1565 July which some were there presently rehearsed, others for CHAP IX great and weighty respects, left unspoken, until occasion better serve to utter her Majesty's griefs, for the strange manner of dealing that hath been used towards her divers ways and by divers persons contrary to that expectation she had. The Queen your sovereign having answered that she would in no wise alter her determination, the Queen my mistress commanded this resolution and answer to be propounded in Council, and to be considered according to the weight thereof, being touched thereby as well in honour as that it was against the repose and tranquillity of her Majesty's realm. And her Majesty's Council remaining in that mind that before they were of which is that divers ways it must needs be prejudicial to the amity of the two countries, that it tendeth greatly to the subversion of Christ's true religion received and established in them both, they have not only received that with content which your lordships have subscribed with your hands, but also have become suitors to your Majesty that she will provide for her own surety and the surety of the realm against all practices and devices, from wheresoever they be intended. 'And forasmuch as nothing is more needful for both the realms, than the continuance of a good and perfect amity between them and those whose hearts God hath united in one true and perfect doctrine, they have also desired that it will please her Majesty that she will have consideration of the Protestants and true professors of religion in this realm of Scotland, that Christ's holy word may be continued amongst them, and the amity remain betwixt both the countries. And because of all the apparent troubles that may ensue, as well for the subversion of Christ's word in both the countries, as also for the breach of amity, the Earl of Lennox and his son 1565 July CHAP IX the Lord Darnley are known to be the authors, and many of their practices, as well in England, Scotland and further parts, to that end discovered, it pleased the Queen my mistress to begin at the root and ground of all these mischiefs, and thereof hath presently sent her express commandment to them both, charging them to leave the realm of Scotland and repair unto her presence as they will avoid her Majesty's indignation; in refusing of which they shall give further occasion for her to proceed against them and their assisters than willingly she would. 'And to the intent it may be further known what the Queen's my mistress's purpose is, if they do contrary to this charge of her Majesty, I am commanded to assure all persons here that the Queen my mistress meaneth to let the Queen your sovereign well understand by her deeds, how she can measure this dishonourable kind of dealing and manner of proceeding; and according to the effect of such answers as shall be given unto me, as well from the Queen's Majesty your sovereign, as from the Earl of Lennox and his son, and what thereof shall follow, her Majesty meaneth to let it manifestly appear unto the world how to use her towards such as so far forget themselves. 'To give also declaration of the tender care and good consideration the Queen my sovereign has over all those of this nation that mind to keep the realm without alteration of the religion received, and will not neglect her Majesty's friendship, I am commanded to assure all such as persist therein that it is fully resolved and determined to concur with them and assist them, as either need or occasion shall press them. 'This, my lords, being the effect of that which I know to be my mistress's will and express commandment 1565 July given unto me to communicate unto your lordships, as CHAP IX I saw cause, and knowing now the time most fit for that purpose, I thought good to send this same to you in writing.' In strict conformity with these promises the Earl of Bedford returned to his charge on the Border; the Earl himself was under the impression that if the lords were in extremity he was to enter Scotland; and so satisfied and so confident was Murray that he wrote to Bedford on the 22nd of July, as to one to whom God had granted to know the subtle devices of Satan,' telling him that the force on which the Queen of Scots most relied lay among the Maxwells, the Humes, and the Kers of the Border, and begging him-as if he was already an auxiliary in the field-to stay off their power." Randolph presented his second demand for the return of the two noblemen to England. He spoke first to Mary Stuart, who half frightened, half defiant, found herself on the edge of a conflict to which her own resources were manifestly inadequate, while she could not but feel some uncertainty after all how far she could rely on the secret promises of her English friends. She complained passionately that she had been trifled with; she spoke of Henry the Eighth's will, which she dared Elizabeth to produce, in obvious ignorance that had Elizabeth consented, her hopes of a peaceable succession would be gone for ever. Randolph told her she was abused.' She threatened that if the English Parliament meddled with the rights either of herself or of Darnley she would ‘seek friends elsewhere,' and would not fail to find them. Randolph knew Mary well and knew her manner. He 1 Murray to Bedford, July 22.-KEITH. CHAP IX Saw that she was hesitating and he once more attempted 1565 July expostulation. The Queen of England,' he truly said, 'had been her kindest friend. She might have compelled her to ratify the Treaty of Edinburgh; but she had passed it over; she had defended her claims when the Scotch succession had not another supporter; unless she had taken the crown from off her own head and given it to her, she could have done no more than she had done.' Randolph's Mary appeared to be moved. She asked if nothing expostula- could induce Elizabeth to allow her marriage with Lord tion with Mary Darnley. Randolph replied that after the attitude which she had assumed the conditions would be stringent. A declaration would have to be made by herself and the Scotch Parliament, that she made no pretensions to the English crown during the life of Elizabeth or her children; she must restore to her Council the Protestant noblemen with whom she had quarrelled; and she must conform to the religion established by law in Scotland.2 1 It was to ask Mary Stuart to sacrifice ambition, pride, revenge-every object for which she was mating herself with the paltry boy who was the cause of the disturbance. She said she would make no merchandize of her conscience.' Randolph requested in Elizabeth's name that she would do no injury to the Protestant lords who were her 'good subjects.' She replied that Elizabeth It is interesting to observe how the current of the Reformation had swept Elizabeth forward in spite of herself. 2Qu'elle entretienne la religion qui est aujourdhuy au Royaulme, et en ce faysant recoyve, en sa bonne grace, et en leur premier estat ceulx qu'elle a aliené d'elle; et qu'elle luy face declaration, autorisée par son Parlement qu'elle ne pretend rien au Royaulme d'elle, ne de sa posterité." -Analyse d'une depeche de M. de Foix au Roy, August 12. TEULET, vol. ii. might call them 'good subjects;' she had found them CHAP IX bad subjects, and as such she meant to treat them. 1565 July Darnley return to England. The turn of Lennox and Darnley came next. The ambassador communicated Elizabeth's commands to them, and demanded a distinct answer whether they would obey or not. Lennox-to whom age had taught some lessons of moderation-replied that he was sorry to Lennox and offend; but that he might not and durst not go. He refuse to with some justice might plead a right to remain; for he was a born Scot, and was living under his first allegiance. Darnley-like a child who has drifted from the shore in a tiny pleasure boat, his sails puffed out with vanity, and little dreaming how soon he would be gazing back on England with passionate and despairing eyes-replied 'that he acknowledged no duty or obedience save to the Queen of Scots whom he served and honoured;' ' and seeing,' he continued, that the other your mistress is so envious of my good fortune, I doubt not but she may also have need of me, as you shall know within few days; wherefore to return I intend not; I find myself very well where I am, and so I purpose to keep me; and this shall be for your answer.' You have much forgotten your duty, sir, in such despiteful words,' Randolph answered. It is neither discreetly spoken of you nor otherwise to be answered by me, than that I trust to see the wreck and overthrow of as many as are of the same mind.' So saying the stout servant of Elizabeth turned on his heel without reverence or farewell." 1 Elizabeth's attitude and Randolph's language were as menacing as possible. But experience had taught Mary Stuart that between the threats and the actions of the 'Randolph to Cecil, July 21.-COTTON MSS., CALIG, B. 10. |