- ment of all my faithful subjects and servants in France. If I had the means, I would not importune the King to aid them ; but having none, I cannot have recourse to any but him, in virtue of the ancient alliance be- tween our countries, and the honor I have of being his sister. I beg, also, that in all changes and new edicts, you will not be afraid to require that there be nothing prejudicial to my dowry, as in the case of those tabellionages^ and solicit the aid and favor of M. the Cardinal of Bourbon, of Montpensier, and of M. de Montmorency, to whom I wish you to address your- self as ftimiliarly as to one of my relations, wherever y( u shall need counsel and favor, to aid you in re- monstrating about my affairs in that quarter. I will pray God to give you, Monsieur de Glascow, health, and a long and happy life. " Your very good mistress and friend, "Maky R " I beg you to send me some genuine terra sigillata^ if it is to be had for money ; if not, ask M. the cardi- MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. 341 nal, my uncle, for some ; or, if lie lias none, >*atlier than have recourse to the Queen, my mother-in-huv, or to the King, a bit of fine unicornis horn, as I am in great want of it,''^ " From what I have heard, you have misunderstood what I wrote to you, for I never said that your broth- ers had specially solicited me to take the seals from you, but that I would permit you to retire altogether, which I refused ; and, taking of the seals, they always denied that it was a thing from which you derived much profit. Your brother writes to you as if he had been accused of having done you some ill turn. I as- sure you, and can testify, that he never thought such a thing ; but he and your deceased brother expressed themselves to me in the terms above-mentioned ; and about this you may satisfy yourself without letting La Landouse and such like, interfere in correcting the Magnificojt. I will inform you particularly of every thing. What I here tell you, is enough to satisfy you that I have done nothing to cause you displeasure ; but I am not pleased with those lawsuits, carried on where every one must be a judge, and in the end I shall grow angry with them, which is what I have no wish to do. Duvergier had my letters before I had let you know that I had given him them ; he will show them to you." * The superstitious notions of those days attributed, we presume, extraordinary virtues to the imaginary as well as to the real sub- stances for which the Queen writes in this postscript. 342 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. " June 9tli, [1574.] " Madam, my good sister — as you have been jDleas- ed to intimate to Monsieur de la Mo the Fen el on, am- bassador of the King, monsieur my good bi'other, that you were gratified by the liberty which I took to pre- sent to you, through him, a trifling piece of my work, 1 cannot refrain from assuring you, by these lines, how ha2')py I should esteem myself, if you would be pleased to permit me to make it my duty to recover by any means whatever, some portion of your good graces, in which I most earnestly wish you to be pleased to aid me by some intimation in what way you think I can gratify and obey you ; whenever it is your pleasure, I shall always be ready to give you proofs of the honor and friendship I bear you. I was ' very glad that you were pleased to accept the sweet- meats which the said Sieur de la Mothe presented to you ; I am now writing to Duvergier, my chancellor, to send me a better supply, which you will do me a fa- vor in making use of; and would to God that you would accept my services in more important things, in which I should show such readiness to please, that, in a short time, you would have a better opinion of me ; in the meantime, I will wait patiently for some favorable news from you, which I have been expecting for such a long time. And that I may not be troublesome, I will communicate what I have further to say through Monsieur de la Mothe, being assured that you will not credit him less than myself; and having kisst4 your hands, I pray God to grant you, madam, my MART QUEEN OF SOOTS. 343 good sister, health and a long and happy life. From Sheffield, this ixtli of June. " Your very affectionate sister and cousin, " Mary E." the queen of scots to the aechbishop of glasgow. " From Sheffield, the 9th of July, [1574.] " Monsieur de Glascow — I have nothing particular to say at ]')resent, except that, thank God, I am in bet- ter health than I was before using the baths, and when I last wrote you. I beg you will procure for me some turtle doves, and some Barbary fowls. I wish to try if I can rear them in this country, as your brother told me that, when he was with you, he had raised some in a cage, as also some red partridges ; and send me, by the person who brings them to Lon- don,, instructions how to manage them. I shall take great pleasure in rearing them in cages, which i ^o all sorts of little birds I can meet with. This will be amusement for a prisoner, particularly since there are none in this country, as I wrote to you not long ago. Pray see to it, that my directions be complied with, and I will pray God to have you in his keeping. " Your very good mistress and friend, " Mary R." the queen of scots to the same. "From Sheffield, the 18th July, [1574.] " Monsieur de Glascow — M. de la Mothe Fenelon, ambassador of the King, monsieur, my brother, hav- ing given me the mournful intelligence of the decease 344 MAEY QTJEEN OF SCOTS. of the said prince,* whom God absolve, you may imagine the grief I felt for the loss of so good a brother and friend ; and if I had sooner had the means, I should have commanded yon to go to visit and con- dole, in my name, with the Queen-madam, my good mother, and with the Queens, my good sisters, which I am sure you have not failed to do, so well knowing my intentions ; and having since heard lately, from the said M. de la Mothe Fenelon, that there are hopes at present, of the return of the King, monsieur my good brother, to his kingdom, I would not omit wri- ting this letter, which I shall desire him to send you, for the purpose of informing you of my intention, which is that, on his arrival, you go to meet and re- ceive him, performing, in my name, such offices as are required of a good sister and ally, deliver the letters which I have written to him, and assuring him of the good will which you know I have always borne, both toward the late King and himself; and, if you liave opportunity, recommend me and my affairs to him, and to the Queen, my good mother, also, to whom I am now writing, as also to the Queen, my good sister, and to MM., my uncles. "As for my health, it is, thank G-od, rather better than before I went to the baths. I have written more particularly to the said Sieur de la Mothe, who, I am sure, will have apprized them of it. For the rest, I beg you to take care to get me an ample reply to my dispatch of the 8th of May, and that the memorials which I sent them, and since, be dispatched, and the * Charles IX., who died the 31st of May, 1574. MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 345 substance sent to M. de la Motlie, to be forwarded to me. K it please the Queen of England, madam my good sister, to permit yon, I should be glad if you would soon send some one to pay my household, and, at the same time, let me know, in reply, what you have to say about such of my affairs as remain to be settled, and to assist me in remodeling my estimates ; for, as for Roullet, he has been twice on the point of death within the last fortnight, and it will be a long time before he can assist me again, if he should recover, of which I see no great likelihood, being decidedly consumptive, or I am much mistaken, for he has a continual wheezing, and is quite bent. Still, he says he is very well, and even within the last two days, told me he was sure he should get better. At any rate, it would be well if M. the cardinal, my uncle, would provide a person to take his place, his health being very precarious, and the least thing causes a re- lapse ; and let me know his name, and as much as you can of his disposition ; for it is necessary to have pa- tient and peaceable persons among prisoners, who have not all the comforts they wish ; and, above all, he must not be partial in his service, otherwise it would occasion me more trouble than ease, and have no need of that, having had enough of it already. " If, in traveling to meet the King, or, for other ex- penses connected with this matter, you have need of some consideration, I should be glad if M., the cardi- nal, would allow something extra, only apprising me of it. I shall approve of it, for I know you are fre- quently in need of aid, and have no desire that you O* 346 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. sliould remain "behindhand, any more than get on too fast. On the first 02:)portunity, I will recommend you to the King, and renew my former request for you ; meanwhile, be careful that all my afiairs are conduct- ed according to my orders. " Should you be permitted to send me some one with my accounts, send me, by-and-by, Jean de Com- peigne, and let him bring me patterns of dresses, and of cloth of gold and silver, and of silks, the handsomest and the rarest that are worn at court, in order to learn my pleasure about them. Order Poissy to make me a couple of head-dresses, with a crown of gold and silver, such as were formerly made for me ; and Bre- tan to remember his promise, and to procure for me from Italy some new fashions of head-dresses, vails, and ribbons with gold and silver, and I will reimburse him for whatever these may cost him. " You must not forget the birds, about which I late- ly wrote to you, and communicate the contents of this letter to messieilrs, my uncles, and beg them to let me have a share of the new things which fall to them, as they do by my cousins ; for, though I do not wear such myself, they will be put to a better purpose. And to conclude, I will pray God to grant you, M. de Glascow, a long and happy life. " You must not fail to call, in my name, on M. and Madame de Lorraine, and apologize for my not writing to them at present, for want of leisure. I do not doubt that they will act towards me as a kind brother and sister, having been brought up with them from my youth, and being one of their house. Do the MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 34:7 same by my good sister, tlie Queeu of NavaiTe, and remember me to all my relations and friends ; but more especially to my uncle, Monsieur tlie Cardinal de Bourbon, and to my brother, the grand prior, to whom I have not time to write at present, so he never writes to me but for payment, and on behalf of his servants, at least, it is a long time since he did. Re- member me, likewise, to M. and Madame de Yaude- niont, and M. and Madame de Nemours, and De Se- vers, and do not forget my cousin Du Maine, and his brother. " Serves de Conde, an old and faithful servant, has complained to me of having been forgotten in the es- timates for some years. I desire that he and his wife be placed at the head of the list ; in the meantime, I have given him an order, which I beg you will see is paid him. Tell M., the cardinal, to furnish him with money to go to Scotland to take an inventory of the furniture which was in his keeping there, and to bring a certificate of what is wanting, who has it, and on what account he delivered it to them, and likewise testimonials from M. and Madame de Huthed, Lady Ledington, and Lord S^ton, to whom he may deliver all that he can recover ; and if I learn from you, on his return, that he has rendered a good account, and arranged matters well for the future, I will take such steps as, with your approbation, I may see fit, for keeping his son-in-law, or some other person there, as may be found most convenient. " Your very kind friend and mistress, " Mary R. 34:8 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. " Remember me to tlie Bishop of Ross — I have nothing to write to him about at present." When Mary learned tliat Elizabeth kindly accepted the gifts of her tasteful hand, she addressed her in a grateful mood : " Madame, my good sister, since it has pleased you to receive so graciously from Monsieur de la Mothe the little things which I took the liberty to send you by him, I cannot refrain from expressing to you how happy I shall feel, when it pleases you to allow me to endeavor, by all means, to regain some part of your favor, to do which I greatly desire you to have the goodness to aid me, by informing me of tlie matters in which I can please and obey you." She also wrote the French ambassador : "I feel the greatest satisfaction at the news you give me, that it has pleased the Queen, my good sister, to accept my tablets ; for I desire nothing so much as to be able always to please her, in the least as well as in the most important aifairs, and I do this in the hope of recovering her favor, in the first place, and then I do not doubt of her goodness in all the rest. I am desi- rous to make her a head-dress as soon as I can, but 1 have so few women to assist me in delicate needle- work, that I have not been able to get it ready yet. If you think some articles of network would please her better than anything else, I will make them. Meanwhile, I beg you to get for me some gold lace ornamented with silver spangles, the best and most delicate that you can, and to send me six yards of it, MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 349 and twenty yards of double lace, or else narrow good lace." Mary was subdued, and pity was tlie liigliest hom- age awarded the abject Queen. The troubler of mon- archs, — the beautiful conspirator, whose plots shook kingdoms, has stooped to play the milliner to her im- perious rival. The correspondence with the Archbishop of Glas- gow was filial and frank, when private. She wrote tenderly after the death of her secretary, Eoullet : " From Sheffield, the 4th of September, 1574. "Monsieur de Glascow, it pleased God to take Roullet, my secretary, out of this wretched life into his glory, on the last day but one of August, at eiglit o'clock in the morning, and so suddenly, that when I sent to inquire after him, as was my custom every morning, he was breathing his last, so that he said no- thing when dying, about what he had requested of me before. I have set down what he said, as nearly as I can recollect, in a letter to M. Ferrarius, and to Ilote- man ; which you will ask to see, and solicit them to accept the duty he has bequeathed them, and let me know whether they will fulfill it. He has left me the five thousand francs, which I lately made him a pres- ent of, saying that he had sufiicient to fulfill his last wishes. You must inquire respecting this, and, if you find it to be so, withdraw the said sum from Hoteman, or from the treasurer, because one or the other has received it for him, and whicli you can retain mitil 350 MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. you hear my further intentions. Make diligent in- quiry for some one to serve me as secretary, and send him to me as early as possible ; for I must not act any longer in this capacity, unless I wish to kill myself. " I beg you to inform my treasurer that I am dis- pleased, because my officers here, with the excej)tion of one or two, are not paid according to the order I gave him ; and those whom he has paid, at least Du Cartel, my surgeon, tells me that he has reckoned the crown at sixty sous. Inquire if that is the value of itj for, if he wrongs my servants to make a profit by them, I will not suffer it. He has had sufficient profit by holding their wages from them for so long a time after they were due, and in only paying those whom he pleased ; though there was no need for it, because they compounded with him for one half, as Chateaudum was in the habit of doing with my offi- cers. Dolu wrote to me that he had i^aid all ; but I see to the contrary : he has no for he confesses, himself, that he is in my debt. I beg you will show him that part of my letter which re- lates to him, or let him know that I am extremely displeased, as he shall find, if he does not endeavor to satisfy my poor servants v/ho are about me, and those who are recommended to me. I beg you will see that nothing further be done contrary to my in- structions. Roullet is dead ; they can no longer sus- pect that it is he who puts this into my 1 lad ; and, as for Duvergier, he never spoke to me about liim ; but I insist that he and all others obey me and fol- MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 351 low my orders, let tliem displease wliom tliey will ; and, as I am in expectation of yom* general dispatcli, I will not say more at present, but desire you to beg the cardinal, my uncle, not to permit any more money to be spent in the suit with Secondat ; for I tell you plainly, that I will give it up, rather than lay out an- other farthing upon it, let my counsel think what they please, unless they make it appear that there is a better prospect than I see at present. As far as I can learn, the six thousand francs are to be follow- ed by more ; I set my face against it ; show tliis to my said uncle, that he may forbid them to proceed further without his consent. " I have received a letter from Saint Cheran, apply- ing for the situation of his brother, who is in Cham- pagne. Tell him that, having seen the dispatch, by- and-by, according as he behaves himself, if he treads in the steps of his brother, and relies on me only, I will willingly comply with his request, and take him into my service, for I insist that my officers, especially those who are here with me, depend entirely upon me, and no other person. If any should urge my chancellor to do any act without first consulting me, I beg you will take care that he refuses, until my in- tention be known, for that was the principal leason why I took him, and that he should depend on none but me. In so doing, I beg, as you love me, to sup- port him, for I am resolved to be obeyed. " For the rest, present my humble remembrances to the -King, M. my good brother, and to the Queen, my good mother, and beg them to command that all 352 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. privileges and things in my gift may be reserved for me, and not given av/ay, as they have been for some years past, under the name of grants from the King. Remember me to Messrs., my nneles, to my cousins, and to all my kind relations and friends, and take care to send your dispatch by a trusty person, and furnish- ed with a safe passport for what I want, as all the letters of Senlis were taken from him. After sin- cerely recommending myself to your remembrance, I pray God to have you in his holy and worthy keeping. " I beg you will desire my treasurer to pay the money as soon as possible to old Curie, for I fear that the assignment will be at a long date, and tliathehas great need of it for his poor motherless children. I recommend him to you. I have not leisure to reply to the requests of Walker, nor have I a creature to assist me ; tell them they shall not be forgotten, nor yet the young lady who was to have come with Kal- lay, who, perhaps, some day may be in my service. " Your very good mistress and friend, " Mart E. "Apprise M., the cardinal, tJiat if any one speaks to him for the situation of maitre d)hbtel^ held by the late Esguilli, he must not promise it, for I intend to make alterations in my household, and to have this situation abolished, as I have, likewise, resolved to do in regard to many others, as they become vacant, I shall do the same with Eoullet's pension, leaving only the wages of a secretary for another in liis place, and I will not permit any persons to be placed over there MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 353 on my list without my knowledge, or I shall strike them out. '' Do not forget my humble remembrances to Mad- ame, my grandmother. Ronllet has left letters wliich he wrote to yon, withont addressing them, to M, de E.OSS and to M. the cardinal, whom I onght to have mentioned first ; I shall reserve them for better op- portunity, as they are not important, being merely on the matter concerning which he conceived himself to be suspected over there. Remember me to M. de Koss, to whom I have not leisure to winte at present." a A few weeks after she exj)ressed her interest in the trifles which beguiled her solitary hours, and com- mends a friend in France, to his regard : "Sheffield, the 13th November, [1574.] " M. de Glascow — having received the sweetmeats by the hands of the bearer, the brother of my chan- cellor, Durvergier, I have thought it right to give you a line by him, merely to tell you that I am well, thank God, and waiting for my secretary, and if you do not make haste and send him, you will hear no more from me, for so much writing makes me ill. Till then, I shall not write to you about business ; but do not forget, as you are so often at Lyons, to send my little dogs. For the rest, Madame' de Briante has returned into France, where she is likely to have a great deal to do, especially with her brother-in-law, respecting her dowry. If she has need of my inter- est with him, or with any other, or with those of the 23 354: MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. law, I beg you to do all in your power to assist her, and to request M. the cardinal, my uncle, to do what he can for her in all her aifairs ; and, if she needs letters of recommendation from him, or from any of my relatives or kindred, you must procure them for her in my name, with leave of my said uncle ; so that, if she has occasion to solicit the settlement of her Buits in Paris, he may, for my sake, accommodate her with apartments in some one of his houses, that may be most suitable. She is an excellent and virtuous lady, and an old servant of the late Queen, my mo- ther, and of myself, and her daughter is daily render- ing me most agreeable service. But you are so well acquainted with her merits and virtues, that I shall not make this letter any longer, unless to pray God, after recommending myself to your good graces, to grant you, M. de Glascow, health and a long and happy life. " Your very good friend and mistress, "Mart E." Henry III. ascended the throne of France, and the captive felt a rising hope in his reputed bravery and devotion to Popery. But he soon blasted the expect- ation, by his characterless, undecided reign. Death robbed her, at this time, of a faithful ally. Tidings that Cardinal Lorraine was no more, reached the dis- consolate Queen. JSTot hearing immediately from the archbishop on the subject, she wrote him, complain- ins: of neglect : MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 855 " From SnEFFrELD, 20tli February, [1575.] " Monsieur cle Glascow — I am much astonished that, on so mehmcholy event, I have neither received information nor consolation from you. I cannot at- tribute this to anything but the extreme sorrow you feel for the loss I have sustained : yet God be praised, if he sends me afflictions, he has, thus far, given me grace to support them. Though I cannot, at the first moment, command my feelings, or prevent the tears that will flow, yet my long adversity has taught me to hope for consolation for all my afflictions in a bet- ter life. Alas ! I am a prisoner, and God has bereft me of one of those persons whom I most loved ; what shall I say more ? He has bereft me, at one blow, of my father and my uncle ; I shall now follow whenev- er he pleases, with less regret ; but yet, instead of comforting me, do not distress yourself too much on my account, lest I might be deprived of a good and faithful servant, which, I feel assured, I have in you." Mary Stuart still looked, with faint anticipation of aid, to Philip II., and resumed correspondence re- specting an invasion of England. Her failing health and perils, drew forth the following singular and nn- natural disposal. of her son, quoted from a message to the Archbishop of Glasgow : " In order not to contravene the glory, honor, and preservation of the Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman church, in which I wish to live and die, if the prince 856 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. of Scotland, my son, sliall be bronglit back to its creed in spite of the bad education he has received, to mj great regret, in the heresy of Calvin, among my rebellious subjects, I leave him the sole and only heir of my kingdom of Scotland, and of the right which I justly claim to the crown of England and its dependent countries ; but if, on the other hand, my said son continues to live in the said heresy, I yield and transfer and present all my rights in England and elsewhere ... to the Catholic King, or any of his relations whom he may please, with the advice and consent of his Holiness ; and I do this, not only because I perceive him to be now the only true sup- porter of the Catholic religion, but also out of grati tude for the many favors which I and my friends, recommended by me, have received from him in my greatest necessity, and furthermore, out of respect to the rights which he may himself possess to the said kingdoms and countries. I beseech him, in return, to make alliance with the house of Lorraine, and, if possible, with that of Guise, in memory of the race from which I am sprung on my mothers side." A part of Mary's correspondence during the years 1579-80, will afford a glance at her somewhat monot- onous life : THE QUEEN OP SCOTS TO THE AECHBISIIOP OP GLASGOW. " June 24, 1579. "Men's de Glascow — Owing to the absence of Kau, who set out a fortnight ago for Scotland, on a MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 857 visit to my son,* and to my having been rather indis- posed — many thanks to Du Yal, whom I expected here to physic {jmrger) me for this whole summer — I could not give an earlier answer to your last letters. I shall therefore begin by requesting you to put the irons in the fire again, and try to find me another physician who is not a deceiver, and make Lusgeri do the same ; and, meanwhile, give me your opinion of any who may offer themselves. I have ordered Duvergier, my chancellor, if he knows of any person, to send him to you, so that you may speak to him, and be able to give me your opinion. I fear he will find work cut out for him, as I begin to lie unwell, and am suffering from what I have not had for a long time — a very bad, dry cough. I am glad that you have gone to the baths for the benefit of your he.-Jth, but am sorry that you could not be present, according to my desire, at the rendering of the acounts of Dolu, my treasurer. I hope soon to be able to inform you, whom I intend to appoint in his place. As to the affair of Madam de Humieres, you will do well to make inquiry about it, for I think it a sad thing that the fief should be so much diminished, since she herself wrote to me, at her leisure, respecting it. Touching the request of your secretary, I cannot, for several reasons, comply with it at present. I beg you, on * "About this time, Mary sent by Kau, her secretary, a letter to her son, together with some jewels of value, and a vest, embroi- dered with her own hand. But, as she gave him only the title of Prince of Scotland, the messenger was dismissed without being admitted into his presence." — Robertson's Hist, of Scotl. b. vi. 358 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. yonr return, to give me a full account of the state of mj affairs, and to look well after them ; and, in re- turn, I hope to be able, on the arrival of Kau, to inform you of that of your old mistress and your young master. So the latter be but satisfactory, the former cannot be otherwise. And, in this place, after hear- tily commending myself to you, I pray God to give you, M. de Glascow, a long and happy life. "Your .very good mistress and best friend, "Maey E." the queen of scots to the aeghbishop of glasgow. " Buxton, August 10, 1579. " Monsieur de Glascow — As the indisposition of Kau prevents me from giving you a detailed answer to your preceding letters, I write in the meantime to inform you of my arrival at the baths, and of the benefit I have derived from them in relieving the in- veterate pain in my side. As ill luck would have it, at Sheffield, those who were assisting me to mount my horse, let me fall backward on the steps of the door, from which I received so violent a blow on the spine of the back, that, for some days past, I have not been able to hold myself upright. I hope, howev- er, with the good remedies which I have employed, to be quite well before I leave this place. We have not been wholly free from the epidemic disorder ; but it has been much more violent among the people of the country than those of my household, not one of which is now, thank God, aflfected by it. " Do not fail to send me all the things which I di- MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 359 rected you, notwitlistanding tlie danger that you tell me you apprcliend on your side of tlie water, and which is not less here, and write to me an all occa- si-Tis, according to the opportunity you have. Where- upon, I pray God to have you, M. de Glascow, in his holy keeping. " Your very good mistress and best friend, " Maey R" the queen of scots to m. de mauvissieek 'Monsieur de Mauvissiere — Having purchased two beautiful rare nags for my cousin, Monsieur do Guise, it was my intention to have immediately sent them both in charge of the bearer, who is obliged to return to France with his wife, for the cure of a dis- order with which she has been afflicted ever since last winter. But one of the said horses having been ailing {forheu) for the last seven or eight days, I thought it advisable not to miss this opportunity, nor the season, for sending the other, which I have given in charge to the groom, who has for some time past had it under his particular care, and I have given him strict orders to take it to your house ; and you will oblige me to let it be led by one of your grooms, to my ambas'=iador, in order that he may present it, m. my name, to my said cousin, and to pay my expenses incurred. I think you will have no difficulty about his journey, with the passport which it will be necessary to obtain for the purpose, any more than for that of any of my said officers ; I shall, therefore, not give you any more particular directions on the subject, praying God, 360 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. Monsieur de Mauvissiere, to have you in liis holy and worthy care. Written at the manor of Sheffield, the iii. day of September, 1580. " Your very obliged and best friend, "Maey R." Morton, Regent of Scotland, had for five years ruled wisely over the realm. Commerce prospered in the universal peace, and the transforming progress in ev- ery branch of national prosperity, was the theme of eulogy with foreign ambassadors. The fruits of a Protestant reign were benign and happy. But the restless nobles demanded his resignation, and the in- vestment of James YI., then thirteen years of age, with full authority. After great reverses of fortune within a short period, Morton was condemned to the scaffold, June 2d, 1581, on the charge of complicity in the murder of Darnley. He confessed his knowl- edge of the conspiracy, but denied any connection with it, not daring, he affirmed, to reveal it, because the Queen approved the regicide. He died with un- faltering firmness and resignation. Mary heard with imfeigned satisfaction of the execution of an enemy, whose death was favorable to her aspirations. Mary had refused to give James YI. the title of King, and wlien her messenger, ISTau, presented him- self with maternal gifts, the youthful prince denied him audience, because his mother had omitted the royal address. A new scheme was proposed of association in the crown. The conditions were, the resignation of the MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 361 Bceptre to Mary, and lier restoration of it again to her son. The management of the affair was committed to the Duke of Guise. It was another Catholic de- vice, similar to that of 1570. Earl of Lennox, for- merly • Stuart, a Catholic favorite of James, held a commanding influence, and secretly used it to weak- en the strength of the Presbyterian church. Prepar- atory to his ultimate plans, he reestablished the Epis- copal church for the benefit of the Protestant nobility. The English ambassador at Edinburgh disclosed to the nobles who were faithful to the Reformation, the negotiations in progress, and the danger to their reli- gion and lives, if the project of association in the crown succeeded. The result was another formidable confederation to put down Lennox, defeat the designs of the Queen, and guard the Protestant faith. Len- nox moved fearlessly forward ; but intelligence reach- ing the confederates of his incautious haste, they re- solved to strike a blow without delay. The King was enjoying the chase near Perth. The Earl of Gourie invited him to his castle at Ruthven, when suddenly it was environed with a thousand men. The captive wept and expostulated in vain ; he was carried to the fortress of Stirling Castle. Lennox, after attempting to intrench himself at Edinburgh, retired into France, where he soon died. This disastrous experiment of Mary's friends, once more plunged her into the abyss of helplessness and despair ; while Elizabeth was elated with the triumphs of her unshaken authority. In the extremity of her con- dition, she wrote a long and deeply interesting letter : P 362 MART QLEEN OF SCOTS. THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH.* " Madam — Upon tliat wliicli lias come to my knowl- edge of the last conspiracies executed in Scotland against my poor, child, having reason to fear the con- sequences of it, from the example of myself, I must emj^loy the very small remainder of my life and strength before my death, to discharge my heart to you fully of my just and melancholy complaints ; of which I desire that this letter may serve you as long as you live after me, for a perpetual testimony and engraving upon your conscience, as much for my dis- charge to posterity, as to the shame and^confusion of all those who, under your approbation, have so cru elly and unworthily treated me to this time, and reduced me to the extremity in which I am. But as their designs, practices, actions, and proceedings, though as detestable as they could have been, have always prevailed with you against my very just re- monstrances and sincere deportment ; and as the power which you have in your hands, has always * Blackwood, whose history of the sufferings of Mary was pub- lished so early as 1581, says: "The Queen at the reported seizure of her son by Lord Gowry, having received an intimation of her son's captivity, fell so sick that she thought she should die, as the Eng- lish phj-sicians reported she would to their mistress, who wanted nothing better, having the son already in her power, or, which was the same ; in the hands of the people who were devoted to her ; with which the poor motlier, being greatly agitated in her mind, after she had addressed her prayers to God, put her hand to the pen, thinking to obtain favor from, and to soften the heart of, her cousin by this address." The French original of this " celebrated letter," as Chalmers calls it, is in the British Museum, Cotton lib. Calig. c. vii. 61. -MARY QCTEEN OF SCOTS. 363 been a reason for you among mankind ; I will have recourse to the living God, our only judge, who has established us equally and immediately under Him, for the government of his people. " I will invoke him, till the end of this, my very press- ing affliction, that he will return to joii and to me (as he will do in his last judgment,) the share of our merits and demerits one toward the other. And remember, madam, that to him we shall not be able to disguise anything by the point and policy of the world ; though mine enemies, under you, have been able, for a time, to cover their subtle inventions to men, perhaj^s to you. " In his name, and before him sitting between you and me, I will remind you that, by the agents, spies, and secret messengers, sent in your name to Scotland while I was there, my subjects were encouraged to rebel against me, to make attempts upon my person, and, in a word, to speak, do, enterprise, and exectito that which has come to the said country during my troubles ; of which I will not, at present, s^Decify oth- er proof than that which I have gained of it by the confession of one who was afterward among those that were most advanced for this good service, and of the witnesses confronted with him. To whom, if I had since done justice, he had not afterward, by liis ancient intelligences, renewed the same practices against my son, and had not procured for all my trai- torous and rebellious subjects who took refuge with you, that aid and support which they have had, even since my detention on this side ; without which sup- 364 MART QUEEN OF SCuTS. port I think the said traitors could not since have prevailed, nor afterward have stood out so long as they have done. "During my imprisonment at Lochleven, the late Trogmarton [Throckmorton] counseled me on your behalf to sign that demission which he advertised me would be presented to me, assuring me that it would not be valid. And there was not afterward a place in Christendom, where it was held for valid or main- tained, except on this side, [where it was maintained] even to having assisted with open force, the authors of it. In your conscience, madam, would you ac- knowledge an equal liberty and power in your sub- jects ? K^oth withstanding this, my authority has been by my subjects transferred to my son, when he was not capable of exercising it. " And since I was willing to assure it lawfully to him, he being of age to be assisted to his own advantage, it is suddenly ravished from him, and assignecl over to two or three traitors ; who, having taken froni him the effectiveness of it, will take from him as they have from me, both the name and the title of it, if he contradicts them in the manner he may, and perhaps his life, if God does not provide for his pres- ervation. " When I was escaped from Lochleven, ready to give battle to my rebels, I remitted to you, by a gen- gleman express, a diamond jewel, which I had former- ly received as a token from you, and with assurance to be succored against my rebels, and even that, on my reftiring toward you, you would come to the very fron- MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 365 tiers in order to assist me ; whicTi had been confirmed to me by divers messengers. "This promise, coming, and repeatedly, from your mouth, (though I had found myself often deceived by your ministers,) made me place such affiance on the efi'ectiveness of it, that, when my army was routed, I had come directly to throw myself in to your arms, if I had been able to approach them. But, while I was planning to set out, there wa^ I arrested on my way, surrounded with guards, secured in strong places, and at last reduced, all shame set aside, to the captivity in which I remain to this day, after a thousand deaths, which I have already suftered from it. " I know that you will allege to me what passed between the late Duke ISTorfolk [Duke of Norfolk] and me. I maintain that there was nothing in this to your prejudice or against the public good of this realm, and that the treaty was sanctioned with the advice and signatures of the first ^^ersons who were then of your council, under the assurance of making it appear good to you. How could such personages have underta- ken the enterprise of making you consent to a point which should deprive you of life, of honor, and your crown, as you have shown yourself persuaded it would have done to all the ambassadors and others, who speak to you concerning me. " In the meantime, my rebels perceiving that their headlong course was carrying them much further than they had thought before, and the truth being evidenced concerning the calumnies that had been propagated of me at the conference to which I submitted, in full 36G MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. assembly of your deputies and mine, with others of the contrary party in that country, in order to clear myself j)ublicly of them ; there were the principals, for having come to repentance, besieged by your for- ces in the Castle of Edinburgh, and one of the first among them poisoned,* and the other most cruelly hanged ;f after I had twice made them lay down their arms at your request, in hopes of an agreement, which God knows whether my enemies, aimed at. "I have been for a long time trying whether pa- tience could soften the rigor and ill-treatment which they have begun for these ten years peculiarly to make me suffer. And, accommodating myself exactly to the order prescribed me for my captivity in this house, as well in regard to the number and quality of the attendants which I retain, dismissing the othe- ers, as for my diet and ordinary exercises for my health, I am living at present as quietly and peacea- bly as one much inferior to myself, and more obliged than with such treatment I was to you, had been able to do ; even to the abstaining, in order to take from you all shadow of suspicion and diffidence, from re- quiring to have some intelligence with my son and my country, which is what by no right or reason could be denied me, and particularly with my child ; whom, instead of this, they endeavored by every way to persuade against me, in order to weaken us by our division. " I was permitted, you will say, to send one to visit *Secretary Maitland. f The Laird of Grange. MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 367 him there aboi.t three years ago. His captivity tiien at Stirling under tlie tyranny of Morton, was the cause of it, as his liberty was afterward of the refusal to make a like visit. All this year past I have sever- al times entered into divers overtures for the estab- lishment of a good amity between us, and a sure understanding between these two realms in future. About ten years ago, commissioners were sent to me at Chatsworth for that purpose. A treaty has been held uj)on it with yourself, by my ambassadors and those of France. I even myself niade last winter all the advantageous overtures concerning it to Beal, that it was possible to make. What return have I had from them ? My good intention has been despised, the sincerity of my actions has been neglected and ca- lumniated, the state of my affairs has been traversed by delays, postponings, and other such like arti'fices. And, in conclusion, a worse and more unworthy treatment from day to day, in spite of anything which I am obliged to do to deserve the country, and my very long, useless, and prejudicial patience, have reduced me so low, that mine enemies, in their habits of using me ill, now think they have the right of prescription, for treating me, not as a prisoner, which in reason I could not be, but as a slave, whose life and whose death depend only upon their tyranny. " I cannot, madam, endure it any longer ; and I must in dying discover the authors of my death, or living, attempt, under your protection, to find an end to the cruelties, calumnies, and traitorous designs of my said enemies, in order to establish me in some lit- 368 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. tie more repose for tlie remainder of my life. To take away the occasions pretended for all the diiferences between us, banish from yom* mind, if you please, all that has been reported to you concerning my actions ; review the depositions of the foreigners taken in Ire- land ; let those of the Jesuits last executed be sub- mitted to you ; give liberty to those who would undertake to accuse me publicly, and permit me to enter upon my defence ; if any evil be found in me, let me suffer for it ; it shall be patiently, when I know the occasion of it ; if any good, allow me not to be worse treated for it, with your very high commission before God and man. " The vilest criminals that are in your prisons, born Tinder your obedience, are admitted to their justifica- tion; and their accusers and their accusations are always declared to them. Why, then, shall not the same order have place toward me, a sovereign Queen, your nearest relation and lawful heir? I think that this last circumstance has hitherto been on the side of my enemies, the principal cause of all their cal- umnies, to make their unjust pretensions slide be- tween the two, and keep us in division. But, alas! they have now little reason and less need to torment me more u]3on this account. For I protest to you, upon mine honor, that I look this day for no kingdom but that of my God, whom I see preparing me for the better conclusion of all my afflictions and adversities. " This will be to you [a monition] to discharge your conscience toward my child, as to what belongs to him on this point aftc-r ni}'' death ; and, in the meantime. MART QUEEN OF SCOTS, 869 not to let prevail to his prejudice, the continual prac- tices and secret consj^iracies which our enemies in this kingdom are making daily for the advancement of their said pretensions ; laboring, on the other side, with our traitorous subjects in Scotland, by all the means which they can to hasten his ruin ; of which •. desire no better verification than the charges given to your last deputies sent into Scotland, and what the said deputies have serlitiously practiced there, as I believe, without your knowledge, but with good and sufficient solicitation of the earl, my good neighbor at York.* " And on this point, madam, by what right can it be maintained that I, the mother of my child, am to- tally prohibited not only from assisting him in the so m'gent necessity in which he is, but also from having any intelligence of his state ? Who can bring him more carefulness, duty, and sincerity than I? To whom can he be more near ? At the least, if, when sending to him to provide for his preservation, as the Earl of Cheresbury [Shrewsbury] gave me lately to understand that you did, you had been pleased to take my advice in the matter, you would have inter- posed with a better face, as I think, and with more obligingness to me. But consider what you leave me to think, when, forgetting so suddenly the offence which you pretended to have taken against my son, at the time 1 was requesting you that we should send together to him, you have dispatched one to the place * The Earl of Huntingdon, then Lord President, at York. F* 24 3T0 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. where lie was a prisoner, not only without giving me advice of it, but debarring me at the very time from all liberty, that by no way whatever I might have any news of him. " And if the intention of those who have procured on your part this so prompt visit to my son had been for his preservation and the repose of the country, they needed not to have been so careful to conceal it from me, as a matter in which I should not have been willing to concur with you. By this means they have lost you the good will which I should have had for you. And, to talk to you more plainly on the point, I pray you not to employ there any more such means or such persons. For, although 1 hold the Lord de Kerii [Gary, Lord Ilunsdon] too sensible of the rank from which he is sprung, to engage his honor in a villainous act, yet he has had for an assistant a sworn partizan of the Earl of Huntingdon's, by whose bad offices an action as bad has nearly succeeded to a similar effect. I shall be contented, then, if you will only not permit my son to receive any injury from his country (which is all that I have ever required of you before, even when an army was sent to the borders, to prevent justice from being done to that detestable Mor- ton,) nor any of your subjects to intermeddle any more, directly or indirectly, in the affairs of Scotland, unless with my knowledge, to whom all cognizance of these things belongs, or with the assistance of some one on the part of the most Christian King, my good brother, whom, as ou^' principal ally, I desire to make privy to the whole of this cause, notwithstanding the MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 371 little influence that lie can have with the traitors who detain mj son at present. " In the meantime, I declare in all frankness to you, that I hold this last conspiracy and innovation as pure treason against the life of my son, the good of his affairs, and that of tlie country ; and that, while he shall be in the state which I understand he is, I shall consider no message, writing, or other act that comes from him, or is passed in his name, as proceed- ing from his free and voluntary disposition, but only from the said conspirators, who are making him serve as a mask for them, at the risk of his life. "But, madam, with all this freedom of speech, which I can foresee will in some sort displease you, though it is but the truth itself, you will think it still more strange, I am sure, that I importune you again with a request of much greater importance, and yet very easy for you to grant. This is, that, not having been able hitherto by accommodating myself patiently for so long a time to the rigorous treatment of this captivity, and, carrying myself sincerely in all things, yea, even such as could concern you ever so little, in order to give some assurance of my entire affection for you, all my hope being taken away of being better treated for the very short period of my life that remains to me, I supplicate you for the sake of the painful passion of our Saviour and Re- deemer, Jesus Christ, again I supplicate you, to per- mit me to withdraw myself out of your realm, into some place of repose, to seek some comfort for my poor body, worn out as it is with continual sorrows, 372 MAEY QUEEN OP SCOTS. that, witli liberty of conscience, I may prepare my soul for God, wlio is daily calling for it. "Believe, madam, and the physicians whom you sent this last summer are able sufficiently to judge the same, that I am not for a long continuance, so as to give you any foundation for jealousy or distrust of me. And, notwithstanding this, require of me what- ever just and reasonable assurances and conditions you think fit. The greatest power rests always on your side, to make me keep them ; though on no ac- count whatsoever would I wish to break them. You have had sufilcient experience of my observance of my simple promises, and sometimes to my prejudice; as I showed you on this very point about two years ago. Recollect, if you please, what I then wrote to you ; and if you will never be able to bind my heart to you so much as by kindness, though you keep my poor body languishing forever between four walls ; those of my rank and nature not suflering themselves to be gained or forced by any rigor. "Your imprisonment, without any right or just ground, has already destroyed my body, of which you will shortly see the end, if it continues there a little longer ; and my enemies will not have much time to glut their cruelty on me ; nothing is left of me but the soul, which all your power cannot make captive. Give it, then, room to aspii'e a little more freely after its salvation, which is all that it now seeks, rather than any grandeur of this world. It seems to me that it cannot be any great satisfaction, honor, .and advan- tage to you, for my enemies to trample my life under MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. 373 foot, till tliey have stifled me in your presence. Where- as, if, in this extremity, however late it be, you release me out of their hands, you will bind me strongly to you, and bind all those wdio belong to me, particular- ly my poor child, whom you will, perhaps, make sure to yourself by it. " I will not cease to imj^ortune you with this request, till it is granted. And on this account I beg you to let me know your intention ; having, in order to com- ply with you, delayed for two years till this time to renew my application for it. In the meantime, pro- vide, if you please, for the bettering of my treatment in this country, that I may not sufier any longer, and commit me not to the discretion of any other what- ever, but only your own self, from whom alone, (as I wrote to you lately,) I wish for the future to derive all the good and the evil which I shall experience in your dominions. Do me this favor, to let me, or the ambassador of France for me, have your intention in writing. For, to confine me to what the Earl of Scher- usbury, [Shrewsbury] or others shall say or write about it on your behalf, I have too much experience to be able to put any assurance in it ; the least point which they shall capriciously fancy being sufficient to make a total change from one day to another. " Besides this, the last time I wrote to those of your council, you gave me to understand that I ought not to address myself to them, but to you alone ; tliere- fore, to extend their authority and credit only to do me hurt, could not be reasonable ; as has happened in this last limitation, in which, contrary to your in- 374: MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. tentions, I have been treated with much incHgnitj'. This gives me every reason to susj)ect that some of my enemies in your said council may have procured it with a design to keep others of the said council from being made privy to my just complaints, lest the oth- ers should perhaps see their companions adhere to their wicked attempts upon my life, which, if they should have any knowledge of them, they would oppose, for the sake of your honor and of their duty towards you. " Two things I have principally to require at the close : the one, that, near as I am to leaving this world, I may have with me for my consolation some' honest churchman, to remind me daily of the course which I have to finish, and to teach me how to com- plete it conformably with my religion, in which I am firmly resolved to live and die. 1 " This is a last duty, which cannot be denied the m.eanest and most abject person that lives : it is a lib- erty which you grant to all the foreign ambassadors, and which all Catholic Kings give to your ambassa- dors — the exercise of their religion. And even I myself have not heretofore forced my own subjects to anything contrary to their religion, though I had all power and authority over them. And that I should be deprived in this extremity of such freedom, you cannot in justice require. What advantage will ac- crue to you if you deny it me ? I hope that God will forgive me, if, oppressed by you in this manner, I render him no other duty than what I shall be allow- ed to do in my heart. But you vill set a very bad MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 375 example to the other princes of Christendom, to act to%yards their snbjects with the same rigor that you will show to me, a sovereign Queen, and your nearest relation, which I am, and shall be, as long as I live, in spite of my enemies. " I would not now trouble you with the increase of my household ; about which, for the short time I have to live, I need not care mu.ch. I require then from you only two bedchamber women to attend me during my illness ; attesting to you before God, that they are very necessary to me, now that I am a forlorn crea- ture among these simple people. Grant these to me, for God's sake ; and show, in this instance, that my enemies have not so much credit with you against me as to exercise their vengeance and cruelty in a point of so little importance, and involving a mere office of humanity. "I will now come to that with which the Earl of Shrewsbury has charged me, if such a one as he can charge me, which is this : that, contrary to my j^rom- ise made to Beal, and without your knowledge, I have been negotiating with my son, to yield to him my title to the crown of Scotland, when I had obliged myself not to proceed in it but with your advice, by one of my servants, who should be directed by one of yours in their common journey thither. These are, I believe, the veiy words of the said earl. "I will tell you, madam, that Beal never had an absolute and unconditional promise from me, but, in- deed, conditional overtures, by which I cannot be bound, in the sta/ e in which the business is, unless the 376 MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. stipulations which I annexed to it are previously exe- cuted ; and so far is he from having satisfied me about this, that, on the contrary, I have never had any an- swer from ]iim, nor heard mention of it since, on his part. And on this point, I well remember, that the Earl of Shrewsbury, about Easter last, wishing to draw from me a new confirmation of what I had spo- ken to the said Beal, I replied to him very fully, that it was only in case the said conditions should be grant- ed, and consequently fulfilled toward me. Both are living to testify this, if they will tell the truth about it. Then, seeing that no answer was made to me, but on the contrary, that by delays and neglects my ene- mies continued more licentiously than ever their prac- tices carried on ever since the sojourn of the said Beal with me, in order to thwart my just pretensions in Scotland, so that the efiects have been well witnessed there ; by these means a door was left open for the ruin of myself and son ; I took your silence for a refusal, and discharged myself, by express letters, as well to you as to your council, from all that I had treated upon with the said Beal. " I make you fully privy to what monsieur, the King, and madame, the Queen, had written to me with their own hands, on this business, and I asked your advice upon it, which is yet to come, and on which it was in truth my intention to proceed, if you had given it me in time, and you had permitted me to- send to my son, assisting me in the overtures which I had proposed to you, in order to establish between the two realms a good amity and perfect intelligence MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 877 for the future.- But to bind myself nakedly to follow your advice before I knew what it would be, and, for tlie journey of our servants, to put mine under the direction of yours, even to my own country, I was never yet so sim]3le as to think of it. " Kow I refer to your consideration, if you knew of the false game which my enemies in this country have played me in Scotland, to reduce things to the jjoint at which they stand, which of us has proceeded with the greatest sincerity. God judge between them and me, and avert from this island the just punish- ment of their demerits ! "Take no heed of the intelligence which my trai- torous subjects in Scotland have given you. You will find, and I will maintain it before all the princes in Christendom, that nothing whatever has passed there on my side to your prejudice, or against the welfare and tranquillity of the realm, which I affect not less than any counselor or subject that you have, being more interested in it than any of them. "There was a negotiation for gratifying my son with the title and name of King, and for insuring as well the said title to him as impunity to the rebels for their past offences, and for replacing everything in repose and tranquillity for the future, without innova- tion of any kind whatever. Was this taking away the crown from my son? My enemies, I believe, had no wish whatever that the crown should be secured to him, and are therefore glad that he should keep it by the milawful violence of traitors, enemies from times of old to all our family. Was this then seeking 378 MAKY QUEEN OE SCOTS. for justice upon the past offences of the said traitors, which my clemency has always surpassed ? " But an evil conscience can never he assured, car- rying its fear continually in its very great trouble within itself. Was it wishing to disturb the repose of the country to grant a mild pardon of everything past, and to effect a general reconciliation between all our subjects ? This is the point which our enemies in this country are afraid of, much as they j^retend to desire it. What prejudice would be done to you by this ? Mark then, and verify, if you please, by what other point. I will answer it on my honor. " Ah ! will you, madam, suffer yourself to be so blind to the artifices of my enemies, as to establish their unjust pretensions to this crown, after you are gone ; nay, perhaps, against yourself? Will you suf- fer them in your lifetime, and look on, while they are ruining and cruelly destroying those so nearly con- nected with you, both in heart and in blood ? What advantage and honor can you hope for in allowing them to keep us, my son and me, so long separated, and liim and me from you ? " Redeem the old pledges of your good-nature ; bind your relations to yourself; let me have the satis- faction, before I die, of seeing all matters happily settled between us ; that my soul, when released from this body, may not be constrained to make its lamen- tations to God for the wrongs which you have suffered to be done it here below ; but rather that, being hap- pily united to you, it may quit this captivity, to go to Rim, whom I pray to inspire you favorably upon my MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. 379 very just, and more than reasonable complaints and grievances. At Slieffield, this 8th of ISTovember, one thousand, five hundred, eighty-two. " Your very disconsolate nearest kinswoman, and affectionate cousin, "Maey R." Tlie Queen of England was far from yielding to the captive's pleading. Recent events had decided her to keep Mary in secure confinement, where, as hith- erto, failure should be the issue of all j)lots against her own majesty, and in behalf of her rival. In poor Scotland, revolutions swej)t over the land, like the waves of a tempestuous deep. James YI. was young and weak, both in council and action. He entertain- ed no ardent afiection for his mother, consequently had not imbibed her ambitious hostility to Elizabeth. He was the creature of j^opular commotion, and ca- pricious attachments to jDolitical favorites. Mean- while, Philip H. and tlie Duke of Guise detennined to invade England, with a bold and decisive cam- paign, June STth, 1583, James, by the assistance of Earl Huntly and others, regained his freedom, and was prepared for the adventure. The Duke of Guise sent Charles Paget, under the assumed name of Mapo, who was one of the mana- agers of Mary's dowry in France, to the Enghsh Cath- olics with this message : "Assure them, upon the faith and honor of Hercu- les, (the Duke of Guise,) that the enterprise has no other object than the establishment of the Catholic 380 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. religion in England, and the peaceable restitution of tlie crown of England to the Queen of Scotland, to whom that crown of right belongs. As soon as this is done, all foreigners shall leave the kingdom, and if any refuse to do so, Hercules promises to join his for- ces to those of the inhabitants of the country, in order to drive them out." The grand expedition was doomed to inglorious close, like every movement which had been made for the imprisoned Queen. Elizabeth's counsellors dis- covered the scheme, and the result was a fiercer cru- sade upon Catholicism, and greater vigilance over Mary Stuart. The English Parliament convened, and aroused by the late designs u]3on Elizabeth and the realm, passed a bill, depriving Mary Stuart and all her descendants of the right of succession, if the sovereign of England met a violent death, and author- izing the pursuit and execution of any person found pri,vy to the conspiracy, before a jury of twenty-four commissioners. Parliament also enacted, " the pen- alties of high treason against any English Catholic priest, ordained by the Bishop of Rome, who was found in the realm after the expiration of forty days ; attainted with felony all persons who should receive or assist him ; punished with fine and imprisonment, at the Queen's pleasure, all who knew of his being in the kingdom, and did not denounce him within twelve days ; ordered that all students in Catholic seminaries abroad, who did not return to England within six months after proclamation to that effect, should be punished as traitors ; that parents sending their chil- MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 381 dren abroad witliout license, sliould forfeit for every siicli oiience one hundred pounds ; and that children so sent to seminaries, should be disabled from inher- iting the property of their parents." Mary discerned in these statutes the shadows of her hastening fate. She was removed, August 25th, 1584, from Sheffield to Wingfield Castle. She signed a declaration in sentiment the same as that of the combination to protect the rights of Elizabeth. Jan- uary 5th, 1585, she wrote to the Archbishop of Glas- gow, that she desired to secure peace for the Queen of England, power for James YL, and freedom for herself. She finally submitted with great reluctance to the will of Sir Kalph Sadler, and his son-in-law. Somers, her new keepers, and was transferred from Wingfield to the cold and gloomy apartments of Tutbury Cas- tle. A letter to Mauvissiere and Chasteauneuf, joint- ly, gives minutely a narrative of her cheerless cap- tivity : THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO M. DE MAUVISSIEEE AND M. DE CHAS- TEAUNEUF. " Gentlemen, foreseeing that your answer to my last will be some time before it reaches me, I have thought it best, without waiting for it, to impart to you my just complaints concerning what Sir Amays has been directed to signify to me, touching the me- morial which I have sent you, which amounts, in fact, to an absolute refusal of the principal request con- tained in it, namely, those relating to the change and 382 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. conveniences of dwelling, intelligence concerning the affaii's of my dowry by the Sieur de Cherelles, and the increase of the number of my servants — things, though trifling and of no imjDortance to the Queen of England, madam my good sister, yet so necessary for the preservation of my life and health, so mainly con- tributing to the few comforts that are left to me in this world, and to my consolation between these four walls (where I perceive more clearly from day to day that they are determined to reduce me to the last ex- tremity) that, but for the very urgent need I have of them, I should not have stooped to beg for them with such earnest and persevering supplications, that I think I could not have bought them at a dearer rate ; regretting exceedingly that, for all the duty I have imposed upon myself to please the said Queen in every thing and in every place, so little consideration and respect is paid to my honor and content in the matter of my state and treatment here. " To give you, then, ocular proof of the situation in which I find myself in regard to the dwelling in the first place, and that you may remonstrate in my be- half on the subject with the said Queen, (who, I pre- sume, has never been accurately informed about it,) I will tell you that I am in a walled enclosure, on the top of a hill, exposed to all the winds and the inclem- encies of heaven ; within the said enclosm'e, resembling that of tlie wood of Yincennes, there is a very old hunting-lodge, built of timber and plaster, cracked, in all parts, the plaster adhering nowhere to the wood- work, and broken in numberless places ; the said lodge MART QUEEN OF BOOTS. 383 distant three fathoms or thereabouts from the wall, and situated so low, that the rampart of earth which is behind the wall is on a level with the highest point of the building, so that the sun can never shine upon it on that side, nor any fresh air come to it ; for which reason it is so damp, tliat you cannot put any piece of furniture in that part without its being in four days completely covered with mould. I leave you to think how this must act upon the human body ; and, in short, the greater part of it is rather a dungeon for base and abject criminals, than a habitation fit for a person of my quality, or even of a much lower. I am sure that there is not a nobleman in this king- dom, nor even one of those who, being inferior to no- blemen, wish to reduce me beneath themselves, who would not deem it a tyrannical punishment to be ob- liged to live for a year in so straightened and incon- venient a habitation, as they want to force and con- strain me to do ; and the only apartments that I have for my own person, consists — and for the truth of this, I can appeal to all those who have been here — of two little, miserable rooms, so excessively cold, especially at night, that but for the ramparts and entrenchments of curtains of tapestry which I have made here, it would not be possible for me to stay in them in the day-time ; and out of those who have sat up with me at night during my illness, scarcely one has escaped without fluxion, or cold, or some disorder. Sir Amy- as can bear witness that he has seen three of my wo- men ill at once from this cause alone ; and my physi- cian himself, who has had his share of it, has several 384 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. times positively declared that he will not take charge of my health during the next winter, if I am to re- main in this house. As for replastering or in any way repairing or enlarging it, you may conceive how wholesome it would be for me to live in such new pieces of patchwork, when I cannot endure the least breath of damp air in the world ; and on this account it is of no use whatever to offer me to make any re- pairs or any new conveniences against the winter. As for the house to which it is proposed that I should re- move during the said repairs, it is a building attached, as it were, to this ; and my keeper can testify that it is not in his power to lodge the few servants I have ; and, without them, I have too many reasons ' to be afraid of living thus apart, wdierefore, at this time, I will say no more. If I must proceed to inconvenien- ces, I have not, as I heretofore informed you, any gal- lery or cabinet, to retire to occasionally alone, except- ing two paltry holes, with windows facing the dark, surrounding wall, and the largest of them not above a fathom and a half square. For taking the air abroad, on foot, or in my chaise, (there being no vacant spot on the top of the liill,) I have only about a quar- ter of an acre of ground, contiguous to the stables, which Sommer had dug up last winter, and enclosed with a fence of dry wood ; a place, to look at, fitter to keep pigs in, than to bear the name of garden ; there is not a sheep-pen amid the fields but makes a better appearance. "As for taking exercise on horseback, during the whole winter, as I experienced, sometimes snow, some- MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 385 times rain, break up the roads in sucli a manner, that there is no house containing so many people of the lower sort as this does, which can be kel^t clean long, whatever pains may be taken with it. Then, again, this house, having no drains to the privies, is subject to a continual stench ; and every Saturday they are obliged to empty them and the one beneath my win- dows, from which I receive a perfume not the most agreeable. And if, to the above, I may be permitted the opinion which I have conceived of this house, a thing to be considered in the case of persons inferior in station to me when in ill health, I will say, that as this house has been my first prison and place of con- finement in this kingdom, where, from the first, I have been treated with a great harshness, rudeness, and in- dignity, so have I always held it since to be unlucky and unfortunate, as last winter, before coming hither, I caused to be represented to the said Queen of Eng- land ; and in this sinister opinion I have been not a little confirmed by the accident of the priest, who, after having been grievously tormented, was found hanging from the wall opposite to my windows,* about which I wrote to you. Monsieur de Mauvissiere ; and then, four or five days afterward, another poor man was found who had tumbled into the well ; but this I did not mean to compare with the other. Then * The Catholic priest here mentioned had been persecuted on ac- count of his religion; and, to escape further hardships, he hung himself in the manner described by Mary, who, on the occasion, addressed to Elizabeth an eloquent letter on the duty of permitting toleration, which is to be found in Laboureur's work. Q* 25 386 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. I have lost my good Rallay, who was one of the chief consolations of my captivity ; another of my servants is since dead, and several more have been sorely troubled with illness. " So I cannot have any convenience or enjoyment here ; and, but for the express assurances which the said Queen, my good sister, gave me, of honorable treatment, and which caused me to wait for it with patience till now, I never would have set foot in this place ; sooner should they have dragged me to it by force, as I now protest that nothing but the force of constraint makes me stay here, and that, in case my life should be cut short by illness, from this time, I impute it to the deficiency of my dwelling, and to those who are determined to keep me there, with the intention, it would seem, to make me wholly despair for the future of the good will of the said Queen, my good sister, in matters of importance ; since, in such reasonable, ordinary wants, I am so ill-used, and prom- ises made to me are not kept. To allege that the sea- son of the year is already too far advanced, and the time too short to provide a new habitation for me, as if I had not long ago made remonstrances on the sub- ject, is to forget that, at the time my secretary was there, he spoke about it very urgently to the Queen, my good sister, and left a memorial, at his departure, for Mr. "Walsyngham. Since then, the point has been urged anew by Sommer, as well as by a message from my own lips, as by a memorial which was given to him, whereuj^on, I am told that the memorial was de- livered to you, Mr. de Mauvissiere, and that the fault MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 387 lies in your not having followed it up ; nevertheless, I have written to you several times, and myself solicit- ed Sir Amyas about it, so that no trouble has been spared on that head. "As to the inconveniences of removal at this sea- son, and for the provisions requisite to be made, they did not stand last year upon such ceremony, when they obliged me to leave Sheffield for Winkfield, and "Winkfield for this place, in tlie depth of winter, when I was scarcely able to turn in bed, which I had kept for nearly three months before. Tliis house, which had not been inhabited for the space of fifteen or six- teen years, was, at that time, prepared in less than five weeks, and, such as it was, they lost no time in bringing me to it, no matter whether with or without my consent. However, I affectionately beg you both to insist more urgently and perseveringly than ever, in the name of the King, monsieur my good brother, and on my own behalf, on my removal from this house and the conveniences which, from the foregoing, you may judge necessary in the new one that shall be appointed for me ; and do not be put off, if you please, with excuses, evasions, or fair words that may be given you, if they are not to the effect that is ca- pable of satisfying and contenting me in this matter. Insist, also, by all means, I beg you, on permission for the Sieur de Cherelles to come to me, reminding the said Queen, my good sister, how she was pleased, till last winter, to allow me to have some one over every year to give me an account of my affairs, as it is very requisite, and more than reasonable, especially 388 MAET QTEEN OF SCOTS. considering the state in which they are at present, from the attacks that are daily made npon my rights, and the hindrances and annoyances that are given me in the enjoyment of the little which is left me of my dowry, one-third of which, and more, has already been wrested from me by piecemeal ; and it is not in my power to apply a remedy, and set things to rights, unless I can be minutely informed of the par- ticulars by some trusty person, who, it is well known, would not attempt to write to me by letters which must pass through so many hands, neither would I thus openly inform them of my intentions. There is no criminal or prisoner, however mean, who is not permitted to receive accounts of his private aifairs, and to manage them as he j)leases, prisons having never been designed for the punishment of malefac- tors, but only for safe custody ; and it seems, on the contrary, that, as for me, born a sovereign Queen, who sought refuge in this kingdom upon the assurance and promise of friendship, they wish to make this imprisonment drive me from affliction to the very last extremity, as if it were not sufficient that, after seventeen of the best years of my life sj)ent in such misery, I have lost the use of my limbs, and the strength and health of the rest of the body, and that various attacks have been made upon my honor, but they must persecute me in the bargain, and abridge me as much as possible of the property and conveniences yet left me in the world. Learn, then, if you please, gentlemen, if the Queen, my good sis- ter, intends to treat me in future like a condemned MART QTTEEN OF SCOTS. 889 criminal, and to keep me in per]3etual imprisonment, as it would appear from the severity with which I am used, without getting rid of me altogether by giv- ing me my liberty, (from which, agreeably to the con- ditions which I offered, she would derive more advan- tage than she ever will from my detention or death,) or, on the other hand, affording me occasion to ac- commodate myself to her satisfaction in captivity. My requests are not made for pleasure, but from ne- cessity, not against her safety, but for her honor, and such, I may say, as I have more than justly merited. What encouragement to do better can it be to me to see myself, after the entire voluntary submission to which I made up my mind, more harshly and rigor- ously treated than ever, and with more demonstration, in appearance and reality, of ill will, suspicion, and mistrust, " I had more servants, when I was with the Earl of Shereusbury than I have now, when I have more need of them, especially in my chamber, on account of the aggravation of my bodily ailments. Reckon up those whom I have discharged, or who haye died without my having, as yet, any others in their place, and that family of my embroiderer who is about to leave me ; the number of those whom I require will not be much greater, nor superior in quality, except- ing the Countess of Athol, for whom, also, I applied as a favor, because I had about me here, in this soli- tude, as I represented, no companion worthy of my rank and my age, which would be highly proper and suitable. Seton and my good Eallay formerly sup- 390 MARY QIIEEIS- OF SCOTS. plied tlie want of better, and I cannot imagine any sufficient reason for denying me the said countess in tlieir stead, unless tliey are fearful that she may give me some consolation, by bringing me tidings of my son ; whether in this there be any respect for hu- manity, I leave all those to consider, who have really felt parental love for theu- children, which is the more fervent in me, because my separation from my son is accompanied by so rigid a prohibition of all communication between him and me, that I am de- barred even from hearing about his state and health. I will not hereupon call to mind that the said Queen promised me, last winter, that if the answer of my son to the letter which I was writing to him, did not satisfy and content me, I should have permission to send to him again, and to learn more precisely his intentions relative to those matters which have been in doubt between him and me. iSTevertheless, this has hitherto been peremptorily refused and denied me, without consideration that such conduct tends to confirm the intimation given me formerly by the said Gray, that in this quarter people were only striving to produce division and a total separation between my son and me. With respect to the other servants whom I have applied for, such as Fontenay, and Thomas Levingston, I cannot discover any ground for the refusal made me, unless it be that, as formerly, the said Gray, at the time of his journey to this coun- try, and the Countess of Shereusbury assured me, the right way to cause anything whatever to be denied rae, was to signify that it would be particularly agree- MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 391 able to me, and tlien I must never expect to have it, but just the contrary to what I desired. They do not approve of mj employing English, in order to make it appear more plainly that I am looked upon as an absolute foreigner in their country ; at least they ought to allow me to have my own subjects, or French people, such as I like, and to receive from tlieir faith- ful service some consolation between these four walls, where, being confined and watched so closely as they are accustomed to be, I know not what just suspicion can be conceived of them when once shut up here. However, I beg you to make very urgent application, that I may be permitted to send for those whom I have demanded, as well from France as from Scotland, according to the promise made to me by the lips of the said Queen, my good sister herself, that I should have an increase and supply of servants ; a promise confirmed to my secretary by Mr. AValsyngham, and since, in his name, by AYadde, having given it in wri- ting to my said secretary, and again by Sir Raff Sad- ler and Sommer, when there, and lately by my pres- ent keeper, being assured in these very words, that I might send to France and Scotland for such servants as I thought proper, but that I must not have English on any account. If they are afraid, lest, by means of the said servants whom I desire to bring over from France, I should receive news of the affairs of that country, it is a vain apprehension, for I have nothing wherein to intermeddle there, and if I had any inter- est, it is very certain that those who might be well affected toward me, and have compassion on my con- 392 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. dition liere, will not take one step less, either forward or backward, becanse they are deprived of the means of receiving news from me, and I from them ; on the contrary, that would spur them on still more, appre- hending the danger from the death to be greater than, perad venture, it is. " This is, for the present, what I have to communi- cate to you on the sudden, concerning the just dissatis- faction I feel on finding myself so unworthily used and treated ; wherefore, hoping, through your favorable intercessions and good offices, to find some remedy, I shall only apologize for having troubled you about such bagatelles, and especially for being obliged to make known to you my real state here, which otherwise might be disguised from you ; so, awaiting your an- swer about all this, I pray God to have you, gentle- men, in his holy and worthy keeping. Written at the Castle of Tuthbury, in England, the vth September, 1585. Your entirely best friend, " Maet E. " Gentlemen, I am ashamed to be under the neces- sity of representing to you so particularly my mise- rable situation here, but the evil presses me, and con- strains me to declare it to you, in order that they may not put you off, yonder, with words without affording me any relief, of which I have no hope whatever, since I see nothing at this time which tends to realize that honorable treatment which has been so much talked of. Sir Amyas had already signified to me the reply to my memorial, and an hour ago I re- ceived your last, and on considering both, I find, in MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 393 fact, no cause for content, either in the one or tlie other, which makes me entreat you more earnestly than ever, to follow up the contents of the above letter." She also addressed a memorial to Elizabeth, in which the following particulars confirm the state- ments above : " That, to settle those matters which formerly led to differences between her and her son, she may be permitted to send some one to him, accompanied by the French ambassador, agreeably to the most express commission which he has to this effect from the King, his master. " That the ordinary communication which she has hitherto had with the said ambassador may be con- tinued ; and, accordingly, directions given for the most diligent dispatch of their packets, as well on the one part as on the other ; nothing passing between them that can in any way prove prejudicial to this kingdom. " That her household establishment here be deter- mined upon and fixed ; in order that, as the said Queen, her good sister, has been pleased to assure her, she ma}^ take her into her own keeping, and into her own house : also, that from her alone, she may receive her allowance in this country. " That a second house may be granted her to re- move to on finishing her course of diet, or next au- tumn, at latest ; it being quite impossible, without great detriment to her health, to live in winter in the Q- 394 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. two rooms wliicli she has here for the whole of her lodgings, which are built of wood, old, full of holes, and tumbling down on all sides, and having no shel- tered place whatever, to walk in or retire to. " Tliat, in regard to the servants allowed her, and that they may not have the trouble of traveling hither in vain, it be declared whether she shall be permitted to bring over any she may choose, as she miglit se- lect some from the household of Guise, having no other acquaintance in France through whom to get them. "And that, as for ordinary varlets, her servants may be permitted to employ Englislimen, so as to avoid the frequent coming and gojng of such per- sons, whom it is difficult to retain." The wretched Mary was a deserted invalid, mourn- ing over the unfilial conduct of James YI., who had entered upon a negotiation, contemplating the alli- ance, by treaty, of Scotland to England. She be- came passionately excited at his course, and threat- ened to disown, disinherit, and curse him ; approving any invasion of his realm by foreign powers. She declared that she had no wish again to step upon her native soil ; and asked only for repose of body and soul, before her death, which, she was persuaded, would soon end her captivity. Abandoning the hope of escape, she forcibly and laconically described her desperate state in these words : " The old excuses of bygone times are alleged for MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 395 my detention ; now a change in Scotland, now a dis- turbance in France, now the discovery of a conspi- racy in this country, and, in fine, the least innovation that may occur in any part of Christendom ; so that it is likely I shall be liberated, as children say, when all the world is at peace and quietness. May God in his omnipotence be my aid and protection ; and may he in his justice judge my cause between me and my enemies, as I hope he will do sooner or later."'^ December, 1585, Mary was taken from Tutbury to Chartley, in Staffordshire. Though treated more kindly, she was watched with no less constancy and care. While Mary Stuart thus languished in prison, friends to her and the ancient faith she professed, were busy with fresh plots for her deliverance. The Eng- lish refugees and proscribed priests in the pay of * The sorrowful lines, in her favorite language, composed during this imprisonment, will interest the French reader: "Que suis-je, lielas ! et de quoy sert ma vie? Je ne suis fors qu'un corps prive de cueur Un ombre vain, un objet de malheur, Qui n'a plus rien que de mourir envie. Plus ne portez, o ennemis, d'auvie . A qui n'a plus I'esprit a la grandeur 1 La consomme d'excessive doulleur; Votre ire en brief se voirra assouvie ; Et vous amys, qui m'avez tenu chere, Souvenez-vous que sans heur, sans santay, Je ne s^aurois auqun bon oeuvre fayre, Souhatez done fin de calamitay ; Et que sa bas estant assez punie J' aye ma part en la joye infinie." 396 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. Pliilip II., engaged in a consj)iracj for invading the kingdom and dethroning Elizabeth, Past experience stimulated rather than daunted a faction, whose mis- sion was also the sj^read of a persecuting and corrupt church. John Savage, an English Catholic, returning from an oiScial service in the Spanish army, at Rheims, met Dr. William Gifford, a countryman and Papist, who suggested, as the highest deed of pious bravery in his power, the assassination of Elizabeth — the prelude to a maturing plan of invasion. He accepted the honor, and was to shoot or stab the Queen, in the gallery^ \ through which she passed to and from chapel. J^ ''^*^*^ But before he could attempt the execution of his Ck^ purpose, a priest, named Ballard, arrived in London, V^i^lis" May 22d, 1585, on the same mission-. Encountering y^^ Anthony Babington, a gentleman of fortune and gay life, who had been for years devoted to Mary Stuart, Ballard proposed to him the plot. He entered into it enthusiastically, and associated with him Savage and ■five of his own friends. Walsingham, the English minister, had arranged a complete system of espion- age, and scarcely had the conspirators assembled, when his agents were without suspicion admitted to their councils. He also communicated to Mary Stu- art, through a treacherous Catholic priest, the secret designs against Elizabeth, to secure her approval, and the inevitable doom which would follow ; and so rid the realm of the dreaded captive. During the summer, Gilford, "Walsingham's spy, was busy, preparing the way of access to Mary's par- MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 397 tizans and herself. lie at length obtained the necessa- ry confidence among the Papists of London, and letters of introduction to the prisoner at Chartley. In March, 1586, he returned from an interview with Mary, the accepted messenger of the fatally deluded victim of ambition and Catholic zeal. The ignis fatuus of false hope again dawned before her fading eye, and her pantings after freedom impelled her on to ruin. This was the opening work in the celebrated " Babington Conspiracy." Tlie presiding genius of the daring machination, thus expressed his plans, in a letter which Gifford transmitted to Walsingham : " Myself in person, with ten gentlemen and a hun- di-ed others of our company and suite, will undertake the deliverance of your royal person from the hands of your enemies. As regards getting rid of the usur- per, from subjection to whom we are absolved, by the act of excommunication issued against her, there are six gentlemen of quality, all of them my intimate friends, who, for the love they bear to the Catholic cause and to your majesty's service, will undertake the tragic execution. It remains now, that, according to their infinite desert, and your majesty's goodness, their heroic enterprise should be honorably recom- pensed in themselves, if they escape with their lives, or in their posterity, if they fall ; and that I may give them this assurance by your majesty's authority." Poor Mary was in the snares of the artful fowler. July 27th, having received the intercepted letter, sho wrote to Babinirton as follows : S98 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. "Affairs being thus prepared, then shall it be time to set the six gentlemen to work ; taking order, upon the accomplishing of their design, I may suddenly be transjDorted out of the place, and that all your forces, in the same time, be on the field to meet me, whilst we wait the arrival of help from abroad, which must then be hastened with all diligence. ]N"or for that there can be no certain day appointed of the accom- plishing the said gentlemen's designment — to the end that others may be in readiness to take me from hence, I would that the said gentlemen had al- ways about them, or at the least, at court, four stout men furnished with good and speedy horses, for, so soon as the said design shall be executed, to come with all diligence, to advertise thereof those that shall be appointed for my transporting ; to the end that, im- mediately thereafter, they may be at the place of my abode, before that my keeper can have advice of the execution of the said design ; or at least before he can fortify himself within the house, or carry me out of the same. It were necessary to dispatch two or three of the said advertisers by divers ways, to the end that if one be staid, the other may come through ; and at the same instant, were it also needful, to essay to cut off the post's ordinary ways. If I remain here, there is for my escape but one of these three means follow- ing to be looked to. The first, that at one certain day appointed, in my walking abroad on horseback on the moors, betwixt this and Stafford, where ordi- narily you know very few people do pass, a fifty or three-score horsemen, well horsed and armed, come MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 899 to take me there ; as they may easily, my keeper having with him ordinarily but eighteen or twenty horsemen. The second mean is to come at midnight, or soon after, to set fire in the barns and stables, which you know are near to the house ; and whilst that my guardian's servants shall rush forth to the fire, your company (having every one a mark whereby they may know one another under night,) might surprise the house, where I hope, with the few servants I have about me, I were able to give you correspondence. And the third : some that bring carts hither, ordina- rily coming early in the morning ; their carts might be so prepared, and with such cart-leaders, that being cast in the midst of the o;reat 2:ate, the cart rai2:ht fall down or overwhelm, and that thereupon you might come suddenly with your followers to make yourself master of the house, and carry me away." When Walsingham had possessed himself of all the proofs required, and the track of each conspii'a- tor, he informed Elizabeth of the terrible intrigues around her throne. She was alarmed, and ordered an immediate arrest of the guilty men. With mani- fold difficulties and partial failures, the leaders were secured in the Tower. Walsingham now was ready to treat Mary Stuart as their accomplice. According to an unsuspected arrangement, she was invited to join a hunting party in a neighboring park ; she glad- ly accepted. It was on the 8th of August ; and while riding away from Chartley, Sir Thomas Gorges ap- peared before her, informed her of the discovered 400 MAET QUEEN OF SCOTS. conspiracy, and of orders to conduct lier to Tixail Castle, whose grounds were the sporting field in view, The astonished Queen was silent awhile, then with great vehemence indulged in bitter reproaches, and inquired of her attendants if they would permit the disgraceful capture, without an effort to defend her person. She was led to the fortress, confined in a small apartment, and allowed to see none but stran- gers. During the absence of seventeen days from Chartley, her desks were opened by Wood and Pau- let, who transmitted her papers, jewelry and money to Elizabeth. The Queen of England was relieved, and joyful; and thanked extravagantly the Yandals for their pillage. August 25th, when with a large escort of horsemen she reentered Chartley, the spec- tacle of her desolate room kindled her indignation, and she exclaimed, " There are two things which the Queen of England can never take from me — the blood royal which gives me a right to the succession of England, and the attachment which makes my heart beat for the religion of my fathers." Babington, Ballard and Savage, were condemned for treason, and to make their fate the more influen- tial in deterring others from similar crimes, they were put to the torture, and made the targets of royal vengeance. September 20th, with their confederates, they were taken to St. Giles-in-fields, where they had held their meetings, and there drawn and quartered in the sight of a horror-smitten populace. Elizabeth accumula- ted evidence of Mary's guilt, and yet the fear of for- MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. '401 eign interference, and tlie enmity of powerful friends of the prisoner, created hesitation and conflicting emotions, before she decided to bring her to trial. Mary no longer fanned the embers of hope ; she wept at the threshold of her last earthly trial, whoso issues would deliver up to the final audit, that ar- raigns alike Kings and serfs, her eventful career. 26 CHAPTER lA. HARI WrrART IS ARRAIGNED BEFORE THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE SrKVES OF THE TRIAL ELIZABETH HESITATES TO PRONOUNCE THE SENTENCE OF DEATH, ACCORDING TO THE UNANIMOUS VOICE OF THE COMMISSIONERS THE RESULT OF THE TRIAL IS ANNOUNCED TO MART LETTERS TO FRIENDS HER LAST MESSAGE TO ELIZABETH INTERFERENCE OF FOREIGN COURTS UNNATURAL CONDUCT OF JAMES VL ELIZABETH SIGNS THE WARRANT OF Mary's execution — paulet refuses to slay his prisoner private- ly THE OFFICERS OF JUSTICE REPAIR TO FOTHERINGAY CASTLE THE SCENES THERE THE WARRANT IS READ TO MARY HER REPLY AF- FECTING INTERVIEWS HER LAST NIGHT WRITES HER WILL PROSPECT OF DEATH. itsTiNETEEN years of captivity had worn away, and Mary Stuart's death, which had been often suggested and anxiously desired, was the theme of grave and final discussion between Elizabeth and her privy council. Closer imprisonment was urged in opposi- tion to capital punishment. But the consideration of the safety of the Queen of England, and the triumph of Protestantism, decided the vote for a public trial, and judicial sentence. The statute under which the prisoner was arraigned, was the law passed after the act of association expired, the year before, conferring the power to prosecute and execute any person who should assert a right to the English throne, or engage MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 403 in plots to wrest the crown from the brow of Eliza- beth. This was more plausible than the statute of Edward III., on high treason. Mary was indicted October 5th, 1586, before a court of state officers, peers, and counselors of the sovereign. The whole number of eminent names in the tribunal was forty-six, Fortheringay Castle, in N^orthaniptonshire, was selected as the place of trial. Mary Stuart was escorted to the fortress the next day, where she received a letter from Elizabeth, repeating her cutting accusations, and urging her to submit to the course of justice. Turning to Paulet and Mild- may, her keeper and privy counselor, she said, with great emotion and resentment : "What ! does your mistress not know that I am a Queen born? Does she think that I will degrade my rank, my condition, the race from which I spring, the son who is to succeed me, the foreign kings and prin- ces whose rights would be injured in my person, by obeying such a letter as that ! — Kever ! Humbled as I may seem, my heart is too great to submit to any humiliation ! " She added, further, tliat she was deprived of her papers, destitute of advisers, and surrounded by ene- mies ; that she was ignorant of the laws and the statutes of the kingdom, where she must look in vain for peere competent to try her ; and finally declared that she was innocent. "I have neither," she said, "directed nor encouraged any attempt against your mistress. I am certain that nothing of the kind can be proved against me, although I frankl}^ confess that, when my 404 MAKY QTEEX OF SCOTS. sister liad rejected all my oliers, I committed Divself and my cause to the care of foreign princes/' Mary's refusal to be treated as a criminal, and as- serting her queenly dignity, did not foil her captor, who ordered the commissioners to commence the in- vestigation ; -n-hiie, to obtain consent to the legal or- deal, she wrote the desolate, yet proud descendant of Bruce, in this strain : " You hare tried in various ways to take my life, and to ruin my kingdom by bloodshed. I have never acted so hai"shly towards you, but, on the contrary, have preserved you as if you were my second self. Your treasonable acts will be proved and made man- ifest. For this reason, our pleasure is that you reply to the nobles and peers of my kingdom, as you would do if I myself were present. I require and command you to do this. I have been informed of your arro- gance : act with candor, and you shall be treated with greater tavor.'' Lord Bm'ghley advised Mary to yield to what was inevitable ; and after a night of mental anguish — the fierce struggle of wounded pride with resistless power — she gave her consent to answer her judges upon the charges presented. October 14th, followed by a detachment of halber- diers, and supported by her maitre d'hotel. Sir An- drew Melville, and her physician, Eourgoin, for she walked with great difficulty, she descended into the MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 405 great hall of Fortheringaj, where the commissioners were seated in the form of a court of j ustice. At one end of the hall, under a dais, sm'mounted by the arms of England alone, stood, in an elevated position, an arm-chair, reserved for the absent Queen Eliza- beth, and which remained unoccupied. On eacli side of the dais were ranged, in the order of their respec- tive dignities, the ditferent commissioners : on the right, the Lord Chancellor Bromley, the Lord High Treasurer Burghley, the Earls of Oxford, Kent, Der- by, "Worcester, llutland, Cumberland, "Warwick, Pem- broke, Lincoln, and Yiscount Montagu ; on the left, Lords Abergavenny, Zoucli, Morley, Stafford, Grey, Lumley, and other peers, next to whom were the Lords of the Privy Council, Crofts, Hatton, "Walsing- ham, Sadler, Mildmay, and Paulet. More in the front were placed, on the right, the Chief Justices of England and Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and on the left, the other judges and barons, along with two doctors of civil law. In the centre were seated, around a table, the Queen's Attorney General, Pop- ham; her Solicitor, Egerton ; her Law Sergeant, Gawdy ; and Thomas Powell, Clerk of the Crown ; to2:etlier with two clerks of the court, to write out the proceedings. A few gentlemen of the neighborhood who were allowed to be present, stood at the bar.* The helpless Queen was undaunted by the brilliant and solemn array of England's statesmen and jurists, and offered her salutations with the mournful air of * Mignet. 4:06 MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. fallen greatness, and the gracefulness of perfect re- finement. AVlien led to the velvet chair designed for her, and set without the royal canopy, she was touched with the insult to her dignity, and said with imperial tone, " I am a Queen ; I was married to a King of France, and my place should be there." Then glan- cing along the aisle of nobles and counselors, she added, " Alas ! there are a great number of counsel- ors here, and yet not one of them is for me." Bromley, the Chancellor, rose as Mary Stuart took her seat, and opened the imposing trial, by declaring the imperative duty the cause of God and invaded authority imposed upon Elizabeth, to arraign and try the prisoner. The clerk of the crown followed with the reading of the commission of the court. Mary, in reply, claimed her rights as a princess, and accused her rival of unkindly abusing her confidence, in re- jecting all overtures, and detaining her a captive. Tlie intercepted letters, and the confessions of the conspirators, were then read. Mary immediately, and without the slightest embarrassment, assailed the testimony, denying its validity, because the documents were copies of unproduced originals, and the deposi- tions were those of men whom she had never seen. She summed up her defence in these words, sighing deeply while she proceeded : " I do not deny having wished for liberty, and hav- ing earnestly tried to regain it. ISTature urged me to this ; but I take G-od to witness, that I have never conspired against the life of the Queen of England, and that I never approved of such a conspiracy. I MAKY QUEEN 0;F SCOTS. 407 confess that I wrote to my friends, soliciting their aid in delivering me from the wretched prisons, where I have been held captive for nineteen years. I confess, too, that I have often written in favor of the persecu- ted Catholics, and that if I could have delivered thera from oppression by the shedding of my own blood, I would have done it. But the letters produced against me were not written by me, and I cannot be answerable for the dangerous designs of desperate persons, who are unknown to me." The Lord Treasurer answered with a close analysis of the Babington letter, and the corroborative evi- dence. Mary adroitly adhered to her position, and glanced at the character of such witnesses as she knew, with much discrimination and sarcasm ; and thus closed her spirited and well delivered argument : "And am I,a Queen, to be judged guilty on such proofs as these ? Is it not manifest, that there must be an end to the majesty and security of princes, if they are made to depend on the writings and the tes- timony of their secretaries ? I claim the privilege of being judged from my own words and my own wri- tings, and I am certain that none will be found against me." Upon the second hearing before the commissioners, Mary did not repudiate all of her alleged correspon- dence, but still protested her innocence. She said, " I have been anxious that the safety of the Catholics should be provided for, but I never wished that it should be obtained by means of bloodshed and murder. T have preferred the part of Esther to that of Judith, seek- 4:08 MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. ing rather to intercede with God for the people, than to deprive even the meanest of them of life." The invasion of England and Elizabeth's death, it was maintained, were connected inseparably. The prisoner insisted that she was guiltless of any design against the life of the Queen of England : with the eloquence of finished oratory and tears, she went on to say : " With what justice am I treated! My letters have been picked out and perverted from their original meaning, and the originals have been taken from me. "No consideration is shown for the religion which I pro- fess, and the sacred character I bear as Queen. If my sentiments, my lords, are personally indifferent to you, you might at least consider the majesty of roy- alty, which is injured in my person, and think of the example you are setting. I entered this country con- fiding in the friendship and the promises of the Queen of England," and then, taking a ring from her finger, and holding it up to her judges, "Here, my lords, here is the pledge of love and protection w^hich I re- ceived from your royal mistress. Look well at it. It was in reliance upon this that I came among you. Kobody knows better than yourselves how this pledge has been respected." She then demanded to be heard before Parliament, or to have an interview with Elizabeth, and added, "As one who is accused of crimes, I claim the privilege of an advocate to plead my cause ; or else, as a Queen, I call upon you to l)elieve the word of a Queen." After this appeal, October 15th, 1586, the commis- SlXllY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 409 sioners imanimoiisly gave the sentence of condemna- tion against tlie unhappy and defenceless Mary. The last act of her stern jurors and judges, which sealed her fate, charged her with the knowledge of the Bab- ington plot, to destroy Elizabeth, and invade England with a Papal army. The legitimacy and honor of James VI. were carefully guarded in the ruin of the mother. Parliament assembled, and apj^roved the decision ; with expressions of thanksgiving to God for the discovery of the dangerous schemes of their sove- reign's enemies, the members of both houses demand- ed of the Queen the execution of the sentence of the high court of the realm. In rej^ly, she rendered praise to the Divine Goodness for miraculous deliver- ance from so many perils, and closed a message of regret that she was compelled to deal severely with " the unfortunate lady," in the following language : " Do not hurry my decision. It is an affair of great importance, and I am accustomed to deliberate longer on less weighty matters before making up my mind. I shall pray Almighty God to enlighten my under- standing, and to show me what will be best for the interests of his church, the prosperity- of my people, and your own security." Elizabeth's mind was distressed with the responsi- bility which she could not escape. How far her ap- parent agitation was designed for effect, is a matter of conjecture, founded upon the general estimate of her character. But there was occasion to feel, as she said, more perplexed than ever before — that she could have wished to preserve her own life without R 410 MAKY QTJKEN OF SCOTS. sacrificing that of another — and that it appeared cruel to dip the hands of the executioner in the blood of so near a relative. In putting oif with further de- lay the importunate Parliament, she closed the inter view ■with the chancellor and speaker, saying : " If I accede to your request, I should say, perhaps, more than I think ; and, if I reject it, I precipitate myself into the very danger from which you would save me. Accept, I pray you, my thanks and my perplexities, and take in good part an answer which is no answer." Meanwhile, November 10th, Lord Bathurst and Robert Beale, clerk of the council, were dispatched to Fotheringay Castle, and announced to Mary the result of the trial, and the vote of Parliament, and urged an immediate preparation for execution. The terrible tidings were listened to by the royal captive •with no visible signs of alarm or grief. She thanked God for being deemed worthy to be instrumental in advancing the Catholic faith, and to suffer in the holy cause. The messengers of doom assured her, that Bhe could neither be regarded as a saint or a martyr, having been involved in the fearful intrigues, whose aim was an armed invasion of the kingdom, and the overthrow of its sovereign. She was treated thence- forth with marked indignity. Her request for a spir- itual adviser was rejected ; and Paulet ordered a can- opy bearing her arms to be removed. The friendless Queen wrote the Pope, asking his blessing, commit- ting her son to his fatherly care, and resigned herself to the prospect of hastening death. The following letters were written at this time. They disclose her MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 411 frame of feeling, and lier ardent devotion to the cliurcli of Kome. THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO DON BERNARD DE MENDOCA.* " M J very dear friend — Having ever found you zealous in the cause of God, and desirous of my wel- fare and deliverance from captivity, I have always communicated to you all my intentions upon that subject, begging you to make them known to the King, my good brother. For this same reason I noW' write to bid you a last adieu, notwithstanding the little leisure I have, being about to receive the stroke of death, which was announced to me on Saturday last ; I do not know when, or in what manner ; but at least you may praise God for me that, through his grace, I have had the heart to receive this unjust sen tence of heretics with resignation, on account of the happiness which I esteem it to shed my blood at the requisition of the enemies of His church, who do me the honor to say that it cannot be subverted while 1 am alive, and also that their Queen cannot reign in safety in the same predicament. " As for these two conditions, I have accepted with- out contradiction the high honor which they confer upon me, as one most zealous for the Catholic religion for which I have publicly offered my life ; and, as for the other, although I have never committed either act or deed tending to take off her who was on the throne, unless it be that they make a crime of my right to * * The Spanish Ambassador, dl2 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. the crown, which is acknowledged by all Catholics yet I would not contradict them, leaving them to think as they please. This annoyed them much, and they told me that, whatever I might say or do, it will not be for the cause of religion that I shall die, but for having endeavored to murder their Queen. This I denied, as being utterly false, having never at- tempted any such thing, and leaving it to God and the church to dispose of this island in what relates to religion. " The bearer of this has promised to relate to you how rigorously I have been treated by those here, and how ill served by others whom I did not expect to have shown so great a fear of death in so just a quar rel. They have not been able to draw anything from me but that I am a Queen, free. Catholic, and obedient to the church ; and that, not being able to effect my deliverance by fair means, I was com- pelled to seek it by those which presented themselves. Nau has confessed all ; Curie has in a great measure followed his example ; so that everything turns against me. I am threatened, if I do not beg pardon ; but I say that, as they had already destined me to die, they might proceed with their injustice, hoping that God will recompense me in another world ; and, out of spite, because I will not speak, they came yesterday, Monday, and took down my canopy,'^ saying that 1 was no more than a dead woman, and without any • rank. They are at present working in my hall — • erecting the scaffold, I suppose, whereon I am to per- * A cloth of state, or a sort of throne. MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 413 form tlie last act of tliis tragedy. I die in a just 3ausc, and am happy in having made over my rigl ts to the King, your master. I have said that I consid- er him, should my son not return to the bosom of t le church, as being a prince the most worthy to govern and direct this island. I have written to the sane purpose to his Holiness, and I beg you to assure him that I die in the determination which I have commu- nicated to you, and also another, whom you know to be his dearest and most intimate friend, and a fourth, and these above all others I becpieath to the protec- tion of the King, beseeching him in God's name cot to abandon them, and entreating them to serve him in place of me. As I cannot write to them, greet them in my name, and pray to God, all of you, for my soul. I have asked for a priest; but I do not know if my request will be granted. They have offered me one of their bishops ; but I positively refused him. You may believe all that the bearer of this shall tell you, and also those two poor girls who have been immedi- ately about my person ; they will t(3ll you the truth, which I beg you to make public, as I fear that a very different interpretation will be given. Order a mass to be said for the deliverance and repose of my soi.l ; you know the place I mean — and let the churches in Spain remember me in their prayers. Keep the name of the bearer of this secret ; he has been a faithful servant to me. God grant you a long and happy life ! You will receive from me as a token of my reme n- orance, a diamond, which I have held ver}^ dear, hav- ing betjn given to me by the late Duke of Norfolk as 414: MAKT QTJEEN OF SCOTS. a pledge of his troth, and I have always worn it as Buch : keep it for my sake, I do not know if I shall have leave to make a will. I have applied for it, but they have all my money. God be with you ! Excuse what I write in sorrow and trouble, not having any one to help me to make my rough drauglits, and to write for me. If you cannot read my hand, the bearer ■will read it for you, or my ambassador, whom he knows. "Among other accusations, that of Criton (Crigh- ton) is one which I know nothing of. I fear greatly that Kau and Pasquier have hastened my death, having kept some papers, and they are men who will turn on any side for their own advantage. Would to God Fontenay had been liere ! He is a young man of great knowledge and resolution. " Once more, adieu. I recommend to you my poor and henceforth destitute servants, and pray for my eoul. " From Fotheringay, Wednesday, the 23d of No- vember, 1586. I recommend to you the poor Bishop of Ross, who will be shortly destitute. " Your very obliged and perfect friend, " Maky R." THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO THE DUKE OF GUISE. " My good cousin — You whom I hold most dear m the world, I bid you farewell, being on the point of being put tc death, by an unjust judgment, such a one as never any belonging to our race yet sufiered, much less one of my rank. But praise God, my good MARY QI]EEN OF SCOTS. 415 cousin ; for, situated as I have been, I was useless to the world in the cause of God and his church ; but I hope that my death will bear witness of my constan- cy in the faith, and my readiness to die for the sup- port and restoration of the Catholic church in this unfortunate island. And though executioner never yet dipped his hand in our blood, be not ashamed, my friend; for the j udgment of these heretics and ene- mies of the church, and who have no jurisdiction over me, a free Queen, is profitable before God and the children of his church, whicli, had I not adhered to, this stroke had been spared me. All those of our house have been persecuted by this sect ; witness, your good father, with whom I hoj^e to be received in mercy by the just Judge. " I recommend, then, to you, all my poor servants, the discharge of my debts, and the founding of some annual obit for my soul ; not at your expense, but to make such solicitation and arrangements as shall be requisite to fulfill my intentions, which you will be informed of by my poor, disconsolate servants, eye- witnesses of. this, my last tragedy. " May God prosper your wife, children, brothers and cousins, and especially our head, my good broth- er and cousin, and all belonging to him ! May the blessing of God, and that which I should give to my own children, be upon yours, whom I commend to God, not less sincerely than my own unfortunate and deluded son ! You will receive tokens (rings) from me to remind ycru to have prayers said for the soul of your poor cousin, destitute of all aid and counsel uut 416 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. that of God, who gives me strength and courage to withstand alone so many wolves howling after me ; to God be the glory ! Believe, in particular, a person who will give you, in my name, a ruby ring, for I as- sure you, upon my conscience, that this person will tell you the truth agreeably to my desire, especially as to what concerns my poor servants, and the sharo of each. I recommend to you this person for her sin- cerity and honesty, in order that she may be put into some good place. I have chosen her as being the most impartial, and as one who will most simply re- port my commands. I beg you not to let it be known that she has said anything to you in private, for envy might injure her. "I have suffered much ibr the last two years and upward, but have not been able to inform you of it for an important reason. God be praised for all things, and may he give you grace to persevere in the service of his church, so long as you live, and may that honor never depart from our race, that all of us, both males and females, may be ready to shed our blood in the defence of the faith, regardless of all other worldly interests ! For my own part, I think myself born, both on the father's and the mother's side, to offer up my blood for it, and have no inten- tion to degenerate. May Jesus, crucified for us, and all the holy martyrs, render us, by their intercession, worthy of the free-will offering of our bodies for his glory. From Fotheringay, Thursday, this S-ith ISTov. " Thinking to degrade me, they took down my can- opy ; and my keeper afterward came and offered to MAKT QTJEEN OF SCOTS. 417 write to the Queen, saying that this act had not been done by her command, but by the advice of some of her counciL I showed them, on the said canopy, in place of my coat of arms, the cross of my Saviour. You will be informed of all that was said ; they have since been more indulgent. " Your affectionate cousin and perfect friend, " Maey K., of Scotland, Dowager of France. Whether the touching communication was received or not, is unknown. A sonnet written with the violent close of existence in view, is melancholy evidence of poetical genius, which, through years of suffering, had seldom breath- ed in verse the captive'^ moan. "Alas! what am I? and in what estate? A wretched corse, bereaved of its heart; An empty shadow lost, unfortunate; To die is now in life my only part. Foes to my greatness, let your envy rest; In me no taste for grandeur now is found, Consumed by grief, with heavy ills opprest, Your wishes and desires will soon be crowned. And you, my friends, who still have held me dear, Bethink you, that when health and heart are fled. And every hope of future good is dead, *Tis time to wish our sorrows ended here, And that this punishment on earth is given. That I may live to endless bliss in heaven."* * Written on a larc/e sheet of paper. "Que suis-je, helas ? et de quoy sert la vie? Je'n suis fors qu'un corps prive de coeur, R* 21 4:18 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. She also sent her last message to Elizabeth, in aiFect- ing language, breathing the crushed ambition of a long life — regard for a form which had been the ad- miration of the world — and solicitude for those, however humble, who were faithful unto death : " Madam, I return thanks to God with all my heart, that it pleases him to put an end, through your de- cree, to the weary pilgrimage of my life. I do not ask that it may be prolonged, having had but too long experience of its bitterness. I only beseech your majesty that, as I cannot look for any kindness from certain zealous ministers who hold the highest rank in the government of England, I may receive from you alone, and not from others, the following favors : " In the first place, I ask that, as it is not allowable for me to expect a burial in England, according to the Catholic solemnities practised by the ancient kings, your ancestors and mine, and as in Scotland dishonor and violence has been done to the ashes of my progenitors — as soon as my enemies shall be satiated with my innocent blood, my body may be carried by my servants into some godly land, especi- Un ombre vain, un object de malhur, Qui n'a plus rien que de mourir en vie. Plus ne me portez — ennemis, d'envie: Qui n'a plus I'espi'it a la grandeur, Voti'e ire en bref devoir assouvir. li^t vous amis, qui m'avez tenu ch^re, Souvenez-vous que sans cceur, et sans sant6 Je ne sf aurois aucun bon ceuvre faire ; Souhaitez done fin de calamite. MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 419 ally France, where the hones of the Queen, my hon- ored mother, repose, in order that this poor hody, "which has never known repose since it has been united to my soul, may at length find peace when separated from it. "Secondly, I pray your majesty, from the appre- hension I feel for the tyranny of those to whose pow- er you have abandoned me, that I may not be executed in any secret place, but in the sight of my domestics and other persons who may be able to bear witness to my faith and obedience in the true church, and to defend the remainder of my life and my last breath from the false reports which my enemies may spread. " Tliirdly, I request that my domestics, who have served me through so many troubles, and with so much fidelity, may be allowed to retire freely wher- ever they may wish to go, and to enjoy the small presents which my poverty has bequeathed them in my will. "I conjure you, madam, by the blood of Jesus Christ, by our relationship, by the memory of Henry VII., our common parent, and by the title of Queen, which I still bear till death, not to refuse these my reasonable requests, and to give me assu- rance of that by a line under your hand ; and there- upon I will die, as I have lived, your afiectionate sister and prisoner." "Whether the touching communication was received or not, is unknown. Tlie condemnation of Mary had aroused adjacent 120 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS, kingdoms, and startled tlie civilized world. Ambas- sadors from Scotland and- France arrived at the conrt of England, to intercede with expostulations and threats in behalf of the desolate princess. Elizabeth answered that mercy to Marj Stuart would be cruel- ty to herself; and to make a demonstration of popu- lar feeling in the face of foreign remonstance, she di- rected the sentence of the court to be proclaimed in the streets of London. The Lord Mayor, Earl of Pem- broke, and the aldermen, attended the ceremony. The last tones of the herald's voice were lost in ac- clamations and ringing of bells, while bontires illu- mined at night the rocking towers of every belfry in the capital. For twenty-four hours these rejoicings continued. The ambassadors of Henry IIL, of France, anticipating the immediate execution of Mary, inter- posed a j)etition for a postponement of the fatal blow. Lithe meantime, M. de Bellievere, one of the envoys, embarked for France, and Elizabeth sent to confront him, a special messenger, instructed to resent the Ejng's bold interference, and explain her own acts. James VL manifested no very intense interest in his mother's deliverance. Ruled by her political pol- icy of grasping at all hazards, power, he preferred the alliance with Elizabeth to Mary's life. He con- gratulated the Queen of England upon the detection of the late conspiracy ; and said resj^ecting the pris- oner, that she had broken her promises to Elizabeth, and must drink the draught she had " brewed for herself." But when it was known that the sentence of death was impending, the King, who liad not an- MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 421 ticlpatcd tills result, sent "William Keith wltli n filial, menacing message to the court of England. Upon receiving a haughty reply from Elizabeth, James cowered, and simply pressed the demand that his mother be no more than securely confined. The choice of peace with allies instead of yielding to the impulses of strongest natural afi'ection, awakened tie indignation of his subjects, and murmurs of disappro- val were heard whenever he crossed the threshold of his palace. Elizabeth continued undecided. Rumors of new conspiracies were abroad ; a prisoner in New- gate had proposed to D'Estroppes, member of the French embassy, if he w^ould pay him one hundred and twenty crowns, which would release the debt that incarcerated liim, to assassinate the Queen. The ofier was promptly spurned, but accusations which were made by a disappointed conspirator, Stafi'ord, involved the ambassadors of Henry in serious trouble. Ehza- betli became sad and gloomy; amusements were abandoned, and she was overheard repeating to her- self the Latin quotation : ^'■Aut fer aut / ne feriare firiP " Strike or be struck ; if you would not be struck, strike." The crisis had come when she must take the re- sponsibility of final action on Mary's fate. Februa- ry 1st, 1.587, Secretary Davison, who was summoned to her presence, appeared before her witli the warrant of execution, drawn by High Treasurer Humphrey. She read it carefully, asked for a pen, and signed the instrument of death. She forbade a public execution, and ordered that it should take 422 MAEY QUEEN OF SCOTS. place in the great liall of the castle, instead of the open court ; intimating strongly that Paulet, the keeper, and his companions, might have relieved her of the burden of deciding the matter, had they been anxious to serve her. The same day, Davison and Walsingham wrote to Paulet the following : " After our cordial greetings, we perceive, from some words lately spoken by her majesty, that she remarks in yon a want of diligence and of zeal in not having discovered of yourselves (without other instigation) some mode of putting that Queen to death, considering the great danger to which her majesty is exposed, as long as the said Queen is in life. IS^ot to speak of the want of affection towards her, her majesty remarks further, that you do not consider your own safety, or rather the preservation of religion, of the public weal, and of the prosperity of your country, as reason and policy require you to do. Your conscience would be peaceful before God, and your reputation clear before the world, since you have taken the solemn oath of the Association, and since, moreover, the facts charged against that Queen have been clearly proved. Her majesty, therefore, feels great displeasure at men who profess attach- ment to her, as you do, thus failing in their duty, and seeking to throw on her the weight of this affair, well knowing, as you do, her repugnance to the shedding of blood, particularly that of a person of her sex and her rank, and so near a relative. '* We perceive that these considerations trouble her majesty greatly, who, we can assure you, has repeat- MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. 423 edly declared that if she did not feel a greater con- cern for the dangers which her faithful subjects and her good servants run, than for those which threaten herself, she would never consent that this Queen's blood should be shed. We think it very necessary to inform you of these sentiments expressed not long since by her majesty, and to submit them to your good judgment, and so we recommend you to the Almighty's protection." Paulet received this appeal to unscrupulous loyalty, February 2d, at evening ; though an unfeeling jailer, he was above cowardly murder, and wrote in reply : " Having received your letter of yesterday at five o'clock in the afternoon of this day, I could not fail to send you an answer with all possible dispatch, as you direct. I send it you in all the bitterness which my heart feels at being so unfortunate as to see the day when, by the injunctions of my most gracious sovereign, I am required to commit an act which God and the laws forbid. My property, my place, and my life, are at her majesty's disposal, and I am ready to surrender them to-morrow, if such is her good pleasure, acknowledging that I hold them from her sole and gracious favor; I do not desire to enjoy them but with the good will of her highness. But God preserve me from making such a pitiable shipwreck of my conscience, or leaving so foul a stain on my posterity, as to shed blood without the authority of the law, and without a public act. I hope her majes- ty, with her accustomed clemency, will take my loyal answer in good part." 424 MAKT QUEEN OF SCOTS. Elizabeth, upon reading iliis spirited and manly letter, uttered expressions of scorn ; and bad no other alternative than to let penalty reach its illustrious mark. With the papers properly signed and sealed, the members of the privy council proceeded to the concluding deed in the slow destruction of a beauti- ful and powerless Queen. Mary was in awful sus- pense, fearing especially secret assassination. Febru- ary 5th, Robert Beale, Elizabeth's envoy to James VI., accompanied by the London executioner, arrived at Fotheringay Castle. He acquainted the castellans with his mission, and then hastened to the Earls of Kent and Shrewsbury, who were to see the sen- tence executed on the morning of the 8th. About noon of the 7th, all the actors in the approach- ing scene of blood, were assembled in tlie cas- tle. Alarm seized the servants, as the signs of the dreaded consummation gathered about them. Mary was on her couch in bodily weakness and pain. The Earls requested to see her ; and she re- plied, though ill, if it were deemed necessary, she would meet them. "When told delay was not permit- ted, she dressed herself, and seated by a small work table, calmly awaited their coming. Her limited retinue was around her. The grand marshal of England, followed by Beale and the jailers, entered the room uncovered and bowing, and told the mourn- ful captive that the sentence delayed more than two months, could no longer be deferred; that Elizabeth was forced to the execution of it by the MAKY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 425 clamor of her subjects, and they had come to do her will. Mary serenely listened, and then desired Beale to read the warrant for the execution : Warrant for the Execution of the Queen of Scots. "Elizabeth, by the grace of God, Queen of England, France, and Ireland, o- sition of the philanthropic Mrs. Carter. There fe quite a moral for young Misses, too, iu the book." — Jf. y. Dutchman. It cannot fall to please the lovers of flowing and graceful narrative. — Tribune. It will be superfluous to say that Mrs. Ilolmes is a charming writer.— 7/'!w Flag. Its (vels of the present day. The after-life of llosaLee, the heroine of Meadow Brook, ■/(•'i.' ; e found to be of equal, if not of superior interest to the earlier part, so ([raphic»".lj '■.eliiieattd in the first half dozen chapters. — Providence Journal. ' Many of her characters might be, if they are not, drawn from life. We have met a tittle Jessie whose bright, sweet face, winning ways, and siinnv, happy temper, innds Ber a favorite with all who knew her. Jessie Lansing vividly recalls our little Jessie who, we hope, is still the sunbeam of her own sweet Southern home. Mrs. llohnef Irnws her pictures from the deep wcllins fountain of her own heart and life, reacliinj »ur hearts as well as our imaginanons. and will always meet a cordial reception when- iver she appears. — Binqhamtoii Repuhlican. "Meadow Brook" is a plain story of Americati life and American people, with capita' Illustrations of American habits and manners. . . The story is a well-written common- Sense atlair. Containing much that will please the reader. Nothing is disiorti'd or over- drawn, but all is calub'ished during the last two years. The delineations of character are neatly and accu ,-alely drawn, and the tale is a deeply interesting one, containing many and varied inci ilcnts. illustriitive of the workings of the human mind, and of social and domestic life ir. iilTerent parts of this country. The lesson to be deduced from its jiaL-es Is a profitable )ne — which is more than can be said (>f m;my novels of the day. — PurtfoUo. The scene of this tale is in Kentucky, although Ni w England figures in it somewhat, .'.r.d New Englanders still more hirgely. It is written in a lively style, and the inte.nst s not allowed to Uiig till the story tei niiiiates. One ol the best things in t.'ie bonk .s its Biy and admirable hits at Ameriian ari>tocracy. It quietly shows some of ''the pl«-fieian •ofation," w'jicb have, early or late, been cmmected with the "first families," aii'' gives us a peep behind the curtain into the jirivate life of those who are often objects of envy. Sold by all Bookscllcis. Siui;lc cojiies muilcd. postpaid, on receipt of rtie price. c. m. SAXTON, EAEKEB & CO., Publishers, '2.5 r<:rk- Ri'V, yew York, Gentle Dora ! !-Dash:ng Mas^gie ! ! ! MRS. MARY J. HOLMES' NEW STORIES, DOKA DEANE and MAGGIE MILLER lu One neat 12mo. Volume. 474 pages. Price $1.00. Mrs. Holmes endeavors to touch tlio heart, to t-ike what is pure and excellont nn b )k\ It up to the reader in contrast with what is vile and doceptivo. And in this slu excels. The fireside, we are sure, will thank her heartily lor these books, and preserve Jhem with religious strictness, for they are entertaining as well as instructive. — j\V(6 Yofh Commercial Times. The two tales in this new volume are delightful, and will be well received by the many who have derived so much entertainment from their predecessors. — Boston 'frtu). There is an air of truthfulness in her common-senso style, an absence of exagireration and of high coloring, which conveys a sense of repose to the mind which has fed (jn the urtilicial stimulus of exciting novels. Her womanly gentleness wins the heart, and ho' charming fancy throws a spell over the imagination. — Detroit Free fress. The incidents in both these stories are such as pertain to daily experience, and on that account they bring out more touchingly tlie tr.iits of individuals in whom the author determines to interest her readers. Iler knowledge of the human heart, in cliildhood, and in the multiform trials of woman's lot, gives her the power of an expe- rienced artist.— .iV. Y. Fu-jjress. She has the happy faculty of enlisting the sympathies and aflfoctions of her readers, and of holding tlieir attention to her pages with deep and absorbing interest. — Al/ntny Tim^s. Tl'e two stories which make up this volume — " Dora Deane" and " Maggie Miller'"— have the elements of as wide a popularity as either of their predecessors. She wields a graceful and graphic pen. Her characters are skilfully portrayed, and she never fails to win and retain the good opinion of her readers. She has not failed in this agreeable volume. — Detroit Advertiser. These stories are told in her best manner. " Maggie Miller" will be found particn- "arly interesting. The characters are finely drawn, and the incidents are life-like and truthful.— i«io«^i Vox Pupali. The stories in tliis volume will be read by every lover of fiction with unndulternted satisfaction. As a student of human character Mrs. Holmes has few equals, and her descriptive faculties are of a superior order. " Maggie Miller" especially demonstrates this liict Some of its passages, as specimens of spirited composition, are seldom excelled. — T/'oi/ Times. The two stories in the work before us are among the most entert.aining the talented authoress has ever written; there is, throughout both, a charm and a beauty which cannot fail to please, and they have not a dull page within them. The characters are sketched with a ina.ster pen — not overwrought, but yet so earnestly life-like as to be full cf interest — and an easy grace pervades thewb jle. — Lawrence American. Also ready, uniform in style with the above, New Editions of LENA RIVERS, . . >.< .-. 416 pages, 12mo. Sl.OO HOMESTEAD ON THE HILLSIDE, L ....... .380 pages, 12mo. $1.00 MEADOW BROOK; ok, ROSA LEE,..\,-: 380 pages, 12mo. $1.00 MKS. HOLMES' ^VORKS, Dniform style, 4 vols., scarlet cloth, $4.00.-- 4 vols., half-calf, $6.00 Sold by all Booksellers. Single copies sent by mail, postage paid, npoa roceipt of the price. C. M. SAXTON", BARKEK & CO., Publishers, 2.'j Park Eoic. New Yorlc. THE BOOM OF THE AGB. RECOLLECTIONS OF A LIFETIME, . OR MEN AND THINGS I HAVE SEEN IN EUROPE AND AMEKICA. BY S. G. GOODRICH, Tho veritable "Peter Parley," author of "The History of All Nations," &c. /'1848, and Louis Xa])oleon\'i ( 'oii/j d'JCtat, both of which the author witnessed. Also, a full account of the " PKTEK PAULEY'? TALES," of which Four Millions have been sold. In tlic cour.-ie of the work will be found a Gallery of Pex and Ink Portkaits of over Two Hundred Celebrated /"c/wo;;*— Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Kings, Queens, Eniperors. Soldiers, Poets, Wits, Entlmsiasts, Physicians, Preachers, Lawyers, Politi- fiians, Diplomatists, &c. — all described from personal acquaintance or observation — among whom are the following: George IV. Lamartine, Henry Clay, Duke of Wellington, Benjamin West, ■VVilliam IV. Victor Hugo, Dan'l Webster, Lord Broughatn, Fenimore Cooper, Prince Albert, Alex. Dumas, M. Van Buren, Sir J. Mackintosh, Percival, Queen Victoria Mad. Catalini, M. Filbuore, Kins Ehio Ehio, or Brainerd, Bir W. Scott, Mad. Malibran, J. C. Fremont, Dog of Dogs, Willis, Lord Jeffrey, Pasta, General Scott, Louis Phillippe, Hawthorne, J. G. Lockhart, Talma, Prof Silliman, Louis Najioleon, Mrs. Sigourney, W. Blackwood Mile. Mars, Eli Whitney, Thos. A. Emmett, !Miss Sedgwick, Hannah More, Eachel, Judge Kent, Bishop Seabury, Mrs. Child, Dr Chalmers, Eistori, Geo. Cabot, Bishop Walnwright, Charles Sprague, Eilw. Irving, Pope Pius IX. II. G. Otis, Dr. Mason, Longfellow, " Tlios. Hood, Pres't Monroe, Jas. Hillhouse, Dr. Eomeyn, Pierpont, Louis XVIII. J.Q.Adams, Uriah Tracy, Archibald Gracie, T. Buchanan Eeed, Charles X. Dr. Dwight, Nath"! Smith, Minot Sherman, Jacob Perkins. To all which is added, the Author's recent ANECDOTES OF TKAVEL, In England, Scotland, Ireland, France and It«ly, together with a Comi'i.etk CATAi.oorri OK THK Authoe's Woeks, HOW for the first time publisiied ; with curious commenlurina oii the CuUJSTEKFEiT Paelev BOOKS, got Up iu London. SOLD BY ALL BOOKSELLERS. Singla Cjpies mailed, POST-PAID, to any address. riil'lished lj.y C. M. SAXTON, BAKKER & CO., Publishers, 25 ParJf •«c. Kew York. Truth is Stranger than Fiction. LIFE OF MARY JEMISOK WHITE INDIAN WOMAN OF THE GENESEE. BY JAMES E. SEAVER, ESQ. One Volume, 312 pp. 12mo., Illustrated. Price Si 00. Tlie Eiiliject of this remarkable Narrative Tvas taken captive by a band of Shawnees at the early age of 13 years. She subsequently became the wife of an Indian cliief, and tlie mother of a larso family of Indian children. She lost her civilized habits, and resided wllli her adopted nation for 7S years, always, however, retainins and manifesting a constant friendsliip for the ■whiles. Sho was granted a reservation of 19.00(1 acres of the richest land in the world, lying in the western part of the State of New York. Yet tliis did not tempt her to abandon her adopted race or habits, to which she pertinaciously adhered. The narrative was t.iken by the author from her own lips, and is at once authentic, interesting, and instructive. The work is tilled with startling incidents from first to last, and cannot fail to instruct and interest the ceneral reader. To the lovers of Indian adventure, and particularly to ths youn<:, it will prove of great interest, a.s it conveys a perfect knowledge of the hard- ships and trials of the Pioneer Settlers, and should find its way info the libraries of all our citizens. THK WORK IS AUTHENTIC. E. S. Pakkkr, an educated Seneca Chief, under date of March 24, writes as follows: " I perused Seaver's book with great interest, and have had a good opportunity of test- ing its reliability, by comparing it with the trnilitional history preserved among the In- dians with whom she lived and died; all of which more than corroborates every incident related in the narrative. I have, therefore, every reason to believe it to be entirely true." OPfMIONS OF THE PRESS, A very interesting book — one that contains sufiicient incidents for a romance, and ■which, at the same time, may be regarded as a veritable history. The heroine was taken captive by a band of Shawnees in 175.3, at the aire of thirteen. She became the wife of three In(iians in succession, and raised a large family of In«% Enquirer. Bold by all Booksellers Mailed, post-paid, to any address, upon receipt of price. O. M. SAXTON, BAKKEB & CO., Publishers, 25 Park Bene, New YorX LIFE OF HENRY CLAY, BY HORACE GREELEY AND EPES SARGEANT. "But there are deeds which should not pass sway, And names which should not wither." One Volume, 428 pp. 12mo., Steel Portrait, Muslin, Price $1,25 While the youth of America should imitate his noble qualities, they iTiay Uiko courage from his cari-er. and note the high proof it affords that, under oiir equal institutions, the avenues of lion >r are open to all. Mr. Clay rose hy the force of his own i^enius, unaided by p.)wer, paliona'j;e, or wealth. At an age when our young men are usually advanced to the higher schools of learnins, provided only with the ru- diments of an Enu'lish education, he turned his steps to the West, and, amidst the ruda collisions of a border lite, matured a character whose highest exhibitions were destined to mark ems in his country s history. Beginning on the frontiers of American civiliza- tion, the orphan boy. supported only by the consciousness of his owp powers, and by the confidence of the people, surniftunted all the barriers of adverse fortune, ami won a plorious name in the annals of his country. Let the generous youth, fired with honora- ble ambition, remember that the American system of government offers on every hand bounties to merit. If, like Clay, orphanage, obscurity, poverty, shall oppress him ; yet, If, like Clay, he feels the Protnetheau spark within, let him remember th.^t his 'country, like a generous mother, extetids her arms to welcome and to cherish every o • ,.r '•'(r children whose genius and worth may promote her prosperity or increase her reno.vii BEING THE ABOVE, TO WHICH IS ADDED HIS MOST ABLE AND TOPULAR SREFCIIES. steel Portrait, 633 pp. 8vo., Muslin, $2 00; Morocco, Marble Edge, $S 50. '•The rush of native eloquence, resistless as Niagara, The keen demand, the clear reply, the fine poetic image. The nice analogy, the clenchins: fact, the ir.etaphor, bold and free, The gr.'jsp of concentrated intellect, wielding the omnipotence of truth. Upon whose lips the mystic bee hath droiiped the honey of persuasion." As a leader in a deliberative body, Mr. Clay bad no equal in Amer- ica. In him. intellect, person, eloquence and couraie, uiiited to form a character fit to command. He fired with his own enthusiasm, and controlled by his amazing will, indi- viduals :uid masses. No reverse could crush his spirit, nor defeat reduce him to des- pair. Equally erect and dauntless in prosperity and adversity, when succi^ssful, he moved to the aci}(implishmcnt of his purposes with severe resolution; when defeated he rallied his broken bands aroimd him, and from his eagle-eye shot along their rank the contagion of lii> own courage. Destined for a leader, he everywhere asserted his Icstiny. In his long and eventful life, he came in contact with men of all ranks ami pro- fessions, but he never felt that he was in the presence of a man superior to himself. In ths issemhlies of the people, at the bar. in the Senate — everywhere within the circle of liis personal presence, he assumed and maintained a position of pre-eminence. Sold by all Booksellers. Mailed, post-paid, to auy address, upon receipt of price. C. M. SAXTON, BARKER & CO., Publishers, •Jo Park Row, N'ew Y'>rk. THE LIVES OF THE THREE MRS. JUDSONS Pissioiuirus to §uniui|j. BY ARABELLA M. WILLSON. NEW AND ENLARGED EDITION. COMPLETED TO THE DEATH OF EMILY C. JUDSON. With. Steel Portraits, 381 pp., 16mo., Mnslin. Price $1,25. OPINIONS OF REVIEWERS. Dr. Judson was not only a celebrated man and missionary, but hia wives have been worthy of jiini, and, of course, Iiave been celebrated women. Man}' of the details of the missions in which these individu- als labored, and which are given in their separate memoirs, have been omitted in this work, and the lives and characters of the women themselves are set before lis. The circulation of the volume cannot bnt be useful. — Church Herald. A rapid examination of the book has left the impression on our minds that the author has jierfornied her task successfully; weaving faithful and graceful narratives out of materials furnished to her hand by pre- vious biiigraphers. — Macedoniayi. It will command a wide circulation among the numerous class in our community, interested in missionarj- enterpi'ises. It possesses, also, a literary value, which commends it to the public attention. — Transcript. It is one effect of the missionary cause that it has given to the church and the world some of the finest models of female character. Not a small number of American ladies who Tiiight have sjient their lives in circima- Btances of ease, and in circles of refinement, in their own country, have cheerfully surrendered everything to the conviction of duty, and have gone to live and die in heathen lands ; and iu thus devoting themselves to the best of causes, they have become examples of glowing and hero- ic fortitude in honor of Christ, which may be considered as marking a new epoch in the history of their sex. Dr. Judson's three wives, of whom we have an interesting account in this volume, belong to this favored class of females ; and no Christian can read these sketches without feeling that each of them is deservedly embalmed in the grat- ituile of the church. They differed essentially in some of their natural qualities, but they were alike in the ^ne grand point, of entire devotion to the missionary work. There is little danger of multiplying judicioua works of this kind beyond the demand. — Puritan Recorder. SOLD BT ALL BOOKSELLERS. Single Copies mailed, POST-PAID, to any address. Published by C. M. SAXTOM", BARKEK & CO., Publishers, ^^.y ^5 Park EoiB, New York. cP' ^. * --> N ^ ^^^ // -> ,0' -i.' ■'-.f ,cV' ,c<- :% .^*'^'-' ^^^. .V o>' ■^. ■'' ' V <. s ' -bO^ sC^ -^.6 o^ ^ .A O, 'z, ^vV \ .. N 0- . --/ «. O ,-0' ,-^ •^^ . ° ^ '- , ^b. .-^^ o 0^ "^ * 8 1 > <{^ ^ri X^^x. X? -^^ ..^^ ,v '-/■ V 0^- xV^^ - "^.'^>^::^*^^^\.^' LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 021 390 579 A ^^^^^Hjfi ' if) 1 tUi ; , «'»»"^'»^-