IT WERE to be wisshed , that as God and nature hathe moste decentlie , ordinatelie , and providentlye furnisshed and adorned man , with two eyes , whie that nature hathe geven co man too eyes and two eares and but on tongue . two eares , and butt withe one mowthe , and one tongue , wōderfulye brydled and kepte in with the lippes & the teathe ▪ So men wolde consider the cause of yt , and the greate prouidence of God therein , And after dewe consideration vse them selues accordingelie . Then shoulde we sone learne and practise a good lesson , to heare and see manye thynges , and yet not to rune headlonge , nor rudelie and rashelie to talke of all we here and see . But to talke within a compasse , and to referre all our talke to a temperancie and sobrietie , and to a knoven tryed trevthe : especiallie where the sayde talke maye sownde , to the blemishinge and disgracinge of anie mans good name and estimation . But nowe a daies ( the more pittie ) thereis nothinge almoste but that as sone , as yt ys perceaued by the eye or eare , must forthwithe be lasshed owte agayne by the mowthe , suche a superfluouse and curiouse ytchinge we haue dissolutelie , and vnadvysedlie to talke of all matters , thowghe they tende to the greate hynderance and infamie of manye of our bretherne . And thowghe we be nothinge assured of the certaine trewthe of the matter , yea withoute respecte to pryuate or publike persons . Of suche vnbrydeled talke , no man or woman in our dayes hathe , as I suppose more iuste cause to complaine , then the ryght excellente Princesse ladie Marie Quene of Scotlande : whose honour manie haue gone abowte to blotte and deface in charginge her most falselie and iniustlie , withe deathe of her late husbonde the lorde darley . For the defence and mainteynynge of whose innocencye in thys behalf , we intende to laye forthe , before the gentle reader , the moste cheif and principall reasons , grounds and arguments , where vppon the patrones , the inuenters and workers , of all theis myscheavouse and develyshe dryfts , grownded them selves and all they re owteragyouse doyngs . And then consequentlye to infringe and repulse the same . For to rehearse , answere to , and repell all theyre assertions and obiections , yt woulde require a verie longe , tediouse , and a superfluouse discourse , in as muche as theis iolye gaye oratours , measuringe theire doings , more by nombre of false obiections , then by trewe , substanciall and pithie matter , to make a goodlie florishe and a trime shewe , to face owte and countenance theyre craftie iuglings , And to cover theyre disordered dealings , there with all , have raked vppe and heaped together onevppō an other , against theyre good maistresse and Sovereyne Quene , no small nomber of slawnderouse Articles . But in all this rablemente , in all this rakynge and rackynge , what thinge else do thei butt vtter and disclose theire owne spitefull mallice , and malicionse spite , to the discreditinge of theire cause , and them selves also . Eaven as the accusers of Aristophen amonge the Athenienses did , by whome he beinge nynetie and five tymes greavouselie accused , was yet everie time by the Iudges cleared , and fownde gyltles . As I do no whitte dowbte , but that this good innocente ladie wyl be , by the verditt and sentence , of all indifferente men , ridd and vnburdened in like manner , of all manner of suspition , that theys reprochfull men wolde by theyre mallice and ambition brynge her into , by theyre wylls withe all the worlde . For as goodelie and as greate a muster as thei make , two parts of theyre slawnderouse accusations , are manifest false , and open vntrewthes , and fowle forged lyes . The reside we therof , thowghe in some parte they beare trewthe , and be nothynge preindiciall to the Quene in this matter , yet are they full calumniouselie , and mervelouse maliciouselie depraued , drawne and wrested to the worste , The effecte and drifte of the whole tendethe to thys , that firste thei wolde we shoulde beleave that after her mariage , her minde was as yt were alyenated from her husbande . Secondlie theie pretende certaine letters , that theye surmise , & wolde have , to haue bene wrytten by her grace , whereby they seake to inferre againste her manie a presumption , as theyre wylye braines imagine . But the moste wayghtye of them all , seamethe to them to be her pretensed mariage , wherof we wyll lastlye entreate . And yet thoughe thei have done , their woorste , though thei have caste owte , all theire spite and mallice againste her , yet neuer have thei bene able by anie directe and lawfull meanes , to proue ani thinge at all , wherebi thei maie staine her graces honour , in anie one of the foresaide points . Had they browght forthe anie suche necessarilie concludinge illation , we had not attempted thys defence in her behalf , but wold have yelded , and geven place to an open knowen trewthe . But seynge that the beste matter they haue to supporte theire doings with all , ys nothinge else , but presumptions and surmises , wiche yet are not of the surest and moste probable sorte , neyther suche , as are presumptiones iutis , & de iure , contra quas non admittitur probatio . Seinge also , that we owght alwayes in crminall ca●ses , but cheifelie when a Prince ys towched , who ys Gods annointed , to be more proclive and prone to favour , then to hatred , to be redier to absolve and releace then to deteine and condemne . Men shoulde be rather prone to absolve then to condemne . And that yt ys farre better , and a more suer , more indifferente , and vpright waye to save the gwyltyes lif , then to condemne and cast awaie the innocente : I truste and am in assured hope , that all the indiferēte readers herof ( thys being the cause and wofull aduersitie of a Prince , whereas the like estate of Princes owght , and is wonte to moue and sturre all honest harted men to comiseration and pittie , and to do theire indeuour , to the redresse and reformation of suche wronge and oppression done ) wyll with indifferencye , and with oute all parcyallitie weyghe and consydere the allegations of the one and the other syde , and iudge of the matter as yt fallethe owte accordyngelie , wich ys the verye thynge we most desire . And seinge the adversaries throwghe oute all theire cause wander by ghesses , and vncertayne presumptions , let vs also , as I maye saye abvse a lytle part● of owr defence , what saye I abvse ( parchaunce trewlye , yf we had no better matter , or they had any good matter at all ) naye rather vse them accordingelye for the more ample and better tryall and iustification of our cause . We aske them then , why the better and the stronger presumptions , shoulde not frustrate avoyde and sett backe the weaker and the worse ? Thys sexe naturallye abhorrethe suche butcherlye practyzes : suerly rare yt ys to heare suche fowle practizes in women . And maye we finde in our harte to beleave , that yt ys nowe at lengthe fownde in , and practized , by suche a ladye and Princes , from whose person , her noble byrthe , her honorable state , and princelye education , and the whole trade of all her godlye , and vertuouse lyfe past , do farre repell and drive awaye , all suche suspition and coniecturall presumptions ? And whom all christtian Princes haue had in highe estimation , & worthie price , for her greate prudencie , and manie other princelie qualities , the whiche ful goodlie do adorne and bewtifie the grace & comlines of her roiall personnage . Dothe any man or woman fall to extreame lewdenes all at ons ? No verelie , we do bothe rise & fall by degrees : aswell to all singuler vertues , as to al extreame nawghtines . Let them shewe me then yf they can anie euel doings in all her former life , wher vpon to make a sinister diuination to fastenvpon her theire treacherouse accusations ? What vnseamelie owtragiouse , and vnprincelye parte hathe she hitherto plaide ? Let the noble roiaume of France testifie of her demeanour & behauiour ? Let her owne subiets that be not her open enemies , charge her as farre as they can ? Yea let theis her open enemies , and her dowble dowble traitours accuse her hardlie & spare her not ? But yet lett them well thincke with all at theire better leysure , and they shal be better advised whether there be anie indifferente parson , who wil not bothe detest , and vtterlie abhorre , the peruerse and naughtie nature of suche ingrate traitours . Or that will not thincke yt farre vnlike that thys noble Quene , who hathe so gratiouselie perdoned them dowble and treble treasons , wolde ever finde in her hatte so to vse her owne deare husbande ? This ys vnlikelie , This ys incredible : And the more all circumstances considered . For yf she had bene so desirouse to have bene ridd of him , as they falselie , and maliciouselie imagine , and reporte her to have bene , she had good and lawfull meanes to serve her turne . Albe yt he was her hedd in wedlocke , yet was he otherwise but a membre of the Scottishe comon wealthe , subiecte to her , as to his principall and supreme governesse , and to her lawes . By the dewe and ordinarie , It ys nothynge likelie that the Quene wolde haue sowght the destruction of the lorde Darley by thys meanes whom she might haue openlie put to deathe by iustice . processe and course wherof , he might iustlie have bene conuicted , condemned , and executed , as well for the murther committed vpon Dauid her Secretarie , in whose bodie his dagger was fownde stabbed : As for the imprisoninge of the Quene , and for th' attemptinge to remoue her from ciuill gouuernement , to intrude him self therto , and for diuers other the like pageants by him plaide . Who can nowe reasonablie thincke , that where she by lawe and iustice might haue fullie satisfied this her falseli surmised will and desire , that she wolde not take theis opportunities in this sorte offered , but omittinge them all , seake vnlawfull meanes to his distrustion ? This vehement presumption of her innocencie is much holpen for that she wold not consent to a diuorse betwen her and the lorde Darlie ( as we shall hereafter declare ) thoughe she were moued thereto by a greate numbre of her nobilité , and by such as be nowe her greateste aduersaries . ● adde farther thereto , as a greate and an vrgente presumption , and token of her innocencie and pure conscience , The Quene contrarie to the minde of her nobles came into Englande . that she voluntarilie came into Englande ( refusinge the offers of diuers of her owne subiects , who besowght her grace , to repaire into theire quarters , proferringe to preserve her grace sauf therein ) where she knewe right well were the father and mother of the saide lorde Darlei , And a noble Quene that wolde not see the bloudde of her neare cosen vnrevenged , and a worthie sorte of men of nobilitie also , who wolde neither suffer suche a facte to passe and escape vnpunished , nor so vertuouse and gwyltles a Quene to remaine withoWte aide helpe and succour , beinge Withe rebells and traitours shamefullie opressed and bereaued of her roiall dignitie The worthie sainge also of the Wise Cassius , Cicero pro milo . ys here to be remembred , The notable saienge of . Cui bono ? Wherby he did signifie , that in suche dowbtfull coniectural cases , a man maye make a greate aime and coniecture against the person appeached , Cassius , cui bono ? yf by the facte doinge he shoulde enioie anie special profitt , emolumente or commoditie , Yf the Quene had after his fatall and finall ende , purchased to her self the matchinge in mariage Withe anie greate and mightie Prince for her greate aduancement , or anie other encrease of her honour or aduantage whatsoeuer : there had bene some color and shewe , Whereby you might haue an apparent presumption . Againe she was not ignorante but that his deathe , either procedinge from suche nawghtie meanes , or otherwise naturallie was likelie to be a meruelouse greate staie and impedimente to her greate affaires . Amonge other things the testimonie and confession of diuers gwyltie ( as they be reported ) & executed in Scotlande for the saide offence which they openlie made at the time of theire deathe , dothe tende muche to the aduancinge and approbation of her innocencie . Theys men yet paraduenture will replie and saye , that theys are but slender presumptions And yet were yt so , that they were of force sufficiente , they must yelde to an approued trewthe . It remainethe now then that We consider howe suer and substanciall theire prouf ys . Concerninge therefore the first parte , We Will not al to gether denie , but that she Was somewhate estranged from him , and therefore they might haue spared a greate sorte of theire neadelesse and friuolouse arguments , and yet flatt and plaine lies Withall to proue the same . But fie vpon the crueltie of theis accusers , The Quenes ennemies laye to her discorde with the lorde Darley wherof they were the authours . Who were the verie authours them selues . And them selues the onlie Workers and bringers to passe of all this discorde : traininge this selie yonge gentleman by theire gwylefull and wilie circumuentions Wretchedlie to conspire Withe them against his owne deare Wife , and dreade Souereigne , to the moste cruell and detestable slawghter of her trustie Secretorie Dauid , and to the imprisonmente of the roiall person of the verie Quene her self . Theis and manie other like prancks and practises , as the reuocation of you the Erle murraie , and of other traitours of your allie and affinitie , with owte the Quenes knowledge by the lorde darley , his yowthfull , rashe and temerariouse deuice , to departe the reaulme , withe manie other like practises , purposes and attempts , for his princelie parson verye vnmete , and farre vnseamelie , ye craftelie suppresse , and speake no worde off , for feare off burnynge your owne clothes . I saye therefore fie , and dowble fie vpon the impudencie of theis traiteurs . Nowe to laye to the Quenes charge , and reprochfullie to obiecte to her changinge of her minde towarde her husbande , wich rose and begane vppon causes , for the wich they had bene longe earst trysed vppe , yff they had not fortuned vppon , and mett with so gratiouse a maistresse : As I knowe , and they thowghe vndeseruinge yt do well feale , that the whole worlde hathe verie fewe her like . And yet all this your pretensed alienation of her accustomed faueur from hym , not with standinge her verie motherlie care : ( for besids all other respects , thowghe they Were not farre differente in yeares , she was to him not onlie a loyall Prince , a louinge and deare wyfe , but a most carefull and tendre mother with all , ) was neuer a deale lessed or minisshed : Albe yt for a time she did dissemble and forebeare owtewardelie to shewe and vtter , her inwarde harte and affectionate loue , vpon moste iuste and good respects : As the manner and practise of prouidente and moste louinge parents oftentimes ys , towarde theire deare children , for the better reclaiminge of the wanderinge minde , and waueringe will of the yowthfull vnaduised gentleman . And therfore heatinge and advertissed , that he was repentante and sorowfull , and that he desired her presence , she withoute delaie , thereby to renewe , quicken and refreshe his sprites , and to comforte his harte , to the amendement and reparinge of his healthe lateli by sicknes sore impaired , The Quene was fullye reconsiled to the l. Darley before his deathe . hasted with suche speade , as she conuenientlie might to see and visit him at clasco . Where , as also at diuers other places , especiallie at Edenborowghe , she from time to time most louingelie entertayned , and most tenderlie cherisshed him euer , eauen to the verie laste howre , that euer she sawe him . Whereby yt did to all men moste euidentlye appere , that all manner of displeasure or variance , whatsoeuer your coniecturall surmises suppose , to haue bene betwene them : or your seditiouse practises and ambitiouse procedings had sowen in theire stomaks and mindes , was not onelie nowe well aswaged and fullie appeased , but vtterlie for euer quenched , as beinge altogether forgotten , and troden ( to your muche mislikinge , and greate discomforte ) vnder foote of them bothe , neuer to be renewed againe . But for as muche as theys men do well perceaue , that y● this be treve , ( which ys in deade so certaīelie trewe , that they them selues are for the manifest euidence therof , eauen driuen and forced to acknowledge and confesse the same ) Then theire greate Samsons post of discorde and debate , where withe they wolde vnderproppe and vpholde all theire traiterouse procedings , as also this theire mischiuouse accusation , and greauouse crimination , the whiche they had fullie nowe conceaued , and browght as they hoped to perfection , by the mischeuouse drifts of theire shrewde wilie develishe disposed braines against her , wolde faile then , & fall to the grovnde . For this consideration I saie they nowe measuringe theis moste commendable doings of the verie vertuouse and well meaninge Quene , by theire owne deape and doble dissemblinge craftie nature , theire former drifte failinge them , begane to laie a newe fondation to builde theire longue conceaued treasons on : And saie , that all this curtesie , fauour loue and amitie , was but a sett matter on her parte , and colorable shewe , and a dissembled drifte and fained pretence , by her colorablie conuaied , vpon none other purpose , but to flatter and entice him to Edemborowe to his bane , whiche saie they appearethe bi her owne lettres . It irkethe and greauethe them to the verie harte to heare of the reconciliation , And therefore thei toile and tumble from one kinde of lienge rethoricke to an other , eauen quite contrarie . For as before thei fownde greate faulte withe her for estranginge her fauour from him : so nowe at the laste thei mislike at her greate trauaile taken in her progresse to visitt and conforte him , iudginge and reputinge all her dewtifull kindenes as hypocriticall and counterfeated dissimulation . Wherein bi theire maliciouse construinge and wronge interpretation of well and comendable doinge , thei represente the naturall disposition & frovarde inclination of the deuell : who hathe that name , for that he ys willingelie , and of purpose , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a maliciouse false reporter and a slanderouse accuser . As for the lettres they take holde on and slaunder her for , we shall hereafter examine them whatweight they beare . Well then yf there were suche a reconciliation made betwene them , as I haue saide to be , as there ys litle or no cause at all , why any man shulde thincke , that the Quene was priuie or ware , of the meanes of his deathe , so maie yt seame but meare superfluouse , for vs either to reherse , what surmised difference were betwene them , or to confute the falsitie of all suche allegations namelie seinge that in some therof , they charge the moste innocente Quene , The aduersares charge the Quene withe their ovne wycked deuises . withe theire owne moste lewde , nawghtie , and wycked deuises and detestable practises . As for an example & prouf therof , the Erle Murraye and his counsaile ꝑceauinge that for a time , the Quene seamed not well to like of her husbands doings ( albe it what soeuer her sayd mislikynge were , yt was , as ys afore saide , for the loue off him in respecte of his owne proufit and commoditie ) beinge verie desierouse to bringe home againe their confederated mate , the Erle Morton who then was in banishmente , and remained in Englande for the slawghter of Dauid her Secretarie ( with oute whose presence and present aduice , theire fetchinge practizes were halfe maimed , & lacked force to take effecte ) Were earneste sutors that yf she wolde pardon him , they wolde procure a diuorse betwene them , wherto she wolde not agree . The Quene moued by them to make a diuors withe the l. Darley . But what haue the is good men nowe done , thincke ye , in this parte ? Suerlie they haue plaied the saide pageante withe this innocente Susan , as the two wicked Iudges did playe withe the other former Susan . They laye harde to her charge theire owne nawghtie and wycked counsell and deuise . Yt were therefore but a vaine , and loste labour for vs , to staye and tarrie longe vppon the confutation of theire owne craftie maliciouse inuentions and procedings , in procuringe an alienation of the Quenes minde from her deare and welbeloued husbande , The accusation towchinge lettres sent by her to the Erle Bothwell . or vpon anie other alienation what soeuer , yt so beinge that they them selues can not denie , but that there followed a good pacification and reconciliation betwene them . We will consequentlie therefore consider the seconde principall pointe of our discourse . For theie theie saie that thei haue a sufficiente prouf , to iustifie the chefest parte of theire accusation . A proper iustification perdie : this ys theire iolie witnesse , this ys theire singulier Ievhell , whereby they sett muche store , the valewe wherof in theire eyes sight , they repute and accompte as of an inestimable treasure . This moste necessarie witnes they haue alwayes attendante at hande , and redie at a becke to serue theire turne at a pinche when nede requirethe , for all theyr purposes and Attempts . Yf ye dowte of the veritie of any parte of theyre accusations , this witnes thowghe yt neuer sawe nor hearde of any suche thinge , will full faire bleate yt owte , and make all things accordinge to theire minde , as cleare as cristall , or as the bright shininge sonne . So that yf this witnes ons failethe them , then all theire accusation failethe them therewith , and by and by quailethe . And sowthlie this witnes ( yet all this not with standinge ) what else ys yt , but a blinde , a deaff , and a dome testimonie , of certaine obscure lettres written and endited ( as they moste falselie , and as vainlie avowche , and were neuer hetherto able to proue ) by the Quene to the Erle Bothewell . It ys forsowthe a boxe off lettres taken from one Dowgleisshe who was executed for the lorde Darleyes deathe , the Erles man forsowthe , whiche lettres he receaued at Edenborowghe of one Syr Iames Ballfoure , to conuey to his maister : thus saie theye . The vnlilikelie tale of the Erle Both wells lettres surmysed to be sent to master Ballfoure . But we saie to you , as ys sayde in Terence . Non sunt haec satis diuisa temporibus . The verie time , yf nothinge else were , bewraiethe you , and your whole cause with all . Is yt to be thowght , that either the Erle wolde sende to the sayde Syr Iames , who had before assisted the faction against the Quene with the force and strengthe of Edenborowghe castle , And driuen from thence the verie Erle him self , or that the saide Syr Iames wolde sende anie suche thinge to the Erle ? Is yt likelie ? Ys yt credible ? Had the forgers and inuentours of this tale by seamelie conueyance parted and deuided the distinction of his times ? Howe saie you ? Where as nowe yt ys in no case to be supposed or coniectured , that suche a wise vertuouse ladie wolde sende anye suche lettres . Yet puttinge the case that she had sent them , yt ys not to be thowght , that either the receavour therof , or that she her self , whom ye conceaue to haue sente them , wolde haue suffered them , for the hasardinge of her estimation and honour to remayne vndefaced : namelie seinge there was a speciall mention made , and warninge geven forthwithe to burne them , and make them awaye . Neuerthelesse , when you haue taken your beste aduantage you can of them , In case the surmised letres were sente by the Quene they can make no good prouf against her . suche kinde of lettres missiue and epistles , especiallie not conteininge any expresse commandemente of anye vnlawfull acte or deede to be committed and perpetrated , not ratifienge or specifienge the accomplishemente of anie suche facte alredye paste , but by vnsure and vncertaine ghesses aymes , and coniecturall supposings , are not able in aniewise to make a lawfull presumption : muche lesse anie good & substanstiall prouf not onlie agaynst your Sovereigne and Prince , but not so muche as against the porest woman or sympliest wretched creature in all Scotlande . Suerlie the civill lawe Willeth , that in criminall matters ( for suche are theis ) the accusers alledge and bringe fourth nothinge but that they maye be able to approve and iustifie , by the testimonye of good and lawfull wytnesses , l Fin. C. probat . or by some other most manifest , cleare and euident prouf or presumptions . Sciant cuncti accusatores eam se rem deferre in publicam notionem debere , What exquisite proufes be required in criminall causes quae munita sit idoneis testibus , vel instructa apertissimis documentis , vel indicijs ad probationem indubitatis & luce clarioribus expedita . This rule owght to be obserued and kept , in the simplist and seliest poore mans cause that is . And thincke you nowe , Theys surmised lettres neither haue superscription of the writer , nor subscription , neyther anye date , neither signed nor sealed & the berer neuer knewen . you most vngrate and vnthankefull subiects , that ye maye lawfullie take armes against your maistresse & most benigne Quene , that ye maye cast her into vile prison , and spoile her of her crowne ? And Whiche ys more , of her good and honorable name , fame , and estimation ? And then bleare mens eyes , and face the Worlde owte With the shewe of theis lettres , as yt Were with a carde of tenne ? But yet saye you they are her lettres : she deniethe them , and We denie them to . There ys neither subscription of the writer , nor suꝑscription vnto whome they Were directed , they are neither sealed nor signed : there appearethe neither date Wherein they Were dated , neither daye nor monethe . There ys no mention made of the berer , Who is as yt maye be supposed , for any name he beareth , the man in the mone : He Was never yet knowen , nor hearde of that did either receave , or deliuer them . For as for hym that ye surmise Was the bearer of them , and Whome you have executed of late for the saide murther , he at the time of hys saide exēcution toke yt vpon hys deathe , He that was the surmised bearer , at his deathe denied the same . as he shoulde answere before god , that he never caried any suche lettre , nor that the Quene was participante , or of counsaile in the cause . Thincke ye that wise & experte men are ignorante , howe perelouse and dāngerouse a matter yt ys , to fasten any good prouf vpon collation of lettres , and howe easie yt ys to some men to imitate & counterfaite any character ? the which a knight late disseased in Englande , coulde so livelie and subtilie doe , An easye thinge to conterfeite a mans hand that he Who wrote most crabbedlie & vn●eageablie coulde hardelie discerne hys owne hande Writinge from the knights counterfeitinge hande . But Who conferred theis letres I praie your with your Quenes owne hande writinge ? Dare you to Warrante them in this so perilouse and weightie a cause , to haue bene so exquisitelie and so exactelie vewed & conferred vith all suche dewe circunstances as the ciuill lawe dothe require , were yt but a ciuill or a money matter ? You will paraduenture answere , that there was dewe collation by you made . O perfecte and worthie collation ? O mete and apte men for suche a purpose ? As thowghe yt ys not notoriouselie knowen throwghe owte the Worlde , that ye are her most mortall enemies , as thowghe theis counterfeite lettres were not the vnderpropped postes and vpholders of your whole treacherie and vsurped kyngdome ? As thowghe that manie in Scotlande coulde not expresse and resemble , and counterfeite in theire writinge , the Quenes verie character ? And as thowghe there were not amongest your selves , some singuler artificer in this handicrafte , and that hathe sente lettres also in her verie name aswellinto Englande , Theis lettres were fained & cōtritved by the Quenes aduersaries . as to other places besides , withowte either her commaundemente or knowledge ? Howe can I chose them but saie , that this deade ys your shamefull handicraft , & not her hande writinge . Yea suerlye , all this ys your owne fained forginge , most vile counterfeitinge . Yf you be angrie withe me for thus saienge by you , I hope you wyll be sone colde againe , seinge that I will not bringe owte anye deade witnesses as ye craftelie do contrarie to reason and lawe . Quia testibus non testimonijs credendum est . Nor suche like , but good , sufficiente and lawfull witessnes , suche as ye can not by anie iust exception or tergiuersation , auoide or elude . And those are none other , but eauen your selues . For either you muste bringe forthe good and apparente witnesses to proue yt her hande , or some suche as Were priuie to the meaninge of the same lettres , wiche ye neither yet haue done , nor are likelie ever to doe , or ye muste graunte that you Were priuie to them your selues Withe the Quene , or at leaste Withe the saide Erle , Whom ye surmise to haue receaued theis lettres , or that all this ys by you maliciouselie driuen and concluded . Yf ye graunte vs , that ye were priuie of the saide lettres , we trust then you will be good to the Q●ene , and yf yt were but for your owne honesties sake . Yf ye denie that , and with all that you Were the contriuers therof your selues , We praye you to tell vs and blushe not , howe you coulde so redelie and so directelie hitt the interpretation of theis Words ( our affaires ) and What theis words shoulde meane , there beinge so manie affaires as you pretende in theis your fained false lettres betwene the Quene and the Erle . That onlie thinge , that by theis words ye surmise , pretende and coniecture . I suppose that yf you were well examined of this pointe vpon the sodaine , and were vrged and vehementlie pressed by anie indifferente and vpright iudge , you wolde be somewhat to seake : And yet take at your leasure as good aduisemente , and as longe consultation withe your selues as ye can , and maie thincke mete : And seake as manie fine fetches as ye liste , ye neuer shall shifte yt of , with honestie , norwell rydd your hands therof . Wherof I for my parte do take my self full assuered , and therefore do thincke it a neadelesse discourse for me to make any farther descante vppon suche an vnpleasante , iarringe , and vntunable plaine songe of your owne settinge and makinge : And am right well contented that ye do make as gaie glosinge coments and interpretations as ye liste , and as your couninge and skil serwe you , to this your owne shamefull vntrewe texts . But nowe weighe and consider withe your selues I hartelie praye you , and see whether that all your legerdemaine and close conueiances in your false playe , aswell towchinge and concerninge your fitt Iuglinge boxe , as all your other like trickes and cuninge illusions , be not fullie espied and plainelie and openlie Inowghe layed owte to eache mans eie to beholde and vewe . And as towchinge your saide Iuglinge boxe , you haue bene verie fowlie and meruelousely ouerseen in the close and cleane conueiance of your fingers . For that a man more then half blinde , maie perfectelie see and perceaue your fowle plaie , for as muche as the verie self saide dowgleishe , whom amonge other ye haue executed and ridd owte of the waye , hathe saide and sufficientlie declared , for the Quenes innocencie . Naye , Naye parhapps you will saye , althowghe our lettres , althowghe our deadd Witnesses , and althowghe our other matters faile vs , yet we hope that the litle fainte mourninge she made for his deathe , the acquitall of the Erle , and her pretensed mariage withe him will , helpe your cause , and geue testimonie against her . And why so I praie you ? Was not his bodie enbalmed , inseared , and enterred beside the Quenes father , the late kynge Iames , accompaned withe Iustice clerke , the lorde of Traquare , and withe diuers other gentlemen ? The ceremonies in deade were the fewer bicause that the greatteste parte of the counsaile were protestants , One answere to the aduersaries obiections , that the Quene did not mourne the deathe of the lorde Darley . and had before enterred theire owne parents , withoute accustomed solemnities of ceremonies : Neither ys there anie suche order or custome , as ye pretende and make your reckeninge of , for the reseruation of the corps fortie dayes , nor anie suche obseruation was kepte and vsed , abowte the corps of the verie father of the Prince , neither yet was there anie suche order taken or appointed by the counsaile for the enterringe of the saide lorde Darley his bodie in suche sorte as ye notefie , but euen directlie to the contrarie . Yea ye are as litle able to ꝓue , that there hathe bene anie suche customarie solennitie obserued , of so straight and strange a mourninge , as ye most seuerelie wolde restraine and binde the Quene vnto , as ye be able to proue the residewe of the premisses . But in case ye coulde well iustifie some such vsuall order , yet shall ye neuer be able to shewe , that yt dothe extende and apparteine to suche kinde of Quenes , as she ys . For they mourne theire husbands who were kings , her grace mournethe after an other sorte : she a prince , her husbande a priuate man and her subiecte . They , as women most commonlie do take theire honour and cheif dignitie of theyre husbands . Her husbands encrease of aduancemente came by hys matchinge with her . l Liberorum §. de his qui mutantur inf. And further women by the civill lawe , are in diuers cases discharged & excused for theire omittinge therof , and forbearinge theire so doinge . And yet did this good gentle ladie bemone , even suche a notable time , enioinge and vsinge none other then candle light , as was knowen to all the nobilitie of Scotlande , and also to one maister Henrye killigraue , Who Was sente thither by the Quene of Englande to her comforte , accordinge to the vse and manner of Princes . Who had a longer time in this lamentinge wise continewed , had she not bene most ernestlie dehorted from her longer prolonginge therof , by the vehemente exhortations & perswasions of her counsaile , who were moued therto by her phisitians informations : declaringe to them the greate and iminente dangers of her healthe & lyfe , yf she did not in all speed breake vp and leaue that kinde of close & solitarie life , and repaire to some good open and holsome aire , which she did beinge this aduised and ernestlie therto solicited , by her saide counsaile . All Whiche yet notwith standinge this her facte , ys withe theis most severe and graue Censeurs taken for and reputed as the verye next sinne of all , to the most greauouse sinne against the holie ghoste . But ô good pitifull men who for the verie tender love , and singuler affection which , you dit euer beare to the lorde Darley ( the Whiche trewlie Was so vehement that for your excedinge hott & feruente loue towards hym , ye ever sowght hys harts bloudd ) do nowe so pittifullie bewaile hym . But yf she had by reason of the closenes of the aire , & somewhat longer continewance in her mourninge place , and in her dumpishe desolate and dolefull estate , accelerated her owne deathe withall , then had she by the Erle Murraies , and his adherents ghostlie Iudgements mourned like a good honest wif , and to theire best contentation : Yt beinge the right waye and rediest meanes to haue conueied and browght the saide Erle to that place , Wher unto he so longe and so gredelie aspired to , and the wiche nowe at the lengthe he hathe atchiued and attained vnto . As for the residewe of theire saiengs , yf there be anie faut in the Quene , yt suerlie fallethe doble and treble vpon theis Achitophells . And the good innocente ladie , Who hathe bene so wretchedlie and so vnworthelie by them abused , and circumuented , ys more to be pittied , then to be blamed . The Erle Bothwel was acquited by his peeres , accordinge to the comon and ordinarie trade and maniere in suche cases vsuallie obserued . Theis vnnaturall and disloiall subiects , theis most shamefull craftie colluders her aduersariers and accusers , I meane the Erle Morton , the lorde Simple , the lorde Lindzaye , withe theire adherents and affinitie especiall , procured , and withe all diligence labored his purgation and acquitall , wiche was afterwarde confirmed by the three estates by acte of parliament . Theis , theis I saie , wherof some are nowe the vehement and hott fault finders , and moste earneste reprouers and blamers of the saide pretended mariage , were then the principall inuentours , practizers , perswaders , and compassers of the same . They procured a greate parte of the nobilitie , to solicite the Quene to cowple her selfe Ī mariage withe the saide Erle , as with a man most fitt , apte , and mete for her presente estate and case . Firste alleadginge the dangerouse worlde , The consideration mouinge , or rather forcinge the Q. to thys pretensed mariage . and ofte inculcatinge into her minde and remembrance , the presente louse time and dealings of men , wiche the better to preuent , and more suerlie to with stande , by theire counsaile and ꝑ●●vadings enduced her , and by other their● craftie doings , as yt were , enforced and constrained her to take a husbande , to be her comforter , her assisteur , her buckeler , and her shilde , to defende her againste all her whatsoeuer aduersities and aduersaries . Yf she woulde be contented so to do , they promised him seruice , and to the Quene loyall obedience . Yea manie of them bownd them selues to the saide Erle , by theire owne hande writinge , to assiste , mainteine , and defende him against all men , that wolde then after challenge or pursewe him , as gwiltie of the saide crime . The wiche theire doings , the Quene consideringe and fearinge dangers inminent , and withall callinge to minde the sondrie and diuers vprores and seditions , alredie made against her , the wretched and most cruell murther of her Secretorie in her owne presence , the late strange and miserable murther of her husbande , the distresse , the discomforte , and desolation wherein she was presentlie bewrapped , the Erles actiuitie in martiall feates , and the good and faithfull seruice done by him to her mother , and to her self fearinge some new● and freshe sturre and calamitie , yf she shoulde refuse her nobilities requestes ( thowghe verie circumspecte and naturallie prudente in all her other doings ) yet neuerthelesse a woman , and especiallie neuer to that howre , ons admonisshed either openlie or priuatelie after the Erles acquitall , that he was gwiltie of the saide facte , nor suspectinge any thinge therof , yeldeg to that , to the wiche theis craftie colludinge seditiouse heads , and the verie necessitie of the time , ( as yt then to her seamed ) did in a manner enforce her . Lett them nowe laye on lode , lett them nowe rage and raue against this acquitall and mariage : Lett them lie , to theire owne shame , vpon theire owne deuises , and doings , thereby to defame theire Quene . Lett them lie that the Erle of Huntley was restored to his fathers patrimonie , to procure his sisters consente to the deuorse betwene the Erle and her , whiche restitution was made , but not for that consideration , but bicause the Quene thowght in her conscience , his father wrongfullie condemned . Lett them crie owte vpon the Erle Bothwell for that the sentence of diuorse was promulged partelie by force , partelie withoute the iuste and vsuall order of the lawe , and withoute sufficiente prouf . Lett them crie owte vppon him for his violente takinge and deteininge the Quene . Yet yf they cannot preciselie proue the Quenes consente to anie of his vnlawfull acts , as they shall neuer do : then can they not gett or gather any iuste occasion ( whiche ys the thinge they onlie seake for ) to suspecte the Quene of this greauous acte . On the other side yt ys well knowen and easelie to be proued , that this faction , did chefelie procure , as we haue sayde , aswell the acquitall , as the supposed mariage , and therefore by likelihodd was priuie of all other consequente deuises and practises . Wherefore they do nothinge but blowe owte , and blase to the worlde , Withe theire owne fowle filthie mowthes , theire owne shame . And do fare like a man , that dothe thruste a sworde throwghe bothe his owne sides , to pricke a litle , and raise but the owtewarde skynne onelye of his enemy . Ye maye nowe well parceaue ( gentle reader ) that hitherto they haue produced litle matter of creditt against theire Quene , and yet as yt appearethe , verrie good matter against them selues , and for theire owne discreditt . Nowe maye ye therefore easelie coniecture , and by theis theire cheif and principall matters and grownds , easelie perceaue , what accompte ys to be made of all the residewe of theire lewde slaunders , and what small force and strenghe , all theire whole sayengs do beare . They see yt , they see yt welinowghe them selues , good reader , wherby they well perceaue , and fullye vnderstande , that they altogether are vnable to beare owte and mainteine by reason , ●ustice , or lawe , theis theire owtragiouse and seditiouse procedings . And therefore they sett vpon them the best colour and countenance they can . Where in you shall nowe heare , what they did alleadge beinge in Englande for them selues . The aduersaries declaration before the Quene of Englands commissioners . They saye that no man can charge them , or the residewe of theire nobilité , that they haue gone as much as one onlie steppe , from the office and dewtie of good subiects , in takinge armes against the owtragiouse enormities alredie committed , and to preuente the greate dangers imminente to the persons of theire Quene , and her deare sonne , to theire nobilitie , and to the whole state of theire weale publike . And that yt was no small harts grefe to them , to heare what vilainie all nations thowght and openlie speake of them , for sufferinge such a tragicall matter to escape vnpunisshed , whiche thinge engendrethe of vs ( saie they ) amonge strangers , and all forren nations an yll and sinister opinion of some commen consente therto made by our whol nobylitié . Yea to see also the verie executor therof hym self , by violente force , to teake , deteine , and kepe his & theire Souereigne , and withe marienge with her to distaine her honour . Wherefore to sett her maiestie at fredome owte of his bondage , to preserue her honour , and the person of her sonne , and by dewe punisshement of such a malefactour , to recouer theire good name and estimation , with the reste and quietnes of theire cuntreye : When they had but in vaine attempted aswel all other meanes , as by the offeringe to the Erle singulier battaile , they were driuen to gather force , to resist them , Who came to the felde against them withe a stronge armie . But he refusinge either to wage singulier battaile , Whiche was then offered to him , or to ioyne in battaile with theire campe , escaped by flight . The Quene in the meane while rendred her self into the nobilities hands there assembled , and by them was conuayed to Edenborowghe : But afterwarde they Were of verye necessitie compelled to sequester her , vntill suche time , as some remedie might be fownde for theis matters , into Lochleven , where she hauinge nowe advised withe her self , and fullie perceaved her owne disabilitie to sustaine the weight of so greate a rome , freelie & voluntarelie by theire sainge , gaue ouer the crowne to her sonne : appointinge the Erle Murraie , beinge at that time owte of the realme , to be regente therof , duringe her sonnes minoritie . The Erle Bothwell not longe after , beinge by them pursued fledd the realme , to escape theire hands . Now this said resignation , by the Quene ons made to her sonne , he was forthwithe by them solemlie crowned , and he as kinge , the Erle Murraie as regent obeied , and the state of bothe theis regiments , was by acte of parliamente established . Wher vpon quietnes begane to encrease , and iustice more and more dailie to take place . Whiche yet some persons ( saie they ) muche enuienge at , to the dysturbance of the same , and of the kinge hys authoritie , first practised , contrarie to the saide theire Acte of parlement , the Quenes deliurance oute of Lochleven , and then shewed them selues in armes . But as theire attempte , saie theye , was vnlawfull , so the victorie fell against them , on owrs the righteouse side , Whereby god hym self seamethe to haue geuen sentence for the equitie of our whole cause against our aduersaries . Theis are the principall allegations , theis good men haue proposed , for the iustification of theire procedings against the Quene , before the most excellent and mightie Princesse Elizabethe Quene of Englande . Finallie , they saie that the moste parte of them selues , are for particuler benefitts priuatelie so muche beholdinge to theire saide Quene , that a nomber of them coulde be contented , and well willinge , yf they might praeserue Scotlande in the state of a kingedome , preseruinge also the profession of trewe religion , withe the kings person , & the whole state from danger , to liue Willinglie in perpetuall exile & banishemente . God be thancked , that after that theis seditiouse & trayterouse subiects , haue bene so stowte and storminge in the reconinge vpp and accumulatinge of faults & offenses , of theire innocente maistresse & Quene , they are yet at the lengthe forced to answere for them selues , and for theire excessiue outragiouse rebelliouse doings : Theire gaie gloriouse glitteringe excuses , maye ꝑhapps at the firste shewe , seame to some of the Readers , to have a iolie face of muche probabilité , greate trewthe , and feruente zeale to the Weale publike . But maie yt please them advysedlie and deapelie to ponder and Weyghe , aswell what we have saide , as what we further shall saie , in supplemente of full answere , and then to iudge and deme of the matter , none otherwise then reason , equitie , & lawe do craue . They shall at lengthe finde owte , and throwghlie perceaue and knowe , theis mens dealings and doings , Who as yet cover theire fowle filthie lienge , detestable practizes , and traiterouse enormities , withe suche a visarde of counterfeite false fained holines , and suche excedinge greate shewe of zeale to the Quenes honour , in punishinge off malefactours , and to the preseruation of the state of the realme , as thowghe all the worlde wolde fall , and goe to rewen , yf yt were not vpholden & vnderpropped by the strengthe of theire showlders . Theie shall see howe they will appere in theire owne naturall likenes , so owgelie , that all good harts will vtterlie detest them , and thincke them most worthie for example sake , to all the Worlde hereafter , of extreme punishemente . We affirme then first that as they have produced nothinge in the worlde towchinge the principall points : As of the lorde Darleies deathe , the acquitall of the Erle Bothwell , and the Quenes mariage with him , iustlie to charge her withall : So are theie them selues , aswell for the saide acquitall and mariage , as for theire damnable and rebellyouse attempts against theire Sovereigne , and for manie other enormous crimes , so farre and so deapelie charged ▪ so fowlie stained , and so shamefullie marked and noted , that never shall they Withe all theire hypocriticall fine fetches , be able to rubbe owte the dirtye blotts therof from theire skirts . Whiche thinge wil be easelie perceaved of them , that wyll vouchesauf and aduisedlie consider the fonde , friuolouse and contradictorie excuses , they make in theire owne defence . At the begininge theire open surmised quarrell ( wherby they wente abowte to drawe the peoples harts to them selves , and to strengthen theire owne faction ) stode in three poynts , as appearethe by theire excuses , and by theire pretensed proclamations . The first was , to deliver the Quene from the Erle Bothewell who violentlie deteined her , The causes that the Rebells pretended at the begininge . and to preuent daungers , imminent to her parson . The seconde to reuenge the kings deathe vpon the saide Both well , whom they knewe ( as they pretended ) to haue bene the principall doer in the execution of the saide murther . The thirde Was , to preserue the yonge Prince , the Quenes sonne , This ys theire iolie and holie pretence . Now lett vs see howe conformable theire worthie procedings are , to theis theire colorable cloked holie collusions . The fyrst gentle and humble admonition that theis good louinge subiects gaue her , An answere to the first . to reforme the surmised enormities , was in battell arraye at Bortwike castle , whiche they thowght vpon the sodaine to haue possessed with the Quenes person : wher vpon they beinge disapointed therof , gatt into the towne and fortresse of Edenborowghe , by the treason of Balfoure the capitaine therof , and of Cragmiler the prouoste of the citie . Wherbi they beinge the more animated to followe and prosequute theire wicked enterprise , begane nowe to be stronge in the filde . The Quene hauing also a good stronge armie , and thinckinge her self well able therby to encounter withe the ennemie , and to represse theire furiouse outrage , yet not withestandinge , for the greate loue and pittie she toke of them ( thowghe rebelliouse subiects ) Wilinge as muche , as in her laye to kepe and preserue theire bloudd from shedinge , offered them fayre of her owne free motion , that yf they wolde , peaceablie come to them , and take dewe and conuenient order for the redresse of all suche things , as might appere by lawe and reason mete to be reformed . Wher vpon the lorde Grange was sente by the lords to her , The lorde Grange ꝓmised vpon his knees obedience in all the rebells names . Who in all theire names moste humblie vpon his knees , assured her of all dewe obedience , of securitie , and sauftie of bothe her life and honour : And so the good ladie ( her conscience beringe her witnes of all her iuste and vpright dealings and therefore nothinge mistrustinge ) dismissinge her armie , yelded her self to the lords , Who conueyed her to Edenborowghe , and there sett her at suche a meruelouse libertie , and in suche securité and safetie that all good men to the Worlds ende , Will wonder at theire excedinge good loyaltie . Fyrste kepinge her owne pallace , they sett and placed her in a marchants howse , and vsed her otherwise verie homelie . She nowe consideringe , and perceauinge , to what ende theis matters tended , most pittifullie cried owte and called vpon them , to remember theire late promisse , or at the leaste , that she might be browght before the counsaile , offeringe to stande to the order and direction of the states of the realme , but God knowethe all in vaine . Fo● nowe had they the praye , wheron they intended , to whett theire bloudie teathe , or they did dismisse or forgoe her , as the euente dothe declare . Wherefore in the night priuelie she was conuaied , and withe haste in disgwised apparrell , The Quene inprisoned at lochleuen . to the stronge forte of Lechleuen , and after a fewe dayes beinge stripped owte and spoiled of all her princelie attyremēte , was clothed with a course browne cassocke . After this theis good loyall subiects , practisinge and encreasinge more and more dailie the performance of theire saide promised obedience , neuer ceased vntill they had vsurped the full auctoritie and regiment of the whole . In to the whiche thowghe they had entruded them selues , yet seinge as blinde as they were , by disordinate , vnseamlie and vnmeasurable ambition , that the Quene remained and was still Quene , and that there was no iuste cause by the ordinarie course of the lawe , or for anie her demerites & deserts to bringe her forthe to her triall , that she might be conuicted and deposed , went like good honest plaine men , and well meaninge subiects , bluntlie to worke , and consulted and determined to dispatche and ridd her owte of her lif , vnlesse she wolde yelde to them and subscribe suche writings , as they wolde sende to her concerninge the demission of her crowne to her sonne , and the regimente of the reaulme to the Erle Murraie . Wher vpon the Erle of Athole , Secretorie Ledington withe other principall of theire factious bande , sent Robert Miluen to Lechleuen to will her in anie case , yf she sowght the sauuegarde of her life , to condiscende to such demandes and to sett her hande to suche writings as shoulde be proposed and browght vnto her . Whiche as they saide to do , The Quene threatned to be ridd awaye , yf she wolde not renonce her crowne . neuer coulde be preiudiciall to her , beinge by force and violence extorted . Syr Nicholas Throkmarton also beinge then ambassadour there for the Quene of England , gaue her the like aduice . Nowe at the laste comethe the lorde Lindzaye , sente in comisssiō from theire counsaile , to presente and offer vnto her , the writings : who most greauouselie withe full fearefull words , & verie cruell & sterne countenance threatened her , that vnlesse she Wolde therto subscribe , she shoulde lose her life . But call you this a free and voluntarie yeldinge ouer and resignation of the crowne ? A voluntarie assignation of the regimente to you the Erle Murraie ? Yea suerlye , as free and voluntarie , as a man withe hys owne hands , castethe into the sea hys goods , in a maine and raginge tempeste frelie and voluntarelie : savinge that paraduenture ye maye replie and saye that there ys so muche wyll in hym , that he had rather byde the aduenture of hys goods & riches , then of hys verie life , beinge contented to redeme the saufegarde of hys life withe the losse of hys goods . And yet as voluntarie as ye make yt : Free and voluntarie ye shall no more make yt , then ye shal be able to prove , that the peoples good will was alienated from her , as ye surmise . For the procuringe werof , ye have by your craftie slaunderouse leasings and wretched practizes , done all the endevour , your maliciouse and spitefull braines coulde invente and searche oute . But suerlie your doings have bene so gratiouse , that yf she had bene so gratiouse , that yf she had bene deadelie hated before , they might haue procured and gotten her a wonderfull loue and fauour of the people againe . And whereas she was ( eauen as she well deserued ) moste entierlie and tenderlie beloued before , nowe ye haue by theis your so tragicall and tirannicall procedings , purchassed to her suche an augmentation and encrase of the same ( especiallie when that the people amonge whome for a while , some ye haue throwghe your colorable craftie conueyances , made to misdeame , and haue somewhat the worse likynge of her , shall throwghelie and perfectelie vnderstande and knowe your saide wilie policies , as more and more dailie they do ) that she shall be muche beholdinge , but no God haue mercie to you therfore But nowe to procede and goo forewarde withe your louinge loyall procedings towards her , ye neuer ceased nor stayed , vntill ye had procured and obteined a colorable parliamente , wherebie ye gott your vsurped and vnnaturall kingdome ratefied and confirmed : And not onlie all your wicked practises , alredie paste , but eauen what mischefe soeuer you wolde , shousde afterwarde passe also , against her quietnes and saufetie . And thus beholde theis humble obediente , & lovinge subiects , have purchased and procured a commission longe before hande , the like wherof , as I suppose , was never in the world harde of afore , in any whatsoeuer rude savage , and barbarouse nation or contreye , to slaie , kyll , and murther theire owne Sovereigne Quene , & a moste innocente Ladie , at theire owne wills and pleasure . The whiche theire saide commission , they had in this wise executed longe ere this , as yt ys crediblie thowght , yf God had not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as the proverbe ys , wonderfullye eluded , and myraculouselie frustrated thys theire mischevouse maliciouse purpose and entente . And yet ys there one iniurie more , that dothe greaue more , and moleste this good gwiltlesse ladie , than all theis foretolde naughtie partes played of them againste her . And suerlie not withoute iuste cause of greyf , for in deade yt farre passeithe and excedeithe them all . And that ys theire shamefull & most traiterouse diffaminge her , beinge all together innocente therein , with the deathe of her husbande , as thowghe that she had suborned the Erle Bothewell therto , and rewarded hym therefore with the mariage of her owne bodie . Here perchaunce they will saye ▪ Marye this ys our cheif quarrell in deede , this was the marke we principallie shott at . The greate love and zeale we beare to Iustice , An answere to the seconde . and the earnest desire we have to purge and ridd the realme of the slaunder and infamie , that arisethe therto by this horible facte , movethe and stirrethe vs vpp to seake by all meanes we can , the punisshinge of the sayde Erle , who was the comitter , and cheif perpetratour therof . Yf yt so be , suerlie there ys vppon the sodaine comen vpon you a meruelouse devotion . For Whie ? Were not ye and your bande and adherents the cheif and principall authours , assisters , fawters , ayders and abatours , for the clearinge and iustifienge of the saide Bothwell accused and indighted , as gwiltie of the saide murther ? What ys yt that makethe you nowe so hott , that then were so coulde ? Belike the worlde and wether ys a newe changed and altered of late . Yet tell vs we praye you in good erneste , was your principall scope & zeale , to apprehende the Erle Bothwell ? tell vs then a good cause whie you dimissed him , The Quenes ennemies dimissed the Erle Bothwell when thei might haue taken him . when you might haue had him at your pleasure ? Did not the foresaide Grange , cominge to the Quene from you , speake to him also ? did he not take him by the hande , will him to departe , assueringe and tellinge him , that no man shoulde followe to pursewe him ? Did not the Erle remaine in the contree at hande manie monethes after , vntill the returninge home of the Erle Murraye ? And then for a face and countenance , there were made owte to the seas certaine shipps to apprehende him , yt beinge of you pretended , that he was nowe become an arrant pirate and rouer vpon the seas . Naye , naye , yt was not he you so longe sowght after : yt Was an other birde , and her ye had faste in the cadge , and therefore ye permitted the Erle to flye whither he wolde . But yet you saye in your accusation putt vpp to the Quene of Englande and her commissioners , that as he was the cheif executour of the saide lorde Darleys deathe : so she was of the fore knowledge and counsaile , yea and the mainteiner therof also , and therfore she bothe stopped the inquisition of the facte , and punishemente of him : And also matched her self in mariage with him : I aske then , as before of you , whie throwghe the speciall suite and procuremente of your faction , he was acquited and sett on cleare borde ? Whie did you withe a greate parte of the nobilitie , moue , further , and worke the saide mariage as moste meteste and necessarie for your Quene ? Whie did you as by your hande writinge yt will appere , The Quenes enimies bownde by theyre hande wrytinge to obey the Erle Bothewell if he maried the Quene . proferre and promise to hym your faithfull service , & to her your loyall obeyssance ? Why dyd none of all your faction , nor anie other else eyther openlie or priuatelie declare & detecte this matter to your Quene , before the pretended mariage ? Was there no tyme nor occasion and oportunitie , to geve her warninge therof , but by the terrible and fearefull blaste and sownde of the martiall trompett ? For she ( good innocente ladie ) hathe vpon her honour protested and planelie declared ( the wiche her ꝓtestation also , the disorderlie , ambitiouse and tragicall doyngs , of theis rebelliouse and traiterouse subiects do muche helpe and confirme ) that afore her takinge and imprisonmente , she never knewe , who were either principall or accessarie : or by anie meanes culpable and blame worthie , concerninge the saide murther . Towchinge the thirde pointe yt ys not worthie the confutinge , An answere to the thirde . for theis same men knewe right Well , that the Quene had putt her sonne saulf and suer inowghe in the gwarde and custodie of the Erle of Marre . But see I praye you the impudencie of theis men : And consider howe muche yt ys to be mused and merueled at , Who are not asshamed to publishe by open edicts and proclamations , that the Prince shoulde be in more securitie and saufegarde vnder the protection & kepinge of the Regente and vsurpinge rebells , then vnder the hands and bringinge vppe of his owne most naturall & deare mother , withe diuers other the like vnnaturall , ridiculouse and absurde propositions . God blesse hym and graunte hym no worse to speade , then hys most tender and louinge mother dailye wisshethe , and continuallie praiethe for . Who , good swete babe , The Prince yf he were at age wolde not like th ennimes doings against his mother . yf he had age and discretion to vnderstande theire doings , wolde geue the Erle Murraye and his fellowes but coulde thancks , for the intrudinge of hym against his good mother , vnto the crowne and gouernement of the realme , but wolde and myght well saie , that this was but a colour vnder hys shadowe to strengthen him the saide Erle , against hys good mother and perchannce against hys owne selfe to . Hys owne vnnaturall coronation also ( thowghe theis men muche bragge yt solemnelie and orderlie to have proceded ) he Wolde as muche mislike . Neyther wolde be bye yt so deare , nor come forthe to be a kinge so vnnaturallie , as the vipers enter into the worlde by eatinge and gnawinge owte the mothers wombe . He wolde demande and aske what strange newe fownde solemnitie , and fonde manner of coronation this Was. For the matter beinge of so greate and weightie importance , of one hundred Erles , busshopps , and lordes , and more that haue voice in parliamente , wherof all or the more parte of them shoulde have an agremente , likinge , and consente , as to all other , so to theis publike doinges also : there were no more presente but fowre Erles onelie . He was vnlawfullie crowned . Wherof the most honorable , had not the seventhe or eyght voyce in the parliamente amonge the Erles , nor yet the first of twentie voyces amonge all the states . We had farther but sixe lords , Who also were suche , as had laied theire violente hands vpon theire Quene afore , and putt her in prison . And least all shoulde be voyde , yf they shoulde seame to lacke theire full congregation of the spiritualitie and temporalitie , in leapeth one busshoppe , and two or three abbotts and Priours . But yet , were there not solemne protestations I praye you then openlie made , and authenticall instruments therof made also , that what soeuer was that daye done either for the coronation and inuestinge of the kinge , or for the establisshinge of a regente , or otherwise against the Quenes royall estate , and person : yt shoulde not be to her in anie pointe hurtefull or preiudiciall , as beinge then violentlie deteined and imprisoned ? Well you will alleage paraduenture , that all theis procedings were ratefied and confirmed by acte of parliamente . Whie the confirmation of the rebelles doings made by an acte of parliament ys nothinge worthe . Yet all this not withstandinge , thys noble impe , yf he were at ripe yeares , wolde no dowbte acknowledge and allowe no suche disordered parliamente . But wolde enquire of you what authoritie you had to call and somon the saide parliamente ? He wolde saye , that the ratefienge of the saide dimission of the crowne by his mother , ys not allowable or to be approued . Firste by cause she was then in prison , and not at her owne libertie : nexte by cause yt was done by violence and forced withe feare of life , and so whatsoeuer was builded vppon this fowndation , beinge of suche weakenes , and so vnstable , coulde neuer be firmelie and suerlie established and corroborated . He wolde farther saye , that diuers of the cheif and most principall amonge the nobilitie , nameli the Erles of Argile , and Huntley with the lorde Herris , wolde not in anie wise accorde or agree therto , otherwise then yt shoulde stande withe the Quenes voluntarie will , voide and free from all manner of threatninges , force , and violence . Wherof they did full earnestlie and solemlie proteste , requiringe theyre protestations to be enacted and recorded . He wolde more ouer saye , that he coulde in no wise , well like of that parliamente , that shoulde so dishonour his owne good mother , and make her to be an infamouse Princesse , havinge none other grownde and prouf to leade them to do so , but onelie a fewe vncertaine ghesses , and vnknowen obscure lettres . He wolde no dowbte for all theis men● vaine bostinge and bragginge of Iustice and quietnes , most tenderlie lament and wofullie bewaile , the miserable and pittifull case , and dolorouse state of that selie poore ragged , and rent realme , the wretched and infinite robberies and spoiles committed and done vpon the trewe loiall subiects therof , beinge dailie moste greavouselie oppressed , and shamefullie murthered : And the whole realme so mervelouselie maimed , that the verie outewarde enemye dothe sore lamente to see yt , or heare therof , and that wil be wondered at of all the posteritie , so longe as the world dothe stande . He Wolde yet saye , that in case there had bene no iniurie offerid either to his mother or to anie other , he wolde not suche miserie shoulde throwghe hym , or vnder hys name be cawsed or occasioned , thowghe he might purchase therby , the greattest empire in the worlde . Thus maye euery man see & perceaue howe dishonorable & howe disloiall your acts & doings haue bene , and also howe disagreable to your saiengs protestations and praetenses . For ye pretended , at your firste seditiouse motion ( as we haue declared ) the Quenes libertie and honour , and that ye wolde duelie and feaithfullie serue her , whiche your seruice what yt was let your doings declare . Ye make pretence that ye toke a●mes cheifelie for the apprehension of the Erle Bothwell , and yet ye dimissed and lett hym goo , beinge presente , and neuer but longe after , and colorablie sowght him . Ye pretended the quietnes and peaceable gouernemente of the realme , but the realme was never theis manye hundred yeares so disquieted & turmoiled withe so sore stormes and blustering tempestes . The inconstancie of the Quens ennemies , first pretendinge before the Q. and counsaile of Englande , her voluntary dimission of the crow●e and that afterward that she was deposed . Ye pretended at your first inueienge and conference against your sayde Maistris before the Quene of Englands comissiōers , that she findinge her self vnable and vnme●e to rule and gouerne her realme and subiects , voluntarilie yelded vpp and surrendred the crowne . But the contrarie ys moste apparentlie knowen : Yea you your selues about two monethes after , quite forgetinge your firste allegations saye , that the states of the realme of Scotlande depriued and deposed her . At What time ye also made solemne hypocritical and cloked ꝓtestatiōs , how lothe you Were to publishe and detecte anye matter to her dyshonour . Wherto might be replied against you , aswell the rule of the lawe , that Protestatio contraria fa●to , non releuat , As the olde Prouerbe : Crocodili lachrymae . , the false traiterouse teares of the hypocriticall Crocodyll . Fie therefore and owte vpon theis your Crocodile teares , whereby you wolde perswade & make the worlde beleave , that you wolde redeame and save her honour withe your perpetuall banissement . And as for the religion ye speake of , yt were muche to be merveled , and sore to be pittied , yf that yt coulde not be mainteined and borne owte withoute suche fowle dyshonest & owtragiouse meanes and shyfts . But all this your greate feare , leaste that Scotlande otherwise shoulde not be able to have and beare the countenance and maintenance of a kyngdome , ys mere vaine and frivolouse , and altogether neadlesse . For whye shoulde you thus feare , havynge suche a noble Quene liniallie descendinge from the Royall race , of the noble Kyngs of Scotlande , and inheritinge the crowne therof , of ryght . She havinge besyds ( God be thancked therefore ) so goodlie a noble Impe , when the tyme and lawe callethe hym therto , to succede hys mother : vnlesse that ye be maistre knoxe hys owne good schollers , and suche of hys affinitie , that have sett vpp & erected a iolie newe scole ( as we haue declared ) teachynge that yt ys not lawefull for a woman Prince to haue civill gouuernemente . A strange doctrine of maistre knoxe against womans gouuernement . Theis and manye the like things wolde this good & gratiouse Impe , reasonablie , and like a good naturall louinge childe tell and reprove you of , yf he were of discretion & intelligence to weighe and consider your strange procedings and deuellishe dealings , against his most deare and tender mother . Yea he wolde tell you , that hys mothers inestimable and vnmesurable benefitts , were well and worthelie emploied , and bestowed vpon suche a wicked and vngrate generation . He wolde also saye and tell you , that you shoulde purchase your selues small renowme , and litle rewarde of God , or of the worlde , for this your false fained pacience , in hearinge your selves called ( and that full worthelie ) traitours and rebelles . No more suerlie then yf ye had harde , as nowe ye muste ( for thys daintie dishe we have reserved for your owne tothe to the laste course ) and so proved withall , the deuisers and procurers of the shamefull , vile vilaynouse murther of the noble yonge lorde , the lorde Darley , your owne maistresse & Quenes most deare husbande . Whose tender harte , never anye worldlie thinge so nighe and so deapelie peared as did this mischeuouse acte . Ye triumphe and vante of your gloriouse victorie , The Quenes ennemies fondlie triumphe of theyre victorie against her trewe subiects . and of the vnmercifull slawghter , ye haue made vpon the Quenes moste louinge loyall and feaithfull subiects . Ye valewe mesure and rule thereby , the goodnes and equitie of your quarell and cause . But this rule dothe not alwayes holde as neuer hauinge exception and instance . The Israelites quarell againste the tribe of Beniamin , risinge vppon a trewthe and horrible facte perpetrated and comitted by the Gabaonites , whom the Beniamites did defende ( and not vppon false fained doings and outeragiouse ambition , as yours doth against your Souereigne ) was a thowsande times better , Iudic 20. and more iuste , The victorie sometime falleth in the worseside . then ys this your pretensed quarell , and seditiouse vprore . And yet the Beniamites gaue them a sore greauouse and pittifull ouerthrowe . But yf scripture onlie will not satisfie you , hearken to kinge Priamus who sayethe that in Warre osten times the good and the honest goe to wracke , Iliad : 24. whereas verletts , theues , and liers do escape .