An epitome of the title that the Kynges Maiestie of Englande, hath to the souereigntie of Scotlande continued vpon the auncient writers of both nacions, from the beginnyng.

IF the veritie which auncient and indifferent writers haue made common to all nacions , might aswell perswade the Nobles and Commons of Scotlande , as it hath reason , bothe to charge them and disproue all their obieccions , thei would right sone laie doune their weapons , thus rashely receiued , to fight against the mother of their awne nacion : I mean this realme now called Englande the onely supreme seat of th empire of greate Briteigne . In whose bosome cast with vs , as bothe in one moulde , thei haue receiued the same toungue , lawe , and language : for asmuche therefore , as nowe touchyng the mariage of their Quene , there is nothyng of our part left vndoen , that ought to perswade theim to concorde , and the same by diuerse of theim hetherto wholy neglected , thei shall of my parte easely perceiue that to increase their errour , approue their folly , or allowe their obstinacie , I am not disposed : but contrarily by the veritie ( wher in their awne writers shal bee no defence to theim , but meere condempnacion ) to publishe to the world the state of these contencions , our title & their defence : pursuyng the which , I will folowe the wordes of t historie as foloweth .

THE auncient writers of the Histories of this whole Isle of greate Briteigne , confesse that after our firste progenitor Brutus , the yere from the beginnyng of the worlde .iiii. M. xxvii . had arriued in this Isle , and after his awne name had called it Briteigne , he had issue thre sonnes , Locryne , Albanactus , and Camber , betwene whom , after his deathe thei agreed in this particion , that Locryne had this first and worthiest part , whiche now is called England , Albanactus the second part , now by the Scottes possessed by hym called Albania , whiche their awne writers confesse : and to Camber chaunced the third part now called Wales : the two better partes to be holden of the firste , as of the worthiest of the bloud , accordyng to the Troyan lawe , from whence thei were discended , whiche superiorite also by their different bearyng of the Armes of the father , leuyng the entier cote in the eldest brother , is sufficiently testified vntill this daie . The particion in this wise established , Albanactus possessyng Albania was by Humbre , his subiect miserably slain , with out issue of his body : to punishe whiche traitery , Locrine and his brother Camber assembled their power and entered Albania , and there slewe this Humber , whose body thei threwe into a great riuer . Some write that this Humber beyng desperate , threw hymself into this Riuer , but all confesse , that in this riuer his bodie was drouned , and that hereof toke the name of Humber , which it kepeth to this daie . This Locrine herupon seazed Albania into his awne handes , as excheated wholy to hymself , not yeldyng any part therof vnto Camber his brother , whereby also euidently appereth the entier seigniory ouer it to consist in hymself , accordyng to whiche example , like lawe emong brethren euer since hath continued , preferryng the eldest brother to the onely benefite , of the collateral assencion from the youngest , aswell in Scotlande as in Englande vnto this daie . Locryne reigned in this state ouer them .xvii. yeres . Ebranke the lineall heire from the bodie of this Locryne , that is to saie the sonne of Mempris , soonne of Madan , sonne of the same Locryne , buylded in Albania the castle of Maidens , nowe called Edenbrough : and the Castle of Alcluth or Alclude , now called Dunbriton , as the Scottishe Hector Boecius confesseth : wherby moste euidently appered : that this Ebranke was then therof seazed . This Ebranke reigned in this state ouer them .lx. yeres , after whose death this Albania as annexed to the Empire of Briteigne , discended to the onely kyng of Britons , vntil the discent to the twoo sisters sonnes , Morgan and Conedage , lineall heires from thesaied Ebranke , who brotherly vpon the first example deuided the realme Morgan had Logres , and Conedage had Albania : but shortly after Morgan th elder brother ponderyng in his hed , the loue to his brother , with the loue to a kyngdome , excluded nature and gaue place to ambicion , and therupon denounced warr to his brother : in whiche warre as the rereward of his vntruthe , death miserably ended his life : wherby Condage obteined the whole Empire of al Briteigne , in whiche state he remained .xxxiii. yeres .

APTER whose time the same lineally descended to thonly kyng of Britons , vntill after the reigne of Gorbodian , who had issue two sonnes , Ferres , and Porres , whiche Porres requiryng like particion of the land , affirmyng the former particions to bee rather of lawe then fauour , was by the handes of his elder brother , both of his life and hoped kyngdome bereued at once : but their vnnaturall mother vsyng her natural malice , that for the deathe of her one sonne , would bee reuenged by the losyng of bothe , miserably slewe the other .

Cloten by all writers aswell Scottishe as other , was the next inheritor to the whole Empire , but lackyng power , the meane in those daies to obteyne right , he was contented to deuide the same emong .iii. of his kinsmen , so that Scater had Albania . But after the death of this Cloten his sonne Dunuallo Moluncius made warr vpon these three Kynges , and at last ouercame them , and so recouered the whole dominion , in token of whiche victorie , he caused hymself to be crouned with a croune of gold , the first that was worne emong kinges of this nacion . This Dunuallo erected temples wherein the people should assemble for Praier , to which temples he gaue benefit of Sanctuarie : he made the lawe for wager of battaill , in cases of murder and felonie , whereby a thefe that liued and made his arte of fightyng , should for his purgacion fight with the true man whiche he had robbed : but he beleued that the Goddes ( for then thei supposed many ) would by miracle assigne victorie to the innocent partie , the priuilege of whiche first lawe and benefite of the latter , aswel in Scotlande as in Englande , be enioyed to this daie fewe causes by late positiue lawes emong vs excepted , wherein the benefite of wager o● battaill is expelled : by whiche obedience to his lawes , it dooth manifestly appere , that this Dunuallo was then seazed of Albania now called Scotland : this Dūuallo reigned in this state ouer them .xl. yeres . Beline and Brenne the sonnes of this Dunuallo , did after their fathers death , fauourably deuide the lande betwene them : so that Belyne had Logres , and Brenne had Albania : but for that this Brenne a subiect , without the consent of his eldre brother and lorde , auentured to mary with the daughter of the kyng of Denmarke . Belyne seazed Albania into his awne handes , and thereupon caused the notable wayes priuileged by Dunuallos , Lawes to be newly wrought by mennes handes , whiche for the length was from the ●urder parte of Cornewall , vnto the Sea by Northe Cathnes in Scotlande . For Religion in those daies , he constituted ministers called Archeflamines in their funccions moste like the aucthoritie of Bishoppes of all their awne writers , is sixe hundred yeres lackyng .x. yeres . After that Brutus had reigned ouer the whole Islande , beeyng the same lande enioyed by hym and his posteritie before their commyng , duryng discentes of kinges of this Briteigne , and this intrusion into a land so many hundred yeres before inhabited , and by so many discentes of Kynges quietly enioyed , is the best tule that all their awne writers allege for theim . This Fergus hereupon immediatly did deuide al Albania emong his capitaines and their people : wherby also moste euidently appereth that there were no people of that nacion inhabityng there before , in prosse whereof , the same particion shall folowe .

THE landes of Cathnes liyng agaynste Orknay , betwene Dummesbey and the Water of Thane , was geuen vnto one Cornath a Capitaine & his people . The landes betwene the Water of Thane and Nes nowe called Rosse , liyng in bredth from Cromart to the mouthe of the water of Lochte , wer geuen to Lutorke another Capitain & his people . The landes betwene Spay and Nes , from the Almayne seas to the Irelande Seas nowe called Murray land , wet geuen to one Warroche and his people . The land of Thalia now called Boyn Aynze , Bogewall , Garyot , Formartyne , and Bowguhan , were geuen to one Thalis and his people . The landes of Matr ▪ Badezenoche , and Lochquhaber , were geuen to Martache and his people . The landes of Lorne and Kyntier , with the hilles & mountaynes thereof , liyng from Mar to the Irelande seas , wer geuen to capitain Nonaunce & his people . The landes of Athole were geuen to Atholus , another capitain & his people . The landes of Strabraun , and Brawdawane liyng West from Dunkell , were geuen to Creones and Epidithes . ii Capitaines . The landes of Argile , were geuen to Argathelus a capitain . The landes of Linnox and Clidisdale , were allotted to Lolgona a capitain . The landes of Siluria now called Kile , Car rike and Cunyngham , wer geuen to Silurche another Capitayne . The landes of Brigance nowe called Gallowaie , were geuen to the compaignie called Brigandes whiche as their best menne , were appointed to dwell next the Britons , who afterward expulsed the Britons from Annandale in Albany , wherby is confessed it to be before enhabited by Britons . The residue of the lande nowe called Scotland , that is to saie : Meirnis , Angus , Steremōde , Gowry Strahern , Pirth , Fiffe , Striuelyng , Callender , Calderwoode , Lougthian , Mers Teuedale , with other the rement Dales , and the Sherifdōe , of Berwicke wer then enioyed by a nacion myngeled in mariage with Britons , and in their obedience whose capitain called Berynger , buylded the castle and toune of Berwicke vpon Twede , and these people were called Pightes , vpon whom by the death of this Coell , these Scottes had oportunitie to vse warre , whereof thei ceassed not , vntill suche tyme as it pleased God to appoynt another Coell Kyng of Britons , against whose name , albeit thei hoped a like victorie to the firste , yet he preuailed , and ceassed not his warr , vntil these Scottes wer vtterly expulsed out of all the boundes of Briteigne , in whiche thei neuer dared to reentre , vntill the raigne of Scicill Kyng of Britons , whiche was the .xiii. Kyng after this Coell . Duryng all whiche tyme the same countrey was reenhabited by the Britons . And then the Scottes turnyng to Ciuil discord of this realme , betwene this Sycill and his brother Blede to their best auauntage , newly arriued in Albania , & thereof made one Reuther their king : from the beginnyng of the worlde .iiii. M ix . C. lxxxxv . yeres , whiche from their first entry was .iii. Clxxiiii . yeres , vpon this their newe arriuall , newe warre was made vpon them , by this Sicill Kyng of Britons , in whiche warre Reuther their newe Kyng died , to whom Thereus succeded , against whom the warr of Britons ceassed not , vntil he frely submitted hymself vnto the said Sicill kyng of Britons at Ebranke that is Yorke , where shortly after the tenth yere of his reigne he died . Fynn●ne brother of Iosine succeded by their eleccion to the kyngdom of Scottes who shortly after compelled by the warres of the same Sicill , declared hymself subiecte , and for the better assurance of his faithe and obeisaunce to the Kyng of Britons , deliuered his sonne Durstus , into the handes of this Sicill : who phantesiyng the childe and hopyng by his awne succession to alter the subtilitie ( I will not say duplicitie ) maried to him Agasia his awne daughter , this Sicill reigned in this state ouer theim twoo and twentie yeres .

THIS Durstus was their next kyng , but for that he had maried a Briton woman , though she a kynges daughter , the Scottes hated him for the same cause the thei ought to haue liked hym the better , and therefore not onely traiteroussy slewe hym , but further to declare th ende of their malice , dishenherited asmuche as in them was , the issues of the same Durstus and Agasia , wherupon newe war sprong betwene theim and vs : whiche ceassed not vntill thei were contented to receiue Edeir to their kyng , the next in bloudde then liuyng , discended from Durstus and Agasia , and thereby the bloud of Britons of the parte of the mother , was restored to the croune of Albania : nature whose lawe is immutable , caused this bande of loue to holde . For shortly after this Eder attended vpon Cassibelane kyng of Britons , for the repulse of Iulius Caesar , as their awne aucthor Boecius confesseth commaunded the same as his subiecte , but Iulius Caesar after his third arriuall by treason of Androgeus , preuailed against the Britons : and therupon pursued this Eder into Scotlande , and as hymself saith in his Commentaries , subdued all the Isse of Briteigne : whiche , though the liuyng Scottes deny it , their ded writers confesse that he came beyond Callender woode , and cast downe Camelon the principall citee of Pichtes , and in token of this victory not farre from Carron , buylded a round Temple of stone , whiche remaigned in some perfeccion vnto the reigne of our Kyng Edwarde called the firste since the supposed Conquest , by whom it was subuerted , but the monument thereof remaineth to this daie . This Cassibelane reigned in this state ▪ xvi yeres .

Aruiragus Kyng of Wales , brother of Guyder .c. is and sonne of Kymbalyne , descended from Androgeus the sonne of Lud , an auncient kyng of Britons , was by iusse succession shortely after kyng of Britons , against whom Claudius then emperor made war but this Claudius at last gaue his daughter Genuissa or Genissa in mariage to this Aruiragus . This Claudius subdued Orknay , and all the remanent Isles aboute Briteigne , whiche he gaue to his sonne Aruiragus , and so left hym kyng of the whole Islande : this Aruiragus reigned in this state ouer them .xxiiii. yeres .

Marrius the soonne of Aruiragus and Genissa , was nexte kyng of all Briteigne , in his tyme one Roderycke a Scythian with a greate rable of vacabondes , came to the water of Frithe in Scotlande , whiche is an arme of the sea , deuidyng Pentlande from Fiffe , against whom this Marrius assembled a power , by which he slewe this Rodericke , and discomfited his people in Westmerlande , of whiche victorie he was also after written , by the name of Westmer , but to those that remained in life , he gaue to bee enhabited , the Countrey of Cathenes in Scotlande : whiche proueth it to be within his dominton , this Marrius reigned in this state ouer theim .xxv. yeres .

Coell the sonne of this Marrius had issue Lucius , coumpted the first Christian Kyng of this nacion : he created three Archeflamines , whose office is before declared , the first remained at London , and his power extended from the farthest parte of Cornewall to Humber water , the second remained at Yorke , and his power stretched from Humber to the fardest part of all Scotlande . The third remained at Careleon vpon the riuer of Oose in Glamorgan in Wales , and his power extended from Seuerne through all Wales . Some write that he made but two Archeflamyns , and turned their names to Archbishoppes , the one to remaigne at Cantorbury , the other at Yorke : but thei confesse that he of Yorke had iurisdiccion through all Scotlande , either of whiche is sufficient to proue Scotlande , to bee then vnder his dominion : This Coill reigned in this state ouer theim .xi. yeres .

Seuerus , by birthe a Romayne but in bloudde a Briton , and the lineall heire of the body of Androgius , sonne of Lud & nephew of Cassibelaine , was shortly after Emperor and kyng of Britons , in whose tyme the people to whom his auncester Marrius gaue the lande of Cathenes in Scotland , conspired with the Scottes and receiued them from the Isles into Scotland : but hereupon this Seuerus came into Scotlande , & meting with their faith and false hartes together , droue theim all out of the mayne lande into isles the vttermost bondes of al great Briteigne , but notwithstandyng this glorious victorie , the Britons consideryng their seruitude to the Romaines , imposed by treason of Androgius , auncester to this Seuerus began to hate hym , whom , yet thei had not tyme to loue , whereupon beside Yorke thei suffered hym to bee slain : After that he had for their defence and suretie , slain of the Scottes and their confederates in one battail xxx . thousandes : but suche was the consideracion of the vulger sorte in those daies , whose malice no tyme could deminishe , nor desert appease .

Anthonius Bassianus borne of a Briton woman , and Gera borne on a Romayne woman , were the sonnes of this Seuerus , who after the death of their father , by the contrary voyces of their people , contended for the Croune , fewe Britons helde with Bassianus , fewer Romaynes held with Geta : but the greater nombre with neither : thei fought , Geta was slain , and Bassianus made Kyng , but hetherto the dayly memorie of perpetuall seruitude in the Brutus , thought the death of the father no sufficient reuenge , to the iniury dooen by the graundefather : and therefore thei deposed this Bassianus , and made Carassius a Briton their kyng , who vpon victory had against this Bassianus , gaue vnto the Scottes , Pichtes , and Scithians , the countrey of Cathenes in Scotlande , whiche thei after inhabited , whereby appereth his season thereof .

Coill discended of the bloudde of auncient kynges of Briteigne was shortly after kyng of Britons , whose onely daughter and heire called Helen , was maried vnto Constancius a Romayn , who daunted the rebellion of all partes of greate Briteigne , and after the death of this Coil , was in the right of his wife kyng therof and reigned in his state ouer them xv . yeres .

Constantyne the sonne of this Constance and Helen , was nexte kyng of Britons , he passyng to Rome to receiue the Empire therof , deputed one Octauius king of Wales , and Duke of Gwisscop , which some expounde to be West sex , some Cornewall , and some Windsore , to haue the gouernement of this dominion , but abusyng this kynges innocent goodnes , this Octauius defrauded this trust , and toke vpon himself the Croune , for whiche traytorie albeit he was once vanquished by Leonyne Traherons , vncle to Constantyne : yet after the death of this Traherons , he preuailed again and reigned ouer all Briteigne . Constantyne beyng nowe Emperor , sent to Maximius his kynseman hether to destroy the same Octauius , whom in singuler battaill discomfited this Octauius , whereupon this Maximius , as well by the consent of great Constantyne , as by the eleccion of all the Britons , for that he was a Briton in bloud , was made kyng of this Briteigne . This Maximius made war vpon the Scottes and Scythians within all Briteigne , & ceassed not vntill he had slain Eugenius their Kyng , expulsed and driuen them out of the whole boundes of Briteigne and newly inhabited all Scotland with Britons , no man woman or childe of the Scottishe nacion , suffered to remain within it , whiche as their Hector Boecius saith : was for their rebellion and rebellion properly could it not be , excepte thei had been subiectes , he suffered the Pychtes to remain his subiectes , who made solempne othes to hym after , neuer to erect any peculiar kyng of their awne nacion , but to remain vnder the old Empire , of th onely kyng of Britons : He reigned in the whole state of this Briteigne .xxxiiii. yeres .

ABOVT . xlv . yeres after this , beyng long tyme after the death of this Maximius , with the helpe of Gouuan or Gonan and Melga , the Scottes newly arriued in Albania , and thereof created one Fergus the seconde of that name to be their kyng , but because thei wer before banished the continent lande , thei crouned hym kyng of their auenture in Argile , in the fatall chater of Merble , the yere of our Lorde . CCCC . xxii .

Maximian soonne of Leonyne Traherons , brother to kyng Coill and vncle to the holy Helen , was by liniall succession next kyng of Britons : but to appease the malice of Dyonothus kyng of Wales , who also claimed the kyngdome , he maried Othilia eldest daughter of this Dyonothus and afterward assembled a great power of Britons , and entered Albania , and inuaded Gallowaie , Mers , Annandale , Pentlande , Carrike , Kyll , and Cunyngham and in battaill slewe bothe this Fergus then kyng of Scottes , & Durstus the king of Pichtes , and exiled all their people , out of the continent lande : whereupon the few nombre of Scottes then remainyng on liue , went to Argila and made Eugenius their kyng .

WHEN this Maximian had thus obteigned quietnes in Briteigne , he departed with his cosyn Conan Meredecke into Armorica where thei subdued the kyng , & did depopulate the countrey , which he gaue to Conan his cosyn , to be afterward inhabited by Britons , by the name of Briteigne the lesse : and hereof this realme tooke name of Briteigne the greate , whiche name by consent of forein writers , it kepeth vnto this daie .

AFTER the death of this Maximian , dissencion beeyng betwene the nobles of greate Briteigne , the Scottes swarmed together again , & came to the wall of Adrian , where this realme beyng deuided in many fashions , thei ouer came one : and hereupon their Hector Boecius , as an henne that for laiyng of one egge , will make a great cakelyng , solemply triumphyng of a conquest before the victorie , & allegeth that hereby the Britons were made tributaries to the Scottes , and yet he confesseth that thei wonne no more lande , by that supposed conquest , but the samle porcion betwene theim and Humber , which in the old particions before , was annexed to Albania , it is hard to bee beleued , that suche a broken nacion as the Scottes at that tyme were returnyng from banishment within foure yeres before , & since in battaill lost bothe their kynges , and the greate nomber of their best men , to bee thus sodenly able to make a conquest of greate Briteigne , verie vnlikely if thei had conquered it , thei would haue left the whote sonne of the Easte partes , to dwell in the cold Snowe of Scotlande . Incredible it is , that if thei had conquered it , thei would not haue deputed offices in it , as in cases of conquest behoueth . And it is beyond all belefe that great Briteigne or any other Countrey , should be wonne without the commyng of any enemie into it , as thei did not , but taried at the same wall of Adryan : But what nede I speake of these defences when the same Boecius scantly trusteth his awne belife in this tale . For he saieth that Galfride and sundery other Autentique writers , sonderly vary from this part of his story , wherein his awne thought accuseth his conscience of vntruth : Wherein he furder forgettyng , howe it behoueth a lyer to bee myndefull of his assercion in the fourth Chapiter next folowyng , wholy bewraieth hymself , saiyng that the , confederate Kynges of Scottes and Pychtes , vpon ciuil warres betwene the Britons whiche then was folowyng , hoped shortly to enioy all the land of great Briteigne , from beyond Humber vnto the fresh sea , whiche hope had been vain , and not lesse then voyde , if it had been their awne by the conquest before .

Constantine of litle Briteigne descended from Conan kyng therof , cosyn of Brutes bloud to this Maximian , and his next heire was next kyng of great Briteigne , he immediatly pursued the Scottes with warres , and shortely in battaill slewe their Kyng Dougard , the firste yere of his reigne , and so recouered Scotlande out of their handes , and toke all the holdes therof into his awne custodie .

Vortiger shortly after obteyned the Croune of Briteigne , against whom the Scottes newly rebelled , for repressyng whereof , he mistrustyng the Britons , to hate him for the treasonable death of Kyng Constance , sonne of this Constantyne : as one that to auoyde the smoke , dooth fall into the fire , receiued Hengest a Saxon , with a greate nombre of his nacion into this Realme , with whom and a few Britons , he entred Scotlande and ouer came theim , whereupon thei tooke the Isles their common refuge , he gaue muche of Scotlande , as Galloway , Pentlande . Mers and Annandale , with sundery other landes to this Hengest & his people to inhabite , whiche thei did accordyngly : but when this Hengest afterward thursted after the Kyngdom he was banished , and yet afterward beyng restored , he conspired with the Scottes agaist Aurilambrose the sonne of Constantyne , the iust inheritor of this whole dominion , but his vntruth and theirs bothe wer recompensed together , for he was taken prisoner by Eldulph de Samor then Erle of Gloucester , and his hed for his traitory , striken of by the same Erle , by commaundemente of the same kyng Aurilambros , in this felde the Scottes wer vanquished : but Octa the soonne of Hengest was receiued to mercie , to whom and his people this Aurilambros gaue the countrey of Galloway in Scotland , for whiche thei became his Subiectes : And hereby appereth that Scotlande was then agayne in his handes .

Vter called also Pendragon , brother to this Aurilambros was nexte Kyng of Britons , agaynst whom , these sworne Saxons new forsworne subiectes , confederate with the Scottes , newly rebelled : but by his power assembled against them in Galloway in Scotlande , thei were discomfited , and all Albania recouered into his handes . This Vter reigned in this state ouer them .xviii. yeres .

Arthur the sonne of this Vter begotten before the mariage , but lawfully borne , after succeded next to the croune of greate Briteigne , whose notable actes though many vulger fables haue rather wondered at , then credited : yet all the Scottishe writers confesse that he subdued all greate Briteigne , and made it tributory to hym , and subdued the Saxons then scatered as farre as Cathenes in Scotlande , and in all his warres against theim , he had the seruice and obeisaunce of Scottes and Pightes : but at the last settyng their feete in the guyle of their predecessours , thei newly rebelled , in the repressyng whereof he deposed their Kyng , and conquered al the countreys , of Scotlande , Islande and Orknay , and made one Angusian his kynseman kyng of Scottes , Vrian kyng of Islande , & Murefrence kyng of Orknay , he made one Pyramium Archbishop of Yorke , whose auctoritie extended through all Scotlande : Thus Arthur reigned in this state .xxii. yeres .

Malgo shortly after succeded , to the whole kyngdom of greate Briteigne vpon new resistaunce , he newly subdued Ireland , Island Orkades , Norway & Demmarke , & made Ethelfrede a Saxon kyng of Bernicia , that is : Northumberland , Louthian , & muche other lande of Scotland , whiche Ethelfrede by the sworde obteined at the handes of the wilfull inhabitauntes and was true Subiecte to this Malgo.

Cadwan succeded to the kyngdom of greate Briteigne , who in defence of his subiectes the Scottes , made warre vpon this Ethelfrede , but at the laste thei agreed and Cadwan vpon their rebellion gaue all Scotlande vnto this Ethelfrede , whiche he thereupon subdued and enioyed : but afterward in the reigne of Cadwallo , that next succeded in great Briteigne he rebelled , wherupon the same Cadwallo came into Scotlande , and vpon his treason reseazed the countrey into his awne handes , and hauyng with hym all the viceroys of Saxons whiche then inhabited here his subiectes , in synguler battaill slewe the same Ethelfrede .

Oswald was shortly after by Cadwallos gifte made Kyng of Bernicia , and he as subiect to Cadwallo , and by his commaundement discomfited the Scottes and Pightes , and subdued al Scotlande . Oswy the brother of this Oswald was by the like gifte of Cadwallo , made nexte Kyng of Bernicia , and he by like commaundement newly subdued the Scottes & Pightes , & held them in that obeysaunce to this Cadwallo duryng .xxviii. yeres . Thus Cadwallo reigned in the whole Monarchie or great Briteign xlviii yeres , hauyng al the vii . kynges therof , aswel Saxons as others his subiectes : for albeit the nomber of Saxons from tyme to tyme greatly increased , yet were thei alwaies either expulsed , or els made tributory to the onely kynges of Britons , for the tyme beyng all their awne writers confesse , & he died in the yere of our Lorde . 676. And so reigned in this state ouer them .xxviii. yeres .

Cadwallader was nexte kyng of the whole greate Briteigne , he reigned .xii. yeres ouer all the Kynges thereof in greate peace and tranquilitie : and then vpon the lamentable death of his subiectes , which died in sundery deceasses innumerably , he departed into litle Briteigne , whose sonne and cosyn Iuor and Iue beyng repulsed from this Englande by the Saxsons , went into Wales , where emong the Britons thei and their posteritie remayned Princes : vpon this greate alteracion , warres being through the whole dominion betwene Britons and Saxons , the Scottes thought tyme to slip the collor of obedience , & therupon entered in league with Charles then Kyng of Fraunce , in this wise .

1 The iniurie of Englishemen doen to any of these people , shal bee perpetually holden commen to bothe . 2 When Frenchemen be inuaded by Englishmen , the Scottes shal send their army in defence of Fraunce , so that thei be supported with money & victailes of Fraunce . 3 When Scottes bee inuaded by Englishemen , the Frenchmen shall come vpon their awne expences , to their supporte . 4 None of these people shall take peace or truce with Englishemen , without the aduise of other . &c.

MANY sufferable opinions maie be had of warr , without the praisyng of it , as onely admittible by inforced necessitie , and to be vsed for peace his sake onely , where here the Scottes soughte warre for the loue of warre onely , for their league geueth no benefite to themselfes , either in fre trafique of their awne commodities , or benefite of the Frenche , or other priuilege to the people of both : what discommoditie lofyng the entercourse & exchaunge of our commodities , beeyng in necessaries more abundaunt then Fraunce , the Scottes feele and we perfectly know . What rewyn of their Tounes , destruccion of Countreys , slaughter of bothe our people , haue by reason of this bloudy league chaunced , the Histories bee so lamentable , as bee to hortible emong christian men to be remembred : but God gaue the increase accordyng to their seede , for as thei did hereby sowe discencion , so did thei shortly after repe slaughter . For Alpyne their Kyng possessyng a lighte mynde , that would be a loft with a litle wynd , hoped by this league shortly to subdue all greate Briteigne , and to that ende not onely rebelled in his awne kyngdom , but also vsurped the kyngdome of Pightes , whereupon Edwyn kyng of Englande , made one Brudeus Kyng of Pightes , whom he sent into Scotlande with a great power , where in battaill he toke this Alpyne Kyng of Scottes prisoner , & discomfited his people : and beeyng this Alpyne their kyng founde subiecte and rebel , his hed was striken of at a place in Scotlande , whiche thereof is to this day called Pasalpyne , that is to saie , the hedde of Alpyne , & this was the firste Cropes of their Frenche league .

Osbright Kyng of Englande , with Ella his subiect , and a great nomber of Britons and Saxons shortly after for that the Scottes had of theimselfes elected a new kyng , shortly after entered Scot lande , and ceassed not his warre against them vntill their kyng & people fled into the Isles , With whom at the last vpon their submission , peace was made in this wise .

THE water of Fryth shal be Marche betwene Scottes and Englishmen in the Est partes , & shal be named the Scottishe sea .

THE water of Clide to Dum briton , shal bee Marche in the West partes betwenethe Scottes and Britons , this castle was before called Alclude , and nowe Dunbriton , that is to saie : the castle of Britons , so the Britons had all landes from Sterlyng to the Irelande seas , and from the water of Fryth and Clide to Cumber , with all the strengthes thereof . The Englishemen had the landes betwene Sterlyng & Nothumberland : thus was Clide Marche , betwene Scottes and Britons on the one side , and the water of Fryth named the Scottishe sea , Marche betwene theim and Englishemen on the other side , & Sterlyng common March to thre people , Britons , English men , & Scottes . Kyng Osbright had the castle of Sterlyng , wher firste he caused to bee Coyned Sterlyng money . The English men buylded a bridge of stone , for passage ouer ▪ the Water of Frythe , in the middes whereof thei made a crosse , vnder whiche wer written these verses .

I am free Marche , as passengers maie ken . To Scotes , to Britons , and to Englishemen .

ABOVTE xvi . yeres after this , Hunger and Hubba Danes , with a great nombre of people , arriued in Scotlande and slewe Constantine , whom Osbright had before made kyng : wherupon Edulffe or Ethelwulph then Kyng of Englande , assembled his power against Hunger and Hubba and in one battaill slewe theim both , but suche of their people as would remain and become christians he suffered to tary , the rest be banished or put to death .

THIS Ethelwulph graunted the Peter pence , to which albeeit , Peter and Paule had litle mede and lesse right : yet the paiment thereof continued in this realme euer after vntill now of late yeres , but the Scottes euer since vnto this day , haue , and yet dooe paie it , by reason of that graunt , whiche proueth theim to be then vnder his obeisaunce .

Alurede or Alfrede succeded to the kyngdome of England , he reigned peacebly ouer the whole Monarchie of great Briteigne : He made Lawes that persones excomunicated , should bee disabled to sewe or claime any propertie , whiche Lawe Gregour whom this Alurede had made kyng of Scottes obeyed , & the same law aswel in Scotland as in England is holden to this daie , whiche also proueth hym to bee high lorde of Scotlande .

THIS Alurede constreined this Gregour Kyng of Scottes , to breake is league with Fraunce for generally he concluded with hym , and serued hym in all his warres , aswell against Danes as others , not reseruyng the former league with Fraunce .

THIS Alurede after the death of Gregour , had the like seruice and obeisaunce of Donald Kyng of Scottes , with fiue thousande footemen , and twoo thousande horsemen , against one Gurmond a Dane that then infested this realme , and this Donald died at this faithe and obeisaunce with Alurede : This Alurede reigned in this state ouer them .xviii. yeres

Edward the first of that name called Lou●yll , sonne of this Alurede succeded nexte kyng of England , against whom with Citrike a Dane the Scottes conspired , but thei wer subdued , and Constantyne their kyng brought to obeisaunce , and held the realme of Scotlande of this Kyng Edward , this dooth Marion their awne countrey manne a S●cotte , confesse : this Edward reigned in this seigniorie ouer them , and thei in his obeisaunce .xxiii. yeres .

Athelstane soonne of this Edward was next kyng of England against whom Constantine kyng of Scottes , beyng as their writers confesse corrupted with money , sold his faith and falce hart together to the Danes , and ayded theim against this kyng Athelstane , but he met with al their vntruthes together at Bronyng feld in Scotlande , where he discomfited the Danes , and flewe Malcolme depute in that behalfe to the kyng of Scottes , with .xx. thousande Scottes : in whiche battaill the Scottes confesse to haue lost more people , then were remembered in any age before : this Athelstane folowed this his good lucke , throughout al Scotland and wholy subdued it , and beeyng in possession of it , gaue lande there liyng in Annandale by his dede , the copie wherof foloweth .

I kyng Athelstane , geues vnto Paulan , Oddam and R●ddam , as good and as faire , as euer thei mine w●re , and thereto witnes Maulde my wife .

BY whiche course wordes , not onely appereth the plain simplicitie of mennes doynges in those daies : but also full proue that he was then seazed of Scotlande .

THIS Athelstane at the last receiued homage of this Malcolme king of Scottes , but this Malcolme for that he could not bee restored to his whole kyngdome entered into Religion , and there shortly after died .

This Athelstane for his better assuraunce of that countrey there after , thought best to haue two stringes to the bowe of their obedience , & therfore notonely constituted one Malcolme to bee their kyng , but also appointed one Indulph , sonne of Constantyne the third , to be called prince of Scotlande , to whom he gaue muche of Scotland : This Malcolme did homage to Athelstane , & then did this Athelstane Reigne in this state ouer them .xxv. yeres .

Edmund brother of Athelstane succeded next Kyng of England to whom this Indulph then king of Scottes , not onely did homage but also serued hym with ten thousande Scottes , for the expulsion of the Danes out of this realme , this Edmund reigned in this state .vii. yeres .

Edred or Eldred brother to this Edmunde succeded nexte kyng of Englande , he not onely receiued the homage of Irise then kyng of Scottes , but also the homage of all the Barons of Scotland , this Eldred reigned in this state .x. yeres .

Edgar the sonne of Edmund brother of Athelstane beyng now of ful age , was next king of England : he reigned onely ouer the whole Monarchie of great Briteigne , he receiued homage of Keneth or Kynald kyng of Scotland for the kyngdome of Scotland , and made Malcolme prince therof .

This Edgar gaue vnto the same Keneth the countrey of Louthian in Scotlande , whiche was before seazed into the handes of Osbright kyng of England for their rebellion as is before declared . This Edgar enioyned this Keneth there kyng ones in euery yere , to repaire vnto him into England for the makyng of lawes , whiche in those daies was by the noble men or piers accordyng to the order of Fraunce at this daie : to whiche ende this Edgar gaue him a piece of grounde liyng beside the new palace of Westminster , vpon whiche this Keneth builded a house , whiche by him and his posteritie was enioyed vntill the reigne of kyng Henry the seconde , in whose tyme vpon rebellion by Willyam then kyng of Scottes , it was resumed into the kyng of Englandes handes , the house is decayed , but the ground where it stode is called Scotland to this day .

This Edgar made this lawe , that no man should succede to his patrimony or inheritaunce holden by the seruice of a man called knightes seruice , vntil he accomplished the age of .xxi. yeres , because by intendement vnder that age , he should be hable in person to serue his kyng & countrey according to the tenour of his dede and the condicion of his purchase . This lawe was receiued by the same Keneth in Scotlande , and aswell there as in Englande is obserued to this daie , whiche proueth also that Scotlande was then vnder his obeisaunce . This Edgar reigned in this state . xxvi yeres .

Edward the sonne of this Edgar was next kyng of England , in whose tyme this Keneth kyng of Scottes , caused Malcolme prince of Scotland to be treasonably poysoned ; whervpon this Edwarde made warre vpon him , whiche ceassed not vntil this Keneth submitted himself , & offered to receiue prince of Scotlande whom king Edward would appoint , where vpon this Edward proclaymed one Malcolme to be prince of Scotlande , who immediatly came into England & here did homage to the same Kyng Edwarde . This Edwarde reigned in this state by some writers xii . yeres , and by some others but ii . yeres .

Etheldred brother of this Edwarde succeded next king of Englande , against whom Swayn kyng of Demmarke conspired with this last Malcolme then kyng of Scottes : But shortly after this Malcolme sorowfully submitted himselfe into the defence of Etheldred , who consideryng that that whiche could not be amended must onely be repented , benignely receiued him , by helpe of whose seruice at last Etheldred recouered his realme againe out of the handes of Swayn , & reigned ouer the whole Monarchy xxxviii . yeres .

Edmund surnamed Ironside sonne of this Etheldred was next kyng of England , in whose tyme Canut a Dane inuaded the realme with warres , but at last Canut maried with Eme somtyme wife of Etheldred and mother of this Edmund : this Eme as arbitrice betwene her naturall loue to the one & matrimoniall duetie to the other , procured suche amitee betwene theim , that Edmund was contented to deuide the realme with Canut & kepyng to himselfe all England on thisside Humber gaue al the rest beyond Humber with the seignorie of Scotland to this Canut : wherevpon Malcolme then kyng of Scottes after a litle customable resistence , did homage to the same Canut for the kyngdom of Scotland , & this Canut held the same ouer of this Edmund kyng of Englande by the like seruices .

This Canut in memory of his victory & glorye of his seignorie ouer the Scottes , commaunded this Malcolme their kyng , to builde a churche in Buchquhan in Scotlande ( where a fielde betwene him & theim was fought ) to be dedicate to Olanus patron of Norway & Denmarke , which Churche was by the same Malcolme builded accordyngly .

Edward called the confessour An. M. lvi . soonne of Etheldred and brother to Edmund Ironside was nexte kyng of al England , he receiued the homage of the same Malcolm kyng of Scottes for the kyngdome of Scotlande .

This Edwarde perused the olde lawes of the realme , & somewhat added to some of theim , as to the law of Edgar for the wardship of the landes vntil the heire should accomplishe the age of .xxi. yeres , he added that the mariage of suche heire , shuld also belong to the lord of whom the same land should be holden .

Also that euery woman mariyng a freman , should notwithstandyng she had no children by that husband , enioy the third parte of his inheritaunce duryng her life , with many other lawes whiche the same Malcolme king of Scottes obeyed , & whiche aswell by theim in Scotlande as by vs in Englande be obserued to this daie , whiche directly proueth the whole to be then vnder his obeysaunce . But here to make some digression , though the more parte of these Eldredes lawes be both godly & politique , yet this addicion to Edgars law touchyng the mariage of the heire , except in cases of princes , in whose persons the common weale of people and countreys depende , among men either ciuil or politique , semeth to depende more of lucre then godlynes : for that thereby , he to whose yeres nature doeth not geue discrecion to refuse , must take & that a wife and she peraduenture of the like age or vnder , in whiche choise euery of them must iudge by another mans affeccion , see with another mans iye , say yea with another mans tong , and finally consent with another mans heart , for none of these senses be pertited to the parties in that minoritie , and so the eleccion beyng vnfree and the yeres vnripe , eche of them almost of necessitee must hate other , whom yet they haue had no iudgement to loue . To declare what innumerable inconueniences , deuorces , yea and some murders haue of these vngodly mariages , or rather no mariages at all , proceded , the present tyme sheweth so many examples as we may see sufficient cause to bewaile the tyme present ▪ but the greatest iniury is to God , the redresse onely belongeth to a kyng in whom like as the same God hath caused more vertues to mete , then in any other kyng or creature at those yeres , so we doubt not but that his Godhed wyll vouchesafe to preserue his highnes with then crease of knowlege to the godly redresse of these and all other enormities and abuses , to the comfort and reioyse of vs his louyng and happye obedient subiectes : But I wil returne to the Scot.

By reason of this lawe Malcolme the sonne of Dunkayn next inheritor to the croune of Scotlande beyng within age , was by the nobles of Scotland deliuered as warde to the custodie of this kyng Edwarde , duryng whose minoritie one Makebeth a Scot trayterously vsurped the croune of Scotland , against whom this kyng Edwarde made warre , in whiche the same Makebeth was ouercome and slayne , and therevpon this Malcolme was crouned kyng of Scottes at Stone , in the .viii. yere of the reigne of this kyng Edwarde .

This Malcolme by tenor of the sayd newe lawe of wardship was maried vnto Margaret , by the disposicion of the same kyng Edwarde , and at his ful age did An. M. lxi . homage to this kyng Edwarde for the kyngdome of Scotland .

This Edwarde hauyng no issue of his bodye , & mistrustyng that Harold the sonne of Goodwyn discended of the doughter of Harold Harefoote the Dane would vsurp the croune if he should leaue it to his cosyn Edgar Edling , beyng then within age , and partly by the peticion of his subiectes , who before had sworne neuer to receiue any kynges ouer theim of the Danes nacion , did by his substanciall wyll in writyng , deuise the croune of great Briteigne vnto Willyam then duke of Normandye and to his heires , constitutyng him his heire testamentary . Also there was proximitee in bloud betwene them for Eme doughter of Richarde duke of Normandy was wife vnto Etheldred , on whom he begat Alured and this Edward , & this Willyam was sonne of Robert , sonne of Richarde brother of the whole bloud to the same Eme : by this appeareth that this Willyam was heire by title and not by conquest . Albeit partely to extinguishe the mistrust of other titles , partely for the glory of his victory , he chalenged the name of a coqueror , & hath bene so written .

This kyng Willyam called the conqueror , to bring the Scottes to iust obeisaunce after his coronacion as heire testamentary to Edwarde the confessor entred Scotland , where after a litle resistence made by the Scottes , the sayd Malcolme then their kyng did homage to him at Abirnethy in Scotlande for the kyngdome of Scotlande : This Willyam reigned in this state .xxii. yeres .

Willyam surnamed Rufus sonne of this Willyam called the conqueror , succeded nexte to the croune of England , to whom the sayd Malcolme kyng of Scottes did like homage for the kingdome of Scotland , but afterwarde he rebelled & was by this William Rufus slaine in the fielde , where vpon the Scottishmen did chose one Donal or Dunwal to be their kyng , but this Willyam Rufus deposed him and created Dunkam soonne of Malcolme to bee their kyng , who did lyke homage to him : but this Dunkan was slaine by the Scottes and Dunwall restitute , which ones again by this Willyam Rufus was deposed , & Edgar soonne of Malcolme was by him made their king , who did like homage for Scotland to this Willyam Rufus : This Willyam reigned in this state ouer theim xiii . yeres .

Henry called Beauclerke the sonne of Willyam called the conqueror , after the death of his brother Willyam Rufus , succeded to the croune of England to whom the same Edgar kyng of Scottes did homage for Scotlande , This Henry Beauclerke maried Mawde the doughter of Malcolme kyng of Scottes , and by her had issue Mawde afterward emprice . Alexandre the sonne of Malcolme brother to this Mawd was nexte kyng of Scottes , he did like homage for the kyngdome of Scotland to this Henry the first , This Henry reigned in this state ouer them .xxxv. yeres .

Mawde called the emprice An. M. C. xxxvii . doughter and heire to this Henry Beauclerke & Mawde his wife , receiued homage of Dauid brother to her and to this Alexandre next kyng of Scottes for the kingdome of Scotlande .

This Mawde the emprice gaue vnto this Dauid in mariage , Mawde the doughter and heire of Voldosius earle of Huntyngdon and Northunberlande , and herein their euasion appeareth , by whiche they allege that their kynges homages wer made for the erledome of Huntingdon , for this Dauid was the first that of their kinges was erle of Huntyngdon , whiche was since all the homages of their kinges before recited , and at the tyme of whiche mariage and long after the sayd Alexander his brother was king of Scottes doyng the homage aforesayd to Henry Bewclerke .

Henry called Fitz Emprice the soonne of Mawde the emprice doughter of Mawde , doughter of Malcolme kyng of Scottes was next kyng of Englande , he receiued homage for Scotlande of Malcolme soonne of Henrye , soonne of the sayd Dauid their last king , whiche Malcolme after this homage , attended vpon the same kyng Henry in his warres against Lewes then kyng of Fraunce : whereby appereth that their Frenche league was neuer renued after the last deuision of their countrey by Osbright kyng of England . But after these warres fynyshed with the Frenche kyng , this Malcolme beyng again in Scotland rebelled , whervpon this kyng Henry immediatly scazed Huntyngdon & Northumberland into his owne handes by confiscacion , and made warre vpon him in Scotland , in whiche the same Malcolme dyed without issue of his body . Willyam brother of this Malcolme was next king of Scottes he with al the nobles of Scotland which could not be for any erledome did homage to the sonne of this king Henry the second with a reseruacion of the duetie to kyng Henry the second , his father : also th erldome of Huntyngdon was as ye haue hearde before this , forfaited by Malcolme his brother , & neuer after restored to the croune of Scotland .

This Willyam kyng of Scottes did afterwarde attende vpon the same kyng Henry the seconde in his warres in Normandy against the Frenche king , notwithstandyng their Frenche league , & then did him homage for Scotland , and thervpon was licensed to depart home into Scotlande , where immediatly he moued war against the same kyng Henry beyng yet in Normandy : but God toke the defence on kyng Henries part , & deliuered the same William kyng of Scottes into the handes of a fewe Englishemenne , who brought him prisoner to this kyng Henry into Normandy the x. yere of his reigne , but at the last at the suit of Dauid his brother , he was at this fine for the amendement of his trespas , to paye .x. M. pounde sterlyng ▪ and to surrendre al his title of the erledom of Huntyngdon Cumberland , & Northumberland , into the handes of this kyng Henry , which he did in all thynges accordyngly , and here vpon he ones againe did homage to the same kyng Henrye whiche now could not be for the earledome of Huntyngdon , the right wherof was alredy by him surrendred , and for the better assuraunce of this fayth the strengthes of Berwicke , Edenbrough , Roxbrough & Striuelyng were deliuered into the handes of this kyng Henry of England whiche their owne writters confesse : but Hector Boecius sayeth that this trespas was amended by fyne of xx . M. poundes sterlyng & that th erldome of Huntyngdon , Cumberland , and Northumberlande were deliuered as Morgage into the handes of this kyng Henry vntill other .x. M. poundes sterlyng should be to him payed , but though that were true , yet proueth he not that that money was payed , nor the land otherwyse redemed , or euer after came to any Scottishe kynges handes . And this it appeareth that th erldome of Huntyngdon was neuer occasion of the homages of the Scottishe kynges to the kinges of England either before this tyme or after .

At this tyme Alexander bishop of Rome supposed to haue generall iurisdiccion ecclesiasticall through christendome , conferred the whole clergye of Scotlande accordyng to the olde lawes , vnder the iurisdiccion of the Archebishop of Yorke . This Henrye reigned in this state ouer theim xxxv . yeres .

Richarde surnamed Cure de Lyon soonne of this Henry was next kyng of England , to whom the same Willyam kyng of Scottes did homage at Cantorburye for the kyngdome of Scotland , and in the ●nde of the warres of this king Richard , did send Dauid his brother with .v. M. Scot tishemen .

This kyng Richarde was taken prisoner by the duke of Ostriche , for whose redempcion the whole realme was taxed to great summes of money vnto the whiche this Willyam kyng of Scottes as a subiecte was contributory , and paied two M. markes sterlyng , This Richard reigned in this ●●ate ix . yeres .

John the brother of this Richard was next king of England , to whom the same Willyam kyng of Scottes did like homage for the kyngdome of Scotland vpon a hill beside Lyncolne , takyng his faith therfore vpon the crosse of Hubert then Archebishoppe Anno M. CC. iiii . of Cantorburye , a great nomber of people beyng there assembled for the purpose . This Ihon reigned in this state ouer them .xvii. yeres .

Henry the third of that name soonne of this kyng Ihon succeded nexte to the croune of Englande , to whom Alexandre kyng of Scottes did homage for Scotland at Yorke . This Alexandre dyed at this fayth with this kyng Henry .

After the death of this Alexander kyng of Scottes , Alexander his soonne beyng of .ix. yeres of age , was by the lawes of Edgar in ward to this king Henry , & by the nobles of Scotland brought to Yorke , and there deliuered to this kyng Henry , duryng whose minoritie this kyng Henrye gouerned Scotland , and to subdue a commocion in this realme , vsed the aide of .v. M. Scottishmen , but kyng Henry dyed duryng the nonage of this Alexander , wherby he receiued not his homage whiche by reason and lawe was respited vntyl his ful age of .xxi. yeres : this Henry reigned in this state .lvii. yeres .

Edwarde the first synce the supposed conquest sonne of this Henry was next kyng of England , immediatly after whose coronacion this Alexander kyng of Scottes beyng then of full age did homage to him for Scotland at Westminster .

This Alexander kyng of Scoties died , leuing one only doughter called Margarete his heire , who before had maried Hanygo soonne to Magnus kyng of Norway , whiche doughter also shortly after dyed , leauyng one onely doughter her heire , of th age of .ii yeres whose custodie & mariage by the lawes of king Edgar and Edward the confessour , belonged to this kyng Edwarde , whervpon the nobles of Scotland wer commaunded by this king Edward , to sende to Normandy to conuey this yong quene into Englande to him , whom he entended to haue maried to his soonne Edwarde : as our kyng in his owne person entendeth with their Quene now . Their nobles at that tyme consideryng the same tranquilitie , that many of them now refuse , stoode not vpon shiftes and delayes of minoritie nor contempt , but most gladly consented , and thervpon sent twoo noble menne of Scotlande into Norway for her to be brought to this kyng Edward , but she died before their comming thether , they required nothyng but to enioy the lawfull liberties that they had in the last kyng Alexander his tyme : I beleue that the deade bodyes of these noble men & of all the kynges of Scotland would rise from their sepultures against the enemies of this godly vnion ▪ if they knewe with what wilfull contempte they deface their doynges , & with what wicked obstinacy thei deteigne the people of Britaigne in perpetual warre , enmitie and discorde .

After the death of this Margaret , the Scottes wer destitute of any heire to the croune from this Alexander there last kyng , at whiche tyme this Edwarde discended from the body of Mawde doughter of Malcolme sometyme kyng of Scottes beyng then in the greatest broil of his warres with Fraunce , mynded not to take the possession of that kyngdome in his awne right , but was contented to establish Balioll to be king thereof , the weake title betwene him Bruse & Hastynges beeyng by the humble peticion of all the realme of Scotland committed to the determinacion of this kyng Edwarde , as by autentique writyng therof confessyng within the superioritie of Scotlande to remaine in this kyng Edwarde , sealed with the seales of .iiii. bishoppes .vii. Earles and .xi. Barons of Scotlande , and whiche shortely after was by the whole assent of the thre estates of Scotland in their solemne Parliament confessed & enacted accordingly as most euidently doeth appeare .

This Baliol in this wise made kyng of Scotland , did immediatly make his homage and fealtie , to this kyng Edwarde for the kyngdome of Scotlande : but shortly after defraudyng the benigne goodnes of this king Edward he rebelled , whervpon this king Edward inuaded Scotland , seazed into his handes the greater part of the countrey , and toke al the strengthes therof , wherupon this Baliol king of Scottes came vnto this kyng Edwarde at M●untrosse in Scotland with a white wande in his hand , & there resigned the croune of Scotland with all his right , title , & entrest to the same , into the handes of this kyng Edwarde , & therfore made his Charter in writyng dated & sealed the fourth yere of his reign , whervpon all the nobles & gentlemen of Scotlande repaired to Berwicke , and there did homage and fealtie to this king Edward becommyng his subiectes . For the better assuraunce of whose othes this Edwarde kept all the strengthes and holdes of Scotland in his owne handes , and herevpon all their lawes , proces , al iudgement , all giftes of offices and others , passed vnder the name of authoritie of this king Edward , he reigned in this state ouer them xxx . yeres .

Edward borne at Carnaruan sonne of this Edward was nexte kyng of England , who from the beginnyng of his reigne enioyed Scotland peaceably , dooyng in all thynges as is aboue sayd of kyng Edward his father , vntyll towarde the latter ende of his reigne , about whiche Bruse conspired against this kyng Edward and with the helpe of a fewe forsworne Scottes , forswore him selfe kyng of Scottes , whervpon this Edward made warre vpon him , but beyng infortunate in his first warres against him , he suffered Edwarde the soonne of Baliol to proclaime himself kyng of Scottes , & neuerthelesse held foorth his warres against Bruse , before the endyng of whiche he dyed .

Edwarde borne at Wyndsore soonne of this Edward was next king of Scotlande at the age of xv . yeres , in whose minoritie the Scottes practised with Isabell mother to this Edwarde & with Roger Mortymer Earle of the Marche to haue their homages released , whose good wyll therin thei obteined , so that for the same release they shuld pay to this king Edward .xxx. thousand poundes sterlyng in thre yeres nexte folowing , that is to say .x. thousande pounde sterlyng yerely : but because the nobilitie and commons of this realme would not by parliament consent vnto it , their king beyng within age , the same release proceded not , albeit the Scottes ceased not their practises with this Quene and Erle , but before those thre yeres in whiche their money ( if that money had taken place ) shuld haue been paied wer exspired , this kyng Edward inuaded Scotland and ceased not warre vntill Dauid the sonne of Robert le Bruse then by their eleccion kyng of Scotland absolutely submitted himselfe vnto this kyng Edwarde , but for that this Dauid Bruse had before by practise of the Quene and the Erle of Marche , maried Jane the sister of this kyng Edward , he moued by natural zeale to his sister , was contented to geue the realme of Scotlande to this Dauid Bruse , & to theires that he should begette of the body of the sayd Jane , sauyng the reuersion and meane homages to this kyng Edward and to his owne children , wherewith the same Dauid Bruse was right well contented , & thervpon immediatly made his homage for Scotlande vnto this kyng Edward , but shortly after causelesse , conceiuyng cause of displeasure , this Dauid procured to disolue this same estate taily , and therevpon not onely rebelled in Scotland , but also inuaded England , this kyng Edward beyng then in his warres in Fraunce . But this Dauid was not onely expulsed England , but also suspecting no place sufficient defence to his vntruth , fled out of Scotland : & the countreys of Annandale , Galloway , Mars , Teuydale , Twedale , and Ethrike wer seased into the king of England his handes , & new Marches set betwene England & Scotland at Cockeburnes pathe & Sowtry hedge , whiche when this Dauid went about to recouer againe his power , was discomfited , and himself by a fewe Englishemen taken & brought into England , where he remained prisoner .xi. yeres : during whiche tyme , this king Edward enioyed Scotland peaceably , & then at the contemplacion of the wery suite of his sorowfull sister wife of this Dauid , he was contented ones again to restore this Dauid to the kyngdome of Scotland , whervpon it was concluded , that for this rebellion Dauid should pay to this king Edward the summe of one C. M. markes sterlyng , and should also destroy all his holdes and fortresses standyng against the Englishe borders , and further should assure the crowne of Scotlande to the childer of this kyng Edward for lacke of heire of his owne bodye , all whiche thynges he did accordyngly : and for the better assuraunce of his obeisaunce afterward he deliuered into the handes of this kyng Edward sondry noble men of Scotland his pledges : this Edwarde reigned in this state ouer theim .li. yeres .

Richard the sonne of Edward called the blacke prince soonne of this Edwarde kyng , was nexte kyng of Englande , who for that the sayd Jane , the wife of the sayd kyng Dauid of Scotlande was deceassed without issue , & beyng enformed howe the Scottes deuised to their vttermost power to breake the limitacion of this inheritaunce touchyng the croune of Scotlande , made foorthwith warre against theim , he brent Edenbrough , spoiled all their countrey , toke al their holdes & maintained continually warre against them vnto his death , whiche was Anno domini . M. CCC . xcix .

Henry the fourth of that name Hector Bo● , lib. xvi . cap. xv . was next kyngof England , he continued these warresbegon against them by kyng Richard , & ceassed not vntil Robert kyng of Scottes the third of that name , resigned his croune by appointment of this king Henrye , and deliuered his sonne James beyng then of th age of .ix. yeres , into the handes of this king Henry to remaine to his custodie , wardship and disposicion , as of his superior lord accordyng to the olde lawes of kyng Edwarde the confessor , all this was done Anno domini M. CCCC . iiii . which was within v. yeres after the death of king Richard : This Henry the fourth reigned in this state ouer theim xiiii . yeres .

Henrye the fift of that name soonne of this kyng Henrye the forth was next king of England he had warres against the French kyng , in all whiche , this James then kyng of Scottes attended vpon him as vpon his superior lorde , with a conuenient nomber of Scottes , notwithstandyng their league with Fraunce , but this Henry reigned but .ix. yeres whereby the homage of this James their king hauyng not fully accomplished the age of .xxi. yeres was by reason & lawe respited .

Henry the sixt the sonne of this Henrye the .v. was nexte kyng of England in whom the seignorie of Scotlande and custodie of this James beyng by law and reason discended , he maried the same James kyng of Scottes to the doughter of Henry Beauford then Earle of Somerset , and toke for the value of this mariage the summe of one hundreth thousand markes sterlyng .

This James kyng of Scottes at his ful age did homage to the same kyng Henry the sixt for the kyngdome of Scotlande at Wyndsore . This Henry the sixt reigned in this state quietly seazed of this seignorie ouer the Scottes without any chalenge or interrupcion by them .xlix. yeres , and so thereof quietly dyed seazed .

Synce whiche tyme vnto the daies of Kyng Henrye the .vii. graundfather to our soueraigne lorde that nowe is , albeit this realme hath been molested with diuersitie of titles , in whiche vnmete time neither law nor reason admit prescripcion to the preiudice of any right : yet did kyng Edwarde the forth next kyng of England by preparacion of war against the Scottes in the latter ende of his reigne sufficiently by al lawes induce the continuaunce of his claime to the same superioritie ouer theim .

After whose death , vnto the beginnyng of the reigne of our late soueraigne lord kyng Henry the viii . exceded not the nomber of xxvii . yeres , aboute whiche tyme the impediment of our clayme chaunced of the Scottes part by the nonage of James their last kyng , whiche so continued the space of .xxi. yeres , lyke as whose minoritie was by all lawe & reason impediment to him selfe to make homage , so was the same by like reason impediment to the kyng of this realme to demaund any , so that the whole time of intermission of our claime in the tyme of the sayd kyng Henry the viii . is deduced vnto the nomber of xiii . yeres .

But what nede I to examyne the intermission of our claime by any length of tyme , since this superioritte passed the consentes of all Scotlande by their solempne acte of Parliament , against whiche neither lawe nor reason can enhable theim to prescribe .

This haue I declared & proued vnto you how Brute our first progenitr , ohis people and their posteritie enioyed the whole Isle of great Britaigne in .xlii. discentes of kynges almost .vi. c. yeres before any Scottisheman came within it . I haue also proued vnto you how after their commyng into it , immediat war was made vpon theim by the kynges of this Briteigne , whiche ceased not vntill they wer expulsed , all the bondes of it , and albeit at diuers tymes they entred it again , yet did these warres neuer ceasse against them vntil they became subiectes in whiche state they haue remained about , xvi . C. yeres . I haue also proued vnto you how from tyme to tyme synce the beginnyng the Scottes receiued and obeyed the olde lawes and customes of this realme , mooste of whiche remaine among theim to this day . I haue further proued how their kynges haue been contributorye to the redempcion of kynges of this realme , whiche is the duetie of onely subiectes . I haue also proued vnto you howe the generall iurisdiccion ecclesiastical of Scotland many hundreth yeres after the beginnyng was subiected to the dioses and rule of th archebishoppe of Yorke in Englande , whereby also appeareth the same to be then vnder this dominion . I haue likwise proued vnto you that Willyam called the Conqueror , of whom our king is linially discended , was heire testamentary of the whole dominion by the testament of kyng Edward the confessor , & though whiche were not true , yet was the obedience of Scotland from the beginnyng inseperably appendaunt to the croune of this realme , and folowed the possession of the seignorie as thynges annexed , lyke as the dignities of the Roman Empier folow the state of Rome , according to whiche their homages and oure claymes haue been continued to this day . I haue proued vnto you also howe th earldome of Huntyngdon was only atteined but by one of their kynges , and that at the latter ende of his tyme long after the kyng his brothers homage , done for the croune of Scotland , and fortified & surrendred by the next , synce whiche time it neuer was restored again into any of their kynges handes : and yet to satisfie theim further therin , the tenor of all their kynges homages doeth folowe .

I D. N. kyng of Scottes shal be true and faythfull vnto you lorde E. by the grace of God kyng of Englande , the noble and superior lord of the kyngdome of Scotland and vnto you I make my fidelitie for the same kingdome , the which I hold and claime to holde of you , and I shall beare you my fayth and fidelitie of life and lymme and worldly honor against all menne , faythfully I shall knowledge and shall do you seruice due vnto you of the kyngdome of Scotland afore sayd as God so help and these holy euangelies .

I wyl not here plede the seueral resignacions and surrenders of the mere possession of the kyngdome of Scotland made by their lawfull kynges , to our kynges Edwarde the first and Edwarde the third : nor yet allege our kynges pedugre from Mawde the the doughter of Malcolme their kyng , nor yet argue the right of remainder of the kyngdome of Scotland in our kyng for lacke of issue of the bodyes of Dauid and Jane so entailed by the same Dauid then kyng thereof as is before declared : nor yet obeicet a forfaiture vpon their rebellion , for our kinges maiestie that now is doth farre otherwise by mariage require it at their handes . Now , because some of the Scottes alledge that they disagre to this mariage fearyng the seueritie of our lawes , I haue thought good to remember in this place one or two of theirs , sufficient example wherby to iudge the nature of al the rest .

They haue a lawe that if the father ( though by the kynges licence ) infeffe or geue landes to his sonne , yet if afterwarde the same father trespas the law , his offence shall forfeite this land , notwithstandyng that the sonne was by all solemne lawe assured of it before the offence of the father .

Another , that if any man dye onely suspected of treason without any other fact done , yet may this cause be examined after his deth and he somoned at his graue , & vpon condempnacion , his landes and goodes confiscat as if he wer yet liuyng , of bothe these lawes innocentes haue no lesse cause to feare the malice , then trespassors haue to drede the paine .

I haue studied a great while the lawes of this realme , & be it sayd without arrogancie , haue red theim all bothe old and new and therfore I dare affirme that the moost wicked lawe that euer was geuen in this realme , conteineth not halfe somuche iniquitie as the best of bothe these do .

Wherfore if they mistrust the seueritie of our lawes , chiefly as they bee mitigated at this day , none can better trust , then they that so do mistrust : but the likyng of their lawes standeth to them selfes in them there is none alteracion sought : for policie in sondry places must of necessitie require sondry lawes , like as in diuers places of Englande to this daye be enioyed diuersitie in customes & haue been without alteracion offred since their beginnyng . Our title in this wise published , & their obieccions as ye haue heard answered , I will with your fauor in this wise turne my tale vnto the Scottishman . It wer an infinite worke ( nobles and commons of Scotlande ) nor the tale should ●euer haue an ende to declare what an inestimable euill concord is , as that wherby all thinges in the world , yea and also the world it selfe standeth and agreeth together , & wherby as the famous Salust sayeth , small thynges growe to the greatest welth : wherby discorde her contrary , all greatest and best thynges come to distruccion and desolacion , as by the ciuill warres betwene Silla and Marius , the ruine of Rome is sufficient example to all the worlde . Wherfore I would nowe wishe & desire , whiche is all that I am able to dooe , that these cruel and bloudy watres betwene vs may shortly cease , which shal much the soner come to passe if ye trust not your owne wilful affeccion , which beyng blynder then blyndnes it selfe hath closed vppe the lyes of your reason , and ledd your selfes into that desert of obstinacie , wherin as your waye lyeth , so hath your foly extended .

Nature the wise mother of all thynges , when she ordeined all beastes with some natural municion , as horne , spurre , tothe or naile : she wold not create man either cruel or vengeable by any of this outward thinges , but gaue him reason , & so to rule without angre or armour : she endowed you with giftes to the maintenaunce of concorde , & will you vse theim to discorde ? is it warre that you thinke profitable ? is it discorde & mischiefe that beyng hatefull to other menne semeth to you pleasaunt ? what differeth warre from all commeth th ende that it is mente for , but to the contrary , and that like as a while their fayth hath deceiued vs , so will it shortly beguile theim selfes , for nature neuer gaue like vertue to thinges counterfeicte , as to true in dede : all the wise writers of your owne nacion lament the wickednes of your clergie and condemne their vicious and prophane liues , but by hypocrisy thei alway had this gifte to shewe their vertue to the vttermost and hide their faultes to the secretest , so that their vertue appeareth more then it is , & their vice lesse : well , God is the onely wreker of secret iniuries , whom no man may doubt shortely to open all your eyes , and he in the meane tyme I trust will make your gouernor ( beyng naturally discended of an Englishe house in kyng Edwarde the second his dayes as your owne writers confesse ) againe to become a good Englishman , which vndoubtedly he shal be , & a true Scottishman also , whensoeuer he shall depely consider the iustnes of our cause , his fayth , and your affliccion by the miserye of this present warre betwene vs , to compare ▪ whiche with a greater euiil , possibilitie suffereth not , to matche him with a like eiuil , his owne nature abhorreth to shew what is in degre of euils , vnder him should seme sufficient dispraise , if ambicion , if malice , if glory , if enuy , do only driue thether men to warres , whether wyl temperaunce , godlynes , honestie , & wisedome draw a christian manne ? And nowe me thinketh I here our countrey the common parent to vs all , say vnto you in this wyse .

An Scottishemen , how long shall I beare your vnnaturall cruelties , howe long will ye remaine rebellious children , when shal there be end of your malice ? Alas what wickednes is it among christen men , and those the neighbors in one kyngdome , that the greatter part cannot be contented with the best thyng , but by the light argument of euil , leaue the waye that leadeth to perpetuall tranquilitie . Al men would liue in beatitude , but to foresee the way how they may so do : ye goe farre awry . Knowe ye not how euil a maister he serueth of the twayne , discorde , or misery of the whiche euermore the one foloweth the other , be not discorde and miserye of the same nature that other vices be ? alway at discencion within themselfes , makyng the man vnmete for all other thynges , and at last vnmete for discord it self , though nature to the obtainyng of foly gaue euery man to many giftes , and to the folowyng of vertue to fewe , yet she neuer better deserued towarde mankynd , then knowyng how many miseries she ordained him to dwel among , to teache him by reason remedy against them al , & wherby thei may receiue no lesse ablenes to do well then before they had redynes to do euil : be not all men that be born to dye , the same also ordained to liue by reason ? & who of you by reason or otherwise is able to desist my persuasion of this vnion , except he will say that the worst warre is better then the best peace , malice meter for Christian men then loue , and generally al discorde better then concorde , whiche thynges how different they be , God knoweth and I perfitely fele . Can England offre you more reasonable , more honorable , more godly condicions of peace then she doeth ? except she had that from God which maketh all his Godhedde called perfeccion ? can menne offre more then your lawfull libertie , peace , tranquilitie and amitie ? do not these bryng forth wealth , securitie , and perpetual concorde ? and do not all thinges in the worlde , yea , and the worlde it selfe stand and agree together by concorde ? where is your reason , where is the loue that Plato & Cicero require in you to be borne to me your countrey ? Finally , where is the right knowledge of loue that ye ought to haue to your selues ? is not my tranquilitie th assuraunce of your wealth , and my trouble th assuraūce of you miserie ? The wicked moath bred in the clothe destroyeth the same . The cruel Vipar in procreacion killeth his mother , and yet he that beleueth their ciuilitie to be lesse then yours , litle considereth their cause to be of nature , and yours of wilfull disposicion . I did sowe you the good seedes of concorde but there is sprong vp among you cockle and fatche , the wedes of discorde , and thus your corrupcion of a good thyng hath engendred an euil , whervpon your infelicitie is the more , because you see it not ▪ but if you sawe it with reason aswell as reason seeth you , you would consider the peril , for I say it is your owne cause , therfore neglect not my monicion .

Spurne not against knowlege , rebell not against your wealth , more honor is offered vnto you then euer chaunced to the Scottishe nacion , the tyme serueth it , reason requireth it , the consent of all good men desire it , and God pitiyng my long affliccion hath offred the occasion , which beyng of your partes thankefully receiued , bringeth wealthful securitie to your selfes , your wyues , children , your goodes ▪ & all your posteritie ▪ and wherby you shall auoid calamitie , misery , exilement or death , whiche otherwise by the iniustice of your cause , will vndoubtedly folow : therfore in this choise , let it be no harde thyng to make you consent to your owne wealth . And on that condicion I do require the whole membres of all great Briteigne , that like as these many hundreth yeres ye haue prosecuted eche other with fyre , sworde and slaughter , that so ye do from hensfourth prosecute eche other with amitie ▪ loue , and frendship , all olde and newe displeasures betwene you to be here after none otherwyse considered then if your hand offend the eye , or the to the the tong , in whiche case to punish , the reuenge shuld be against your selues . And finally , let your whole contencion hereafter be , whiche of you bothe shall with better wyll deserue the frendshippe of the other , to the glorye of God , the tranquilitie and wealth of your selues , and vtter discorage of my common enemies .

FINIS .