RE^SE LIBRARY 
 
 11 Ul^fe¥ERSlTY 0« CAtlFORNIA 
 
SIR AMIAS POULET 
 
 KEEPER OF MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 
 
ROEHAMPTON :^ 
 PRINTED BY JAMES STANLEY. 
 
 [All rights resefved.] 
 
THE LETTER-BOOKS OF 
 
 SIR AMIAS POULET 
 
 Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 JOHN MORRIS, 
 
 Priest of the Society of Jestis. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 BURNS AND GATES, PORTMAN STREET 
 
 AND PATERNOSTER ROW. 
 1874. 
 

 i^^.?^ 
 
 E-SE 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The present volume does not pretend to be a 
 complete history of that portion of the captivity 
 of the Queen of Scots of which it treats. It 
 gives no account of the greatest event of that 
 captivity, Mary's trial at Fotheringay, nor of the 
 tragedy that brought the long imprisonment to 
 an end. The reader is forewarned lest he should 
 be disappointed. 
 
 Neither is it a systematic defence of the inno- 
 cence of the captive and martyred Queen. The 
 substance of the book is from the pen of one of 
 her bitterest enemies, and if his words are accom- 
 panied with some comment, the spirit in which 
 that comment is written is certainly not that of 
 blind partizanship. The remarks elicited by the 
 letters of Sir Amias Poulet are everywhere kept 
 within very moderate compass, and are intended 
 solely to enable the reader to form a just and 
 intelligent judgment on the materials of history 
 now placed before him. 
 
 It happens certainly that the narrative of a 
 popular writer has been very frequently placed in 
 juxtaposition with the sources of information as to 
 facts, fidelity to which constitutes the difference 
 
vi Introduction. 
 
 between a history and a romance. The examination 
 of Mr. Fronde's historical inaccuracy has, however, 
 been carried no further than strictly belonged to 
 the work in hand. Unhappily a single chapter of 
 that gentleman's History of England has sufficed 
 to furnish a number of unfounded statements, the 
 parallel of which it would be difficult to find in 
 any one claiming to occupy the judicial position 
 of a historian. 
 
 This book has been undertaken, then, not as 
 a defence of Queen Mary, nor as a reply to her 
 assailants, but only because, by a piece of singular 
 literary good fortune, letters unpublished and un- 
 known concerning the last months of the life of 
 the Queen of Scots came into the Editor s hands 
 through the kindness of his friend, Dr. Blackett. 
 The reader is the judge whether their interest 
 does not justify their publication. Elsewhere the 
 kindness of that friend is acknowledged, but the 
 Editor cannot fail in this place to repeat the 
 recognition of the obligation. 
 
 There is another friend by whom the comments 
 that accompany the letters have been carefully 
 revised, and for the help thus kindly given the 
 Editor finds it very difficult adequately to express 
 his gratitude. To the same hand the Editor and 
 the reader are alike indebted for the interesting 
 extracts from the Paris letters of Sir Amias Poulet, 
 and for the prefatory remarks by which they are 
 introduced. 
 
 The Editor is further bound to express his 
 obligations to the Rev. H. O. Coxe, Bodley's 
 
Introduction. vii 
 
 Librarian, who, after the Manuscripts had been 
 purchased by the Library, kindly permitted them 
 to remain in the Editor s hands until the Press had 
 been corrected from them. If it were necessary to 
 give any proof of the authenticity of these docu- 
 ments, it would be afforded by the fact of their 
 purchase by the Curators of the Bodleian on the 
 recommendation of their experienced Librarian. It 
 is, however, unnecessary, for they speak for them- 
 selves. And besides, many original letters exist 
 in the British Museum and among our Public 
 Records, the copies of which are found in these 
 letter-books.^ For the books in question are the 
 clerk's copies, taken at the time, of the letters 
 written by Sir Amias Poulet. They occupy in all 
 forty-two folios, and are parts of three different 
 letter-books, the handwriting of each book being 
 different from that of the others. One was written 
 at Tutbury, the second at Chartley, and the last 
 at Fotheringay. 
 
 The portion surviving of the Tutbury letter- 
 book contains twelve letters to Lord Burghley, of 
 which six were already known ; fifteen letters and 
 a considerable fragment of a letter to Sir Francis 
 Walsingham, of which thirteen letters were known ; 
 two letters to the Earl of Leicester, and one to 
 Sir John Perrot. This is the concluding part of 
 the letter-book, and thus the letter with which it 
 
 ^ As these letters have been passing through the press, the Editor has come 
 to the knowledge of the existence of some originals, of which he was not aware 
 when the first sheets were printed. The letters that are new to the public arc 
 thirty-eight in number, besides fragments, so that the statement made below 
 <p. 4) needs correction. 
 
vili l7itrod7cctio7t. 
 
 ends is perfect. The dates of these letters are 
 from the latter end of May to August 19, 1585. 
 In this book there are seventeen folios. 
 
 The portion of the letter-book written at Chartley 
 commences and ends with fragments of letters to 
 Lord Burghley, to whom there are besides eight 
 letters, all new. This letter-book further contains 
 twenty-four letters to Walsingham, of Avhich four 
 only are new ; one letter to the Justices of Stafford, 
 one to M. Arnault, and one to Lord Howard of 
 Effingham, the Lord Admiral. The earliest date 
 in this letter-book is November 7, 1585, and the 
 latest May 25, 1586. There are fourteen folios in 
 this book. 
 
 The last fragmentary letter-book begins with 
 four lines of a letter to Queen Elizabeth, and 
 contains one letter to Earl Buckhurst, one to 
 Mr. Stallenge, one to the Earl of Leicester, one 
 to Sir John Perrot, five to Lord Burghley, of 
 which one is in the British Museum, ^yq to Sir 
 Francis Walsingham, two of which are in the 
 Record Office, and nine, with a portion of a tenth, 
 to Secretary Davison. This book begins at the 
 latter end of November, 1586, and the closing 
 letter is dated February 2, 1586-7. The letter- 
 book contains eleven folios. 
 
 It will be seen that it is to this last book that 
 we owe most of the letters hitherto unknown. But 
 though the letters preserved in the Public Record 
 Office and the British Museum have been hitherto 
 accessible, the interesting matter contained in them 
 is far from being exhausted, and they have largely 
 
Iiitrodiution. ix 
 
 contributed to complete the series of letters now- 
 placed before the reader. 
 
 One liberty the Editor has unwillingly and 
 hesitatingly ventured to take with the letters. The 
 spelling Is modernized throughout. The phrases 
 and the words are otherwise unaltered ; but to 
 have left the difficulty presented to most readers 
 by the uncouth and Irregular spelling of the time 
 would have been to deter many from perusing the 
 book. An apology Is due to the antiquarian, for 
 whose contentment the letters quoted In the Preface 
 are given spelled as they are In the Manuscript. 
 
 There remains one duty, appropriate to this 
 place, and this is to show how Sir Amias Poulet 
 came to be chosen for the charge of the Queen 
 of Scots. For this appointment the letters written 
 by him when English Ambassador at Paris fully 
 account. They are now placed before the reader, 
 together with the Preface already mentioned, to 
 the writer of w^hlch the Editor renews his acknow- 
 ledgments and thanks. 
 
 J. M. 
 
 St. Beuno's College, St. Asaph, 
 
 April 25, 1874. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The appointment of the Captain of Jersey to 
 succeed the Earl of Shrewsbury in the charge of 
 Mary Stuart was matter both of surprise and specu- 
 lation among contemporaries. Men were aAing 
 why, when others were to be had, the Queen sM^d 
 go to the West of England "to pick out Poulet?"^ 
 Apart from the fact that neither his rank nor 
 fortune justified the choice, Poulet's health was so 
 completely broken, that Somers, then acting under 
 Sir Ralph Sadler, Mary's temporary keeper, strongly 
 urged the substitution of some fitter person. "^ Mean- 
 while Mary herself, evidently anxious, sent repeated 
 
 1 Infra, p. 19. 
 
 2 Infra, p. 4. Sadler also indirectly expostulated by writing letters after 
 he had received notice of Poulet's appointment, ignoring it completely, and 
 recommending other persons, notably Sir John Zouch, who had assisted the 
 Earl of Shrewsbury during his illness in 1569. Both Sadler and Somers wrote 
 under the impression that he was chosen only to assist Lord St. John of Bletso. 
 Poulet, it was well known, was heart and soul of Leicester's party, and for 
 years Leicester had covertly worked to have the Queen of Scots removed from 
 Shrewsbury's keeping into that of some man devoted to his policy. It was a 
 change which Mary had all along anticipated with dread as the prelude to 
 disaster. Nine years earlier she had written, ' ' Je sgay que Leicester tasche 
 par tous moyens de m'oster d'entre les mains de Shrewsbury, pour me tenir 
 en la garde de quelqu'un qui soit a sa devotion, et en lieu oil il ayt puis- 
 sance" (Mary to Glasgow, February 20, 1576; Labanoff, tom. iv., p. 298). 
 Shrewsbury himself points significantly to the repeated efforts of Mary's 
 enemies to get her out of his hands when, in the storm raised against him on 
 his step-daughter's marriage to Lord Charles Stuart, he tells Burghley that 
 "this great ado" is to be set down neither to the marriage nor personal 
 ill-will towards himself; "it is a greater matter, which I leave to conjecture, 
 not doubting but your lordship's wisdom hath foreseen it" (Lodge ii., p. 126). 
 
Preface, xi 
 
 remonstrances to Elizabeth on the score that Poulet 
 during his embassy to Paris had shown himself her 
 enemy. The Queen wrote reassuringly, vindicating 
 Poulet's " dealings " while in France, and insisting 
 that her captive might every way feel herself safe 
 in the hands of a man of strict honour, who being 
 what he was, never could "do anything unworthy 
 of himself." ^ Walsingham and his mistress together 
 having made the choice, naturally all objections 
 raised went for nothing, and in April, 1585, just 
 one ^onitjiiafter the famous bond of association 
 hacL^een embodied in an Act of Parliament, Sir 
 Amias went down to Tutbury.^ 
 
 Now keeping in view both the ground of Mary's 
 objection and the date of Poulet's entrance upon 
 his office, it may be worth while to look back to 
 the period of his embassy, and pass in review a few 
 specimens of his diplomatic correspondence which, 
 considering that through the very letters before us 
 Walsingham must have gained special insight into 
 
 ^ Infra., p. 6. 
 
 ^ Robertson, and a train of writers after him, assign as motive for the 
 change of Mary's guardian, that Elizabeth, considering that the Earl treated 
 his prisoner with over courtesy and indulgence, purposely placed her under a 
 man of inferior rank, who would be likely, with an eye to future favour or 
 preferment, to%be severely vigilant in his charge {Hist. Scotland, ii., p. 124). 
 An early biographer of the Queen of Scots, Strangvage, quoted by Mr. Ogle, 
 expounds the opinion current in his day. After giving as the reason alleged 
 by Elizabeth's Government for removing the prisoner, that a plot was on foot 
 for her escape, he goes on, " Moreover, there were letters shown as if they had 
 been intercepted in the which the friends of that Queen complained that all 
 their hopes were quite cut off, if she were but put into the custody of the 
 Puritans. Under this colour she was taken from Shrewsbury, and that of 
 purpose (as some thinke) that being driven into desperation she might be more 
 apt to take abrupt counsels, and more easie to be trapped. For Shrewsbury, 
 in all that fifteen yeeres, had so providently kept her, that there was no place 
 left of plots, for her or against her" (Strangvage, Life of Mary, p. 158. See 
 Shrewsbury to Elizabeth, December 29, 1573, Murdin, p. 272). 
 
xli Preface, 
 
 the views, aims, and character of the Puritan envoy, 
 do, we think, throw a cross light on his appointment 
 at a particular juncture as keeper to the Queen of 
 Scots. 
 
 At the date of Poulet's Embassy (September, 
 1576) the course of events was shaping Elizabeth's 
 policy into open and active interference in the 
 Netherlands, a circumstance which probably in some 
 degree accounts for his being sent into France. 
 For Jersey had during his government served as 
 sanctuary to French Huguenots, and its Captain^ 
 widely known for a thorough-going partisan of " the 
 religion," was exactly the man to be trusted by the 
 chiefs of that party in Flanders. 
 
 Poulet's official correspondence, as contained in 
 the well known Razvlinson MS.^ and its companion 
 volume, only lately brought to light, covers the 
 period from the end of May, 1577, up to August 29, 
 1578.^ It supplies interesting details respecting 
 advances made by the States to Elizabeth through 
 her envoy at Paris, and throws strong light on 
 the views and interests of both Courts, French 
 and English, in the Low Countries, and especially 
 on the action of the Queen-Mother, who busily 
 scheming for d'Alencon, contrives from first to last 
 by means of Poulet, a willing instrument, to stimu- 
 late Elizabeth's fears and jealousy of Spain and 
 of Don John. And the handling of these and 
 other matters affords details of Catharine's secret 
 
 ^ Vide infra., p. 3. 
 
 2 Razolinson MS.^ A. 331 ; May 22, 1577— January 10, 158 J. Bodleian 
 Addl. MSS.f vii., C. 12. January 12, 157-^— August 29, 1578. 
 
Preface. xiii 
 
 working against Mary Stuart, all pointing to the 
 fact that during the after course of events, she it 
 was whose strong hand kept back Henry III. from 
 active interference on behalf of his kinswoman. 
 
 Resolutely passing over much tempting matter 
 directly or indirectly bearing upon the history of 
 Mary Stuart, we choose as a sample of Catharine's 
 earlier workings for her favourite project, the joint 
 action of France and England against Spain, as 
 well as of Poulet's personal views and diplomatic 
 talents, part of a single despatch to the Secretaries. 
 It reports successive conversations with Mazzini 
 Delbena, an Italian hanger-on of the Queen-Mother, 
 into whose dexterous hands she seems to have put 
 the manipulation of the Ambassador. 
 
 "He [Delbena] tolde me of the great prepara- 
 cions made, by the Kings of Spaine and Portugal! 
 of xl. or 1. gallyes which should be sent into these 
 narowe seas, of the good successe of Don John in 
 the Lowe Countreys, of lykelihode of newe troubles 
 in Scotlande, of some things sounding to the dis- 
 honour of the Duke of Guyse, of the arryvall of 
 an Iryshe Bysshopp,^ and hereuppon long speche 
 passed betwene him and me, wherin I tooke a 
 contrary course to his expectacion, and, in dede, 
 would not seme to perceave wherunto he tendyd, 
 onlie I sayd that the greatnes of Don John in the 
 Lowe Countreys ought to be more suspected, and 
 might be more daungerous to France then to 
 Englande, which had the sea for his ramparte 
 betwene yt and the Spaniarde, wheras Fraunce 
 
 ^ The Franciscan Bishop of Killaloe, Cornelius O'MuUrain. 
 
xiv Preface. 
 
 had the Spaniard and his alyes his next neighbours 
 of everie syde." 
 
 Delbena next, skilfully shifting his ground to the 
 vulnerable points of England, her sister countries, 
 expatiates on the arrival at Court of the Irish 
 Bishop, come for the alleged purpose of demanding 
 Henry's justice on Breton pirates by whom he had 
 been robbed on his voyage from Lisbon. Upon 
 which, says Poulet : 
 
 '' I told him that this Irishe Bysshopp sholde 
 do well to aunswere to the roberyes which himself 
 hathe don of late upon some Englishe men, and 
 that yf justice were to be had in Fraunce against 
 Iryshe rebells or Irishe theves, I would not fayle 
 to bestowe this Irishe Byshopp where he shoulde 
 be forthe comyng. Then he asked me what I 
 herde out of Scotland. I aunsweryd that I was 
 advertised of some treating betwene them to 
 dysmysse the Regent, and to put the whole 
 Government into the Kings handes. We saye 
 here (sayeth he) that there [is] likelyhode of troubles 
 among them, and that Veracq, karver to Quene- 
 Mother, or Manderville,^ a gentleman of Normandye 
 shalbe sent thither shortlye, and that the motyon 
 of manage betwene the Scottlshe King and the 
 Princes of Lorrayne shalbe renewed.^ Do youe 
 thinke (quod I) that O. Mother wilbe a dealer 
 
 ^ Mary to Glasgow, May 9, 1578. Labanoff, torn, v., p. 35. Both 
 de Verac and Mandreville, Catharine's Intendant of the Household, 
 had previously been sent into Scotland as agents of the French Govern- 
 ment. Mandreville's instructions for a special mission, dated May, 
 1578, a month later than the conversation between Poulet and Delbena, are 
 printed in Teulet. 
 
 2 Mary to Glasgow, September 15, 1578. Labanoff, torn, v., p. 58. 
 
Preface, xv 
 
 in these matters ? He aunswerld that O. Mother 
 was greatlie affectyd to the Princesse, and was so 
 vehement In her affections, as she woulde some 
 tymes forgett her self in matters of greatest con- 
 sequence as sone as anye other, as had appeared 
 in the King that now ys whom contrarye to lawe 
 and reason, only because she loved him without 
 measure, she made him Lieftennant generall, and 
 (yf he might so call him) King of this realme, 
 when his brother yet lyved." 
 
 The talk then fell again upon the Low Countries, 
 
 Delbena trying, says Poulet, " to feel my opinion 
 
 touching the Spaniard." That opinion was given 
 
 frankly enough. Close union between France and 
 
 England, always a thing comfortable and profitable, 
 
 Sir Amias said, had in these days become a vital 
 
 necessity to both sides. Don John's ascendancy 
 
 in the Low Countries threatened danger to all his 
 
 neighbours, but, beyond all others, danger to France. 
 
 For, lying full open to the Spaniard, it behoved her 
 
 to beware lest she should be the first to fall '' under 
 
 the tyranny of that barbarous nation." United, 
 
 France and England would be strong enough to 
 
 beat off the threatened peril, to drive Don John 
 
 and his Spaniards out of Flanders, to restore that 
 
 country to its ancient rights, and make it, instead 
 
 of being, as now, the battle-ground of nations, what 
 
 it had been in old times, the market-place of Western 
 
 Europe. But — here perhaps the Puritan envoy was 
 
 carried away beyond Elizabeth's Instructions — but 
 
 only in France and by Henry's own hand, could the 
 
 foundations of this most wholesome amity be laid. 
 
xvi Preface. 
 
 For how could England join hands with France 
 while her King persecuted the religion professed by 
 the Queen of England ? As a thing essential to a 
 solid friendship between the two countries, Henry 
 must at once make a lasting peace with his Pro- 
 testant subjects on such terms as ''woulde make 
 yt to appeare unto the worlde that he did not hate 
 their religyon, and dyd admytt the same in his 
 realmes and domynions frankly, and with his good 
 will. I sayed experience had showyd that this 
 religion had taken suche roote in the harts of this 
 people, as the same was not to be removyd by fyre, 
 sworde, or anye other vyolence whatsoever, and 
 that the successe of things from tyme to tyme 
 contrarye to the opynion of all men dyd wytnesse 
 plainely that God had decreyd to plant his gospell 
 in this countrie, and woulde mainteyn yt against all 
 worldly power whatsoever." 
 
 On this matter Sir Amias protested that he 
 had spoken his mind as a good Christian, a loyal 
 Englishman, and a sincere friend and well-wisher 
 to France ; he cared not if all the Kings and 
 Queens in Europe heard his words, and he bade 
 Delbena carry them back to those who had 
 sent him. The words were heart-felt, spoken too 
 with a fearless honesty from which it is impossible 
 to withhold respect; yet we do nofforget the while 
 that the speaker set geographical limits to the virtue 
 of tolerance. Across the Channel Poulet could 
 preach up its duties to Catharine de Medicis. At 
 home, ever insatiate even over the full measure of 
 fine, prison, rack and gibbet, dealt out by Elizabeth 
 
Preface. xvii 
 
 to those of her subjects professing the same faith 
 as Henry III., it was with him perpetual cause of 
 bitter complaint that "her Highness doth so dandle 
 the Catholics." Finally, Sir Amias, looking back 
 to real business, let Catharine's agent know that if 
 there were to be friendship with France the marriage 
 scheme between James and a Princess of Lorraine 
 must be quashed, and that, for the future, " Scottish 
 matters " must be left entirely in Elizabeth's hands. 
 Going straight from Poulet to Catharine, Delbena 
 reported the conference. The Queen-Mother, ignor- 
 ing the sermon on tolerance altogether, returned as 
 her answer that she was willing to strike a bargain 
 with Elizabeth. Only let the latter make a league 
 offensive and defensive with Henry in view of their 
 joint action in the Netherlands, and from that day 
 forward " Scotland shoulde be lefte to the dispo- 
 sycion of her Highnes, and that nothing shoulde 
 be done from hence to the contrarie. . . . Also 
 he usyd many arguments, and made a long recytall 
 of many things paste to perswade me that Quene- 
 Mother never loved the Scottishe Quene, which I 
 canne be easlelie inducyd to beleve, and would 
 have beleved hym herein the rather yf he had not 
 sayed the lyke of the King of Spaine. But the 
 truthe ys that she lovethe and hatythe as makethe 
 most for her profytt. ... As this woman canne 
 make her profytt of tymes and occasyons, and 
 perchaunce sekethe to serve her tourne without 
 respecte to the right or the wrong. So I truste 
 her Majestie will not refuse in juste and honorable 
 
 causes to make oportunytes when they are profered, 
 b 
 
xviii Preface, 
 
 which being plainely ment will serve to represse 
 the insolencie of the Spaniarde, to discover the 
 suttelties of the Scott, and to assure those of the 
 religyon here in suche sorte as yf they be wyse 
 they will not be easelie removed herafter."^ 
 
 Among other topics of these letters, Poulet's 
 comments on the civil war raging in France during 
 the first year of his embassy,^ may be next men- 
 tioned as exhibiting him in the combined character 
 of dogmatist and statesman, and as offering at the 
 same time some curious illustrations of his code of 
 political morals.^ It was a bitter and a bloody 
 struggle. Sismondi, the Protestant historian, gives 
 a melancholy description, not only of the miseries 
 entailed upon France through the long series of 
 religious wars, but of the frightful demoralization 
 of the Huguenot army during the campaign of 1577. 
 Their early religious enthusiasm dying out had, he 
 says, given place to a fierce spirit of vengeance, and 
 moreover that living at free quarters in the country, 
 
 1 To the Secretaries, April 2, 1578. 
 
 2 The sixth religious war, which broke out January, 1577, and was ended 
 by the peace of Bergerac in the following September. 
 
 ^ It belonged to Poulet's official duties during the war to endeavour to 
 blind Henry as to the covert aid Elizabeth was sending to his revolted 
 subjects. Whenever this subject is discussed, the dialogue between himself 
 and the King or Queen-Mother invariably exhibits a personal trait in the 
 Puritan envoy. While equal to a fair amount of shuffling and evasion, Sir 
 Amias cannot command himself to tell a direct falsehood. Where this is 
 imperative, he gets over the difficulty by becoming a mere mouthpiece for 
 his mistress: *'I told him (Henry) that your Majesty had commanded me 
 to assure him of your innocency in these things, "&c. The thing, a trifle in 
 itself, invites comparison with the dialogue of the Fotheringay letter-book, 
 where Poulet holding, by Elizabeth's order, talk with Mary Stuart for the 
 sole purpose of extorting some admission of her guilt, can yet never bring 
 himself to charge her simply and directly with her imputed crime {j.nfra^ 
 p. 330)- 
 
Preface, xlx 
 
 *'c'est a dire par un vrai brigandage," the troops 
 had come to rival their former companions-in-arms, 
 the Reiters, in brutality and licence.^ Now all that 
 Sismondi describes, Elizabeth's envoy, following 
 in the wake of the Court through the disturbed 
 provinces, saw with his own eyes. Nor, as many 
 of the despatches bear him honourable witness, was 
 he a man who could unmoved contemplate the 
 widespread popular misery. Take as example, one 
 letter where Sir Amias, the human heart within 
 him quickening his prolix English into force and 
 terseness, paints the situation in a few graphic 
 sentences. 
 
 " God longe preserve you In peace and quietnes, 
 if it be His good pleasure, and deliver you and 
 your contrey from the myserles and calamities of 
 this poore realme, which are such and so great as 
 a Cristlan enymie shalbe movid to have pittie of 
 them ; and many do thinke the same have not 
 growne of anie one cause more then of the particular 
 quarrells of some great personages, which often 
 tymes have their begening of nothing, and for 
 nothinge, being neclected as thinges of nothinge, 
 growe afterwardes to be somwhatt, and many 
 tymes ireconcyliable. You woulde thinke that the 
 oppressions which this realme hath endulrde within 
 these fower monethes were Inoughe to destroye 
 a mightle kingdome. One armye in Poictou and 
 Guyenn, the other before La Charlte, the third 
 in the borders for doubte of the Reistres, Bussy 
 d'Amboise in Anjou with great companies. I 
 
 ' Histoire des FrangaiSf torn, xix,, p. 447. 
 b 2 
 
XX Preface, 
 
 spake nothinge of those of the religion, who are 
 forcyd by necessytle to comitt spoyles daylye; le 
 don komme Is eaten to the bone, and is manye 
 tymes beaten, hurt, and kylled because he will 
 not geve that which he hath not."^ 
 
 But how strangely in contrast with the tone of 
 feeling which marks the above letter is that of an 
 official despatch, written not a month afterwards. 
 In view of the preliminaries then going forward 
 for the peace of Bergerac, Poulet is urging his 
 mistress to prolong hostilities by once again bring- 
 ing Casimir and his Reiters upon the country. 
 
 *' Manle here of good judgment are perswadyd 
 that the suerty and safty of the Protestants depen- 
 deth altogether of the coming or not coming of the 
 Reistres, and that the K[ing] is incensyd with such 
 furye against the trewe relygion as he will never 
 condescend to anie reasonable condicions of peace 
 untill he shalbe constrayned by the sworde, which 
 cannot be expected of the French sworde, the odds 
 being of the King s syde without comparison. . . . 
 Manie other circomstances may seme worthy to be 
 consydered, and espetiallie that if this tract of tyme 
 may be anie waye profittable unto the Protestants 
 which are nowe the weaker, how much may it be 
 more profittable unto the Papists which are now 
 the stronger, who maketh his profitt of the presente 
 tyme and will provide to be the lyke for the tyme 
 to come. I have hard saye that the defence ys as 
 just where an offence is expectid as where the 
 offence is given allready, so as the defence doe not 
 
 ^ Poulet to Sir George Speke, Tours, May, 1577. * 
 
Preface, xxi 
 
 proceed of needlesse feare or mallceous covetous- 
 nes. And If this rule be trewe, yt shalbe meete for 
 Christian princes to consider in tyme yf they be not 
 already dryven to thys necessytie, as eyther must 
 offer violence in season or suffer violence out of 
 season. If religion were not a sworne quarrel], 
 whoe can looke that when the Protestants here 
 shalbe underfoote, that these their army wilbe ydle 
 att home ? Yf att other tymes yt hath benej re- 
 ceived for a maxime that Fraunce must alwayes 
 have some warre in hande, how much more now 
 when they have ben unsetled as they cannott 
 abyde to lyve in peace ? God graunt the end of 
 these things to redounde to the glorye of God, 
 to the honor of your Majestie, and of all other 
 trew Christian princes, and to the comfort of the 
 poore afflycted Church of Christ."^ 
 
 Poulet's eloquence fell dead, for Elizabeth at 
 the time having other schemes on hand, showed 
 no disposition to repeat her notorious breaches of 
 the treaty of Blois. Peace was concluded, and 
 Sir Amias finds his only consolation in bewailing 
 to Secretary Wilson that — 
 
 "" Our enemies are manie, craftie, and malicious, 
 and resolute to do us all the hurt that they may; 
 our frindes are few, or non at all. Our selfes so 
 full of conscience that our conscience will not serve 
 to defend ourselves from knowen and manifest 
 daungers."^ 
 
 These maxims, that where offence is expected 
 
 "^ To the Queen, Tours, June 22, 1577. 
 * To Dr. Wilson, November, 1577. 
 
xxli Preface. 
 
 defence is as lawful as where the offence has been 
 given, that conscience is not to be allowed to stand 
 in the way of important issues, with kindred axioms 
 flowing from the teaching that all means used 
 towards a good end become lawful, find frequent 
 expression under various forms in the letters. 
 Here we have before us the evil doctrine, which, 
 falsely charged against the Jesuits, did in truth 
 govern the counsels of Elizabethan statesmen, and 
 which received its fullest illustration in their action 
 against Mary Stuart. Light burden of conscience 
 to Poulet and his chiefs could be the deepest 
 personal wrong, provided only that the private 
 wrong served the great interests of the common- 
 wealth and of ''the religion."^ 
 
 Sent into France under Leicester's patronage, 
 Poulet, as might be expected, shows himself an 
 active enemy of the Queen of Scots. About that 
 time a restlessness in Ireland, the state of parties 
 in Scotland, and the irritation of the oppressed 
 Catholics at home, all seemed to be opening the 
 way to some united movement of the Catholic 
 Powers for the rescue of Elizabeth's prisoner, and 
 considerable apprehension was felt on the subject 
 
 ^ Burghley's declaration that he bore no ill-will to the Queen of Scots, 
 but that he only "did intend principally the service and honour of God, 
 and jointly with it, the surety and quietness of my sovereign lady, the Queen's 
 Majesty {Stjype, ii., c. xxxvi, p. 385); Poulet's asseveration over the pillage 
 at Chartley, " I renounce my part of the joys of Heaven if in anything I have 
 said, written, or done, I have had any other respect than the furtherance of 
 her Majesty's service" {infra, p. 291) ; and the well-known evasion with which 
 Walsingham rose to his feet when charged face to face by Mary, on the 
 Fotheringay trial, with having used forgeries to compass her destruction ; 
 these may one and all be mentioned as entirely supporting the above 
 conclusion. 
 
Preface, xxiii 
 
 l)y the English Government, an uneasiness height- 
 ened by the circumstance that Mary, despairing 
 of help from Henry and Catharine de Medicis, had 
 then openly thrown herself upon the protection of 
 Spain, and was, also, negotiating the removal of 
 her young son from Scotland into France, to be 
 brought up by her kinsmen of the house of Lor- 
 raine. And while she was working to carry out 
 her plans, the situation received fresh complications 
 through collateral intrigues, of which she had, 
 without her sanction, become the object. Don 
 John, Philip's half-brother, appointed governor of 
 the Netherlands in 1576, was looking forward, 
 after the settlement of the Provinces, to a raid 
 upon England for the purpose of giving Mary 
 .her freedom, and of claiming her hand as its price. 
 These are topics upon which Sir Amias never 
 grows weary of ringing the changes. Parts of the 
 correspondence indeed strike us as written for the 
 express purpose of agitating Elizabeth's mind. 
 Warnings of domestic conspiracy, rumours current 
 in France that Don John had already peremptorily 
 demanded the hand of the Queen of Scots,^ that 
 having broken prison, she was in the field at the 
 head of English forces, while the whole Catholic 
 confederacy was arming to set her on her rival's 
 throne ; France and Spain in league to crush 
 England ; Don John arriving on the eastern coast, 
 
 ^ Here and elsewhere we get sight of a haRd sowing the rumours. ** Twoe 
 ■such as I knowe to be spyes for Q[ueen] Mother have tould me within these 
 •twoe dayes that Don John hath sent to your Majestic to requier the Queen 
 of Scoots for his wife, and because this tale cometh from suspected men, I 
 'doubt it hath some further meaning" (To the Queen, August, 1577). 
 
xxiv Preface. 
 
 Spain and the Guise behind him, while simultane- 
 ously Westmoreland and Fitzmaurice seize Ireland : 
 these and the like alarms are perpetually iterated, 
 and Avell besprinkled with dark sayings, which read 
 in the light of the Fotheringay letter-book become 
 palpably clear. 
 
 Poulet's despatches did their work. Mary's 
 enemies drew occasion from them to put the Queen 
 into a paroxysm of fear and suspicion. Mary was 
 straitened in her prison, and intrigues were renewed 
 for removing her from Shrewsbury's guardianship 
 into ''surer keeping."^ They did their work in that 
 day, — they have come down to our own an indis- 
 putable proof that, as a preliminary to Walsingham's 
 contrivances against her, the captive was knowingly 
 and deliberately put into the hands of a declared 
 enemy. 
 
 We find Poulet at his first interview with his 
 prisoner after arriving at Tutbury, frankly admitting 
 that while Ambassador at Paris, he had been " care- 
 ful and curious over Morgan's doings."^ Now it 
 happens that the Paris despatches reveal the secrets 
 of this surveillance, presenting a story so curious 
 in itself, so illustrative both of Walsingham's tactics, 
 and of Poulet's personal character, and withal, so 
 deeply significant when viewed in connection with 
 his after appointment, that it will be worth while to 
 let Sir Amias tell it for us in his own words. 
 
 The following is part of a letter from him to- 
 
 1 Burghley to Shrewsbury, September 7, 1577. Lodge ii^, p. 163. Pnblu 
 Record Office MSS.y Mary Queen of Scots, vol. xi., nn. 2, 3, 4, 5- 
 ^ Infra, f p. 8. 
 
Preface. xxv 
 
 Sir Francis Walsingham, dated January 8, 1577-8, 
 and is the only one In the series taken from the 
 Rawlinson Manuscript. The others have, we 
 beheve, been hitherto unknown. 
 
 '' Yt may please your honor to be advertised 
 that the xxvljth of the last, M. D.^ resorted to 
 my lodglnge, where he declared unto mee that 
 after many meetlnges and conferences with J. B., 
 the said J. had now at the last assured hym that 
 he was accqualnted with all the particularyties of 
 the D[uke] of N[orfolk] his treason, as also with 
 all that was practised by the Pope and the KpngJ 
 of Spalne by the negotiation of Radolpho,^ and 
 that uppon assurance of consideration worthy of 
 a service of this ymportance, he woulde reveale 
 all his knowledge. And further, whereas M[organ] 
 now beinge in this Towne, ys not Ignorant of 
 the bottom of all the latter conspiracies betwene 
 the Queene of Scotts and her confederats, under 
 pretence to goe with the said M [organ] to Rome, 
 he woulde deliver hym into the handes of soche 
 as her Majestie woulde appoint at Caseluther^ or 
 Heddberge.* The said D. protesting that he 
 woulde not be the instrument to effectuat this 
 devise onleast he might receave her Majesties 
 promise that the said M[organ] shoulde not be 
 touched In his lyfe, which beinge saved, he referred 
 hym in all other thinges to the conslderacion of 
 her Highnes. He added that he woulde be con- 
 tented that J. B. shoulde also be aprehended and 
 sent into England with the other, uppon promise 
 
 ^ Mazzini Delbena. '-^ Ridolfi. ^ Kaiserlautem. * Heidelberg. 
 
xxvi Preface, 
 
 that he shoulde not be yll used ; as indeede (saythe 
 he) belnge the meane of the aprehenslon of 
 M[organ], he doethe deserve good intertainement. 
 He concluded that thels thinges could not be 
 performed onleast yt woulde please her Majestie, 
 or you, Mr. Walsingham, in her behalfe, to assure 
 hym by two or three wordes that J. should be 
 well recompensed, who woulde do nothinge untill 
 he might see his letres of warrant for his assurance. 
 *' I asked hym yf J. coulde not be perswaded 
 to acept my worde and promise for his satisfaction, 
 and to be contente to make presente declaracion 
 of his knowledge in theis thinges, because I coulde 
 not tell if the same might be soche as woulde abide 
 no delay. He said (as before) that B. woulde do 
 nothinge onlesse he had his warrant out of England. 
 I toulde hym I doubted not but that he did already 
 understand all that M[organ] did know, and there- 
 fore shoulde do well to reveale the same, with 
 his owne knowledge in the other thinges before 
 specified, which might serve to good purpose, 
 although M[organ] were aprehended. He answered 
 that yt was not possible to get any thinge from 
 M[organ], wherin B. had don all that he coulde, 
 but in vayne, and that if the saide J. shoulde presse 
 M[organ] herein, he woulde not only repulse hym, 
 but also conceave an yll opinion of hym, and woulde 
 wryte to the frindes of the said J. in Englande to 
 his discredyt. But (quoth I) where will you fynde 
 that Prince in Cristendom, and specially in Germany, 
 where they make great accompte of theire privi- 
 1 edges, and dare not doe any thinge that shalbe to 
 
Preface. xxvii 
 
 the derogacion of the same, yf for no other cause 
 then to avoyd the displeasure of the other Princes 
 theire neighbours, that will deliver a straunger 
 into the hands of any Prince whatsoever[?] That 
 ys no parte (saythe he) yt ys you that must looke 
 to that. Yt is a matter that must be considered, 
 quod I. D[uke] C[asimir], saithe he, will not 
 refuse the Q[ueen] your mistres, no more then 
 the P. of S. hathe done already for J. I toulde 
 [him] J. was never delivered. In deede you say 
 truly, sayeth he, but yt shalbe ynoughe for the 
 Q[ueen] your mistres, yf he be examyned upon 
 tortures or otherwise, at her pleasure, which [no] 
 prince that ys frinde to her Majestie will deny. 
 And I dare take yt upon me (saythe he), that this 
 shalbe don at Seddan.^ I concluded that when 
 a man coulde not do as he woulde, he must be 
 content to do as he could. And because D. made 
 no mencion of any consideracion to be used 
 towardes hymselfe, I thought good to use soch 
 speaches as might serve to assure hym that he 
 should not finde her Majestie ungratefull." 
 
 Next day the Queen- Mother's agent again visits 
 Poulet for the purpose of sounding him as to the 
 intentions of his mistress towards the Archduke 
 Matthias, and proposes that England and France 
 should conjointly erect the Netherlands into an 
 independent sovereignty, with a view to use it as 
 a lever against the power of Philip in Europe. 
 After detailing the dialogue, Poulet pronounces his 
 opinion. 
 
 ^ The Duke de Bouillon was sovereign of Sedan. 
 
xxvili . Preface, 
 
 "■ The firste matter hath ben handled with great 
 dexteritie; these twoe honest men employing all 
 theire conninge, that D. ys not ignorant of all that 
 J. knoweth. But the prodigalytie of J. coulde not 
 be maintayned, nor his necessitle relived yf D. 
 should utter his knowledg in this matter without 
 the helpe of the other. Also yt is not for nothing 
 that this matter hath ben defered untill this 
 presente. Wherin he knewe as much twoe 
 monethes paste as nowe, and dyd then put me in 
 great hope that he woulde revele his knowledg 
 unto me without delaye, and therefore there is 
 some other mysterie in this tract of tyme. I am 
 not ignorant that ther is great and straight frindship 
 between J. and M[organ], and ame more then halfe 
 perswaded that he [isj acquainted with all that 
 M[organ] knowethe, and theirfore this prety con- 
 veighans is also to be consedered. These men 
 are not unknowne [to erased^, and therfor [it] 
 shalbe mete to deale warely with them, so as, yf 
 there conning have a further reache, the same 
 may fall uppon theire owne pates. Touching the 
 second polnte, I take it to be most certain that 
 this man came not unto me of himself, but was 
 sent by great personages, wherin manie things 
 maye be devined which are without the compase 
 of my charge, and therfore leave them to your 
 wysdomes. He is no doubt a faithfull servant to 
 O. Mother, and therfore I dealt as warely as I 
 could with him, and yt seameth worthie to be 
 notted that he shewed himself very yll content 
 that I would not allowe his proposition, wherin, 
 
Preface. xxix 
 
 no doubte, as in all other of this question, he 
 sheweth great treachery. Yf this matter shalbe 
 followed, yt may please your honor to send 
 Mr. Beale or some suche other sufficient man 
 hether unto me, as well for my assystance herin, 
 as also to serve for a wittnes of my doinges, 
 because these things may touche I cannot tell 
 whom." 
 
 John Blackbourne, the non-juring Bishop, has 
 printed this letter in the collection prefixed to his 
 edition of Bacon's works, fol. Lond., 1730.^ Black- 
 bourne says, as Mr. Ogle has pointed out in his 
 Preface,^ that it *' lays the scene " of the Queen of 
 Scots much deeper than any other intelligence, 
 and also that it ''accounts for the reason why 
 the Queen of Scots was afterwards committed 
 to the custody of Sir Amyas Powlett, since he 
 seems to have made the first discovery of her 
 practices and to have been master of the whole 
 secret."^ 
 
 In the next letter, J. B. appears in person. He 
 bargains for a round sum down from Elizabeth — 
 the amount he will leave to her Majesty's gener- 
 osity. In return he promises information respecting 
 the Duke of Norfolk's affair and ''certain practises" 
 of La Mothe Fenelon while ambassador in London. 
 Also "he hath renewed his former promise touching 
 Morgan." Beyond this he offers, for a pension, to 
 live at the French Court as Poulet's spy, " affirming 
 that he hath great credit with the Cardinal of 
 
 ^ Macray's Catalogue of Rawlinson MSS.y A. 331. 
 * Pouht's Letters i Roxburghe Club, 1866. ^ Vol. i., p. 36. 
 
XXX Preface. 
 
 Guise. I knowe not," the letter goes on, "ho we 
 importante his service maye be in these olde 
 matters, but I take yt to be most certaine that in 
 the occurrents of this presente tyme he is able to 
 doe great and singuler service, having good credytt 
 with the Frenche and Spanishe of better sorte. I 
 am unworthie to geve councell in a matter of this 
 waight, and woulde be as sorie to encrease her 
 Majesties charge as anie other. But considering 
 the state of this presente tyme, I wyshe him to be 
 intertained, yea, liberallye intertaynede. The burden 
 is not contynuall, and may be shaken of when yt 
 shall please her Majestie, but the profytt of one 
 howers service maye be tasted manie yeares her- 
 after, to the comforte of her Majestie, and all her 
 trew subjects ; and the best service in these badd 
 dayes ys comonlye don by the worst men. ... A 
 wyse man and well affected to religion hath tolde 
 me of late that we are too good in Englande ; and 
 that yf Morgan had bene well handeled, he woulde 
 have dyscoverid manie thinges which are nowe 
 secret, and then coulde not have don the hurte 
 which he now doythe ; and that Guarras^ is ac- 
 quainted with great practises, and ought to be 
 intreated to reveale them.^ 
 
 Allusions to men of this stamp, " hired Papists" 
 Poulet calls them, who traded in the secrets of the 
 
 ^ Antonio de Guaras, Spanish factor at London, at that time in the Tower 
 for writing to the Queen of Scots. 
 
 2 Poulet to the Secretaries, January 24, 1578. Bodleian Library, 
 Additional MSS., vii., C. 12. Under this reference the subsequent letters 
 will also be found. 
 
Preface. xxxi 
 
 Catholic party with Walsingham, are frequent in 
 the correspondence. In his more respectable cha- 
 racter of spy and informer, the fellow was hired 
 on the spot. Poulet forwards intelligence and 
 stolen letters procured by ''my new acquaintance," 
 the ''matter of recompense" meanwhile waiting her 
 Majesty's pleasure. J. B. was a well born English 
 scoundrel, of the same type as Edward Woodshawe, 
 who three years before had offered his services as 
 spy and poisoner, to Burghley. Burghley had not 
 scrupled in 1575 to hire Woodshawe to entrap the 
 Earl of Westmoreland on his way from Flanders 
 into France,^ and " carry him dead or alive to 
 England ; " and now Walsingham was equally 
 ready to hire J. B. to perform the same good 
 offices for Morgan. But his answer coming some- 
 what slowly. Sir Amias, feverish under the 
 delay, writes some weeks afterwards to Beale, 
 whom he had asked Walsingham to send out, 
 in case Delbena's proposals were to be enter- 
 tained. 
 
 " Suche ys the malyce of this wycked tyme 
 wherein good things go slowlye forwardes, and 
 evyll practyses want no furtherance. I wrote my 
 opynyon to Mr. Walsingham long sythens of the 
 badd felowe, and nowe of late I have wryten no 
 lesse to Doctour Boutteryshe, intending to do the 
 lyke to Duke Cazymir. This man hathe done 
 greate hurte alreadie, and groweth in abyllite and 
 credytt to do more and more. . . . You wyshe 
 some good occasyon to bring you hether, and I 
 
 ^ Mr. Froude tells the story; History of England, vol. x., p. 347. 
 
xxxii Preface. 
 
 cannot expresse how much I desyre to see youe 
 here."i 
 
 Two days later, Walsingham's messenger had 
 come. Elizabeth sent a hundred crowns, with pro- 
 mise of future reward. The spy was furious that 
 so paltry a price should be set upon services which, 
 as he said, put his very life in risk. " I cannot 
 expresse unto youe ho we J. B. stormed and raged, 
 as well in wordes as in contenance," wrote Poulet, 
 ..." he sayed that he marvelled verie muche that 
 her Majestie made no better accompte of his 
 service, which he knewe could assure her person 
 and State from manie daungers, that he estemed 
 lytell of [the] crownes, that he was not ignorant 
 of the dealinge of Princes of this tyme, that 
 they would make theire profyt of all men, that 
 when their tourne was served they had litle care 
 of the instrument ; that he had profered his service 
 to her Majestie, viij yeres paste. . . That he had 
 alreadie made good demonstracione of his good 
 affection towards her Majesties service, that he 
 received nothing againe from her Majestie, her 
 present gyftes being of no valewe, and her 
 rewarde to come uncertaine, and therfore with 
 manie thanks for my good wyll and greate protes- 
 tacion of his greate affection towardes me, tolde me 
 that he woulde deale no further therin." Upon 
 this threat, both argument and persuasion were 
 tried with B. Among other things Poulet told 
 him — '* That he had great cause to thinke well of 
 
 ^ To Beale, March ii, 1578. 
 
Preface. xxxlli 
 
 her Majesties prefer, that her acceptance of his 
 servyce, and promise of reward was signified unto 
 him under the signe and seale of one of her 
 Councellors, and by the mouth of her Ambassador 
 . . . that her Highnes had promysed to consider 
 him hberalHe, that she would performe yt."^ 
 
 Relenting under iterated assurances of this kind, 
 B., for whose crafty wits his patrons slow brain 
 proved a poor match, at last agreed to continue 
 his service as spy, but was resolved " to deal no 
 further in this matter." That was to be his last 
 word. Later on, however, he contrived to let the 
 Ambassador know that a higher bid might shake 
 even his resolution, and finally Poulet was able to 
 report in triumph that '' now J. hath given himself 
 to her Majesty, and doth promise to send me 
 something in writing very secretly." Poulet was 
 all eagerness and self-importance. Clearly Heaven 
 had destined him as the man whose wisdom should 
 unravel every clew and winding of conspiracy, and 
 above and beyond all else, provide the swift *' occa- 
 sion" for applying Cecil's " remedy." The *' some- 
 thing in writing" he seems to forward in this letter 
 as a foretaste of what might be forthcoming if only 
 Royalty could be prevailed with to be openhanded. 
 
 " Yt maye please your honors to be adver- 
 tised of the occasyon of this despatche by these 
 coppies inclosyd, not doubting but my letres 
 to her Majestie wilbe impartyd unto youe, and 
 maye suffice to acquainte youe with my symple 
 
 ^ Poulet to the Secretaries, March 13, 1578. 
 
xxxiv Preface, 
 
 opynyon herein. . . I referre these other copies 
 inclosed to the consyderaclon of your wysedomes, 
 wyshlng rather that these faultes be dyssembled 
 for a season then to enter into anye actyon that 
 maye bewraye the meane of discoverle, which may 
 hinder a better service in matters of greater import- 
 ance. There ys great hope or rather yt is most 
 certaine that great things wilbe discoveryd by this 
 instrument, and therefore yt weare a great fauke in 
 my symple opynion yf he shoulde not be lyberallie 
 intertaynde, wherein I will wryte more particularlie 
 unto your honors by my nexte messenger."^ 
 
 On the same day, he writes to Walsingham. 
 *' Although I have addressyd my other letres 
 joyntlle unto your honor and Mr. Wylson, which 
 coulde not but be don otherwyse in my opynion, 
 yet I have comandyd this bearer my servant yf 
 he doe not finde youe att Grertewyche, wherof I 
 have willed him to make secrett inquyrie, to seke 
 you at London or els where, and to deliver these 
 letres firste unto your honor, in the which youe 
 shall finde inclosyde the copie of my letres to her 
 Majestie, as knowythe the Almightie, who alwayes 
 preserve your honor." ^ 
 
 The letter inclosed, of the 19th, to the Queen, 
 except a few lines at the end, is wanting. 
 
 On the 25th, Walsingham still keeping silence, 
 Sir Amias took it upon himself to appeal to the 
 Queen. He encloses, he says, a copy of *'a dis- 
 
 ^ To the Secretaries, March 19, 1578. 
 * To Walsingham, March 19, 1578. 
 
Preface. xxxv 
 
 course delyverid unto me of late by one that pro- 
 fesseth all fideletle and service to your Highnes," 
 and "because this sayd wrytinge makythe mencyon 
 of a great personages, I am bolde to imparte the 
 same onlle to your [Majestle]." The rest of this 
 folio has been cut out of the book, but the next 
 shows Poulet deep in argument for an offer of 
 higher terms to *' B." " Corrupted Instruments," 
 and especially such as have credit with the English 
 rebels and other enemies are not easy to be 
 found, and therefore they that may be obtained 
 ought not to be refused for the price. Money so 
 spent in good time will spare the fitting out of 
 fleets and armies afterwards, and " that penny Is 
 well laid out that saveth the spending of many 
 pounds." Merchants are willing to make ventures, 
 and so must sovereigns, and rewards and pen- 
 sions are the merchandise of princes. Pardon 
 he craves for boldness, but how can loyalty 
 suffer him to keep silence while ''your honorable 
 and most happie State ys envyed and threatened 
 of everle syde, and subjecte to present daunger 
 if present remedy be not applyed. ... I have 
 dispatched this bearer with the more dllllgence 
 douting least the Spanlshe Ambassador might 
 have so muche credytt with your Majestle to 
 procure the delyverance of Guarace before the 
 receipt of these letres, and indede I might per- 
 ceave by his owne speche when he was yet here, 
 that this matter was especiallle recomendyd unto 
 hym. Yt maye please your Majestle to consider 
 yf yt shall more further your service that this 
 
 C 2 
 
xxxvi Preface. 
 
 Morgan be apprehendyd, or that he contynewe 
 here so longe as youe are provided of an other 
 that is inward with hym that maye discover his 
 secretts. I finde the humour of this Instrument, 
 and do feede ytt as well as I canne, having 
 alreadie receaved some promyses of hym to 
 reveale his whole knowledge unto me, and to 
 referre his recompense to your Highnes pleasure, 
 but when he comyth to the executyon he recant- 
 ethe, doubting least when he hathe saide what he 
 canne, he shalbe shaken of without rewarde." ^ 
 
 This letter to Walsingham despatched the same 
 day may count among the curiosities of diplomatic 
 literature. 
 
 " I have no other refuge In my necessyties then 
 in your good friendshipp, and therfore do nowe 
 most humblle praie your honor to geve me leave 
 to deale boldlle with youe, and to referre myself 
 to your good advice, belnge not Ignorante that 
 your wysedome and experiens will easelie consider 
 what maye be most expedyent to be done herein. 
 
 " Youe maye perceave by these copies inclosed 
 what I have wryten to the Queue, and yf youe shall 
 thinke good to delyver my letres to her Majestic 
 then yt maye please youe not to be knowen that 
 youe have receyved these copies, and maye tell 
 Mr. Wylson that youe founde the Queues letres 
 in the pacquet. But if youe shall finde suche imper- 
 fection In my letres as youe shall thinke that they 
 will not be agreable to her Majestie, then I shall 
 
 ^ To the Queen, March 25, 1578. 
 
Preface, xxxvll 
 
 moste humblye praye youe to detaine them, and 
 to delyver onlle the cople inclosyd, bering her 
 Highnes in hande that youe have receyved the 
 said copie in your paquet. I am perswaded that 
 before I am six dayes older, the partie will tell 
 me all that he knowyth, althoughe yt shall not 
 be mete that youe take any knowledge that I am 
 in this hope, and therfore yt maye please your 
 honor to geve me your advice by your next 
 dispatche in what order I shall make advertise- 
 ment therof. Yf in ciphre, yf by the reporte of 
 my Sonne, yf by letres onlie to her Majestie, and 
 of suche other cyrcomstances appertaining. I am 
 not ignorant of your great wante of leasure, and 
 yet I shall most humblie praie youe to spare me 
 some fewe lynes for my satisfaction herein. Yf I 
 were worthie to geve her Majestie councell, a 
 present shoulde be made to this partie of 300 
 crownes, and a promyse of a pension of the lyke 
 some by the yeare. He hath refused the hundred 
 crownes, as you maye understande by my former 
 letres, and yet he hath borowed of me sythens that 
 tyme 130 crownes at one tyme, and 80 crownes 
 at an other tyme, and I thinke yt well bestowed, 
 yf I should paye yt x. tymes of my owne purse. 
 I cannot perswade hym to make anye demaunde, 
 reffering hym selfe wholie to her Majesties good- 
 nes. Yt is easie to see that he dealethe plainelie 
 and franklie. I write openlie unto you, but I 
 have taken suche order with the messangers, as 
 I trust my letres shall come safelie unto youe. 
 Thus your honor seeth how boldly I deale with 
 
xxxviii Preface, 
 
 youe, as one that presumeth of your favour. Yf 
 my opynlon of the yerlle pension be thought to 
 great, lett the rewarde in hand be the more Hbe- 
 rall. Yt is not reason that any man shoulde be 
 caryed awaye with bare promyses where there 
 is questyon of lyving and lyf We stumbell at 
 strawes, and leape over blockes. And thus, &c."^ 
 
 Walsingham must have seen that his friend's 
 zeal, overriding his natural caution, was putting 
 him into the hands of a practised and greedy 
 scoundrel. He suppressed the letter to Elizabeth, 
 and probably sent a warning. But Poulet, though 
 he answers humbly, thanking the Secretary for 
 saving his credit and " hiding my [great erase(f\ 
 faults from her Majesty and the Council,"^ held like 
 a sleuth-hound to his scheme for striking through 
 Morgan at Morgan's mistress. Here is the epi- 
 logue to the story. 
 
 " I cannot expresse unto your honor howe sorie 
 I was to receave your letres sent by Tupper, and 
 I praye God this pinching sparing be not repentid 
 when spending will not helppe ytt, wherin yf I were 
 worthie to geve councell I woulde her Majestic 
 to spare no charge to knowe all the treasons of 
 all tymes and ages, and woulde perchaunce be of 
 opynion that when these treasons are knowen they 
 shoulde never be discoveryd. These matters do 
 not depende of my consideracion, and therfore 
 I leave them to the better judgement of my 
 supperyours, being not a lyttell satisfied with the 
 testymonie of my conscyence that I have done my 
 
 1 To Walsingham, March 25, 1578. ^ Tq Walsingham, April 15, 1578. 
 
Preface, xxxix 
 
 dewtie. But yf these greate and older things 
 maye be forborne, yet who would loose the service 
 of suche an instrument for the discoverie of the 
 presente doings of this deceytfull tyme. He hathe 
 geven good testymoney that he hath good creditt 
 with a great number of our principall adversaries, 
 Romysshe, Scottishe, and Englishe, and nowe the 
 newe Nuntio ys expected after twoe or three daies 
 with whom he is famylliarye acquainted. None 
 more likelye to fall dangerouslye then those which 
 have eyes and cannot see. We see our daungers, 
 but we will not avoide them, or rather we canne 
 not, because God hathe desired our punishement. 
 Yt maye please youe to have care of my revoca- 
 tion as tyme and occasyon will serve youe. I 
 am, wheresoever I am, at your commandement, as 
 knoweth the Almightie whoe alwayes preserve your 
 honor. From Paris, the xxiiij of Aprill, 1578." 
 
 Comment would be wasted upon this episode 
 of Poulet's embassy. Enough to say that it reveals 
 the strong fact that Walsingham, when he sent 
 Sir Amias down to Tutbury, knew him from past 
 experience for a man who would be found willing 
 to connect himself with *' instruments " like Gifford 
 and Phelippes, and who would, keeping the end 
 in view, approve and abet the worst intrigues 
 against Mary Stuart. Elizabeth's knowledge of 
 the plot against Morgan also goes some way to 
 explain her anger and disappointment when Poulet 
 refused to act upon her instigation for secretly 
 cutting off his prisoner. 
 
SIR AMIAS POULET'S LETTERS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 To Queen Elizabeth— 
 
 1585 April . . . 7 
 
 1586 November . .312 
 
 To Lord Burghley— 
 
 1576 September 8 
 
 1585 May . . . . . , 32 
 
 June ........ 35,36,44,47 
 
 July . . . . . . . . 57, 62, 66, 68 
 
 August 75, 83, 88, 89 
 
 December 123 
 
 1586 January .... ... 129, 134, 136 
 
 March . . 157 
 
 April 171 
 
 May 182, 188 
 
 August 272, 279 
 
 November 308 
 
 December 321, 322, 327, 329 
 
 1587 January 343 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham— 
 
 1585 April 10 
 
 May 17, 28 
 
 June . 33, 36 
 
 July 48,59,60,63,70 
 
 August 71, 72, 77, 84 
 
 September 89, 94, 97 
 
 October 99> 102, 109(2), in 
 
xlll Sir Amias Poulefs Letters. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 November 132 
 
 December 120, 121, 124. 
 
 1586 January . . . . . . . . Y35, 137 
 
 February 137, 152, 138, 139, 140 
 
 March 154,155,161,163,164 
 
 April 169, 174 
 
 May 178, 180, 181 
 
 Undated . . . . . 189, 191, 193, 195, 196 
 June 200,201,203,208,210,211 
 
 July 215, 224, 244,246(2), 247 
 
 August . . 248, 251, 258, 268, 270, 271, 275, 279(2) 
 
 September 288, 292, 293, 294 
 
 October . ... . . . 294, 298, 300, 304. 
 
 November 308,310,311 
 
 December 320, 323, 325 
 
 1587 January 340, 345 
 
 February . . . . . . . . 361, 366 
 
 To Secretary Davison— 
 
 1586 November ' . . 315, 319 
 
 December 321, 33i, 33^ 
 
 1587 January . . . . . . 346, 349, 353, 356 
 
 February . . . . . . . 357, 363, 364 
 
 To THE Earl of Leicester— 
 
 1585 June 45 
 
 July . . .64 
 
 1586 December 320 
 
 To Lord Buckhurst— 
 
 1586 November 312 
 
 To Lord Howard of Effingham— 
 
 1586 April 174 
 
 To Sir John Perrot— 
 
 1585 July 55 
 
 1587 January 352 
 
Sir Amias Poulet's Letters. xliii 
 
 PAGE 
 
 To Mr. Stallenge— 
 
 1586 November 313 
 
 To Thomas Phelippes— 
 
 1586 Januar}- . . 151 
 
 April 169 
 
 June . 198, 214 
 
 July . . : . 246 
 
 To M. Arnault— 
 
 1586 February 140 
 
 To THE Justices of Stafford — 
 
 1586 January . . . . 130 
 
SIR AMIAS POULET, 
 
 KEEPER OF MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS, 
 
 Sir Amias Poulet,^ of Hinton St. George, in Somersetshire, 
 from whom the present P2arl Poulett is descended, was the head 
 of the family of which the Marquisses of Winchester, afterwards 
 Dukes of Bolton, were a younger branch. His father, Sir Hugh 
 Poulet, was Captain of the Isle of Jersey, to which office he 
 succeeded on his father's death in 157 1. Long previous to this 
 time, Sir Hugh Poulet had ceased to reside in the island, having 
 been appointed Vice-president of Wales, and Amias was made 
 Lieutenant of Jersey, April 25, 1559. Letters from him between 
 that date and 1569 are preserved amongst the State Papers in 
 the Pubhc Record Office." 
 
 Sir Amias Poulet was knighted in 1576, and soon after he 
 was sent to France as Ambassador. On September 25, 1576, 
 he wrote a letter from Calais to his friend Lord Burghley,"' the 
 Lord High Treasurer, from which the following extract is taken. 
 Francis Bacon, Lord Burghley's nephew, then about sixteen, was 
 probably one of those who accompanied him to Paris. He was 
 certainly with him there in the following year. 
 
 I must confess that in this little journey between 
 London and Dover, I already find your lordship's words 
 
 ■^ The name is now, and always has been, spelled in various ways. 
 Sir Amias signed his letters "A. Poulet," and this form is here followed. 
 The inscription on his tombstone is " Amitio Pouletto," and as he wrote his 
 Christian name "Amice," it was probably so pronounced. At the present 
 time, his direct descendant the earl spells the surname Poulett ; the Marquis 
 of Winchester Paulet, while the Duke of Cleveland, as heir to the Duke of 
 Bolton, has assumed the name of Powlett. 
 
 2 Domestic, Addenda, Elizabeth, vol. ix., n. 20; vol. xiv., n. 63. 
 
 ^ Ibid., vol. xxiv., n. 92. 
 B 
 
2 Sir Amias Poiclet^ 
 
 true, and do feel the weight of my heavy train, and shall 
 feel it more deeply before my coming to Paris, being 
 accompanied with an extraordinary number, whereof some 
 have been recommended unto me by the Queen, some by 
 other noble men, only until their coming to Paris. ... I 
 do not use these many words so much to excuse my 
 follies, which are too many, as well herein as in all my 
 other doings, as thereby to entreat your good lordship to 
 use your reasonable favour towards me in my allowance 
 for my transportation, my charges (no doubt) being much 
 increased by these extraordinary occasions, and yet I will 
 ask nothing unreasonable. If I ever pass again into 
 France, I will seek my passage at some other port, the 
 haven of Dover being in such utter ruin, as the passage 
 thereby is utterly decayed. The Queen's ships, as like- 
 wise the other barks appointed for me and my horses, 
 were forced to seek their surety at Sandwich, when the 
 wind did serve to have passed into France. It were to 
 be wished, for her Majesty's service, that Dover were 
 provided of a better harbour. 
 
 Poulet was succeeded by Sir Henry Cobham as Ambassador 
 to France, in November, 1579. He was appointed a Privy 
 Councillor, early in 1585, and sent by Elizabeth to Tutbury, as 
 keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, in the place of Sir Ralph Sadler. 
 In that charge he continued at Tutbury, Chartley, and Fother- 
 ingay, till Mary's execution relieved him of his captive. The 
 Queen of Scots was executed February 8, i58f, and Poulet 
 soon followed his prisoner to the grave. He was made Chancellor 
 of the Garter on the Eye of St. George, 1587, in succession to 
 Walsingham, and Sir John Wolley succeeded him on the feast in 
 the year following. ^ He died^ September 26, 1588. 
 
 By his wife Catherine, daughter and heir of Anthony Harvey, 
 of Columb John, in Devonshire, he had three sons, Hugh, who 
 died in infancy, Sir Anthony, his lieutenant and successor in 
 
 ^ Ashmole's Order of the Garter ^ p. 521. 
 
 2 Collins, following the inquisition taken January 15, 158^. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, ^ 3 
 
 the government of Jersey, and George, who, by marriage with 
 a distant cousin, became the possessor of the old family seat 
 of Gothurst, in Somersetshire; and three daughters, Joan, 
 who married Robert Heyden of Bowood, Devon, Sarah, who 
 married Sir Francis Vincent of Stoke Dabernon, Surrey, and 
 Elizabeth, who died unmarried. The last is probably the " little 
 jewel," Lord Burghley's goddaughter, born while her father had 
 charge of Queen Mary, mentioned in his letter to Lord Burghley 
 of May 12, 1586. His grandson, John Poulet, was made a 
 baron, June 23, 1627; and the fourth Lord Poulet was created 
 Viscount Hinton St. George and Earl Poulet, December 29, 1706. 
 
 A very large number of the letters of Sir Amias Poulet are 
 in existence. A volume of his letter-book, containing his letters 
 when Ambassador in France, the first dated from Tours, May 26, 
 1577, and the last from Paris, January 10, 157I-, is in the Bod- 
 leian Library.^ It was edited, in 1866, for the Roxburghe Club 
 by Mr. Ogle. 
 
 The continuation of this letter-book, beginning January 12, 
 i57|-, and ending August 29, 1578, was kindly placed in the 
 hands of the present Editor by Dr. Blackett, of 28, Green Street, 
 London. It has now, together with those next to be mentioned, 
 become by purchase the property of the Bodleian Library. 
 
 Together with this, were three portions of a still more valuable 
 letter-book, in which were entered copies of such letters, written 
 by Poulet when keeper of the Queen of Scots, as might meet the 
 eyes of his secretary. 
 
 In the Public Record Office there are preserved the originals 
 of more than one hundred letters, ^ addressed by him to Sir 
 Francis Walsingham during that period. At a glance it is plain 
 that many of the later letters of this series are missing, and that 
 they were purposely withdrawn from the collection is shown by 
 the significant erasure of the item, *'A bundle of letters from Sir 
 Amias Paulett, succeeding Sir Ralph Sadler, 1585 and 1586," in 
 "A note of papers concerning the Queen of Scotland."^ The 
 
 ^ Rawlinson MSS., A., 331. 
 
 ^ State Papers, Mary Qiteen of Scots ; calendared by Mr. Thorpe. The 
 volumes mentioned in the following notes refer to these State Papers. 
 * Vol. xxi., n. 43. 
 B 2 
 
4 Sir Amias Potclei, 
 
 portions of the letter-book for the use of which the Editor is 
 indebted to Dr. Blackett contain more than fifty letters ^mtten 
 by Sir Amias Poulet at that most interesting period, the originals 
 of which are not to be found in the Public Record Office. All 
 these are here printed at length, transcribed in everything but the 
 spelling, from the letter-book. The State Papers have long been 
 accessible to students of history; they are therefore only used 
 in the following pages sufficiently to link together and render 
 intelligible the historical material now first published. 
 
 The first mention of Poulet in connection with the Queen of 
 Scots is in a letter in the State Papers,^ dated January 4, 1584, 
 in which Lord Burghley informs Sir Francis Walsingham that 
 Lord St. John of Bletso has refused to take charge of Mary, at 
 which Elizabeth was much displeased, and that she had com- 
 manded Burghley "to write to Rycott- for Sir Amyes Paulett." 
 Mr. John Somer, Sir Ralph Sadler's assistant, wrote at once,"' on 
 the 13th of January, the very day of their transfer from the 
 Earl of Shrewsbury's, at Wingfield, to Tutbury, though he 
 was under the impression that Poulet was coming to assist 
 Lord St. John, to propose the substitution of other fit persons 
 instead of Sir Amias Poulet. "Your good judgment of the 
 weak state of his body, and the distance of his dwelling, I 
 think," he says, "are to be allowed for a sufficient supersedeas 
 in this matter." 
 
 Sadler naturally was delighted that any man could be found 
 to relieve him of a position that he disliked extremely. He 
 wrote thus to Lord Burghley,"* in reply to the news of Poulefs 
 appointment : " I perceive by your lordship's letter, brought to me 
 by John Danet, that my Lord St. John being excused from this 
 charge upon such considerable causes as your lordship allegeth, 
 
 ^ Vol. XV., n. 5. 
 
 ^ Rycote, near Thame, where, in Queen Mary's time, Elizabeth -was Lord 
 Williams' prisoner, was now the property of Lord Norreys, whose only 
 daughter, Catherine, was married to Poulet's eldest son in 1583. 
 
 •^ Vol. XV., n. 20. The draft of this letter is printed in the Siatc Papas 
 and Letters of Sir Ralph Sadler, vol. ii., p. 482. Edited by Arthur Clifford. 
 Edinburgh, 1809. 
 
 * Sadler's State Papers, vol. ii., p. 501. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 5 
 
 Sir Amyas Pawlet, now worthily one of her Majesty's Privy 
 Council, is appointed, and hath willingly consented to take it 
 upon him, whereof I am right glad, but gladder that your lordship 
 trusteth I shall not tarry here many days ; and for my further 
 comfort, that you will hasten him to the best speed you can. 
 I heartily thank her Majesty and your good lordship for these 
 good tidings." This letter is dated February 5, 158^. On the 
 1 8th of February,^ Somer wrote to AValsingham, to express the 
 fear that Mary entertained of her coming keeper, whom "she 
 hath heard of when he was Ambassador in France." On the 
 same day,^ Walsingham informs Sir Ralph Sadler that Sir Amias 
 Poulet was to set out "on Monday come sevenight." As this 
 letter answers Mary's request for a Priest to attend her, a subject 
 on which we shall have much information in the sequel, an 
 extract from it will not be out of place here. 
 
 For that Queen's request, if she shall not greatly insist 
 for a present answer, you may tell her that she shall 
 receive the same by the gentleman that is to succeed you ; 
 but otherwise, if she shall require to have the same soon, 
 you may then let her understand, first, for the Priest, that 
 her Majesty, misliking the like motion heretofore made 
 unto her, my Lord Treasurer and I durst not now renew 
 the same again, knowing that it would both be in vain, 
 and besides offensive to her Majesty. 
 
 Sir Amias did not start so soon as the ist of March, as 
 Sir Francis Walsingham expected, nor, indeed, for two months 
 after. His instructions^ are dated March 4. They were, 
 apparently, not precise enough for Poulet, who requests Eliza- 
 beth's commands respecting the amount of liberty he was to 
 allow his charge.* The answers to these requests are not 
 amongst the State Papers, but the instructions, after providing 
 for her strict custody and against the "secret conveyance of 
 letters and other like practices," contain the following clause 
 in Walsingham's handwriting. 
 
 ^ Vol. XV., n. 36. 2 ji,i^i^ „_ 28. - Ibid., n. 50. * Ibid., n. 59. 
 
6 . Sir Amias Poulef, 
 
 'You shall order that she shall not, in taking the air, 
 pass through any towns, nor suffer the people to be in the 
 way where she shall pass, appointing some always to go 
 before to make them to withdraw themselves, for that 
 heretofore, under colour of giving of alms and other 
 extraordinary courses used by her, she hath won the 
 hearts of the people that habit about those places where 
 she hath heretofore lainy 
 
 Meanwhile Sir Ralph Sadler and Mr. Somer wrote frequently,^ 
 showing Mary's great anxiety respecting her new keeper, and 
 Elizabeth herself undertook his defence,- in a letter to Mar)-, in 
 accordance with a suggestion made by Mr. Somer. 
 
 And as for Poulet, against whom you seem to take 
 exceptions, in respect of his dealings (as you say) against 
 you at such time as he had the charge of our Ambassade 
 in France, the question is whether the cause grew from 
 himself or from you and your Ministers there. If he did 
 but advertise us truly of such things as he heard were 
 practised both by yourself and them against us, therein he 
 did but discharge his duty. And if you still hold the rule 
 which you have heretofore professed, that you love and 
 esteem best those who serve us most faithfully, then have 
 you more cause to like than to dislike him, for we repute 
 him to be towards God religious, towards us most faithful, 
 of calling honourable, by birth, in respect of the antiquity 
 of his house, most noble. And therefore, if we should see 
 hereafter cause to use him in Sadler's place, you need not 
 to doubt that a man that reverenceth God, loveth his 
 Prince, and is no less by calling honourable than by birth 
 noble, will ever do anything unworthy of himself 
 
 Su: Ralph Sadler was writing most urgent letters to procure 
 his deliverance from that charge, which overwhelmed him with 
 ^ Vol. XV., nn. 41, 48, 49. ^ Ibid., n. 57. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 7 
 
 care and grief,^ and at the same time defending himself from 
 complaints of having allowed his prisoner too much liberty. 
 Elizabeth accepted his explanations,^ but required the Queen of 
 Scots to be more strictly looked to. Elizabeth's complaint 
 against Sir Ralph was that he had allowed the Queen of Scots to 
 go hawking with him, some distance from the castle.^ It is a 
 curious contrast that Poulet's first letters after taking charge,"* 
 should be written in self-defence, against complaints made 
 against him for undue rigour in his first week of authority. 
 
 This letter, and the joint letter^ written by him and Sir Ralph 
 Sadler to announce his arrival, are subjoined. 
 
 Sir Ralph Sadler and Sir Amias.Poidet to Queen Elizabeth. 
 
 It may please your most excellent Majesty to be 
 advertised that I, Amice Poulet, arrived here the seven- 
 teenth of this present in the evening, and spending that 
 night and the next morning in conference with me, Ralph 
 Sadler, after dinner we signified unto this lady that we 
 were desirous to have access unto her, which being granted, 
 I, Amice Poulet, delivered unto her your Majesty's letters, 
 which she seemed to receive very gladly, and after she had 
 perused them, desired to be informed of the state of your 
 health, which was answered to be very good and perfect, 
 thanks be to God for it. 
 
 Then this Queen said unto me. Amice Poulet, that 
 indeed she had been informed that I had been ill affected 
 towards her, and that I complained of her kinsmen and 
 Ministers when I was Ambassador in France, and that she 
 was not to be blamed if she desired to be committed to 
 the custody of such as did bear her no ill will, thinking 
 that she had enemies in England, and did not know if I 
 were of that number. 
 
 I answered that I was very glad to hear that her 
 challenge had no better ground than that I had served 
 your Majesty truly and faithfully, and did confess that 
 
 1 Vol. XV., n. 69. 2 y^/^_^ ^ 5^_ 3 jii^i^ n„^ ^g, 60. 
 
 * Ibid., n. 74. = Ibid., n. 84. 
 
8 Sir Amtas Poulet, 
 
 being employed in France as a public Minister, I was 
 content to make it known that I did not like with some of 
 her kinsmen and Ministers, because I was not ignorant 
 that they sought the disturbance of the quiet of this realm, 
 and especially Morgan, your Majesty's subject and her 
 professed Minister, whose doings I was careful and curious 
 to observe. I told her that this conceit would soon be 
 removed, if she would be content to judge of my actions 
 with that measure which was due to all subjects. I asked 
 her if, when she reigned in Scotland as absolute Queen, she 
 would have liked of that subject that would have shaken 
 hands or had intelligence with any Prince abroad or subject 
 at home, that had maintained her rebels and fugitives, had 
 allured her subjects to renounce their obedience, or had 
 attempted the subversion of her estate and dignity. I 
 prayed her to have like consideration of my duty towards 
 her [your] Majesty, promising to honour her kinsmen 
 when they shall be your good neighbours and friends, 
 and to love her Ministers when they shall leave their bad 
 practices. 
 
 She said that she could not but allow of all subjects to 
 be obedient to their sovereigns, but that she had heard 
 that I did not love her, as she would tell me further at 
 some other time, but that of late she had heard so well of 
 me as she was now better satisfied, and did trust that I 
 would give her no cause to the contrary. 
 
 After this talk between this Queen and me. Amice 
 Poulet, she uttered how grievously she took it that . . . she 
 had not yet received any full answer to the special points 
 of her offers and motions to your Majesty, . . . but instead 
 thereof, after a long time, she had received now lately a 
 letter from your Majesty to the contrary. . . . Thereunto I 
 answered, . . . that she hath not a better friend in Christen- 
 dom than your Majesty is to her, all things considered. She 
 acknowledged that indeed your Majesty was so, but yet 
 her long prison, said she, these seventeen years, with loss 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 9 
 
 of health and limbs, and little effect of all her offers, and 
 the remembrance of your Majesty's late letter, breaking off 
 her whole hope, made her mistrust the worst, and therefore 
 must rest in patience. . . . 
 
 " And now, Madame," quoth I, " it may please you to 
 give me leave to say something unto you concerning myself, 
 and do trust that being sent hither in such sort and for 
 such purpose as hath appeared unto you, it will not mislike 
 you, and will stand best with the discharge of my duty in 
 many respects, if at my first entrance into this place, I 
 declare unto you in plain terms what I desire to find at 
 your hands, and at the hands of all those belonging unto 
 you, and what you may expect from me, because plain 
 dealing is always best." 
 
 " It is a thing that I love well," said she, and promised 
 to deal as plainly with me. I told her that I was bound by 
 duty of allegiance to serve your Majesty truly and faith- 
 fully, and would not fail to employ all my endeavours to 
 acquit myself of that duty, neither would be diverted from 
 it for hope of gain, for fear of loss, or for any other respect 
 whatsoever. Your Highness* commandment and service 
 being first observed, I did assure her that your pleasure 
 was that I should do her all the good offices, and show her 
 all the courtesy that might seem convenient, wherein there 
 sliould be no fault on my part. 
 
 And to the intent that this course might have his 
 continuance without let or interruption, to her satisfaction 
 and to the better discharge of my duty, I prayed her to 
 have care of my poor honesty and credit, a thing more 
 precious unto me than living or life, and that nothing 
 might be done directly or indirectly by her or her servants, 
 that might procure me blame, or suspicion of blame at 
 your Majesty's hands, having no worldly thing in so great 
 reputation as your service and contentment. And there- 
 fore, if occasion did move her to send any letters or 
 remembrances to London or any other place, I desired 
 
lo Sir Ainias Poulet, 
 
 that they might be delivered unto me, and I would see 
 them safely conveyed and would procure an answer, if so it 
 pleased her. 
 
 " Indeed," saith she, " the time was that being deprived 
 of all open means to send to my friends, and to hear again 
 from them, as it is natural for all persons to seek to help 
 themselves, I did not spare to seek some extraordinary 
 helps to convey my letters, which, sithence I entered into 
 good terms with the Queen, my good sister, I have utterly 
 forborne," assuring me that I should have no blame for 
 any of her doings, and asked me, Ralph Sadler, if she 
 had used any such practices during my attendance on 
 her. . . . 
 
 I, Ralph Sadler, departing from hence this present day, 
 Mr. Somer remaineth here with me, Amice Poulet, for 
 some short time, according to your Majesty's direction, 
 for my better instruction in all things belonging to this 
 charge, wherein both he and I will employ our uttermost 
 endeavours, and do trust that all things shall be ordered 
 to your Highness' good contentment. And, thus, not 
 having wherewith else to trouble your Majesty, Ave both 
 do pray to God, as we are most bounden, to preserve your 
 Majesty in health and all felicity long to reign over us, our 
 most gracious Queen and Sovereign. 
 
 From Tutbury, the 19th of April, 1585. 
 
 Your Majesty's most obedient and faithful subjects, 
 
 R. Sadleir, 
 A. Poulet. 
 
 To the Queen's most excellent Majesty. 
 
 Sir Atnias Poulet to Sir Francis IValsingham. 
 
 Sir, — I fear lest my calm beginning here will have a 
 
 rough proceeding. And doubting lest some complaint may 
 
 be made, I have thought good to prepare you to answer. 
 
 Mr. Somer hath been charged by one of this Queen's 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee7i of Scots. 1 1 
 
 retinue that rigours and alterations have been used of late 
 in this house, and that he is the author of them. I must 
 confess that I have no commission to show any rigours ; 
 and therefore, if I have exceeded my commission, it is 
 reasonable that I answer it at my peril. But I trust these 
 rigours shall be found nothing else than dutiful service, 
 and besides that, my dealings have been far from rigour 
 in substance. I may affirm, and Mr. Somer will bear 
 me witness, that the manner of my proceedings hath had 
 no taste of rigour, but hath been as plausible and as 
 quiet as was possible, and yet so tempered as they might 
 perceive that their cavilling and quarrelling could not 
 divert me from my duty. And indeed there may be no 
 yielding to this people, but being assured to require 
 nothing but that which is meet, to stand stiffly to it. 
 
 The rigours are these. First, I restrained Sharp, this 
 lady's coachman, from riding abroad without my privity, 
 and yet with this condition that he should be permitted 
 to breathe his horses as often as he would, in giving me 
 knowledge of his intention, so as some of my servants 
 might ride with him. This was found hard, because he 
 had not been restrained in times past, as they said. 
 
 The second rigour was this. I found at my arrival here 
 in the great chamber where Sir Ralph Sadler did usually 
 dine and sup, a cloth of Estate for this Queen, represent- 
 ing by letters the names of her father and mother, and 
 furnished with the arms of Scotland in the midst, and 
 the same quartered with the arms of Lorraine of every 
 side. Sir Ralph Sadler told me at my first entering into 
 the said chamber, that this cloth of Estate was set up at 
 the first coming hither of this Queen, upon a meaning 
 that she should dine and sup ordinarily in that chamber, 
 referring the standing or taking down of the same to my 
 discretion. 
 
 Wherein I have considered that, in my simple opinion, 
 her Majesty's subjects may not with their duties allow m 
 
12 Sir Ainias Poulety 
 
 this realm of any more cloths of Estate than that which is 
 due to her Highness. And therefore this chamber being 
 applied to the use of the governor here, and so employed 
 in all this time, I could not but resolve with myself that 
 the same was now to be accounted as Her Majesty's side, 
 as they call it commonly in the Court, and therefore no 
 cloth of Estate representing any foreign Prince to be 
 allowed in the said chamber. 
 
 Whereunto may be added that this Queen had not 
 dined or supped there more than one only night, shortly 
 after her coming hither, at which time Sir Ralph Sadler 
 cupped also at the lower end of the said chamber, as my 
 Lord of Shrewsbury did the like at Sheffield, and I must 
 do as much if the use of this chamber be allowed unto 
 her, which would breed a dangerous familiarity between 
 these two families. 
 
 Upon this opinion I resolved to move this matter, 
 wherein I had this farther argument to induce them to 
 yield to my motion, that this Queen is now entered into 
 a diet, and will not come out of her chamber these six 
 weeks. 
 
 But willing to deal herein in as plausible manner as 
 I might with the discharge of my duty, I prayed her 
 secretary, Nau, to come unto me, where, in the presence 
 of Mr. Somer, I delivered unto him my opinion at good 
 length, touching this cloth of Estate. And as the same has 
 served his mistress to no use in all this time, neither could 
 do during the keeping of her chamber by reason of her 
 diet ; so I might worthily be condemned of want of 
 judgment, or rather of loyalty, to endure it to stand in 
 that place which served for my ordinary use to dine and 
 sup in. And therefore required him to move his mistress 
 herein, which, as I told him, I thought would like her 
 better than if the motion were delivered unto her by 
 myself, referring to her pleasure to set up the said cloth 
 in her own dining-room, if she thought good. 
 
[ 11W5V - 
 Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 1 3 
 
 I received answer from this Queen the next day by 
 Nau that she desired to know if I had in commandment 
 from the Queen's Majesty to take down this cloth or no ; 
 and if I had no such direction, that then I would write 
 to her Highness, before I proceeded farther. 
 
 I answered that I had received no such commandment 
 from her Majesty, affirming that to my knowledge or 
 thinking, her Highness had never been advertised of any 
 part of this matter. And to write, I said I should condemn 
 myself of want of discretion, and should forget the duty 
 of my place, if in plain and open causes I should be 
 troublesome to her Majesty with my letters. 
 
 Then he told me that his mistress doubted lest the 
 taking down of this cloth of Estate did threaten a diminu- 
 tion of her estate, which she believed the rather for three 
 causes. The first, the late motions in the Parliament 
 against her ; the second, the strange and unnatural 
 dealing of her son ; the third, that she was not ignorant 
 that some great personages in England had assured her 
 son that he should be the next successor to this crown, 
 and that she should be deprived of her title. So as, these 
 things concurring together, he said she had just cause to 
 conceive that this matter of the cloth of Estate was but 
 an entrance into greater innovations. He concluded that 
 I had promised this Queen in my first speech to deal 
 plainly with her, and therefore prayed me that if I had 
 in commandment to make any alterations of importance, 
 I would signify the same rather at one word than to 
 minister new griefs from day to day. 
 
 I told him that I had no commandment, neither did 
 I see cause to make any such innovations as should breed 
 dislike, and having already, with the assent of his 
 mistress, forbidden the cocher to ride abroad without 
 my privity, there remained only one thing to be 
 redressed, which for his better satisfaction I was content 
 to tell him at that present. I said, I misliked greatly 
 
14 Sir Aniias P outlet ^ 
 
 that those of this Oueen's retinue were seen often walking- 
 upon the walls, where they overlooked the gate and ward, 
 and took a full view of all comers and goers, a thing 
 very offensive to all the neighbours, and not meet to 
 be endured in reason and judgment. 
 
 He said it was not done with any evil intent, and that 
 those which did so, had no other meaning than to take the 
 open air, which was not without need for such as were shut 
 up in this castle. I answered they should not, neither had 
 been, denied to walk abroad in convenient sort when they 
 did require it, and therefore this excuse was of small effect. 
 
 He did not insist in the defence of -it, but yielded that 
 it should be reformed. And concluded that the cloth of 
 Estate should be taken down, trusting that upon request 
 made in that behalf by the Queen his mistress, I would not 
 refuse to write in her favour, that after her diet ended the 
 cloth might be restored, and she admitted to dine and sup 
 in that chamber. 
 
 These are three of the rigours. The fourth and last is 
 as frivolous as the former, by the which I ordered that 
 Sharp, this Oueen's cocher, having accustomed to dine 
 and sup with Sir Ralph Sadler's men, as he had in time 
 past with those belonging to the Earl of Shrewsbury, 
 should not dine and sup with my servants, a familiarity too 
 dangerous in my simple opinion, considering the quality of 
 the man, but should be bestowed among his fellows of the 
 Scottish train. 
 
 These are the rigours which I have showed, whereof 
 Mr. Somer beareth the blame in words, but the grudge 
 and displeasure is against me. And now I refer to your 
 consideration if there be any rigour in them ; or rather, as 
 I was bound in duty to require the observation of them, if 
 this people ought not in reason to grant them without 
 contradiction, as matters importing them nothing at all. 
 
 It is not to be doubted but that Sir Ralph Sadler, 
 attending here during the treaty between her Majesty and 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 1 5 
 
 this lady, can show good cause why he was not curious 
 in these trifles, and perchance, by this occasion was the 
 more inward with her, and did gather the more from her. 
 And, therefore, I shall earnestly pray you so to temper 
 this advertisement as his doings may not be brought in 
 question. 
 
 I learn by Mr. Somer that there is no other v/ay to 
 do good to this people than to begin roundly with them, 
 and that whatsover liberty or anything else is once granted 
 unto them cannot be drawn back again without great 
 exclamation. 
 
 I find the gentlemen servants to this Queen very well 
 satisfied in appearance, and so I presume I shall find 
 herself at my next access to her, which hath been forborne 
 these four or five days, by reason of her physic to prepare 
 her body for the diet. 
 
 Because these cavilling matters require no great haste, 
 I send these letters by one of my own servants, who hath 
 to do at London at this time. 
 
 The three posts between Tutbury and Stamford were 
 agreed for by Sir Ralph Sadler at 3^. 4^. by the day, 
 amounting to 23^. 4</. by the week, which may be reduced 
 to 1 5 J", by the week, praying you to take order how 
 the same shall be paid. And thus I leave to trouble 
 you, committing you to the merciful protection of the 
 Almighty. 
 
 From Tutbury, the 27th of April, 1585. 
 
 Your assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 I had just occasion in my last speech with this Queen 
 to tell her, according to your direction, that it was not 
 enough that some of her Ministers had not long sithence 
 practised most execrably the utter ruin of her Majesty, 
 but that now also, very lately, the Due d'Aumale had rifled 
 
1 6 Sir Amias Poiclet, 
 
 one of her Highness' servants/ in his return out of France, 
 of all his letters and papers, which must be said to have 
 been done either by her assent or for her sake, and that it 
 could not be but that these bad offices falling out daily in 
 this sort, must breed jealousy and mistrust in the Queen 
 my mistress. 
 
 She protested that she knew nothing of it, adding that 
 this Duke was a mere stranger unto her, and that she had 
 never seen him. I answered that he knew her to be his 
 kinswoman, and was content to give testimony of his good 
 affection towards her by doing wrong to the Queen's 
 Majesty. 
 
 She spareth not to bewray her hard opinion of you, 
 whereupon I told her that I remembered to have seen a 
 letter written by Sir Ralph Sadler, wherein he maketh 
 mention that Nau, her secretary, acknowledged himself 
 very well used generally by all the lords of the Council, 
 but especially by you, and Nau being present, I asked him 
 if it were not so, which he confessed. 
 
 " Yea, in words," saith she, '' but I know what I know, 
 and am able to prove that which I say." 
 
 I answered that this conceit could have no other ground 
 than the report of some busybody, advising her not to be 
 hasty upon so slender foundations to conceive so hard 
 impressions of any of her Majesty's Council, which could 
 not be honourable or profitable unto her. The residue of 
 her talk is not worthy of the writing. It may be that this 
 motion was the cause that I heard nothing of the rigours. 
 
 The foregoing letter is dated from Tutbury, April 27, 1585. 
 Some portion of the next also deserves transcription.- Its date is 
 May 2nd. 
 
 ^ From the next letter we learn that this was William Waad or Wade, 
 clerk of the Privy Council, afterwards knighted by James I., and made 
 lieutenant of the Tower of London. His journey to France was to try to 
 obtain the extradition of Morgan. 
 
 2 Vol. XV., n. 84. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qiceen of Scots, 1 7 
 
 Sir, — I had forgotten in my letters of the 28th of the 
 last, to thank you for yours of the i8th of the same, 
 advertising the stay of the Earl of Arundel, and the hard 
 usage offered to Mr. Wade in his return out of France. I 
 have also received your letters sent by Mr. Darrell, and 
 therewith some heads of the French occurrents, wherein I 
 think myself beholden unto you. And, indeed, it may 
 stand me in stead to be acquainted with some part of the 
 French and Scottish doings, which will minister good 
 occasion of talk between this lady and me, whereby some- 
 what, perchance, may be drawn from her, when she is in 
 her angry mood. 
 
 And now, this last evening, at six of the clock, I 
 received your letters of the 28th of the last, trusting that 
 before this time you have received mine of the 27th of the 
 same. The post having his pay, whether he work or play, 
 I thought good to make this short despatch, thereby to 
 advertise you that it is found strange here that the French 
 Ambassador hath sent to this Queen by Mr. Darrell so 
 good store of money, and hath written nothing mentioning 
 the same, which was excused by answering that indeed 
 Mr. Darrell received letters for her, but delivered them 
 unto you, and not speaking with you at his departure the 
 same remain in your hands, which he thought you would 
 send hither by the next passage, and now this last packet 
 being arrived, whereof they cannot be ignorant, because 
 the post, after his accustomed order (although out of order, 
 and shall not be done hereafter), sounded his horn at his 
 approaching towards the gate. There is no doubt but that 
 they will mistrust false measure when they shall hear that 
 no letters are come for them. It may, therefore, please you 
 to consider what I shall do with the packet which I have 
 received from you for this Queen, being very sorry that the 
 same was not opened there, because this tickle^ time doth 
 seem to require that it be perused before it be delivered. 
 
 ^ Tickle^ uncertain. 
 C 
 
1 8 Sir Anitas Poulet, 
 
 The 30th of the last, this Queen sent her Secretary 
 Nau to pray me to come to her chamber, where she told 
 me that having spent some days in taking of physic, and 
 being now entered into her diet, she was willing to spend 
 half an hour with me, more to pass the time than for any 
 serious matter that she had to say. . . . 
 
 The plate which she desired was brought and delivered 
 unto her : the hangings for her chamber were sent, and 
 being unlined, through the negligence of some inferior 
 officer, order was taken for the lining of them out of hand. 
 Only the three Turkey carpets for the compassing of her 
 bed were forgotten, which should be remembered by my 
 next letters. 
 
 Somer's application for the carpets ran thus •} 
 
 Certain Turkey carpets to lie about the Queen's bed. 
 One under her feet in her dining-chamber, and one like 
 in her bed-chamber, as she eateth there when she is not 
 well. In all, five or six. She hath the best of the old 
 long ends to walk on in her chamber, which is matted, 
 but yet too hard for her sore foot. The dining-chamber 
 floor is plaster, very cold, though strewed with rushes. 
 
 Poulet's letter also contains this paragraph, the importance 
 of which will be afterwards seen. 
 
 I had forgotten to write unto you in my last letters, 
 that besides the cloth of Estate which hath been taken 
 down, there is another always standing in the chamber 
 where she dineth and suppeth. 
 
 And now, with Poulet's letters before us, we are in a position 
 to judge of the accuracy and trustworthiness of Mr. Froude's 
 assertion, that, "notwithstanding his forbidding creed, Mary 
 Stuart tried her enchantments upon him." 2 **She hinted," he 
 
 1 Vol. XV., n. 48, 1. ^ History of England, i2mo., 1870, vol. xi,, p. 376. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 19 
 
 says, "by the advice of Morgan, that if ever she came to the 
 crown, 'he might have another manner of assurance of that 
 island [Jersey] than ever was given to an EngHsh subject.'" 
 What authority has Mr. Froude for putting such words into 
 Mary's mouth? Any reader would think that Poulet was the 
 authority. " He understood her perfectly," he adds : that is, 
 Poulet understood those words when uttered by Mary. But 
 it is clear that she never uttered them, nor was in the mood to 
 utter them to Poulet, as his letters plainly show. And " he 
 replied," says Mr. Froude, to the hint respecting the island of 
 Jersey, that he could not be "diverted from his duty for hope 
 of gain, for fear of loss, or for any other respect whatsoever." 
 This, Poulet tells us, was uttered by him in the presence of Sir 
 Ralph Sadler. Was Mary's offer of a bribe made before him 
 too? 
 
 But Mr. Froude's inaccuracy may be still more plainly shown, 
 for we know from Mary herself^ that Morgan's letter, in which 
 the advice was contained, had not reached her at that time. 
 This letter formed one of the packet of eight that she received 
 just a twelvemonth afterwards. " Her enchantments " were tried 
 on Poulet in April, 1585, and the letter that contained the advice 
 on which, according to Mr. Froude, she acted, reached her at 
 C hartley, in April, 1586. 
 
 Morgan's letter,^ from which Mr. Froude drew the words, is 
 interesting; and though, having been printed by Murdin,^ it is 
 far from new, the passage relating to Poulet is well worthy of 
 insertion here. We are dependent on Thomas Phelippes for the 
 decipher of the letter. It is dated from the Bastile, where Morgan 
 had been recently imprisoned, and where he remained for at least 
 five years. He says that he fears that this will be the last letter 
 he will ever be able to address to her. 
 
 I understand that Sir Amias Poulet is appointed to wait 
 upon your Majesty. He is a gentleman of an honourable 
 family, a Puritan in religion, and very ambitious, of which 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 80 ; Labaiioff, torn, vi., p. 325. 
 " Vol. XV., nn. 64, 65. 
 2 State Papers^ London, 1759, p. 443. 
 C 2 
 
20 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 humour you may take hold. He is courteous, and I hope 
 will know his duty towards your Majesty. But he will 
 be very curious and watchful about your Majesty and 
 your people, and respecteth Secretary Walsingham above 
 all the rest of the men in the service of that State, and 
 I believe Walsingham was the procurer of him to that 
 charge. 
 
 The said Poulet was, within this twelvemonth, far out 
 of liking with Leicester, and I pray God the matter be 
 not altered between them. The said Poulet is Governor 
 of the Isle of Jersey, belonging to that crown, which is 
 worth to him 1,000/. by the year at the least. The hope 
 he may conceive of your Majesty's favour towards him 
 and his house, and that they may continue in that charge 
 and receive some advancement otherwise, may bring him 
 with time to be careful and tender of your Majesty, far 
 contrary to the expectation that is conceived of him. 
 They that serve that State desire nothing else but com- 
 modity present, and advancement which your Majesty 
 may assure him, and make him and his house for his 
 good service another manner of assurance of the said 
 island than ever was given to subject of that realm of a 
 thing of like state and nature. For you [may] give him 
 the said island for many years, or in fee if he deserve it, 
 where he hath the same at this time but for term of life 
 to himself and his son at the most. 
 
 He may dispend in lands of his own 1,000/. by year. 
 His son and heir is married to the daughter of the 
 Lord Norris, a Protestant, and out with Leicester, unless 
 they be lately reconciled. The wife of the said Poulet 
 is a plain gentlewoman, and was the daughter of one 
 Mr. Anthony Harvye, a Catholic gentleman of the west 
 country of England ; but he is dead a good while 
 sithence,^ whereof I am the more sorry as the case now 
 
 1 Anthony Hervey died May 23, 1564, 6 Eliz., Avhen his daughter and heir 
 Margaret, wife of Amias Poulet, was 28 years of age. Collins. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 2 1 
 
 falleth out ; and the wife of the said Poulet was a 
 CathoHc during her father's Hfe. 
 
 I do think of all the means I can to find out amongst 
 Poulet his friends and followers some to serve your 
 turn, which God will send you. There is one Hotman, a 
 Frenchman, that much haunteth the said Poulet, whose 
 children he brought up both here and in England. The 
 said Hotman is a great Huguenot, and much addicted to 
 Leicester as far as I perceive. The said Hotman is a 
 kinsman to Hotman that serveth your Majesty in your 
 council here : whereof upon these occasions I will give 
 instructions to the Bishop of Glasgow to deal with old 
 Hotman, and to see whether the other may be made an 
 honest man and an instrument to serve your Majesty, 
 which he might do without all suspicion. . . . 
 
 There is a discreet lady called the Lady Pope, who 
 was married to the aforesaid Poulet his father. She is a 
 Catholic, by whose means it may be that you shall draw 
 some service of Poulet and some of his. ... It should 
 seem to me that all the noble and gentle men of the 
 north part of England, from London to Berwick, do 
 receive a great check, in that the Queen went to the west 
 parts of the realm to pick out Poulet to attend upon 
 your Majesty, and could not find any of the nobility and 
 gentlemen between London and Berwick to take that 
 charge ; and as it is a check to all the north parts, as I 
 would have them take it, so is it also a great argument 
 of the diffidence which the State hath of the north parts, 
 though it be yet to your honour, as I have alleged and 
 written, as soon as I heard of the resolution that Poulet 
 should wait upon your Majesty. 
 
 I think it shall not be amiss for the service of your own 
 turn, that you cause some of your friends of those parts 
 to visit Poulet, and to do him some courtesy, which will 
 breed some amity between them which may turn to your 
 service ; whereas, if Poulet be left there alone like a 
 
22 Sir Amias Pouleiy 
 
 stranger, it will break occasions of repair to the place of 
 your continuance, which, the more it be, the more will 
 serve for your turn, which I desire, as God knoweth. . . . 
 Written in the Bastile, where I am prisoner, this 9th 
 of April [March 30, O.S.] 1585. 
 
 Your Majesty's most humble and faithful 
 
 servant to the death, 
 
 Tho. Morgan. 
 
 Godfrey Foljambe in March wrote to Gilbert Curie, one of 
 Mary's secretaries.^ 
 
 I hear Sir Amias Poulet shall have the custody of 
 her, whereupon I have inquired what men towards him 
 are fit to be dealt with for her Majesty's service. I have 
 learned the names. Mr. Heydon, his son-in-law and his 
 wife, Hugh Brice or his son, one called M'Roe. All will 
 serve, thought reasonable men and likely to be dealt 
 with all. 
 
 Sir Ralph Sadler wrote to Walsingham of the neighbourhood 
 of Tutbury, February 28, i58-i:2 "Surely, sir, this is a perilous 
 country, for both men and women of all degrees are almost all 
 Papists." Two he thinks worthy of especial mention. Of these 
 Sir Thomas Gerard was prevented from "lurking" in his own 
 house, by being sent to the Tower, August 23, 1586. 
 
 I need not to tell you what an obstinate Papist 
 Langford is, and Sir Thomas Gerard as ill as he, which 
 both do lurk here in their houses, the furthest not past 
 four miles from this castle. Neither of them both, their 
 wives nor families, come to the church, nor yet have our 
 common prayers or service said in their houses, but do 
 nourish certain Massing Priests which do haunt their 
 
 ^ Vol. XV,, n. 67. 
 
 2 Vol. XV., n. 44 ; Sadler's Slaie Papers, vol. ii., p. 525. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 23 
 
 houses, where it is thought they have their Masses secretly, 
 but so closely and cunningly used as it will be hard to 
 take them with the manner. These surely be dangerous 
 persons, if they had power according to their will, and 
 therefore would be looked unto. I would to God there 
 were no more in this country, where I hear of very few 
 good. It seemeth that the Bishop of the diocese is not 
 so diligent and careful of his charge as he ought to be, 
 and therefore would be quickened and admonished from 
 her Majesty to look better to his flock, so as they may 
 be induced to come to the church according to the law, 
 or else that they feel the smart of the same. 
 
 It may be well here to correct an inaccuracy that is found in 
 more than one writer. Robertson says that " Elizabeth resolved 
 to take Mary out of the hands of the Earl of Shrewsbury, and 
 to appoint Sir Amias Paulet and Sir Drue Drury to be her 
 keepers."^ Birch, in like manner, "The Queen of Scots was 
 removed from the custody of George, Earl of Shrewsbury, 
 into that of Sir Drew Drury and Sir Amias Paulet." ^ Miss 
 Strickland is not quite so incorrect, but she says that "her 
 comparatively humane keeper, Sir Ralph Sadler, was superseded 
 by Sir Amias Poulet and Sir Drew Drury, two rigid Puritans."^ 
 Mr. Froude also is inaccurate in saying that " Sir Drew Drury 
 had remained at Fotheringay to share his charge with him."* 
 The arrival of Sir Drew Drury at Fotheringay is announced by 
 Poulet to Walsingham on the 15th November, 1586, a month 
 after Mary's trial. He came for no other purpose but to share 
 Poulet's charge; it is therefore not easy to see the meaning 
 of Mr. Froude's '"'•had remained^ From April, 1585, to Novem- 
 ber, 1586, Sir Amias Poulet was Mary's sole keeper, unless the 
 assistance he received from Mr. Richard Bagot^ entitles that 
 gentleman to share with him the unenviable designation. 
 
 ^ Histojy of Scotland^ London, 1794, vol. ii., p. 124. 
 ^ Memoirs of the reign of Elizabeth, 1754, vol. i., p. 49. 
 ' Lives of the Queens of England, 1864, vol. iii., p. 366. 
 * History of England, 1870, vol. xii., p. 238. 
 ^ Vol. xvi., n. 36. 
 
24 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 We now proceed to our letter-book, which opens in the midst 
 of a letter to Walsingham, written in May, 1585. The book has 
 been thus defective from a very early time, for the folios are 
 marked in a contemporary hand, and foHo i begins in the 
 middle of a sentence. There are two more letters in the Record 
 Office that precede this, dated respectively the 2nd and 15th 
 of May. The true date of our fragment is probably the 28th of 
 May, on which day Poulet wrote the letter to Lord Burghley 
 that we subjoin. 
 
 In this fragment we come upon the first mention by Poulet 
 of Mary's aiimonier, Camille du Preau. When he was first 
 admitted amongst her retinue we have no means of ascertaining. 
 He is mentioned^ by Sir Ralph Sadler as in Mary's service at 
 Wingfield, November 5, 1584, but he does not seem to have 
 suspected that he was a Priest. ^ We shall now be able to 
 trace Du Preau through the letters to the very end. As far 
 back as November 22, 15 71, Mary wrote from Sheffield to 
 M. de la Mothe Fenelon,^ " J'avoy demande ung prestre pour 
 m' administrer le Sainct Sacrement, et en I'estat ou je suis, me 
 renger du tout ce qui peult nuire a ma conscience," but the only 
 answer to this was that she received "en lieu de consolation 
 ung livre difiamatoire par ung athee Buccanan." 
 
 And in the beautiful letter^ which Mary addressed to 
 Elizabeth from Sheffield, November 8, 1582, she thus asks for 
 the exercise of her religion : " Deux choses enfin ay-je princi- 
 pallement h, requerir : I'une, que proche comme je suis de partir 
 de ce monde, je puisse avoir pres de moy pour ma consolation 
 quelque honorable homme d'egHse, affin de me ramantevoir 
 journellement le chemin que j'ay k paraschever, et m'instruire 
 ^ le parfaire selon ma rehgion, ou je suis fermemant resolue de 
 vivre et mourir. C'est un dernier debvoir qu'au plus chetif et 
 miserable qui vive ne se pourroit desnier ; c'est une liberte que 
 vous donnez ^ tons les ambassadeurs estrangers, comme aussi 
 
 1 Sadler's State Papers^ vol. ii., p. 437. 
 
 ' In 1578 Mary Stuart recommends Ninian Winzet her confessor to the 
 Duke of Bavaria. Vol. xi., nn. 8, 10. He probably was her confessor 
 previous to her captivity. 
 
 * Vol. vii., n. 66 ; Labanoff, torn, iv., p. 4. 
 
 * Cotton. MSS., Calig., C. vii., f 51 ; Labanoff, torn, v., p. 332. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtiee?i of Scots. 25 
 
 tous aultres Roys Chatoliques donnent aux vostres exercice de 
 leur religion. Et moy-mesmes, ay-je force mes propres subjectz 
 a aulcune chose contraire k leur religion, ores que j'eusse tout 
 pouvoir et aucthorite sur eulx? Et que je fusse en ceste 
 extresmite prive de telle licence, vous ne le pouvez justement 
 faire. Quel advantage vous reviendrat-il quand vous me le 
 desnirez? J'espere que Dieu m'excusera si, par vous de ceste 
 fagon oppressee, je ne laisse de lui randre se deb voir qu'en mon 
 cceur il me sera permis. Mais vous donnerez tres mauvais 
 exemple aux aultres princes de la Chrestiente d'user, vers leurs 
 subjectz et parentz, la mesnie rigueur que vous me tiendrez, 
 royne souveraine, et vostre plus proche parente, comme je suis, 
 et seray tant que je vivray, en despit de mes ennemys." Mary 
 wrote to M. de Mauvissiere (Dec. 3, 1582):^ "Mon intention 
 n'estant d'avoir I'exercice de ma religion que privement, entre les 
 miens, 011 nul des serviteurs du dit comte ne hante," that is of 
 the Earl of Shrewsbury, to whom she had spoken on the subject. 
 
 The whole of the following fragment is interesting. Poulet's 
 mention of the prayer-book as "dangerous" is characteristic of 
 the man. It may be well to add that M. de Mauvissiere was the 
 French Ambassador at this time. He left England in September, 
 and was succeeded by M. de I'Aubespine de Chateauneuf 
 
 A few further words explanatory of the position of the Queen 
 of Scots are needed to render the letter thoroughly intelligible, 
 and it is not possible to avoid making a few remarks on 
 Mr. Froude by the way. 
 
 For some time past the policy of the young King of Scotland 
 had been watched with deep anxiety by the English Government. 
 Early in 1584 James had written to the Pope, professing himself 
 to be Catholic at heart; he had cooperated with the Duke of 
 Guise in his project of an invasion of England from Scotland, 
 and had openly proclaimed his purpose of delivering his mother 
 and associating her with himself in the government. Accordingly 
 it became apparent to Burghley and Walsingham that James 
 must, at any cost, be brought over to the interests of England. 
 No time was lost in opening successive intrigues at the Court 
 of Holyrood, with results which showed that, in spite of all 
 ^ Cotton. MSS., Calig., C. vii., f. 64 ; Labanoff, torn, v., p. 343. 
 
26 Sir Aniias Poidet, 
 
 promises, James would, were the bribe high enough, be found 
 ready at once to sacrifice his mother, and to throw the whole 
 power of Scotland in the balance on the side of Elizabeth and 
 the Protestant interest. Mary Stuart, on her part, was actively 
 treating with Elizabeth for her release. She had offered every 
 security, and was wiUing to make all concessions, even to the 
 point of absolutely renouncing the crown of Scotland, and suc- 
 cession to that of England, in her son's favour. Broken in 
 health as in spirits, for herself she desired nothing beyond 
 freedom and quiet for the rest of her life.^ Such was the 
 position in October, 1584, when the Master of Gray came up to 
 London to negotiate on the part of his sovereign with Elizabeth. 
 Mary Stuart was to be associated with her son in the projected 
 treaty, and she sent up her French secretary, Nau, as her repre- 
 sentative. At this crisis, as Mr. Froude justly remarks, "had 
 James resolutely identified himself with his mother, and 
 demanded, at the side of France, a general treaty between the 
 three nations of which her release was to be a condition, 
 EHzabeth had engaged herself so deeply that she could not 
 have refused." - But Gray, who professed himself devoted to 
 the Queen of Scots, was prepared to betray her cause and sell 
 his services to the EngHsh Government, and it soon became 
 clear to the mind of the French Ambassador that James himself 
 was willing to make good terms with Elizabeth, by separating from 
 his mother.^ The upshot of this miserable business was that, by 
 the spring of 1585, James had concluded his bargain, agreeing 
 finally to leave his mother to the tender mercies of Elizabeth, 
 in consideration of the paltry bribe of a dozen bloodhounds, 
 an annual pension of five thousand pounds, and vague promises 
 of succession to the English crown. 
 
 The year 1585 opened ominously for Mary Stuart. Abandoned 
 by her son she fell more entirely under the power of the Queen 
 of England. Her pleadings for liberty were met by prevarications 
 and evasions. She was committed to closer imprisonment, and 
 
 ^ Articles from Mary Stuart ^ Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 59 ; and her subsequent 
 letters. 
 
 ^ History, vol. xi., p. 526. 
 
 2 Mauvissiere to the King, November -^. Teulet. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 2 7 
 
 treated with marked increase of rigour. Mr. Froude gives us 
 an admirable description of her removal to Tutbury Castle, the 
 dreariness of her new prison-house, the bitterness and desola- 
 tion of the hapless captive as the fact slowly forced itself upon 
 her mind of her desertion by the son who owed everything 
 to his mother, and who ought in conscience as in honour to 
 have stood by her had she been forsaken by the whole world 
 besides. To Tutbury, in March, Elizabeth sent on a letter from 
 James to Mary, in which he repudiated his formal association 
 with her, and declared his final resolve to separate his interests 
 from hers in most unfilial terms, even going the length of taunting 
 his mother with her captivity. Mr. Froude certainly does not 
 spare James, but then why should he labour to turn even this 
 bitter episode of Mary's long captivity to her discredit, by seizing 
 the occasion to show her up as violent and implacable ? " She 
 cursed the Master of Gray ; she cursed her son \ she swore 
 that sooner than he should enjoy her right in England, as he 
 had already usurped her actual crown, she would disinherit him 
 as a false, treacherous, and ungrateful child, and would bequeath 
 her claims, whatever they might be, to the worst enemy that he 
 had." ^ This statement Mr. Froude supports by a quotation from 
 Mary's letter to Mauvissiere. Now, turning to his reference, we 
 find Mary writing that she is so cut to the heart by the impiety 
 and ingratitude which her son has been compelled to commit 
 in the letter which she believes to have been dictated to him by 
 Gray, that " j-/ mon fils persiste en cela " — you may tell the Justice 
 Clerk in answer (Bellenden had brought up James' letter to 
 London) — ^'' que j'invoqueray la malediction de Dieu sur luy, et 
 luy donneray, non seullement la mienne, avec telles circonstances 
 qu'il luy toucheront au vif, mais aussi le deseriteray-je, et priveray,. 
 comme fils desnature, ingrat et perfide et desobeissant, de toute 
 la grandeur qu'il peult jamais avoir de moy en ce monde; et, 
 plustost, en tel cas, domierois-je mon droit, quel qui soit, au plus 
 grand ennemy qu'il aye, avant que jamais il en jouisse par 
 usurpation, comme il faict, de ma couronne ^ laquelle il n'a 
 aulcun droict, refusant le mien, comme je monstreray qu'il 
 confesse de sa propre main."^ in citing this passage in a 
 ^ History, vol. xi., p. 573. 2 Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 125. 
 
28 Sir Amias Poulety 
 
 footnote Mr. Froude has suppressed the que, has changed the 
 conditional domierois to the indicative dofincray, and leaves out 
 the close of the sentence. Had the quotation been honestly 
 given it would not have been easy either to make the unqualified 
 statement in the narrative, or to mention, as he does on the fore- 
 going page, the association between James and his mother as 
 one to which she had pretended that he had consented. 
 
 Fragment of a letter to Sir Francis Walsingham \May 28?], 1585. 
 .... from any other than from her. And yet the 
 Ambassador writeth faintly in his defence, fearing to 
 justify him too far, as it seemeth, but in perusing these 
 letters Nau told me that he was not to be trusted, and 
 that he knew there was intelligence between him and 
 Gray. 
 
 In this packet or in the last he made mention of one 
 Clearke,^ lately arrived out of Scotland, affirming that he 
 would by no means see him or speak with him, and was 
 credibly advertised that he utterly refused to come to this 
 Queen, and would not come if he had been commanded 
 by the Queen's Majesty. 
 
 In the third packet, Mauvissiere, writing to this Queen, 
 calleth the King of Scots by the name of her son, saying 
 that, following her commandment,^ he will no more give 
 him the title of King, and yet will take the advice of the 
 King his master therein. Then he entereth into a long 
 discourse of Archibald Douglas,^ with whom he met as 
 he walked for his recreation by the river side, and there 
 the said Archibald pressed to speak with him, desiring 
 to know what he had heard from the Scottish Queen. 
 
 ^ Sir Lewis Bellenden. " 1585, Justice Clerk in England for border 
 causes." Burghley's Notes, in Murdin, p. 782. Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 123. 
 When Hunsdon in 1584 was sent to Scotland to gain Arran over to the 
 interests of Elizabeth, the pretext for his coming was also a settlement of 
 border affairs. Labanoff, tom. vi., p. 4. 
 
 * Labanoff, tom. vi., p. 143. 
 
 ^ Archibald Douglas, cousin to the Earl of Morton, on whose imprisonment 
 in 1 581 he fled to England, where, in May, 1586, he was James' Ambassador. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 29 
 
 He told him for news that which this Queen had written 
 unto him with her own hand, which was the distrust she 
 had of his overgreat famiharity with the Master of Gray, 
 of whom she rested ill satisfied because he had done her 
 ill service, and had deceived her greatly ; that she little 
 regarded his credit with her son, that she cared little for 
 all his drifts and practices, that she feared him not and all 
 the rest as little that gave her son ill counsel, and that 
 she had charged the said Ambassador not to make or 
 meddle with them any way, and to deal roundly with 
 him (as he termed it). He concluded in this Queen's 
 behalf that, if he did not give open testimony of his 
 faithful service and fidelity towards her, according to his 
 former promise and profession, she did renounce his 
 service and refuse him for her subject, and would carry 
 this opinion of him, that he had such credit in Scotland 
 as he thought he had no need of her favour. 
 
 Archibald would not believe that this message came 
 from the Queen, but the Ambassador assuring him of it, 
 and that she made no account of him, and thereupon 
 bidding him farev/ell, Archibald answered that this 
 Queen had good reason not to account of him, and not 
 to think him to be her faithful subject and servant. The 
 Ambassador, not listening to his speeches, took his way 
 towards his house, and the other took his way. 
 
 But Archibald had not gone thirty paces before he 
 returned, praying to speak two words more with him. 
 And then told him that he would write to this Queen 
 himself, if he thought his letters would be acceptable 
 unto her ; but prayed him to write unto her by the next, 
 that he was ready to declare himself her faithful servant 
 and subject, in what terms and in what order it would 
 please her to command him, affirming his fidelity by oath, 
 and that his actions should show his sincere affection 
 towards her, although it should cost him his life within 
 eight days after; and that he would not seek wealth, 
 
30 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 honour, or favour in Scotland, or credit with her son, but 
 by her means, calling the Ambassador to witness of his 
 plain and direct dealing, and if he had not foretold all the 
 mischiefs that have ensued, which the Ambassador in his 
 letter avouched to be true, and that he had told him 
 that the only cause of his stay in this realm after his 
 imprisonment was for this Queen's service, by the said 
 Ambassador's commandment, delivered unto him in her 
 behalf, &c. 
 
 The Ambassador, falling from this purpose, thus con- 
 cludeth his letter. That this Queen hath just occasion to 
 be greatly grieved to be so little regarded of her son, in 
 whom she had reposed her only trust ; but she hopeth 
 that her son will know himself, and that she will stretch 
 forth her hand to raise him up, as otherwise she can 
 expect no other thing in this world than displeasure, and 
 that this unkindness would grow and increase to both 
 their destructions, if they fall not speedily to some good 
 reconciliation. 
 
 In one of these letters mention was made of a book 
 of prayers sent to this Queen from one belonging to the 
 Scottish Ambassador in France. I asked Nau for this 
 book. He answered that it was delivered in Mr. Somer's 
 time, and that Mr. Somer had seen it. These books are 
 dangerous. 
 
 The Ambassador maketh mention in all his letters of 
 the civil wars in France, wherein he carrieth himself so 
 evenly as he neither offendeth the King his master nor 
 the Duke of Guise. He is of opinion, by his last letters, 
 that there is little hope of composition, and that these 
 troubles are like to prove more dangerous to that State 
 than any that hath been these last twenty-four. years. He 
 writeth that her Majesty hath offered all assistance to the 
 French King. 
 
 I pray you consider that I perused these letters super- 
 ficially and in haste, and therefore can deliver you no 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 3 1 
 
 more than my short memory could carry away. Only I 
 dare affirm that I have omitted no matter of moment. 
 Although I am not ignorant that these affairs are of small 
 importance, yet it is good to know the humours of the 
 world. 
 
 1 hear that the Ambassador of France is required to 
 make complaint to her Majesty in the behalf of this 
 Queen, that she is restrained to give her alms ; wherein 
 the abuse hath been so great in times past, as, if I were 
 not warranted by mine instructions, I could do no less in 
 reason and judgment than to redress it. The distributor 
 of this alms is one that beareth the name to be a reader 
 unto this Queen, but I am much deceived if he be not 
 a Massing Priest. His meaning was to have gone from 
 house to house as in time past, and to have bestowed the 
 alms by discretion. Their alms are very liberal, which 
 will easily win the hearts of this poor people, if rather 
 they be not won already. And thus leaving to trouble 
 you, I commit you to the mercy of the Almighty. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 Thomas, the second Lord Paget, was a fugitive on the Conti- 
 nent, having left England on the arrest of Francis Throgmorton 
 in 1584. His property was thus at Elizabeth's mercy. He was 
 attainted by Parliament, together with his brother Charles, in 
 1586.1 His houses at Burton and Beaudesert were stripped, and 
 his "household stuff and other things,"^ were sent to Tutbury. 
 In the following letter we have the first mention of the Burton 
 brewer, who was one of the chief agents in the treachery by 
 which Mary was betrayed, and that he should have been put by 
 Walsingham into Lord Paget's empty house, seems to show that 
 the scheme of her betrayal was already sketched out. 
 
 •^ He died at Brussels in 1589, leaving one son William, who was knighted 
 before the expedition to Cadiz under the Earl of Essex, in which he took part, 
 and in the first Parliament after the accession of James his honours and lands 
 were restored. 
 
 2 Vol. xiv., n. 51. 
 
32 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer, 28 Mail, 1585. 
 
 My very good Lord, — Besides the grounds and tithings 
 mentioned in my former letters to belong to the manor of 
 Burton, and thought meet to be reserved for the service of 
 this house, I find in the end of the survey one other tithing, 
 called Michleover, lying in a good corn country, and not 
 distant from hence above four miles, which it may please 
 your lordship to stay to that purpose. These tithings will 
 provide wheat for the pantry, and oats and straw for the 
 stable, which, being delivered here by the several farmers, 
 Avill be both profitable and commodious. Presuming upon 
 your lordship's favour, and being forced to make a large 
 provision of beefs and muttons for the fretting^ of our 
 grounds, I have been so bold as to pray Mr. Bagot to 
 defray 200/. for the service of this house, to which purpose 
 I had already delivered to Mr. Darrell 100/. out of my 
 little store, trusting that your lordship will take order that 
 the residue of the money resting in Mr. Bagot's hands 
 may be also employed to this use. 
 
 After the signing and sealing of this certificate upon 
 the Commission lately directed hither for the survey of the 
 Lord Paget's lands, Mr. Baynham moved me in a matter 
 which was far from my thoughts, and yet finding the same, 
 besides his friendly meaning towards me, to be grounded 
 upon some reasonable considerations, I would not refuse 
 to harken unto it, so far forth as to advertise your lordship 
 thereof The motion tended to this effect, that forasmuch 
 as I was placed in this charge, and might, perchance, 
 continue some time therein, although he doubted not 
 but that I was sufficiently authorized to command the 
 neighbours adjoining upon all occasions concerning her 
 Majesty's service, yet he wished me to be a suitor for the 
 stewardship of the Lord Paget's lands in these two shires 
 of Stafford and Derby, whereby he said I should be better 
 known to the said lord's tenants, and should find them the 
 ^ Fretting, grazing. Anglo-Saxon, /riv'^;/. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 33 
 
 more willing to depend of me, which he thought to be 
 needful, as well in respect of their near neighbourhood, as 
 also that the Lord Paget's lands are able to furnish a 
 thousand able men. And now, referring myself herein to 
 your lordship's favour and better judgment, and forbearing 
 to desire it otherwise than as you shall think it to be 
 meet for me, I will say no more, but that if your lordship 
 shall think good [to bestow] it on me, I trust to see it 
 discharged by one of my own servants to your conten- 
 tation, and to the good liking of the tenants. 
 
 The brewer that serveth this house with beer, breweth 
 his beer in the Lord Paget's house at Burton, where he is 
 lodged with his wife and family, and therefore I think, in 
 my simple opinion, your lordship shall do well to forbear 
 during this service here to grant the keeping of the house 
 to any other, because inconveniences may grow between 
 the two families, and the house being utterly naked, the 
 brewer may seem sufficient to have charge of it. And 
 thus resting at your lordship's commandment, &c. 
 
 The next letter to Walsingham being amongst the State 
 Papers,^ a long abstract made by Poulet of the contents of the 
 letters of the French Ambassador to Mary is here omitted. It 
 must be remarked that Walsingham's letter of the 28th of May,^ 
 to which this is an answer, not only desires Poulet to open the 
 packets addressed to the Queen of Scots, but also directs that 
 her almsgiving was to be restrained. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham, 4 Jtuiii, 1585. 
 Sir, — I have received your letters of the 28th of the 
 last, together with two packets for this Queen, and two 
 notes of advertisements out of the Low Countries, where 
 their ill success seemeth to require a more diligence in their 
 commissioners expected here, whose overlate help may 
 perchance be little profitable unto them, and will not 
 
 1 Vol. XV., n. 97. 2 jii^^^ n. 96. 
 
34 "^^r Amias Poulet, 
 
 fail to be hurtful unto their neighbours. Whereas your 
 leisure doth not suffer you to peruse this Queen's packets, 
 and therefore do desire that the same may be done here 
 by me, and to avoid the inconveniences which as you 
 think I have conceived, are content that I shall tell this 
 people that their letters have been opened by yourself 
 directed thereunto by her Majesty, as a thing meet in 
 this dangerous time. Following your direction, which I 
 will be always willing to observe, I have opened and 
 perused the said two packets, but because the same and 
 the rest hereafter are to be delivered by me open, I shall 
 never persuade them that I have not perused them, and 
 therefore it shall not be amiss in my simple opinion to 
 tell them plainly that I have opened them and perused 
 them, which course I have followed in these packets, and 
 I see no reason why they should mislike it, being all one 
 to them to have them opened here or in another place. 
 And for my part, I do not esteem it as an inconvenience 
 that they should know I had perused their letters, which 
 can be no way offensive unto them, and if it were, I 
 account little of it in respect of her Majesty's service, as 
 hath already and shall always appear in all my actions 
 in this place. ... In the end of his letters, he [the French 
 Ambassador] telleth this Queen that he will visit you at 
 Barne Elmes, and that you are a friendly furtherer of all 
 her causes, affirming no less for Mr. Somer, wherein I think 
 you both are more beholden unto him than you desen/e. 
 
 It seemeth that the French Ambassador hath learned 
 a new phrase of writing of the French troubles sithence his 
 last letters, which may be profitable unto this Queen, and 
 cannot be hurtful unto me, because it is likely I shall find 
 her the more quiet. 
 
 This Queen is now towards the end of her di^t, and 
 trusteth to come out of her chamber this next week. 
 
 These letters containing no matter of weight, I have 
 forborne to send them sooner, hoping to have found some 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 35 
 
 other convenient messenger, whereby I might have spared 
 the labour of the ordinary post, who deserveth his small 
 wages dearly in my opinion, and yet for want of other 
 opportunity, I have been forced to have recourse to his 
 help herein. As knoweth the Almighty, who always 
 preserve you. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 Then come two letters addressed to Lord Burghley. It is 
 doubtful whether Poulet would have been so grateful for the 
 stewardship of Lord Paget's estate, if he had known that he was • 
 not to have the appointment of his deputy, or that his own fee 
 from it was to be 40^-. a year. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer, the Wt ofjimii [sic], 1585.^ 
 My very good Lord, — I have been more bound to your 
 lordship sithence my coming hither for your courteous letters 
 and liberal advertisements of the state of things at home 
 and abroad, than to all the Court of England besides, and 
 yet I have craved it shamefully (if I may say so) as a thing 
 very necessary for my better service in this place. I know 
 your lordship hath least leisure of all others, and therefore 
 your favour towards me is the more evident, whereof I 
 would not fail to be worthy if my ability were answerable 
 to my poor goodwill, which shall be always ready at your 
 lordship's commandment. 
 
 I was bold to write to your lordship touching the 
 stewardship of the Lord Paget's lands, and yet surely I 
 did it in fear, doubting how your lordship would take it, 
 but I find by your letters that it pleaseth you not only to 
 allow of my suit, but also to grant it, wherein I think 
 myself greatly bound to your lordship. Thus your lordship 
 heapeth your benefits upon me daily, and I trust it will 
 suffice you that I acknowledge them with all dutiful 
 thankfulness. 
 
 1 The original is in the British Museum. Harl. MSS.y 6,993, f- 84, 85. 
 D 2 
 
36 Sir Amias Poiclet^ 
 
 I was bold in my former letters to pray your lordship's 
 favour towards me touching the opening of this Queen's 
 packets, wherein what hath passed sithence between Mr. 
 Secretary [Walsingham] and me, may appear by this 
 minute inclosed, so as now I have yielded to peruse them 
 when I shall be thereunto appointed, and I find that it 
 is not misliked, that my plain, round, and sincere dealing 
 (if it be lawful to say so well of myself) doth win me 
 credit, because they find that as I [do] not fear to do 
 the duty of my charge, so I do nothing maliciously or 
 frowardly. And thus, with humble remembrance of my 
 duty, I commit your good lordship to the merciful pro- 
 tection of the Almighty. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 V 
 
 To 7ny Lord Treasui'er^ 10° Jtmii, 1585. 
 My very good Lord, — Considering that by occasion 
 of the term now in hand, your lordship shall be absent 
 sometimes from the Court, I am bold to trouble you with 
 this copy inclosed, addressed herewith to Mr. Secretary, 
 which I send to your lordship in respect only of this 
 Queen's opinion touching the French troubles, and thus 
 resting at your commandment, I commit your good 
 lordship to the merciful protection, &c. 
 
 The letter to Walsingham here mentioned is worthy of 
 insertion, though it is in the Record Office.^ 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham, 10° Junii, 1585. 
 Sir, — The occasion of my writing from hence is always 
 so slender as besides that I ought to make conscience to 
 trouble the posts without just cause, I fear also to be 
 troublesome unto you, and from hence it cometh that 
 you hear not more often from me, and now I write rather 
 for fashion sake than for any matter of substance. 
 1 Vol. XV., n. 98 ; Harl. MSS., 6,993, f- ^7- 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 37 
 
 On Sunday, the nth of this present, after dinner, this 
 Queen sent Nau to my wife and me to come unto her, 
 which we did and found her in her bed, but had left her 
 diet that day, and did intend to leave her bed the next 
 morrow, and in the end of the week to take the air abroad. 
 After long speech of matters of nothing, she told me that 
 she took it unkindly that in all this time of her diet, she 
 had not been visited from the Queen's Majesty either 
 by her letters or at the least by some m.essage, a thing 
 which she knew her Highness had vouchsafed to do 
 often to the Earl of Shrewsbury, and to many other of 
 baser quality, whereby she might perceive the little care 
 was had of her, which appeared also in that she could 
 have no answer of so many letters which she had sent 
 to her Majesty, wherein of her part she would save 
 labour hereafter, and would forbear to say or write any 
 more, finding that she was kept to no other use than to 
 serve a turn, when upon some new accident need might 
 require it, and therefore was resolved to shake off all 
 opinion of hope, and to refer herself and her causes to 
 God's providence ; concluding that she would be glad 
 her Majesty did know how unkindly she took it that she 
 had not been visited from her in all this time of her diet. 
 
 I told her I would not do her so much wrong to be 
 the messenger of so unkind a message, because I could 
 not see that there was any ground of this hard conceit, 
 being assured that her Majesty had not received any 
 information at all of her sickness, but rather that she had 
 been hunting and hawking at sundry times, and the day 
 next before the departure of Sir Ralph Sadler had been 
 walking in the garden. This manner of her diet being 
 not esteemed in this country as a sickness, but rather a 
 mean to prevent sickness that might come hereafter. 
 
 She answered that she had advertised her Majesty 
 by her letters of her sickness and lameness, and had 
 signified by the same that no receipt of physic could 
 
38 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 so much further her health as the assurance of her 
 Highness' favour. I prayed her to believe constantly 
 that her Majesty had great care of her health and of 
 her good estate, affirming that I could speak it of my 
 own knowledge, as a thing which I had heard at her 
 Highness' own mouth. 
 
 Then glancing at her unhappiness in that she was 
 encountered every day with new occasions to the hin- 
 drance of her desires, which she understood by the 
 French Ambassador's letters to have had the slower 
 passage by reason of the French troubles, she asked 
 what I had heard of them. I said I had heard no more 
 than that which I had read in the French Ambassador's 
 letters directed unto her, which I had perused as she 
 did know. 
 
 She asked if I thought that the Queen's mother's 
 mediation would prevail. I answered that although I did 
 concur in opinion with the French Ambassador that the 
 French King might not endure with his honour that 
 arms should be taken in his country without his per- 
 mission, and would never condescend to the outrageous 
 demands of controllers ; yet I did think that this war 
 would be ended by composition of preferments in honours 
 and dignities, to be bestowed in some good measure upon 
 her kinsmen, which I doubted not they would gladly 
 accept, and the rather because they were abandoned 
 (which I said the French Ambassador's letters did import) 
 of a great number of the French nobility, whose assistance 
 they expected. 
 
 " You are deceived," quoth she ; " these wars will be 
 drawn into great length;" and then,^ whispering me in 
 the ear, said that France would be cantoned after the 
 German fashion, as that Champaigne, Burgundy, Picardy, 
 Lyonnois, and some other parts adjoining to the Duke 
 of Savoy would take that course, and that the project 
 hereof was laid long since. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 39 
 
 I was very willing to sound her farther upon this 
 subject, and thereupon told her that I remembered when 
 I was Ambassador in France her kinsman the Duke of 
 Guise was the head and principal party in many leagues 
 and associations which were made at that time in many 
 parts of France ; and although the same was pretended 
 to be done with the King's good favour and assent, yet 
 many of good judgment were of opinion that it carried a 
 meaning of cantoning. "Yea," saith she, "this matter hath 
 not slept, but hath been much laboured since that time, 
 and when Monsieur went first to Cambray, Normandy 
 had taken arms if her kinsman had not stayed it." She 
 seemed unwilling to discourse farther of this matter, 
 excusing her kinsmen so coldly as it might appear she 
 was nothing glad of [their] enterprise. 
 
 It is now long since that this Queen was restrained 
 to give her alms as I have heretofore written unto you, 
 and yet in all this time I had heard nothing therein 
 from her own mouth until this present, that bewraying 
 with many words her discontented mind, she said she 
 might easily see that no account was made of her. If 
 any seemed willing to further [her] causes, or would be 
 content to hear well of her, he was greatly misliked ; 
 if [any] spake ill of her, as some had spoken so ill as 
 they could not speak worse, they were rather allowed 
 than blamed. Yea, it was not thought meet that any 
 should think there were virtue or goodness in her, "or 
 else," saith she, "why did you restrain me to give any alms 
 to the poor folks, who would perchance have prayed for 
 my better health, which was all the hurt that could have 
 ensued of my almsgiving .-^ " And then she recited that, 
 during her being at Buckstone [Buxton], she was moved 
 in pity to give a smock to a poor naked woman, which 
 was carried to her Majesty with great advantage, as if 
 she had a purpose to win the hearts of the people by 
 indirect means. "But shall I tell you," quoth she, "what 
 
40 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 will ensue hereof? You fear lest by giving alms I should 
 win the favour of the people, but you ought rather to 
 fear lest the restraining of my alms may animate the 
 people against you." 
 
 I prayed her to give me leave to deliver my simple 
 opinion unto her in all plainness, which was that giving 
 of alms was a thing convenient in all estates and degrees, 
 but not expedient in all times and all seasons, neither 
 meet to be distributed by all kinds of people to all sorts 
 of people without difference. If her giving of alms had 
 no other meaning than to do the office of a Christian 
 conscience, she might bestow her liberality by her 
 Ministers in other countries, which would be no less 
 acceptable before God than if she had given the same 
 here with her own hands. The laws of this realm had 
 provided so carefully for the relief of the poor as none 
 could want, but either through their own lewdness, or 
 by the negligence of the officers of several parishes, so 
 as it was to be trusted that the people here had no need 
 of her alms, and that it could not be denied but that, by 
 what means I know not, she had gotten the hearts of 
 some bad subjects in this realm, when in her favour 
 they were content to take arms against their Prince and 
 country. 
 
 "They were two earls,"^ said she, "which were discon- 
 tented upon private occasions." " But these two," quoth I, 
 " carried great multitudes with them," wishing her to carry 
 this constant opinion, that as no alms whatsoever could 
 procure her any favour that might stand her in stead, 
 so I feared nothing the danger that might come unto 
 me by restraining her alms. " But," saith she, "when I am 
 sick in body or troubled in mind, and would be glad to 
 be assisted with the prayers of the poor people, I must 
 say it is hard, or rather barbarous, to restrain me." 
 
 ' The Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland, the leaders of the 
 insurrection of the north, in 1569. 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee7i of Scots. 4 1 
 
 Nau having before that time declared unto me that 
 his mistress would complain to her Majesty of this 
 rigour, as he termed it, I concluded that I doubted not 
 but that she had or would give information of my 
 doings herein, and by the answer she should know what 
 opinion was conceived hereof in other places. Indeed, 
 Mr. Somer hath written unto me that he hath seen 
 this Queen's letters to the French Ambassador to this 
 effect, terming the restraint a rigour. 
 
 If I might hear sometimes from you of the French 
 proceedings, I might deal the better with this Queen in 
 many respects, and therefore I am bold to renew this 
 suit again unto you. 
 
 Although, as I have before written in the first part of 
 this letter, I told this Queen that I would not do her so 
 much wrong to be her messenger of that unkind message 
 to her Majesty, because she should not expect answer 
 thereof, yet I have thought it agreeable with my duty to 
 advertise the same. 
 
 Request was made unto me yesterday to permit Sharp 
 to ride five miles hence to see certain horses, which I 
 refused, whereupon Nau came unto me this last evening, 
 and after a long and tedious discourse of the great 
 promises of favour towards his mistress, which he had 
 received from her Majesty at his last being at the Court, 
 finding by late experience that she is more straitly used 
 than in time past, and here rippeth up all the old rigour, 
 as he called them, as also that she had heard nothing 
 from her Highness in answer of her several letters, would 
 needs draw it into a peremptory consequence that there 
 was no meaning to treat farther with her, concluding that 
 he spake it as of himself, not commanded by his mistress. 
 
 Surely you would have been merry to have heard the 
 talk that followed between him and me,^ wherein I think 
 
 ^ '* He [Poulet] so little trusted his power to match such a diplomatist, 
 that he dared not speak to Nau." Fronde's History, vol. xi., p. 579. 
 
42 Sir Amias Poulel, 
 
 I was more plain with him than his mistress durst to have 
 been, and advising him to peruse with leisure and judgment 
 the French Ambassador's late letters to his mistress, wherein 
 he setteth down at good length the just and necessary 
 causes of the stay of this treaty, and yet giveth great hope 
 that as time and occasions shall change, the same may go 
 forward with effect. I told him he should do well to follow 
 the same course, and considering his great credit with his 
 mistress, to beware to abuse it to her hurt by his distem- 
 pered and violent counsels, wherein his haste might make 
 more waste in one hour than he could recompense in all 
 his life after. Yet [it] was easy to see that his necessary 
 inferences in Princes' causes were uttered by direction, and 
 did proceed from his mistress' own mouth, and so I took 
 it, and therefore would forbear to answer him any farther 
 therein, concluding that I was expressly commanded by 
 her Majesty to intreat this Queen honourably, and to have 
 singular and special care of her health, and of her safety 
 against all dangers, and therefore, if I had done anything 
 that deserved the name of rigour and straitness, I must 
 submit myself to the censure of the Queen my mistress. 
 
 He would needs persuade me that I was wise and 
 discreet, and that I had done nothing herein but by 
 direction from above. I reported me therein to his own 
 judgment, who knew very well that all my invocations had 
 been very sudden, so as the fault being found in one day 
 was redressed the next morrow, which could not be done 
 by order from above, but it sufficeth me that my con- 
 science told me I had done nothing herein frowardly or 
 maliciously, and that I had no other respect than her 
 Majesty's service, from the which I would never be diverted 
 for any other respect whatsoever. 
 
 Although all these alterations seemed to have been 
 buried, and as I think, had not been renewed but upon the 
 occasion before recited touching Sharp, yet, no doubt, 
 they are grieved amongst the rest with these things, 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 43 
 
 especially that they are removed from walking on the 
 walls ; that Sharp may not ride abroad as in times past, 
 alone at his pleasure ; that he hath his lodgings within the 
 house, which he had heretofore without the gate ; that they 
 cannot take their walks into the town ; that none of my 
 servants from the highest to the lowest, do eat, drink, talk, 
 or confer with them ; and finally, that this lady's alms are 
 restrained ; wherein I will say no more but that, if you 
 were here in my place, I am much deceived if you would 
 not say with me that the least of all these abuses might 
 breed great and dangerous inconveniences. When flesh 
 and blood hath done what it can, yet, as things are 
 compassed here, all their treacherous means can never be 
 avoided. And yet, reason commandeth to redress all open 
 and known faults. 
 
 I know Nau better than I may make known by writing, 
 and I know him so well as I would be glad with all my 
 heart he were removed, and his place supplied with any 
 two others whosoever, I care not out of what country or 
 from whence they came. 
 
 Nau, in his long discourse, told me amongst other 
 things, that Sir Ralph Sadler and also Mr. Somer were 
 known to have said that no honest^ Englishman would 
 serve this Queen, and that they could not think them 
 honest that would serve her ; whereof he informed [me] 
 that there was a meaning to make his mistress a mere 
 stranger to all English subjects. This argueth their 
 unthankfulness, which I can prove many ways in the 
 cause of my predecessors, and therefore a yard and 
 inch is a good measure for them, and it may be given 
 with such temperance as it will be as thankworthy as 
 if they had larger measure. I have troubled you too 
 much, now I leave you to the fatherly keeping of the 
 Almighty. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 ^ The word is used in the old sense of faithful, loyal. 
 
44 •^^'^ A^nias Poulet, 
 
 The assertion in the following letter, that it " was sent by an 
 honest man," is at first a little startling, as this is the way in 
 which, when the plot for Mary's destruction was in progress, 
 Poulet used to designate the brewer who was concerned in it 
 The phrase must however be simply a coincidence, for the plot 
 was not yet hatched. Mr. Froude thinks that the brewer was so 
 christened by Poulet in irony ; but may it not simply mean a 
 trustworthy agent? So Morgan, in his letter says, "the other 
 may be made an honest man and an instrument to serve your 
 Majesty;" and so, when Poulet told Mary that he was the 
 servant of the Queen of England and would not fail to do the 
 duty of his charge, she answered that she " could not blame his 
 honesty." 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer, the i6th y anMarii\Jn7ie\ 1585. 
 
 My very good Lord, — This bearer, my servant, being 
 upon the point of his departure towards London for his 
 necessary business, I received your lordship's most favour- 
 able letters, dated at Tibalds, the 14th of this present, for 
 the which I most humbly thank your good lordship, and 
 would not fail to acknowledge your favour with more 
 plenty of words, if the messenger were not pressed to 
 take his journey with speed, whereby I am forced to write 
 in this short manner, which it may please your lordship to 
 take in good part, as proceeding from one that would be 
 loth to be found unthankful, although otherwise not able 
 to do your lordship any service. The two letters which 
 your lordship received last from me were diversely sent, 
 the one with a packet to Mr. Secretary, tied to the same 
 with a thread, the other being first in date, and containing 
 some matter touching the opening of this Queen's packets, 
 was sent by an honest man travelling towards London, 
 who promised to deliver the said letters at your lordship's 
 house on Saturday last, at night, and I think will not 
 fail to perform his promise. 
 
 I think myself bound yet once again to thank your 
 lordship most humbly for your liberal letters, written in a 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 45 
 
 time of so little leisure, when you expected her Majesty 
 the next day. Beseeching God to assist this honourable 
 assembly with His mercy and favour, and to bless and 
 prosper all your lordship's actions to His glory and your 
 increase of honour. 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 In the letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, of June 22,^ after 
 giving his opinion respecting foreign politics, and that "it 
 hehoveth us to provide for our own safety by liberal support 
 of Protestant Princes abroad, and especially by the good amity 
 of Scotland," Poulet says a i^\{ words of his prisoner's health, 
 which are repeated word for word in the next letter to Lord 
 Burghley. 
 
 The Earl of Leicester was Master of the Queen's Horse, or 
 as Poulet calls it "her Majesty's Race," as well as Lord High 
 Steward of her Household. In the former capacity, he received 
 the following letter. 
 
 To my Lord of Leicester, 22° Junii, 1585. 
 
 My very good Lord, — I have received your lordship's 
 letters of the 5 th of this present, by the which you require 
 my assent and furtherance in retaining of the little park 
 adjoining to this castle for the use of her Majesty's Race, 
 under your lordship's charge, as likewise that the provision 
 of firewood for this household, now taken in Castlehaye 
 Park, may be removed to some other place. 
 
 Touching the first, I wrote unto your lordship long 
 sithence, that forasmuch as the horses belonging to this 
 castle were to attend upon the Scottish Queen upon every 
 short warning, it was of necessity that either the horses 
 must have grass at hand, or else must be kept continually 
 at house, which would prove chargeable to her Majesty, 
 referring to your lordship's consideration, if the little 
 park might be spared to this use or no. But receiving 
 no answer from your lordship, I hired a ground of 
 
 ^ Vol. XV., n. 100. 
 
46 Sir Amias Poulety 
 
 Mr. Candishe [Cavendish], adjoining to the said park, at 
 the price of forty marks by the year, which serveth very 
 fitly to this purpose, and do think that Mr. Candishe will 
 be entreated to spare the said ground during this service, 
 so as there will be no cause to desire the park. 
 
 The wood in Castlehaye Park may not be spared 
 without some loss to her Majesty in respect of the 
 carriage, which is already discharged for one whole year, 
 to be ended in February next, by the counties of Stafford, 
 Derby, and Leicester, at the rate of \6d. for every load, 
 with 2d. to be paid by her Highness ; the greater part of 
 this contribution being already levied, and no new compo- 
 sition can be made for this year, and it is not to be hoped 
 that they will come to any larger contribution the next 
 year. 
 
 Mr. Eton and Mr. Darrell, upon a view taken by them 
 of that walk of Nedewood Forest, which is nearest 
 adjoining to this castle (as, indeed, it is to no purpose 
 to speak of the other walks, in respect of their far 
 distance), as also of Stockley Park, distant from hence 
 less than two miles, do find that those two places will 
 furnish this castle of firewood during the space of three 
 years, or thereabouts. 
 
 One Alsopp, yeoman of her Majesty's Race, proffering 
 to carry all the wood out of Stockley Park at \%d. the 
 load, and out of all the forest walk of Nedewood at 2s. the 
 load ; so as the surcharge of the first is only 2d. in every 
 load, and of the other Zd. in every load, the wood in 
 Stockley Park being said to be sufficient for one year or 
 two, in which time her Majesty's charge will be little 
 increased. 
 
 Thus I have delivered unto your lordship the true state 
 of the matter, referring the same to the better conside- 
 ration of your lordship and others of her Majesty's 
 Council, only I shall pray you to consider that the summer 
 season is well spent, the ways hereabouts so foul, as there 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 47 
 
 is no means to carry wood after Michaelmas, and there- 
 fore, if it shall be resolved to remove this service out of 
 Castlehaye Park, it may please your lordship to procure 
 warrant for the taking of wood in Stockley Park, or 
 Nedewood, to be sent hither without delay. Thus, with 
 humble remembrance of my duty, I commit your good 
 lordship, &c. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer^ 22 Junii^ 1585. 
 
 My very good Lord, — Mr. Candishe [Cavendish] his 
 house adjoining to the walks of this castle, was so neces- 
 sary for this service in many things this last winter, as it 
 might not have been spared by any means, and hereafter, 
 by reason of our provision of hay, corn, straw, and other 
 like household stores, besides some lodgings for servants, 
 will be more needful than at any time before. 
 
 Mr. Candishe hath belonging to this house no great 
 quantity of grounds, and yet they are such as may stand 
 us in great stead for the summering of our horses, for hay 
 for the stable, and for other profitable commodities. 
 
 There remaineth one other thing worthy of conside- 
 ration, in my simple opinion, which is that Mr. Candishe, 
 and my lady his wife, being straitly lodged in a house 
 distant from this castle four miles or thereabouts, do, for 
 their recreation, make their often repair to this house, 
 a matter which may prove dangerous unto them, this 
 people being very willing to entertain such like old 
 acquaintance, whereof I have had some experience of 
 late, and therefore would be glad to avoid the occasion. 
 And the rather because I find Mr. Candishe well affected 
 to her Majesty's service, and for his liberal proffers to that 
 purpose have good cause to like well of him. 
 
 Upon the considerations (without making any mention 
 of this latter), I have conferred with Mr. Candishe, who is 
 well content to exchange the use of his whole house 
 (reserving a chamber or two for the keeping of his stuff) 
 
48 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 for the use of Lord Paget's house at Burton, and his 
 grounds here for other grounds to Hke value there, wherein 
 he deserveth thanks in my simple opinion. And now, if it 
 shall please your lordship to allow of this bargain, I trust 
 to see him satisfied, and the service shall be greatly 
 furthered. 
 
 I repent greatly that I have forgotten to pray your 
 lordship to reserve the parks of Beaudesert and Bromley 
 for the use of this house, which will serve to great purpose, 
 as well for provision of venison as other ways, and shall be 
 so husbanded, as her Majesty shall find her officers here 
 profitable tenants. 
 
 It may please your lordship to do me that favour 
 to peruse these copies inclosed of letters which I have 
 received of late from my Lord of Leicester, and of my 
 answer to the same. 
 
 This Queen took the air in the garden here the i8th of 
 this present, and the next morrow went abroad in her 
 coach, so as now I think I shall be driven henceforth to 
 forget the gout, and stand to my limbs. 
 
 Thus, with humble remembrance of duty, I beseech 
 God to preserve and keep your lordship in long life and 
 good health. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 The threat, so broadly expressed in the following letter, ^ that 
 in case of an attempt at rescue, the Queen of Scots should at 
 once be killed, is not here made for the first time. Lord Shrews- 
 bury had said the same, and Somer, when defending Sir Ralph 
 Sadler for having permitted her to go out hawking, said that " if 
 any danger had been offered, or doubts suspected, this Queen's 
 body should first have tasted of the gall."- 
 
 To Sir Francis IValsiftghajn, the ^th of July, 1585. 
 Sir, — Whereas it hath pleased her Majesty to commit 
 unto me the charge, as well as of the safe keeping of this 
 
 1 Harl. MSS., 6,993, f- 94- ^ Vol. xv., n. 60. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 49 
 
 Queen, as of the restraining of her, and such as attend 
 upon her, from secret conveyance of letters and other like 
 practices, and for my better instruction and direction in 
 that behalf, hath delivered unto me certain articles, com- 
 manding me to have a special care to see the same duly 
 put in execution touching the safety and forthcoming of 
 this Queen's person, I will never ask pardon if she depart 
 out of my hands by any treacherous slight or cunning 
 device, because I must confess that the same cannot come 
 to pass without some gross negligence, or rather traitorous 
 carelessness : and if I shall be assaulted with force at home 
 or abroad,' as I will not be beholden to traitors for my 
 life, whereof I make little account in respect of my alle- 
 giance to the Queen my sovereign, so I will be assured 
 by the grace of God that she shall die before me, so as 
 I doubt not to perform this first point, and (as I may say) 
 the substance of my charge, to the full discharge of my 
 duty. 
 
 Concerning the other part of my instructions, by the 
 which I am commanded to restrain this people from 
 secret conveyance of letters and other like practices, my 
 conscience beareth me witness, and my doing I hope 
 shall testify for me, that as I have been very careful and 
 curious to perform every syllable contained in my instruc- 
 tions with all preciseness and severity, so I have not been 
 negligent to observe all the actions, as well of those of 
 this family as of others abroad, and have done all my 
 endeavour to make this people and their friends to 
 know that if it were possible I would not be deceived 
 by them. 
 
 I have (I thank God) reformed no small number of 
 abuses of dangerous consequence, and experience doth 
 inform me daily of other such new faults as might carry 
 great peril, which I omit not to redress by little and little 
 as I may, and do not doubt to reduce to some better 
 order in time convenient ; and among these faults I 
 
 E 
 
50 Sir Amias Pom let y 
 
 account this not the least, that upon due examination 
 of the qualities of all her Majesty's under ministers in 
 this house, from whence they came, and on whom they 
 depended before their coming hither, I have just cause 
 to suspect that divers of them were foisted in to serve 
 turns which may not be imputed to Sir Ralph Sadler, 
 who had no dealings therein, as likewise Mr. Cave,^ being 
 a stranger in these parts, could not know them or judge 
 of them. 
 
 All these sores are nothing grievous unto me, because 
 I have the remedy in my own power; but there is yet 
 remaining one disorder, which is so foul, as it [is] easily 
 seen, but not so easily redressed. And because the same 
 is expressly mentioned in my instructions, I find myself 
 the more nearly touched in honesty and credit to utter 
 my simple opinion therein, and to pray her Majesty's 
 direction for the reformation thereof. 
 
 It is set down in my instructions, amongst other things, 
 that cochers [coachmen], laundresses and such like, have 
 heretofore been used as principal instruments for the 
 conveying of letters [and] messages, and therefore I am 
 commanded to have special regard that a watchful eye 
 be carried over them, and that their doings be so 
 observed as the like inconvenience may not grow by 
 them hereafter. 
 
 The cocher [Sharp] is so restrained, and so narrowly 
 observed, as he can do no hurt, although no doubt he 
 wanteth no goodwill to do all service possible to this 
 Queen his mistress. 
 
 The laundresses are three in number, whereof the 
 chiefest and the trustiest in treachery is sister to Sharp's 
 wife, and one of the other two sister to Sharp. What 
 fruits are to be expected from this people so nearly allied 
 to Sharp I refer to your judgment. Mr. Somer had a 
 good opinion of them, and commended them greatly to 
 
 ^ Bryan Cave preceded Marmaduke Darrell as Master of the Household. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 5 1 
 
 me and my wife for their honesty and plain dealing. So 
 as I found two of them unsworn at my coming hither, 
 which since have received their oath/ Mr. Somer affirm- 
 ing that the third had been sworn at Sheffield. These 
 women wash, eat and drink, and are lodged in a little 
 house in the park adjoining to this castle, without the 
 precinct of the said castle. They have by this means full 
 liberty to go where they list by day or night. They may 
 receive into their houses whom they will. The keeper of 
 the said park, servant to Mr. Candishe [Cavendish], is their 
 very near neighbour. They have access to this Queen 
 and her gentlewomen for their clothes, and now, what is 
 it that they may not carry and convey here and there at 
 their pleasure } You will say they may be searched as 
 they pass in and out. Indeed, all other laundresses which 
 serve the gentlemen and other of the Scottish retinue arc 
 stayed at the gate, and their clothes are searched, received, 
 and delivered, but this Queen's laundresses have been 
 always allowed to go to her chamber, and it may be 
 that these things do require sometimes such conference 
 as were not meet to be uttered in the presence of 
 soldiers. To make narrow search of these clothes at 
 the gate, as it cannot be comely, so it will be as little 
 profitable, unless the women be also stripped unto their 
 smocks. 
 
 Although I had no certainty of any good success, yet 
 when I have observed that this people hath been busy 
 in writing a day or two, I have appointed some of my 
 trustiest servants to watch about the laundry all night, 
 taking order with them, that if any did approach the 
 house, to permit him to pass quietly, and to stay him in 
 his return, and if he did not return, then to enter the 
 house in the morning and to arrest him there. But as 
 I thought good to hazard this labour, so it hath been 
 hazarded without profit, and in truth, when I consider the 
 
 ^ A copy of the soldiers' oath is in the State Papers, vol. xv., n. 28. 
 E 2 
 
52 Sir Amias Potdety 
 
 ready means which these laundresses have, either by this 
 keeper, or by any other of their old acquaintance, whereof 
 there is good store here at hand, I may easily see that 
 they may do at high noon what they shall think meet, 
 and need not to trouble themselves at unseasonable 
 hours. 
 
 This service being so subject to so open and apparent 
 means of treacherous devices, I have thought agreeable 
 with my duty, and to stand best with my discharge against 
 all events, to deliver them plainly and fully unto you, 
 referring the same to the grave consideration of her 
 Majesty. Only I will say that, in my simple opinion, there 
 is no other remedy to redress this abuse but by removing 
 of these women and placing others in their room, which 
 being well chosen may in all likelihood prove honest and 
 faithful, but the rather if they be taken out of some 
 country far distant from this castle. This alteration will 
 breed (no doubt) great storms and marvellous unkind - 
 ness, which shall trouble me nothing at all if it shall be 
 found to import her Majesty's service. 
 
 This Queen hath been thrice abroad in her coach, and 
 hath been also at some other times in the garden, carried 
 thither in a chair, but useth sometimes her feet, being 
 sustained by two of her gentlemen, so as it seemeth that 
 her legs are yet weak, and indeed are wrapped in gross 
 manner, as hath appeared to my wife. It is greatly 
 misliked that she is accompanied in her walking abroad 
 with so many horsemen, all furnished with snaphaunces^ or 
 cases of pistols, and a good number of harquebuziers on 
 foot with their matches lighted, attending on her coach. 
 The first day it was thought to be done for fashion's sake, 
 and not meant to be continued. The second day Nau was 
 sick, and when he is absent all things are well taken. The 
 third day Nau being present, it was secretly pretended 
 that this Queen's person might be in danger, and that she 
 
 ^ Snaphatince, a firelock. Dutch, snaphaan. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 5 3 
 
 had more cause to fear her keeper than he had to be afraid 
 of foreign violence, and forsooth to keep her from harm, 
 Nau and Curie may not depart from her coach. This is 
 a secret which I must pray you most earnestly not to 
 discover to any other than to her Majesty. If I play not 
 the blab, I shall know more. It is thought she will try 
 how my harquebuziers on foot will hold out when she 
 rideth upon her horse, but I must tell her that soft riding 
 is best for her health. And indeed she shall be deceived, 
 if she hope to go beyond the limits of two miles prescribed 
 unto me,^ although she shall never know by me how far 
 they extend. 
 
 I find by this little experience of her going abroad, 
 that I had some reason to restrain this Queen's alms, 
 which should have been distributed by one appointed to go 
 to that purpose from house to house, as by my former 
 letters hath been advertised, wherein she had been prodigal 
 in times past, as (no doubt) she hath gotten the hearts of 
 the whole town, a matter of no consequence because the 
 town is little and beggarly, but it is certain that the fame 
 thereof hath won her credit in other places. She hath 
 bestowed in this town little less than twenty marks in one 
 day, and if I should tell you what I have heard by credible 
 report of her liberality, as well within this castle as abroad, 
 and for the more part upon very slender occasions, you 
 would find it strange. Of this one thing I will assure you, 
 that none of my servants or soldiers shall be beholden unto 
 her or to any belonging unto her for one penny during 
 my service in this place. Serving-men and soldiers are 
 slippery fellows, and I may be deceived, but I dare 
 promise great things for these, and I think they will not 
 deceive me. I take strait order that this Queen is not 
 followed in her going by any others of any quality what- 
 soever than myself and my retinue, and yet I see she 
 
 •^ Poulet's instructions say two miles. The original draft of them sail I 
 three (Vol. xv., n. 50). 
 
54 ^^'^ A77tias Potilet^ 
 
 giveth daily upon light occasions, and in very liberal sort, 
 and I am deceived if she be not sorry that she giveth not 
 more than she doth give, as well in alms as in rewards 
 otherwise. 
 
 They seek as much as they can to hide their gifts from 
 me, but they find they have many eyes upon them. As I 
 think it is not meant that they shall be restrained to give 
 alms to a poor man meeting them upon the way, so I am 
 of opinion that you will not allow that passing through a 
 street they shall cast down their alms in good little sums 
 to be taken up by them that list to stoop for it, and so to 
 give they know not to whom, wherein is more ostentation 
 in appearance than charity. 
 
 I have been informed that every chamber of the 
 Scottish retinue here hath his case of pistols, and that 
 some chambers have more, for the certain knowledge 
 whereof I prayed them [a] fortnight since to permit 
 Mr. D,arrell to take an inventory of their several chambers, 
 a thing very needful for his discharge and mine, which hath 
 been delayed by Nau hitherunto, but is promised to be 
 performed one day this week. I do not think that they 
 will hide those things, because they are said to have had 
 them now many years, and finding them I desire to know 
 what I shall do therein. If they will be provided of pistols 
 for their surety when by her Majesty's licence they shall 
 take any journey, it may be permitted with this condition 
 in my simple opinion, that they remain in the custody of 
 the governor here until they shall have occasion to use 
 them. 
 
 A Scottish pirate hath given out that he trusted to 
 meet my son, Anthony Poulet, on his way towards Jersey, 
 and would not fail to keep him for a pledge of my good 
 behaviour towards this Queen ; and, indeed, I am persuaded 
 that my charge there carrieth the more danger in respect 
 of [my] charge here, most humbly praying her Majesty, if 
 any soldiers should be put in readiness for Guernsey, that 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 55 
 
 the like may be done for Jersey. I have been so spare in 
 asking, as one loth to put her Majesty to needless charges, 
 that [I] assure you I have not one spare caliver^ in that 
 castle, and as little store of powder. It is true that I had 
 this last year a supply of thirty calivers, half a last^ of 
 corn powder, and a last of serpentine powder, and this 
 might suffice in a time of peace, but these threatening 
 days do require a better store. 
 
 It may please you to take order for the conveyance of 
 this letter inclosed to the Lord Deputy of Ireland, and 
 thus referring all those things to your better consideration, 
 I commit you to God, who prosper all your actions to 
 His glory. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 Sir Ralph Sadler had heard that Poulet was willing to under- 
 take this office. The next letter, which is addressed to Sir John 
 Perrot, Lord Deputy of Ireland, shows signs of discontent. 
 These steadily increase during the ensuing correspondence. 
 Perrot's "service of great toil," was a war of extermination 
 against the Catholics of Ireland. "The execution system," says 
 Mr. Froude,^ "notwithstanding the fair promises with which Sir 
 John Perrot commenced his administration, was continued, which 
 seemed intended to clear the south " of Ireland " of its remaining 
 population." 
 
 To Sir John Perrot, Lord Deputy of Irelmid, 5 yulii, 1585. 
 My good Lord and friend, — As your letters of April 
 came slowly to my hands, so I answer them slowly, 
 and yet as willingly as any letters have been answered 
 these seven years. I trust not to live so long to be 
 forgetful of an old acquaintance and so good a friend 
 
 ^ Calivet; a lighter weapon than a musket, and fired without a rest. 
 Latkam. 
 
 ^ Last of gunpowder, twenty-four barrels, each containing one hundred 
 pounds. Maadloch. 
 
 ' History, vol. xii., p. 89. 
 
56 Sir Aniias Poulet, 
 
 as is Sir John Perrot, and I pray you believe that Amice 
 Poulet is towards you one and the same, and will so 
 remain your assured to my little power. 
 
 I trusted to have written unto you by a messenger 
 out of these parts, but being disappointed thereof, I send 
 my letters to Mr. Secretary, who (I trust) will convey 
 them unto you with the next. 
 
 You write that you are placed in a service of great 
 toil and little thanks, wherein I am deceived if I be much 
 behind you, being cast out into the north, where I want 
 no care, and shall buy my thanks dearly if I have any. 
 Let it suffice both you and me that as we [are] Christian 
 subjects, so we are bound to obey, and accept of any 
 standing or calling that shall be appointed unto us. God 
 give us grace to do the duties of good and faithful servants, 
 and then the same God will not fail to bless our labours ; 
 and thus, with my most hearty commendations, I commit 
 you to the Almighty, who prosper all your actions to 
 His glory. 
 
 From my prison in Tutbury Castle, &c. 
 
 Elizabeth's closeness in money matters kept Poulet in con- 
 tinual straits. He now begins a series of complaints to the Lord 
 Treasurer of the want of ready money which only end with his 
 charge. The two " families " were numerous, and it is clear that 
 Mr. Darrell held no sinecure. Sir Ralph Sadler has left on record 
 the number of Mary's retinue, and the provision that was made 
 for them in answer to "A note of certain points to be resolved by 
 Sir R. Sadler,"! Wingfield, November 5, 1584. 
 
 "What number of persons the said Queen hath attending 
 her? 
 
 " Forty-eight, viz., herself, five gentlemen, fourteen servitors, 
 three cooks, four boys, three gentlemen's men, six gentlewomen, 
 two wives, ten wenches and children. 
 
 "What number of chambers shall be thought meet to be 
 furnished for the said Queen ? 
 
 * Vol. xiv., n. 25 ; Sadler's State Papers, vol. ii., p. 437. 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee7i of Scots, 5 7 
 
 " She hath for herself two, and for her maids three, besides 
 two for two women that have their husbands here, and eight for 
 her gentlemen, officers, and men servants; in all, fifteen. Note, 
 that the two secretaries, master of her household, her physician, 
 and De Preau, have several chambers, and so always have had. 
 
 "What the Queen of Scots' ordinary diet is, both fish-days 
 and flesh-days ? 
 
 " About sixteen dishes at both courses, dressed after their 
 own manner. Sometimes more or less, as the provision serveth. 
 
 " How many messes, besides her own diet, are served to the 
 rest of her train ; and in what sort the said messes are furnished, 
 both fish-days and flesh-days ? 
 
 " The two secretaries, master of her household, the physician, 
 and De Preau, have a mess of seven or eight dishes, and do dine 
 always before the Queen, and their own servants have their 
 reversion ; and the rest of her folk dine with the reversion of her 
 meat. Also her gentlewomen and the two wives and other maids 
 and children, being sixteen, have two messes of meat of nine 
 dishes at both courses for the better sort, and five dishes for the 
 meaner sort." 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer 5 Julh, IS^S-^ 
 My very good Lord, — I know I have many shrewd 
 eyes fixed upon me, and that [it] behoveth me to eat with 
 a long spoon ; and therefore, fearing to be charged with 
 remissness in the execution of the instructions received 
 from her Majesty, I have thought good to write herewith 
 to Mr. Secretary, to such effect as may appear by this 
 copy inclosed, humbly praying your lordship to assist 
 me there with your favourable opinion, if the contents of 
 my said letters shall be called in question before your 
 lordship. My purpose and meaning is, according to your 
 lordship's grave and most friendly advice, to keep the 
 broad highway in all my actions and doings, and will 
 strive to be blameless, if it be possible, even in the 
 judgment of those that would not be sorry for my blame, 
 if any such be. 
 
 1 Harl. MSS.y 6,993, f 93- 
 
5 8 Sir Amias Poidet, 
 
 It may please your lordship to receive herewith a view 
 of this last month's expenses of household here, by the 
 which I trust will appear that myself and Mr. Darrell 
 have done our best endeavours to lessen her Majesty's 
 charges, and surely it cannot be expected that the same 
 can be reduced to a lower rate. I may say truly, that 
 if this household were kept at my charge, I would not 
 fail to spend many things which now are spared. My 
 table is furnished with plenty of good meats (God and 
 her Majesty be thanked for it), but without excess, or 
 dishes of charge, little expense of wine, little expense of 
 spices. Your lordship shall find that the charges are 
 lessened every month by at the least two oxen and 
 twenty sheep, three or four hogsheads of wine, and in 
 all other things that are spent by me and mine after 
 that rate. I received from your lordship, at my coming 
 from London, 800/., but it was all spent before my arrival 
 here, and sithence I have had of Mr. Bagot 500/., which 
 by reason of our provision of beefs, muttons, and wines, 
 besides the ordinary expenses of household, are also 
 consumed, and Mr. Darrell in debt to me and some 
 others, whereof it may [please] your lordship to have 
 consideration. 
 
 Your lordship shall do me singular favour, and no 
 less to Mr. Candishe, to rid him out of his house in 
 this town ; and thus, resting at your lordship's com- 
 mandment, I commit you to the fatherly protection of 
 the Almighty. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 The next letter relates to one of Walsingham's spies, an 
 apostate, who was "very careful to entertain his credit with the 
 Papists," that he might betray them. The letter was signed by 
 Thomas Gresley as well as by Poulet, and this accounts for the 
 way in which Poulet names himself in it, as in a previous letter 
 which was written jointly by himself and Sir Ralph Sadler. 
 
Keeper' of Mary Queen of Scots. 59 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsinghavi^ 9 Julii, 1585. 
 Sir, — This bearer, naming himself Robert Woodward,^ 
 finding me. Amice Poulet, yesterday in the evening at the 
 gate of this castle, delivered unto me this little paper book 
 inclosed, upon the perusing whereof entering into further 
 communication with him, I found that after he had served 
 many masters in this realm, he roved beyond the seas, and 
 there spent six or seven years in France and Italy, and 
 being returned from thence two years past, or thereabouts, 
 had been very careful to entertain his credit with the 
 Papists of these parts, and to that purpose had travelled 
 from one shire to another, to no other end, as he said, than 
 to know them, that he might discover them, and among 
 other things, told me that he was born within two miles of 
 the Earl of Shrewsbury's house at Wingfield, and that 
 his mother, yet living, and his elder brother, were tenants 
 to the said earl. Comparing these things together, I could 
 not be persuaded to think well of this man, doubting lest 
 his coming hither had been grounded upon some treachery, 
 and that he had some practice in hand for this people 
 under my charge, and therefore committing him, without 
 pretence of suspicion, to a chamber of this castle, under 
 the keeping of some of my servants, with promise to 
 speak with him again this morning, I sent to Mr. Gresley 
 to have his assistance in my proceeding herein. Upon 
 conference with him, he telleth us that indeed his desire 
 was to have made his repair unto you, but doubting the 
 goodness of his horse, came to me. Amice Poulet, and 
 sayeth that at his first return out of France he was brought 
 before you by John de Vigo, and having then uttered 
 
 ^ In the original letter in the Public Record Office (Vol. xvi., n. 5), 
 "Robert Woodward" is erased, and instead is written, apparently by 
 Walsingham, "Thomas Taylor of Warsington." In a spy's letter to Burghley, 
 printed in Strype's Annals, vol. iii., App., p. 64, the passage occurs, 
 '• [Tither, in the Marshalsca] warned me to beware of one Robert Woodward, 
 who served some time Dr. Wenden, in Rome. They have great intelligence, 
 and fear him much." 
 
6o Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 unto you the whole course of his life, in like sort as now 
 unto us, was employed by you to discover the doings of 
 the Papists, which he did in Norfolk and Suffolk, to the 
 best of his power. We caused him to be searched, for our 
 better satisfaction, and now finding no appearance that 
 his coming hither was for any evil meaning, we thought 
 good to advise him to make his repair unto you, which we 
 did the more willingly because we find that he came to 
 inform you touching one Daniel Morton, who intendeth 
 to go shortly to the Court in Scotland, and willing to have 
 the company of this man in his journey, as likewise he will 
 advertise you of one James Harrison,^ a Seminary Priest, 
 and of John Bencroft, a coiner of money, affirming that 
 these two pieces inclosed were made by him. And thus 
 leaving to trouble you, we commit you to the mercy of 
 the Almighty. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 The next letter to Walsingham, dated July 14, 1585, is also in 
 the Record Office. ^ The following extract from it is about the 
 Priest Du Preau, '-'■alias Sir John," as Poulet calls him. His 
 unwillingness to let the town of Tutbury see him and the Priest 
 riding together is natural and amusing. 
 
 This Queen hath been discontented with me of late. 
 The cause is this, that taking great pleasure in a grey- 
 hound which was given unto her before my coming hither, 
 she desired to see him run at a deer, whereunto I assented, 
 but prayed Curie, the messenger, to desire the Queen, his 
 mistress, to take order that Du Preau {alias Sir John) 
 might not ride with her in this hunting. He asked the 
 cause. I said he ought to believe that I would not have 
 moved it without causes. This hunting was appointed in 
 
 ^ Walsingham has underlined the name of "Harrison," and written in the 
 margin, "Anto BabingtS." There was, however, a "James Harrison, a 
 Seminary Priest," who was martyred at York, March 22, 1602. 
 
 - Vol. xvi., n. 10. I 
 
Keepe}" of Mary Queen of Scots, 6i 
 
 Stockley Park, distant from this castle one mile, and the 
 only way thither is through this town. The man was left 
 behind, and this Queen, having hunted, in her return 
 called me unto her, and told me that she found my 
 message sent [by] Curie, touching Du Preau, very strange. 
 I prayed her to take it in good part, as a thing not 
 desired without reason. She said she could not like that 
 a servant should be forbidden to attend on her. I 
 answered that all her gentlemen waited on her, and 
 that I did not take Du Preau to be of that number, " I 
 must be attended," saith she, "by others than gentle- 
 men." "So you have, madam," quoth I, "one to carry your 
 cloak, and if you will have more I will not let it." She 
 said she did not like to be commanded in this sort. I 
 told her I did not command her, but prayed her to give 
 me leave to direct her servants. I was servant to the 
 Queen of England, and would not fail to do the duty of 
 my charge. I took no pleasure to offend her, and if she 
 would give me leave to be an honest man I would not 
 offend her. She said she could not blame my honest[y], 
 but could not like of this restraint of her servants. I 
 told her when she taketh the air in the meadows he 
 should be permitted to wait on her, but the town of 
 Tutbury should not hold him and me together. " Well," 
 quoth she, "I find innovations every day." "I know none," 
 quoth I, " but such as are reasonable." She said she would 
 complain to the Queen her good sister, and that she knew 
 these things came from above. I answered that indeed 
 my duty, which was the ground of my doings, came from 
 above ; but she might well judge that her Majesty had 
 no part in the matter then in question between her and 
 me. She was now come to the park gate, which inter- 
 rupted our speech, and sithence I have heard no more 
 of it. This man hath been accustomed to distribute the 
 alms of this Queen, and by that means is so well 
 known in Tutbury town, as when he appeareth all the 
 
62 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 people resort unto him, because they have tasted of his 
 Hberality. 
 
 This Queen knoweth that the restraining of this man 
 hath no other hand than to let her almsgiving, which I 
 had rather she divined than I should signify so much 
 unto her. To avoid this giving of alms, I am commanded 
 by my instructions to remove the people from this Queen 
 and her company, which would serve to little purpose 
 unless I did also make fast the door, because they would 
 cast their alms into every door. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer^ the i6th of July, 1585. 
 My very good Lord, — Having met this day by appoint- 
 ment with Mr. Harry Candishe at Burton for the view of 
 the Lord Paget's house there, I have received his resolute 
 answer, which is that I shall have grounds of him to the 
 value of 60/. by the year or thereabouts, and will be 
 content to take grounds at Burton in recompense, wherein 
 he will refer himself to the judgment of two gentlemen 
 to be indifferently chosen. Touching his house he prayeth 
 that consideration may be had of the great loss which he 
 shall sustain so many ways if he depart from it and dwell 
 at Burton, where he hath no provision of wood or corn, 
 which he hath in great plenty at Tutbury, and especially 
 of corn, having the tithes of many parishes adjoining ; he 
 shall lose the services of his tenants ; he shall amend 
 and maintain another man's house, and impair his own ; 
 he shall dwell in a populous poor town, which will be 
 chargeable unto him : besides the discontentment of his 
 mind in many respects : and for these causes desireth a 
 recompense of one hundred pounds by the year for the use 
 of his house, or else, being indebted to the sum of three 
 thousand pounds, that it may please her Majesty for so 
 many years as his house and grounds shall be employed 
 to this service, in full satisfaction of the one and the 
 other, to lend him two thousand pounds upon sufficient 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 63 
 
 sureties, whereof the Earl of Shrewsbury to be one, or 
 upon assurance of a good portion of land. This is his 
 final answer, and in my simple opinion is not much 
 different from reason. A gentlemen of his calling cannot 
 be removed in this sort without great hindrances and 
 greater discommodities. It may be, although he doth not 
 say it, he will be content with the loan of 1,500/. And 
 thus resting at your commandment, I commit your good 
 lordship to the favour and mercy of the Almighty. 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 The next letter being in the Record Office,^ an extract from 
 it will here be sufficient. It is addressed to Sir Francis 
 Walsingham, July 17, 1585. 
 
 This Queen hath made no mention at all of removing 
 these six weeks or more, until yesterday late in the 
 evening, having sent for me to tell me that her packet 
 was ready, she complained of the coldness of her chamber, 
 being subject to the wind in many places by reason the 
 walls were not of stone, which she prayed to have 
 amended, and to that purpose to be removed by the 
 space of six weeks. 
 
 I told her I knew no house in this country fit for her, 
 and to remove far off for so short a time was not possible, 
 and that the faults in her chamber walls might be amended 
 although she did not remove. She said she thought those 
 faults would not so easily be repaired. I answered all 
 should be done that was possible. 
 
 She said no more, but I am deceived if I cannot tell 
 you rightly the ground of this motion. I have the promise 
 of Mr. Candishe's house in this town, and this day he and 
 I shall meet at Burton to deliver unto him in exchange 
 the Lord Paget's house there. Mr. Candishe undiscreetly 
 persuadeth himself that I take his house to serve for a 
 
 ^ Vol. xvi., n. 14. 
 
64 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 removing place for this Queen, although I never said so 
 much to him, and indeed would be ashamed to have 
 made him so foul a lie. This matter by her laundresses 
 or by some other such like mean is come to her ears, and 
 now she prayeth to be removed. I know Mr. Candishe's 
 house and this country so well, as I would not take upon 
 me to keep her there for one week for more money than 
 I shall spend these seven years. And thus I commit you 
 to the mercy and favour of the Almighty. 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 Autograph postscript m the origiftal. Mr. Candishe 
 and I have met at Burton, but we cannot agree upon 
 the price. 
 
 The Henry Cavendish so frequently mentioned in these 
 letters at this period, was the eldest son of Sir William 
 Cavendish by his third wife, Bess of Hardwick, who married 
 fourthly George, ninth Earl of Shrewsbury, keeper of Mary 
 Queen of Scots from 1569 to 1584. The wife of Mr. Cavendish, 
 who is spoken of by Poulet as "an old acquaintance of this 
 Queen," was Lady Grace Talbot, daughter of the above- 
 mentioned George Earl of Shrewsbury by his first wife, Lady 
 Gertrude Manners. The mother of "young Pierrepont," whose 
 friends Lord Leicester warned Poulet to look to, was Frances, 
 wife of Sir Henry Pierrepont, Henry Cavendish's sister. The 
 young lady was the companion from her childhood of the Queen 
 of Scots. Writing to her, September 13, 1583,^ Mary begins 
 the letter, " Mignone," and addresses it, "To my well-beloved 
 bedfellow, Bess Pierpont." 
 
 To my Lord of Leicester^ . . . yjftii [sic] 1585. 
 
 My very good Lord, — Your lordship's letters of the 
 
 26th of the last were delivered unto me by the ordinary 
 
 post the loth of this present after. noon, so as it seemeth 
 
 your letters were misdated, or else the post made no post 
 
 1 CoUon. MSS., Vesp., F. iii., f. 38 ; Labanoflf, torn, v., p. 370. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qiceen of Scots, 65 
 
 haste, but rather is worthy of blame for his negligence. 
 Your lordship promiseth to send hither shortly a warrant 
 for taking wood for the necessary use of this house, which 
 shall be very welcome. 
 
 I thank your lordship most humbly for your advertise- 
 ment contained in the paper^ inclosed in your said letters, 
 whereof I have had especial care, as may appear by my 
 letters written to Sir Francis Walsingham five days before 
 the receipt of yours, and had already conferred with 
 Mr. Candishe to redeem his house and grounds here in 
 exchange for the Lord Paget's house at Burton and other 
 grounds there to the value, thereby to avoid the occasion 
 of resort hither, and having written herein to my Lord 
 Treasurer, have now lately received direction from his 
 lordship to conclude this bargain with Mr. Candishe, which 
 I trust to do before many days pass. 
 
 I can assure your lordship that [no one] hath desired 
 to speak with Pierrepont sithence my coming hither. 
 They are too cunning to deal so grossly. And thus, with 
 humble remembrance of my duty, I commit your good 
 lordship to the mercy of the Almighty. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 Your lordship writeth in your minute that you know 
 letters have passed. Praying your lordship to do me the 
 favour to let me know your knowledge therein, because I 
 can hardly believe it. If it be true, it will stead me 
 greatly to know it; if it be untrue, your lordship shall 
 know by whom you have been abused. 
 
 Poulet, when asking for the stewardship of Lord Paget's 
 property, promised that it should be discharged by one of his 
 own servants, "to the good liking of the tenants." How far it 
 was to the good liking of the Catholic tenants we now see. 
 Mr. Ba)mham, who wanted to be made his deputy, is the man 
 
 ^ The paper or minute is given after the following letter. 
 F 
 
66 Sir Amias Poiclet^ 
 
 who suggested to him to make the appUcation to Lord Burghley 
 for the stewardship. It would appear from the letter of January lo^. 
 that Baynham was appointed deputy-steward after all. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer, . . . y«/«, 1585. 
 
 My very good Lord, — I think myself greatly bound 
 unto your lordship for the stewardship of the Lord Pagefs 
 lands, and do thank you no less for the choice of 
 Mr. Cradocke to serve as my deputy therein, of whom I 
 cannot conceive but well, being recommended by your 
 lordship, and have yielded gladly to your pleasure, which 
 I have signified unto him. 
 
 Mr. Baynham hath desired it by his letters, but they 
 came three days after yours. I was willing to have 
 bestowed it upon one of my servants, a man of sufficient 
 judgment and experience for this place, but it standeth 
 better with my discharge to have a man of better learning, 
 especially being well affected in religion, as Mr. Cradocke 
 is reported to be, so as, I trust, by his good endeavour, 
 joined with my assistance, so many recusants will not be 
 found hereafter among the Lord Paget's tenants as are 
 at this present. I thank your lordship once again for 
 the office and for my deputy. 
 
 It may please your lordship to peruse this letter 
 inclosed with the minute contained in the same ; by the 
 date of which said letters it may seem that my last letters 
 to Mr. Secretary were grounded upon the same minute. 
 But the truth is, that it came not to my hands until the 
 1 0th of this present month, which was five days after 
 the sending of my said letters. If his lordship's letters 
 were not misdated upon some meaning touching the 
 provision of wood for this house, it must be confessed 
 that there was great negligence in the post, because they 
 came to me by him. 
 
 I am not sorry that my letters to Mr. Secretary did 
 concur so well with this advertisement. Your lordship 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 67 
 
 seeth how much I presume upon your lordship's favour, 
 forbearing to trouble you with the copy of my letters sent 
 herewith to Mr. Secretary, for no other cause than that I 
 fear to be over troublesome unto your lordship ; but indeed 
 do desire nothing more than that it may be lawful for 
 me to acquaint your lordship with all my advertisements 
 from hence which shall import her Majesty's service or 
 my poor credit, as one desirous to submit all my doings 
 to your lordship's censure. As knoweth the Almighty, 
 who always preserve your good lordship. 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 A copy of a Minute from my Lord of Leicester, lo^ Jtilii, 1585. 
 I now begin to fear Scotland, and that there is great 
 dissimulation by Arc.^ there and his mistress. You had 
 need look well to the servants of Ca. and his La.,^ for 
 they have intelligence in your house ; and beware one 
 look to such as desire to speak with the young Pierrepont 
 there. I know that letters have passed that way, and I 
 know also that Ha. [/r<?^^<5/j/ H. Ca.] and his La. make 
 their abode thereabouts only to serve, &c. If good wait 
 be laid, you will find it. 
 
 Answer to Mr. Secretary concerning this clause. 
 It may seem that my last letters were partly grounded 
 upon this minute, but the truth is I did not receive it 
 until the loth of this present, which was five days after 
 the date of my said letters unto you. My lord writeth 
 that he knoweth letters have passed that way. Praying 
 you to do me the favour to let me knov/ his knowledge 
 therein, because I can hardly believe it. If it be true, it 
 will stead me greatly to know it ; if it be untrue, his 
 lordship shall know by whom he hath been abused. 
 
 ^ Probably Archibald Douglas. 
 * Henry and Lady Grace Cavendish. 
 F 2 
 
6S Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 The accusation against the Cavendishes was mortifying to 
 Poulet, and it was still more mortifying that it should be sup- 
 posed that he had allowed Bessie Pierrepont to be a channel 
 of communication, especially as (if Morgan be right) he was 
 ''far out of hking with Leicester." He naturally tries to make 
 the best of it, partly by showing that he had anticipated it in his 
 negotiations, prompted solely by his own sagacity, for the removal 
 of the Cavendish family and servants from close proximity to 
 the castle, and partly by disbelieving it, which he might well 
 do, as he had not long before praised Mr. Cavendish as "well 
 affected to her Majesty's service." It is curious that the letter 
 to Walsingham, from which the preceding passage sent to 
 Burghley was taken, is not to be found either in the letter- 
 book or at the Record Office. 
 
 The next letter to Lord Burghley is given by Strype,^ with 
 the remark, "The whole letter I reposit in the Appendix, knowing 
 that these State letters are valuable and tend much to let into a 
 true knowledge of matters transacted." It is a singular fact that 
 Strype, who had access to Lord Burghley's papers, should have 
 only this one to "reposit," out of the large number addressed to 
 Burghley by Poulet. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer ^ the 26th of July, 1585. 
 
 My very good Lord, — Although I have increased in 
 health daily sithence the first day of my arrival here (I 
 thank God for it), and do now find myself able to go 
 strongly, and as speedily as at any time these two or 
 three years last past, yet, being subject to the gout, and 
 considering the nature of the disease, I must look for a 
 fresh assault in the accustomed season, at which time the 
 importance of this service will require the assistance of 
 some honest and faithful gentleman, which no doubt may 
 be easily found, both in the Court and in this country. 
 
 But because your resolutions at the Court are not 
 always speedy, and that my assistant may be found 
 
 ^ Annals of tJie Reformation^ London, 1728, vol. iii., p. 300; Appendix, 
 p. 117. 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee^i of Scots. 69 
 
 wanting before he can come, presuming upon your 
 lordship's favour towards me, I will be so bold to name 
 a gentleman who I know will be content to come hither 
 unto me, and to spend some long time here with me, 
 and rabating^ so many of my number as he and his 
 servants will amount unto, which may be in all five or 
 six, cannot be any way chargeable to her Majesty. 
 
 The gentleman is Mr. John Colls,^a man not unknown, 
 I think, to your lordship for his good discretion, and so 
 well known to me, as I will answer for his fidehty at my 
 utmost peril. And I am deceived if he be not sufficient 
 to take the charge of this service during my sickness, 
 when God shall send it, and especially if, by living here 
 with me, he may be trained^ therein some little time 
 before I shall be visited with sickness. I will stand 
 always answerable for the charge. My supply shall be in 
 house with me, ready upon every occasion ; her Majesty's 
 charge shall not be increased of one penny, and I shall 
 have the comfort of a very discreet* friend. 
 
 If your lordship shall find this motion reasonable and 
 likely to have passage, it may please you to further it, 
 and to do further^ therein as you shall think good. If 
 your lordship shall not allow of it, then I shall most 
 humbly pray you that it may rest with you in secret. It 
 may be that your lordship will not mislike it, but would 
 not be a dealer therein, whereof being advertised I will 
 not fail to seek it in such order and by such means as 
 your lordship shall direct. 
 
 It may please your lordship to give me leave to say 
 plainly unto you, as to my special good lord, that I fear 
 
 ■^ Rabbate, to abate. Halliivell quoting Palsgrave. 
 
 ^ Poulet made a similar request of Walsingham, August 27 (Vol. xvi., n. '^'^)^ 
 then suggesting Mr. John Colls, Mr. Richard Bagot, or Sir John Zouch. 
 Mr. Bagot was appointed {Ibid., n. 36). 
 
 ^ Trusted, Strype. 
 
 * An honest, discreet friend. Strype. 
 
 ^ To proceed therein. Strype. 
 
70 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 there will be some cunning in the choice of my supply, 
 if he come from the Court. This one thing I may affirm, 
 that Mr. John Colls honoureth and respecteth your lordship 
 before all the noblemen in this land. I fear I have pre- 
 sumed too far, wherein I crave your lordship's pardon. 
 And thus resting at your commandment, I commit your 
 lordship to the protection of the Almighty. 
 From Tutbury [the 26th of July, 1585. 
 
 Your lordship's to command, 
 
 A. POULET.] 
 
 It seems a singular request to a Secretary of State, that he 
 should send down a washerwoman from the Court. With this 
 Poulet's letter to Walsingham of July 26 ^ opens. He then says 
 that " the last letters from the French Ambassador to this Queen 
 have lifted the hearts of this people marvellously, and now they 
 hold themselves assured that the exercise of religion is utterly 
 abolished in France, and that the fire kindled there will be 
 extended farther." Nau's brother had written of "the good 
 disposition of the Scottish King towards this Queen," which 
 Poulet recommended Mary to be slow to believe. After saying 
 that the letter from Nau's brother being sealed, he had opened 
 and perused it, according to his general practice, he concludes by 
 asking that instructions may be sent to his son, Anthony Poulet, 
 respecting the reception of French Protestant refugees in Jersey. 
 The following appears in the Record Office as a separate letter.^ 
 
 Ad eundein [Walsingham] eodem die [July 26, 1585]. 
 
 Sir, — I had forgotten in my other letters to pray to 
 be advertised from you if you have received any letters 
 from me by the hands of one Robert Woodward, wherein 
 it may please you to hold me excused. I have received 
 even now letters from Sir John Zouch, by the which it 
 appeareth that he hath travelled faithfully and carefully 
 in seeking to discover the practices of Ralph Elweys, 
 
 1 Vol. xvi., n. 22. ^ Ibid., n. 23. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 7 1 
 
 according to your instructions in that behalf, but no good 
 effect hath followed as yet. And thus once again I take 
 my leave of you. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham^ 2° A7fgusii[i^S$]. 
 
 Sir, — Your letters [of] the 25th and 26th of the last 
 came to my hand the 29th of the same, but the extracts 
 of foreign proceedings mentioned in the said letters I 
 did not receive. It is likely they were forgotten in the 
 closing up of the letters. 
 
 Finding this Queen's packets sent with the said letters 
 fast sealed, having received no countermandment from 
 you, I opened and perused the same after my accustomed 
 manner, wherein perchance I use double diligence, but I 
 dare not do otherwise. Referring you for the substance 
 of the said packet to this paper inclosed, which I send 
 the more willingly because mention is made of the King's 
 good affection to this Queen, and of a device to work 
 a divorce between Arran and Gray. 
 
 We have so long lulled in a most dangerous security, 
 that we are apt to take every light occasion to entertain 
 the same, or rather it has now grown to an habit in us, 
 so as we cannot shake it off in open show of imminent 
 danger. God continue His mercy and favour towards us, 
 and remove this bad humour from us. These letters 
 requiring no haste, I have forborne to use the post, and 
 do send the same by one of my own servants, who is 
 abiding at London. And thus I commit you to the 
 fatherly protection of the Almighty, who give us strength 
 of mind and body to sustain the labours of this busy time. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 The original of the next letter is among the State Papers, 
 
 and the copy sent by Poulet to Burghley is in the British 
 
 Museum.^ 
 
 1 Vol. xvi., n. 30; I/arl. A/SS., 6993, f. 98. 
 
72 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 To Sir Frajicis Walsinghain^ ^ Augusti, 1585. 
 
 Sir, — I have received your letters of the 3rd of this 
 present, and am heartily sorry for the loss of that good 
 earl and his son,^ partly for the particular interest I had 
 in them both, but especially in respect of our Queen 
 and country, who in these days of treachery and treason 
 against God and His anointed, cannot be deprived of the 
 faithful service of two such personages without singular 
 damage. 
 
 Whereas you write this Queen hath desired that for 
 the cleansing and sweetening of this house, she might 
 remove to some other place for some short time, it is 
 most certain that there is no house in these parts either 
 sufficient and commodious for her and her train, or assured 
 for the governor. The Lord Paget had only two houses 
 in this country ; the one at Burton,- distant three miles 
 from this castle, a ruinous house, the buildings scattered, 
 and adjoining to a very poor town, full of bad neighbours ; 
 the other at Beaudesert, distant twelve miles, a house 
 of no strength, the buildings not finished, and both those 
 houses naked and utterly unfurnished of all things 
 belonging to household, so as the furniture of this remove 
 must come altogether from this castle, which will be a 
 matter of excessive charges and trouble, and almost im- 
 possible to be performed, this charge being such as the 
 company may not be divided one day and night without 
 peril. 
 
 If she should be removed for some short time, it is 
 of necessity that it must be to some house furnished 
 
 ^ Francis Russell, second Earl of Bedford, died July 28, 1585. His third 
 son, Francis, said by Collins to have been summoned to Parliament as Lord 
 Russell, was killed in Scotland in an accidental fray, July 27, 1585. 
 
 2 From this letter it would appear that Mr. Cavendish moved from his own 
 house, but did not take possession of Burton, and the brewer was probably 
 left in quiet possession. Lord Burghley's assent to the bargain which would 
 have displaced the brewer renders it likely that he was not privy to the details 
 of Walsingham's plot. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtteen of Scots. 73 
 
 already, of which sort I know no other than Mr. Candishe's 
 house, which being insufficiently furnished to receive this 
 company, considering the nearness of this castle, the 
 defects may be supplied from hence ; but to say nothing 
 of the weakness of the house, it is not capable of the 
 Scottish train alone, and yet they must lodge divided in 
 many pieces. 
 
 Mr. Candishe hath builded a little dining chamber, 
 and a chamber or two adjoining. All the residue of the 
 house is old and ruinous, the kitchen, and all other houses 
 of office, being far less than sufficient to serve both 
 these households. One thing I may add, that this country 
 is so ill affected (a thing not unknown unto you), as I think 
 no man of judgment would willingly take the charge of 
 this Queen in any house in this shire out of this castle. 
 No doubt this Queen was in some hope to have been 
 removed to Mr. Candishe his house, as I have heretofore 
 written unto you, which was the cause and ground of 
 this motion, but finding in conference with me sithence 
 the despatch of her last packet, that the house was not 
 any way fit for her use, and promising to provide 
 carpenters and other artificers to repair her lodgings in 
 such sort as should be devised by her Ministers, Nau 
 being present said that I could say no more, so as urging 
 the matter of their remove no farther, it seemed to me 
 that they were satisfied. 
 
 Notwithstanding, following your direction, and to the 
 end this Queen might know her Majesty's favour towards 
 her, I have given her to understand that her Highness 
 is well pleased that she be removed so as any fit house 
 might be found ; and hereupon I have told her that I 
 know only three vacant houses in these parts, viz., 
 Mr. Candishe's house, and the Lord Paget's at Burton 
 and Beaudesert, and have delivered unto her my opinion 
 touching the said houses, which is that Mr. Candishe his 
 house is less than sufficient to receive her own train ; that 
 
74 Si'y Amias Poulet, 
 
 the house at Burton standeth so near to the river as it 
 will not stand with her health to remove thither, that 
 it is so ruinous as it will not be repaired in a short time, 
 that it is unfurnished of all implements belonging to 
 household, and is also too little to receive this great 
 company ; that the house at Beaudesert is not yet 
 finished, and so unfurnished as it hath not so much as 
 one stool or bedstead in it, and that, considering the far 
 distance from hence, there is no possibility to remove all 
 the stuff of this house thither in convenient time. I have 
 added to these foresaid reasons that the weather here 
 hath been such of long time as there is little sign of 
 summer, and that when all diligence shall be used, before 
 this remove shall be performed, and that beer, wine, 
 wood, coal, and such necessaries shall be provided, winter 
 will be in his full strength. I said that Mr. Candishe's 
 house was already well known to her principal Ministers, 
 who could judge if .1 said truly or no, and the house at 
 Burton might be seen by any of her sei-vants when she 
 would. 
 
 She replied very little, only that the Earl of Shrews- 
 bury removed his stuff from one house to another, and 
 that if the house were too little, some part of her 
 company might be lodged in the town. I answered that 
 the Earl perchance removed some part of his best stuff, 
 but was not troubled with the carriage of his kitchen stuff, 
 bedsteads, table-boards, and such like, and that it were 
 very inconvenient that her train should be lodged far from 
 her. I prayed her to consider of it, which she said she 
 would do, so as I think I shall hear little of this matter. 
 If any new motion shall be made herein by the French 
 Ambassador, it may please you to take no knowledge of 
 that which hath passed between this Queen and me until 
 I shall receive her resolution. 
 
 I have received the three packets for this Queen and 
 have perused them with her good liking, because, having 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee7i of Scots. 75 
 
 passed over the first packet, I send it immediately unto 
 her, and so one after another until all be delivered, which 
 pleaseth her greatly. The French Ambassador, in his 
 letters to this Queen, changeth not his style touching 
 Archibald Douglas, saving that he adviseth her, con- 
 sidering his departure, to appoint the said Archibald to. 
 follow her causes about that Court. All other things 
 mentioned in the said packets, and seeming worthy to 
 be observed, are contained in this paper inclosed. It 
 may be, and it is very likely, that I advertise many things 
 that are needless, wherein I crave pardon, because I do 
 not know what you know already ; but of this I am sure, 
 that I have omitted nothing that may concern our Queen 
 or country, and have used such expedition therein, as I 
 am deceived if this Queen think anything less than that 
 I have taken any extracts of her letters. 
 
 It is likely that her Majesty will confer with my Lord 
 Treasurer touching this remove, and therefore I have 
 thought good to advertise his lordship of my proceedings 
 herein with this Queen, and of my simple opinion of the 
 vacant houses in these parts ; and thus I commit you to 
 the Almighty, who prosper all your actions to His glory. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 Postscript ifi the original, not in the letter-book. It were 
 better, in my simple opinion, that the refusal of this 
 remove proceeded from this Queen than that she were 
 dissuaded from above. 
 
 The copy of this former letter to Mr. Secretary was 
 written the said day, ^° Augtcsti, i^S^, tomy Lord Treasurer, 
 with this exordium before it} 
 
 My very good Lord, — I have grown so thrifty that, to 
 save a little paper, I do not stick, instead of a just letter, 
 to trouble your lordship with a copy of my letters to 
 
 1 Harl. AfSS., 6993, f. 98. 
 
76 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 Mr. Secretary as followeth, &c. [In marg. Lege autem 
 quae sequuntur]. And thus I leave to trouble your 
 lordship any farther, resting always at your command- 
 ment, and so I do commit your good lordship to the 
 mercy of the Highest. 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
 It is remarkable that Mary's proposal in the next letter that 
 she should be removed to the house of Sir Thomas Gerard, is 
 not accompanied by any remark on Poulet's part that Sir Thomas 
 was one of her warmest friends. It was not until August of the 
 following year, 1586, that Sir Thomas Gerard was sent to the 
 Tower, but we are told by his son. Father John Gerard, in his 
 autobiography, 1 that he had been previously imprisoned on Queen 
 Mary's account. " When a child of five years of age," he says, 
 " I was forced, together with my brother, who was also a child, 
 to dwell among heretics under another roof, for that my father, 
 with two other gentlemen, had been cast into the Tower of 
 London, for having conspired to restore the Scottish Queen to 
 liberty and to her kingdom. She was at that tim.e confined in 
 the county of Derby at two miles distance from us. Three years 
 afterwards my father, having obtained his release by the payment 
 of a large sum, brought us home, free however from any taint of 
 heresy, as he had maintained a Catholic tutor over us." The 
 price of this liberation is said to have been the transfer of the 
 lordship of Gerards Bromley to his kinsman. Sir Gilbert Gerard, 
 the Master of the Rolls, whose eldest son took his title from it 
 when raised to the peerage. Father Gerard was wrong in 
 thinking that Tutbury was in Derbyshire. It was close to the 
 borders of that county, but in Staffordshire. Etwall in Derby- 
 shire came to Sir Thomas Gerard by his marriage with Elizabeth, 
 the eldest of the daughters and coheirs of Sir John Port, who 
 died in 1557.- As Father Gerard was born in 1564, he is 
 necessarily speaking of Mary's first imprisonment at Tutbury. 
 She arrived there from Bolton under the charge of Lord 
 Shrewsbury and Sir Francis Knollys, in February, 1569.^ She 
 
 ^ Condition of Catholics under James I. ^ p. x. " Ibid.^ p. ccliii. 
 
 ' Vol. iii., n. 40. 
 
Keeper of Mary QtLeeii of Scots. jj 
 
 was not there three months on that occasion, as she was 
 transferred to Wingfield towards the end of April. "^ Mary says 
 of Tutbury,^ " Comme ce Heu a este ma premiere prison et 
 restrinction en ce royaulme, et ou, du commencement, j'ay 
 regeu de tres grands rigeurs, rudesses, et indignitez, aussi I'ay-je 
 tousjours depuis tenue malheureuse et infortunee, comme des 
 rhyver passe, avant qu'y venir, je feis remonstrer a ladicte Royne 
 d'Angleterre." Her description of the place in the same letter 
 shows that it must have been far from a pleasant residence for 
 a sick person. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsinghaut, \Wi of August, 1585.^ 
 Sir, — This Queen being grieved in one of her legs, 
 and having kept her bed a day or two, prayed me to 
 come unto her the 8th of this present, and then asked 
 me what I thought of her remove. I told her that I had 
 already delivered unto her my opinion touching the houses 
 which I knew in these parts. '' But," said she, " it is likely 
 that the Queen hath houses in Nottingham and Coventry." 
 I answered that I was a stranger in this country, so as I 
 could say nothing therein. " I remember," quoth she, 
 " as I came hitherwards from Derby, I saw a fair house 
 not far from hence which was said to belong to a knight 
 called Gerard, and as I hear he lieth not in it." I said 
 I thought this house was too little for her use. She prayed 
 me to cause it to be seen, which I promised to do. 
 
 On Tuesday, the lOth of this present, at eleven of the 
 clock in the night I received your letters of the 8th of 
 the same, with her Majesty's letters inclosed, addressed 
 to this Queen, and because it was not convenient to pray 
 access unto her in the morning, and being not ignorant 
 that these letters would be very welcome unto her, I 
 delivered them unto Nau the next morning. 
 
 The two or three days next following, she kept her 
 bed by reason of the infirmity before-mentioned, and the 
 
 ^ Vol. iii., n, 72. - Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 218. 
 
 3 Harl. MSS., 6993, f. 104. 
 
78 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 15 th of this present, being risen out of her bed, but not 
 able to go, and therefore lying upon a pallet, she sent 
 for me, and at my repair unto her told me that being at 
 the point to take physic, at the very instant of the receipt 
 of her Majesty's letters, she was so much comforted by 
 the same, that she refused her physic and found herself 
 more refreshed by this kindness from the Queen, her good 
 sister, than she should have been by all the ministry of 
 all the physic in the world. ^ 
 
 She prayed me to excuse her that she had not sent 
 sooner for me, which she said proceeded partly of her 
 infirmity, but especially that she was very willing to write 
 unto her Majesty as soon as she could, and by that 
 occasion to do the like to the French King and some 
 others, wherein she had been busy a day or two. She 
 said that she had always carried a firm and constant 
 opinion of her Majesty's friendly and natural disposition 
 towards her, that for her part she could not cease to- 
 honour and respect her as Queen of England, and to- 
 love her entirely as her elder sister and nearest ally, that 
 this realm is more dear unto her than all other countries 
 whatsoever.- And yet she can find no comfort in it, 
 because if it be distressed, and' feel or fear any calamity, 
 she is also grieved as one that wisheth unto it all happy 
 prosperity. If it flourish in security then she feareth the 
 worse and is the less regarded that she had given herself 
 wholly to her Majesty in all humbleness, in all faithfulness, 
 in all sincerity, in all integrity (I use her own words), and 
 had removed all foreign helps to please her Highness, and 
 thereby to give her to know that she depended wholly of 
 
 ^ Mary had written the day before to M. de Mauvissiere to the same effect.. 
 Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 212. 
 
 ^ '* Et quoy qu'il advienne, je veulx vivre et mourir bonne Angloise, ayant 
 plus d'esgard au bien de la dite Royne, ma bonne soeur, et au public du pays 
 et de la nation, que non aux particulieres factions de mes dits ennemys, ou aux 
 maulx que j'ay receuz d'eulx en mon particulier. " Mary to Mauvissiere, 
 August 17, 1585. Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 212. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 79 
 
 her. That her words had no credit, she was not believed, 
 and her proffers refused when they might have done good. 
 That she hath proffered her heart and body to her Majesty: 
 her body is taken and great care taken for the safe keeping 
 of it, but her heart is ' refused. That when she sayeth if 
 she were employed she might do good, and when she 
 shall be required hereafter it will be too late, then she is 
 said to boast. When she offereth herself and service with 
 all humbleness, then she is said to flatter. That she felt 
 the smart of every accident that happened to the danger 
 of her Majesty's person or estate, although she were 
 guiltless in heart and tongue. That if she had desired 
 great liberty, her Majesty might instantly have been 
 jealous of her, but she desired only reasonable liberty 
 for her health. That if the treaty had proceeded between 
 her Majesty and her, she knoweth France had now been 
 quiet. That considering the indisposition of her body, 
 she hath no hope of long life, and much less of a pleasant 
 life, having lost the use of her limbs, and therefore is far 
 from the humour of ambition, desiring only* to be well 
 accepted where she shall deserve well, and by that mean 
 during her short days to carry a contented and satisfied 
 mind. That it was not her calling to win fame by vic- 
 tories, but would think herself happy if, by her mediation, 
 peace might be entertained in all countries generally, but 
 especially in this realm. That if she had spoken with 
 the King of Navarre his Ambassador at his being here 
 this last winter, she thinketh there had been now good 
 amity between his master and the house of Guise, and 
 did not doubt to have done some good if she had been 
 made acquainted with his last being here. That her son 
 is a stranger unto her ; but he should be possessed with 
 ambition, he play of both hands and do bad office \sic\. 
 That her son did reproach her in his letters that she was 
 shut up in a desert, so as he could not send to her or 
 hear from her, which was the cause that he did help 
 
8o Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 himself by other means the best he could, and was forced 
 so to do. Finally, that although she had been esteemed 
 as nobody, and have determined if her help were hereafter 
 required to be indeed as nobody, and so to answer, yet, 
 for the love that she beareth to her Majesty and this 
 realm, she will not refuse to employ her best means if it 
 shall please her Highness to use her service, which she 
 will do, not so much for her own particular as for her 
 Majesty's surety and benefit of this realm. 
 
 I omit her protestations of her sincere and upright 
 dealing with her Majesty, and her solemn oaths that she 
 hath not of long time given or received any intelligence to 
 or from any of her friends, because they are no new 
 things unto you. It seemed she could not satisfy herself 
 with speaking, and therefore I said the less, advising 
 her to comfort herself with her Majesty's favour, whereof 
 (no doubt) some good effect would ensue, if herself or her 
 friends did not give cause to the contrary. I know this 
 kind of matter is not new unto you, and perchance I 
 should have forborne in some other time to have reported 
 the same, but, considering the scope of her Majesty's 
 letters unto this Queen, I thought agreeable with my duty 
 to acquaint you with her speeches, and so do refer them to 
 your better consideration. 
 
 This Queen having thus uttered her griefs and 
 complaints with many words, asked me if I had sought 
 to inform myself of the houses which she mentioned unto 
 me. I answered that the houses at Nottingham and 
 Coventry (if her Majesty had any there) were so far 
 distant from hence as I had no mean in this short time 
 to learn the true state of them, and, touching Sir Thomas 
 Gerard's house, I told her that I had caused it to be 
 viewed, and did find that the house is newly builded, 
 and standeth as yet in two parts, and that the hall and 
 kitchen are yet wanting, which should tie those two parts 
 together, besides many other imperfections. Being satisfied 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 8 1 
 
 touching this house, she said indeed that she had made 
 mention of the houses at Nottingham and Coventry unto 
 me, not that she was curious to inform herself of her 
 Majesty's houses, but that, upon question of her remove 
 before her coming hither, she did remember that these 
 two houses were named, and, as she was not affected to 
 any house, so it stood her upon for the preservation of 
 her health to be removed from hence, her body being 
 reduced to that weakness as, although the open air 
 abroad did not offend her, yet she could not endure the 
 least air in the world in her chamber, whereunto she 
 was much subject where she is now lodged, by reason of 
 the thinness of the walls. I told her that, besides that 
 might be done by carpenters and other artificers, she was 
 now provided of double hangings for her chamber, which 
 I thought might suffice to defend the cold air. She 
 insisted to urge the remove with great earnestness, 
 alleging that this late accident of grief so shortly after 
 her diet did give her to understand that she was greatly 
 subject to the rheum upon any cold, which caused a dis- 
 tillation into her legs, and now bereaved her of the use 
 of them, so as it behoved her to have care of her health. 
 
 She hath been heretofore (as I hear) free from all 
 grief during the summer season, but it seemeth that this 
 humour hath possessed her, and that there is little hope 
 that she shall recover her limbs hereafter. I told her 
 that, besides the providing and furnishing of a house, 
 and many things of necessary importance not easy to be 
 provided, it was not possible in this little time which 
 remained of summer to make a sufficient provision of 
 wood and coal to serve for the whole winter, the 
 expense whereof was so great in this great household, 
 as, having the whole summer season before me, there 
 was yet wanting the third part of winter's proportion. 
 
 All this and much more could not suffice to satisfy 
 her, concluding that she would be a suitor to her Majesty 
 G 
 
82 Sir Amias Poulety 
 
 therein by her letters, and that she would desire to be 
 removed only for three weeks, in which time her lodging 
 here might be repaired and some new lodgings builded, 
 to be joined to these which she hath already. A remove 
 for this little space might be made to Mr. Candishe's 
 house with little trouble and as little charge, if she might 
 be kept there safely, a matter of great peril in my 
 simple opinion, and therefore I durst not make any 
 mention thereof to this Queen. \In marg. She asketh 
 no more than to have her own lodgings plastered over- 
 head, which cannot be done without a remove.] 
 
 This Queen hath here, in the number of her retinue, 
 one Audrey, an embroiderer, with his wife and five 
 children, being willing to discharge the said Audrey with 
 his wife and four children, and hath prayed me to write 
 for their passport, which I refer to your better con- 
 sideration. Only I have thought good to put you in 
 remembrance that this Audrey's wife, being a woman of 
 judgment and understanding, which I know to be true, as 
 well by this Queen's own report as otherways, may prove 
 a dangerous messenger in this dangerous [time], although 
 you were assured that she carried with you [her] no letters 
 at all. 
 
 I was informed of Peter Bayte long before the receipt 
 of your letters by Mr. Francis Hastings, and have taken 
 order to see his doings observed. I cannot learn that 
 Sir Randolfe Brewerton is in these parts. I have thought 
 good to acquaint my Lord Treasurer, by my letters sent 
 herewith, with that which hath passed between this Queen 
 and me touching this remove. 
 
 Seeing that this Queen's letters come so slowly from 
 her, I have thought good to send these unto you, to the 
 end you may be the better prepared to answer hers when 
 they come. And thus I commit you to the mercy of the 
 Highest. 
 
 From Tutbury, &c. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 8 
 
 o 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer^ i8^ Augusti, 1585.^ 
 My very good Lord, — This Queen insisting to be 
 removed with all earnestness, and not doubting but that 
 your lordship's advice will be used therein, I am bold to 
 trouble you with all that hath passed in that behalf 
 between her and me, which shall appear in this copy 
 inclosed of my letters sent herewith to Mr. Secretary, 
 the same containing some other matter not worthy of 
 your lordship, but my said letters might not be dis- 
 membered without some maim. 
 
 Her Majesty will be a great loser this year in the 
 meadow grounds which were reserved for the use of this 
 house by reason of the great floods, which have done 
 great hurt in these parts ; but I trust this loss shall be 
 recompensed with usury in the rents which I have 
 increased upon the tithes, and some other things which 
 I have set. I doubt not to yield your lordship a very 
 good reckoning of the parks and all other things which 
 I have reserved, wherein I have been as careful as if the 
 matter had concerned myself And resting at your 
 lordship's commandment, &c. 
 
 Postscript in the original. It may please your lordship 
 to have this house in remembrance for a supply of money 
 for our household affairs. 
 
 On the next day Mary's letters were ready. Poulet forwarded 
 them to Walsingham with the following letter,- inclosing a copy 
 of the letter to M. de Mauvissiere, which he describes as "carrying 
 a harder style " than the other. The inclosure is preserved in the 
 Record Office.^ Prince Labanoff prints it,^ as well as the letter 
 which is "short and very plausible."^ Poulet does not remark 
 that the first is dated August 12, before the receipt of Elizabeth's 
 letter, and the other August 17, after she had received it. 
 "Depuis mes encloses j'ay receu des lettres de la Royne 
 
 ^ Harl. MSS., 6993, f. 102. 2 Vol. xvi., n. 32. 
 
 ^ Ibid., n. 32 I, * Tom. vi,, p. 195. ^ Ibid., p. 21 1. 
 
 G 2 
 
84 "^VV Amias Poulet, 
 
 d'Angleterre, madame ma bonne soeur, plaines de tant de cour- 
 toisies et demonstration de bonne volonte, qu'il fault que je 
 vous dye n'avoir, il y a quatre moys, ressenty plus de consolation 
 en tous mes maulx, tant d' esprit que du corps, que j'ay faict par 
 ceste souvenance qu'il m'apparoist qu'elle ha de moy et de mon 
 estat par dega."^ Poulet's phrase would convey the impression 
 that Mary was writing two letters to the same person at the same 
 time in different sense. The fact is, that one was a postscript to 
 the other. 
 
 Mary's rejoicings over a letter from EHzabeth, "overflowing 
 with courtesy and demonstrations of good will," rouse both pity 
 and indignation in view of the scheme for her destruction arranged 
 between Walsingham and his mistress. This was the last letter 
 Mary was to receive from the Queen of England, until she was 
 bidden by her to plead for her life before the Commissioners at 
 rotheringay.2 Of Elizabeth's " enchantments " Mr. Froude has 
 not a word to say. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsinghayn, \cf Augustiy 1585. 
 
 Sir, — I send you herewith this Queen's letters to her 
 Majesty, inclosed in her packets to the French Ambas- 
 sador, with other letters to the French King, Queen 
 Mother, French Queen, Duke of Guise, Mauvissiere, and 
 Chasteauneuf,^ and divers other letters from Nau and 
 others of the Scottish train to their friends in London 
 and in France, all which letters I have perused and have 
 seen them sealed and made up in this packet, the same 
 containing no other matter worthy of advertisement than 
 may appear unto you in this paper inclosed. 
 
 This Queen's letters to the French contain no other 
 matter than ordinary compliments, saving that in her 
 letters to the Duke of Guise, she prayeth Kis friendly 
 assistance towards Mauvissiere in his suit to the French 
 
 ^ A further extract has been previously given in a note. 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 6. 
 
 ^ These letters may be seen in Labanofif, torn, vi., pp. 204, 206, 207, 209, 
 but the letter to Elizabeth of this date has not been preserved. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 85 
 
 King for the bailiwick of Vitrye, which he hath given 
 him. She urgeth her remove from hence to the French 
 Ambassador with great earnestness, although both she 
 and Nau do know it to be impossible at this time. 
 
 The order which I take in perusing of these letters 
 is this. Nau bringeth all the letters unto me unsealed, 
 and after the reading of one or two of them, I tell him 
 that I am not accustomed to read many French letters, 
 and therefore do pray him to give me some time to peruse 
 them, and by this means I read them with leisure, and 
 write out anything which I think worthy. 
 
 This Queen writeth two several letters to the French 
 Ambassador, whereof the one is short and very plausible, 
 containing many good words of her devotion towards 
 her Majesty, which perchance shall be showed to you 
 and such others. The other letter carrieth a harder style. 
 
 And thus I leave to trouble you, and so do commit 
 you to the mercy of the Highest. 
 
 From, &c. 
 
 Postscript in the origiiial. From this Queen to Cherelles 
 with her own hand. 
 
 Je vous mercie des confitures seiches [I suspect some 
 other meaning. Poulefs note in the margin.'] que m'envoy- 
 asses le quaresme passe, les ayant trouvez fort belles. 
 Faites que celles dont la memoire vous ha este dernie- 
 rement addressee, soyent aussi bien choysies. 
 
 Mary had great confidence in Cherelles, so that Poulet says,^ 
 "I can assure you that Fontenay and Cherelles are expected 
 here with great devotion." But certainly there was no need for 
 Poulet to make himself anxious respecting anything that passed 
 between Mary and the French Ambassador. Cherelles, who was 
 secretary of the French Embassy to M. de Mauvissiere and 
 M. de Chateauneuf successively, sent copies of Mary's letters 
 to Walsingham. Prince Labanoff^ has printed these letters from 
 ^ Vol. xvi,, n. 38. ^ Tom. v., pp. 361, 430. 
 
S6 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 the copies in Cherelles' hand, now in Lord Salisbury's collection 
 at Hatfield House, in the Public Record Office, and the British 
 Museum. One of the latter ^ has the following disgraceful note 
 to Walsingham, added to the letter he was betraying, written by 
 Cherelles. "Je vous supplie bien humblement, monsieur, de 
 tenir tout cy le plus secret qu'il sera possible, affin que monsieur 
 I'ambassadeur ne s'en apergoive d'aucune sorte, comme je sgay 
 que vous sgaurez tres bien faire : car je ne voudrois pour tout 
 Tor du monde estre decouvert pour la honte que je sgay que je 
 recevrois, non seuUement la honte, mais aussi la vye y perdrois ; 
 de laquelle je ne me soucie point tant que de la dite honte que 
 je pourrois recevoir, car toujours faut-il mourir." Here is the 
 confession of one of those wretches whose sense of shame is 
 entirely confined to being found out. For this singularly base 
 piece of treachery Mr. Froude has no word of blame. All he 
 has to say is, " Cherelles was bought to watch his master," and, 
 again, of the whole plot against the Queen of Scots, "Walsingham 
 had contrived an ingenious scheme to gain political information. "^ 
 It was a base system that induced a man for money to betray 
 the trust reposed in him, and no sympathy for the persons that 
 were involved in it should induce us to excuse its baseness. 
 Mary Stuart had no right to complain, for she was not free from 
 its guilt. For instance, she speaks of Phelippes as one whom 
 Morgan "dealt withal long ago to have served me, about 
 Secretary Walsingham." There is, however, this difference 
 between Mary and Walsingham, that the one was acting in 
 self-defence, while the other was contriving the destruction of a 
 helpless prisoner. 
 
 Mr. Froude bases his argument in defence of Walsingham's 
 plot on the ground that, extensive and thorough-going as was 
 Walsingham's system ofe spionage and bribery, yet, informa- 
 tion procured by such means being anything but trustworthy, 
 that acute-minded statesman at length "felt it imperatively 
 necessary to obtain a clue to the Catholic secrets on which he 
 knew he could depend."^ But, in truth, the Secretary and his 
 mistress, before they laid their snare for the Queen of Scots, had 
 
 1 Harl.MSS., 1582, f. 311. 
 ^ History^ vol. xii., pp. 102, 147. ^ jn^^^ p, 106. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 87 
 
 furnished themselves with this clue by means of intercepted 
 correspondence. Not only had Cherelles been bought over to 
 rob his master's desk, and to forward Mary's secret corres- 
 pondence regularly to Walsingham, but a letter^ in Walsingham's 
 hand addressed to Phelippes, dated November 30, 1585, while 
 Mary was still at Tutbury, sufficiently demonstrates that the 
 
 ' confidential correspondence both of Philip of Spain and of 
 Mendoza by some secret treachery passed into Elizabeth's hands, 
 
 . and was deciphered by Phelippes. 
 
 I send you here inclosed another letter, written from 
 the King of Spain unto some nobleman within this realm, 
 ■which was delivered unto me by her Majesty, together 
 with the other letter of Don Bernardino's [Mendoza] 
 remaining in your hands, which, if it may be deciphered, 
 will, I hope, lay open the treachery that reigneth here 
 amongst us. Her Majesty hath promised to double your 
 pension, and to be otherwise good unto you. And so I 
 commit you to God. 
 
 At the Court, the 30th of November, 1585. 
 
 Your loving friend, 
 
 Fra. Walsingham. 
 
 Mary tells the French Ambassador ^ that her having fallen 
 sick again, ''m'estant survenu principalement par les vents couliz, 
 moisteur et froydeur, ou ma chambre est subjecte, ainsi que mon 
 medecin a temoisgne au sieur Paulet qui est icy." And, again, -^ 
 " Je suis icy si mal-accommodee en ces deulx me'chantes petites 
 chambres, que je ne puis rester I'hyver sans tres grand hazard de 
 ma vye." Poulet's mention of the great floods in August bears 
 out Mary's complaint of the unhealthiness of Tutbury. 
 
 The following is Poulet's letter sent at the same time to Lord 
 Burghley, and with it the first letter-book ends. 
 
 ^ Cotton. AfSS., Calig., C. ix., f. 568. 
 2 LabanofF, torn, vi., p. 198. ^ /did., p. 201. 
 
88 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 To 7ny Lord Treasurer, 19^ Augusti, 1585. 
 
 My very good Lord, — After the signing and sealing 
 of this Queen's letters, sent herewith to her Majesty, Nau 
 had long speech with me touching the desired remove, 
 and after many arguments alleged by me of the impossi- 
 bility thereof at this season of the year, his last words 
 were that if there were any mean of remove he wished 
 and desired it greatly, but if the same were accompanied 
 with so great difficulty, then the sooner it were known 
 the better it were for the repairing of this Queen's lodgings 
 in this castle. 
 
 I have gone so far with this Queen and with Nau,. 
 that I can assure your lordship they do not look to be 
 removed at this time, although this Queen desireth it 
 earnestly by her letters to her Majesty and to the French 
 Ambassador. I have told this Queen, and have said no 
 less to Nau, that the French Ambassador is worthy to 
 bear the blame of this matter, because having the same 
 in charge at the departure from Mr. Somer, he never 
 returned an answer until within these eight or ten days, 
 whereby it seemeth that he did either forget or neglect 
 to move it, and that now it was urged with great instance 
 when there was no possibility to perform it, winter at 
 hand, the ways for carriages as foul already as in winter, 
 her Majesty's houses being seldom used, likely to require 
 some good time to repair them, wood and coal not ta 
 be had in sufficient quantity for any money, besides many 
 other provisions not easy to be recovered. I thought 
 agreeable with my duty to advertise your lordship of the 
 premises, referring the same to your better judgment ; 
 and so do commit your good lordship to the mercy of 
 the Almighty, &c. 
 
 The next letter-book, or rather the portion of it that remains, 
 was entirely written at Chartley. It is written by another clerk, 
 and he has not added the name of the place to each letter, as 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 89 
 
 the clerk employed at Tutbury did. The book begins with the 
 following fragment of a letter addressed to Lord Burghley. 
 
 . . . Secretary in any of these household causes or 
 money matters until I shall be thereunto directed by your 
 lordship, and yet I cannot tell if you would not think it 
 some ease unto you that these money motions, which are 
 not always pleasing, were sometimes made by some other 
 than yourself, wherein I refer myself to your lordship's 
 good pleasure. And so, &c. 
 
 In the interval between the date when one letter-book ends 
 and the other begins many letters passed which remain among 
 the State Papers. On these we draw sufiEiciently to link the two 
 portions of our story together. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham?- 
 I asked this Queen what she thought of her remove. 
 " A goodly remove," saith she, " to Mr. Candishe's house." 
 " Madam," quoth I, " the air is good, and you shall be 
 well lodged for yourself, and the time of the year will 
 not permit a further remove." She said it was not sufficient 
 for her and me. I answered that a little room should 
 serve my turn, and that she and her company should 
 be provided. "As though," saith she, "by my remove 
 thither, my lodgings here would be made fit for me." I 
 said there should be as much done as herself would 
 appoint. " No," saith she, " my lodgings will not be made 
 fit without new buildings." I told her that her mind 
 being known, all should be done that was possible. "It 
 is too late," saith she, "for this year." Then I asked 
 her if any other rooms in this house, besides those which 
 she had already, would serve her turn, either in the state 
 they were in, or by translating of them. She said she 
 knew none, and that she was not unacquainted with my 
 
 ^ Vol. xvi., n. 38. 
 
90 Sir Amias Poulet^ 
 
 two lodgings, wherein she had been lodged before this 
 time, and knew them to be very cold. I am deceived if 
 she did speak herein as she thought, although indeed the 
 lodgings are extremely cold, being leaded over head and 
 unplastered, and the most distant from the ground nine- 
 teen foot, but she doubted that for some respects these 
 lodgings would not be granted unto her, in which behalf I 
 have thought good for my better discharge to deliver unto 
 you the true state of the said lodgings, referring the same 
 to your better consideration ; and, indeed, I may be 
 lodged in the other end of the house, although not so 
 fitly for the service of this castle, neither so commo- 
 diously for myself, yet well enough, I trust, to serve all 
 turns. 
 
 The two chambers wherein I am lodged have their 
 windows open upon the dykes, and are distant in height 
 from the ground twenty-four foot All such of this 
 castle as will walk into the little park (the only place 
 of recreation for this household), being forced to pass 
 close by these windows, which give free liberty as well 
 of conference, as of other conveyances, and, as I have 
 been informed by gentlemen of good credit in these parts, 
 have served to that purpose in time past. These windows 
 overlook the town, and a good part of the country 
 adjoining, and have their full prospect into the way 
 which leadeth from the town to the castle, by means 
 whereof it may be easy for the Scottish people to have 
 intelligence with those abroad at their pleasure. 
 
 The danger of escape by these windows is also evident, 
 if they be not watched day and night, which will require a 
 greater number of soldiers, as also a new house to be 
 builded to that purpose. There is belonging to these 
 chambers a house of office, which is open at the foot, 
 and was found to be of such danger when this Queen 
 came first to this castle, that the Earl of Shrewsbury 
 caused a hovel to be made at the foot of the wall for 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 9 1 
 
 the succour of the soldiers appointed to watch in that 
 place, but the truth is that it will be very hard, for 
 many causes, to guard that place with a watch in any 
 surety. 
 
 It seemeth worthy of consideration, that having these 
 two chambers added to those which they have already, 
 they have all their rooms several to themselves, so as they 
 shall live by day and night all shut up from the view and 
 sight of the governor and his company ; whereas now 
 my wife, myself, and those of my chamber, pass through 
 the room wherein the Queen's gentlemen and gentlewomen 
 do dine and sup, so as the whole company saving the 
 Queen herself, and Pierrepont, are seen every day, a neces- 
 sary matter in my simple opinion, and of good surety to 
 the governor. This is the true state of these chambers, 
 which I have thought good, for my better discharge, to 
 deliver unto you. . . . 
 
 This Queen allegeth in one of her articles of request, 
 that she hath been carried for her recreation ordinarily to a 
 little park half a mile distant from this castle, but she 
 hath forgotten to advertise that out of this little park she 
 hath been carried three times at the least^ into another 
 park not far distant from the said little park, where she 
 hath coursed and hunted at every time of her being there, 
 and when she was at the farthest of this walk, she was 
 little less than two miles distant from this castle. I 
 assure you that this is true, and therefore her advertise- 
 ment in this point is the more strange. She hath also 
 taken her recreation in other places of little less measure. 
 
 Poulet told Walsingham in the same letter, that when Mary 
 received from him " the several answers to the several demands " 
 she had made to Elizabeth, " she found herself so much grieved 
 as she brake out forthwith into her accustomed complaints, 
 declaring with many tears that being fed with feigned words as 
 in all time past, so in these things now in question, the deeds 
 
92 Sir Afnias Poulet, 
 
 did witness that the words were feigned, and that she found by 
 long experience that to be true which the Countess of Shrews- 
 bury always said unto her, which was that, do what she would, 
 she should never be trusted, concluding that she would never 
 accept of words again as long as she lived, and that she would 
 see deeds hereafter before she would enlarge herself in word or 
 deed. 
 
 " The cause of this great mislike groweth altogether upon 
 the refusing of the Countess of Athol to attend upon her, that 
 Fontenay his passport is not to be sent herewith, for whom she 
 had written expressly by name, and therefore thinketh that the 
 answer to that article doth import a denial of his coming unto 
 her, and lastly, the excusing of Cherelles repair unto her at this 
 time, but she is especially troubled with these two latter, touching 
 Fontenay and Cherelles." 
 
 Poulet's explanation to her of the refusal was that " he wished 
 her to have regard to times and seasons with wisdom and 
 temperance, and laying apart all partiality and affection, to 
 consider if in the greatest heat of this great flame which is 
 kindled in France by her kinsmen, with a meaning, as may be 
 supposed, that the coals should be extended into this realm, her 
 Majesty ought in reason and judgment to consider that Cherelles, 
 coming so lately out of France, should have access unto her, or 
 that Fontenay should be permitted to come from thence, until 
 the troubles there were somewhat appeased." 
 
 Walsingham did not attempt to soften matters. His next 
 letter was rougher, and went further than the former, for it 
 ordered that she should have no direct communication with the 
 new French Ambassador. He was known to be friendly to the 
 Queen of Scots, and more willing to help her than his prede- 
 cessor j and this is evidently the reason why Mary was required 
 henceforward to send her letters for France through Walsingham. 
 As Mary put it, Walsingham could not have "as good intelligence'' 
 with this Ambassador as he had with Mauvissiere. 
 
 The following are " The heads of a letter unto Sir Amyas 
 Poulet,"^ and Poulet's answer shows that the letter was written 
 and sent. 
 
 ^ Vol. xvi., n. 40. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 93 
 
 That though the Queen his charge's unpassionate and 
 unthankful manner of deahng deserveth little care or 
 favour at her Majesty's hands, yet can she not whatsoever 
 she deserveth, but do that which is fit for herself. 
 
 That therefore, doubting that the coldness of Tutbury 
 Castle may increase her sickness, she thinketh meet that 
 she should be removed to some other place, and hearing 
 that Chartley, the Earl of Essex' house, is both large 
 and strong, in respect that it is environed with water, 
 she would have him to see it and certify how he liketh 
 of it. 
 
 To let him understand that all the packets that she 
 doth hereafter send into France must be directed unto 
 me, and not unto the new French Ambassador, for that 
 her Majesty's meaning is, that he shall not have anything 
 to do with the conveyance of her letters into France, 
 having also given order unto the B[ishop] of Glasgow, 
 that such letters as he shall send from thence shall be 
 delivered unto Mr. Stafford. 
 
 That there shall be shortly sent a letter from her 
 Majesty to Mr. Bagot, to assist him in cases of necessity. 
 
 This was accompanied, or shortly followed, by a very severe 
 letter! against Mary, addressed to Poulet by Elizabeth, showing 
 her determination to control her communications with France. 
 She says that she has "just cause to judge that the repair of 
 those persons whose access she desireth carried some other 
 meaning than the private use of them about her person, or the 
 acquainting her with her particular affairs, having just cause so 
 to judge when we either consider her former proceedings towards 
 us, or the course that is now held by her kindred in France." 
 She then alleges " that horrible and wicked practice and attempt 
 against our own person, discovered to have been practised by 
 Morgan, a principal and chief servant of hers, a matter that so 
 grieved our subjects, as we had much ado to stay them in public 
 Parliament to have called her in question for the same." 
 ^ Vol. xvi., 11. 41. 
 
94 ^^^ Amias Poulety 
 
 The first of these two letters is indorsed September 13th. 
 On the 2ist Walsingham wrote thus •} "Her Majesty, considering 
 now that the Earl of Essex' house will perhaps be misliked as 
 unwholesome in respect of the water, hath thought upon Sir 
 Walter Aston's house, a very fair house, and fit in any sort for 
 that Queen, which is meant shall be borrowed of him, and 
 Beauregard [Beaudesert], the Lord Paget's house, lent him to lie in. 
 Wherefore her Majesty's pleasure is, you should view the said 
 house with all convenient speed, for that in such indifferent things 
 she is very careful to yield that lady any reasonable contentment." 
 
 Poulet, on the 23rd September,^ answered Walsingham's letter 
 of the 13th. First he reports favourably of Chartley, "distant 
 from hence twelve miles, to pass by Utceter [Uttoxeter], which is 
 the fairest way," which he had visited in company with Mr. Richard 
 Bagot, " not doubting but that my wife and servants would yield 
 me a good account of this charge, although my occasions should 
 require my absence for a longer time." "The water which 
 environeth this house is of such depth as may stand in stead of 
 a strong wall, saving that it is narrow in some places, and there- 
 fore must be the better watched." " One commodity, sufficient 
 in itself to recompense many incommodities," he found at 
 Chartley, "which is, that by reason of the abundance of water 
 adjoining to this house, this Queen's laundresses may be lodged 
 and do all their business within the gates, whereof I am the 
 more glad, because, having done my best endeavour to procure 
 some faithful women out of Somersetshire, I can find none that 
 will be entreated to come so far." 
 
 He discusses the lodging of the soldiers and the providing 
 of hay, coal, and wood. 
 
 Mr. Bagot telleth me that one hundred loads of sea 
 coal vi^ill be had from Beaudesert, and would be more 
 favourable than three hundred loads of charcoal, the 
 charge of every load whereof at the pit would be only 
 I2d. to her Majesty, besides the carriage, a good part 
 whereof will be performed without cost (as he thinketh) 
 by the Lord Paget's tenants. 
 
 1 Vol. xvi., n. 42. 2 2bid.^ n. 43. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtieen of Scots. 95 
 
 There is but one little kitchen at Chartley, which is 
 so little as I marvel how it could suffice for so great a 
 house, having but one range to roast and boil. This 
 kitchen must serve for this Queen, and by Mr. Bagot's 
 advice it is intended that a little charge shall be bestowed 
 upon another little room, which then may serve her 
 Majesty's household for a kitchen. It may please you 
 to cause the Earl of Essex to be entreated not to remove 
 his hangings or bedding, doubting lest our hangings will 
 not be found fit for the chambers there, and I know we 
 shall stand in need of his bedding. His hangings are 
 only for five chambers, and as I learn he hath not above 
 fourteen or fifteen beds. I will take upon me that the 
 stuff shall take as little hurt as is possible. 
 
 Following your direction I signified to this Queen 
 her Majesty's pleasure touching her packets coming from 
 hence and to be sent hereafter into France, to be directed 
 unto you, and not to the new French Ambassador, and 
 that order was given that such letters as the Bishop of 
 Glasgow should send out of France should be delivered 
 unto her Majesty's Ambassador there. 
 
 I can hardly express unto you by writing how much 
 she was moved with this message, and will forbear to 
 utter the greater part of her angry speeches, because 
 you have been accustomed unto them, so as I should 
 trouble you with vain repetitions. She saith that the 
 like was in question long sithence in Mauvisslere's time, 
 but took not his effect until now, when you above think 
 that you cannot have so good intelligence with this 
 Ambassador as you had with Mauvlsslere. Her letters 
 must be showed by you, as in time past, to her enemies, 
 the Countess of Shrewsbury and others. She would not 
 be separated from her union with the King of France ; 
 he was her ally, and she was under his protection. His 
 Ambassador was specially appointed to have care of her, 
 and that she knew he would not like to hear that she 
 
96 Sir Amias Poulel, 
 
 might not use his Ministers as heretofore. She doubted 
 not but that France, Spain, and other countries would 
 have care of her. She might see plainly that her destruc- 
 tion was sought, and that her life shall be taken from her 
 one of these days, and then it shall be said that she was 
 sickly and that she died of some sickness. 
 
 She took it between her and her conscience that she 
 believed it constantly, and would do her best that all 
 others should also believe it ; that when she was at the 
 lowest, her heart was greatest, and therefore now looking 
 for no other than all extremity, she would not fail to 
 urge her enemies to do the worst they could. 
 
 I told her I could see no just cause why she should 
 be so greatly troubled with this matter, being not for- 
 bidden to write into France as much and as often as she 
 would, and her letters, both coming and going, being 
 likely to find more free passage than in time past ; that 
 nothing was less intended hereby than to interrupt her 
 amity with France, but I said she should do well to 
 commit herself especially to her Majesty's protection, and 
 not to abuse herself with a vain opinion of foreign Princes, 
 who could do her no further good than as should please 
 her Majesty to permit. 
 
 I told her that this order touching her packets might 
 grow upon some new occasion of foreign causes or other- 
 wise, which being hereafter taken away, the effect would 
 also cease. "No," saith she, "I trust the occasion will 
 not be taken away, and I pray God it may increase," 
 meaning the enterprise of her kinsmen in France. 
 
 I used all reasonable arguments to dissuade her from 
 her fond, or rather wicked, opinion of her intended 
 destruction, which I told her was a foul and most manifest 
 slander, and as therein she did wrong to many others, 
 so if her impression were unfeigned, she might do no 
 good to herself. I said this matter reached unto me, 
 which she denied with many words, but said it might 
 
Keeper of Mary Qzceen of Scots. 97 
 
 be done by others without my knowledge. The truth is, 
 I could not satisfy her herein, and so I leave her until a 
 more contented mood shall give her a better mind. 
 
 I think the care of my charge greatly increased by 
 reason of this Queen's discontentment, because it is likely 
 that now she will employ her best means to renew her 
 practices, as well by letters as other ways. I can add 
 nothing to my former diligence, only I will promise to 
 continue therein, leaving the success to the Almighty. 
 
 The indisposition of this Queen's body, and the great 
 infirmity of her legs, which is so desperate as herself 
 doth not hope of any recovery, is no small advantage 
 to her keeper, who shall not need to stand in great fear 
 of her running away, if he can foresee that she be not 
 taken from him by force. 
 
 And thus I leave to trouble you, beseeching God to 
 bless your counsels and to give them a happy issue. 
 
 Tutbury, the 23rd of September, 1585. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 I had some feeling of my gout at the very instant 
 of my going to Chartley, so as I could not conveniently 
 have repaired thither without the help of my coach, and 
 therefore it may please you to procure that Mr. Bagot's 
 letter of assistance may be sent by the next. 
 
 It is not easy to avoid some little satisfaction when Poulet's 
 twinges of gout find their way into his letters, after reading 
 the way in which he has just spoken of the sickness and 
 lameness of his prisoner. The following is a sort of postscript 
 to his former letter. 
 
 Sir, — I had almost forgotten to signify unto you that 
 this Queen is so desirous to be removed, as she could 
 not be satisfied until she had spoken with me after my 
 II 
 
98 Sir Amias Potdet, 
 
 return from Chartley and, therefore, being lame In one 
 of her legs, prayed me to come to her chamber this last 
 evening, where I told her my opinion touching the house,, 
 wherewith she is greatly quieted. And, indeed, she shall 
 be as well lodged as herself could desire, having a veiy 
 fair great chamber, which may serve her to walk instead 
 of a gallery, a very fair chamber for herself, a large 
 cabinet, sufficient room for all her gentlewomen, with a 
 brushing-room, all within her own chamber door, which 
 is good for her, and no less good for me. 
 
 And thus I commit you once again to the tuition of 
 the Almighty. 
 
 From Tutbury, the 23rd of September, 1585. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Walsingham, on the 26th September, wrote ^ to Poulet that 
 the Earl of Essex begged that his wood might not " be felled for 
 the household use of that Queen." "Besides, his lordship is also 
 very loth to let the said Queen have the use of his house, who, as 
 he saith, may very conveniently be lodged at the house of one 
 Gitford of that country, a recusant, which you shall do well to 
 cause to be viewed for that purpose, but specially that she should 
 have the use of his house, doubting lest in respect of her mislike 
 both of his father and of himself, those of her train should abuse, 
 or rather spoil it." 
 
 Poulet's next two letters treat of the two houses he has been 
 directed to visit; that of September 27th- describes Sir Walter 
 Aston's house at Tixall, and that of October 3rd,'' Mr. Gilford's. 
 An extract from each will be interesting. 
 
 While acknowledging the fitness of Tixall for the purpose, 
 Poulet supports Sir Walter Aston's entreaty that Mary may not 
 be taken there, as "it will not stand with her Majesty's service 
 to overthrow such a household as Sir Walter's is in this infected 
 shire, as the world goeth at this present." " Sir Walter Aston 
 saith that he hath upon the point of a hundred persons uprising: 
 ^ Vol. xvi., n. 45. " IHd.^ n. 46. ^ Ibid., n. 48. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 99 
 
 and downlying in his house. He is sufficiently provided of com, 
 hay, grass, about his house, and of all other things necessary 
 for so great a family. He hath three score milch kyne, three 
 ploughs of oxen, and one of horses, whose labour must provide 
 him of corn for the next year." This Sir Walter Aston, whom 
 Poulet praises greatly for his being "well affected in religion," 
 is the father of the first Lord Aston of Forfar, who became a 
 Catholic when Ambassador in Spain in the time of James I.^ 
 
 On the 3rd of October, Poulet reports ^ respecting Mr. 
 Gifford's house, and the description gives us a good idea of the 
 wealth and social position of the family. We should not have 
 expected to find a country gentleman's house capable of lodging, 
 however straitly, "both these famiHes," and "furnished with 
 many fair lodgings," fit for a captive Queen. 
 
 Immediately upon the receipt of your letters of the 
 26th of the last, I took order for the stay of felling of 
 wood at Chartley, and being required by your said letters 
 to cause a view to be taken of Mr. Gifford's house, I 
 prayed Mr. Darrell to. make his immediate repair thither, 
 by whom I understand that the house is well seated, and 
 is furnished with many fair lodgings, so as this Queen 
 may be very well placed, with great chamber, gallery, 
 cabinet, and lodgings for her gentlewomen, as likewise 
 the governor, and her gentlemen, may be lodged in con- 
 venient sort. A fair orchard and garden walled about, 
 great store of wood, Cankv/ood not far off for charcoal, 
 and sea coal may be had with little charge. Two or three 
 parks at hand, good pasture adjoining to the house, besides 
 the dove house and other like commodities. 
 
 The discommodities are these. The house very strait 
 to lodge both these families. The brewhouse and brewing 
 vessels so little as will brew but one tun at a time, which is 
 much less than sufficient, and no common brewhouse in 
 any town adjoining, or in any other place of this shire that 
 
 ^ Troubles of our Catholic Forefathers^ first series, p. 369. 
 2 Vol. xvi., n. 48. 
 H 2 
 
loo Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 I can hear of. Stable room less than enough for twenty 
 geldings, which may be enlarged to the number of eight or 
 ten by means of a stall, and to a far greater number by 
 the help of the barns, whereof there are three or four, if 
 they were not full of corn ; hay in the house twenty 
 loads or thereabouts, a small store for so many horses as 
 must follow this family, and little hay to be had in those 
 parts for money, which may be holpen by the plenty of 
 good straw, which by likelihood may be had out of these 
 barns, and as the year hath fallen out, good straw is better 
 than the best hay in all the parts of the shire. 
 
 I had almost forgotten to advertise you that the house 
 is very wxll furnished, which may by no means be spared 
 if this household shall remove thither, this castle being 
 distant from thence twenty miles, so as it were a matter of 
 extreme trouble and charge to remove all things from 
 hence, when by reason of the late foul w^eather the ways 
 be already as deep and foul as is possible. 
 
 I pray you consider effectually of the brewhouse, 
 because it is a matter which importeth greatly, and it 
 passeth my understanding to find a remedy for it. 
 
 To this letter Walsingham answered on the loth of October. 
 
 VValsinghain to Poiilet?- 
 
 Sir, — I have acquainted her Majesty with the contents 
 of your letters, who doth very well like of the answer that 
 you have made unto Nau in the matter of the conveyance 
 of his mistress' letters, for that she meaneth that the course 
 that is now set down for that purpose shall henceforth 
 stand and be continued still. 
 
 A daughter of one Mowbray, a lord of Scotland, is a 
 
 suitor here for a passport to repair to that Queen's service, 
 
 whereunto her Majesty is content to yield, seeing her here, 
 
 although she had no foreknowledge of her coming. But 
 
 ^ Vol. xvi., 11. 54. 
 
-Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. loi 
 
 for the better prevention of any practice or conveyance 
 of letters, her Majesty's pleasure is you should so handle 
 the matter that any such of the said Queen's women as 
 shall have leave to depart upon her coming, may be 
 removed to some other place out of the house before she 
 come thither, to the end that there may no answer be 
 committed unto her of any letters or messages that this 
 new gentlewoman] perhaps may bring, of the time of 
 whose repair thither you shall receive knowledge afore- 
 hand for that purpose. 
 
 I am glad that you find Mr. Gifford's house so fit for 
 the well-lodging of that Queen, the rather for that my 
 Lord of Essex seemeth still to be most unwilling to let 
 her have the use of his. Her Majesty would have you 
 also to certify the strength of it, and what gent[lemen] 
 well affected do dwell near hand whose service may be 
 used upon any sudden occasion that may happen. 
 
 Touching the smallness of the brewhouse, I have con- 
 ferred with my Lord Treasurer therein, but we can devise 
 no means how the same may be helped than by causing 
 as much beer to be brewed there aforehand as the shortness 
 of the time will permit, which may be reserved, and that 
 little quantity also that shall hereafter be further brewed 
 there from time to time for the said Queen's own drinking, 
 yours and such others as you shall think convenient, and 
 order given for other drink to be brewed for the greater 
 number in some of the market-towns or other meet places 
 that are nearest hand, wherein if you find so great difficulty 
 that you cannot conveniently so do, there must then be 
 order taken for the building up of another brewhouse in 
 some void place about the house. An estimate of the 
 charges whereof you shall do well to send hither with 
 some speed in case you find there is no other remedy 
 but to erect a new brewhouse. 
 
 And touching the straitness of lodging for the train, 
 you must help that as well as the commodity of the place 
 
I02 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 will permit by making some partitions in the barns and 
 other outhouses that may serve for chambers for the mean 
 sort. Upon the receipt of your answer to all with particu- 
 larities, if it be found meet to have your charge bestowed 
 in the said house, there shall be order given presently 
 unto Mr. Gifford to remove his corn out of his barns. 
 
 Mauvissiere at his departure left with me an hundred 
 four score and ten pounds for that Queen, which, if the 
 Receiver of the Duchy in those parts will deliver unto you 
 there, I will presently take order it shall be paid to his 
 use here. 
 
 Here inclosed I send you the copy that I promised 
 you of that Queen's letter to the Ambassador, containing 
 many passionate complaints specially touching the badness 
 as she pretendeth of her lodging at Tutbury, which after 
 you have perused I pray you to return unto me again, 
 together with your opinion what is fit to be answered to 
 every point of her said complaints, &c. 
 
 Poulet to Walsinghatn} 
 
 Sir, — By your former letters you required me to view 
 Chartley and Tixall, the houses of the Earl of Essex 
 and Sir Walter Aston, which I did accordingly. By a 
 later letter you wrote that I should cause a view to be 
 taken of Mr. Gifford's house, wherein I supposed you had 
 given me the larger commission because you held the 
 matter as desperate, or at the least unlikely that a 
 gentleman's house might be sufficient to receive this 
 great household. Hereupon I sent Mr. Darrell thither, 
 whose report touching the house and state of all things 
 appertaining, as far as he could see or gather by the 
 informations of Mr. Gifford's servants, hath been certified 
 unto you, and I believe assuredly that you shall find it 
 true in all points. 
 
 Touching the state of the country and the neighbours 
 adjoining, I have taken care to inform myself by the 
 
 ^ Vol. xvi., n. 56. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 103 
 
 mean of some men of credit in these parts, and do find 
 that the gentlemen of calling and countenance and best 
 affected in religion, as Sir Walter Aston, Mr. Bagot, 
 Mr. Gresley, and a few such like, have their dwellings 
 distant from Mr. Gifford's house, some ten miles, some 
 twelve, and the nearest nine. Only Mr. Littleton, a very 
 honest religious gentleman, as I hear, dwelling within three 
 or four miles or thereabouts. Mr. Gifford having two 
 brethren, near neighbours to his house, the one of them 
 rich and of good credit in the shire, and both of them 
 backward in religion, so as the said house seemeth to 
 be barren of good neighbours. 
 
 The strength of the house deserveth little better 
 commendation, the windows of the one side lying open 
 upon the fields, and the windows of the other side, where 
 this Queen should be lodged, lying open upon the garden, 
 which is environed with a wall of no great height than 
 as a man may reach to the top. Only the third court, 
 which serveth for wood and fuel, is walled about, so as 
 if it be meant that this Queen should make any long 
 abode there, I must needs say for my discharge that the 
 said house is not of sufHcient strength for so weighty a 
 charge. But if it had been intended that she should 
 have remained there only during this winter season, and 
 then to have returned hither, which is the only fit house 
 for all purposes to receive this Queen in this shire, the 
 weakness of the said Mr. Gifford's house would have been 
 supplied with diligence and careful attendance. 
 
 But if this house were as well neighboured and of 
 as competent strength as might be wished, yet surely in 
 my simple opinion, there are other imperfections more 
 than sufficient to stay our remove thither, and especially 
 in the matter of the brewhouse there, which might serve 
 the turn to be used in such form as you set down in 
 your letters, if it were possible to get drink for the house- 
 hold, which is not to be had in those parts for any money 
 
I04 Sir Aniias Poitlet, 
 
 And whereas in default therof, you require an estimate 
 of the charges of the erecting of another brewhouse, it 
 seemeth worthy of consideration that so long time will 
 be spent in making of the said estimate, in sending of 
 the same to the Court, and in returning of answer, and 
 then being agreed upon, in providing as well of timber, 
 stone, and other necessaries for the buildings, as also 
 of brewing vessels (being not easy to find timber fit for 
 that purpose, as I have found by experience for the 
 service of this house, having been forced to provide a 
 vessel whereof I stood in need, out of Worcestershire), 
 and lastly, in finishing the said buildings, besides that 
 the beer brewed will ask to be somewhat stale before 
 it be drunk, that when all diligence possible shall be 
 used, it will be impossible to remove yet these two or 
 rather three mionths, at which time the days will be at 
 the shortest for carriages, which will be in number very- 
 many, the ways extremely foul, Mr. GifFord's house distant 
 from hence twenty miles, and the winter so far spent as 
 the cause of this remove proceeding of the coldness of 
 this castle, will seem then to be taken away. 
 
 But if all these defects were tolerable, and might be 
 supplied in some reasonable sort, yet if this one thing be 
 true which Mr. Darrell now telleth me, it sufficeth to 
 overthrow this intended remove, which is that there is 
 not water enough there to furnish so large a brewhouse, 
 affirming that the brewhouse of the house hath been always 
 provided of water by means of a well adjoining, which 
 hath been made dry at every brewing of one tun of beer^, 
 and there is no other water belonging to the house, saving 
 in a conduit in the first court, the water whereof cometh 
 out of a marsh ground, and is at no time in any abundance, 
 but is sometimes dry when the marsh is dry. And thus I 
 do not see that either there is any mean to remove in 
 convenient time, or if we do remove, how we may be 
 suflficiently provided of drink. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qiceen of Scots. 105 
 
 The straitness of the house might be supphed by such 
 means as you write, and yet it were convenient that the 
 greater number of my servants were lodged within the 
 gates. 
 
 I have therefore thought good to declare to this Queen 
 the great care which is had above to give her full satis- 
 faction touching her desired remove, that Chartley is 
 found to stand so low, and environed with such abundance 
 of water, as considering the state of her body, is not likely 
 to content her when she shall see it, and then there will be 
 as great trouble to remove her from thence as there was to 
 bring her thither, and that therefore other houses have 
 been sought, and at the last one house found which might 
 seem sufficient to serve the turn for three or four months, 
 and yet not without many imperfections, but it is of 
 necessity that a new brewhouse must be erected, which 
 will not be finished and the beer brewed to serve for the 
 household in less time than three months or near there- 
 abouts, at which time the ways will be ill for carriages,, 
 and the hardness of the winter well near spent. 
 
 Hereupon I prayed her to consider if it were not best 
 for her to content herself to spend this winter in this castle, 
 where she was provided with all things needful, which 
 haply would not be found in another place, all her train 
 well lodged, only herself had cause to complain of her 
 lodgings, which might be amended in many things if she 
 would resolve upon her tarrying, and that for her better 
 satisfaction I would be content to resign unto her the great 
 chamber wherein I do now dine and sup, and would nail 
 up the door which leadeth out of my bed-chamber into the 
 said dining-chamber, so as the same should remain wholly 
 to herself, and then she might remove her bed into her 
 now dining-chamber, which she herself reporteth to be the 
 warmest room she hath. I told her I would make a door 
 where is now a window in my utter chamber, and from 
 thence by the help of a new stair to be made, would make 
 
io6 Sir Ami as Potdet, 
 
 a way by a low entry to the stair foot which leadeth to 
 the hall, and would make the star-chamber, which is 
 directly over against the hall door, my dining-chamber. 
 
 She answered me plainly that she would not accept of 
 this offer, that she will seek no new helps in this house, 
 that sithence she cannot be removed after so long a suit, 
 she will die in her bad lodging, and then her death shall 
 be imputed to the authors thereof, with many other bitter 
 words (whereof she is no niggard when she is moved with 
 passion), which proceedeth not so much of this mislike of 
 the let of her remove, as of the packet sent now with your 
 letters, by the which she receiveth no answer from the new 
 French Ambassador of the contents of her late letters, 
 complaining or rather exclaiming that she may not send 
 her letters into France by the mean of the French 
 Ambassador as in time past, and therewith her old griefs 
 touching the Countess of Athol and Fontenay were 
 renewed with great vehemency, and her son was not 
 forgotten, which was perchance remembered the rather 
 by reason of a letter received with this packet, by the 
 which a gentleman of Scotland writeth to this Queen that 
 her son had received of late from her Majesty six couple 
 of bloodhounds,^ wherein he took singular pleasure, and 
 that he preferred the amity of her Highness before all 
 other Princes of the world. 
 
 I did all that I could to appease her, and the rather 
 because I found her lying in her bed, and grieved with 
 three defluxions at that instant, in her shoulder, her arm, 
 and above her heel, as indeed she is very seldom free 
 from one grief or other, so as it seemeth that the diet 
 which she took in the beginning of this summer hath done 
 her little good, and more than five weeks or thereabouts 
 she hath not come out of her chamber, her grief removing 
 from one place to another. 
 
 ^ From this passage the mention was taken of the six couple of " blood- 
 hounds" on page 26. No doubt Poulet should have said *'buckhounds." 
 
Keeper of Mary Qzieen of Scots. 107 
 
 She imputeth her lameness, and all her disease, to this 
 house, although indeed she brought the same hither with 
 her. But I told her that her passionate and discontented 
 mind did more increase her sickness than the coldness of 
 this house, or any other thing whatsoever. 
 
 I would wish she were removed, although, all circum- 
 stances considered, it seemeth to be a matter of very great 
 difficulty, and, indeed, will prove very chargeable to her 
 Majesty, and very offensive to the country, for the great 
 number of carriages which must be employed to carry 
 from hence, and to bring wood, coal, hay, &c., to the 
 new house, and whithersoever this remove shall be made, 
 it will be five or six weeks before it can be performed. 
 
 I find nothing in this Queen's packet worthy the 
 advertisement, saving that which is before remembered 
 touching the bloodhounds, &c. Only this one thing may 
 not be hidden from you, that Curie, having been assured 
 of long time to Mowbray, a gentlewoman attending on 
 this Queen, by the assent of her mistress, her father and 
 mother have now given their good wills by their letters, 
 so as it is likely that this marriage will proceed to his 
 full effect shortly. 
 
 Your letters do not import that I should say anything 
 to this Queen touching Mowbray, mentioned in your said 
 letters, neither hath she as yet said anything to me therein, 
 as likewise I do not hear that any of this Queen's w^omen 
 here shall depart upon her coming hither. Upon direction 
 received from you, I will not fail to do as you shall appoint. 
 
 I will talk with the Receiver of the Duchy touching 
 the money resting in your hands for this Queen, and have 
 signified unto her the care which you take to see her 
 satisfied of such money as cometh to your hands in her 
 behalf 
 
 You write that you have sent unto me inclosed in your 
 letters the copy of this Queen's passionate letter to the 
 French Ambassador ; but I have not received it. 
 
loS Sir Amtas Poulet, 
 
 I thank you most heartily for your French advertise- 
 ments, which I return unto you herewith. 
 
 Whereas you write that you know that this Queen 
 hath not as yet gotten any secret means for the convey- 
 ance of her bye packets, I can assure you that all open 
 means are clearly taken away, and all her people within 
 the gates so narrowly looked unto, as they can do no 
 hurt if they would ; but if this Queen hath as good 
 friends in this country, as it is reported, she may 
 by her laundresses convey what she will. It may be 
 that being removed from her old acquaintance, she will 
 hardly find new friends that wmU be content to hazard 
 themselves upon hope of uncertainty. 
 
 I trusted to have received Mr. Bagot's letter of assist- 
 ance from you before this time, which I desire greatly, 
 because when this Queen shall crave to ride abroad, which 
 she will do in her coach as soon as she is able, I may 
 perchance be unable to ride, and then she will think 
 herself ill handled, if she may not take the air when her 
 health will permit it. 
 
 And thus I commit you to the mercy of the Highest. 
 
 From Tutbury, the i6th of October, 1585. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 This last evening I conferred with Nau, who thought it 
 very reasonable that his mistress should yield to the offers 
 Avhich I had made, promising to deal with her effectually 
 therein, and having attended his answer four or five hours, 
 he telleth me that this Queen will not hearken to this 
 motion, alleging that she holdeth this house as unfortunate, 
 that she began her imprisonment here, that she shall end 
 her days here, and that she may thank Nau of her coming 
 hither. Nau telleth me that her physician is against this 
 remove, and thinketh that it will rather impair his 
 mistress' health than otherwise. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 109 
 
 Poulet to Walsijighaw, October i8, 1585.^ 
 I trust you will consider that Spain borroweth little 
 of an open enemy, France is not much better, and this 
 lady so discontented, as I may not hope that she will 
 forbear any practice to procure her farther liberty, and 
 therefore you will either keep her where she is, or remove 
 her to a house of no less strength. 
 
 I have, according to your direction, sent to Mr. William 
 Agar, Receiver of the Duchy, for the payment of one 
 hundred four score and ten pounds to this Queen, which he 
 undertaketh to see performed the 4th of the next month, 
 whereof I have advertised Nau, who was well satisfied 
 therein. 
 
 The next letter- is interesting because it relates to Mary's 
 chaplain, and gives us a curious description of his disguise. 
 " Sir John," Poulet had called him in July, and as we have 
 seen he had conjectured he was a Priest as far back as May, 
 within a month of his appointment to succeed Sir Ralph Sadler, 
 but now he says that no doubt remained as to Du Preau's 
 profession. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham. 
 
 Sir, — I remember that in perusing the letters and 
 memorials touching this Queen which you delivered unto 
 me by order from her Majesty at my last being at the 
 Court, I found that this lady had made sundry motions 
 for liberty to exercise the Romish religion for herself and 
 her family. I am also deceived if her Majesty did not 
 tell me that she would have no more marrying thereafter 
 in the Scottish family, thereby to avoid the inconveniences 
 which had ensued in times past by reason of midwives, 
 gossips, nurses, &c., besides the increase of the household 
 in children. 
 
 I have therefore thought agreeable with my duty to 
 advertise you that a P^renchman, one of this Queen's 
 
 1 Vol. xvi., n. 57. 2 Vol. xvi., 11. 59. 
 
no Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 retinue, and called by the name of her reader, apparelled 
 in court-like suit, a brooch in his hat, silver buttons, his 
 garments of all colours, is suspected to be a Priest, whereof 
 I have had this appearance, that at the time of their 
 assembly, which is twice every day in this Queen's dining- 
 chamber, some of my company have heard this man read 
 in the Latin language. 
 
 This is the man that hath been accustomed to distribute 
 the alms, and upon these occasions I have termed him in 
 my letters unto you before this time by the name of 
 Sir John, but he hath now discovered himself so plainly 
 as it may not be doubted hereafter of what profession he 
 is, being evident by many manifest presumptions that 
 Curie was married to Mowbray, this Queen's principal 
 gentlewoman, the 24th of this present, praying you for 
 my better discharge to impart the same to her Majesty. 
 
 It is not my place to prescribe orders, but to execute 
 faithfully such as shall be prescribed unto me, and yet I 
 trust I shall not offend greatly to deliver unto you my 
 simple opinion herein, which is that no known Popish 
 Priest ought to dwell within these gates. 
 
 If they be disposed of malice or blindness to transgress 
 the laws of God and m.an, and can carry their doings 
 so cleanly as no just suspicion may be conceived thereof,, 
 their sin is upon their own heads, and others that have had 
 no part therein are sufficiently discharged. But these open 
 doings reach not only to the actors, but to all such others 
 as shall wink at them. 
 
 And thus referring the same to your better con- 
 sideration, I take my leave of you, beseeching God ta 
 increase you in health and honour. 
 
 From Tutbury, the 26th of October, 1585. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qug^^-^^df-Scots. 1 1 1 
 
 I trust I shall be so happy not to hear from you 
 touching our remove until about Shrovetide, and then if 
 we shall remove, to remove to some house where we may 
 continue. 
 
 Poidet to Walsijigham, October 2"], 1585.^ 
 I had forgotten, in my letters of yesterday, to signify 
 unto you that Cherelles writeth to Nau that it pleased 
 you to do him the honour (as he calleth it), in the delivery 
 of this Queen's packet to the French Ambassador, to 
 leave his letter unopened, or at the least, those which were 
 inclosed in his letters, seeming to stand in some doubt if 
 his own letters were opened or no, which I take to be 
 advertised to no other purpose than to give boldness to 
 Nau to send unto him hereafter letters of moment, inclosed 
 in his letters under base titles, upon trust to have the 
 freer passage. I am not ignorant that your greater 
 business will not permit you to attend to these trifles, and 
 yet, to deliver my opinion plainly unto you, I think it 
 very needful, as a very good mean to keep this people in 
 good order, that all their letters be always perused, and so 
 delivered open, as they may know that they have been 
 perused. . . . 
 
 It is now most manifest that Curie was married upon 
 Sunday last, and yet this Queen saith nothing thereof 
 to me. 
 
 On the nth of November,^ Poulet's preparations for removing 
 the Queen of Scots to Chartley, which were then far advanced, 
 were stopped by him on receipt of counter-orders from Walsing- 
 ham. He then proposed Dudley Castle as a fit place for her, and 
 on the i8th,^' he forwarded a letter from Edward Lord Dudley, 
 placing himself and his castle at her Majesty's commandment. 
 Chartley was, however, ultimately decided on, and the final 
 orders to remove were given by Walsingham on the 23rd ot 
 November, as we shall see when we come to Poulet's letter of 
 
 1 Vol. xvi., 11. 61. 2 Ibid., n. 63. "^ Ibid., n. 68. 
 
112 Sir Amias Poiclet, 
 
 the 30th of that month, contained in the next letter-book. The 
 actual remove was effected on the vigil of Christmas, the 24th of 
 December. But other subjects first claim our attention. 
 
 It was in October that Gilbert Gifford visited Morgan in the 
 Bastile, and obtained from him the following letter ^ as his 
 credentials to the Queen of Scots. Morgan's suggestion that 
 Gifford should take a place under Poulet in the household 
 would have faciHtated the arrangements for the deception of 
 Mary Stuart. 
 
 -Morgan to the Queen of Scots. 
 
 It may please your Majesty, many of sundr}.' nations 
 and honourable members have found the means to visit 
 me in this undeserved captivity of mine, and among others 
 there was with me of late one named Gilbert Gifford, a 
 Catholic gentleman to me well known for that he was 
 brought up in learning of this side the seas this many 
 years past, where I have been always his friend to my 
 power, as I would be profitable to all that deserve well. 
 
 The said gentleman returneth to his country, and 
 offered to do me all the friendly offices that he may do. 
 His father is named John Gifford, a Staffordshire man, 
 a gentleman of a good house and well friended in that 
 country, but he is at this present a prisoner for our religion 
 at London, and so he hath been of a long time.' 
 
 The said John Gifford hath a brother named Robert 
 Gifford, who is also a Catholic gentleman, and dwelleth 
 Avithin ten miles or thereabouts of the place of your 
 continuance. These Giffords be kinsmen and friends 
 to Baynard (Fr. Throckmorton), and to Barasino (Tho. 
 Throckmorton), and otherwise well disposed towards your 
 Majesty. 
 
 Knowing the honesty and faith of these gentlemen and 
 
 considering their habitation and credit in their country, 
 
 and as far as I can perceive your intelligence discontinued 
 
 (though in that point both before and sith my captivity I 
 
 ^ Vol. wL, n. 50. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 1 1 3 
 
 remembered to discharge my duty as shall appear unto 
 your Majesty, if they on that side perform their part 
 according to my careful and ample instructions given in 
 that behalf), I thought it my part for the more surety and 
 increase of the number of your servants and advancement 
 of your service, to deal with the said Gilbert to pratique 
 with his parents and friends for the furtherance of the 
 same. 
 
 This he promised to put in execution with care, and I 
 hope he will show his good will and diligence in the cause. 
 He required my letters to your Majesty, thereby to give 
 him credit and a mean to enter into intelligence with your 
 Majesty. For this purpose I gave him these few lines, 
 assuring myself of his faith and honesty, and for such I 
 recommend unto your Majesty the persons above named. 
 
 I have been in hand with the bearer to place some 
 honest gentleman and woman to serve your host and 
 hostess for your sake^ whereby your service may be the 
 better advanced. He is also instructed how to pratick 
 with your host, his people and such as depend of him or 
 his wife. He is also instructed how to haunt the market- 
 towns adjoining the place of your continuance, to see 
 whether he may thereby find any of your Majesty's people. 
 In all these points he hath promised to travail effectually. 
 
 I have dealt with him to see if he can place himself to 
 serve your host. This he will attempt. Yet his coming 
 from these parts will be suspicious in the sight of the 
 curious and watchful sort that have a special regard to all 
 such as be placed about your host, whereof I gave the 
 bearer warning, leaving him nevertheless to use his own 
 discretion when he came to the country and saw the 
 condition and state of things. 
 
 His uncle Robert above named was acquainted with 
 
 your host in this country. I have instructed the bearer to 
 
 cause his uncle to visit your host and to renew with him 
 
 their former acquaintance, whereby some familiarity may 
 
 I 
 
114 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 be drawn between them, under the colour whereof some- 
 what may fall out to your Majesty's advantage. This I 
 desire as God knoweth, who knoweth my heart, and that 
 I have no other desire in this life but to serve God, your 
 Majesty, and my country. Thus with my prayers in this 
 captivity for your preservation and consolation, I most 
 humbly take my leave and commit your Majesty to God, 
 who ever preserve your Majesty. 
 Written this 15th of October. 
 
 Your Majesty's most humble 
 and obedient faithful servant 
 during life to command, 
 
 X 
 
 This letter is in Phelippes' hand, and in the postscript there is ' 
 the following passage relating to himself, in the margin of which 
 he has written, "Philips to be dealt withal." 
 
 It is very like that one Phelippes hath great access to 
 your host in this time and peradventure hath some charge 
 under him. It is the same Phelippes of whom I made 
 mention heretofore. If you do use him according to my 
 former instructions, it may be that he may be recovered to 
 your service, but try him long and in small matters before 
 you use him, being a severe Huguenot, and all for that 
 state, yet glorious and greedy of honour and profit. By 
 this means he may perhaps be won to your service, but 
 I dare not assure you of him as I would I could ; but 
 present commodity and promise of preferment hereafter 
 will weigh much with him, and I told him heretofore upon 
 such conference as passed between him and me, and upon 
 the hope that he gave me to serve and honour your 
 Majesty, whereof he seemed well pleased, and told me 
 that he would do good offices. If he be there you may 
 cause some of your principal people to take him in hand, 
 and to let him know that you have been well informed of 
 him, and of his good disposition towards your Majesty, 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 115 
 
 -and assure him and his friends that you will acknowledge 
 their good wills, and so see how far he can be wrought to 
 your service. 
 
 The said Gilbert is instructed how to send your letters 
 to my hand to these parts. 
 
 And now the State Papers become crowded widi letters 
 ■addressed to, or written by, the Queen of Scots, " in the hand- 
 writing of Mr. Phelippes," the very Phelippes of Morgan's letter. 
 Walsingham's resolve to destroy her was taken, and his servant, so 
 well known as Thomas Phelippes the decipherer, was employed 
 to weave the fatal web. On the honesty and veracity of this 
 man jNIary's life depended. It is significant that while he was 
 busily engaged in this work. May 3, 1586, Sir Francis Walsing- 
 ham writes^ to tell him that " the Queen has signed his bill for a 
 pension of one hundred marks,^ and takes his services in good 
 part." Hardly less significant is Poulet's promise to him a 
 month later, that he " will let him know if he hears of anything 
 of Lord Paget's meet for him.""^ 
 
 In a letter previously given, Elizabeth had promised to be 
 " otherwise good to him." We see what the expression meant, 
 when we examine this man's subsequent career during her 
 reign. He was appointed "Customer," that is. Collector of Petty 
 Customs of the Port of London, in which office he had for a 
 colleague Mr. Justice Richard Young, with whose name the 
 Catholics of that time were so well acquainted. Now it will 
 hardly be credited by those who know how extremely penurious 
 Ehzabeth was, that Phelippes contracted in two years to the 
 ■Crown a debt of 11,683/. ds. 63^d. He lost his ofiice, but he 
 was treated with great lenity. He was liberated from prison, his 
 annuity continued, and his land restored to him, on a promise to 
 pay his debt within eighteen months. He did not pay it, at least 
 in full, and he seems to have dictated his own terms, for the draft 
 of the Warrant of the Exchequer was drawn up by him.* 
 
 •^ Vol. xvii., n. 60. 
 
 " Mark^ a coin worth 13^-. /\d. Hallhudl. 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. I. 
 
 * Dom. Eliz., vol. cclxxv., n. 78; Docquet-book, October 8 and 10, 1598. 
 I 2 
 
II 6 Sir A7?iias Poidet, 
 
 On the accession of James I., Phelippes had other terms to 
 look for from the son of the Queen, whose death was brought 
 about by his means. His "apology"' (in May, 1603), for meddling 
 in the affairs of the Queen of Scots, falsely declares that the only 
 part he took was deciphering for Government the letters relating 
 to Babington's conspiracy.^ Then in January, 1604, there is a 
 packet of pretended intercepted letters, endorsed in Cecil's hand, 
 "Letters written by Phelippes, and suggested by him to be 
 counterfeited."^' The fact was that he spent his life in counter- 
 feiting, and after Walsingham's death he seems to have carried 
 on the old trade that he might get possession of Catholic secrets 
 to sell. As Mrs. Green points out in her preface to one of the 
 volumes of the Calendar of State Papers, his position in the 
 Custom House was favourable to the receipt and despatch of 
 letters. There is a very curious collection of drafts of letters 
 "suggested by Phelippes," to be written by his instruments, 
 Thomas Barnes and others, to Charles Paget and other Catholics^ 
 who little dreamt who their correspondent really was."' 
 
 At last he corresponded directly with Hugh Owen, who was 
 implicated by Fawkes' confession in the Gunpowder Plot. When 
 arrested on suspicion, he at once offered to carry on the corres- 
 ])ondence for the purpose of betraying the secrets confided to 
 him, as the price of his own liberty. Neither this offer, nor 
 protestations of innocence, with assurances that his sole faults in 
 intriguing with Owen were " seeking some recompense," and 
 "delay in making disclosures till he had things fully ripe," 
 saved him from the Tower. Curiously enough, his old spy 
 and instrument, Thomas Barnes,^ reported the substance of his 
 correspondence with Owen, and the Lieutenant of the Tower 
 during his imprisonment was Sir William Waad, the same who 
 had been sent to rifle the Queen of Scots' cabinets, when the 
 Babington conspiracy exploded. Mr. Tytler gives at length, in 
 
 ^ Doifi./amcs I., vol. i., n. 119. 
 
 - loiiL, vol. vi., n, 37. 
 
 •^ '* Mr. Barnes is an honest man here, and his dealing with Phelippes, 
 that enemy to the cause, is allowed ; he but dissembles to the heretic." 
 Robert Robinson [William Sterrell] to Mr. 'Mtnice [Phelippes]. Dom. Elh.y 
 vol. ccxlii., n. 37. 
 
 * Dom. James /., vol. xvii., n. 61. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtieen of Scots. 1 1 7 
 
 proof of the writer's utter baseness and unscrupulousness, the 
 memorial^ that Philippes addressed to Waad,- in which he 
 acknowledges under his own hand the forging of a whole series 
 of letters addressed to an agent of the Spanish Government. 
 
 Is this the man, having it in his power, unchecked by fear of 
 discovery, to tamper with the letters he had to decipher, well 
 rewarded for exceptional services, and knowing perfectly what 
 would be acceptable to his employers — is this the man to be 
 quoted as an irreproachable witness, whose evidence is conclusive 
 against Mary ? Mr. Froude has not a word of blame for the part 
 taken by Phelippes in the scheme for Mary's destruction, a 
 part revolting to the moral sense even under the light in which 
 he sets it; nor has he a word of warning to the reader, as 
 to the character of the person on whose evidence everything 
 depended. 
 
 For on the veracity of Phelippes, as Mary's life depended then, 
 so do her character and her history depend now. In the Calendar 
 of the " Mary Queen of Scots " State Papers, no less than one 
 hundred and eight are expressly stated to be in this man's 
 handwriting, either that we are dependent on him for the 
 decipher, or that the copy surviving is in his hand. When 
 Mary's pajoers were seized, it is extremely improbable that the 
 letters in cipher only should have been preserved, and the 
 deciphers made for her use by her secretaries should have all 
 
 ■^ History^ vol. viii., Appendix. 
 
 ^ "At my return to the Tower I went presently to Mr. Phelippes' chamber, 
 and took him with me to another chamber, where I presently searched all his 
 pockets and found nothing of importance but some notes of a matter of steel. 
 I charged him he had not dealt friendly with me, having used him with all 
 courtesy, to fall to relapse in his practices. He protested he never wrote 
 letter sithence he was in the Tower, that might not be showed to any of 
 your lordships. After a deep protestation he said he knew whence this 
 .suspicion had its fountain, in that his wife had entertained a matter with his 
 privity with one whom I had heard of, who had the secret to make steel. The 
 party's name was Ball, to whom there should money be given for that secret. 
 This man James is with his wife. 
 
 " I send your lordship one of the papers that was in his pocket. Whether 
 this steel device be a jargon, or whether there may be any such new invention, 
 I know not, but I know in fomier intelligences he conveyed great matters 
 under such like invented names of 'stuff and 'toys,' and I must needs 
 think that Ball was a man very ill picked out for him to deal withal." Sir W. 
 Waad to the Earl of Salisbury, Dec. 26, 1607. Addl. J/SS., 6178, p. 819. 
 
iiS Sir A mi as Poidet, 
 
 been destroyed. Yet the Calendar attributes but fifteen to- 
 Curie, and none to Nau; and of those by Curie most, if not all,. 
 were deciphered when he was a prisoner. This Curie himself has 
 been careful to record, though the Calendar neglects to notice 
 it. Over and over again^ we come upon " Deciphered by me, 
 Gilbert Curie, 5th October, 1586." Then we have to another 
 letter- his endorsement, "Upon notes of the Queen's Majesty 
 my mistress, written by me, Gilbert Curie, 5th October, 1586."' 
 And again,^^ "From me to Barnaby [Gilbert Gifford] at the 
 Queen's Majesty, my mistress' commandment, Gilbert Curie,. 
 5th October, 1586." Curie and Nau were arrested in August, 
 and their lives were in grave danger. A note"^ of "matters- 
 wherewith Curie is to be charged respecting Babington's letter 
 to the Queen of Scots," is dated September 21, and in September 
 Sir Francis Walsingham wrote ^ to Curie "that the favour already 
 granted to him is extraordinary, considering the foulness of his 
 offence," and that he should "have better ground to intercede 
 for him when he shall lay himself open, and show a disposition 
 to deserve the Queen's favour." Under this pressure Curie made^ 
 the deciphers that have been mentioned. 
 
 It comes then to this : the deciphers made for Mary have 
 been destroyed, and those made by Phelippes alone survive.. 
 When the secret letters are quoted, this should always be borne 
 in mind. 
 
 As an example, take the postscript to Curie, "which," says. 
 Mr. Froude, " it was certain the Queen of Scots would see : . 
 '■ There be many means in hand to remove the beast that troubles 
 all the world.' " •" This exists only in Phelippes' hand.^ Whicli. 
 
 ^ Vol. xvi., n. 21 ; vol. xvii., nn. 7, 56 ; vol. xviii., n. 6 (two letters), and 10.. 
 
 - Vol. xvii., n. 80. 
 
 ** Vol. xviii., n. 10. 
 
 •* Vol. xix., n. 107. 
 
 •'• Vol. xix., n. 119. 
 
 ^ If these deciphers were not made at this time, but only attested by 
 Curie, the case is all the stronger, for if these were forthcoming, who su})pressed 
 the rest? Prince Labanoff (tom. vi., p. 322) gives an attestation by Curie, 
 dated September 2, 1586, of a letter intended for use in Mary's trial, in. 
 which a paragraph mentioning Poley and Blount was omitted. 
 
 '' History, vol. xii., p. 131. 
 
 ^ VoL xviii., nn. 13, 14. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 1 1 9 
 
 is the more probable, that Morgan had the " inconceivable 
 imprudence," as Mr. Froude well calls it, to put such words on 
 paper, or that Phelippes should have added it to his decipher 
 of this letter? If Elizabeth learnt that "the beast was to be 
 removed," as Mr. Froude tells us,i was there not motive enough 
 for the forgery in the wish to excite her fear and hatred of Mary ? 
 
 With regard to this man's visit to Chartley, Mr. Froude has 
 the following passage.- " Mary Stuart knew Phillipps by sight ; 
 a spare, pock-marked, impassive, red-haired man, something 
 over thirty. She had been already struck by his appearance. 
 Morgan had suggested that he might not be proof against a 
 bribe. She had tried him gently and without success, but she 
 had no particular suspicion of him." 
 
 Mary had written to Morgan," July 27, 1586, "I remember of 
 one named Phillippes, a gentleman who you had dealt withal long 
 ago to have served me, about Secretary Walsingham. There is 
 one of that name who had been here five or six days with my 
 keeper about Christmas, and whom at that time I made be sought 
 about, to try if he had been your man or not. But neither on his 
 side or mine could know the same, no more than I have yet 
 done in the space of a fortnight that he hath of late been here 
 and departed but this day : albeit both myself and some of mine 
 have given him occasion to have declared himself at hunting and 
 otherwise, if he had been the man you wrote of. 
 
 " This Phillippes is of low stature, slender every way, dark 
 yellow haired on the head and clear yellow bearded, eated in 
 the face with small pocks, of short sight, thirty years of age by 
 appearance, and, as is said. Secretary Walsingham's man : which I 
 have thought good hereby to utter, to the end against his next 
 return, in case it happen, I may before by you, if it be .possible, 
 be informed by these signs whether it be your man or not, and 
 accordingly to use him." 
 
 Mr. Froude, having Mary's letter before him, repeats her own 
 personal description of Phelippes, a photograph of a mean- 
 
 ^ History, xii., p. 135. 
 - History, vol. xii., p. 138. 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., nn. 74, 75, one copy in Curie's hand and one in rhelippes' 
 own ; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 423. 
 
I20 Sir Amias PotUet, 
 
 looking scoundrel, charitably mending his appearance by sub- 
 stituting "impassive" for the "short sight" and "low stature." 
 Morgan, he goes on to say, had given Mary a hint to bribe 
 Phelippes, and accordingly she makes tentative efforts, which are 
 foiled by his impassiveness. The document itself simply states 
 that such a person had been at Chartley, and that Mary and her 
 attendants have tried unsuccessfully to make out whether he were 
 the identical Phelippes whom Morgan had tried long ago to 
 bribe. Mr. Froude adds that Mary " had no particular suspicion 
 of him." But Mary wrote to M. de Chateauneuf, March 24, 
 1586, and Phelippes copied the letter himself ^ — "Si c'est, comme 
 je doute, un nomme Philippes, serviteur de Walsingham, qui, vers 
 Noel, a sejourne en ceste maison plus de troys semaines, donne 
 vous garde d'y vous commettre d'avantage, car, ores qu'il ayt 
 promis de me faire service, je sgay qu'il joue double jeu." 
 
 The transfer to Chartley, as we have said, took place on the 
 24th of December. The second letter-book, which was written 
 there, opens with some letters which relate rather to Jersey than 
 to Mary Queen of Scots. It has seemed better, however, not 
 to omit them, as they are not among the State Papers. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham, 27° Decembr.y 1585. 
 
 Sir, — It may please you to peruse this letter inclosed, 
 which I received this present day from Sir Thomas 
 Leighton, v^ho had written to the same effect to my son, 
 Anthony Poulet, as may also appear by this copy inclosed. 
 My said son giving me farther to understand that the 
 Count Brisac^ prepareth certain ships at Newhaven, but to 
 what end he cannot yet learn. 
 
 I would not doubt of the Spaniard's good will if he 
 were a near neighbour, but I have no great opinion that 
 the French would be hasty to stir up new enemies, and 
 to have so many irons in the fire at once ; and yet living 
 here a prisoner, I dare not judge of the actions abroad, 
 and therefore do refer myself herein to your better 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 36; Labanoff, torn. vi. , p, 262. 
 
 * Charles de Cosse, afterwards marshal of P" ranee. Birch's Elizabeth, 
 vol. i., p. 163. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 1 2 1 
 
 knowledge of the state of foreign parts. But if you shall 
 find that this attempt carrieth any apparent colour of 
 truth, I shall most heartily pray your friendly mediation 
 towards her Majesty for supply of men and munitions 
 for the Isle of Jersey. Besides that it shall be very needful 
 that the inhabitants of Jersey be encouraged in all times 
 of danger by the assistance of some English supply, it is 
 also certain that the ordinary garrison maintained by the 
 captain is less than sufficient to defend the castle of Jersey 
 against the enemy. 
 
 It may be that the castle is sufficiently furnished of 
 munitions to pass over some little time of peace and 
 quietness, but in case of danger, it is of necessity that the 
 same be furnished with a new store of powder, calivers, &c. 
 Forbearing to set down the particularities of this supply 
 until I shall hear from you how the same shall be needful, 
 I have been always of opinion that in these like suspected 
 times one or two of her Majesty's smaller vessels might be 
 commanded to attend these isles, as well for their service 
 upon all occasions occurring, as also to bring advertisement 
 of their necessity, if any should happen. 
 
 And thus I leave, &c. 
 
 - Two other letters of the same date, one to Walsingham,^ and 
 the other to Burghley, relate to the provisioning of Chartley. 
 The words inclosed in brackets in the following letter are supplied 
 from the original. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham, 27° Decembr.^ 1585. 
 Sir, — This Queen's packet sent with your letters of the 
 19th of this present contained no matter worthy of adver- 
 tisement. Returning unto you herewith your Scottish 
 occurrents with my most hearty thanks, I am very glad 
 to hear (and I take it as an especial favour done to myself) 
 that you have procured a new Privy Seal for a new supply 
 
 ^ Vol. xvi., n. 76. 
 
I2i Sir Ainias PoiLlet, 
 
 of money, whereof our need here is so great as it is 
 acco[mpani]ed both with shame and loss, and therefore 
 I shall most heartily pray you to hasten the execution of 
 the said Privy Seal as much as you may. It is true that I 
 received i,ooo/. at my coming from London for the service 
 of this household, but this money was spent before my 
 coming hither, so as I found this house indebted, the 
 charges here being greatly increased sithence the end 
 of the last harvest by reason of the great dearth of corn. 
 Our bread and our beer being dearer by the third penny, 
 our beef and mutton little bet[ter], provender for horses 
 no less, all sorts of poultry little under that rate, [wine] 
 in like manner, and the more by reason of the far carriage \ 
 and now lately, this Queen, troubled with a weak stomach, 
 drinketh much sack,^ so as I am driven to make an ordinary 
 provision thereof I speak nothing of our dear carriages 
 of wood and coal, the charges whereof are also greatly 
 increased. 
 
 And now it may not be thought that the Lord Paget's 
 revenues, although they came wholly to my hands, can be 
 sufficient to entertain this great household without some 
 help of her Majesty's coffers. God is my witness that 
 I have great and singular care of her Majesty's profit in 
 this service, and have already cut off all fees of Court and 
 a great number of other superfluous charges, reducing all 
 things to such order as if I lived in my own house in 
 Somersetshire ; and even now, making my profit of the 
 straitness of this house, have reformed many disorders 
 to her Majesty's benefit and to the surety of my charge, 
 which could not have been done so cleanly before this 
 time. 
 
 This Queen's servants are always craving, and have no 
 pity at all of English purses, so as if I kept not a strait 
 hand on them, forcing them to address all their complaints 
 
 ^ Sack^ sherry. The term was also given to any Spanish white ^\•ine. 
 HallrweU. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 123. 
 
 to myself and to no other, her Majesty's expenses here 
 [would be far greater than they are], and yet they will not 
 cease to cavil ; but I dare affirm that they are intreated 
 with all reasonable courtesy, and to her Majesty's honour. 
 
 I make this despatch to no other end than to pray your 
 speedy relief of money ; my little store, as also my credit 
 in this strange country, being utterly spent. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer^ 27° Decembr.^ 1585. 
 
 My very good Lord, — Mr. Secretary, by his last letters 
 of the 20th of this present, writeth in these words, that 
 because the monies rising of the revenues of the Lord 
 Paget seemeth to be already spent, he had procured that 
 a Privy Seal should be directed for a new supply to the 
 end there should be no want. And therefore, presuming 
 that Mr. Secretary's knowledge of the necessity of this 
 household proceeded from your lordship, as likewise the 
 procuring of this Privy Seal, and desiring greatly the 
 expedition thereof, I have thought good to write unto him 
 more particularly herein, which I have done in the same 
 words in effect as were contained in my last- letters to your 
 lordship, as may appear by this copy hereunder written. 
 
 And thus resting always at your lordship's command- 
 ment, I leave, &c. 
 
 The next letter,^ however, shows that Poulet had misunderstood 
 Walsingham, and that the new Privy Seal was not yet issued. 
 
 The bearer, old acquaintance with whom Poulet claims, was 
 probably Phelippes, who was at Chartley about Christmas,. 
 " plus de troys semaines,' as Mary said in the extract already 
 given from her letter to M. de Chateauneuf The friendly 
 terms that existed between Poulet and Phelippes will plainly 
 appear in some letters that will be given in their chronological 
 place. No one but Phelippes could have had the " sufficiency '*" 
 to relate what Poulet's " short lines " left unsaid. 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 3. 
 
124 Sir A^nias Poidet, 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham^ id' Jaimarii, 1585.^ 
 Sir, — I have received your letters of the ist and 
 2nd of this present, and whether the mistaking [was] 
 in your writer or in me touching the Privy Seal mentioned 
 in my letters to have been procured by you, the fault is 
 not great. Thanking you for your promise to hasten the 
 grant of the same, having done somewhat already for 
 my relief herein, as it seemeth by that my Lord Treasurer 
 hath written his letters to some of the Collectors of these 
 parts to pay their debts to my hands. 
 
 If the King of Scots hath begun already (as you write) 
 to work a conceit in his nobility that until they have 
 estranged themselves from England, they can never stand 
 assured of his good opinion and favour. It seemeth that 
 he cannot dissemble so cunningly as his mother and Nau 
 report of him, and, indeed, it is very gross that he should 
 discover himself so soon after this great accident. 
 
 The embroiderer^ having sent hither to this Queen's 
 physician at two sundry times for physic for his wife, 
 finding that no relief in money came from hence upon the 
 first sending, at the second took occasion to write to the 
 physician that without my succour he had been greatly 
 distressed ; upon sight whereof this Queen sent him four 
 angels.^ The sick woman continuing in extremity of 
 madness, so as being watched nightly by two hired men, 
 her keepers were forced to bind her hand and foot six or 
 seven days after the receipt of the said four angels. The 
 
 ^ The reader must be pleased to remember that the year began on Lady 
 Day, March 25, in England up to the year 1752. 
 
 - Audrey's wife Poulet had been afraid to discharge, as he says in his letter 
 of August 18, 1585, because she was "a woman of judgment and under- 
 standing," Mary's desire to dismiss tlie embroiderer and his family was 
 repeated November 30 (Vol. xvi., n. 69). They were left at Tutbury. The 
 Queen's opinion of the embroiderer is given in her letter to M. de Chateauneuf, 
 March 24, 1586. "Sitost que mon brodeur sera par dela, faites-lc passer en 
 France, estant un fort mauvais et corrompu poltron " (Vol. xvii., n. 36 ; 
 Labanoff, tom. vi., p. 266). 
 
 ^ Angel f a gold coin, varying in value from about 6s. Sd. to los. HalliisjelL 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 125 
 
 embroiderer writeth to this Queen's physician in such 
 terms as may appear unto you by this copy inclosed. It 
 is manifest by the physician's answer in writing, that 
 this Queen was troubled with this letter, and much the 
 more because she knew the same had passed through my 
 hands. 
 
 Whereas you write you have been advertised that some 
 letters have passed "between the Queen and her son by 
 the mean of some gentlewoman dwelling not far from 
 Tutbury, who hath been used as an instrument therein, 
 and hereupon require me to inform myself what gentle- 
 women likely to be so employed are dwelling v/ithin ten or 
 twelve miles of that place. The truth is, that I have not 
 seen any other gentlewomen in this country than the 
 Lady Aston, Mrs. Gresly, lately deceased, and Mrs. Bagot, 
 whom I have seen in their houses, and do think and 
 believe them to be of good credit, and faithful subjects to 
 her Majesty. 
 
 There are many recusants and other suspected Papists 
 within twelve miles of Tutbury whose wives are not 
 unlikely to do bad offices. The Lady Grace, wife to 
 Mr. Henry Candishe, is an old acquaintance with this 
 Queen, and with all the retinue, as you know. The other 
 gentlewomen of these parts are utterly unknown to me, 
 and therefore I am bound to judge the best of them, and 
 may not be too hasty to accuse in a matter of this 
 weight w^ithout good ground, praying you to believe that 
 no gentlewoman or other woman of this country hath had 
 access to this Queen sithence my coming to this charge. 
 And I may say as much for all the gentlewomen in this 
 country of all degrees, yea, even in the day of her remove 
 hither. 
 
 I have advertised heretofore that this Queen's laun- 
 dresses had great liberty to do what mischief they would 
 at Tutbury, being lodged out of the castle and out of 
 the danger of the watch and ward, so as they might 
 
126 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 carry and receive all things at their own pleasure. This 
 is all I can say herein. Neither do I know how to 
 inform myself better. It seemeth that the advertiser 
 might be entreated or compelled to express his know- 
 ledge in plain terms, and it is likely that he that can say 
 that a gentlewoman hath done it, doth also know or may 
 learn of his author who she is. 
 
 I can say no more touching Tutbury, but of this house 
 I may affirm, and therein I take God to witness, that the 
 laundresses being lodged within the house as now they 
 are, and the residue of this Queen's train watched and 
 attended in such precise manner as they be, I cannot 
 imagine how it may be possible for them to convey a 
 piece of paper as big as my finger, and I think if you 
 were here with me you would say as I say. And yet I 
 dare assure nothing in so nice a point, but I speak plainly 
 and truly as I think. 
 
 Mr. Phelippes hath assisted me in perusing of this 
 Queen's packet, wherein I refer you to this abstract here 
 inclosed, by the which you may perceive that new 
 servants are expected, wherein I trust you will not be 
 hasty. The two gentlewomen lately admitted have filled 
 this house full of news, and you must look for larger 
 measure if any servants come out of France. 
 
 I find, by a memorial sent by the carrier from Nau 
 to Cherclles, that he is desired to be a suitor unto you 
 for a woman-servant for Carell's [Curie's] new wife, so 
 as now it cannot be avoided but you must be acquainted 
 with the marriage,^ and therefore it may please you to 
 prepare your answer. 
 
 You may believe that this bearer, for the old 
 acquaintance between him and me, was very welcome 
 unto me, thinking myself beholden unto you for this 
 friendly choice, and now his sufficiency shall excuse my 
 
 * Poulet means that the presence of the Priest is thus acknowledged. See 
 the letter of October 26, 1585. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 1 2 7 
 
 short lines. I shall think myself happy to have heard of 
 your dangerous sickness and of your recovery by one self- 
 [same] messenger. 
 
 Beseeching God, &c. 
 
 It is necessary to repeat that the original of this letter is 
 amongst the State Papers, which, when they suit him, are freely 
 quoted by Mr. Froude. Let us now compare one of Mr. Froude's 
 assertions with the source from which he drew. When Walsing- 
 ham had written that he knew that "this Queen hath not as yet 
 gotten any secret means for the conveyance of her bye packets," 
 Poulet wrote in reply from Tutbury, October 16, 1585, to assure 
 him that all open means are clearly taken away, but that "she 
 may by her laundresses convey what she will."' So again, Poulet 
 now says that at Tutbury " the laundresses had great liberty to do 
 what mischief they would, being lodged out of the castle, and out 
 of the danger of the watch and ward, so as they might carry and 
 receive all things at their own pleasure." Of Tutbury he can say 
 no more, but at Chartley Poulet takes God to witness that he 
 "•'cannot imagine how it may be possible for them to convey a 
 piece of paper as big as his finger." 
 
 With this before him, Mr. Froude wrote in his History, 
 respecting the secret correspondence between Mary and her 
 friends which Walsingham intended should be carried on through 
 Gilbert Gifford, " Nothing could be done while the Queen of 
 Scots was at Tutbury. The approaches to the castle were too 
 difficult, the guard too effective to be evaded. The Queen of 
 Scots was clamorous to be removed, in the hope, poor creature, 
 that she might find communication elsewhere less impossible. 
 Walsingham, for the same reason, was equally anxious to humour 
 her. . . . Paulet had affected to persuade her to remain at 
 Tutbury, though Elizabeth had consented to her removal. He 
 had made her only, as he probably intended, the more eager to 
 go. . . . She went Walsingham's way, believing it to be her 
 own."i 
 
 A romance writer relies for the interest he excites on the 
 multiplicity of details that he weaves into his plot. Historically, 
 ^ Froude's History, vol. xii., pp. in, 115. 
 
128 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 as to this detail of this particular plot, it is plain that it was a 
 matter of perfect indifference to Walsingham and of no con- 
 sequence to the success of his plans against Mary, whether she 
 remained at Tutbury or was removed to any of the houses he 
 suggested. It is true that Mary did not use the laundresses as a 
 means of communication at Tutbury, so that Poulet's suspicion of 
 them was as it happened misplaced, and she remained without 
 private letters from her friends until she was moved to Chartley. 
 This was not because Chartley was more accessible than Tutbury, 
 for with Poulet's connivance letters could have been introduced 
 into the one house as easily as into the other; and indeed 
 the Burton brewer, who was the instrument of communication at 
 Chartley, served Tutbury Castle with beer. Mr. Gifford's house 
 was too far from Burton to be supplied with beer by him ; and it 
 does not seem to have been true that Walsingham would have 
 greatly preferred it to Chartley, as Mr. Froude supposes, and that 
 he was baffled by Poulet in his simplicity, while yet in ignorance 
 of the Secretary's plot. 
 
 Again Mr. Froude is inaccurate. " The coachman wha 
 exercised her horses, the laundress who carried out the clothes, 
 the almoner who distributed her charities in the adjoining village, 
 all were employed on her correspondence. . . . Letters stole in 
 despite of Paulet's care. ... La Rue's communication must 
 have been almost the last which she received for many months, 
 and Paulet's skill at last stopped the channels by which her own 
 private letters were carried out."^ 
 
 Here Mr. Froude sketches how peculiarly tantalizing it must 
 have been for Mary to find her intelligence cut off, just after the 
 receipt of Pere La Rue's letter, " on the eve of the expected 
 triumph of the Catholic cause." But Mary did not receive 
 Pere La Rue's letter till it was more than a year old, and then 
 it came through Walsingham's contrivance. Mr. Froude might 
 have seen her own statement in the Public Record Office,- or in 
 Labanoft; dated Chartley, June 30, 1586. " Mon pere, je croy 
 que vous aurez este assez adverty de I'interruption de toutes mes 
 intelligences depuis mon changement de garde, ce qui a este 
 
 1 History, vol. xi., p. 579. 
 
 * Vol. xviii., n. 24; LabanoflT, torn, vi., p. 349. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 129 
 
 cause de me faire recevoir si tardivement les deux dernieres 
 lettres^ que vous m'avez escriptes." 
 
 Mr. Froude must have forgotten how dramatically he had 
 shut up Mary Stuart with Pere La Rue's letter in her hand, when 
 later on^ he says that his letters in cipher were with the others, 
 ^' which had been lying at the French Embassy, unforwarded for 
 want of opportunity."'^ Yet he adds, "Some of them, those 
 especially from La Rue, have been already quoted," as having 
 been in Mary's hands a twelvemonth before she received them. 
 
 We may be sure that Poulet's persuasions to Mary to remain 
 at Tutbury were not "affected," nor intended to make Mary more 
 anxious to go. Her gouty keeper did not like changing houses 
 in the winter, and if he could have put the plasterers in to ceil 
 Mary's room without removing her, he would have done it. In the 
 very October, when Mr. Froude imagines he was by a feigned 
 opposition inducing Mary to wish to leave Tutbury, he was 
 himself writing* to Walsingham that he hoped to hear no more of 
 the remove "until about Shrovetide," that is, not before spring. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer^ the loth of January^ 1585. 
 My very good Lord, — I think myself bound to your 
 lordship for your letters directed to the Collectors of these 
 parts as for a singular turn, and do take it as a sure 
 testimony of your friendly care of my poor service, and 
 yielding unto your lordship most humble thanks for the 
 same. I wish that the Privy Seal intended to be pro- 
 cured may extend to one thousand pounds, and that 
 Mr. Baynham may be required to make payment unto 
 me of the last half year's receipt of the Lord Paget's lands, 
 
 ^ May 8, 1585, vol. xv., n. 86 ; November 14, 1585, vol. xvi., n. 64. 
 
 " History, vol. xii., p. 120. 
 
 ^ "Lorsqu'elle fut es mains dudit Sadler et Paulet, elle perdit tout moyen 
 d'avoir lettres secretes de quelque part que ce fut, et durant lesdites annees 
 1584 et 1585 ; de sorte que le sieur de Mauvissiere, partant de sa charge 
 d'Ambassadeur en Septembre 1585, laissa es mains du sieur de Chateauneuf, 
 son successeur, grande quantite de paquets secrets pour ladite dame, lesquels 
 il n'avait pu lui tnvoyer durant les dites annees (CMtcaunei/fs Memoir ; 
 Labanoff, tom. vi., p. 278). 
 
 * Vol. xvi., n. 59 ; Supra, p. iii. 
 
 J 
 
130 Sir Amias Poulet^ 
 
 as likewise of that which shall be due hereafter, and then 
 I trust I shall not need to be hasty to pray any new 
 supply. It is very true that this household is greatly 
 indebted at this present. 
 
 It pleased your lordship to signify unto me by your 
 letters in the end of this last summer, that the patent 
 of the stewardship of the Lord Paget's lands should be sent 
 unto me as soon as the seal could be procured. If it be 
 forgotten, it may please your lordship to call it to your 
 remembrance. If upon any occasion your lordship shall 
 ttink to stay it, or to revoke it, I refer myself most 
 willingly to your lordship's good pleasure. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 To the Justices of Stafford, touchi?ig the cont?'ibution of 7?ioHcy for 
 wood and coke \coal\&'c., 11° Januarii, 1585. 
 
 After my very hearty commendations, whereas upon 
 conference between you and the Justices of the county of 
 Derby, at the instance of Sir Ralph Sadler, then having 
 the charge of the safe keeping of the Queen of Scots, 
 it was agreed, the 20th of February last past, that certain 
 sums of money should be levied for the necessary carriages 
 of wood and coal for one whole year unto the Castle of 
 Tutbury, for the governor and household attending there 
 upon the said Queen, vizt., in the county of Stafford 
 four score and ten pounds, in the county of Derby 
 four score and ten pounds, and in Leicestershire four 
 score pounds ; which, upon due consideration of the 
 proportion of wood and coal requisite for the said service, 
 and of the short carriage of the same b}^ reason of the 
 nearness of the Queen's woods, seemed to be reasonably 
 rated. 
 
 Having considered that the time agreed for will be 
 expired very shortly, and understanding of your assembly 
 at Stafford this day, and being unwilling to be more 
 troublesome unto the country than necessity enforceth, 
 
Keeper of Mary Qzteen of Scots. 1 3 1 
 
 I have thought good to pray you to take order for a 
 competent sum of money to be levied within your county 
 for the purpose before rehearsed, for the year to come, 
 wherein it shall be meet to have regard as well of the 
 far and dear carriage of wood and coal to this house of 
 Chartley (the certainty and truth Avhereof cannot be 
 unknown to some of you), as also that it is unlikely that 
 the county of Derby will yield to any great contribution 
 to this service, by reason that this household is removed 
 so far from them. And thus, not doubting but that you 
 will not only tender the quietness of your neighbours, but 
 also have due regard to her Majesty's service, expecting 
 your answer by this bearer, I leave you to your own 
 discreet considerations. 
 
 And whereas order hath been given heretofore for a 
 Avatch by night of two persons, and of a ward by day 
 of one person, to be kept in the townships and parishes 
 within ten miles of the castle of Tutbury, and also of a 
 weekly search to be duly made within the said precinct, as 
 by this note inclosed of the order then prescribed, may 
 more plainly appear unto you ; these shall be to pray 
 you to have no less care of her Majesty's service in this 
 place, and to that purpose to revive the said order, with 
 strait charge for the due execution of the same. 
 
 And thus, &c. ,• 
 
 This copy, altered in one or two points, was sent also 
 to the Justices of Derby. 
 
 The next letter is out of its proper place. It must have been 
 written at Tutbury, and the only sentence that it contains relating 
 to the Queen of Scots is the first, which gives us the date of the 
 final order for the transfer to Chartley. The rest of the letter is 
 about an appeal case from Jersey, which George Poulet had come 
 over to defend ; and as he had applied to his brother. Sir Amias, 
 for letters of recommendation to the Court, so this letter has 
 naturally been placed with that which follows it 
 J 2 
 
132 Sir Aniias Poulet, 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham, ulf^ A^ove?nbr., 1585. 
 Sir, — Having received your letter of the 23rd of this 
 present for the removal of this Queen [to] Chartley, 
 wherein all diligence shall be used, I have not now where- 
 with to trouble you in anything concerning her Majesty's 
 service, but am bold to trouble the post for my private 
 business in a matter concerning my government in Jersey, 
 wherein I am most heartily to pray your good favour, and 
 yet no otherwise than as the same may stand with justice 
 and equity. 
 
 It was ordered in anno 1572, by the Lords of her 
 Majesty's Council (the order being extant in the chest of 
 the Council Chamber), that no appeal in any case or 
 matter, great or small, should be permitted or allowed 
 by the Justices of the said isle before the same matter 
 were fully examined and ended by definitive sentence, 
 or other judgment having the force and effect of a 
 sentence definitive, thereby to avoid many great incon- 
 veniences tending to the hindrance of justice in general, 
 and to the great loss and trouble of the parties, as well 
 plaintiff as defendant, in particular. 
 
 This order hath been duly obeyed until now very 
 lately that one Andrew Harrys, of the Isle of Guernsey, 
 hath appealed before the sentence definitive, and would 
 not be persuaded by any prayers, entreaty, or other advice 
 of the Justices, to desist from the same ; but hath found 
 sureties to maintain his doings herein, when he shall be 
 called to answer the same before the Lords of her Majesty's 
 Privy Council. 
 
 Hereupon my brother, George Poulet, now Bailiff of 
 that isle, at the instant request of the Justices, fearing lest 
 this breach might breed a great ruin, is repaired into 
 England to prosecute this cause, staying himself in the 
 west parts with his sick wife, to avoid the expenses of his 
 vain attendance at the Court without the presence of his 
 party. And like as I doubt not but that the Lords of her 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 133 
 
 Majesty's Council will maintain their own doings, wherein 
 I am most humbly to pray their lawful favour ; so I shall 
 most heartily desire you to send a pursuivant for the said 
 Harrys at the peril of the party that shall be found to 
 have transgressed. And upon the arrival at the Court of 
 the said Harrys, and the same signified unto me by your 
 letter, my brother shall not fail to wait on you with all 
 speed, or sooner if you shall think so meet, wherein it 
 may please you to give me your direction. 
 
 I am not ignorant that the calling of the said Harrys 
 by a pursuivant will breed charges and expenses to him 
 that shall be found faulty, and I could be content that the 
 matter were carried with less damage to the offender ; but 
 I consider that the calling of him in this sort will serve 
 to great purpose to terrify all such wilful and malicious 
 fellows, and to keep them hereafter within the bounds of 
 obedience. Neither do I see how he may be called by any 
 other assured mean. 
 
 There is also another cause of my brother's repair into 
 England, which is that one Hellyer Paine, inhabitant of 
 the Isle of Jersey, hath also appealed of a late sentence 
 given by my said brother. And forasmuch as it hath 
 fallen out these few years last past that the party 
 appealing hath been accustomed to leave the prosecuting 
 of his appeal, and to procure a Commission from the 
 Lords of the Council, referring the deciding and hearing 
 of the cause and controversy unto Commissioners, to the 
 great hindrance of the due execution of justice, to the 
 utter abolishing of the laws and privileges of the said isle, 
 and to the great slander of the Bailiff and Justices there ; 
 the Justices, fearing lest this appeal of Hellyer Paine 
 might have like success, have prayed my said brother to 
 answer the said cause in person, in which behalf I am to 
 trouble you with two suits. The first, when Hellyer Paine 
 shall make his repair to the Lords of the Council, which, 
 by order established by their lordships, he must do within 
 
134 ^^^ A77tias Poulet, 
 
 three months, that he may be commanded to justify his 
 appeal, as by law he is bound to do, and that he may not 
 hide his wilfulness under the cloak of a Commission. My 
 second suit is, that when the said Hellyer shall arrive at 
 the Court, that it may please you to give me knowledge 
 thereof, whereupon my brother shall not fail to make 
 his immediate repair thither. 
 
 I confess that it were my brother's duty to attend, but 
 being willing to avoid idle expenses, and also to accom- 
 pany his sick wife, if it shall please you to be content to 
 forbear him until one of his parties shall be in place, I 
 shall thank you heartily for it, and shall take it for a 
 favour done to myself 
 
 I am so well persuaded of the integrity of my said 
 brother, as I do not doubt but he will answer all his doings 
 to the good satisfaction of my Lords of the Council ; 
 and, indeed, I placed him in the office of Bailiff in that 
 isle for no other cause than that by his upright and 
 sincere dealing justice might be duly administered to the 
 inhabitants there in this time of my absence. I am very 
 sorry that among your weighty and manifold business, the 
 isle of Jersey should minister any occasion of trouble 
 unto you. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer, 15^ Jamiariiy 1585. 
 My very good Lord, — Whereas at my last being in 
 Jersey I placed this bearer, my brother, George Poulet, 
 in the office of Bailiff in that isle, for no other cause 
 than that, by his upright and sincere dealing, justice 
 might be duly administered to the inhabitants there in 
 this time of my absence, and do not doubt but that his 
 proceedings are, and will be, such as will be answerable to 
 my expectation. My said brother being repaired to the 
 Court at the instant request of the Justices of the said 
 isle, to defend his and their doings in a matter of appeal 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 135 
 
 before the Lords of her Majesty's most honourable Privy 
 Council ; these are most humbly to pray your lordship to 
 afford him your favour, the rather at my desire, and yet 
 no otherwise than as the same may stand with justice 
 and equity. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 The next letter ^ makes open mention of Mary's chaplain. 
 
 To Sir Francis Wahijigham^ 15^ Januarii, 1585. 
 
 Sir, — Whereas Bastian's wife looketh to be delivered 
 of child shortly, I am to pray your direction for my 
 behaviour at the time, which I shall not fail to follow 
 in all preciseness. In former times, besides that the 
 midwife and nurse were provided out of the country, the 
 child was also baptized by the next minister, and English 
 godfathers and godmothers admitted. This Queen is now 
 so well provided, and useth her chaplain so boldly, as 
 there will be no question of the baptism, as I take it. 
 But what shall be done touching the midwife and nurse, 
 I refer to your better consideration. The access of mid- 
 wives and nurses cannot be admitted without peril, but 
 how they may be avoided in cases of extremity, I refer to 
 your better judgment. 
 
 I remember that it pleased her Majesty to say unto 
 •me, that she had considered of the inconveniences which 
 had ensued by these occasions, and would provide the 
 •remedy. It is likely that Curie's wife will be sick of the 
 same disease very shortly, and some say she complaineth 
 already. As likewise it is to be expected that there will 
 be no end of marrying in this great household, when they 
 may marry without controlment, according to their own 
 .religion. 
 
 This Christmas time, joined with this frosty weather, 
 hath deprived us of all kinds of sea fish, which is so ill 
 rtaken, as they threaten to complain by their letters. And 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 4. 
 
13^ <Sir Amias Po2ilet, 
 
 }'et I assure you, as great care hath been used to provide 
 it as was possible. Indeed, this house is ill seated for 
 that kind of provision. There is no end of their cavilling, 
 and therefore I would be glad they did complain, that 
 I might convince them of their unreasonableness, wherein 
 there is no m.easure. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 Passing over the letter to Walsingham of January 25,^ which 
 is about linen and laundresses, the next, to Lord Burghley, is 
 about Queen Mary's money matters. 
 
 To my Loi'd Treasitj-er, 27 yamiarii, 1585. 
 
 My very good Lord, — Whereas Mr. Wm. Agar hath 
 made payment to this Queen only of 100/., and hath 
 given his band- for the other 500/., to be paid the 26th 
 of this next month, Avherewith this Queen is as well 
 satisfied as if she had received all the money in hand^ 
 having prayed me to make him a discharge of the whole 
 sum, which I have done under my sign. It is so that 
 this Queen is advertised, by letters received very lately, 
 of other 600/. arrived at London, wherein she hath 
 prayed me by Nau to request your lordship's favour for 
 speedy payment to be made unto her of those other 600/., 
 which if your lordship cannot do by the mean of her 
 Majesty's receivers, or other like officers, then she desireth 
 you to require Mr. Agar to bring the said money with him 
 from London at her adventure, which, indeed, he hath 
 proffered to do ; and to this purpose he shall receive the 
 said sum of the P^rench Ambassador in gold. This Queen 
 pretendeth to have great need of this mone}^ and that the 
 same is already due to her servants here for their wages. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 The Queen of Scots at this time had a serious illness. On the 
 30th of January, Poulet wrote to A\'alsingham. 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 12. - Band, a bond, a covenant. HaUhocIl. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 137 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham^ 30 Januarii, 1585. 
 
 Sir, — I thank you most heartily for your last despatch, 
 wherein you did my brother great pleasure, who had 
 forgotten that all his papers remained with me, without 
 the which he can do no good in his business. 
 
 I have thought good to trouble you with this abstract 
 here inclosed of the French Ambassador's letters to this 
 Queen, finding nothing else in the packet worth the 
 advertisement. 
 
 This Queen is much grieved at this present, sleeping 
 little, and eating less. The humour removeth from one 
 place to another, and doth now possess many places at 
 once. 
 
 I am very glad to hear that you are returned to the 
 Court in good health, where God maintain you in the 
 same. 
 
 Chartley. 
 
 To Sir Francis IValsinghani^ 2 Febniarii, 1585. 
 Sir, — This Queen hath kept her bed this six or seven 
 days, being very much grieved with ache in her limbs, 
 so as she is not able to move in her bed without great 
 help, and when she is moved, endureth great pain. She 
 hath caused me to be informed, that when she came to 
 Tutbury this last year, the bed appointed for her own use 
 was stained and ill-favoured, whereof she complained to 
 Mr. Somer, who, being willing to redress it the best he 
 could, delivered unto her his own bed, which is no better, 
 indeed, than a plain ordinary feather bed, and is so much 
 as the feathers come through the tick. She saith that 
 hitherto she hath contented herself with this bed, but being 
 not able to ease herself in her bed, as when she enjoyed her 
 health, she findeth herself annoyed (the rather by reason 
 of her long lying) with the hardness of the feathers, and 
 therefore prayeth to be provided of a bed of down, which 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 14. - Ibid., n. 17. 
 
138 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 seemeth so reasonable as I could not in honesty and 
 charity, refuse to move it. There is honour and conscience 
 in this trifle, and therefore it may please you to have 
 consideration of it. 
 And this, &c. 
 
 This copy was also sent to my Lord Treasurer. 
 
 In the next letter Sir Amias returns to the linen. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham^ ly Februarii^ 1585. 
 
 Sir, — It seemeth that Mr. Yonge hath been abused in 
 the provision of the linen sent lately hither, which hath 
 been greatly misliked by this Queen and all her officers ; 
 and after some ill favoured speeches, so much thereof 
 as was to serve this Queen's table was utterly rejected 
 upon the first view, and rendered again immediately to 
 Mr. Darrell, and the residue accepted rather of necessity, 
 because they could not spare it, as they said, than for 
 any liking they had thereof The next day the whole 
 proportion was returned to Mr. Darrell by order from this 
 Queen, upon information given by Nau and some others 
 of his fellows, that the linen provided for their use was not 
 meet to be received. They complain of the coarseness of 
 all this linen, and of lack of breadth and length in the 
 napkins and cupboard cloths, and therefore have delivered 
 unto me a pattern of every sort of those which they had in 
 Sir Ralph Sadler's time, desiring to be furnished, if not of 
 better, yet of as good at the least. 
 
 I have thought good to send back this linen unto 
 you, to the end you may cause it to be seen by 
 such as have knowledge therein. Indeed the whole 
 portion was very ill chosen, and was so thin as it 
 carried the show of cloth that had been already worn, 
 the Scottish people affirming plainly that the towels 
 had been made of sheets, which also did appear by the 
 threads which had been ripped and sewed again. I am 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 1 39 
 
 so of opinion that in such provisions the best and the 
 strongest is best cheap, and especially for this people 
 which make no spare of it in washing and wearing. It 
 shall make for her Majesty's profit that this linen be sent 
 without delay, because this linen of the finer and better 
 sort, which might have lasted until Christmas next as they 
 say, is now worn daily for lack of change. 
 
 I would have been bold to have stayed this linen for 
 the provision of her Majesty's household here, whereof 
 there is great need, and might have served the turn very 
 well for so long as it would last, but I durst not presume 
 so far, and did forbear the rather because I doubted it 
 might be thought that I had assented to the refusal made 
 by the Scottish people to the end I might retain it to my 
 own use. Their demand now is somewhat increased, as 
 may appear by this note inclosed, which Mr. Darrell 
 received of this Queen's master of household, who hath 
 been intreated with some difficulty to accept of the dresser 
 cloths and wipers. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 I think myself greatly beholden unto you for your 
 favour extended towards my brother, which I do acknow- 
 ledge with all thankfulness. 
 
 To Sir F. IValsingham^ eodem die. 
 Sir, — I have thought good to accompany my other 
 letters sent herewith by reason of this Queen's linen with a 
 word or two concerning her disposition of body, which is 
 that she remaineth fast lodged in her bed, where she hath 
 continued now this month and more, subject to many 
 painful defluxions, and within these two days was taken in 
 one of her sides in very extreme manner, so as all her 
 trustiest servants were sent for with speed, who have not 
 seen her so dangerously grieved at any time heretofore, as 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 23. 
 
140 Sir Amias Potdet, 
 
 Nau and others have reported. After seven or eight hours 
 this violent pain was assuaged, and the night following she 
 took indifferent good rest. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 The letters to Walsingham of the 26th of February relate to a 
 visit of M. Arnault, 1 and they are followed by a civil little note in 
 French from Poulet to M. Arnault himself 
 
 A Monsieur Arnault^ 26 Februarii, 1585. 
 Monsieur, — Allant coucher le soir apres votre partement 
 je donnay charge a mon secretaire de vous aller voir le 
 matin et vous a porter mes lettres a Monsieur Walsingham. 
 Estant couche et endormy Monsieur Nau m'envoye 
 I'extraent inclose, lequel ie n'avois enchores veu quand 
 mon secretaire s'en allast vers vous, qui est la cause que ic 
 ne le vous ai envoye pour lors, vous priant de m'excuser. 
 Je vous supplie de croyre que vous avez acquis une grande 
 obligacion sur moy, de la quelle ie m'acquitteray a la 
 premiere occasion qui se presentera, en appes \sic] de quoi 
 ie vous baise bien humblement les mains, priant Dieu, 
 Monsieur, vous tenir en sa digne et saincte garde. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham^ nit. Febrnarii, 1585. 
 Sir, — Mr. Darrell having received advertisement from 
 the Court of the late decease of Mr. Rutland, one of her 
 Majesty's household officers there, by occasion whereof it 
 falleth out that every other officer according to his place is 
 to attain to some higher degree of preferment, forasmuch 
 as by the alteration Mr. Avenor- (as it seemeth), is to 
 be preferred to the Greencloth, and so consequently 
 Mr. Darrell, being one of the Clerks of the Avery, to arise 
 in his degree. 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., nn. 25, 26. 
 
 " The Greencloth was the counting house as well as the court of justice of 
 the royal palace. The Avenor was the chief clerk of the Avery, and was an 
 officer under the Master of the Horse, having the charge of the provender for 
 the royal stables. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 141 
 
 I can do no less than to recommend his cause to your 
 favour, and most earnestly to pray you to have such 
 friendly consideration of him that he may in his course 
 attain to such preferment as by order is due unto him. It 
 is often seen that men out of sight are out of mind, but his 
 service here being in care, travail, continual writing, and 
 daily attendance far beyond the service of any of his 
 companions about the Court, it were unreasonable that his 
 absence should be hurtful unto him, deserving to be better 
 regarded and rather to be recompensed extraordinarily 
 than to have anything taken from him. 
 
 I may affirm unto you that besides that the gentleman 
 serveth here so painfully and carefully, as I will not hope 
 that he will be succeeded with his like ; so he is also 
 religious, honest, and endued with many good virtues. I 
 pray you once again, as heartily as I can, to assist him 
 with your good favour. 
 
 And so, &c. 
 
 On the 2nd of March,^ Poulet communicated to Walsingham 
 the desire of Sharp, the coachman, and of [Burgoigne], the 
 physician, to be discharged from the service of the Queen of 
 Scots. The first request " seemed so strange, as I said I could 
 hardly believe that he was of that mind." Sharp, however, 
 persisted, "praying the like for his sister and sister-in-law, who 
 serve here as laundresses." This "I would suspect to be grounded 
 upon great cunning, if I did not know that they were already 
 provided of sufficient means to perform all the treacheries that 
 they can devise." This clearly is an allusion on Poulet's part to 
 the plan of communicating with the outer world through Gilbert 
 Gifford and the Burton brewer, which Walsingham had devised, 
 and which was now beginning to work. 
 
 As these treacherous individuals play so considerable a part 
 
 in this tragedy, we avail ourselves of the present opportunity 
 
 to lay before the reader some observations on Mr. Froude's 
 
 statements respecting Gilbert Gifford and his employer, Sir 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 27. 
 
142 Sir Amias Poulety 
 
 Francis Walsingham. After an elaborate argument to show- 
 that Walsingham was acting with perfect uprightness in setting 
 a trap for Mary Stuart and her CathoHc correspondents, he 
 pronounces Elizabeth's Minister innocent of bringing about 
 her death by tempting her to join in the Babington conspiracy. 
 "It has been represented as set on foot by Walsingham 
 to tempt the Queen of Scots to ruin herself It was utterly 
 unconnected in its origin either with him or with his instru- 
 ments. The channel of communication which Gilbert Gifford 
 had opened was made use of by the conspirators, but the 
 purpose had no existence in Walsingham's original design, nor 
 does it appear that Gifford himself was even trusted with the 
 secret, or was more than partially, accidentally, and externally 
 connected with either Babington or his accomplices." ^ 
 
 Froude then introduces Ballard as " the original instigator " of 
 the plot, acting under the patronage of Mendoza, whose personal 
 hatred for Elizabeth was sharpened by eager desire to avenge 
 himself for his summary expulsion from England. Ballard saw 
 [Morgan in the Bastile, who introduced him to Gifford. "Gifford," 
 he goes on to say, "though he accompanied Ballard from Paris to 
 England, was personally ignorant of what was going forward. It 
 was not till afterwards that he learnt it, in conversation, from 
 Ballard himself. Though he probably saw Walsingham in London, 
 therefore he had nothing of moment to make known to him."^ 
 
 Then again."^ " The Queen of Scots was the victim of 
 treachery, so it has been often said, and so it will be said again, 
 and if by treachery it is meant that she was deceived, the charge 
 is just. But it is false, absolutely and utterly, that the plot was 
 set on foot by agents of Walsingham to tempt her to join it in her 
 desperation, and then to destroy her." 
 
 In Gifford, says Mr. Froude, "the Jesuit training pro- 
 duced a 'character of a different type" to that of his brothers. 
 " He was taken from England when he was eleven years 
 old, and the Order therefore had him entirely to themselves, 
 
 ^ Ilistory, vol. xii., p. 124. 
 
 - Jbid., p. 132. Perhaps not personally; for as Chateauneuf says, Gifford 
 all along "communiquait letout avec Walsingham par leraoyende Phelippes" 
 (Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 288). 
 
 ^ History ^ vol. xii., p. 147. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 143:, 
 
 to shape for good or evil."^ Gilbert Gifford had no "Jesuit 
 training," and " the Order " never had anything to do with 
 him. Mr. Froude may be excused the mistake in this instance, 
 for M. de Chateauneuf has committed the same error; but 
 it is necessary to note that all through Mr. Froude's History 
 he habitually styles "Jesuits" those who never had anything in 
 the world to do with the Society of which St. Ignatius Loyola 
 was the founder. Thus Anthony Tyrrell and Foscue, or 
 Fortescue, better known as Ballard, are " two young English 
 Jesuits."^ So also "neophytes, when their conversion was com- 
 pleted, were drafted off to Douay or Rheims, were admitted, 
 most of them, while their imaginations were still fevered, into 
 the Order of Jesus." ^ When this curious system of misnaming 
 men is understood, it is of course possible to make allowances 
 when reading the book, so as not to be perpetually misled ; but 
 as some were really Jesuits and some were not, among the 
 multitude whom Mr. Froude so calls, it is, to say the least, 
 confusing : and as the appearance of the word in Mr. Froude's 
 pages is the signal for an offensive attack, perhaps those who 
 really are Jesuits may not like it. For instance, the Order that 
 helped to keep the English Catholics patient through their 
 persecutions may think it hard that it should be said, "So for 
 ever sang the Jesuits," that "one brave shot or dagger-stroke"" 
 would send "the carcase of Jezabel to the dogs," and would 
 write the name of the assassin " among the chivalry of Heaven."* 
 The College that was founded at Douay, and which was 
 removed there again after fifteen years spent at Rheims, was, it 
 is hardly necessary to say, in the hands of the English Secular 
 Clergy. In that Seminary it was that Gilbert Gifford " had been 
 ordained deacon, and had been reader of philosophy;" so that 
 there is no need to contradict the statement that " being a 
 good linguist, he had travelled on the business of the Order." 
 Travelling on this errand, according to Mr. Froude, he incident- 
 ally makes acquaintance with Morgan, Paget, and Throgmorton, 
 and was in no way connected with Walsingham until the late 
 spring or early summer of 1585. 
 
 ^ History^ vol. xii., p. no. - Ibid.^ vol. xi,, p. 43. ^ Ibid., vol, x., p. 513. 
 ^ Ibid.^ vol. xi., p. 395. 
 
144 '^^^ Amias Poulet^ 
 
 Again, we have seen that, in reference to Babington's con- 
 spiracy, Mr. Froude directly says that it does not "appear that 
 Gifford himself was even intrusted with the secret, or was more 
 than partially, accidentally, and externally connected with either 
 Babington or his accomplices." And his narrative of events 
 is skilfully contrived to justify this statement. But Blackwood 
 states^ that two years earlier Gifford was acting as Walsingham's 
 spy at Rheims, and had come twice to London to incite Savage 
 to regicide.- And both Morgan's correspondence and Chateau- 
 neuf's Memoir mark out Gifford as the prime mover in the plot. 
 For eight months before it was fully organized he had been 
 living in close intimacy with Morgan and the other refugees in 
 Paris. Gifford, Foley, and Phelippes were all in Paris during 
 the summer of 1585, insinuating themselves into the confidence 
 of Mary Stuart through Morgan. Walsingham's agents were 
 already associated with Babington,"' for letters from Morgan and 
 Paget of that date recommend the trio, Babington, Foley, and 
 Gifford, as persons able and willing to serve the Queen of Scots. 
 In December, 1585, Gifford returned to England, furnished with 
 ample recommendations to Mary from Morgan and from the 
 Archbishop of Glasgow."^ After presenting himself at the French 
 Embassy in London, he went straight to Phelippes' house, 
 where he lived during the month of January, ''practising secretly 
 among the Catholics," that is, insinuating himself into the con- 
 fidence of Babington and his friends, and opening Walsingham's 
 route of communication with Chartley. The secret packets for 
 Mary which, acting under Walsingham's directions, he obtained 
 
 ^ Jebb, De vita et rebus gcstis Mar'uv, 1725, vol. ii., p. 281. " Led it 
 Gifford (comme il se verra ci-apres) etait un homme suscite par les seigneurs 
 du Conseil d'Angleterre pour perdre la Reine d'Escosse, comme par toutes les 
 cours de I'Europe ils ont des hommes, lesquels, sous ombre d'etre Catholiques, 
 leur servent d'espions, et n'y a College de Jcsuites, ni a Rome ni en France, cu 
 ils n'en trouvent qui disent tous les jours la messe pour se couvrir et mieux 
 servir a cette Princesse [Elizabeth] ; meme il y a beaucoup de pretres en 
 Angleterre toleres par elle pour pouvoir, par le moyen des confessions auri- 
 culaires, decouvrir les menees des Catholiques." C/idfcaiincit/'s Memoir, 
 Labanoff, tom. vi., p. 279. 
 
 ^ Giflford's name appears in the indictment of Savage as having urged him 
 to assassinate Elizabeth. Howell's State Trials, vol. i., p. 11 20. 
 
 2 Labanoff, tom. vi., p. 213, 328. 
 
 * C/idteauneuJ^s Memoir, Labanoff, lorn, vi., p. 281. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 145 
 
 by fraud and falsehood from the French Ambassador, contained 
 nothing which could justify putting her to death ; the sufficient 
 "occasion" or "opportunity," as Poulet frankly calls it, had still 
 to be sought. Accordingly, during the spring and summer, 
 Gifford, in concert with Babington and Ballard, was actively 
 developing the conspiracy, crossing frequently to Paris, where 
 he associated himself with Morgan and Paget, and laid their 
 projects of revolt and regicide before Bernardino de Mendoza, 
 the Spanish Ambassador, who, smarting under his own expul- 
 sion from England, and resenting on his master's behalf the 
 action of the English Government in the Low Countries, lent 
 a ready ear. " A cette occasion," says Chateauneuf,^ " le dit de 
 Mendoza n'oublia rien de belles promesses, tant au dit Gifford 
 et a ceux qui etaient a Paris, qu' aux autres qui etaient en 
 Angleterre pour les y inciter, avec promesses d'une armee de 
 mer et de tous les moyens de son maitre." Of these facts 
 Mr, Froude, though he draws a good deal of material from 
 Chateauneuf's Memoir, takes no notice whatever. 
 
 Nor is this all. Chateauneuf's statements are confirmed in 
 full by a letter,^ of which Mr. Froude has made ample use, from 
 Mendoza to Phihp, August 13, 1586. In Mr. Froude's resume 
 of this despatch,'^ Ballard is represented as laying before Mendoza 
 the full details of a formidable conspiracy. He describes the 
 state of religion in England, and gives the particulars of the 
 strength of the Catholic party in the different counties, with a 
 roll-call of noblemen and gentry prepared to rise in revolt."* In 
 short, the envoy furnishes full information respecting a triple 
 conspiracy, including a plan for a general Catholic rising, a 
 scheme for Elizabeth's assassination, and proposals for a Spanish 
 invasion. So "Ballard told his story" to the Spaniard, who 
 heartily approves everything, particularly the plan of assassina- 
 tion. "Ballard's story" is pretty accurately repeated by Mr. Froude 
 from his authority, with one startling variation. He has from first 
 
 ^ Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 287. 
 
 ^ Simancas Archives, B 57, printed by Teulet, Histoirc de VEcossc au 
 XVI. Steele^ vol. iii., p. 423, Bannatyne Club edition. 
 
 ^ Hist.^ vol. xii., p. 128. 
 
 * Among them appears " milord Gifford, persona de hedad, es padre del 
 gentilhombre que me ha venido a hablar." 
 K 
 
146 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 to last substituted Ballard's name for that of Gifford in the origi- 
 nal. Mendoza opens his report by informing Philip that, some 
 months previously, "?/;/ derigo''^ had come over to acquaint him 
 with the Catholic movement in England,^ but that, the infor- 
 mation supplied being incomplete, he had answered only in 
 general terms, at the same time requiring further particulars. 
 In consequence, he reports, the Catholics had sent a second 
 envoy,^ a gentleman named Gifford, of good family, well accre- 
 dited, and furnished with ample instructions. Mendoza writes 
 in full confidence towards Gifford, or, as he more often styles 
 him, ^^ el ge?itilhombre,'' d.s will appear from the passage which 
 Mr. Froude has had the courage to reproduce and apply to 
 Ballard.^ So the letter proceeds. Throughout it is Gifford, not 
 Ballard, to whom the mission of the Catholic party is confided, 
 who unfolds the secrets of the confederacy and lays opens the 
 plan for regicide. It is Walsingham's agent whom Mendoza 
 unsuspectingly welcomes as the negotiator of proposals " so pro- 
 fitable in the interests both of religion and of the King of Spain." 
 
 The manner in which the plot was carried out by Gifford and 
 Phelippes is related by Mr. Froude with an inaccuracy that is 
 truly remarkable. " Phillipps came to reside at Chartley under 
 the pretence of assisting Paulet in the management of the 
 household." This continued residence of Phelippes is entirely 
 inconsistent with fact, and indeed the correspondence seems to 
 show that he only paid Chartley two short visits, the former at 
 Christmas, and therefore about the time of Mary's arrival, ending 
 in all probability, as we have seen, on the loth of January, the 
 other, in which the fatal work was done, beginning on the 14th 
 and ending on the 27 th of July. 
 
 "Every letter conveyed to the Queen of Scots and every 
 letter which she sent in return was examined and copied by him 
 
 ^ Ballard is always so designated in Mendoza's letters. 
 
 2 Mendoza to Idiaquez, May 12, 1586. Simancas, B 57, n. 310; Teulet. 
 
 ^ **Han me embiado los Catholicos un gentilhombre llamado Maistre 
 Gifford, de buena casa, con senas en su creencia." 
 
 '* Bisl.,\o\. xii., p. 130. The whole document, in which the Queen of 
 Scots is only slightly mentioned, will repay examination. Gifford had evidently 
 imposed grossly exaggerated statements upon Mendoza respecting the Catholic 
 party. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 147 
 
 before it was forwarded to its destination, and Morgan's intro- 
 duction of Gifford, which betrayed her into Walsingham's hands, 
 was the first on which he had to exercise his skill. Gifford 
 himself, too young and innocent looking, as he appeared to 
 Paulet, for so involved a transaction, had organized his own 
 share of it with a skill which Sir Amyas' blunter mind failed 
 at first to comprehend. Sir Amyas thought that his remuneration 
 from Walsingham ought to have contented him. Gifford, wiser 
 than he, knew that gratuitous services were suspicious. He 
 wrote to the Queen of Scots, saying that he was honoured in 
 being of use to her, but reminding her that he was risking his 
 life, and capitulating for a pension." The mind of Sir Amias 
 was not so blunt, and he too was conscious that gratuitous 
 services were suspicious, as he wrote to Walsingham, "I could 
 think that your friend's substitute at London should procure his 
 reward from this Queen, and if it be not sought at her hands she 
 shall have just cause to think ill of it."i 
 
 Mr. Froude gives the manner in which communications were 
 opened with Mary, from M. de Chateauneuf's Memoir. 2 
 
 It is thus told by him : " Gifford s'adressa k celui qui four- 
 nissait la biere pour la provision de la Reine ; laquelle, k la mode 
 d'Angleterre, se porte toutes les semaines, et ayant fait faire 
 un petit etui de bois creux, il mettait ses paquets dans le dit etui 
 bien ferm^ et les jetait dans un vaisseau de biere; lequel le 
 sommelier retirait et le baillait k Nau, qui, au prochain voyage du 
 charretier, rendait le vaisseau avec la reponse. Le dit fournisseur 
 de biere se tenait en une lieue de Ik, oii Ton allait querir les dites 
 lettres." 
 
 " At points between Burton and London," continues 
 Mr. Froude,^ " he had found Catholic gentlemen with whose 
 assistance the packets were transmitted. They were told no 
 more than that they contained letters of supreme importance to 
 the cause. One of them, who resided nearest to Burton, received 
 a bag weekly from the brewer, and carried it on to the next, by 
 whom it was again forwarded. So it was passed from hand to 
 hand to the Jesuit agency in London. The treachery was at 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 22 ; infra. " Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 284. 
 
 3 Hist.y vol. xii., p. 117. 
 K 2 
 
148 Sir Amias Potdet, 
 
 Chartley only. From the time that the letters left the brewer's 
 house they were tampered with no more. The London Jesuits 
 receiving them by their confidential channel, and little dreaming 
 that they were transcribed already, distributed them to their 
 ciphered addresses, and returned answers in the same way, 
 which again, after inspection by Phillipps, were deposited in 
 the cask." 
 
 The ensuing correspondence will show that there is not a 
 word of truth in this paragraph. The series of Catholic gentlemen 
 handing on a weekly post-bag from one country house to another, 
 had no existence; and there was no Jesuit agency in London 
 to act as a general post office. 
 
 It is true enough that Gifford told a falsehood to M. de 
 Chateauneuf, which has deceived not only him, but Mr. Froude. 
 *' Qu'entre Londres et Chartley, qui sont distants I'un de I'autre 
 environ de quarante lieues, il y avait deux maisons de gentils- 
 hommes Catholiques, ses amis ; que le plus proche de Chartley 
 enverrait toutes les semaines querir les lettres chez le faiseur de 
 biere, puis les enverrait chez I'autre gentilhomme plus proche de 
 Londres, lequel les enverrait a Londres, au logis du dit Sieur 
 Ambassadeur, par un des siens tantot vetu en serrurier, tantot en 
 crocheteur, tantot en menuisier, tantot en charretier, et ainsi en 
 diverses sortes." 
 
 This was Gifford's contrivance to prevent the French Ambas- 
 sador from making any inquiries into the character of the 
 messengers whom Gifford deputed in his absence to carry the 
 correspondence to and fro. Characteristically greedy scoundrels 
 as they all were, Gifford wound up, " partant, qu'il ne lui fallait 
 jamais faire paraitre que cela vint de la Reine d'Escosse, suffirait 
 k chaque voyage lui donner un angelot pour I'encourager k bien 
 faire." So they were to be paid by Walsingham, by Mary, and by 
 de Chateauneuf. 
 
 Gifford, in his letter to Walsingham of the nth of July, shows 
 us how completely the letters remained in their hands throughout. 
 "Barnes" (who is called by Poulet "the second messenger") 
 " hath not yet appeared in any of his frequented places, so that I 
 think he came not yet to town. I know not whether he hath 
 been with the Ambassador, for I dare not go thither till such time 
 
Keeper of Mary Queejt of Scots. 149 
 
 as I bring the packet with me. I trust Mr. PheHppes will meet 
 the said packet by the way and peruse it, that it need no delay in 
 delivery." The packet in question was intercepted by Phelippes 
 on July 7 at Stilton, was carried by him back to Chartley, and 
 sent by Poulet to Walsingham with his letter of July 14, having 
 been first opened by him, and a letter withdrawn. Is this a 
 packet that from the time it left the brewer's house, was 
 ''tampered with no more?" 
 
 There were no Catholic gentlemen employed here. Why 
 should there have been ? Provided only that the persons at the 
 two ends of the journey were unsuspected, what did it matter 
 who carried the letters ? Even Phelippes himself was the bearer 
 of a letter from Babington to Mary, the answer to which 
 is promised "at the return of the honest man." The letter 
 from Mary to Babington was delivered by one of Phelippes* 
 agents, probably by Barnes, as in writing to Walsingham on the 
 19th of July, Phelippes says, "If he be in the country, the 
 original will be conveyed into his hands, and like enough an 
 answer returned." 
 
 The treachery was not " at Chartley only." It was wherever 
 it was convenient for Phelippes to be. Nor is it true, as 
 Mr. Froude proceeds to say, that "six persons only were in 
 possession of the full secret : Elizabeth and Walsingham, by 
 whom the plot had been contrived, Gifford and the brewer 
 who were its instruments, Phillipps by whom the ciphers were 
 transcribed and read, and Paulet whom it had been found 
 necessary to trust. All the rest," he adds, "were puppets who 
 played their part at the young Jesuit's will." By "the young 
 Jesuit" Mr. Froude means Gifford, and it is in keeping that he 
 should have the management of the unconscious puppets who 
 made up "all the rest." But it was Sir Amias who engaged 
 "the substitute," who was one of the Earl of Leicester's men 
 found for Poulet by Mr. Bagot. Gifford called him his cousin, 
 but as we know no more of him, we are not bound to take the 
 relationship on Gifford's word. As to this cousin, Mr. Froude 
 makes him "an unconscious instrument in the ruin of the lady 
 whom he worshipped as his Queen." ^ It would have been more 
 ^ Hist., vol. xii., p. 1 18. 
 
150 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 dramatic no doubt had it been so, but it is not true. He was a 
 venal knave like the rest Poulet was required by Walsingham to 
 reward him, and proposed^ to give him five pounds, in addition 
 to whatever he could get from the Queen of Scots. 
 
 Gifford's falsehood to the French Ambassador gave Mr. 
 Froude two Catholic gentlemen, and he has swelled the little 
 invention into a series, who passed the packets from hand to 
 hand ; but the Jesuit agency in London to which they were 
 consigned is Mr. Froude's own fabrication. There were at this 
 time but three Jesuit Fathers in England, and of these two did 
 not arrive till Mary's correspondence was drawing to its close. 
 Edmund Campion and Thomas Cotham had been martyred; 
 Robert Persons, Jasper Haywood, and William Holt were on 
 the Continent ; William Weston, alias Edmonds, who had been 
 for some time the only Jesuit Priest in England, was apprehended 
 before Ballard,^ and most undoubtedly, if he could in any way 
 have been shown to have been implicated in Babington's plot 
 — and that any confidential messenger between Mary and 
 Babington would have been held to be — he, being in custody, 
 would have been put on his trial with the conspirators. Two 
 other Jesuit Fathers reached England in 1586, as Mr. Froude 
 will have learned from a letter of Morgan to Gifibrd, under the 
 names of Thomas Germyn to Nicholas Cornellys, July 3, 1586.^ 
 "There are two Jesuits sent into England, both very young men. 
 Father Southwell and Father Garnet ; God prosper them and 
 their labours." Besides these there was a Lay -brother, Ralph 
 Emerson, shut up in the Counter in the Poultry. What pretext 
 can Mr. Froude possibly have for saying that any of these men 
 received the letters that Gifford and the other messengers from 
 Chartley brought to London ? If he has none, who were there 
 to constitute the "Jesuit agency in London?" Who were the 
 " London Jesuits " who " distributed the letters to their ciphered 
 addresses and returned answers in the same way ? " 
 
 However, the reader will be able to gather the true details 
 for himself of the manner in which Mary's secret communications 
 were carried on, as far as they are recorded in the correspondence 
 we proceed to give. Phelippes had taken his departure in the 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 7 ; infra, '^ Vol. xix,, n. 4. ' Vol. xviii., n. 31, 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 151 
 
 early part of January, 1586. On the i6th of that month, Mary 
 received the letter of introduction dated October /y, brought to 
 her from Morgan by Gifford. She answered it on the 17th 
 January, " conform to the ancient computation," that is, old 
 style, inclosing letters for the Duke of Guise and the Bishop of 
 Glasgow. Of Gifford she says, "I thank you heartily for this 
 bringer, whom I perceive very willing to acquit himself honestly 
 of his promise made to you, but, for such causes as presently 
 I will not write, I fear his danger of sudden discovery, my 
 keeper having settled such an exact and rigorous order in all 
 places where any of my people can go, as it is very strange if 
 they receive or deliver anything which he is not able to know 
 very soon after. "^ 
 
 Gifford's return after taking this answer to London was 
 expected by Poulet when he wrote the following letter to 
 Phelippes. It is unnecessary to say that neither this nor any of 
 the subsequent letters relating to the secret communications 
 makes its appearance in Poulet's letter-book. We print them 
 from the holograph originals in the Public Record Office. The 
 reference in the first to Francis Bacon is noteworthy. Phelippes 
 was for years on familiar terms with Bacon. ^ 
 
 Poidet to Phelippes? 
 Sir, — Your letters have been very welcome unto me, 
 and I take them as an earnest penny for more to come 
 hereafter, which shall receive like welcome. I find it 
 very strange to understand by your letters that Reynolds 
 should make suit to depart from me, having used him 
 in all this time of his service with many extraordinary 
 favours, such as I never showed the like to any man 
 that served me. And besides that I have trusted him 
 with all that hath passed from me, I have also loved 
 him very heartily. I will say no more but that in 
 lionesty and good manner he ought to have acquainted 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 5 ; LabanofF, torn, vi., p. 254. 
 
 ^ *' The Marquis of Worcester is desirous to be acquainted with Francis 
 JBacon by Phelippes' means." Dom. Eliz.^ vol. ccxliv., n. 103. 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 13. 
 
152 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 me with his meaning, and I know him and his disposi- 
 tion so well as I dare affirm that when he shall leave 
 my service he shall go out of God's blessing into a warm 
 sun, not doubting but that it w^ill be easy for me to 
 provide myself of some man as honest as he and as well 
 qualified. If you had asked me, I would have said that 
 he had loved me heartily and faithfully. 
 
 I look daily to hear from your friend.^ Let this suffice,. 
 I pray you, until some new occasion shall minister better 
 matter. And thus I commit you to the mercy of the 
 Highest, with my most hearty commendations, and the 
 like from my wife to yourself and our good friend,. 
 Mr. Francis Bacon. 
 
 Chartley, the 25th of January, 1585. 
 
 Your assured friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 To my very good friend, Mr. Thomas Phelippes, 
 attending on Mr. Secretary, at the Court. 
 
 Poulct to WalsingJiamr 
 Sir, — I received a letter from your friend the 3rd of 
 this present, by the which he prayed me to send a trusty 
 messenger unto him at a place appointed, which I did 
 with two or three words in writing, signifying by the 
 same that I had learned not to trust two where it sufficed 
 to trust one ; and therefore, although I had a very good 
 opinion of the messenger, yet I advised him to return his 
 mind in writing. Hereupon he thought good to repair 
 unto me in person, which he did late in the night, the 
 5th of this present, and then delivered unto me the two 
 packets and two letters sent herewith, showing me also 
 a cypher which he had received from Curie, but prayed 
 that it might remain with him because he was to advertise 
 
 ^ *' Your friend" is Poulet's name for Gifford; the *' secret party " is Phelippes'.. 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 20. 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee^t of Scots, 153 
 
 Curie of the receipt of the said packets, which he could 
 not do without the cypher. 
 
 He desired that these packets might be sent unto you 
 with speed, and that his father might be advised by 
 Mr. Phelippes to call him to London as soon as were 
 possible, to the end he might deliver these letters to the 
 French Ambassador in convenient time for the better 
 conservation of his credit that way. 
 
 He promiseth to do great service, affirming that he 
 hath good means to do it, and pretendeth to depend 
 wholly of your favour. He resolveth to leave a counter- 
 paper with the honest man at their next meeting for the 
 credit of any such as he shall hereafter send unto him, 
 with the like paper. 
 
 Being uncertain if you will command him anything 
 else touching this service before his return to London, he 
 hath instructed me where to find him. 
 
 I will hope the best of your friend, but I may not hide 
 from you that he doubled in his speech with me once or 
 twice, and [it] cannot be denied but that he received these 
 or other packets sooner than he confessed. 
 
 The honest man hath made many leaps abroad sithence 
 this matter was first made, and God knoweth if under the 
 cloak of this trifle greater treacheries may be contrived. 
 
 In my simple opinion you shall do well to assure 
 yourself of the honest man, which I may easily do, and 
 then besides that your friends doings will be the more 
 manifest, you shall also have the better mean to entertain 
 this intelligence. 
 
 It escaped your friend to tell me that the packet to 
 the French Ambassador had a cypher in it, but because 
 I had tripped him once or twice before, I thought good to 
 forbear to ask how he knew /it, doubting he might conceive 
 that I suspected him. He pretended to have showed me 
 all that he had received from this people, which being 
 true I cannot imagine how he should be informed of this 
 
154 "^^'^ Amias Poulet, 
 
 cypher. It may please you to put him to the question, 
 letting him to know that I informed you of it. 
 
 And thus, leaving these things to your better con- 
 sideration, I commit you to the mercy and favour of 
 the Highest. 
 
 Chartley, the 6th of February, 1585. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 It may please you to give me leave to recommend my 
 brother to your good favour. 
 
 Addressed by Poidefs secretary in the usual form to 
 Sir Francis Walsingham^ and endorsed as usual. 
 
 Poulet to Walsinghain} 
 
 Sir, — Your letters of the 4th of this present came to 
 my hands the 8th of the same in the morning, being glad 
 to hear that your friend returneth hither, and indeed I do 
 not see how by any other mean your purpose could be 
 continued with surety. 
 
 Choice is made of a substitute of honest credit, good 
 wealth, good understanding, and servant to the Earl of 
 Leicester, from whom I look to hear hourly of the delivery 
 of the first packet according to the direction received from 
 you, and of a day to be appointed for their meeting again, 
 at which time the second packet shall also be delivered, 
 and then the third as time will permit, wherein I follow 
 your instructions. 
 
 The letters contained in this Queen's packet came from 
 Mauvissiere and his servant Mareshall to this Queen and 
 to Nau, with another letter from one Foster, a Scot, to one 
 of the gentlewomen here. There is no matter in these 
 letters worthy of advertisement, saving that Mauvissiere 
 writeth to this Queen that Claude Hamilton is returned 
 
 ^ Harl. MSS., 285, f. 282. 
 
Keeper of Mary Q^ieen of Scots. 155 
 
 into Scotland by the commandment of the King her son, 
 and that he is well affected to her service. 
 
 I thank you most heartily for your friendly advertise- 
 ments of the state of foreign parts, being sorry to hear 
 that our actions in the Low Countries are no better 
 backed at home, which will give no small comfort to 
 the enemy, and may prove dangerous to the general cause. 
 
 Your letters touching the recusants in this county 
 were delivered here the 8th of this present. 
 
 I think it meet that you hear from me sometimes, and 
 therefore have made this despatch to the end you may know 
 how far I am gone in the execution of your last letters. 
 
 I have been advertised from my brother of your 
 friendly favour and effectual dealing in his behalf at the 
 Council table, wherein I think myself greatly bound unto 
 you, and do thank you for it most heartily. 
 
 God increase your honour and health. 
 
 Chartley, the loth of March, 1585. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Sithence the writing of the premises, I am advertised 
 that the honest man hath received the packet, and doth 
 like very well of the substitute, but in respect of his 
 private business, would not be persuaded to appoint the 
 day of their next meeting until the 20th of this month. 
 
 Addressed by Poulet's clerk — To the right honourable 
 Sir Francis Walsingham, knight, her Majesty's principal 
 Secretary. 
 
 Endorsed by Phelippes — 9 March, 1585. From Sir 
 Amias Poulet. 
 
 Phelippes to Walsingham?- 
 
 It may please your Honour, — The secret party was 
 with me this morning, and tells me that Cherelles prays 
 him in any case to stay until to-morrow at night, for that 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 28 ; Cotton. MSS., Calig., C. ix., f. 219. 
 
156 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 before that he hath talked with one Mr. Pierrepont again, 
 he cannot despatch him. But the Ambassador himself 
 hath been inquisitive of him for some apt mean to send 
 a packet into Scotland, which is some secret matter. I 
 thought good to send your honour word hereof, to the 
 end that if Foley be not in the way, w^hom it is likely 
 they will use, you may think of some other that may 
 deliver it, and the secret party shall demand the same. 
 
 If Foley receive it, I do not think but he will bring it 
 unto you. But you may try his good dealing at this time if 
 he be in these parts. For as appeared by Morgan's last,^ he 
 is recommended as a fit man for that convoy of Scotland. 
 Howbeit, it may be they would not be at so full a charge 
 as the express sending of a messenger. Foley I think may 
 be sent to the Ambassador by a sleight with some whisper- 
 ing intelligence what he will offer touching the convoy of 
 these letters, which if he commit it to Foley, you shall 
 either have it, and carried at their costs, or else know 
 Foley thoroughly, for my secret friend shall know what 
 becomes of it. If they do not commit it to Foley, it 
 may please you [to] consider how it may [be] conveyed 
 otherwise and give me direction, and my secret friend shall 
 accept it and call for the packet at your pleasure. 
 
 The mention hereof puts me in mind that Mr. Justice 
 Young said yesternight that he had a special spy about 
 the Ambassador, by whose direction he dealt with Aldred, 
 and I consider he may do the like with my secret friend, 
 which would be very prejudicial to the service. I told 
 him if he had commission from you to take that course 
 it was another matter, but if he had not, I said, without 
 your privity he might as soon do harm as good with his 
 spials. And further, that as I took it, you were not 
 curious to watch the Ambassador. " But they have been 
 careful," said he, " heretofore." I answered, the times 
 
 1 January 4-|> 1586, vol. xvii., n. 6; Murdin, p. 440. Cf. Labanoff, 
 torn. vL, p. 320. 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee7i of Scots. 1 5 7 
 
 were altered, and perhaps his spy was known, wherefore 
 he were best to follow such order as you would prescribe. 
 For anything I find by your honour or him, he hath no 
 commission. If not, it may please you to limit him by 
 some peremptory speech, or he will mar all to have work. 
 
 And so I humbly take my leave of your honour. 
 
 London, this 19th of March, 1585. 
 
 Your honour's most humble at commandment, 
 
 Tho. Phelippes. 
 
 ■ From these exciting topics we turn back to Poulet and his 
 Tnoney matters, as recorded in the letter-book. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer, 7 Mar Hi, 1585. 
 
 My very good Lord, — Mr. William Agar hath made 
 payment to this Queen of 500/. in full satisfaction of 600/., 
 -appointed to be paid by letters from Mr. Chancellor, 
 written to that purpose by direction from your lordship 
 at Christmas last or thereabouts. Also he hath [made] 
 payment to this Queen of six hundred and four score 
 pounds, which he received now lately of the French 
 Ambassador, and hath brought the same hither at your 
 lordship's commandment, as he hath affirmed to Nau, 
 who telleth me that this Queen thinketh herself greatly 
 beholden unto you therein. 
 
 Farther, the said Mr. Agar hath undertaken to furnish 
 this Queen yearly of 2,000/., to be received again by him 
 at London of the French Ambassador at two certain days 
 in the year to be agreed upon between them, so as your 
 lordship shall be no more troubled with any suit from 
 hence in that behalf. 
 
 I have received your lordship's letters touching the 
 tenement of Shulborowe, supposed to be in her Majesty's 
 hands, and desired by one of your lordship's servants, 
 the grant whereof shall be stayed until your lordship 
 shall advertise your pleasure. And thus, &c. 
 
158 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer, eodein die. 
 
 My very good Lord, — It may please your lordship to 
 give me leave to pray your direction in a matter or two 
 which import her Majesty's profit and service very much. 
 Upon conference between Sir Ralph Sadler, then serving 
 in this place, and the Justices of Stafford and Derby, it 
 was agreed, the 20th of February, 1584, that certain sums 
 of money should be levied for the necessary charges of 
 wood and coal for one whole year for the governor and 
 household attending upon the Scottish Queen, vizt, in 
 the county of Stafford, four score and ten pounds, and in 
 the county of Derby, four score and ten pounds, which 
 upon due consideration of the proportion of wood and 
 coal requisite for the said service and of the short carriage 
 of the same by reason of nearness of the Queen's woods, 
 seemed to be reasonably rated. So as her Majesty was 
 charged only with 2d, for the carriage of every load of 
 wood, and with 6d. for the carriage of every load of coal. 
 
 It is so that the county of Stafford hath made full 
 payment of this contribution, as likewise the county of 
 Derby, saving in Skarsdale, where Mr. Leake refuseth 
 utterly to pay the portion assessed upon his limit, amount- 
 ing to 22/. I OJ., although Mr. John Manners, being likewise 
 rated, hath already made payment of 15/., and is ready 
 and willing to pay the residue, if Mr. Leake and his 
 neighbours will be content to do the like. 
 
 Mr. George Agar took upon this service at the 
 request of Sir Ralph Sadler, so as if he be not satisfied 
 of this money at Mr. Leake's hands, it is of necessity 
 that he must be recompensed by her Majesty's officers 
 here, which were an unnecessary charge to her Highness, 
 and unreasonable in my simple opinion. I have not 
 spared to ask this money by my sundry letters, and 
 now lately at the sessions holden sithence Christmas, I 
 wrote therein to the whole Bench, but have received no 
 answer from them, although I doubt not but that they 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee^i of Scots. 159 
 
 have dealt earnestly with Mr. Leake herein. The whole 
 sum due by Mr. Leake and Mr. Manners amounts to 
 30/., of the payment whereof there is no stay but in 
 Mr. Leake. And now it may please your lordship to 
 consider if this money shall be paid by her Majesty or 
 by them. 
 
 The other matter wherein I desire your lordship's 
 direction is, that whereas during and being at Tutbury, 
 her Majesty was no farther charged with wood and coal 
 than as is before mentioned, sithence the coming of this 
 Queen hither, by reason of the far distance, the carriage 
 of every load of sea coal doth cost \os., every load of 
 charcoal 5.$"., and every load of wood 3^". 4^., besides the 
 making of the said sea coal, charcoal, and wood, which 
 falleth out weekly to so deep a sum by reason of the great 
 expence in this great household, which is also increased 
 by the occasion of this Queen's sickness, who now keepeth 
 four continual fires in her own lodging. 
 
 As I fear it will be nothing pleasing to her Majesty, 
 which I have thought to ease by some contribution for 
 the year to come, the last contribution being expired the 
 20th of February last past, and to that purpose wrote to 
 the Justices of the county of Stafford and Derby the 
 last sessions to such effect as may appear by this copy 
 inclosed. 
 
 The assembly of the Justices at Derby was very 
 slender at that time by reason of the great frost and 
 snow, promising by message to confer with their fellow 
 Justices, and return answer, whereof I have as yet received 
 none, and therefore do presume that they will do nothing. 
 
 From the Justices of Stafford I have received answer 
 that they are willing to contribute as they did last year, 
 praying earnestly to be pressed no further, in respect that 
 the country is charged this year many ways very deeply, 
 as they affirm. This contribution of four score and ten 
 pounds by the year is far behind the yearly charge of the 
 
i6o Sir Amias Potclet, 
 
 carriage of the year to come, which by the estimation 
 made this last year by Sir Ralph Sadler will amount, as 
 the carriages are now rated, to the sum of 333/. 18-$-. 3^. 
 at the least. 
 
 This house is not so near bordering upon Derbyshire 
 as was the Castle of Tutbury, and therefore I doubt how 
 that she will be persuaded to yield to any contribution. 
 If her Majesty will not be content to bear this heavy 
 charge of wood and coal, how her Highness may be 
 relieved therein, I refer it to your lordship's better 
 consideration. 
 
 The necessity of this household is so great, as I have 
 chosen rather to send for the money remaining yet at 
 London of the 1,000/. granted by Privy Seal and to abide 
 the adventure of the carriage than to forbear it with 
 discredit to myself and hindrance to her Majesty's service, 
 and therefore have despatched this bearer, my servant 
 John Cade, expressly for that purpose, praying your 
 lordship to take order that the said money may be 
 delivered unto him, whose acquittance for the receipt 
 thereof shall be a charge unto me as far forth as if I 
 had received it myself The man is of honest credit and 
 sufficient substance to answer a greater sum of money 
 than this cometh ^unto. 
 
 Having compared the state of this household with our 
 present store of money and with that which is likely to 
 accrue unto us by the demesnes of Burton, the tithing 
 corn belonging to the same, and the herbage of the Lord 
 Paget's three parks, with the profits of the iron mills, 
 which, as is affirmed by the ministers, will not exceed the 
 sum of 500/. this year, I have thought good most humbly 
 to pray your lordship that Mr. Darrell may be commanded 
 to make his repair to the Court, there to yield his account 
 for this year past, which is wholly within his charge, 
 although two months thereof were spent before my 
 coming, trusting that upon the yielding of his accounts 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 1 6 1 
 
 and due consideration had thereof, order will be taken, 
 the rather by your lordship's good mean, that her 
 Majesty's master of household here may have some 
 money always in store, and not be indebted as he hath 
 been continually sithence my coming hither, with slander 
 to this household and loss to her Majesty. There is 
 owing to me at this present 500/., Mr. Darrell being not 
 able to make payment of any part thereof. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 Poulet speaks out plainly his indignation at the shabby way in 
 which he, in common with all Elizabeth's servants, was treated. 
 Her closeness was such that the most necessary sums had to be 
 wrung from her. 
 
 The three following letters are not to be found in the State 
 Papers. 
 
 To Sir Francis Waisingham, 12 Mar Hi, 1585. 
 
 Sir, — Curie repaired unto me the nth of this present, 
 to pray me to provide a more sufficient merchant to 
 furnish this Queen and her family with woollen cloth, 
 linen cloth, and such other mercers' wares as they have 
 occasion to use, alleging that the merchant of Stafford 
 appointed to that purpose was not able to serve their turn 
 for want of stuff fit for them, and that the Queen his 
 mistress was now to make provision, after her accustomed 
 manner, of [blank] woollen cloth and linen cloth to be 
 given to the poor on Maundy Thursday, which this 
 merchant of Stafford could not furnish. I told him that 
 I was very glad that he had acquainted me thus far with 
 his mistress' intent, because this matter was strange to 
 me, but did remember that the French Ambassador wrote 
 not long sithence to this Queen, that he would not fail, 
 according to her instructions, to move her Majesty touching 
 her alms, so as it was likely she should hear from him 
 shortly therein. He answered that she might perchance 
 have written to the French Ambassador touching her alms 
 in general, but knows that she made no doubt of her 
 
i62 Sir A^nias Poulet, 
 
 liberty on this point, as a matter which hath not been 
 denied unto [her] sithence her coming into England. I told 
 him that the question of her alms in general was decided 
 by her Majesty the last summer to his mistress' good 
 satisfaction, and therefore I had cause to think that her 
 late advertisement to the French Ambassador concerned 
 her Maundy, which he insisted to deny, concluding that 
 the Queen his mistress would think herself very hardly 
 used if she should* be restrained herein. I prayed him to 
 tell me of the manner of the last year's Maundy. He 
 said that forty-two young maidens had every of them 
 a yard and a half of woollen cloth, two yards of linen 
 cloth, and i^d. in money, and eighteen little boys, wherein 
 she had respect to her son, had also every of them a yard 
 and a half of woollen cloth, two yards of linen cloth, and 
 I'^d. in money, and that on Good Friday she bestowed 
 6/. among the elder sort of the poor of Tutbury town. I 
 find that the Priest was the chief minister in this distri- 
 bution, and that he went from house to house and made 
 choice of all this poor company at his discretion. It is my 
 mariner to walk in the broad highway, and therefore it 
 may please you to give me your direction herein. If you 
 shall think good to continue this custom, it seemeth meet 
 that the choice [of] poor folks be made by the constable 
 and other officers of the next parishes adjoining, and that 
 the money be distributed by them. Phillipps, the carrier, 
 of [blank], bringeth these letters unto you, who will return 
 in time convenient for your answer herein, if it shall 
 so please you. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 Although you have, perchance, no opinion that among 
 the great matters here in question between us and our 
 neighbours, they will vouchsafe so much as to think upon 
 the little Isle of Jersey, yet it may please you to be a 
 mean that the poor isles m.ay be remembered as time and 
 
Keeper of Mary Qicee^i of Scots. 1 6 
 
 J 
 
 occasion shall require. My son writeth unto me that 
 the drum is stricken up in all the towns of Normandy, 
 and that Monsieur Brisac prepareth to go to the sea. The 
 carrier hath broken his day, wherewith the Scottish people 
 are not pleased, who look for many things from thence ; 
 but no doubt he will be there very shortly. This letter 
 Cometh now unto you by one of my brother's servants. 
 
 In the next he shows that the royal " parsimony " is still on 
 his mind. In this case it is "in matters of State" and not 
 of household expense. Under the terms concluded between 
 Elizabeth and James, he was to have had live thousand pounds' 
 a year, and Elizabeth would not give him more than four 
 thousand, which made him very angry. Poulet was of courae 
 anxious that James should be secured to Elizabeth's interest. 
 
 To Sir F. Walsingham, 22 Marlii, 1585. 
 
 Sir, — I have been much troubled of late with a cold,, 
 which I had taken in such extremity as I have been sick 
 with it divers days, and after cast into an ague, but am 
 now in some towardness of recovery. I thank God for it. 
 
 I thank you most heartily for the copy of Mr. 
 Randolph's letter,^ beseeching God to give success to his 
 travail there, whereof there will be no doubt, if we could 
 be removed from our old error of parsimony, a dangerous 
 fault in matters of State, the nature whereof, not unlike to 
 a canker, is plausible enough in his beginning, but payeth 
 surely at the last. 
 
 It seemeth that Claude Hamilton is very liberal of his 
 friendship (such as it is), which you can remember he hath 
 offered with many words to this Queen by his sundry 
 letters.^ 
 
 ^ Randolph was Elizabeth's Ambassador to Scotland. 
 
 ^ Mary wrote to Lord Claude Hamilton, apparently in July (Vol. xviii., 
 n. 27 ; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 371) ; but she does not acknowledge the receipt 
 of any letters from him. Amongst the State Papers there are two of much 
 earlier date, from Paris, July 16 and October 8, 1585 (Vol. xvi., nn. 13, 52), 
 and one written long after this time, August 10, 1586 (Vol. xix., n. 31). 
 L 2 
 
164 Sir Aniias Pozilety 
 
 This Queen having kept her chamber nine or ten 
 weeks is now deHvered of her pain and grief, but not yet 
 able to go or stand, wherewith she is greatly perplexed. 
 Our Scottish churches do now grow to some perfection, 
 first by marrying, and now by christening of Bastian's 
 young child, whose wife was delivered very lately. 
 
 As knoweth, &c. 
 
 To Sir Fra?icis Wahinghavi, 28 Martii^ 1586. 
 
 Sir, — You may see by the great packet sent herewith, 
 that this Queen and her people are at good leisure. 
 Having no other cause of this despatch at this time, it 
 may please you to do me the favour to command one of 
 your servants to deliver these letters inclosed to my 
 Lord Norreys, or to my lady his wife. I trust you have 
 received my letters of the 22nd of this present. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 Your letters of the 24th of this present came to my 
 hand this last evening, the contents whereof shall be 
 performed in the best sort I may. I thank you heartily 
 for your French and Scottish advertisements. 
 
 We here intercalate a holograph letter"^ from the Record 
 Office from Poulet to Phelippes. "Your friend" is Gilbert 
 Gifford, and Poulet has by this time got over his suspicions of 
 his fidelity. 
 
 Chateauneuf says that Gifford came to England in 
 December, 1585, and spent all the month of January prac- 
 tising secretly with the Catholics who were favourable to the 
 Queen of Scots, coming from time to time to the Ambassador's 
 house to speak with his secretary, Cordaillot;^ and that 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii. n. 45. 
 
 ^ " L'ambassadeur de France avait entre les secretaires un nomme 
 Cordaillot, auquel il avait donne la charge des affaires de la Reine d'Escosse, 
 et celles de ces pauvres Catholiques Anglais refugies, pour recevoir leurs 
 lettres, les faire tenir et leur en envoyer la reponse, avec I'argent que leurs 
 parens et amis leur fournissaient " {Chateauueiif^s Memoirs^ Labanoff, 
 torn, vi., p. 281). 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 165 
 
 when at last he was on his way to Chartley the Ambassador 
 gave him a letter to the Queen written in the cipher with 
 which she used to communicate with his predecessor, De 
 Mauvissiere. Chateauneuf is wrong in saying that GifFord 
 spent all January in London, for it was on the i6th that Mary 
 received Morgan's first letter, and she answered it on the follow- 
 ing day. Her first letter to Chateauneuf was sent by some other 
 channel, " par aultre voye," as she calls it. Her object was to 
 send him a new cipher. On the 31st of January she re-wrote 
 her former letter, and inclosed it in another which she intrusted 
 to Gifford. It contained this request, " envoyez-moi par ce 
 porteur, tous les paquetz que vous et Cherelles avez entre les 
 mains pour moi, les enferment en une petite boite ou sac de 
 cuir fort." This letter was not deUvered at the French Embassy 
 till the ist of March, N.S. On the 5 th of February Gifford 
 placed the packet in Poulet's hands, desiring that it might be 
 sent to Walsingham "with speed," that it might be delivered 
 to the French Ambassador " in convenient time ; " and yet for 
 a fortnight it was retained in Walsingham's office for Phelippes' 
 manipulation of the ciphers. There were, Chateauneuf tells 
 us, letters inclosed to be forwarded to the Archbishop of 
 Glasgow, Mary's Ambassador in France. 
 
 In consequence of the request of the Qaeen of Scots, 
 Chateauneuf handed over to Gifford the packets which had 
 been accumulating for two years ; and as Gifford said they were 
 too bulky, the packets were opened by him and Cordaillot and 
 made up into smaller bundles,^ "pour les faire tenir plus aisement 
 et \ diverses fois, ainsi que disait le dit Gifford ;" the fact being 
 that it was impossible for Phelippes to decipher so many at a 
 time. Gifford told Chateauneuf that as soon as he had sent 
 these letters to Mary, it was his intention to return to France 
 to inform her friends there of what had been done. It is not 
 easy to say whether he really went. On the 23rd of March, 
 Mary received Chateauneuf's letter of the 6th, with five other 
 
 ^ Mary complained, at the result of the covers being taken off her 
 packets. *' Je ne pourroy bien sou vent S9avoir les voyes et addresses par qui 
 ilz me seront envoyez et a qui j'en devroys envoyer la response." Labanoff, 
 torn, vi., p. 342. 
 
1 66 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 letters, "tant en chiffre que paquetz." Various packets were 
 carried by the substitute, who reached Chartley with them on 
 the loth. The first was dehvered at once. What it contained 
 we do not know. The second was Chateauneuf s. The con- 
 sequence of its receipt was "the great packet" sent by Poulet 
 to Walsingham on the 28th of March. All that we know 
 of its contents is that there was a letter^ from Mary to 
 Chateauneuf, and a letter- also from Nau to Cherelles, in- 
 closing letters and a cipher. The third packet Poulet promised 
 should be delivered " as time will permit, wherein I follow your 
 instructions." So that Walsingham regulated even the order 
 in which the letters were to reach Mary's hands. 
 
 Phelippes, as we learn from the following letter, forwarded the 
 next batch within a week, within which time Gifford, who had 
 been detained in London by Che'relles till the 20th, but was now 
 at Chartley, had promised Mary a further delivery. The rest 
 came dropping in all through the month of April. On the 20th 
 she received a letter from the Bishop of Ross, two from Tiggons^ 
 and two from the Spanish Ambassador in Paris, Mendoza. On 
 the 23rd one from D'Esneval; on the 25th two from Father 
 Persons, and two from Father Holt; and in the course of 
 the month five from the Archbishop of Glasgow, two from Sir 
 Francis Englefield, two from Fuljambe, five from Charles Paget, 
 "with an infinite number of other letters in cipher," as she 
 says ; and " at divers times, but almost all at once," eight 
 from Morgan. The deciphering of this mass of letters took 
 so long a time, that when she came to answer Morgan on the 
 20th of May, she had only yet been able to have three out of 
 Morgan's eight deciphered for her. As Mary's letters of the 20th 
 of May were ready for despatch, she received one more from 
 Paget and four others from Morgan. Gifibrd did not remain 
 all this time at Chartley. Towards the end of March, says- 
 Chateauneuf — it must really have been the middle of April — 
 he went over into France, and made two or three voyages ta 
 and fro without remaining long at a time either in Paris or 
 London, up to the end of July. Here we may leave him for 
 the present. 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 36; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 261. ^ Vol. xvii,, n. 39. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 167 
 
 But the evidence aftbrded by these dates is the confutation 
 of an important theory of Mr. Froude's. He very elaborately 
 maintains 1 that access to Mary's secret correspondence was the 
 only means by which Walsingham could acquire really trust- 
 worthy information. "There was one way, and only one, by 
 which all these questions could be answered. The Queen of 
 Scots must be again enabled to open a correspondence which 
 she and her friends could believe to be perfectly safe, and 
 her letters and theirs must be passed through the hands of 
 Walsingham.". . . "One letter or one packet would not be 
 enough. What Walsingham wanted was a sustained, varied 
 correspondence with many persons, protracted for an indefinite 
 time — with the Pope, with Philip, with her son, with the Arch- 
 bishop of Glasgow, with Guise, Mendoza, and the English 
 refugees." ..." The first prize was an accumulation of ciphers 
 from Morgan, Paget, Pere la Rue, and the Archbishop of 
 Glasgow, which had been lying at the French Embassy unfor- 
 warded for want of opportunity." Such is Mr. Froude's theory, 
 and it is intended for a defence of Walsingham's plot on the 
 plea of political necessity. But it will not bear comparison with 
 the facts. Elizabeth's Minister had brought his spy system to 
 such high perfection, and letters were so frequently intercepted, 
 or drawn by treachery from their unconscious writers, that 
 Walsingham was in possession of the fullest information. The 
 secret correspondence of the King of Spain and of Mendoza 
 found its way into the Secretary's office;^ the French Ambas- 
 sador's letters were intercepted v' and if such sources of 
 information were not sufficiently regular, in addition to the 
 reports of numberless spies, Phelippes carried on for years a 
 systematic correspondence himself, in the name of an imaginary 
 person, with Hugh Owen, the agent of Philip's Government,* 
 and by Barnes and others with Charles Paget at Paris, while 
 offers from treacherous or pretended Catholics are not wanting 
 to maintain similar intercourse with leading Catholics on the 
 
 ^ History, vol. xii., pp. io6, io8, 120. 
 
 = CotionMSS., Calig,, C. ix., f. 568. 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 80 ; Dojn. Eliz., vol. cxcvii., n. ii. 
 
 * Dom. James I. , vol. xx, , n, 5 7. 
 
1 68 Sir Amias Pom let, 
 
 Continent for Walsingham's information.^ As for Mary herself, 
 not only had her secret correspondence through the French 
 Ambassador been regularly sold to Walsingham by Cherelles, but 
 her action in Scottish affairs and the whole State policy of her 
 son were systematically betrayed through the Master of Gray, the 
 notorious Archibald Douglas, and the less conspicuous traitor, 
 Fowler. Walsingham had at will, therefore, precisely what 
 Mr. Froude maintains he contrived the plot solely to obtain, 
 "a sustained, varied correspondence with many persons, pro- 
 tracted for an indefinite time." 
 
 Now, with such facts before us, we find with no surprise 
 that Walsingham, holding in his hands an order from Mar)^, 
 the delivery of which would have made him the possessor 
 of " the first prize," by which " the very inmost secrets of 
 the Cathohc confederacy were to be open for his inspection," 
 allowed a fortnight pass without making any use of the talisman 
 he held. Let it be understood that he knew quite well that 
 her letters would not furnish evidence on which she could be 
 condemned, that the Babington conspiracy was not yet matured, 
 and that his main object was to implicate Mary in some way 
 that might serve as a pretext for her death, and there is no 
 difficulty in the fact that the perusal of her correspondence was 
 a matter of secondary importance to Walsingham. 
 
 ^ Thomas Rogers [alias Nicholas Berden) to Walsingham, March, 1586. 
 States the names of parties abroad by whom he was procured to come home, 
 viz., Chai-les Paget, Charles Arundell, Stephen Brynkley, Godfrey Foulgiam, 
 and Thomas Fitzharberd, to receive and deliver their letters, and to transmit 
 intelligence to them from England. States the purport of the letters in his 
 portmanteau. The designs of Spain. Proposes a system of secret correspon- 
 dence with the above parties. From Paget he should receive letters from the 
 lord his brother, Throgmorton, and others ; from Arundell letters of Sir Francis 
 Englefyld ; from Brynkley the whole affairs of Allen and Parsons ; from Foul- 
 giam the affairs of the Queen of Scots, and from Fitzharberd the devices of the 
 Queen Mother. Proposes to keep up an entire correspondence with all the 
 parties, for the avowed purpose of communicating it to Walsingham. Endorsed 
 by Phdippes — "From Berden to Mr. Secretary Walsingham, the accompt of his 
 employment putt uppon him by them beyond the sea." [There can be little 
 doubt this important communication was the basis of the secret intelligence 
 which enabled Walsingham to counteract the designs of Spain, resulting in 
 the destruction of the Spanish Armada. JMr. Lemon'' s note in the Calendar. \ 
 {Dom. Eliz., vol, clxxxvii., n. 81.) 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtieen of Scots. 1 69 
 
 Poulet to Phelippes. 
 
 Sir, — Your letters arrived here jump with the time 
 appointed between your friend and me, whereof he was 
 not a little glad for his credit sake with his friends of 
 this country. I am very well persuaded of the fidelity 
 of the man. The fruit proveth the goodness of the tree. 
 You shall hear of some further matter by Mr. Secretary. 
 Your friend hath prayed me to convey this letter inclosed 
 unto you. Your friendly letters increase my debt more 
 and more, which shall be acquitted as soon as I may. 
 In this meantime accept my goodwill, I pray you. God 
 bless your labours. 
 
 From Chartley, the ist of April, 1586. 
 
 Your assured friend, 
 
 A. Poulet. 
 
 The next letter relates to "our intended Maundy." Its 
 -angry conclusion is ominous. Later on, Poulet gives still more 
 vehement expression to his wish to live so long as to see 
 Mary's "damnable Popish wickedness" plucked up by the roots. 
 The letter is in the Record Office, ^ but in the Calendar it is 
 misdated April i. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham, lo Aprilis, 1586. 
 Sir, — It fell out very happily that the merchant was 
 not yet come with the cloth and linen for our intended 
 Maundy, when your letters to that purpose of the 24th 
 of the last were delivered the 27th of the same. Where- 
 upon I sent for Curie, who is the only merchant and dealer 
 in such things, and declared unto him that according to 
 the former speech between him and me, I had advertised 
 his mistress' determination touching her Maundy, but 
 had received no answer for my warrant therein, which 
 perchance I might do before the day of that ceremony, 
 whereof I thought good to give him to understand, to the 
 end he might forbear to provide the cloth and linen for 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 46. 
 
170 Sir Amias Poulet^ 
 
 that purpose, or at the least, to indent with the merchant 
 to take his ware again, in case I received no direction from 
 you in convenient time. 
 
 Curie said he knew his mistress would not fail to 
 provide the cloth and linen, and if she did not bestow it 
 this way, she would employ it to some other use. I told 
 him that for my discharge in honesty towards his mistress, 
 I thought good to give him this advertisement, referring 
 her for the rest to her own consideration. The 30th of 
 the last. Curie cometh unto me to know if I had received 
 any direction touching the Maundy. I told him that I 
 had heard from you the day next before, as indeed I had 
 by Mr. Phelippes, but without any mention of the matter 
 in question. It is no innovation, saith he, that is desired, 
 but only their continuance of the former course, which I 
 might allow without any further warrant. I prayed him to 
 consider that the matter v/as new to me, and that I might 
 not permit it without special direction, and the less 
 because I had prayed satisfaction therein. He answered 
 that his mistress would think herself very hardly used, and 
 that the denial hereof tended to no other end than to 
 deprive her of all regal dignity, as he called it. I wished 
 him to give it a more reasonable interpretation, and to 
 impute it to your vast charge in this busy time, wherein 
 matters of greater weight are forgotten sometimes. He 
 insisted to persuade me with many words, and with proffer 
 of new conditions, to satisfy his mistress' request, which I 
 refused, and so we departed in more quiet than I expected. 
 Immediately after the departure of Curie from me, the 
 broadcloths provided for this Maundy were carried 
 through the hall to this Queen's chamber, and the same 
 brought back again in remnants, as it should have served 
 if the Maundy had holden.^ Cherelles hath sent to this 
 
 ^ In the "inventory of the jewels, &c., found in the custody of the several 
 servants of the late Queen of vScots," there appears "Certain cloth bought at 
 Chartley for her intended Maundy," in the custody of Robert Mooreton, one 
 of the tailors of her wardrobe (Vol. xxi., n. 20, I. ; Labanoff, torn, vii., p. 272). 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee7i of Scots. 171 
 
 Queen by the carrier, by your permission, as he writeth, a 
 box full of abominable trash, as beads of all sort, pictures 
 in silk of all sorts, with some Agnus Dei, &c. I was far 
 more willing to have burnt it than to permit it to be 
 delivered. I am a near neighbour to much damnable 
 wickedness, trusting to live so long to see it plucked up 
 by the roots. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 On the following day Poulet wrote the same letter both to 
 Burghley and Walsingham,^ respecting his expenses. 
 
 To my Lord Treasure)', nth of April, 1586. 
 My very good Lord, — Mr. Darrell cometh herewith 
 unto your lordship to account with your lordship for the 
 household defrayments here from the time of my first 
 entrance into this service. And although the expenses 
 shall appear to be great, yet when the occasions moving the 
 same shall be duly considered, I trust both he and I shall 
 be excused, wherein I make mention of myself, not that 
 I think that I am any way answerable for the same, but 
 that I can be content to join with Mr. Darrell herein, 
 because he hath acquainted me with all his doings from 
 time to time, and hath used my poor advice upon all 
 occasions occurring. For myself, I may affirm that I 
 have always wanted of the number of the men and 
 horses allowed unto mc. I have taken away all kind 
 of fees from all the officers of this household, which 
 amounted to a round sum by the year. I have cut off 
 some unnecessary officers, and thereby saved both their 
 diet and their wages. The diet for her Majesty's family 
 here hath been very temperate. This Queen before my 
 coming and some time, after, had upon the fish days twenty- 
 four dishes at every meal for her whole family, which I 
 reduced to twenty. Finally, I may say truly, and I say it 
 
 ■^ Vol. xvii., n. 48. 
 
172 
 
 Sir Aniias Poulet, 
 
 before God, that I have had as great care to moderate 
 her Majesty's charge as if the money had issued out of my 
 own purse, and have made it a matter of consideration to 
 myself to avoid all spoils and wilful wastes. 
 
 Touching Mr. Darrell, I must confess that I have been 
 an eye-witness of his painful and diligent service, and do 
 verily believe that his dealing hath been just and faithful. 
 The occasion moving the large expense may partly appear 
 by this bill inclosed,^ but your lordship shall be best 
 
 ^ A conference between the prices paid for victuals at the beginning of this 
 year at Tutbury, and the prices nozo paid at C hartley in this motith of April. 
 
 Wheat of great measure 
 
 Beer 
 
 Ale 
 
 Gascon wine 
 
 Sack 
 
 Beef 
 
 Mutton 
 
 Veal 
 
 Lamb 
 
 Pork 
 
 Lard 
 
 Pigs 
 
 Capons 
 
 Chickens 
 
 Pigeons 
 
 Hay 
 
 Oats 
 
 Poultry N 
 
 Freshwater fish f 
 Sea fish ( 
 
 Spices .) 
 
 Tutbury. 
 2s. 6d. bush. 
 33J. 4^. tun. 
 'jd. gall. 
 14/. tun. 
 11/. butt. 
 3/. I2d. care. 
 4J. 6d. c. 
 6s. $d. c. 
 2s. 6d. c. 
 8j-. pec. 
 6d. lb. 
 8^. pec. 
 14^. pec. 
 2d. pec. 
 i6d. doz. 
 6s. 8d. carr. 
 6s. qrtr. 
 
 Chartley. 
 6s. bush. 
 4ar. tun. 
 lod. gall. 
 18/. I OS. tun. 
 13/. 6s. Sd. butt. 
 5/. I2d. care. 
 7 J. care. 
 gs. c. 
 3s. gd. c. 
 gs. pec. 
 Sd. lb. 
 i^d. pec. 
 iSd. pec. 
 2d. ob. pec. 
 22d. doz. 
 \os. carr. 
 gs. a^d. carr. 
 
 increased exceedingly. 
 
 (Vol. xvii., n. 48, L). 
 
 Certain abridgments used in hotisehold causes at Tutbury Castle and Chartley^ 
 for bringing down of the household charges there, since the government of Sir 
 Amias Poulet. 
 
 First there was abridged from the Governor's servants sitting in the hall 
 two livery messes of meat before served. 
 
 The diet of this Queen's laundresses is now furnished out of their general 
 proportion, and so the charges of it clearly saved to her Majesty. 
 
 All fees that may be used in any service are generally taken away. And 
 the ordinary messes, as well of the Governor's own table as the rest, are now 
 furnished with them instead of other dishes of charge. 
 
 The two messes of meat served to the steward and porters are now less 
 than before by eight dishes every day. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtieen of Scots, 173 
 
 informed therein by the report of the said bearer. The 
 continual want of money hath been prejudicial to this 
 service, and it may be affirmed that a store of money 
 beforehand would be profitable to her Majesty. I received 
 at London 1,000/. for this service, v/hich were spent 
 before my coming hither, so as I found this household 
 in debt to the sum of 24/., and it is very true that 
 Mr. Darrell hath been indebted to the purveyors con- 
 tinually from week to week sithence my coming hither, 
 which is neither ho[nourable] nor profitable to her Majesty. 
 It may please your lordship to be a mean to her Majesty 
 that this household may be better provided of money 
 hereafter, and that we may be always assured of a new 
 supply before the old store be spent. 
 
 Poulet then says that Mary's servants are unreasonable 
 in their complaints, and begs that Mr. Darrell may be sent back 
 again, as "it is no small advantage to the Governor here to 
 have a master of household that is sound in religion and upright 
 in duty towards our Queen his mistress, and will not be 
 carried away with the flattery of this people." He asks Lord 
 Burghley's help "for the trial pf her Majesty's title to certain 
 lands granted unto me by her Highness among other things for 
 
 The dishes of most kinds of meat are much less now than before. 
 There is saved in wages by the discharging of divers household ministers, 
 by estimation about 30/. per aim. 
 
 Certain causes 0/ surcharge, more now than in times past. 
 
 The general increase of prices in all kinds of provisions, as may appear 
 by the particularities written on the other side. 
 
 The loss, as well of hay as of grass, by reason of the great floods which 
 were this summer, both in the grounds reserved at Burton, as in certain other 
 grounds hired about Tutbury. 
 
 The charges of fuel much increased to her Majesty by reason of the great 
 prices paid for carriage thereof at Chartley, which could not be avoided, 
 because the contribution made by Sir Ralph wSadler was not expired before 
 the 20th of February. 
 
 The charge of the remove, as well in carriages as in preparations at 
 Chartley, and other losses growing by that occasion. 
 
 The continual want of money, so as nothing could be provided beforehand, 
 whereby much money might have been saved in this time of dearth (Vol. xvii., 
 n. 49). 
 
T74 ^^'^ Ainias Pomety 
 
 the term of forty years." And in a postscript to Walsingham he 
 returns to the linen, "because this Queen occupieth her best 
 linen of damask work every day," and winds up with the contents 
 of Mary's packet of letters. 
 
 In the next letter some of Lord Paget's Catholic servants get 
 into trouble. 
 
 To Sir F. Walsingham, 17 Apr His, 1586. 
 
 Sir, — Yesterday Mr. Richard Bagot cometh hither to 
 me, requested thereunto by the Dean [of] Lichfield and 
 others the Justices and officers of that city, to acquaint 
 me with the examination taken by them of a convicted 
 prisoner remaining in the gaol there, who accuseth Ensor 
 and Bold, late servants to the Lord Paget, of some things 
 to have been done by them against her Majesty's Crown 
 and State. This examination was not signed by the 
 Justices and officers when it came to my hands, as also the 
 same had been taken nine days before, and therefore I 
 returned it unto them, advising them by Mr. Bagot to 
 discharge their duties in giving you advertisement thereof, 
 and notwithstanding, for my better discharge, have thought 
 good to give you to understand of my knowledge herein, 
 which I do the rather because these men are accused to 
 have been employed in bad offices for this Queen under 
 my charge. I leave the accuser and the parties accused to 
 their trial. But it is too true that divers of the better 
 calling of the late servants of the Lord Paget's are ill 
 affected in religion, come seldom to the church, and that 
 for fashion's sake only, and come not to the communion 
 at all. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 To my Lord Admiral , y° Aprilis, 1586. 
 
 My very good Lord, — This tickle and dangerous time 
 
 will give me occasion to send often to Jersey with speed 
 
 and upon short warning ; to which purpose it shall be 
 
 meet for me to be always assured of ready passage. I 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. i 75 
 
 shall therefore most humbly pray your lordship to give me 
 your warrant for a barque called " the Edward," of the 
 burthen of twenty tons, belonging to the port of Lyme, 
 where Edward Lymberye, owner of the said barque, 
 dwelleth, and that by virtue of your lordship's said 
 warrant, the said barque, being discharged of all arrests 
 and other services, may be always in readiness to be 
 employed by my direction for her Majesty's service for 
 Jersey upon all occasions occurring. 
 
 This small barque is fitter for this purpose than a ship 
 of greater burthen, the owner and master of the said ship 
 having haunted those isles many years, and therefore well 
 acquainted with those coasts. I presume of the con- 
 tinuance of your lordship's good favour towards me, which 
 I will be always ready and willing to deserve in that I 
 may ; and therefore do trust that your lordship will not 
 refuse me in this small suit, tending to the furtherance of 
 her Majesty's service, without any private benefit to myself. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 Two letters addressed to Walsingham on the 25th April and 
 the 5th of May are among the State Papers.^ Of these the first 
 begins thus, " Having not seen this Queen sithence the departure 
 of Cherelles, which I impute either to her great writing business, 
 or that she would not discover her lameness, she prayed me the 
 21st of this present, after noon, to repair unto her, whom I 
 found sitting upon the side of her bed, and not yet able to 
 use her feet." 
 
 Mary complained of Elizabeth's delay in not receiving the 
 French Ambassador, M. de Chateauneuf, the successor of M. de 
 Mauvissiere, "which she thought to be delayed of purpose to 
 hinder her causes. I told her that the French Ambassador, by 
 his last letters unto her, was better satisfied herein, acknowledging 
 that the deferring of his audience had no other ground than her 
 Majesty's indisposition by reason of a rheum. ' Yea,' saith she, 
 Mhis was an excuse to delay the audience.' 'What can her 
 ^ Vol. xvii., nn. 57, 62. 
 
176 Sir Amias Poitlet, 
 
 Majesty,' quoth I, ' win or lose thereby, when of ordinaty course 
 the audience cannot be denied any long time ? ' She answered 
 that perchance her Majesty would not be willing to hear of the 
 French causes at this time, finding the King to be resolute in 
 this action. I said that I thought her Highness would be the 
 more willing to hear the French Ambassador, as her best mean 
 to be truly informed of his master's disposition towards her son. 
 Other speeches passed between her and me touching the French 
 troubles, wherein we differ in opinion very much, and I have 
 many times heretofore delivered my mind so plainly unto her 
 in the like causes as she taketh no great pleasure to confer 
 with me therein. She insisted so slenderly upon all these 
 things as I might well perceive the cause of her sending for 
 me was yet behind, as indeed it was." 
 
 The subject Mary had in her mind was Bessie Pierrepont, 
 the niece of Henry Cavendish, now seventeen years old, who 
 had " been with her from her infancy, and in all this time used 
 no other bed or board than her own," but who she thought ought 
 now to leave her. The name of this young lady occurs frequently 
 in the subsequent corespondence. On the 13th of June^ her 
 father sent some of his servants to conduct his daughter to him 
 at Holbeck Woodhouse, but the Queen was then unwilling to 
 let her go. Elizabeth expressed her surprise at this change in 
 a letter to Sir Amias,- which however is endorsed " Not sent." 
 At the end of July,^ Mary renews her request through the French 
 Ambassador. Poulet was puzzled at the wish,^ and advised that 
 she should be removed suddenly. The fact is that Nau, the 
 Queen's Secretary, was in love with the young lady,^ and was 
 prosecuting his suit with her father through Cherelles. Mary 
 did not approve, and thought that she would be safest under 
 her father's roof,^ "pour plusieurs respects, mesmement pour 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 7. 
 
 " Ibid, n. 26. 
 
 ^ Vol. xix,, n. 15. 
 
 * Vol. xviii., n. 3. 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., nn. 27, 34, 35; vol. xxi,, n. 17. 
 
 ® "Se traitait le dit mariage secretement entre le dit Nau et la dite fille, 
 centre la volonte de la Reine d'Escosse leur maitresse " {Clidteauneiif s Memoir 
 Labanofif, torn, vi., p. 283). 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 177 
 
 rayson de sa grande mere," ^ the Countess of Shrewsbury ; 
 though when the time came for her removal the Queen found 
 it difficult to part with her, for " she could not deny that she 
 loved the young gentlewoman very well, and if it might stand 
 with her benefit would be glad of her continuance with her all 
 the days of her life." Poulet suspected that Nau desired to 
 marry the young lady, and says of it, " The invention is so gross 
 in my simple opinion as they are likely to be taken in their own 
 snare." Mary speaks openly about her in her last letter to 
 Morgan.2 "Show me what you do mean in your last by 
 advising me to ask Sir Gervase Clifton's consent in bestowing 
 of Bess Pierrepont, whom I have never sought to bestow in 
 marriage on any, neither before nor since I caused the same to 
 be propounded, at the Countess of Shrewsbury's solicitation, and 
 by her means to the Lord Percy, now Earl of Northumberland, 
 whereof I think you have heard, nor have had any intention for 
 any other, but rather contrariwise have suited by the Queen of 
 England's licence this half year and more to be rid of her, by 
 reason she is now at her best, brought up my bedfellow and 
 lit board, ever sithence she had four years of age, so carefully 
 and virtuously, I trust, as if she had been my own daughter, 
 and, failing of my own means, accordingly to have her preferred 
 that her own parents, for discharge of my conscience and my 
 honourable using of her, might relieve me of her loss -of time 
 and other inconveniences, after that^ I had offered her as a 
 piece of my nourriture (to do her honour) to serve about the 
 Queen of England ; which is not granted, but yet on a sudden 
 they would have had her from me, which I could not yield unto, 
 for that such honest furniture as then I had in hand for her 
 departure was not yet ready, as she and it both are now for 
 an hour's warning. But to be plain, I would be the rather quit 
 of her, for that I see too much of her grandmother's nature in 
 her behaviour every way, notwithstanding all my pains for the 
 contrary, and therefore now would be sorry to have her bestowed 
 upon any man that I wish good unto." 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 76 ; Labanoff, torn, vi,, p. 344. 
 ° Vol. xviii., n. 74; Labanoff, torn, vi,, p. 424. 
 
 M 
 
1 78 Sir Aniias Poulet, 
 
 The great "linen" question came to an end at last, for 
 the closing sentence of this letter of April 25th is, "The bed 
 and linen provided for this Queen was brought hither by the 
 carrier the 22nd of this present, and was well accepted." 
 
 On the 5th of May, Poulet wrote two letters to Walsingham. 
 From the first ^ we learn that Elizabeth at length allowed them 
 a more liberal supply of money. This is Poulet's "domestical 
 success." 
 
 To Mr. Secretary, ^"^ Mali, 1586. 
 
 Sir, — Like as your foreign advertisements mentioned 
 in your last letters were very welcome because they 
 contained matter full of honour and profit, so you may 
 believe that I was not a little comforted to hear of the 
 good success of our domestical causes, and that her 
 Majesty had yielded to yield a warrant dormant, which 
 I impute to your friendly furtherance, and although the 
 profit thereof shall redound to her Majesty, yet having 
 tasted to my great grief of the slander and discredit 
 which have grown to this house through want of money, 
 I think myself beholden unto you for it, as for an 
 especial good turn, and as much as I can I thank you 
 for it. 
 
 It is very true that I was informed by a gentleman 
 belonging to a nobleman and a councillor that himself 
 and many others above have been credibly informed that 
 I enjoyed the Lord Paget's demesne, grounds, and parks 
 here to my own use, and for his part did confess that he 
 had so reported of me, as many others had done the like 
 to his knowledge, praying me to excuse his fault as done 
 of ignorance. 
 
 I say unto you before God that I never received benefit 
 of anything belonging to the Lord Paget to the value 
 of one penny. Whereof I prayed Mr. Darrell to inform 
 you, as one willing to remove from you this opinion, if 
 haply you had received it upon sinister information. 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n, 62. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtieen of Scots. 179 
 
 I was advised by a friend better acquainted with the 
 state of this country than myself to desire the stewardship 
 of the Lord Paget's lands in this shire, thereby to have 
 the tenants the more at commandment upon all occasions 
 of service occurring, and to keep them in the better 
 obedience to her Majesty's laws and proceedings in 
 matter of religion, wherein they had been greatly 
 seduced by the Lord Paget and his ministers. This 
 stewardship I have from my Lord Treasurer with a fee 
 of 40J. by the year, whereof as yet I have received 
 nothing, and this all the profit which I have made of 
 the Lord Paget's lands, although I may say truly that 
 the late Lord Paget's tenants are somewhat reformed 
 sithence my coming to this stewardship. 
 
 Poulet then says that five or six of the Scottish Queen's 
 retinue were sick of a tertian ague, "of which number Curie's 
 servant is one." Curie, therefore, begging that another might 
 be provided, " I asked where he would find this maiden-servant, 
 wherein he referred himself to my choice, or would be content 
 with a young woman in Tutbury, god-daughter to this Queen, if 
 I could like of it. I have no great opinion that (as things go 
 in France at this present) the supply of servants desired by this 
 Queen will be yielded unto, and therefore it were not amiss, in 
 my simple opinion, that this one servant were admitted, which 
 would greatly satisfy their discon[ten]ted minds. A woman of 
 her quality cannot be dangerous if the matter be so carried as 
 she be brought hither before she know the cause of her coming ; 
 and here I would wish it might be lawful for me to indent with 
 her that she should resort twice or thrice at the least in every 
 week at our sermons and prayers, which may perchance restrain 
 them from alluring her to their idolatrous service. . . . 
 
 " I have kept this Queen fasting from all sort of news, good or 
 bad, ever sithence I was so loudly belied upon the advertisement 
 which I gave of the last alteration in Scotland, which they spared 
 not to write to have been delivered by direction from above, 
 and I know by good mean that this Queen pretendeth to be 
 grieved that she cannot hear how the world goeth, and I would 
 M 2 
 
i8o Sir Aniias Poulet, 
 
 believe she were so if I did not think that she had secret means 
 to be advertised thereof." 
 
 This letter keeps alive our compassion for Lord Paget*s 
 poor Catholic tenants, who must have groaned under their new 
 steward, as the next letter pretty plainly shows us. That the 
 " advertisement of the last alteration in Scotland " was made to 
 the Queen of Scots by order " from above " is more than likely, 
 for on the 7th December, Sir Francis Walsingham instructed 
 Poulet " to show a certain letter to the Queen of Scots in regard 
 to the present alteration in Scotland, and to ?iote carefully the 
 speeches she shall use on perusing the same^^ If this is the 
 "advertisement" Poulet alludes to in May, he kept his captive 
 "fasting from all sort of news, good or bad," for a long time. 
 His allusion to her ''secret means" of receiving news is curious, 
 and it is as plainly expressed as it could be without betraying 
 what was going on to his Secretary. 
 
 The following, which is entered in the letter-book as a 
 separate letter, was despatched as part of the foregoing. 
 
 To Mr. Secretary^ eodem die [5°] Maii^ 1586. 
 Sir, — Following the direction of the Lords of her 
 Majesty's Council signified by your letters of the 26th 
 of the last, touching the confessions sent unto you from 
 Lichfield, I failed not, immediately upon the receipt of 
 your said letters, to cause the houses of the parties 
 suspected to be searched by some of my servants of 
 honest credit, and with Mr. Richard Bagot's assistance 
 took the examinations of John Godwyn, Robert Taylor, 
 and Bryan Bold, Richard Ensor being departed towards 
 London before my letters came to my hands, forbearing 
 to send the said examinations unto you until Richard 
 Ensor hath also been examined. By these searches and 
 ^examinations it falleth out that the marriage of Robert 
 Taylor, servant to Richard Ensor, at a Mass six years 
 past, or thereabouts, is confessed by himself, and that 
 sithence that time he hath not presented himself to the 
 
 ^ Vol. xvi., n. 72. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 1 8 1 
 
 communion, as also that Richard Ensors study was 
 found furnished with Popish books of all kinds, whereof 
 my servants the searchers brought hither with them 
 thirteen, besides a good number which they left remaining 
 there, praying to be advertised from you what you will 
 have done with these books. No other thing contained 
 in the accusation yet is proved. The Priest which married 
 the said Taylor is called by the name of Barloe, and hath 
 been heretofore in the Marshalsea, and now lately hath 
 been committed to the gaol in this shire by the Justices 
 here where he now remaineth. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 In the next letter,^ the Priest reappears in a very curious 
 way, showing an inattention that we should hardly have expected 
 in Walsingham. Perhaps he did not know that " Camille " was 
 the same person as " Du Preau," whom Poulet has frequently 
 mentioned as Mary's chaplain. Or perhaps he knew it was the 
 Priest of whom he was writing, and not being willing to recog- 
 nize his existence, even in writing to Poulet, calls him, out of 
 contempt, the vaict dc cha7nbre. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham^ 12 Mail, 1586. 
 
 Sir, — Whereas by your direction John Magale, French- 
 man, hath been permitted to have speech with one Camillo, 
 whom in your letters you term valet de chambrey the 
 truth is that the said Camillo, surnamed Du Preau, is the 
 Massing Priest of whom I have heretofore advertised you. 
 This Magale had conference with him in my presence 
 and hearing, not above half an hour, the chief cause of 
 his coming being a matter of debt, wherein Preau hath 
 dealt very liberally, and, as I may say, brotherly with 
 him, and I am greatly deceived if he be not indeed his 
 brother, resembling him in countenance very much, which 
 is also to be gathered by other circumstances. 
 
 Although for his [sake] I would not have troubled the 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 66. 
 
1 82 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 post at this time with so slender matter, but that my 
 Lord Treasurer requireth my opinion with speed by what 
 mean her Majesty's charges of household here may be 
 diminished, and what superfluous persons in this family 
 may conveniently be spared, whereof he would be adver- 
 tised before the return hither of Mr. Darrell. It is not 
 my place to give orders, but to obey such as shall be 
 prescribed unto me, and therefore my opinion herein is 
 soon given. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 It is ingenious in Poulet to discover in Elizabeth's desire for 
 the reduction of their expenditure, a reason for getting rid of the 
 Priest, in order to put a stop to the christenings and marryings. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer, eodein die, [12] May, 1586. 
 
 My very good Lord, — Your lordship's of the 2nd of 
 this present came to my hands the 9th of the same. And 
 as I think myself much beholden to your lordship for 
 your favourable endeavour to satisfy her Majesty touching 
 Mr. Darrell's accounts for the expenses of the family, so 
 for my part I can say no more therein than hath been 
 already delivered by your lordship, and it is so far off that 
 I can promise the lessening of the said charges, as I may 
 assure your lordship that it will be increased if the general 
 dearth do continue. 
 
 The diet of this household and the other defrayments 
 incident to the same, are so certain and ordinary as there 
 can be no great abuse therein, and order was taken before 
 my coming to reduce the same to a certainty, which 
 was then rated at 3,000/.^ by the year, and I know that 
 Sir Ralph Sadler's- expenditure during his being in this 
 
 ^ It is not clear in the manuscript whether it is iijM//. or iiijM//., that is 
 3,000/, or 4,000/. The warrant for the Queen of Scots' diets, granted 
 April 23, is for a sum not exceeding 3,600/. a year {^Cotton. AfSS.y Calig., 
 C. ix., f. 23). 
 
 ' Sadler tells Walsingham, January 13, 1585, that 70/. a week is set down 
 for the Queen's diet (Vol. xv., n. 19). 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee^t of Scots. 183 
 
 charge did far exceed that rate.^ I think the Earl of 
 
 ^ A brief of the account of Marinaduke Darrell, gent., for all such sums of 
 money as he hath received toxvards the household defrayments of the Scottish 
 Queeyi and her family at Tutbury Castle and Chartley, bet%oeen the last day of 
 April, 1585, and the -^rd day of April, i^^Zd, following, viz. : 
 
 Received by virtue of a Privy Seal, out of the receipt of the 
 Exchequer and by the hands of certain collectors of the subsidy, 
 within the time of this account ... ... ... ... i , ooo/. 
 
 Received of Richard Bagot, esquire, out of the profit 
 growing to her Majesty of certain iron works, late the Lord 
 Paget's, within the time of this account ... ... ... i,6io/. 
 
 Received of Sir Amias Poulet, for the rent of certain 
 grounds, tithes, and parks, late also the Lord Paget's, due 
 for one whole year ended at our Lady Day next ... 35^^- ^^j. Sd. 
 
 Received more of his honour, which he hath lent towards 
 these household defrayments at sundry times ... ... 350^* 
 
 And received for the hides and tallow of beeves, muttons, &c. , 
 and for certain household provisions sold upon especial causes 
 within the time of this accovmt, as may appear ... ... I2i/. igs. 
 
 Sum. 3,440/. lis. Sd. 
 
 Against the which there hath been discharged which was 
 owing upon the last former account, ended the said last day 
 of April, 1585 20I. lyd. 
 
 And there hath grown due within the time of this account 
 for victuals, necessaries, wage, and other household charges, 
 
 as may particularly appear 3,618/. 6 j-. 9^. 
 
 Sum. 3,638/. 8j-. 2d. 
 
 Remaineth owing to the country upon this account, ending 
 the 2nd of April 197/. i6s. 6d. 
 
 A brief of the expenses within the time aforesaid. 
 There did remain in victuals and other provisions at the 
 beginning of this account, the ist day of May ... ... 258/. lis. 2d. 
 
 And there hath been disbursed within the time of this 
 account in household defrayments, as before appeareth 3,618/. 6s. gd. 
 
 Sum. 3,876/. I7J-. lid. 
 
 Towards the which 
 There hath been returned to her Majesty for hides, tallow, 
 and certain household provisions sold within this time ... 121/. igs. 
 
 And there doth remain in divers kinds of victual at the end 
 of this account, the 2nd of April ... ... ... ... 103/. 2i-. 3</. 
 
 Sum. 225/. i^d. 
 
 And so 
 Appeareth to have been clearly expended within the time of 
 
 this account 3,651/. i6j-. 8^. 
 
 In diet 2,599/. 3^-. 2^. 
 
 In necessaries, &c. ... ... 290/. 13J. ^d. 
 
 In hire of labourers ... ... 51/. 13^. 7^/. 
 
 In household wage ... ... 85/. 4^. 2d. 
 
 In soldiers' and posts' wage ... 393^' lO-*"- 
 
 And in foreign payments ... 230/. 12s. 2d. (Vol. xvii., n. 50). 
 
1 84 
 
 Sir Atnias Poulet, 
 
 Shrewsbury will not confess that his bargain was profitable 
 unto him when he had 1,500/. for this Queen's diet, yet it 
 may be affirmed that his lordship might better do it with 
 1,500/. than her Majesty with a double sum, which may be 
 proved by many reasons not unknown to your lordship,, 
 and therefore I forbear to make mention of them. 
 
 And whereas it is thought that the number of persons, 
 as well in this Queen's family as of those of my company 
 is over great and superfluous, and that the discharge of 
 some of them might shorten the charges, wherein it 
 pleaseth your lordship to require my opinion with speed, 
 Mr. Darrell can inform your lordship of all the particular 
 names of this Queen's family,^ with the qualities and 
 conditions of their service, referring the allowing or dis- 
 allowing of them to her Majesty's good pleasure, only I 
 will say that as long as her Highness shall allow a Sir John 
 
 ^ The names and offices of such persons as do attend upon the Scottish Queen. 
 
 35 
 
 Mr. Nawe, Seretary. 
 Mr. Melvin, Mr. of the Household 
 ]\Ir. Curie, Mr. of the Horse. 
 Mr. Burbon, physician. 
 Mr. Prewe, reader. 
 Eveiy of them a servant. 
 The apothecary. 
 The surgeon. 
 The embroiderer. 
 Four grooms of her chamber. 
 Two yeomen of her pantry. 
 Two yeomen of her warder. 
 Two cooks. 
 A pastelar. 
 Four tum-broches. 
 Four grooms of her stable. 
 Bastian's son. 
 Two others. 
 
 The whole number of the 
 Queen's people 
 
 The Governor's forty servants. 
 The Mr. of the Household and two servants. 
 Thirty soldiers in garrison* 
 Three posts. 
 The number > 
 
 of both families. ) ' (Vol. xvii., n. 53). 
 
 Mrs. Pearpointe. 
 Mrs. Bewregarde. 
 Mr. Curie's wife. 
 Mr. Curie's sister. 
 Mrs. Mowbraye. 
 Mrs. Camdaye. 
 Mrs. Bastian. 
 Her two daughters. 
 Two English Sisters. 
 Mrs. Curie's woman. 
 Mrs. Perpoint's woman. 
 Her three laundresses. 
 
 16- 
 
 [=■ 
 
 C76 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 185 
 
 in this house, and that there is christening and marrying 
 among them, there will be no want of unprofitable servants. 
 
 There are two or three old men which are entertained 
 especially in respect of their service past. The younger 
 sort, by reason of this Queen's infirmity, have no doubt 
 their hands full, which I may not deny unless I will be 
 careless of her Majesty's honour, and also deal uncharitably 
 with those who are afflicted with sickness. I do not 
 account Mrs. Pierrepont or her maid of this number, who 
 are not used or intreated as servants. 
 
 Touching my company, I may afhrm that I have been 
 veiy careful to keep myself within the compass of the 
 number prescribed unto me, which was rated at forty 
 servants and thirty horses, wherein I have been the more 
 curious to make satisfaction, in part for her Majesty's 
 gracious favour in permitting my wife to be here with me, 
 although I may say truly that her oversight in the kitchen 
 and other offices of this household is not unprofitable. 
 
 Divers of my said forty servants are placed in offices, 
 as kitchen, cellar, buttery, pantry, &c., having nevertheless 
 their wages and liveries of me, and if I looked no farther 
 than to myself and to the service of my own person, I 
 might spare some others and might save the wages and 
 liveries, but the strength of this house consisting only 
 in the serving[-men], the soldiers taking their diet and 
 lodging always out of the house, I think no man of any 
 discretion will take upon him to answer for this great 
 Scottish family with a less guard than of forty serving- 
 men, and indeed might be in danger to have his throat 
 cut and to lose his charge, if his own company were not 
 stronger than the Scottish retinue. Thus having delivered 
 unto your lordship all that I know or think in this matter, 
 I will conclude with this assertion, that if I have honesty,, 
 truth, or conscience in me, I have been more niggardly 
 in this charge than ever I was in my own house. 
 
 As knoweth, &c. 
 
1 86 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 Fearing the malice of evil tongues, I thought good to 
 acquaint your lordship that I have had here with me, the 
 better part of this last year, one of my sons and his 
 servant, for whom I have spared so many of the number 
 of my ordinary servants prescribed unto me, and as they 
 have not been more chargeable to her Majesty than two 
 common servants should have been, so I may say truly, 
 that my son hath done me very good service in this place. 
 
 Also, I have here with me a young gentlewoman, a 
 ward, of my own name, whom I bought of my Lord 
 Audley for my said son, and having procured her coming 
 hither, to try how my son and she could like one of the 
 other, it is now resolved that at the next Whitsuntide they 
 shall be married, by the grace of God, and within four 
 days after, I intend to send them into the west parts, 
 where they shall remain, meaning nothing less than to 
 keep any married folks in her Majesty's family here. 
 
 Moreover, by reason of your lordship's little god- 
 daughter, and my little jewel, her nurse hath been here 
 sithence my coming, but the child being weaned, the nurse 
 departeth this Whitsuntide. Thus, for fear of some 
 whispering and undermining harm, although I trust your 
 lordship will not be hasty to condemn me upon report, I 
 have thought good to lay open these trifles unto your 
 lordship, which I call trifles, because, all the foresaid 
 persons being put in reckoning, it shall be found that I 
 have wanted of my prescribed number, so as her Majesty 
 hath not been charged by this occasion. 
 
 The letter to Walsingham of May 22,^ begins with an inter- 
 view between Nau and his brother's servant, Boulenger, at which 
 the only matter of any consequence was Nau's assertion, " which 
 he uttered with passion, redoubling his speeches, that the Queen 
 his mistress was neither hydroppique^ nor cancresse in her legs, 7iy 
 malade a la mort (I use his own words), as had been given forth 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 81. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 187 
 
 by some who perhaps wish the same, but that she increased in 
 health and strength daily, hoping to see her perfectly recovered in 
 time, to the comfort of all her good friends." 
 
 Apparently, Poulet was afraid that some letters were received 
 by Mary that did not pass through his hands, for in the following 
 passage he can hardly refer to those that came by Gilford and 
 the Burton brewer, all of which he said : " Nau, in his speech 
 with me after the departure of his brother's servant, asked if I 
 had received the French Ambassador's letter of the 7th of this 
 present. I answered. No. Then he prayed me to put you in 
 remembrance of them. I told him that the French Ambassador's 
 letters made mention of another packet of the 14th of the last, 
 which he said he did not remember? It is to be feared lest this 
 packet hath been delivered by some secret mean, because Nau 
 taketh no pleasure to hear of it, and if it be so, then the French 
 Ambassador hath forgotten himself, to make mention of this 
 packet in his open letters." 
 
 Mary's singular request, that Elizabeth would take Bessie 
 Pierrepont into her own service was not forgotten. " The 
 Ambassador's wife writeth also to this Queen, that she will not 
 fail to solicit her Majesty touching Pierrepont, and will follow 
 the matter with all diligence." 
 
 Lastly, Poulet forwards, together with Nau's letters, ''another 
 packet of letters from the Priest here to the Frenchman lately 
 sent hither unto him to be delivered unto the French Ambassador." 
 
 In an autograph postcript Poulet adds, referring evidently 
 to Mary's secret letters dated May 18 and 20, which were very 
 numerou9,i " I have been prayed by a friend of mine to convey 
 unto you this packet inclosed which I received yesterday, and 
 have nothing else to write unto you touching the same, whereof 
 I am nothing sorry, because I assure you my hand is lame at 
 this present, so as I write my name with some difficulty." 
 
 The letter-book ends with the following fragment of a letter, 
 showing that the scornful tone of Poulet's last letter about money 
 matters had not induced Elizabeth to pass his accounts. 
 
 ^ May 18, to the Archbishop of Glasgow, Liggons, the Bishop of Ross ; 
 May 20, to Mendoza, Charles Paget, Sir Francis Englefield, and Morgan. 
 Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 294 — 330. 
 
1 88 ^ Sir Amias Potdet, 
 
 To my Lord T7'easure7', 25/// oj^ May, 1586. 
 My very good Lord, — Understanding by your letters- 
 that her Majesty was not pleased with the expenses of this 
 family, and required to be advertised from me how the 
 same might be diminished, I thought good to forbear to 
 make answer to your lordship's letters until the return of 
 Mr. Darrell, because the charge belonging in part unto 
 him. . . . 
 
 Between the end of this and the beginning of the last letter- 
 book, there is again a very long interval. Poulet's letters in the 
 Public Record Office are^ of two sorts. There are his public 
 letters, which series would be more interesting if it contained 
 his report to Elizabeth of the conduct of his charge when 
 forcibly separated from her servants, and his letters to the 
 Lord Treasurer " from day to day " during the transfer to 
 Fotheringay. But besides these, there is another set of letters, 
 also addressed to Walsingham, but unsigned, and altogether in 
 Poulet's own handwriting. These are the letters in which Poulet 
 communicates widi Walsingham on the various stages of their 
 plan for entrapping Mary. And it was during this interval that 
 the plot was completed, the evidence prepared, and the Queen of 
 Scots tried and condemned. 
 
 The following short letter is interesting, not only on account 
 of the reward bestowed upon Phelippes, the significance of which 
 has already been noticed, but also on account of the reference 
 to liOrd Burghley, who is here, and in a subsequent letter from 
 Phelippes to Walsingham, called "the great person." It is plain 
 that Mary thought that Burghley was inclined to be friendly to 
 her, for she wrote to Chateauneuf :^ "II n'y auroyt point de mal 
 que en touchassiez un mot a mylord Burghley, mais . . . comme 
 de vous mesmes, . . . sans luy laisser aulcun lieu ou subject de 
 soupgonner que le vent vient d'icy." And to the Archbishop 
 of Glasgow : ^ " Donnez advis de cecy au grand tresorier par 
 I'Ambassadeur Staffort." However, both these were written 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 44; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 370. 
 
 ^ Cotton. MSS.y Nero, B. vi., f. 400; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 382. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 189 
 
 later, and are not the letters alluded to by Walsingham. "That 
 packet" we shall probably never see, for Walsingham "saved" it, 
 lest Elizabeth's Minister or "the cause" should suffer. Mary's 
 death was " the cause," and for it Walsingham was ready to do 
 more than suppress Mary's letters. 
 
 Walsingham to Phelippes}- 
 Her Majesty hath signed your bill for a pension of 
 .an hundred marks, and you will not believe in how 
 good part she accepteth of your service. 
 
 I have saved that packet that toucheth the great 
 person, as neither he nor the cause shall take lack. 
 Some warning is to be given to G., and Foxley^ looketh 
 for an answer. I would be glad to-morrow, in the 
 morning, to see you here. God keep you. 
 At the Court, the 3rd of May, 1586. 
 
 Your loving friend, 
 
 Fra. Walsingham. 
 
 Addressed — To his {sic) servant, Tho. Phelippes. 
 
 Endorsed by Phelippes — From ]\Ir. Secretary Walsing- 
 ham, 3rd May, 1586. 
 
 The five following letters are placed together, as they relate 
 to the same subject, and not being dated, it is not easy to decide 
 upon their proper chronological place. For the first the Calendar 
 suggests May. If so it must be very early in the month. Mary 
 wrote a very large number of letters in May, but in April hardly 
 one. The brewer's wife, though "acquainted with the practice," 
 was not apparently acquainted with her husband's double dealing. 
 
 Poulet to Wahinghain? 
 The substitute was at the place appointed the 22nd 
 of the present, when he remained from morning to night, 
 
 ^ Holograph. Vol. xvii., n. 60. 
 
 ^ Foxley is Gratley, the Priest {Dom. Eliz., vol, cxcix., n. 95), who, in 
 concert with Gilbert Gifford, wrote a book against Father Persons and the 
 Jesuits, which book was submitted to Walsingham and Phelippes. 
 
 •^ Holograph. Vol. xvii., n. 82. 
 
190 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 but the honest man did not appear. Hereupon, the 
 substitute sought the honest man the next morning early 
 at his house at Burton, from whence he was departed 
 before the coming of the said substitute, to make pro- 
 vision of malt, as his wife affirmed. 
 
 The honest man had heretofore declared to the 
 substitute that if at any time he failed of his promise, 
 the substitute should repair to his house, where in his 
 absence his wife should satisfy him in all things, who 
 was acquainted with the practice. This woman telleth 
 the substitute that her husband was advertised from this 
 Queen his mistress (so she termed her), that her letters 
 could not be ready until the end of this week now in 
 hand, and that returning thither after four days, he should 
 find her husband at home, who would agree with him 
 upon the time and place of their next meeting. 
 
 She told him that her husband had great credit 
 with this Queen, and that he carried himself so well 
 as he had no less credit with me, and that I had given 
 him letters into other shires for provision of malt, as 
 indeed I had. 
 
 She said that this Queen had dealt liberally with 
 her husband, and that she was bountiful without measure 
 to all such as deserved well of her. In all her speech 
 she called this Queen her husband's mistress. 
 
 Endorsed by PJielippes — A note from Sir Amias Poulet. 
 
 To Mary the brewer's services were, as she believed, simply- 
 invaluable. She had no means of knowing when he received 
 her letters, or how long he kept them. He could do as he 
 pleased, excuse himself as he liked, and make his own terms 
 with her. This letter does not speak of his extorting money 
 from her, but it does of his consciousness of his power over 
 Poulet. Mr. Froude puts it well when he says,^ " The brewer was 
 first paid by Walsingham ; next he was assured of lavish rewards 
 , ^ History, vol. xii,, p. 1 16. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 191 
 
 from the Queen of Scots, which to secure her confidence it was 
 necessary to permit him to receive. Lastly, Hke a true English 
 scoundrel, he used the possession of a State secret to exact a 
 higher price for his beer." Giflford says that he had " 20/. besides 
 many good angels." ^ The 20/. probably, and the " many good 
 angels " certainly, came from Mary. How many, no one knew, 
 and Poulet doubted "lest the honest man kept the better part 
 for himself" of the rewards Mary sent to the others through him. 
 Another letter speaks of 10/. in money, besides the former 
 rewards. " There was never so fortunate a knave," said Gifford, 
 who was himself a greater knave than he. Gifford extorted 
 money from Morgan,- by pretending that the brewer was bribed 
 by him. "He gave him that made the intelligence to your 
 Majesty eight angels, and promised to make it some twenty 
 nobles,^ which is twenty crowns, which he will never account 
 to your Majesty." 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham^ 
 
 I have written unto you before this time that the 
 honest man playeth the harlot with this people egregiously, 
 preferring his particular profit and commodity before their 
 service, because he knoweth he can satisfy them with 
 words at his pleasure, and that they cannot control any- 
 thing that he saith. 
 
 The house where he dwelleth is distant from hence 
 only ten miles, and yet I do not remember that he hath 
 delivered at any time any packet unto this Queen until 
 six or seven days after the receipt thereof. He appointeth 
 all places of meeting at his pleasure, wherein he must 
 be obeyed, and hath no other respect than that he may 
 not ride out of his way, or at the least that his travel 
 for this cause may not hinder his own particular business. 
 And therefore having appointed his last meeting within 
 one mile of his own house, v/ith resolution to lodge 
 
 ^ The angel was about los. 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 32 ; Murdin, p. 498. 
 
 ^ Noble, a gold coin worth ds. Sd. Halliwell. 
 
 * Holograph. Vol. xvii., n. 83. 
 
192 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 there that night, he sendeth thither late in the evening 
 a boy to signify unto the substitute that his business 
 would not permit him to be there that night, praying 
 him to have patience until the next day at ten of the 
 clock, at which time he came indeed and brought with 
 him the last packet which you received from hence. 
 
 At his coming he beareth the substitute in hand that 
 he could not have the packet until that morning, whereas 
 in truth he was despatched from hence the day before 
 in the morning. The displeasure which was likely to 
 grow hereof was this, that the said boy whom he used 
 for his messenger, was son to one who is the ordinary 
 carrier to the honest man for his malt, and this carrier 
 is a near neighbour to the substitute, so as the boy knew 
 him as soon as he saw him. The substitute very dis- 
 -creetly dealt so roughly with the honest man for sending 
 unto him a foolish messenger in this manner that he 
 rested satisfied and looked no further into the matter, 
 and indeed if he have wit to consider it, in bewraying 
 the substitute, he shall bewray himself 
 
 It seemeth that the honest man is persuaded that 
 I cannot spare his semce, having of late required an 
 increase of price for his beer in unreasonable sort, and 
 yet so peremptorily as I must yield to his asking or 
 lose his service. I think his new mistress and her 
 liberal rewards make him weary of all other service. 
 
 That the next letter belongs to May is clear from the 
 mention in it of Whitsuntide. The letter from Curie to Gifford, 
 alluded to by Poulet, has not been preserved. The application 
 for " pensions and I cannot tell what," that frightened Poulet, 
 was j^robably a petition to Mary, made perhaps to keep up 
 appearances, perhaps because he thought it possible that he 
 might hold it, that he might have the prebend in St. Quintin's, 
 that Morgan had promised ^ him in Mary's name. To Morgan 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 32 ; vol. xviii., n. 13. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 193 
 
 Mary answered,"^ "By my next open depesche there shall be sent 
 to you two brevets for prebends, and your man shall be set upon 
 my estate amongst my pensioners." And July 4, Morgan wrote 
 to Gifford under the names of Thomas Germyn to Nicholas 
 Cornelly's,^ that A. [the Queen of Scots] thanked him for his 
 services, and granted him a prebend. 
 
 The " last week's meeting " being " disappointed," means of 
 course that Mary's letters were not ready. Poulet trusted " that 
 yet now at the last some good success would have followed." 
 Upon these words only one construction can be put. Poulet 
 was waiting and hoping from week to week that every packet 
 from Mary would contain " sufficient to hang her," as he puts 
 it elsewhere. He fears this may be frustrated through some 
 warning conveyed by Gifford, who he thinks is bidding too high 
 with the Queen of Scots to be faithful to Walsingham. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham? 
 
 Sir, — The last week's meeting was disappointed, and 
 a new day and place set down by the honest man, 
 which was performed yesterday, at which time I trusted 
 that yet now at the last some good success would have 
 followed, although, to say plainly as I think, I have been 
 in great doubt of it ever sithence I received from your 
 friend a letter in cipher from Curie to him, by the which 
 it seemed that his mistress, finding herself pressed to 
 make speedy answer, did forbear when she was before 
 resolved to have written. 
 
 Surely I do not mistrust the fidelity of your friend, 
 but I fear lest his young years and want of experience 
 have not been answerable to his goodwill, and that for 
 want of judgment he hath played the wanton in writing 
 to this Queen, which I suspect the rather, because he 
 hath capitulated with her for pensions and I cannot 
 tell what, and perchance to show his forwardness hath 
 bewrayed his indiscretion. 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii,, n. So; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 327, 
 2 Vol. xviii., n. 31. ^ Holograph. Vol. xvii., n. 67. 
 
 N 
 
194 '^^^ Ami as Poulet, 
 
 I may easily judge of his own several letters unto 
 me that he wanteth that sufficiency of discretion, which 
 were requisite in him that hath to deal with so many 
 fine and subtle heads. His service, no doubt, was very 
 acceptable to this people in the beginning, and with 
 temperance his credit towards them would have increased 
 daily. It may be that all things will come to good pass, 
 and that I have no cause to write thus largely unto you, 
 but the suspicion of the contrary is so apparent, as in 
 my simple opinion I should do wrong to my place if 
 I did not inform you of it, leaving the same to your 
 better consideration, and yet resting in some little hope 
 of better success. 
 
 At the yesterday's meeting the honest man told the 
 substitute that as yet he could get no despatch from this 
 Queen his mistress, which she hath deferred until Whit- 
 suntide, and hereupon a new meeting is appointed upon 
 Tuesday in the Whitsun week [May 24, O.S.]. The substi- 
 tute found himself grieved that he had lingered here in vain 
 these three weeks for answer, and that his cousin looked 
 to have seen him at London before this time. The honest 
 man prayed him with a merry countenance to have 
 patience, saying that this Queen had sent him word 
 that she could not send him so good news now as she 
 hoped to do within these three weeks. (This clause 
 seemeth to carry some other meaning.) The substitute 
 concluded that he or his cousin would not fail to keep 
 the appointed time of meeting. 
 
 The packet for this Queen received yesterday from 
 Mr. Phelippes shall be carried by the substitute to the 
 honest man's house, having no other means to deliver 
 the same with such speed as is required. It may be 
 that this new packet will give new credit to the substitute. 
 
 [Not addressed.] 
 
 Endorsed — A secret note, and by Phelippes— K secret 
 note from Sir Amias Poulet. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queeft of Scots, 195 
 
 The next letter, it is clear, was written between the 7th and the 
 17th of May. Gifford was not sent to ''assure the honest man," 
 that is, to make trial of him, before the beginning of July. On 
 May ^1,1 Mary acknowledges the receipt of a letter from the 
 Archbishop of Glasgow of the last of March, ^ together with Pere 
 •delaRue's^of [Nov.] J|. 
 
 Poiilet to Walsingham.^ 
 
 The packet sent for this Queen was delivered to the 
 honest man at his house the 7th of this present by the 
 substitute, who could not by any mean intreat him to 
 deliver the same here before the 14th ensuing, excusing 
 himself especially for this reason, lest his often going 
 and coming might minister just cause of suspicion. And 
 whereas in my last I signified unto you that the honest 
 man had appointed the Tuesday in the Whitsun week 
 for his next meeting with the substitute, he hath now 
 shortened the time and hath agreed to meet with him 
 the 17th of this instant, so as there is good hope of better 
 success than my last letters did import, the substitute 
 finding the honest man very well satisfied and altogether 
 void of suspicion. 
 
 If the substitute shall receive nothing from hence 
 -about this Whitsuntide, I am of opinion that it shall be 
 well done to assure the honest man, thereby to know if 
 .he have any other vent for his letters. 
 
 [Not addressed.] 
 
 ^//(^(^r^-^^/— Advertisement from Sir Amias Poulet. 
 
 The brewer was led to believe that he was the only traitor. 
 The consequence was that round-about courses were necessary 
 to preserve the " credit " of the others who were employed. The 
 date of this letter must be the first week in June, and this suits 
 the "short light nights." It is hard to see how, with these 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 84; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 295. 
 "■^ Vol. xvii., n, 31. ^ Vol. xvi., n. 64. •* Holograph. Vol. xvii., n. 68. 
 
 N 2 
 
196 Sir A^nias Poulet, 
 
 words in the letter, Mr. Thorpe can have calendared it in 
 February. Poulet exults over the possession of this packet, 
 because the letters of the end of May were very numerous, and 
 Mary had hardly written any since the "great packet " at the 
 end of March. He feared lest the brewer was forwarding 
 her letters honestly, and this is why he so devoutly thanks God 
 that "all is now well," and that "the honest man is engaged for 
 ever." Poulet is glad that Bessie Pierrepoint had not left, 
 because he thought that if she had gone, she would have been 
 the bearer of these letters, which thus would never have reached 
 Walsingham's hands. Pie says so, plainly, in his letter of 
 June 15th. This letter is probably of later date than that. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham} 
 
 Sir, — I think myself very happy that among so many 
 changes and chances that have fallen out of late, this 
 expected packet is come safely to my hands, which was 
 delivered unto me by the honest man the 3rd of this 
 present in the morning, at which time your friend was not 
 far from me ; but for the better consideration of his credit 
 in this action it was agreed between him and me that I 
 should stay the said packet in my hands until the 4th in 
 the evening, and then to send it to the honest man's 
 house at Burton, where your friend would be ready to 
 seize on it. 
 
 Your friend arrived here the 1st of this present, and 
 taking his old lodging with Mr. Newport, steward to the 
 Earl of Essex, I have had more safe conference with him 
 by a continual intercourse of letters than if he had come 
 unto me in person in these short light nights, especially 
 considering that many of this Queen's family are stirring 
 all night by reason of her infirmity at this present. 
 
 You see all is now well, thanks be to God, and the 
 honest man is engaged for ever. It seemeth that this 
 people make good account of this packet, in that the 
 
 ^ Holograph. Vol. xvii., n. 19. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 197 
 
 honest man telleth me that with the packet he had 10/. 
 in money, besides all former rewards from this Queen 
 not unknown unto you. 
 
 Your friend can tell you that he hath been troublesome 
 to Mr. Newport many times, and must be hereafter, as 
 often as he cometh into these parts. It seemeth meet 
 that some consideration were had of it. 
 
 I account it a great happiness that this packet cometh 
 to your hands before the departure of Mrs. Pierrepont. 
 
 Your friend is very careful in this service and professeth 
 to have vowed himself wholly to your devotion, as one 
 bound thereunto by your singular benefits. 
 
 It is not for nothing that Nau hath not gone out of this 
 house above once this month without riding or walking 
 abroad after his accustomed manner. He hath been worse 
 occupied at home. 
 
 This Queen hath not gone out of her chamber this 
 month and is yet troubled with defluxions in divers parts. 
 
 Great cost is bestowed on Mrs. Pierrepont in garments 
 of all sorts, wherein cloth of silver and gold and silver lace 
 are not spared. 
 
 Your friend could [not receive the packet at the honest 
 man's hands so soon as he expected, which is the cause that 
 it cometh so slowly unto you. 
 
 This Queen in her speech with me yesterday, com- 
 plained that she was not better answered touching her 
 servants^ and change of lodging. But she complained 
 very coldly of the latter, which I impute to nothing else 
 than that she feareth lest her remove from hence would 
 overthrow her intelligence. 
 
 It is true that this Queen hath in every of her legs 
 an issue, which, as they say, is her last remedy. I found 
 her lying on her bed. 
 
 Endorsed — 1586. From Sir Amyas Poulett. 
 
 ^ Mary wrote to Walsingham on the 3rd of May, asking for passports for 
 some new servants (Vol. xvii,, n. 61 ; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 272). 
 
198 Sir Ainias Potclet, 
 
 We now come to letters to which Poulet is neither ashamed 
 nor afraid to sign his name. 
 
 Poulet to Phelippes> 
 
 Sir, — I pray you impute my long silence to my 
 diligent servant the gout, which had possessed my hand 
 so as I could hardly write my own name, which is the 
 true cause that I have not written unto you of late. You 
 may find by my former letters to Mr. Secretary, that I 
 have been jealous of her Majesty's service, a fault not 
 worthy of great blame, wherein also I had some particular 
 interest because I was a party in the action. 
 
 Your friend had committed two great and gross faults 
 in this country, which moved me the rather to suspect 
 the worst I trust the last despatch from hence was so 
 effectual as will suffice to salve all sores. 
 
 You write of your coming into these parts, which as 
 I desire greatly, so I will not fail to further if I shall hear 
 of anything belonging to the Lord Paget meet for you. 
 
 And thus not doubting but that you have your hands 
 full of business, I leave to trouble you with idle words, and 
 so do commit you to the mercy of the Almighty. 
 
 From Chartley, the 3rd of June, 1586. 
 
 Your assured friend, 
 
 A. Poulet. 
 
 I pray you do me the pleasure to convey this letter, 
 sent herewith, to my servant Hackshaw. 
 
 Addressed by Poidet — To my very good friend, 
 Mr. Thomas Phelippes, esquire, at the Court. 
 
 Endorsed by Phelippes — 3rd June, 1586. Sir Amias. 
 Poulet. 
 
 The letter that follows is quoted by Mr. Froude,^ but in 
 such a manner as to call for remark. Mary, he says, "happy 
 
 ^ Hologi-aph. Vol. xviii.,n. i. ^ History, \-o\. xii., j). 132. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtieen of Scots. 199 
 
 in the removal to Chartley and the secret access which she 
 possessed once more to the outer world, had recovered her 
 health and spirits. She had been treated with unusual indul' 
 gence. Her legs had swollen in the winter, and on her first 
 arrival she had been unable to walk ; but as the spring came 
 on she was driven out in a carriage, or was wheeled in her 
 chair through the garden. We catch a glimpse of her enjoying 
 ' a duck-hunt ' in one of the ponds ; and when summer came, 
 her spirits lifting her body, she was able to mount her horse 
 again and gallop with the hounds, or strike a deer with a 
 crossbow." The latter Mary said of herself to Morgan^ July -^1-, 
 doubtless with intent to show that if an attempt were made to 
 rescue her, she was able to ride, not only "as this afternoon I 
 intend to do, within the Hmits of the park," but also "other 
 where, if it were permitted." 
 
 But the letters we have already given show how far from 
 the truth Mr. Froude is in his account of Mary's health. On 
 the 25th April, Poulet found her "sitting upon the side of her 
 bed, and not yet able to use her feet." In June her lameness 
 was "desperate." When the nights were short and light, she 
 was still so ill that " many of her family were stirring all night ;" 
 she had " not gone out of her chamber for a month," and had 
 "in every of her legs an issue, which, as they say, is her last 
 remedy." True, as Mr. Froude says, we do " catch a glimpse 
 of her enjoying a duck-hunt ;" but we catch no glimpse in 
 Mr. Froude's pages of her being carried to the pond, as "yet 
 able to go very little, and not without help of either side." In 
 fact, Mary was so helpless and infirm, that even a professional 
 advocate of Queen Elizabeth's hardest proceedings against her 
 wrote the following passage, and then erased it as too true and 
 telling too severely against the cause for which he was pleading. 
 He wrote that Queen Elizabeth "had been many times heard 
 to say that she had resolved with herself rather to hazard her 
 person and estate to all uttermost danger that perverse fortune 
 or the malice of the said lady could work for the residue of her 
 time, than to take away that poor life of hers, as a prisoner of 
 such years, so sickly and impotent, and so strofigly guarded, her 
 * Vol. xviii,, n, 74; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 426. 
 
200 Sir Amias Poulet^ 
 
 Majesty thought it impossible should he able any ways to aimoy 
 her^ or to do her any great harmy^ 
 
 As to the unusual indulgence with which she had been 
 treated, Mary herself did not so describe it. " Mon gardien," 
 she wrote to Chateauneuf in July,- "continue tousjours ses 
 rigueurs et innovations;" and again, "depuis quelques jours, se 
 demonstre beaucoup plus rigoureux et insolent que de coustume;" 
 and Phelippes' commentary on it is,^ "You may see how she is 
 weary of her keeper, who in truth hath made no such change 
 of his behaviour, but thought it policy to colour matters with 
 his ordinary proceeding used before, thinking remissness would 
 have discovered the practice ; " that is, indulgence would arouse 
 Mary's suspicions. 
 
 Poulet to Walsifigham.^ 
 
 Sir, — Your letters of the 29th of the last, with a packet 
 for this Queen, came to my hands the ist of this present 
 in the morning. Finding nothing in the said packet 
 worthy the advertisement, saving that Cherelles writeth 
 to Nau that the French King will write to her Majesty for 
 a new supply of servants for this Queen, and for the 
 change of her lodging, concluding in his letter with these 
 words : " On tient que la paix se fera, pour ce qu'on ne 
 peult plus fournir a la guerre." These news are as 
 welcome to this Queen as if he had cast salt in her 
 eyes. 
 
 The French Ambassador writeth to this Queen that her 
 new servants will not be granted until their names be 
 advertised, and touching the conflict between the Prince 
 of Conde and the regiment belonging to the Duke of 
 Maine, he writeth that Monsieur de Laval and his two 
 brethren were slain in that fight. 
 
 ^ This passage occurs in a document which has become, with the letter- 
 books, the property of the Bodleian Library. It is evidently the work of one 
 of the Crown lawyers, and the words printed above in italics have had others 
 substituted for them by the author. 
 
 "^ Vol. xviii., n. 44; vol. xix., n. 15 j Labanoff, tom. vi., pp. 369, 428. 
 
 2 Vol. xviii,, n. 61. 
 
 ■* Vol. xviii., n, 2. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 201 
 
 The French Ambassador's wife in her letters to this 
 Queen writeth very honourably of her Majesty, which I 
 impute rather to that she knoweth that her letters must 
 pass through my hands, than to any great devotion she 
 beareth to her Highness. 
 
 This Queen hath now gotten a little strength, so as she 
 goeth sometimes abroad in the coach, and at other times is 
 carried in her chair to one of the ponds adjoining to this 
 house to see duck-hunting, but is yet able to go very little, 
 and not without help of either side. 
 
 It may please you to do me the favour to convey this 
 letter inclosed to my Lord of Leicester, by the next con- 
 venient messenger. And thus, with my most hearty thanks 
 unto you for your liberal advertisements of the occurrents 
 of foreign parts, and giving God like thanks for His 
 merciful providence towards her Majesty, His afflicted 
 Church, and this our country, I commit you to His mighty 
 protection. 
 
 From Chartley, the 3rd of June, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 It may please you to command one of your servants to 
 deliver this letter to Mr. Phelippes. 
 
 The request to be removed from Chartley does not appear 
 in Mary's private letters. It was probably made in a letter 
 openly addressed to Chateauneuf, but no such letter is in exist- 
 ence. Mary can only have asked to be removed in order to 
 avert suspicion from her correspondence which she supposed to 
 be secret. Poulet must have been in the right when he said 
 that she would be sorry to be taken at her word. 
 
 Poulet to Walsinghain} 
 Sir, — I am not ignorant that this Queen hath desired 
 to be removed from hence, wherein for my part I rest 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 4. 
 
202 Sir A mi as Poulet, 
 
 in my old opinion to be no suitor for any remove, or 
 to nominate any house for that purpose, but to follow 
 therein such direction as I shall receive from above. 
 Only I have thought good to put you in remembrance 
 that it shall stand much with her Majesty's profit that 
 the certainty should be known as soon as may be, for 
 provision to be made of hay, wood, coal, and many other 
 things for the service of this house the next winter. I 
 have written thus much to my Lord Treasurer by this 
 bearer. And thus, wishing unto you all happiness, I 
 commit you to the merciful protection of our good God. 
 From Chartley, the 9th of June, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 On the 6th June Poulet wrote,^ under the false impression 
 that Mary wished Bessie Pierrepont to marry Nau. " Now being 
 commanded to signify unto you how it cometh to pass that this 
 Queen desireth to be rid of Mrs. Pierrepont, I can say nothing 
 therein but by way of surmise ; but I believe verily that this 
 Queen did never expect that this young gentlewoman should be 
 taken from her upon this motion, for doubt of the intelligence 
 which this gentlewoman so assured unto her might carry abroad, 
 wherein this Queen being refused she might have the better 
 colour to perform the intended marriage with Nau. This is all 
 I can say or think herein, and so I pray you to deHver it to 
 her Majesty. ... I think convenient in my simple opinion that 
 she should be taken from this Queen in such sudden manner 
 as she may have no time to confer with her after her warning 
 to depart. . . . My meaning herein tending to no other end 
 than that if young Pierrepont depart from this Queen, she may 
 not carry with her any treacherous or lewd instructions." 
 
 Poulet carried out his own suggestion, and overdid it. The 
 
 suddenness offended the Queen of Scots, who refused to part 
 
 with her protegee till her wardrobe was prepared. Mary said so 
 
 in a letter to Chateauneuf of June 25, which letter no longer 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 3. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 203 
 
 exists. She afterwards repeated/ "Tout le retardement survenu 
 en cela n'est proce'de' que du peu temps que mon gardien me- 
 donne, m'estant venu advertir sur I'apres-diner, pour la faire 
 partir dans le mesme jour." Mary was really anxious that she 
 should go. 
 
 Poulet to Walsiugham? 
 
 Sir, — Mr. Pierrepont upon the receipt of your letters 
 the loth of this present in the morning, declared to the 
 messenger, my servant, that his daughter lost her time 
 with this Queen, and therefore being willing to bestow 
 her in marriage, as also for his own comfort, his house 
 being not very well furnished with children, he had been 
 a suitor unto you of late that his daughter might be 
 restored to him ; but coming out of London in haste, 
 so as he did not see you at his departure, did understand 
 by your letters that his suit was granted, and did trust 
 that this Queen would not refuse to deliver her, praying 
 the messenger to signify unto me that his servants should 
 be here to that purpose the 14th of this present ; who 
 arriving here at the prescribed day in the evening, and 
 bringing with them this letter inclosed, I prayed to have 
 access to this Queen. Wherein being refused upon pre- 
 tence that she had a pain in her side (as indeed she hath 
 been diseased these nine or ten days), and therefore desiring 
 to be forborne until the next day at nine or ten of the clock 
 in the morning ; having access unto her at the time 
 appointed, I declared unto her that according to the 
 motion made unto her Majesty by the French Ambassador 
 in her behalf,^ for licence to be given to young Mrs. 
 Pierrepont to return to her father, her Highness had 
 caused her pleasure therein to be signified as well to 
 Mr. Pierrepont as to myself, and Mr. Pierrepont having 
 sent men and horses for his daughter, I prayed that she 
 might be delivered unto them. 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 15 ; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 428. ^ Vol. xviii., n. 7. 
 ^ Vol. xvii., nn. 76, 89. 
 
204 "^^'^ Amias Poulet^ 
 
 This Queen answered that she is entreated therein as 
 in her other suits for her servants, and touching her poor 
 folks at Easter, having received no answer in either of 
 both, and now she trusted to have heard from her Majesty 
 of her assent to this motion by her own letters. 
 
 I told her it was sufficient, unless the matter were more 
 weighty, to understand her Highness' pleasure by me, 
 and she had reason to be satisfied in that her request 
 was granted. 
 
 '*Yet," saith she, ''it had been reasonable I should 
 have been advertised in time convenient to have prepared 
 all things necessary for the young gentlewoman," wherein 
 she had to consider of her own honour, and that her tailor 
 was now hurt (as indeed he was, in a drunken fray between 
 two of her servants), so as nothing could be prepared 
 for her. 
 
 I answered that it was well known that she was not 
 unprovided of sufficient clothes, and that she went from 
 hence to her father's house whence she was no stranger. 
 
 " I must tell you," saith this Queen, " that she is 
 unprovided of smocks, which are now in making, and she 
 may not want them." 
 
 " Madam," quoth I, " one smock is sufficient to bring 
 her home." 
 
 "I have brought her up," saith she, "now many years, 
 and I would be loth to leave her, but with the satisfaction 
 of her friends, and I know not if they have been truly 
 informed of my meaning herein." 
 
 I said I could assure her that her father had been truly 
 informed of the substance of the speech delivered by the 
 French Ambassador, which he had signified unto me by 
 his letters. 
 
 " Will you be content," quoth she, " to show me those 
 letters .? " 
 
 " Yea, truly, madam," quoth I, " for your satisfaction ; " 
 and so sending for them, showed them unto her, which 
 
Keeper of Mary Queert of Scots. 205 
 
 also I have sent unto you ^ to the end you may know- 
 that nothing was contained in them meet to be kept 
 from her. 
 
 After many other words I prayed her to consider 
 that the motion came from herself, her Majesty had 
 yielded unto it, and the gentlewoman's father, dwelling 
 fifty miles from hence, had sent nine or ten horses for her, 
 and therefore wished her to take order that she might be 
 delivered. Hereupon she prayed me to give her respite 
 for one hour, at what time she sent Curie to signify unto 
 me her resolution, which was that having made this motion 
 unto the French Ambassador, she would not suffer the 
 gentlewoman to depart until she had answer from the said 
 Ambassador how her Majesty was satisfied therein, as a 
 thing which touched her in honour. 
 
 I answered Curie that the message was of such weight 
 as I would not receive it at a second hand, and therefore 
 prayed to have access again to his mistress ; which being 
 granted, this Queen telleth me the same in substance 
 (although with greater plenty of words) that had been 
 before delivered by Curie, adding that she could not 
 tell if Sir Francis Walsingham had truly delivered her 
 Majesty's mind, because she had been ill-handled that 
 way divers times heretofore. 
 
 I prayed her to think that you would not misreport 
 her Majesty, and that it would be thought above that 
 her Highness' pleasure signified by your letters and 
 reported by me, ought to carry as good credit with her as 
 anything that should come from the French Ambassador. 
 
 " Yea," quoth she, *' but I prayed the Ambassador to 
 move many other circumstances, wherein I am not yet 
 answered." 
 
 " Madam," quoth I, '' you have the substance of your 
 request, which is that the young gentlewoman should be 
 delivered to her father." 
 
 ^ Sir Henry Pierrepont to Sir Amias Poulet, vol. xviii., n, 7, I. 
 
2o6 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 " If I should deliver her," saith she, " after this sort, it 
 would be the slander of the gentlewoman, as though she 
 departed from me for some fault" 
 
 I answered that her departure was not sudden, and 
 that the matter had been long in question, and that her 
 father had been informed of the true cause thereof to 
 this Queen's honour, and to the full discharge of the 
 gentlewoman, as might appear by her father's letters 
 unto me, which she had seen. Then she came again to 
 her clothes, which I said would be no answer above. 
 
 When I saw that she would come to no reason, I told 
 her that I was commanded to deliver her to her father's 
 servants when they came for her, and therefore as far as 
 I could, I required that she might be delivered unto me ; 
 which being denied, I prayed her to give leave to signify 
 my comi mission to the young gentlewoman in her presence, 
 which I did, in the hearing of all those in the chamber, 
 which were many, and there declaring to the young gentle- 
 woman the motion made by the Queen her mistress, the 
 causes moving the same, her Majesty's yielding thereunto, 
 your advertisement thereof, as well unto her father as to 
 me, that her father had sent his servants to fetch her, and 
 finally the refusal of this Queen to deliver her, upon weak 
 grounds, which I then also confuted as well as I could ; I 
 required her to be content to depart with her father's 
 servants, wherein she should show herself dutiful and 
 obedient to the Queen my mistress, and should also do 
 good service to this Queen, although she did not so 
 take it. 
 
 After many words and many reiterations of my former 
 motion to the young gentlewoman, this Queen concluded 
 that she would not depart until she had heard farther, and 
 the young gentlev/oman said she would do nothing without 
 her direction. Then I told her that I could not draw her 
 out of her mistress' chamber by force, but required her as 
 far as I could, to depart with her father's servants ; wherein 
 
Keeper of Ma7y Qiteeji of Scots. 207 
 
 I could get no other answer, and so I left them, and surely 
 I left this Queen as much perplexed as I have seen her 
 sithence my first coming to this charge, and no doubt, 
 howsoever it cometh to pass, she hath been overreached 
 in this matter, and now she cannot tell how to help it. 
 
 Hereupon I sent word to Mr. Pierrepont's servants that 
 this Queen would not assent to the delivery of the young 
 gentlewoman at this time, and that their master should not 
 send again for [her] until he had received new direction 
 from above. 
 
 I think my simple guess was not much out of the way, 
 which was that this Queen looked for nothing less than 
 that the young gentlewoman should be taken from her. 
 But if she should depart hereafter, I do not doubt but 
 that you will consider that her mistress will not fail to 
 make her profit largely of it, and although she may 
 have a good opinion of her other secret means, yet you 
 may believe that she will prefer this mean before all other. 
 
 Being willing to follow her Majesty's direction, signified 
 by Mr. Nicasius' ^ letters, as near as I might, I caused one of 
 my servants to lie in wait for Mr. Pierrepont's men and to 
 stay them from coming near to the house, to the end this 
 Queen might receive the first advertisement of this message 
 from myself, and therefore my audience being denied in 
 the evening, I did also refrain to advertise the cause, until 
 my coming to this Queen's presence. 
 
 And thus leaving these women's causes to your better 
 consideration, I commit you to the mercy and favour of 
 the Highest. 
 
 From Chartley, the 15th of June, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Autograph postscript — I thank you most heartily for this 
 letter inclosed and for your other foreign advertisements. 
 
 1 Nicasius Yetsweirt, two letters from whom will be given later. 
 
2o8 Sij^ Amias Poulet, 
 
 The "packet inclosed" in the following letter is not forth- 
 coming now. Pasquier was one of Mary's servants; "half a 
 secretary," Poulet afterwards called him. 
 
 Poulei to Walsingham} 
 
 Sir, — I received this last evening the packet inclosed, 
 after I had already despatched the post with my other 
 letters unto you, signifying unto Nau this morning 
 the cause of the stay thereof Hereupon he sendeth 
 Pasquier unto me yesterday at noon, to tell me that it 
 hath not been the custom that his mistress' letters have 
 attended any opportunity, but have been sent away 
 with speed. 
 
 I prayed him to tell Nau that his mistress did me wrong 
 to charge me with any such custom, and as I had observed 
 no such custom heretofore, so I would not bind myself to 
 any such custom hereafter, and that if this Queen's letters 
 had been delivered unto me before the departure of the 
 post, I would have sent them with mine, and that now I 
 would send them as I might. 
 
 Although I know no cause why this Queen's letters 
 should be sent away in post, or that her business should 
 in reason require it, and therefore will not bind myself 
 unto it ; yet because these letters are likely to concern 
 Mrs. Pierrepont's cause, and were written, no doubt, in 
 heat and choler, I have thought good to send them unto 
 you, wherein I have omitted of purpose one day, to the 
 end that Nau should know I did not like with his arrogant 
 message. 
 
 I did forget to signify unto you in my other letters 
 that among this Queen's other shifts for the detaining of 
 Mrs. Pierrepont, she alleged that the Countess of Shrews- 
 bur>' did not love her, and would be glad to take any 
 advantage against her, and that therefore it behoved her 
 to send Mrs. Pierrepont from her in good order. 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 9. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtcee7i of Scots. 209 
 
 Also I remember that this Queen told me that she 
 had prayed the Ambassador to deal with Mr. Pierrepont 
 touching his daughter, wherein she was not yet answered, 
 but she would not dwell upon it, so as it seemed that she 
 repented to have said it. 
 
 Because it is likely that I may hear further in these 
 matters, I think it shall not be amiss to advertise me of 
 your pleasure touching Mrs. Pierrepont, before you shall 
 require the execution thereof, to the end I may forbear 
 the same until you shall hear again from me, if I shall 
 find good and reasonable cause. And thus wishing you 
 all happiness, I commit you to the safe keeping of our 
 good God. 
 
 From Chartley, the 17th of June, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 This Queen, willing to recover her desperate lameness, 
 hath taken much physic of late, wherewith she is now faint 
 and weak, and yet intendeth, as I am secretly informed, to 
 practise some other experiments which she received of Mr. 
 Doctor Baylye at his being with her, so as it is not likely 
 that she will come out of her chamber these many days. 
 
 It may please you to cause one of your servants to 
 deliver this packet to Mr. Nicasius. 
 
 We have in the next letter a good specimen of the way in 
 which Mary's letters were treated. The " second messenger " 
 was Thomas Barnes. When Babington wrote in July, he begged 
 that Mary's answer might be sent to Lichfield. Perhaps because 
 he was there, this new agent of Walsingham's was told to 
 make Lichfield his head-quarters. In order that he and the 
 brewer might not know each other's treachery, Mary's letter is 
 brought to Poulet by the brewer, sent to Walsingham in London, 
 for Phelippes' perusal, returned by Walsingham to Chartley, and 
 then sent by Poulet to Burton that Barnes might receive it from 
 the brewer's hands. 
 O 
 
2IO Sir Amias PoiUety 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham} 
 
 Sir, — The honest man having received this present 
 morning this packet inclosed for the second messenger, 
 who (as it seemeth) stayeth at Lichfield of purpose for 
 the same, I have willed him to tell the said messenger 
 that this Queen is sick and troubled other ways, so as 
 he can receive no answer at this time, but is promised 
 that he shall not fail to have it on Saturday shall be 
 sevennight, being the 2nd of July, so as it is of necessity 
 that I must receive this packet again from you the last of 
 this present month at the farthest, because the next day I 
 must send it to the honest man's house. If you think the 
 time which I now give you to be too short for the perusing 
 of the packet, it may please you to signify unto me what 
 time I shall appoint hereafter. 
 
 I send unto you herewith all your copies and letters, 
 for the which I thank you as much as I can. And thus I 
 leave you to the mercy of the Highest. 
 
 From Chartley, the2ist of June, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. Poulet. 
 
 I cannot yet have opportunity to have sufficient talk 
 with the honest man, but I have given him four angels, 
 because he shall know that I have forgiven all that is 
 past. 
 
 In this case the delay for deciphering and perusal is in 
 another stage of the proceedings. The brewer received the 
 letter back from Poulet, that the substitute might have it, by 
 whom it was brought back again to Poulet. It is by no means 
 clear that Walsingham would take Poulet's view of the unim- 
 portance of the packet because it was "so little." It was 
 Mary's first letter to Babington, which being dated the 25th was 
 delivered to Poulet by the brewer on the very day on which it 
 was written. Walsingham was " expecting " Mary to write to 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 12. Holograph. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 211 
 
 Babington, for Morgan's letter of April 29 [May 9th] had passed 
 through his hands, in which not only was the Queen of Scots 
 urged to write to him, but a draft of the letter she was recom- 
 mended to write was sent her. Answering Morgan,^ on July ^, 
 she says that at Gifford's ''last return from these parts, she had 
 at once three of his letters; one dated the 13th of June,^the most 
 part in Pietro his commendation; another the 9th of May [N.S., 
 April 29, OS.] concerning Babington;^ and the third* of the 
 20th of July, '85." 
 
 But Mary had received one letter^ from Morgan before this, 
 "touching Babington," and Walsingham's treatment of it deserves 
 attention. It was dated Jul^ 26, 1585; Foley brought it to 
 England at the end of July. Walsingham kept it in his hands 
 till late in May in the following year, for Curie acknowledges its 
 receipt "as the bearer was ready to have been despatched" with 
 Mary's letter ^ of May 20, 1586. The reason is obvious when we 
 remember that signs of the Babington conspiracy did not show 
 themselves till about the middle of May, 1586. Nothing could 
 be more significant. 
 
 Potilet to Walsingha77i? 
 Sir, — The honest man on Saturday last, the 25 th of 
 this present, brought unto me this little packet inclosed, 
 which being so little as could be nothing answerable to 
 that which you expect, and was not likely to contain any 
 great matter, and the day of meeting between the sub- 
 stitute and the honest man approaching so near, I thought 
 good to stay the said packet in my hands for these few 
 days, to the end the honest man should not think that 
 I had intelligence with the substitute, and therefore sent 
 the said packet again to the honest man the 28th of this 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 74; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 421. 
 ^ Vol. xviii,, n. 13. 
 ^ Vol. xvii., n. 58; Murdin, p. 513. 
 * Vol. xvi,, n. 7 ; Murdin, p. 446. 
 
 ^ There is no copy of it in the Record Office, but it is given by Murdin, 
 P- 453- 
 
 ^ Vol. xvii,, n. 80 ; Labanoff, torn, vi., p, 328, 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 22. Holograph. 
 O 2 
 
212 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 present to be delivered to the substitute the 29th, and so 
 being returned unto me by the substitute I send it unto 
 you. 
 
 It may please you to signify unto me what course 
 I shall take with the substitute hereafter, which resteth 
 to be considered only by you, who are acquainted with 
 the secrets of the cause. And whereas you require me to 
 reward him, I purpose to give him five pounds, if I hear 
 not from you to the contrary by your next letters ; but I 
 would think that your friend's substitute at London should 
 procure his reward from this Queen, and if it be not sought 
 at her hands, she shall have just cause to think ill of it. 
 The truth is that he hath had many journeys by this 
 occasion, and therefore doth deserve to be well recom- 
 pensed. 
 
 The 27th of this present, at ten of the clock at night, 
 I received letters from Mr. Phelippes of the 25th, together 
 with two several packets, the lesser being the same which 
 I sent unto you the 21st of this instant, and which was 
 delivered to the honest man for the second messenger, 
 who attended his answer at Lichfield, and it is very 
 likely that this packet was delivered for him, because the 
 day appointed for meeting between the honest man and 
 the substitute was not yet come. Howsoever, this matter 
 was mistaken by this people or by the honest man, I 
 see no danger or inconvenience if we can be content to 
 have patience until the arrival of your friend, who as it 
 seemeth will be here shortly. 
 
 Mr. Phelippes hath set down a course for many things 
 to be done, which surely I dare not put in execution for 
 fear of the worst, wherein I am also the more fearful 
 because it seemeth there is hope that the 3rd of this 
 present, great matter will come from this people, which 
 might be in danger to be stayed if, [by] any mean, cause 
 of suspicion were ministered by any of the agents in this 
 intercourse. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qiieeyt of Scots. 2 1 3 
 
 Mr. Phelippes would have the substitute to seize upon 
 this little packet now returned from you unto me, where- 
 unto the honest man will never assent without my especial 
 direction, because he is now to receive the said packet at 
 my hands. This adventure might breed many dangers, 
 and seemeth to serve to no other purpose than thereby to 
 deliver a letter from the substitute to Curie, the said letter 
 containing no matter that requireth especial haste, and 
 which may not be done more safely by your friend at 
 his coming. 
 
 All is now well, thanks be to God, and I should think 
 myself very unhappy if upon any instructions to proceed 
 from me, this intercourse, so well advanced, should be over- 
 thrown. I have therefore resolved to open the returned 
 packet, and to deliver only to the honest man the letter for 
 the second messenger therein contained, reserving the rest 
 according to Mr. Phelippes' direction, so as if any question 
 grow thereof hereafter (which is not likely) it shall be said 
 that the substitute finding the said packet in the honest 
 man's hands, seized upon it and took out thereof what 
 pleased him. Thus you see that I am curious to conserve 
 as well myself as the cause out of peril or hazard thereof, 
 wherein I am the more bold because I see nothing in 
 the other course that presseth, and yet being miscarried 
 between the substitute and the honest man, might bring 
 imminent danger. 
 
 The honest man believeth verily that this second 
 messenger came by direction from your friend, because 
 he bringeth a true token, which was that in such a place 
 your friend gave him two angels, and telleth me further 
 that the second messenger seemed to mislike greatly that 
 this Queen delayed to answer him, and said that his 
 business would not permit him to tarry so long in these 
 parts, but concluded that he would fetch fresh letters 
 and would return the 4th or 5th of this next month of 
 July. He calleth himself Barnes, and saith (untruly I 
 
214 •'SVV Amias Poulet, 
 
 doubt not), that he is nearly allied to Sir Walter Aston 
 and Mr. Richard Bagot. 
 
 And thus I commit you to the mercy of the Almighty, 
 who give you strength of body and mind to overcome 
 the troubles of this troubled time. 
 
 From Chartley, the 29th of June, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 The honest man bringeth to the substitute at this time 
 two angels from this Queen, which surely I think should 
 have been delivered long before, and I marvel that the 
 reward is so slender, doubting lest the honest man hath 
 kept the better part for himself I find that the honest 
 man hath played his part at this time very well with the 
 substitute according to my instructions. 
 
 Addressed by Poulet io Walsmgham and endorsed by 
 Phelippes. 
 
 Poulet to Phelippes} 
 
 Sir, — You have set down a very reasonable and pro- 
 bable course in your letters as thin^ appear unto you 
 there, but I find here by reason of the circumstances so 
 many difficulties as I dare not proceed to the execution 
 of your direction in all things, which I forbear the rather 
 because I find nothing in your letters that presseth, and do 
 return your packet unto you inclosed herein. 
 
 I have written more at length to Mr. Secretary, and 
 thus willing to send a new packet unto you with speed, 
 I pray you excuse these short lines, which shall be longer 
 another time. 
 
 From Chartley, the 29th of June, 1586. 
 
 Your assured friend of old acquaintance, 
 
 A. Poulet. 
 
 To my very good friend, Mr. Thomas Phelippes, esquire. 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 23. Holograph. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 2 1 5 
 
 Poidet to Walsinghamy 
 . Sir, — Your three packets of the last of June came 
 to my hands the 3rd of this present, at four in the 
 morning, and having perused all the letters addressed 
 to this Queen, I find nothing much worthy of adver- 
 tisement, and yet I thought good to trouble you with 
 this note inclosed. 
 
 I have refused to perform the content of this letter 
 inclosed from the Ambassador,^ as well because I would 
 not wade in matters of this quality without warrant, as 
 also that I would give no such precedent which might 
 make them bold hereafter upon like occasions. 
 
 Mr. Darrell, having taken order of late by my discre- 
 tion, and upon very good ground, for the restraining of 
 some things concerning the diet of this Queen's family, 
 the Master of her Household was sent unto me to know 
 if I were acquainted with it ; which, being avowed by 
 me and reported unto her, she commanded her Master 
 of Household to signify unto me that in other things 
 I was accustomed to say unto her that I had no 
 commission to do this or that, and therefore if I had 
 no especial direction from her Majesty or from the 
 Lords of her Highness' Council, she would not yield 
 unto it. I answered that I would not fail to cause the 
 order to be put in execution the next morning, and if 
 his mistress complained she should know my commission. 
 Yesterday, having first sent unto me her Master of 
 Household with a new complaint about the matter, and 
 receiving from me a resolute answer, she sent Curie to 
 pray me to come unto her to her chamber, where I 
 yielded such reasonable matter for the justification of 
 my doings as, after some words, she was satisfied. 
 
 ■"^ Vol. xviii., n. 36. 
 
 * In behalf of a young Scotchman who had served in France, who is 
 •desirous to return to Scotland, and wishes to see his mother, an attendant 
 on the Queen of Scots (Vol. xviii. n. 36, I.). 
 
2i6 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 Then she prayed me to advertise Mr. Pierrepont 
 that when he should send for his daughter, she should 
 be delivered. I said that without new direction from 
 her Majesty I could do nothing therein, whereupon she 
 prayed me to signify her proffer. 
 
 Cordaillot, among other things sent to Nau by the 
 carrier in his last journey, sendeth this paper inclosed, 
 by the which he bewrayeth his lewd opinion of our 
 nation, and therefore I thought good to retain the said 
 paper before it came to Nau's hands, and now I would 
 wish that it were rendered to Cordaillot, whereby he 
 may perceive that his slanderous conceits are bewrayed. 
 Having compared the said note with his other writing, 
 I find it to be written with his own hand. And thus I 
 commit you to the mercy of the Almighty. 
 
 From Chartley, the 7th of July, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 It may please you to do me the favour to cause this 
 letter inclosed to be delivered to my Lord Norreys. 
 
 In sending Gifford to be a spy upon the brewer and Barnes ^ 
 Phelippes was acting on the adage, "Set a thief to catch a thief" 
 
 Gilbert Gifford to Phelippes} 
 Sir, — Two principal points (whereof many secondary 
 were derived, as we discoursed at our last being together) 
 were the cause of my coming hither for the trial of the 
 honest man, and the discovery of the second. In the 
 first we have so proceeded that the honest man is 
 totaliter ours, who is too glad to have thus escaped 
 with his 20/., besides many good angels, than to incur 
 the same danger. He seeketh nothing more than to 
 win credit with the governor in this service. There 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 37. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 2 1 7 
 
 was never so fortunate a knave, so that there cannot 
 possibly be anything added to this point, and I think 
 he is sufficiently charmed for admitting any other but 
 the first man. 
 
 For the second, at my speaking with the honest 
 man, he told me that the second messenger was gone 
 to London a sennight and more before, and that his 
 appointment with him was uncertain. 
 
 Whereof this morning I have amply written to Sir 
 Amias, declaring the necessity of my return. The 
 conclusion of my letter is — either this party is at London 
 or no : if not, he will not be long in these parts, as 
 well for that I have his letter, as also to finger more 
 packets. Besides that, I will leave with the honest 
 man an earnest letter for his coming up. 
 
 If he be already at London, as is probable, not 
 repairing to the honest man in so long a space, then it 
 is likely that I shall find him there coming up speedily, 
 whence we will dispose of him. His name is Barnes. I 
 know him well, but I think he hath no chamber in 
 London, neither were it expedient you lean harder 
 of him for the case I told, for that would spoil all ; but 
 assure yourself, and I promise and undertake of my 
 credit, to cut him clear off from this course, and to 
 that end I have written to Z, the copy whereof you shall 
 see at our meeting. 
 
 I have no leisure but to commit you to God, this 
 
 7th of July. 
 
 Yours to command, 
 
 G. G. 
 
 I trust you have displayed \J: delayed] the journey 
 of P. Let them be dainty at the first, let scarce one 
 of them be seen. I would gladly deliver this packet to 
 you myself 
 
 Addressed — To my very loving friend, Mr. Thomas 
 Phelippes. 
 
2i8 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 The packet that was intercepted by Phelippes was a large one 
 if it contained all Mary's letters of the end of June and the 
 beginning of July. We have letters of hers^ dated June 30 to 
 Cardinal Laurea and Pere la Rue, and July 2 to Mendoza, 
 Morgan, and Charles Paget. We have not got the letter to the 
 Ambassador which Phelippes made "fit for his handling." The 
 request to Walsingham to "resolve thoroughly and speedily" of 
 Babington's matters, is noteworthy. Gifford told Curie that he 
 had met with the packet on the way, and meant to deliver it 
 himself 2 
 
 Phelippes to Walsingham? 
 
 It may please your Honour, — According to your direc- 
 tion, meeting with the packet of Sir Amias between 
 Stilton and Stamford, I have opened the same, and I 
 have found a packet for the French Ambassador, from 
 the which I thought best to take with me to despatch 
 here and send you up fit for his handling with all 
 speed, because I know he expecteth the same earnestly. 
 By Sir Amias' letter to your honour, and our friend's 
 to me, I find all things to stand in so good terms as 
 my abode there will be the less but for Babington's 
 matters, which I beseech you resolve thoroughly and 
 speedily of And so I humbly take my leave. 
 
 Stilton, this 8tli of July, 1586. 
 
 Your honour's most humble at commandment, 
 
 Tho. Phelippes. 
 
 I departed London yesternight at nine, and had been 
 at Chartley at this time but for the extreme carelessness 
 of constables, and contempt of some of them, wherein 
 your honour must needs take order upon special services, 
 as this is. I forgot to know your honour's pleasure touching 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., nn. 41, 24, 28, 29 ; Labanoff, torn, vi., pp. 347 — 360. 
 
 2 Vol. xviii., n. 74 ; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 423. 
 
 3 Vol. xviii., n. 38. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 219 
 
 the mad book that G. G. brought you of Foxley/ &c. The 
 greatest necessity of it is only the saving of G. G.'s credit, 
 who pretends no other errand. In which respect, if you 
 think good, it might be on the press in the meanwhile. 
 
 Gifford missed Barnes on the road between Chartley and 
 London. This letter, written immediately on his reaching 
 London, makes one wish that a few more of the letters between 
 the same parties had escaped destruction. 
 
 Mr. Froude^ is thinking of this letter when he says that 
 "Gifford, though he accompanied Ballard to England, was 
 personally ignorant of what was going forward; it was not till 
 afterwards that he learnt it in conversation from Ballard himself." 
 We have already seen^ that in truth, though not in Mr. Froude's 
 pages, it was Gifford who brought Mendoza to accept the plan of 
 regicide, when Ballard had failed with him. 
 
 So far from learning anything from Ballard in this conver- 
 sation, which Mr. Froude supposes to have been Giftbrd's 
 initiation into the plot, Gilford himself remarks that Ballard so 
 spoke as "thinking him privy to the course," and he was 
 apparently about to say, what Walsingham did not need to be 
 told, that Ballard was not far wrong in saying so. 
 
 Gifford said to Walsingham what he thought it prudent to say 
 and he is careful to disclaim much previous acquaintance with a 
 man who he knew would soon be tried for high treason. But it 
 is not easy to believe that he "was never well acquainted with" 
 Ballard.^ According to Chateauneuf, whom Mr. Froude generally 
 
 ^ This is the book against Father Persons and the Jesuits, the joint work 
 of Gifford and Gratley, mentioned in a previous note {supra, p. 189). Gifford, 
 when a prisoner in Paris, said that he would have been released if Gratley had 
 not been taken, who was in the Inquisition at Padua for the book against 
 Persons {Dom. EHz., vol. ccxiv., n. 35). The book was evidently printed by 
 "Walsingham, to whom Henry Ceesar wrote, "the which book Phelippes your 
 man did send unto Lily" (Domestic, Addenda, Elizabeth, vol. xxx., n. 120). 
 
 ^ History, vol. xii., p. 132. 
 
 ^ Supra, p. 146. 
 
 * Gifford said to Phelippes more than he had said to Walsingham, denying 
 with an oath that "ever I had any other acquaintance with him or knew him 
 otherwise than man I never saw" (Vol. xx., n. 45). But this was written 
 after he had fled to Paris, for fear lest he should be tried with Babington's 
 accomplices. 
 
220 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 follows, it was Gifford who "fit passer en Angleterre " this 
 miserable conspirator. 
 
 Mr. Froude gives this account of the interview related 
 in this letter. "Ballard, who, without mentioning names, had 
 now communicated the secret to Gilbert Gifford, told him that 
 before any active step could be taken, *he must obtain the 
 Queen's hand and seal to allow of all that must be practised 
 for her.' Without this his labour was vain, and nothing could 
 be done. He had himself promised that he would not write to 
 her; but Babington was about to make use of Morgan's intro- 
 duction to send her a few words, and Gifford must convey his 
 letter by the secret channel." Babington " about to make use of 
 Morgan's introduction " in the middle of July, when, in conse- 
 quence of Morgan's letter of April 29, Mary had written to 
 Babington on the 25th of June ! When had Ballard "promised 
 he would not write to her ? " As a matter of fact, he did not 
 write to her, for Mary says to Morgan,^ " I have heard of that 
 Ballard of whom you write, but nothing from himself, and therefore 
 have no intelligence with him." 
 
 Gilbert Gifford to Walsingharn? 
 
 Right Honourable, — Barnes hath not yet appeared in 
 any of his frequented places, so that I think he came not 
 as yet to town. I know not whether he hath been with 
 the Ambassador, for I dare not go thither till such time 
 as I bring the packet with me. I am assured he shall 
 no sooner come to the town but I shall hear of him^ 
 and needs he must come for I have his letter with me 
 from Q[ueen of Scots].^ 
 
 I trust Mr. Phelippes will meet the said packet by the 
 way and peruse it, that it need no delay in delivery. 
 
 Touching the practice in hand, before my last coming 
 over in discourse with Morg[an] I smelled something afar 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 74; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 425. 
 2 Vol. xviii., n. 40. 
 
 2 Probably Mary's letter to Barnes of June 19 (Vol. xviii., n. lo), in answer 
 to his of the loth {Ibid.^ n. 6). 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 2 2 1 
 
 off, and he told me that he had sent one to soHcit interest 
 here ; promising me that in time I should know all, as 
 occasion should serve ; for it is their custom to discover 
 things by little and little, albeit they trust one never 
 so much. 
 
 Now yesterday, by great inquiry, one Ballard found 
 me out. I never was well acquainted with him, but he 
 told me that he had sought me greatly, and that he 
 knew my endeavour thoroughly in the behalf of the 
 cause, and that he purposed verily to have come to 
 me in the country, " for," said he, " I thought you were 
 there." After great entertainments, at the length he 
 brake with me into great complaint of Morg. and Chad. 
 P[aget], saying that they promised him intelligence very 
 oft, and that he never heard from them since' his coming 
 over. Hereof I gave him some reasons of their delay. 
 Then he told me that at his coming over he was directed 
 to me, and that finding me not, he was in great perplexity, 
 thanking God that we were met together to be an help 
 one to another. He told me that he was on Saturday 
 night with the Ambassador,^ and he expecteth letters 
 daily. 
 
 " But," said he, '' if they will not perform that they 
 promised, we will do at the least our parts," by which 
 words I perceived that I [he] thought me privy to the 
 course [which indeed erased]. 
 
 I asked him what was to be done on our parts. He 
 replied that I must needs obtain of Q[ueen] her hand 
 
 ^ Gififord ** fit passer en Angleterre un pretre Anglais, nomme Ballard, qui 
 avait autrefois servi d'espion a Walsingham contra les Catholiques, et qui 
 depuis, reconnaissant sa faute, s'etait du tout departi de son accointance, 
 ainsi que Ton disait. Le diet Ballard etait pour sa doctrine fort estime des 
 Catholiques, la plupart desquels ignoraient ce dont il s'etait autrefois mele ; 
 il vint a Londres, et quelques jours apres, il vint au logis de I'Ambassadeur de 
 France, avec un autre, savoir s'il n'y avait point de lettres de France pour lui 
 qui lui etaient adressees sous un nom suppose, et la salua I'Ambassadeur dans 
 sa galerie, sans entrer en propos aucuns, ni se decouvoir a lui, ni a sou 
 secretaire, sinon pour Catholique" {Chdteauneuf^s Memoir ^ Labanoff, torn. 
 vi., p. 288). 
 
222 Sir Amias PotUet, 
 
 and seal to allow of all that should be practised for her 
 behalf, " without the which," said he, " we labour in vain, 
 and these men will not hear us." 
 
 I answered that it was a matter of great importance, 
 and that we should expect Morg. and P. to do it. He said 
 the matter would go long and that he was in great danger. 
 
 " Well," said I, *' in my opinion this was never obtained 
 hitherto by any man, and the granting thereof will be 
 hard. But what persuasion, what probability of success, 
 can you leave before Q. whereby he \_sic\ can be moved to 
 grant it t " Said he, " I will undertake within forty days 
 to procure his [altered from her] liberty." 
 
 " Well," said I, '' let us think of it, and to-morrow I 
 will answer you ; " so he parted out of town, and left his 
 man with me for answer, which he is ceaseless earnest in. 
 
 This Ballard is the only man used in this practice 
 whatever it be, which I cannot thoroughly discover the 
 first day, but in time it will be easy, for he desireth my 
 company and help therein. 
 
 What your honour thinketh good I shall answer him 
 I desire to be informed, and how far I shall join with him 
 and keep him company, w^hich doing it is unpossible but 
 I shall discover all. 
 
 He complained much of Sir T. Tresham and my 
 cousin Talbot, for not only they would not hear him, 
 but threatened to discover him, " and," saith he, " unless 
 we obtain that from Q. all is but wind." 
 
 I beseech your honour, as soon as the packet shall 
 arrive that it be conveyed to me by this bearer, before 
 which time I cannot go to the Ambassador. 
 
 Ballard told me that your honour had an inkling of 
 some things, especially of the Ambassador's intelligence 
 with Q. Your honour hath some very corrupted men 
 about him whereto great regard is to be taken. 
 
 He told me that Phelippes was gone to Chartley for 
 the removing of Nau and Pro [de Preau]. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 223 
 
 I trust your honour considereth how necessary it is to 
 entertain D[octor] G[ifford] and Gratley, for hereby they 
 be persuaded that there is no other deahngs of mine but 
 that only, otherwise it were unpossible but I should be 
 suspected. 
 
 D. G. coming over would colour me much, as also I 
 can know his whole thoughts, and no doubt he would be 
 greatly employed so that by him I should understand all 
 their courses, for he can hide nothing from me. 
 
 Thus protesting before God that nothing shall pass my 
 hands and hearing, but your honour shall soon understand 
 it, beseech the Almighty long to protect your honour. 
 
 This nth of July. 
 
 Your honour's faithful servant, 
 
 G. G. 
 
 Mr. Froude quotes ^ the next letter and adds, " Some remorse 
 he could not choose but feel. She was in his toils, and he was 
 too certain that she would be meshed in them. Another letter 
 from her and the work would be done." The only sign of 
 remorse Phelippes showed was to put a gallows on the outside 
 of the letter which he sent to Walsingham. He quotes the 
 warning verse as applicable to himself 
 
 Phelippes to Walsinghain? 
 It may please your Honour, — The packet is presently 
 returned which I stayed in hope to send both it and the 
 answer to B[abington]'s letter at once. In the meanwhile 
 beginning to decipher that which we had copied out before. 
 And so I send your honour her letter to the French Am- 
 bassador,^ which was in cipher, and her letters to the Lord 
 
 ^ History, vol. xii., p. 138. 
 
 " Vol. xviii., n. 48. 
 
 ^ The letter to Courcelles (now lost) was inclosed in her letter of July -^, 
 to Chateauneuf (Vol. xviii., n. 44 ; Labanoff, torn, vi,, p. 368), The letter to 
 Lord Claude Hamilton is only dated July (Vol. xviii., n. 27; Labanoff, 
 torn, vi., p. 371). "The short note sent to Bab." was Nau's letter to Bab- 
 ington dated July 13, N.S. (Vol. xviii., n. 43), in answer to Babington's 
 inquiries about Robert Foley (Vol. xix., n. 9). 
 
2 24 . Sir Amias Poztlef^ 
 
 Claude and Courcelles out of cipher. Likewise the short 
 note was sent to Bab., wherein is somewhat only in answer 
 of that concerned Foley in his. We attend her very heart 
 at the next She begins to recover health and strength 
 and did ride abroad in her coach yesterday. I had a 
 smiling countenance but I thought of the verse, 
 
 Cum tibi dicit Ave, sicut ab hoste cave. 
 
 I hope by the next to send your honour better matter. 
 In the meanwhile humbly take my leave. 
 Chartley, the 14th July, 1586. 
 
 Your honour's most humble at commandment, 
 
 Tiio. Phelippes. 
 
 It may please your honour to command the delivery 
 of the letter to my servant wherein is some matter for 
 your secret friend. 
 
 If the posts make any reasonable speed, these will be 
 with you by to-morrow noon, and G. G. may have delivered 
 his packet and received the answer by Sunday, which then 
 despatched hither would give great credit to the action, for 
 otherwise we look not to depart this sevennight, and there- 
 fore as good all that belongs thereto were done here as at 
 London. 
 
 "The packet sent by Mr. Phelippes" was Babington's letter, 
 placing the plot before Mary, which thus came to her straight 
 from Walsingham. Its possession, no doubt, brought Phelippes 
 down to Chartley. " Such answer given in writing as the 
 shortness of the time would permit," must be Nau's letter 
 to Babington about Poley,^ which Phelippes mentioned with 
 greater exactness in his letter to Walsingham, for Mary wrote 
 but two letters to Babington. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham? 
 Sir, — Your letters of the nth of this present coming to 
 my hands yesterday at eleven before noon, I have no other 
 
 ^ Vol, xviii. , n. 43. ^ Vol. xviii. , n. 49. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 225 
 
 thing wherewith now to trouble you than to send unto you 
 the packet intercepted upon the way by Mr. PheHppes, 
 and also to advertise you that the packet sent by 
 Mr. Phelippes hath been delivered and thankfully received, 
 with such answer given by writing as the shortness of the 
 time would permit, and with promise to answer more at 
 length at the return of the honest man, which will be 
 within three days. 
 
 I cannot thank you enough, first for your messenger, 
 my old good friend Mr. Phelippes, and then for your 
 messages, as well by mouth as by writing ; for your 
 favour wherein I shall rest your debtor as long as I live. 
 As knoweth the Almighty, to whose safe keeping I 
 commit you. 
 
 From Chartley, the 14th of July, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 I am prayed to convey unto you this packet inclosed 
 from this Queen to the French Ambassador. 
 
 The proposal that some one should "disguise himself Hke a 
 gentleman of ability" and personate Emilio Russo to the French 
 Ambassador is worthy of Walsingham's spy system. The gentle- 
 man in disguise was to "give credit to Berden,"i who was now 
 " discovered to be a lewd fellow," as Morgan wrote ^ to Gififord at 
 this time. 
 
 Phelippes to Walsingham? 
 
 It may please your Honour, — I send you herein 
 Mr. Harborne's letter in answer of yours sent by Captain 
 Ellis, and therefore sealed up and deciphered by myself. 
 
 1 had letters from G. Gifford by Mr. Hugh Offley. He 
 hath great credit for his service and puts me in hope to 
 discover somewhat of importance, smelling as he saith 
 
 * See foot note, p. i68. 
 
 2 Thomas Sansellen to Nicholas Comellys, July 9 (Vol. xviii., n. 39). 
 2 Vol. xviii., n. 56. 
 
 P 
 
226 Sir Amias Poulety 
 
 such matters as I would wonder at, protesting that which 
 I doubt not of his care to discover it speedily. He 
 saith he findeth that Morgan hath sent over two, as he 
 terms them, of great government and discretion, to set 
 upon some other. Albeit I doubt not but our intercourse 
 continuing, they will be discovered. Yet I wish, for more 
 assurance, somebody were advised of to appear in his 
 likeness before the French Ambassador, which is yet the 
 only want here. If you think Berden a meet man, as I 
 see no cause truly of the contrary, for my part it should 
 need but to get somebody to disguise himself like a 
 gentleman of abil[ity] for once to come and talk with the 
 Ambassador as Emilio Russo, and he to give that credit 
 to Berden which should serve the turn hereafter, and this 
 might any man do. But without question the Ambassador 
 will look for the party after one despatch at the farthest. 
 It may please you therefore to think of it one way or other. 
 And so I humbly take my leave, this 17th of July, 1586. 
 
 Your honour's always most bound at commandment, 
 
 Tho. Phelippes. 
 
 At last Poulet was "wonderfully comforted," though Elizabeth 
 *' pinched " him to the last. Mary's third letter to Babington was 
 in Phelippes' hands, and a copy, with a gallows on the cover, 
 on its way to Walsingham and Elizabeth. Was that copy a true 
 one, free from interpolations? Or was it not until afterwards 
 that the interpolations were made? That there were interpola- 
 tions made no one can doubt who reads the letter as printed 
 by Prince Labanoff; but whether Phelippes inserted them before 
 Walsingham saw the letter or afterwards no one can now tell. 
 The probability is that the decipher sent to Walsingham was a 
 genuine copy of Mary's letter to Babington. Phelippes no doubt 
 thought it abundantly sufficient evidence to bring her to the 
 scaffold. /It was an elaborate instruction how an insurrection 
 might be organized and war made upon the Queen of England. 
 Such a letter would have been high treason in a subject, beyond 
 all doubt; but Mary was an independent sovereign, though a 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtceeyt of Scots. 227 
 
 captive, and Walsingham may well have felt that something 
 more was required to induce Elizabeth to proceed to extremities 
 against her. She must be shown to be a party to the plot for 
 Elizabeth's assassination, and for this purpose the interpolations 
 were made/ The reader must judge for himself whether the 
 passages marked by Prince Labanoff formed a part of Mary's 
 letter. The whole letter is too long for transcription. The 
 material passages are the following : 
 
 " Les choses estant ainsy preparees et les forces, tant dedans 
 que dehors le royaulme, toutes prestes, il fauldra \alors mettre les 
 six gentiiskoinmes e?t besoigne et\ donner ordre que \leur desseing 
 estant effedue] je puisse, quant et quant, estre tiree hors d'icy, et 
 que toutes voz forces soynt en ung mesmes temps en campaign e 
 pour me recevoir pendant qu'on attendra le secours estranger, 
 qu'il fauldra alors haster en toute dilligence. [Or, d'aidtant qu'on 
 ne peult constituer ting jour prefx pour Vaccomplissement de ce que 
 lesdicts gentilshomjnes ont entreprins^ je vouldrois quHlz eussent 
 tousjours aupres d'eulx ou pour le moings en cour, quatre vaillans 
 ho7nmes bie?t month pour donner advis en toute dilligence du succez 
 dudict desseing^ aussytost qu'il sera effectue, a ceulx qui auro7it charge 
 de me tirer hors dHcy, ajin de sy pouvoir transporter avafit que mon 
 gardien soyt advertis de ladicte exeaition, ou, ct tout le moings, avant 
 quHl ayt le loisir de se fortijier dedans la maison, ou de me 
 7nen€r ailleurs. II seroyt necessaire qtCon envoy ast deux ou trois de 
 diets advertisseurs par divers chemins, ajift que Vung venant d 
 faillir, F autre puisse passer oultre, et fauldroyt en ung mes7ne instant 
 essay er d'empescher les passages ordinaires aux postes et courriers^ 
 
 "C'est le project que je trouve le plus a propos pour ceste 
 entreprinse, afin de la conduire avecq esgard de nostre propre 
 seurete. De s'esmouvoir de ce coste devant que vous soyez 
 asseures d'ung bon secours estrangier, ne seroyt que vous mettre, 
 sans aucun propos, en dangler de participer a la miserable fortune 
 d'aultres qui ont par cydevant entreprins sur ce sujet j et de me 
 tirer hors d'icy sans estre premierement bien asseurez de me 
 pouvoir mettre au milieu d'une bonne armee ou en quelque lieu 
 de seurete, jusques \ ce que noz forces fussent assemblies et les 
 estrangiers arrives, ne seroyt que donner asses d'occasion ^ ceste 
 Royne Ik, si elle me prenoyt de rechef, de m'enclorre en quelque 
 P 2 
 
228 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 fosse d'ou je ne pourrois jamais sortir, si pour le moings, j'en 
 pouvois eschaper a ce prix la, et de persecuter avecq toute extre- 
 mite ceux qui m'auroynt assiste, dont j'auroys plus de regret que 
 d'adversite quelconque qui me pourroyt eschoir a moy mesmes." 
 
 Supposing the italicized passages to have been in the original, 
 the letter will have run thus : " When your preparations both in 
 England and abroad are complete, let the six gentlemen who have 
 undertaken to assassinate Elizabeth proceed to their work, and 
 when she is dead — leur desseing estant effectiie — then come and 
 set me free; and be sure you have at least four men ready to 
 bring me the earliest information of the Queen's death — du 
 succez dudict desseing. 
 
 "But do not take any steps towards my liberation until you 
 are in such force that you may be able to put me in some place 
 of perfect security, lest Queen Elizabeth should take me again, 
 and shut me up in some inaccessible dungeon, or lest if she 
 should fail in recapturing me, she should persecute to extremity 
 those who have helped me, which I should feel more than any 
 adversity of my own." 
 
 Could Prince Labanoff help saying that there is here an 
 evident contradiction ? Could Mary have said, "Do not move 
 till Elizabeth is dead, and after that so manage my escape that 
 she may not be able to hurt me or my friends?" 
 
 Now will the reader believe that Mr. Froude has entirely 
 suppressed all mention of the paragraph in Mary's letter, in which 
 she begs that care may be taken that the attempt to rescue her 
 may not move Elizabeth to inflict fresh and more severe perse- 
 cutions upon herself and her partisans ? He has done so, and we 
 must suppose that he accounts it fair and just so to do. But 
 besides the suppression of this passage, the meaning of the 
 sentences of the letter is twisted throughout Mr. Froude's 
 " condensed" version, ^ as he calls it, so as to make them refer 
 to the scheme for Elizabeth's murder instead of that for Mary's 
 escape and the invasion of England. 
 
 The intrinsic evidence of forgery is so strong as to be con- 
 clusive by itself, but it is supported by extrinsic evidence not 
 less conclusive. First, there is Nau's confession'- of September 5, 
 ^ History ^ vol. xii., p. 144. ^ Vol. xix., n. 90. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queeii of Scots. 229 
 
 countersigned by the Lords of the Privy Council, which ends 
 thus : " Quant a la lettre escripte a Babington, sa Majeste me la 
 bailla pour la pluspart escripte de sa main, et i'ay rien faict ny 
 escript comme j'ay proteste sans son expres commandement et 
 specialement touchant le point de son eschapper et mettant la 
 feu aux granges pres de la mayson." It is clear what Nau 
 thought were the most grievous points in the letter, and he 
 tries to exculpate himself and to throw all the responsibility on 
 Mary for the project of her escape, and for the proposal to set 
 the outhouses on fire. Would he have been content to bear 
 the blame for the clauses respecting Elizabeth's assassination ? 
 Plainly he had never heard of them. 
 
 Secondly, in the heads of accusation that were first drawn 
 up against Nau and Curie, there is no allusion made to any 
 clause concerning ''the six gentlemen." In a paper in Phelippes' 
 hand,^ endorsed by Lord Burghley, " 4 September, 1586, from 
 Philipps," there occurs no accusation more specific than the 
 following — " The heads of that bloody letter sent to Babington, 
 touching the desseingment of the Queen's person, is of Nau his 
 hand likewise." 
 
 The Hardwickc State Papers - say of the trial at Westmmster, 
 " There was also showed forth a paper written by Nau containing 
 the short minutes and notes of the principal points of Babington 's 
 letter, and of the Scots' Queen's letter to Babington, which was 
 found among her papers at Chartley, which on being showed 
 to Nau by some of the Lords of the Council, he upon sight 
 thereof confessed it to be his own hand, saying that upon 
 reading Babington's letter to the Scots' Queen and her direction 
 given for the answering of the same, he did set down the same 
 notes to serve as a memorial for him for the writing of other 
 letters. In this paper, amongst other points is contained the 
 coup, which can hardly be construed to be meant otherwise 
 than the blow or stroke for killing her Majesty." Now one 
 of two things is true, and either exculpates Mary. Either 
 the heads produced were really those of Mary's letter to 
 Babington, and then those notes are identical with those 
 of her letters to Glasgow, Mendoza, and Paget, in none 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 85. - Ilanhvickc State Papers, vol. i., p. 235. 
 
230 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 of which is the coup Elizabeth's assassination, but the enterprize 
 upon Chartley for Mary's rescue. In this case the same heads 
 for the letter to Babington will mean that the same things were 
 to be written to Babington. The coup is not, then, the assassina- 
 tion, but the assault upon Chartley. Or else, which is far more 
 likely, the heads produced at the trial were really those of the 
 letters to Glasgow, Mendoza, and Paget, wilfully separated from 
 Nau's statement to that effect ;i separated, because if they had been 
 known to be the heads of letters that were then produced, the 
 real meaning of the word coup would have been unmistakeable. 
 
 Thirdly, Mary herself especially denied the authenticity of the 
 interpolated passages. The letter ^ Mr. Froude has seen, for he 
 quotes from it Lord Burghley's phrase, "this Queen of the 
 Castle," but he does not quote Maiy's denial. Perhaps it may 
 be said that Mary denied everything, and that therefore her 
 denial of these passages is of no value. But this is not true. She 
 denied that she had received such a letter from Babington and 
 had returned such an answer, and this the Hardwicke State Papers^ 
 show conclusively against the narrative published in the State 
 Trials. She could hardly deny the assassination passages without 
 acknowledging the rest of the letter. But when the letter was 
 proved against her, she left the evidence to speak for itself, and 
 
 ^ Secours cle dehors. 
 Forces dans le pais. 
 Armee d'Espagne au retour des Indes. 
 Armee of Trance au mesme temps, si la paix se faict. 
 Guise, s'il ne passe, tiendra la France occupee. 
 De Flandres, de mesme. 
 Ecosse, au mesme temps. 
 Irlande, aussy. 
 Coup. Sortie. 
 
 Ceulx cy sont les poinctz qu'en presence de la Roine ma maistresse et par 
 son commandement je tiray pour faire la depesche en France, a scavoir, 
 a I'Archevesque de Glasco, a I'Ambr. d'Espaigne, et a Charles Paget. 
 Quant a la lettre escripte a Babington, sa Majeste me la bailie pour la plus 
 part escripte de sa main, et j'ay rien faict ny escript, comme j'ay proteste, 
 sans son expres commandement et specialement touchant le point de son 
 eschapper, et mettant la feu aux granges pres de la mayson. 5 Sept., 1586, 
 
 Ainsi signe Nau. 
 W. Burghley. G. SlireAvsbuiy. H. Hunsdon. 
 H. Derby. C. Howard. W. Cobham. 
 
 J. Croft. F. Walsingham. (Vol. xix., n. 89, 90.) 
 
 2 Cotton. MSS., Caligula, C. ix., f. 533. 
 ^ Hardwicke State Papers y vol. i., pp. 233, 237. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 231 
 
 then she made special exception against these sentences in the 
 letter that relates to the Queen's murder. Speaking of " this 
 day's work," October 15, the last day of the trial, Lord Burghley 
 said to Secretary Davison, " This Queen of the Castle was 
 content to appear afore us in public to be heard, but in truth 
 not to be heard for her defence, for she could say nothing but 
 negatively, that the points of the letters that concerned the 
 practice against the Queen's Majesty's person were never by 
 her written, nor of her knowledge; the rest, for invasion, for 
 scaping l3y force, she said she would neither deny nor affirm." 
 
 But, says Mr. Froude, whether or no the passages italicized 
 formed a part of Mary's letter, " if any part of it was hers," she 
 was an accomphce in Babington's guilt, for it contains "a full 
 general approbation of his intended proceedings and no pro- 
 hibition of, and therefore a tacit consent to, the murder." It 
 is not true that Mary's letter contains a single expression that 
 -can be interpreted as a " full general approbation " of all that 
 was contained in Babington's letter. Mary tacitly rejected the 
 plan of assassination. She writes taking Elizabeth's life for 
 panted. But she never explicitly mentions the plot. Her 
 letter is written exactly as though Babington had simply asked 
 her advice how they should manage an insurrection and her 
 rescue. Mr. Froude says that Mary told Charles Paget "that 
 she had answered him [Babington] point by point." She does 
 not say so. The word "answered" is Mr. Froude's, and not 
 hers. She said,^ "I have made them a very ample despatch, 
 containing, point by point, 7ny advice on all things requisite, as 
 well for this side as for without the realm, to bring their design- 
 ments to good effect." She did not answer Babington's letter point 
 by point, though in her trial, as well as by Mr. Froude, it was 
 alleged that she had so answered it. Her advice is given point by 
 point on all the details of a simultaneous invasion and insurrection. 
 
 Mr. Froude says that the letter "was sworn to by the two 
 secretaries in the deciphered form in which it was produced by 
 Walsingham." The following are the hesitating attestations of 
 Nau and Curie. " Je pense de vray que c'est la lettre escripte par 
 
 1 Cotton. MSS., Caligula, C. ix., f. 278 ; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 401. 
 
232 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 sa Majeste a Babington, comme il me souvient. 6 Septembre, 1586. 
 — Nau." '' Telle ou semblable me semble avoir este la response 
 escripte en frangoys par Monsieur Nau, &c. — Gilbert Curle." 
 We have no reason to believe that their depositions upon oath were 
 in other terms. These attestations were brought forward at the trial. 
 If anything more positive existed it would not have been kept back. 
 Mr. Froude further asserts that "Phillipps' copy of the cipher 
 was examined by the Privy Council and the decipher verified."^ 
 But on what authority are these statements grounded? If the 
 cipher was endorsed by the Council, this in no way proves that 
 it had been tested by the key or alphabet. And as to Phelippes' 
 original decipher, far from this having been verified, it was not so 
 much as produced. Nothing but copies of Babington's letter 
 and Mary's alleged reply were put in evidence, nor was Phelippes 
 himself even brought forward to attest on oath the agreement 
 of those copies with his own decipher. Again, obviously with 
 a view to secure the reader's acceptance of the French copy 
 produced, as in truth Phelippes' decipher, Mr. Froude represents 
 Mary's own letter to Babington as written in French. But taking 
 it for granted, improbable as it seems, that the original was^ 
 French, then the endorsement upon this particular copy, "Tournee 
 d'Angloys en Francoys," will stamp it as a translation twice 
 removed from the original document.^ 
 
 ^ History, vol. xii., p, 142. 
 
 ^ Nau stated that he drew Mary's answer in French and read it to her, 
 which being done, Curie put it into English by her commandment, and after 
 read it unto Nau, and then by her commandment, Curie put it into cipher. 
 Curie states explicitly that Mary ordered him to burn the English copy of the 
 letter sent to Babington {Hardwicke State Papers, p. 237), Nau affirmed 
 (September 21), that he took the points in the Scots' Queen's letter to 
 Babington of her own mouth from point to point in the same as he put in 
 writing, whereupon he did draw the letter in French, and after brought it 
 unto her, and she corrected it in such sort as it was sent to Babington (Ibid., 
 p. 236). All letters, it was also deposed, were first drawn by Nau in French, 
 and after Mary had examined his draft, '■^ if they were to be loritten in English, 
 then did Curie translate them out of French into English," he read them in 
 English to Mary, and then "he did put the same into cipher, and so they 
 were sent away." This was sworn to have been "the course holden" with 
 her letter to Babington {Ibid., p. 235). The language, though not conclusive, 
 seems on the whole to describe the July letter to have been, like the letter 
 in June and Babington's answer, in English. However, be that as it may, 
 this "deciphered form produced by Walsingham," is nothing but a French 
 translation, for its endorsement is unmistakeable. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 233 
 
 " The original cipher, having been passed on to Babington, was 
 never recovered," says Mr. Froude. Perhaps so ; yet either the 
 original or Phelippes' copy of it was in the possession of Elizabeth's 
 Ministers, for Lord Burghley wrote on the margin, of " A brief 
 plot for the course of proceedings against the Scottish Queen," ^ 
 where he mentions her letter to Babington, "Note that the 
 cipher be carried with us." Yet it was henceforward no more 
 produced than the decipher that Phelippes marked with the 
 gallows. 
 
 Mr. Froude says that Phelippes sent the original ciphered 
 letters to Babington, and that the reason that it was not received 
 by him for eleven days was that Barnes could not find him. 
 This is, he says, in answer to the argument of Prince Labanoff, 
 that the original cipher was detained by Phelippes for eleven 
 days, in order that it might be tampered with. But even though 
 the dates when the letter reached and left Phelippes had been 
 those that Prince Labanoff supposes, the present question would 
 not have been affected, for that original cipher is not forthcoming, 
 and we are concerned only with the translation into French, and 
 that Phelippes had undoubtedly the leisure to manipulate at will. 
 
 Mr. Froude contends that Mary's letter to Babington of July W 
 was forwarded to its destination on the very day after it reached 
 Phelippes' hands, " like the rest of her letters." The facts show 
 that from first to last all Mary's letters remained for some time 
 in the decipherer's hands. Take for instance her packet to the 
 French Ambassador intercepted by Phelippes at Stilton, on his 
 way down to Chartley, July 8, of which he writes to Walsingham 
 that after having manipulated it "he will send it with all speed." 
 Poulet does not forward the packet to Walsingham until July 14. 
 Phelippes' letter to Walsingham, July 19, by no means proves 
 that the original cipher to Babington had already passed out of his 
 hands. His chief evidently knew that he still held it, for writing 
 to recall him in answer to Phelippes' letter, he simply requests 
 the decipherer to bring with him the original. Phelippes took 
 it up with him July 26, O.S. Babington did not receive it till the 
 29th, O.S. Of course Babington was easily persuaded that the delay 
 was solely due to his absence from Lichfield. 
 
 1 Cotton. MSS., Caligula, C. ix., f. 507, 
 
234 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 It is worthy of notice that, as the Hardwicke Papers^ and 
 Camden- show, Babington received his first letter "by a boy 
 unknown to him," — Barnes' boy, in fact. His answer he sent 
 "by the same unknown boy." Upon which "she answered 
 twenty or thirty days after in the same cipher by which he 
 wrote unto her, but by another messenger." The first letter to 
 Babington was, we see, really sent through Barnes and delivered 
 by his footboy. The second letter, that which Phelippes calls 
 the "bloody" one, which did not reach Babington till twenty or 
 thirty days after his letter to her, came " by another messenger." 
 Naturally this letter had been from the 17th to the 29th in 
 the hands of Phelippes and Walsingham, and was delivered to 
 Babington in London, not by Barnes' messenger, but by theirs, 
 "a homely serving-man in a blue coat." 
 
 Phelippes to Walsingham? 
 It may please your Honour, — You have now this 
 'Queen's answer to Babington, which I received yester- 
 night. If he be in the country, the original will be 
 conveyed unto his hands, and like enough an answer 
 returned. I look for your honour's speedy resolution 
 touching his apprehension or otherwise, that I may 
 dispose of myself accordingly. I think under correc- 
 tion you have enough of him, unless you would discover 
 more particularities of the confederates, which may be 
 [done] even in his imprisonment. If your honour mean 
 to take him, ample commission and charge would be given 
 to choice persons for search of his house. It is like enough 
 for all her commandment, her letter will not be so soon 
 defaced.* I wish it for an evidence against her, if it please 
 God to inspire her Majesty with that heroical courage 
 that were meet for avenge of God's cause and the security 
 
 ^ Hardwicke State Papers^ vol. i., p. 227. 
 ^ Annales Renim Anglicarum, 1625, p. 434. 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 61. 
 
 •* "Ne faillez brusler la presente quant et quant" (Vol. xviii., n. 51 ; 
 Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 394). 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee^t of Scots. 235 
 
 of herself and this State. At least I hope she v/ill hang 
 Nau and Curie, who justly make Sir Amias Poulet take 
 upon him the name she imputes to him of a gaoler of 
 criminals. / He trusteth that her Majesty will have better 
 consideration of all things necessary for his charge than it 
 appeared to him by my Lord Treasurer lately she had, 
 saying he had so many soldiers, and pinching at the 
 charges, which is no small offence to him, I assure you. 
 But being wonderfully comforted with these discoveries. 
 
 I have sent your honour herewith of this Queen's 
 letters in the packet was last sent those to the Bishop of 
 Glasgow, Dr. Lewis, and Morgan.^ You may see how she 
 is weary of her keeper, who in truth hath made no such 
 change of his behaviour, but thought it policy to colour 
 matters with his ordinary proceeding used before, thinking 
 remissness would have discovered the practice. She is 
 very bold to make way to the great personage, and , I fear 
 he will be forward in satisfying her for her change till he 
 see Babington's treasons, which I doubt not but your 
 honour hath care enough of not to discover which way 
 the wind comes in. 
 
 I am sorry to hear from London that Ballard is not yet 
 taken, and that some searches by forewarning have been 
 frustrate. There was great mean made unto me at my 
 coming away for one Thorowgood by your honour's favour 
 to pass the sea. It was pretended that he sought to avoid 
 Mr. Vice-Chamberlain's wrath, being one touched with the 
 death of Best. But it was a notorious enemy who was the 
 setter on of the suit and Mr. Vice-Chamberlain's man, and 
 it was whispered unto me that it should be Ballard to pass 
 under that feigned name. I was not assured, and therefore 
 rejected the motion, although a good gratification were 
 spoken of, which made it the more suspicious. Howbeit, 
 I have had, even in this country, inkling it should be he or 
 
 ^ Cotton. MSS., Nero, B.vi., f. 400; vol, xviii., nn. 78 and 74; Labanoff, 
 torn, vi., pp. 381, 412, 420. The letter to Dr. Lewis no longer exists. 
 
236 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 as bad a man. If it please your honour by Berden and 
 my man to try it by a warrant, which you may stop by a 
 counter-warrant to be sent to the port of Rye, where he 
 may be apprehended. If good come of it, I would be glad ; 
 if not, he shall have no great injury if it be Thorowgood, 
 and Mr. Vice-Chamberlain may bear the name. 
 
 And so attending your honour's speedy resolution 
 whether we shall attend any longer here, I humbly take 
 my leave. 
 
 Chartley, this 19th of July, 1586. 
 
 Your honour's most humble at commandment, 
 
 Tho. Phelippes. 
 
 It may please your honour by Berden or my man to 
 inform yourself whether Babington be at London or no, 
 which known we will resolve presently upon return. 
 
 We come now to the forged postscript, the authenticity of which 
 Mr. Froude boldly maintains against every respectable authority 
 on the subject, from Camden downwards. The generally received 
 view of this forgery — that after its fabrication by Phelippes, that 
 particular scheme for connecting the Queen of Scots with the 
 six conspirators being abandoned, the sentences fixing guilt 
 upon her were interpolated into the body of her letter — 
 this very probable hypothesis is presented by Mr. Froude, with 
 a half sneer at the "chivalry" which suggested it, as a theory 
 set up by Prince Labanoff. Mr. Froude apparently forgets that 
 the Prince simply reproduces Mr. Tytler's line of argument, and 
 that the judgment pronounced on the postscript is not merely 
 that of a chivalrous partisan, but the judicial verdict of a high 
 historical authority.^ 
 
 Prince Labanoff has pointed out that eight contemporary 
 copies of Mary's letter to Babington are in existence, some 
 
 •■ The whole history of the Babington conspiracy and Walsingham's plot 
 has been impartially investigated by Mr. Tytler, and the reader is especially 
 referred to his " Historical remarks on the Queen of Scots' supposed accession 
 to Babington's conspiracy" {Ilisto7y, vol. viii., App., n. 14). 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 237 
 
 in English and some in French, and that in none of them 
 is this postscript found. Nothing is produced for it what- 
 ever from among the papers of the Queen of Scots that were 
 seized at Chartley, nor is any mention made of it in any of 
 their letters by Phelippes or Poulet Nothing was said about 
 it at Mary's trial, nor at any of the previous examinations of 
 her secretaries. Nau's letter to Babington about Foley was 
 produced, but of this important postscript not a word was heard. 
 The copies of the Babington correspondence sent over to Faris 
 by the English Government before the trial at Fotheringay did 
 not include it.^ Surely in such a case the negative argument is 
 conclusive proof, and to it may be added the fact that the cipher 
 endorsed by Fhelippes, looks to the eye extremely unlike those 
 which are Curie's undoubted work. In fact what Mr. Tytler 
 found in the Record Office,^ endorsed by Fhelippes as " The 
 postscript of the Scottish Queen's letter to Babington," is his first 
 draft of an addition made by him to the letter to Babington, in 
 which, as it was only a draft, it was not worth his while to imitate 
 Curie's ciphers. The sentence erased in the middle of the post- 
 script bears out this view. 
 
 Camden informs us^ that the postscript was "craftily added 
 in the same cipher " to the letter sent to Babington. " Subdole 
 additum eodem charactere postscriptum, ut nomina sex nobilium 
 ederet, si non et alia." Now why should such a postscript have 
 been added if the inculpating passages were in the original letter ? 
 
 ^ The summary of Mary's letter to Babington made by Mendoza for 
 Philip is conclusive on this point. Mr. Froude asserts that Mendoza believed 
 that Mary was a party to the assassination plot, and **told the King that she 
 had implicitly acknowledged it in a letter to himself." This letter Mendoza 
 expressly says is not in cipher. Would Mary have been so imprudent as to 
 write of Elizabeth's murder without that safeguard ? Besides, all her corres- 
 pondence having passed through Walsingham's hands, can it be supposed that 
 such a letter as Mr. Froude suggests was actually written and no copy of it 
 produced at the trial? The letter really referred to the Spanish invasion. 
 So far was Mendoza from belief in Mary's guilt that he replied to Elizabeth' 
 Government in respect of Mary's letter to Babington, that this was not the 
 first occasion upon which Walsingham and Cecil had forged letters, and that 
 having the ciphers of the Queen of Scots in their hands, they could insert 
 at will passages inculpating her (Mendoza to Philip, 8th November, 1586, 
 Teulet). 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 55. 
 
 ^ Annalesy p. 438. 
 
238 Sir Amias Poulet^ 
 
 Babington was intended to gather from it that Mary approved of 
 the assassination, which in the body of the letter she had tacitly 
 condemned, assuming, as we have seen, the life of Elizabeth and 
 not her death. The postscript had its purpose to serve with 
 Babington, but it would not have been evidence against Mary, 
 and therefore the postscript was abandoned and the insertion 
 made in the text of the letter. 
 
 Mr. Froude says^ that Prince Labanoff "conceives that 
 Phelippes intended first to make a mere addition, that he 
 changed his mind, and recomposed afterwards the entire letter, 
 that it was detained for that purpose, and that although one of 
 the most dexterous manipulators of cipher in Europe, he did 
 his work so clumsily that it can be seen through with ease by 
 a critic of the nineteenth century." 
 
 Granted that Phelippes was a most skilful decipherer, he 
 was here employed in copying or translating, and not in 
 deciphering. Though " one of the most dexterous manipulators 
 of cipher in Europe," the insertions are clumsily done, so that 
 "they can be seen through with ease by a critic of the nineteenth 
 century." If Phelippes had brought his skill in ciphering to 
 bear, he might have baffled us no doubt, but he had no unusual 
 skill that would enable him to insert phrases into a letter that 
 were inconsistent with its tenour. 
 
 Mr. Froude finds it hard to say what other name should be 
 given to Prince Labanoff's argument from the postscript than the 
 epithet "preposterous," for it implies that "Phelippes preserved, 
 endorsed, and placed among the papers to be examined by the 
 Privy Council, his own first draft of a forgery which he rejected 
 as unsuited to his purpose." That Phelippes preserved and 
 endorsed the paper is true, but how does Mr. Froude know that 
 it was placed before the Yrivy Council ? If it had been, it would 
 have been signed by the Lords of the Council. It was given to 
 Walsingham no doubt, and thus it has come down to us amongst 
 the State Papers. If Walsingham was in possession of a note so 
 compromising to Mary in the original cipher, why did he not 
 produce it against her ? We are told that the original cipher of 
 the letter to Babington was sent to him and could not be 
 ^ History y vol. xii., p. 143. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtcee^t of Scots. 239 
 
 recovered. According to Mr. Froude, Barnes or Emilio took charge 
 of this postscript together with the letter. How came the cipher of 
 one to be recoverable and not of the other ? Having it, we should 
 suppose that they would have supplied for the absence of the ori- 
 ginal of the long letter, by at least producing that which they had, 
 the cipher of the postscript, which itself contained matter that would 
 bring Mary's head to the block. What explanation is there but 
 that of Prince Labanoff, preposterous as it seems to Mr. Froude, 
 that Phelippes and his master were content with one forgery 
 without producing a second ? If this postscript had been produced,, 
 some recognition of it would have had to be extorted from Nau 
 and Curie. It was easier far to get from them who knew that 
 a long letter had been written, an attestation of a copy into 
 which passages had been inserted without their knowledge, than 
 it would have been to induce them to authenticate a fabricated 
 postscript. And how does it happen that Nau and Curie were 
 not taxed with having written it P^ 
 
 But Mr. Froude has discovered a proof of the authenticity of 
 this conclusive yet unused postscript, in the letter which is next 
 submitted to the reader. "A note from Curie to Emilio," he 
 says "explains the mystery. Some 'addition' to the letter had 
 been sent by mistake. It had perplexed Emilio, who had written 
 to know what it was and what he was to do with it. Curie 
 answered, ' I doubt by your former, which I found some difficulty 
 in .deciphering, that myself have erred in setting down the 
 addition which I sent you, through some haste I had then in 
 despatching thereof. I pray you forbear using the said addition, 
 until that, against the next, I put the whole at more leisure in 
 better order for your greater ease and mine.' Curie was by that 
 time aware that Babington had not been at Lichfield, and, there- 
 fore, supposed rightly that the letter was still in Emilio's keeping. 
 His description applies exactly to the 'postscript' which forms 
 Prince Labanoff 's text." 
 
 Let the reader test this theory of Mr. Froude's by substituting 
 the word postscript for addition in the fragment of the letter quoted 
 
 1 Dr. Lingard has very fully shown what was confessed by Mary's secre- 
 taries and the bearing of their evidence upon this point {Histofy, Ed. 1844, 
 vol. viii., p. 434, note M.). 
 
240 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 by Mr. Froude, and he will see at once that the letter is turned 
 into nonsense. This is an evident proof that Curie's description 
 does not " apply exactly to the postscript." How could Emilio, 
 whoever it was who passed under that name, or Barnes, "forbear 
 using the "^zx^^^ postscript 'i Or how could Curie " put the whole 
 postsa-ipt at more leisure in better order for Barnes' greater ease, 
 and his own ? " Indeed, how was Barnes to know which was letter 
 and which was additiofi ? Did he carry open letters to Babington, 
 and was he possessed of the key to decipher Babington's letters ? 
 
 The fact is that the addition was not a postscript to a letter, 
 but a supplement to the cipher by which Barnes communicated 
 with Curie. Every one of these practisers or intelligencers had 
 their separate alphabet or cipher. Mary's letters tell us so plainly. 
 For instance, she says to Morgan, " Mercier, for whom you have 
 sent me an alphabet, hath yet written nothing unto me. Herewith 
 be three other alphabets to be distributed as you find cause, until 
 I send you more."^ Indeed, in her letter of the 2nd of July, 
 she speaks of a man who, "coming near to this house sent 
 me your foresaid last which he delivered by Pietro [Gifford] 
 his means, and the same man having written unto me a very 
 honest letter in Pietro his alphabet, hath omitted the uttering 
 of his name therein, neither given me any sign whereby I may 
 know how to discern him assuredly by [from] another. For I 
 have not nor cannot yet employ him, albeit I have sent my 
 answer with a particular alphabet for himself whosoever he 
 be." 2 He was Barnes, as his own declaration at the end of his 
 letter 3 of June 10 shows most decisively, though why he should 
 have communicated anonymously with Mary, making an offer of 
 his service, when he was already in correspondence with Curie, 
 it is not easy to see. Mary's answer to him,* dated June 19, 
 says, " In the meanwhile I do herewith send you a new alphabet, 
 conform to your desire." 
 
 As Mr. Froude must have seen from the letter on which he 
 builds his theory, Barnes brought Mary " such occurrents " that 
 
 1 Vol. xviii., n. 74; LabanofF, torn, vi., p. 425. 
 
 2 Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 355, from the Cecil Papers, at Hatfield. 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 6. 
 
 * Vol. xviii., n. 10. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 241 
 
 she gave him "continual thanks for his care and travail." 
 To communicate this news, he needed an alphabet or cipher. 
 Curie sent him some addition to it, and as it was written 
 down in haste, he concluded that there must in consequence 
 have been some error in it. He therefore prayed him to 
 "forbear the using of the said addition until that against the 
 next, he should put the whole at more leisure, in better order 
 as he hoped to do both for Barnes' greater ease and his own," for 
 Curie had " found Barnes' letters difficile in deciphering, and 
 therefore some points less intelligible then he wished." This 
 could surely have been gathered from the letter Curie wrote to 
 ■ " Emilio," and even from that part of it that Mr. Froude quotes. 
 
 But we are not left to deductions. Curie says to Barnes, 
 July 17, "Herewith is the addition to the alphabet;''' and Barnes 
 answers, July 20, " I received your alteration of the alphabet. 
 ... I wish for great expedition also in writing, that you would 
 assign special characters for a number of the most common 
 words." 1 Curie answered, July 22,2 "With my next, I shall 
 do my best to satisfy you touching the other characters." 
 
 The two letters from Mary to Babington, of which Curie 
 wrote in the letter of July 28, were those dated the 13th 
 and the 17th of July. The first was Nau's letter to Babington 
 about Foley; the second was the fatal letter. Mr. Froude,^ 
 neglecting the information contained in Phelippes' note to 
 Walsingham of July 14th, says that the letter "was apparently 
 in two parts." The letters were sent by Curie to Emilio, but it 
 is not to be forgotten that neither Gifford nor any of his substi- 
 tutes were ever seen by Mary or her secretaries. The letters in 
 all cases fell into Phelippes' hands, and it was by him^ that the 
 answers were drawn up that they sent. 
 
 Of the "boy" whom Barnes is to send to the French 
 Ambassador he said to Curle,^ in order to make the treachery 
 more natural and plausible, " I was bold to pray the Ambassador 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 57, 63. 
 
 2 Vol. xviii., n. 42, wrongly dated in the Calendar July 12. 
 
 ^ History, vol. xii,, p. 146. 
 
 * See, for instance, vol. xviii., n. 63. 
 
 5 Vol. xviii., n. 6, in the Calendar erroneously entered as " with n. 26." 
 
 Q 
 
242 Sir Amias Poulet^ 
 
 to bestow an angel upon him, which would be a great encourage- 
 ment to him, being a footboy, to run it, being also the manner 
 of our nation, and a trifle in the whole year to her Majesty." He 
 is no doubt the "laquay" whom Mary recommended^ to Chateau- 
 neuf. " Continuez, je vous prie, toujours k gratifier ce laquay de 
 ce que trouverez bon, toutes et quantes foys qu'il vous portera 
 aulcunes lettres de ma part, et Femployez sur mes parties.' 
 We have here the "unknown boy" who delivered Mary's first 
 letter to Babington. 
 
 It is plain from the allusion to Emilio's "brother" in Curie's 
 letter, that Mary had been told that " the substitute," whoever he 
 was, and Barnes, " the second messenger," were brothers, cousins 
 to Gifford. So she says^ to Morgan, that it was not for her to 
 retain Pietro, that is Gifford, in imminent danger in the country, 
 " when he had established as he hath done the honest brethren, 
 kinsmen of his, to serve the turn in his absence." 
 
 Apparently Mary was led to beUeve that more persons were 
 employed in her affairs than there really were. Curie wrote ^ to 
 Barnes, " I trust you have caused [to] deliver her Majesty's 
 answer to the second messenger, although (to say truly) her 
 Majesty agreeth with your cousin Gilbert his advice not much 
 to employ the man, neither hath her Majesty been willing at any 
 time to [take] this course for her part with any other than 
 yourself, your brother, and your cousin Gilbert." Gifford's 
 motive in casting doubts upon Barnes under the title of the 
 " second messenger," must have been to colour the deception, 
 unless indeed by thus multiplying themselves the knaves could 
 obtain more money from the Queen of Scots. 
 
 Singular care was taken that Emilio might not be known. 
 Gifford, even in his ciphered letters to Phelippes, takes care not 
 to mention his name. "When Morgan examined me secretly, 
 touching the parties that conveyed letters, I was forced to name 
 two, whereof Barnes was one, and for that purpose I dealt with 
 Barnes, never thinking," he says with an oath, " but to make him 
 a colour for Emilio ; and his writing once or twice would cause all 
 blame to be removed from myself when things should be opened, 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 44; Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 370. 
 
 2 Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 355. ' Vol. xviii., n. 87. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 243 
 
 which I knew must be shortly, . . . but I thought to have with- 
 drawn him after that Morgan had fully perceived that the convoy 
 was sure ; and one thing I will tell you, if you handle the matter 
 cunningly, Barnes may be the man to set up the convoy again for 
 Paget, and Morgan be never in rest inquiring for him. I have 
 feigned as though the matter is irrecuperable, and therefore I have 
 speculated on the point." Phelippes followed the crafty advice 
 and for years kept up a correspondence with Charles Paget 
 through Barnes. "If you have Barnes," Gifford continues, "keep 
 him close \ if you have him not . . . feign his hand to me. His 
 name is Pietro Mariani, and I pray you, use Emilio no more. Let 
 him be one of them that were hanged, for before God they will 
 suspect. "1 Phelippes did as he was told, and wrote to Gifford 
 that Emilio was one of those that were hanged.^ 
 
 The endorsement of this letter, "Curie to Emilio" is in 
 Phelippes' hand. The other letters of Curie to Barnes are 
 addressed to him under the name of Barnaby. 
 
 Curie to Emilio. 
 Sir, — Her Majesty giveth you continual thanks for your 
 care and travail taken to let her understand of such occur- 
 rents as you do, whereof frequently her Majesty cannot be 
 advertised by others, as by the rare coming of secret 
 letters unto her hands which pass through yours you may 
 well judge. Your desire to have warning beforehand shall 
 be satisfied so well as may be, which hither-till hath not 
 been much forgotten, and specially for the sending of this 
 inclosed packet, whereof I wrote to you ten days before the 
 day appointed for despatching thereof, and should have 
 been sent unto you on Monday last were it not that those 
 which came with yours the same day caused it thus so 
 long to be stayed. Her Majesty prayeth you now to send 
 it away by your boy to the French Ambassador, so soon as 
 you may goodly. And if you think that you can find 
 Babington at London by the same means to make her 
 Majesty's two letters, which you have already, be surely 
 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 45. 2 Domestic y Elizabeth ^ vol. ccii., n. 38. 
 
 Q 2 
 
244 ^^^ Amias Poulet, 
 
 delivered unto him. Doubting by your former (which to 
 tell you truly I found difficile in deciphering, and therefore 
 some points less intelligible then I wished) that myself 
 have erred in setting down the addition which I sent you,^ 
 through some haste I had then at despatching thereof, I 
 pray you to forbear the using of the said addition until 
 that, against the next, I put the whole at more leisure in 
 better order, as I hope to do both for your greater ease 
 and mine. If I have not mistaken your meaning, touching 
 the mark that is for you, it is your desire that in your 
 absence her Majesty's letters or mine requiring speedy 
 deciphering, that on the back thereof for your brother his 
 better direction as you name it, your said mark may be 
 written twice or thrice, which until you let me know the 
 contrary shall be so. God Almighty preserve you. 
 Friday, the 7th of August [July 28, O.S.]. 
 
 CURLE. 
 
 The "papers sent herewith" were Mary's letters^ to Charles 
 Paget, Sir Francis Englefield, Chateauneuf, and Mendoza, which, 
 as far as we know, complete the packet. Poulet's pious rejoicings 
 as Mary's danger increases, correspond very little with Froude's 
 belief^ that "he probably liked ill the work that he was about, 
 when he found the turn which it had taken." 
 
 Potilet to Walsingham!^ 
 
 Sir, — I should do you wrong to trouble you with many 
 words, the papers sent herewith containing matter enough 
 of trouble for some time. God hath blessed your faithful 
 and careful labours, and this is the reward due for true and 
 faithful service. 
 
 And thus trusting that her Majesty and her grave 
 Councillors will make their profit of the merciful providence 
 
 ^ In the marg. Against Curie. 
 
 2 Cotton. MSS., Caligula, C. ix., f, 354; vol. xviii., n. 76; vol. xix.> 
 n. 15, 2 ; Labanoff, torn, vi., pp. 399, 404, 427, 431. 
 2 History ^ vol. xii., p. 139. 
 * Vol, xviii., n. 62. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 245 
 
 of God towards her Highness and this State, I commit you 
 to the mercy and favour of the Highest. 
 From Chartley, the 20th of July, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend^ 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 We have in the next letter an admission that throws all 
 necessary light on Walsingham's subsequent conduct. Mary was 
 heir apparent to the throne of England, and if Elizabeth were 
 to die, she would be Queen. " Little comfort for their travail " 
 was in store under such circumstances for the "instruments in the 
 discovery." Up to this time, all that had been done might 
 possibly have been concealed from her. Henceforward this is 
 impossible, and Mary must die, if these "instruments" are to 
 live. It will not be Walsingham's fault if " a good course " is not 
 " held in this cause." 
 
 Walsingha?n to Phelippes} 
 
 Sir, — At your return you shall from her Majesty's self 
 understand how well she accepteth of your service. I 
 hope there will be a good course held in this cause. 
 Otherwise, we that have been instruments in the discovery 
 shall receive little comfort for our travail. At your return 
 come as quietly as 3^ou may, for that the practisers are 
 jealous of your going down, and the gallows upon the 
 packet sent hath greatly increased their suspicion. Some 
 of them are very inward with our post of London. 
 
 Hope Bal. will be taken before your return. My friend 
 remaineth still here. And so in haste I commit you to God. 
 
 At the Court, the 22nd of July, 1586. 
 
 Your loving friend, 
 
 Fra. Walsingham. 
 
 Bab. shall not be dealt withal until your return. He 
 remaineth here. The original letter unto him you must 
 bring with you. 
 
 1 Vol. xviii., n. 68. 
 
246 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 Poulet to Walsmgha?7t} 
 
 Sir, — I should do you great wrong to trouble you with 
 long letters at this time, when Mr. Phelippes cometh unto 
 you, who can inform you of the true state of all things here. 
 
 Mr. Waad shall he very welcome, and I trust his 
 message will bring me great satisfaction many ways. 
 
 -This Queen writeth very truly that I am no fit keeper 
 for her, and she may say as truly that this house is no 
 fit lodging for her. 
 
 I leave all these things to the better consideration of 
 her Majesty, and so do take my leave of you, committing 
 you and your labours to the direction of the Highest. 
 
 From Chartley, the 26th of July, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. Poulet. 
 
 Poulet to Phelippes} 
 
 Sir, — Besides the familiar use of letters between you 
 and me, I did not know if anything were contained in this 
 letter inclosed, which might require present execution, and 
 therefore was bold to open it. I trust you are safely 
 arrived at the Court, and it seemeth by Mr. Secretary's 
 letters that upon your coming thither some resolution will 
 be taken. God grant it be good, to whose blessed tuition 
 I commit you. 
 
 From Chartley, the 29th of July, 1586. 
 
 Your assured friend, 
 
 A. Poulet. 
 To my very good friend, Mr. Thomas Phelippes, esquire. 
 
 Pojilet to Walsingham? 
 Sir, — Your letters of the 24th of this instant arriving 
 here on the 27th of the same at six in the evening, 
 Mr. Phelippes was then twelve or fourteen miles on his 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 73. ^ Vol. xviii., n. 88. Holograph. 
 
 '^ Vol. xviii., n. 89. Holograph. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 247 
 
 way towards you, not doubting but that he is safely 
 arrived with you. 
 
 I thank God with you for the happy news you have 
 received from Sir Francis Drake, and do thank you most 
 heartily for your advertisement thereof. 
 
 You make mention in these letters of a counter-cipher 
 in these words, viz., '' I pray you, sir, send me word 
 whether the counter-cipher I delivered unto you, for that 
 there will be use thereof in respect of the causes we are 
 to deal in hereafter." It seemeth that there is defect of a 
 word or two which maketh the sense unperfect, so as I 
 can give you no other answer than that to my remem- 
 brance I had no cipher of you sithence my entrance into 
 this service, whereof I thought good to advertise you, 
 because I do not know what hasty use there may be 
 thereof. 
 
 And so I commit you to the mercy and favour of 
 the Highest. 
 
 From Chartley, the 29th of July, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 None of the letters next mentioned as having been written 
 " with greediness " are in the Record Office. Those that are in 
 the Calendar under the date July 27, are of July 17, O.S., and 
 were taken by Phelippes. Mr. Thorpe has changed some of the 
 new style dates into old style, but not all, which is very confusing. 
 
 Poulet to Walsi7igham} 
 
 Sir, — I have no other cause of writing at this time than 
 to convey unto you this packet inclosed, which bewrayeth 
 that this people is sharp set, and writeth with greediness, 
 as knoweth the Almighty, who keep you now and ever. 
 
 From Chartley, the 30th July, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. Poulet. 
 
 ^ Vol. xviii., n. 91. 
 
248 Sir Afnias Poulet, 
 
 The plan proposed by Poulet in the following letter was new 
 perhaps in some of its details, but in the main similar orders had 
 been given by Elizabeth several years before, though they were 
 then recalled. Elizabeth gave instructions,^ January 16, 1580, to 
 Lord Shrewsbury, Sir Ralph Sadler, and Sir Henry Pelham, to 
 remove Mary from Sheffield to Ashby, and then, she continues, 
 "immediately upon your imparting to her this our commandment, 
 you shall seize upon all her writings and letters, both in the 
 custody of herself and also of her secretaries, and of any others 
 that deal with her secret affairs ; which if she, or her secretaries, 
 or any other, shall refuse to deliver, or suffer you to take in quiet 
 manner, in that case our pleasure is that you shall use all means 
 to have the same, by taking their keys or otherwise by breaking 
 their coffers, desks, cabinets, and other things where the same 
 wTitings may be found; and then, without further perusing of 
 the same, or any of them, to put all such writings and letters 
 into convenient or sure coffers or trunks, and sealing up the same 
 with the seals of you all three, or of two of you, you our said 
 cousin [Lord Shrewsbury] shall bring the said coffers and 
 writings safely unto us." These instructions were not the conse- 
 quence of a Babington conspiracy. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham? 
 
 Sir, — I heard from Mr, Waad yesterday, at six after 
 noon, and this morning I met with him in the open fields, 
 where I conferred with him at good length, as may appear 
 by these notes inclosed. 
 
 Mr. Bagot deserveth to be thanked by letters for his 
 faithful service. He procured the substitute, and was the 
 only messenger between him and me. He hath been 
 charged and troubled many ways, as knoweth the 
 Almighty, who always preserve you. 
 
 From Chartley, the 3rd of August, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. Poulet. 
 
 ^ State Papejs of vSir Ralph Sadler, vol. ii., p. 355. 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 7. Holograph. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtceeft of Scots, 249 
 
 Inclosure ift Poidefs handivritmg — 
 A memorial for Mr. William Waad. 
 
 1. That her Majesty doth think meet Sir Amias Poulet 
 should consider in what sort the Queen his charge's writing 
 might be best seized, whether remaining there or removing 
 her to some other place under the colour of hunting or 
 taking the air. 
 
 This Queen will be easily entreated to kill 
 a stag in Sir Walter Aston's park/ where order 
 being taken with her, some gentlemen of credit 
 may be sent forthwith to possess her chamber 
 and cabinets in this house, and to remove out of 
 them the gentlewomen which they shall find there. 
 
 2. That he also consider how Curie and Nau may be 
 best apprehended, and in what sort. 
 
 It seemeth meet that Nau and Curie be appre- 
 hended at the very instant of the challenge made 
 to this Queen. 
 
 3. That there sljall be some especial gentleman sent 
 from hence to conduct them up, if he find none other or 
 shall so think meet. 
 
 I would not advise that this shire should be 
 unfurnished of any gentlemen of trust and credit, 
 but that two gentlemen be sent from above to 
 take the charge of the conducting of Nau and 
 Curie, thereby to keep them from conference. 
 Pasquier is half a secretary and much employed 
 in writing, and perchance not unacquainted with 
 great causes. 
 
 4. That he consider whether it be not fit to remove 
 her, and to what place he shall think meet she should 
 be removed ; what necessary persons are to be retained 
 about her, and in what sort she shall be kept. 
 
 ^ '* The park was a very noble one, five or six miles about, with five or 
 six hundred head of deer, with about thirty or forty red deer " (Sir Edward 
 Southcote's Narrative; Trotibles of our Catholic Forefathers, first series, p. 403). 
 
250 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 The cabinets and other places cannot be duly- 
 searched unless she be removed, because the doing 
 thereof will require some leisure, and she cannot be 
 lodged in any other place in this house than where 
 the cabinets are. Three gentlewomen, her master 
 cook, her panterer, and two grooms of her chamber 
 may seem to suffice in the beginning of this remove, 
 which may be increased when things shall be settled. 
 
 5. To advertise in what sort he thinketh meet she 
 should be removed, and under what guard. 
 
 Sir Walter Aston's house seemeth for many 
 causes the fittest for this remove, who may convey 
 her directly from his park to his house with the 
 assistance of my horsemen and others. I think 
 he will require to be assisted with my guards of 
 soldiers, who may take their table and lodging 
 in the village adjoining, and because the house is 
 of no strength, if I were in Sir Walter Aston's place 
 I would require some stronger guard. 
 
 6. Whether he have not already sufficient commission 
 for the calling of the assistance of the well-affected gentle- 
 men unto him, and if he have not, then to advertise what 
 further commission he will require. 
 
 I have already her Majesty's commission for the 
 levying of forces in very ample manner. 
 
 7. Whether he do not think it meet to have some 
 especial gentleman sent from hence to acquaint that 
 Queen with the cause of her Majesty's attempts towards 
 her. 
 
 I do not see how any man here can take 
 knowledge of these secrets, and therefore meet to 
 commit the same to some gentleman to come 
 from you. 
 
 8. That some servant of his own be sent up with all 
 speed with his resolution touching these points, as also 
 such other matters as he shall find requisite to receive 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 251 
 
 informatiom from hence. That the party that shall be 
 sent be in no sort made acquainted with the matter. 
 
 One of my servants cometh herewith, utterly 
 ignorant of all these things. 
 
 9. That her Majesty hath thought meet you should 
 stay there to assist him wherein he may have use of you. 
 
 Mr. Waad stayeth here, but Mr. Bagot's house 
 being much resorted unto, he retired to the house of 
 a gentleman of meaner calling of his acquaintance. 
 
 10. That he carry a watchful eye over his charge, and 
 that in such sort as may engender no suspicion. 
 
 This shall be performed as near as I may. 
 
 11. That the extraordinary posts be commanded to use 
 more diligence, and to that purpose to keep two horses at 
 the least in the house for the packets. 
 
 It seemeth meet that this order come from you, 
 and I will also require it. 
 
 12. To signify his opinion touching the gentlemen in 
 that county, and in other counties next adjoining, who are 
 well affected and fit to be used for this service. 
 
 I have lived as a prisoner in this country and 
 therefore not well acquainted with the state thereof, 
 but I have conceived upon good experience a very 
 good opinion of Sir Walter Aston, Mr. Bagot, and 
 Mr. Gresley, all three neighbours to this house. 
 Mr. Trentham is one of the lieutenants of this 
 shire and of very good report, but I have had 
 little to do with him. 
 
 13. To consider what order shall be taken with the 
 unnecessary number of her servants, especially with young 
 Pierrepont. 
 
 Although I take Mr, Melvyn to be free from all 
 practices, and indeed liveth as a stranger to his own 
 company, and hateth Nau deadly, yet I think meet 
 that he be removed from his mistress to some 
 gentleman's house, as likewise Mrs. Pierrepont ; who 
 
252 Sir Amias Poidet^ 
 
 may be sent, the one to Mr. Trentham, and the 
 other to Mr. Bagot, directly from Sir Walter Aston's 
 park. The residue of the servants may remain in 
 this house until further order shall be taken. 
 Endorsed — Sir A. Paulett's postills^ to Mr. Waad's 
 Memorial. 
 
 Poulet's plan was adopted, but definite orders to carry it into 
 execution cannot have reached him before the loth. But if the 
 orders were received late in the afternoon of the 8th, it can 
 hardly have been "le meme jour," as Prince Labanoff says,^ that 
 they were carried into execution. John Allen wrote a report,^ 
 February 11, of the communications that passed between himself 
 and Nau. 
 
 Poiilet to Walsinghain.^ 
 
 Sir, — This bearer, your servant Mr. John Allyn, arrived 
 here with your letters unto me this present day at six 
 after noon, who hath delivered unto me your full mind in 
 the matter touched in your said letters, which shall be duly 
 performed, by the grace of God, to whose blessed tuition 
 I commit you and your heavy and troublesome charge. 
 
 From Chartley, the 8th of August, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 The following instructions, the draft of which is in Walsing- 
 ham's hand, were brought to him by Mr. Gorge. Poulet was 
 not able to follow these instructions literally, for, as he says in 
 a subsequent letter, he had his "hands full" at Tixall. The 
 gentlemen who were employed on this service, were, we learn 
 from Camden,^ John Manners, Edward Aston,*^ Richard Bagot, 
 
 ^ Postil^ Fr. postille, a gloss, a marginal note. Johnson. 
 
 ^ Tom. vi., p. 437. 
 
 ^ Vol. xxi., n. 17. 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 22. Holograph. 
 
 ^ Annates^ p. 441. 
 
 ® Sir Walter Aston died in 1589. Sir Edward his son was made a knight 
 banneret by Queen Elizabeth on his coming of age. He was the father of 
 "Walter, first Lord Aston, so that the statement {szip'o, p. 99) that Lord Aston 
 was the son of Sir Walter needs correction. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 253 
 
 and William Waad. The draft of the letter of Elizabeth to 
 Poulet was also written by Walsingham. 
 
 Instructions for A. P.^ 
 
 You shall, with all convenient speed as you may, under 
 the colour of going a hunting and taking the air, remove 
 the Queen your charge to some such house near to the 
 place where she now remaineth as you shall think meet for 
 her to stay in for a time, until you shall understand our 
 further pleasure for the placing of her. And to the 
 end she may be kept from all means of intelligence, we 
 think it convenient you give order that such as are owners 
 of the house where you shall place her for a time shall be 
 removed, saving such persons as are to furnish all neces- 
 saries of household, of which number there would be no 
 more left remaining in the house than necessity shall 
 require. 
 
 You shall return [to] Chartley from the place where 
 you meanwhile remove her, cause her servants Curie and 
 Nau to be apprehended and to be delivered to the hands 
 of some trusty gent, of that county, or the counties next 
 adjoining, such as you shall know to be discreet, faithful, 
 and religious, to conduct them to London with some 
 convenient guard, where there shall be order given for the 
 bestowing of them. 
 
 You shall also take order with the said conductors to 
 see them brought up in two several troops, and to have an 
 especial care that they may be kept from conference with 
 any person in their way towards London, and to appoint, 
 in places where they shall lodge, good standing watches to 
 be kept in the night season. 
 
 You shall, immediately after she shall be departed from 
 Chartley, search all such papers as shall be found either in 
 her own lodging, or in the lodging of any that appertain to 
 her (taking care that all secret corners in the said lodging 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 31. 
 
254 ^^^ Amias Poulet, 
 
 be very diligently sought), to be seized and to be put up in 
 some bags or trunks, as by you shall be thought meet. In 
 execution of which service we think it very convenient for 
 many respects that you should use, besides our servant 
 Waad, two principal gentlemen of credit either of that 
 county, or of some shire of the counties next adjoining ; 
 for which purpose we think John Manners the elder and 
 Sir Walter Aston very meet to be used, if they shall [be] 
 found in the country, or some of like quality, whom we 
 would have in no sort made acquainted with the said 
 service until the said Queen shall be removed, and they 
 brought to the place when and where it shall by you [be] 
 thought meet to be performed. 
 
 You shall cause the said gentlemen, together with 
 Mr. Waad, to seal [with] their seal of arms the said bags 
 or trunks where the said letters and papers shall be placed, 
 and to send up two of their trusty servants, together with 
 Waad, with the said writings. 
 
 You shall do well, during the time of her abode in the 
 the place and house to the which you shall remove her, to 
 cause some substantial watches to be kept both about the 
 house, as also in the town next adjoining, wherein we 
 doubt not but that you will have an especial regard to use 
 the services of such the justices and gentlemen in that 
 county as you shall know to be well affected, giving them 
 especial charges to make choice of well affected men to be 
 employed in the said watches, and not such as are known 
 to be recusants, or otherwise ill affected. 
 
 And in case you shall see cause, for the better 
 ■strengthening of yourself, to use some other well-affected 
 gentlemen in the counties next adjoining, you may therein 
 use your own discretion, for which purpose we have sent 
 unto you certain letters signed by us, referring the direc- 
 tion of them to yourself. 
 
 And whereas our meaning is not that hereafter she 
 shall have such number of attendants upon her person as 
 
Keeper of Mary Queeyi of Scots, 255 
 
 she hath heretofore had, we think meet, therefore, that you 
 make choice of so many of her train, both men and 
 women, as you shall see only necessary to attend on her 
 person. And for the rest of her train, we think it con- 
 venient that they should be kept together at Chartley, in 
 such sort as there may be no access had unto them until 
 you shall understand our further pleasure how we shall 
 afterwards think meet they shall be bestowed. 
 
 For your better assistance in this service, we have 
 thought good to send unto you this bearer our servant, 
 Thomas Gorge, one whom we know to be most faithfully 
 devoted unto us, to be by you used in such sort as shall 
 appertain to one of his place and calling. We have in no 
 sort made him acquainted with the cause of his employ- 
 ment, but have referred him to receive directions from you, 
 who we think meet should deliver as much in speech with 
 the said Queen as is expressed in our letters to you. 
 
 Endorsed — August 9, 1586. Instructions for Sir A. 
 Poulet. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth to Poulet} 
 
 Right trusty, &c., — We having of late discovered some 
 dangerous practices, tending not only to the troubling of 
 our estate, but to the peril of our own person, whereunto 
 we have just cause to judge both the Queen your charge 
 and her two secretaries, Nau and Curie, to have been both 
 parties, and assisting in a most unprincely and unnatural 
 sort, and quite contrary to our expectation, considering the 
 great and earnest protestations she hath heretofore made 
 of the sincerity of her love and goodwill towards us. Our 
 pleasure therefore is, that first you cause the two secretaries 
 to be apprehended, and to be sent up unto us under good 
 and sure guard, and that you do presently remove the said 
 Queen unto some such place as by you shall be thought 
 meet, and there to see her securely kept, with so many 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 30. 
 
256 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 only of her train to tend on her person as by you shall be 
 thought necessary, until you shall understand our further 
 pleasure therein. 
 
 Endorsed — A minute of a letter to Sir A. P. 
 
 Chateauneuf's letter to Mary — the last he wrote to her — 
 is dated August 5.^ Of this journey of Du Jardin, and of 
 another journey that followed it, Chateauneuf says in his 
 Memoir,^ that on July fj Gilford came to Cordaillot and said 
 that it was of importance that he should send a messenger 
 into France in all haste, for letters to and fro were too slow 
 for their purpose. Gifford was accompanied by Savage, one 
 of Babington's accomplices, and a third person, who was to 
 be the messenger. "Pour lors I'ambassadeur depechait un des 
 siens vers le roi, nomme Du Jardin, qui revenait d'Escosse, ou 
 ledit sieur ambassadeur Favait envoye pour le service du Roi; 
 et, se presentant cette occasion, le secretaire lui dit que leur 
 homme pourrait passer comme serviteur dudit Du Jardin, portant 
 sa malle, et cela fut ainsi arrete entr'eux; et furent avertis du 
 jour du partement, qui etait le lendemain au soir a la maree, par 
 la voie de Calais." The next evening, just as Du Jardin was 
 starting Gifford came, equipped for the voyage, and saying that 
 he had changed his mind about sending a messenger, and 
 would go himself On this the Ambassador took him aside, 
 and in the presence of Du Jardin and Cordaillot spoke to him 
 seriously of the danger he was bringing on the Queen of Scots. 
 His frequent journeys, he told him, betrayed the existence of 
 some plot, and he begged him not to be urged by those who 
 were out of the reach of danger, and especially by Mendoza, 
 to undertake anything that might cause risk to Mary, "a ne 
 perdre pas cette princesse, laquelle avait des ennemis pres la 
 Reine." The Memoir here unfortunately breaks off, the latter 
 portion being lost. Du Jardin crossed that evening, July 21,^ 
 and Gifford went with him, never to return. He left behind 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., nn. 15, 16. 
 ^ Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 292. 
 The despatch he carried is in the Bibliotheque Nationale at Paris, and 
 shows the correctness of this date. Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 292. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtiee?i of Scots, 257 
 
 him, Camden says/ the half of a torn paper with the French 
 Ambassador, with instructions that letters from the Queen of 
 Scots or any of the Catholic exiles were to be given only to 
 the person that should produce the other half of the paper; 
 and that other half he left with Walsingham. On the 15th 
 August he wrote from Paris both to Phelippes and Walsingham, 
 hoping that his sudden departure was not judged " sinistrously." 
 Phelippes and Walsingham answered him through Cordaillot — 
 which seems strange — but he said he had left his cipher behind 
 him and could not read their letters.^ As the CathoHcs had dis- 
 covered all, he was in great disgrace with them, but Walsingham 
 and Phelippes would find him the same man as long as they 
 would deal secretly. On the 3rd September he wrote again to 
 Walsingham, entreating to know how he could serve him, and 
 assuring him that he never meant to deal otherwise than plainly. 
 Gifford went to Rheims and Rouen, where he passed under 
 the name of Jacques Colerdin.^ It was on the occasion of this 
 visit to Rheims that Gifford was ordained Priest.'^ He was, it will 
 be remembered, a deacon when he began his communications 
 with the Queen of Scots. 
 
 In April, 1587, he returned to Paris,^ and towards the 
 end of the year he was arrested and confined in the prison 
 of the Bishop of Paris. " Gifford, being a Priest, lived 
 in Paris, and was apparelled as our disguised Priests are 
 in England, whereat divers men were offended." " The 
 occasion of his first taking was for that he was taken of 
 a sudden in a suspected house." So a Priest, who signed 
 his letter Henry Caesar, wrote to Walsingham.*^ Sir Edward 
 Stafford, the EngHsh Ambassador at Paris, thought'' "that they 
 will put him to a hard plunge, for they mean to take him upon 
 this point, which indeed letters (as I hear that they have of his 
 
 ^ Annales, p. 441. • 
 
 '^ Vol. xix., nn. 45, 46, 70, 71, 82. 
 ^ Domestic, Elizabeth, vol. cxcix., nn. 20, 95. 
 
 "* In the Douay Diary, amongst those promoted to the priesthood in 1587* 
 occurs the name, "Gilbertus Giffordus, Lichfildien." 
 ^ Do?fiestic, Elizabeth, vol. cc, nn. 48, 65. 
 6 Domestic, Addenda, Elizabeth, vol. xxx., n. 120. 
 ^ Ibid., n. 69. 
 R 
 
258 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 with his own hand written to Phelippes) will make hard against 
 him, that he became a Priest by cunning to deceive the world, 
 and that he had, being become a Priest with that intent, said 
 Mass after." Sir Edward did his best to obtain his liberty, 
 saying, 1 "If I can and he will, I will find means to send him 
 into England, for if he were away, what letters soever be taken 
 there [could] be said to be counterfeit; but if he be here to 
 avow them by constraint, they will make their profit of them 
 greatly. They say they find that by Phelippes' mean he kept 
 intelligence wdth her Majesty." 
 
 Though Gifford turned against the Ambassador, who called 
 him "the most notable double treble villain that ever lived, for 
 he hath played upon all hands in the world," yet under the 
 name of Jacques Colerdin, or Francis Hartley, he found means 
 in prison to carry on his correspondence with Phelippes and 
 Walsingham. Thus from his French prison he reported ^ the 
 arrival on the English mission of Father John Gerard, and of 
 other Priests with him in 1588. He remained in prison till 
 he died, which, as we learn from one of the letters^ of Father 
 Henry Walpole among the Stonyhurst Manuscripts, was in 1590. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham.^ 
 Sir, — I find nothing in this Queen's packet, received 
 here the 5th [.'' 8th] of this present month to be imparted 
 unto you saving this copy inclosed of a letter sent to this 
 Queen from the French Ambassador in Scotland, by 
 Du Jardin, belonging to the French Ambassador gone 
 and lately returned out of Scotland as it seemeth. 
 
 ^ Domestic, Addenda, Elizabeth, vol. xxx., n. 53. 
 
 ^ Domestic, Elizabeth, vol. ccxvii., n. 3. 
 
 ^ Recently edited with great care for private circulation by the Rev. 
 Augustus Jessopp, D.D. The letter is dated Brussels, November 29, 1590, 
 and the passage speaks of Morgan as well as Gifford. "Morgan's matter is 
 here now to be ended one way or other, such order being come out of Spain. 
 I hear that they that handle it say that there is very much information against 
 him, but he avoideth without full proof in great matters. 'Tis doubtful 
 whether they will put the poor man to the torture or no. Gilbert Gifford is 
 dead in prison in Paris. " 
 
 * Vol. xix., n. 23. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 259 
 
 The French Ambassador writeth to this Queen that 
 there is no hope of her remove from hence, or of any 
 passport to be granted for a new supply of servants, and 
 touching Pierrepont he writeth that he findeth her Majesty 
 indifferent for her stay here, or for her return to her 
 friends, as this Queen shall think good. And thus I leave 
 to trouble you, beseeching God to strengthen you with His 
 mighty Spirit to endure the trouble of this busy time. 
 
 From Chartley, the August, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 The two following letters come straight from Elizabeth, who 
 certainly gave her direction in very minute detail. It is im- 
 portant to notice that Nau and Curie were imprisoned in Sir 
 Francis Walsingham's own house. Francis Mills, Walsingham's 
 secretary, said in October,^ that he was "tied to the custody 
 of Nau." We shall see subsequently that Walsingham w^as 
 determined to have both Nau and Curie in his power, by 
 drawing from them admissions which w^ould put their lives at 
 Elizabeth's mercy. 
 
 Nicasius Yetsweirt to Walsingham? 
 Right Honourable, — My duty humbly remembered. 
 About ten of the clock I received a packet from your, 
 honour wrapped in the letter to me, which packet I deli- 
 vered forthwith unto her Majesty. When she had read 
 both Sir Amias' and yours, she marvelled that the 
 clause her Highness wrote in the foot of my letter should 
 so trouble you, and you construe the same so, as if her 
 Highness had put you in the number of those she meant, 
 considering that you could not but be assured of the 
 assured good opinion she had of you all manner of 
 ways, and of your great care and diligence you ceased 
 not to use in her affairs, with many other good and 
 gracious words which I cannot here express. 
 
 ^ Domestic^ Elizabeth^ vol. cxciv., n. i8. ^ Vol. xix., n. 47. 
 
 R 2 
 
26o Sir Amias Pozilet, 
 
 Her Majesty hath written to Sir Amias and to your 
 honour, whereby I doubt not but that both he and your 
 honour shall know amply of her pleasure. The letters be 
 both unsealed and wrapped up in a paper sealed with my 
 seal. 
 
 Her Majesty willed me to let you know how thankfully 
 she taketh the trouble and charges from time to time you 
 bear with those that are committed unto you, and now for 
 the lodging and guarding of Nau and Curie, you have 
 already prepared for them as you have written to her 
 Majesty. In the keeping and guarding of whom, as her 
 Majesty doubteth not but shall be with all safety, so she 
 would not have you to bestow too large a diet upon them, 
 but as becometh prisoners. And her Majesty thinketh 
 that they shall not need to have anybody to attend upon 
 them in their chambers, but have their meats and neces- 
 saries brought unto them by such as by you shall be 
 appointed, and so left in their chambers under lock and 
 key, for her Majesty thinketh that they be not so despe- 
 rate as either to hang or kill themselves. 
 
 Further, her Majesty would have you in your letters to 
 require Sir Amias Poulet to write unto her the whole story 
 of those things done in this matter to the Queen of Scots 
 and to hers, not for any other cause but that her Majesty 
 might take pleasure in the reading thereof And whereas 
 her Highness doth understand that the charge of the 
 Queen of Scots' household folk are [is] committed to 
 Mr. Darrell, who attendeth there, she thinketh him not 
 sufficient for such a charge, and therefore would have 
 Sir Amias to consider thereof as is needful. And touching 
 the Queen's chaplain, how he shall be used, her Highness 
 doth refer the same to his wisdom and discretion. 
 
 As touching the three prisoners, Babington, Barnewall, 
 and Savage, remaining at Mr. Vice-Chamberlain's,^ her 
 
 ^ Sir Christopher Hatton, who was made Lord High Chancellor, April 29, 
 1587. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 261 
 
 Majesty doth not mean that they shall be sent to the 
 Tower before they be thoroughly examined. 
 
 Whereas in my last letter I wrote unto your honour 
 that none should have sight of the letters she delivered 
 unto you at your being here with her Majesty, her High- 
 ness has willed me to signify unto you that she is well 
 pleased that Mr. Vice-Chamberlain have a sight of them, 
 knowing his loyalty and faithfulness to be such towards 
 her as she dareth trust him with her life. 
 
 Her Majesty hath signed the letter to my Lord Mayor 
 of London of her gracious acceptation of the joys and 
 affections the people there declared for the apprehension 
 of these traitors, which I send unto your honour in this 
 packet. 
 
 And thus I humbly take my leave of your honour. 
 
 From Windsor, this 19th of August, 1586. 
 
 Your honour's humble at commandment, 
 
 NiCASius Yetsweirt. 
 
 Addressed — To the Right Honourable Sir [Amias Pou. 
 erased^ Francis Walsingham, knight, principal Secretary 
 to the Queen's Majesty, and one of her Highness' most 
 honourable Privy Council. 
 
 Endorsed — August 19, 1586, from Mr. Nicasius. 
 
 Nicasius Yetsweiri to Walsingham?- 
 Right Honourable, — I have declared unto her Majesty 
 the contents of your honour's letter I received this 
 evening, and her Highness liketh very well the order taken 
 for the safe bringing of Nau and Curie, and the things 
 that Mr. Gorge and Mr. Waad hath charge of also besides, 
 which I perceive be caskets with writings. And her 
 Majesty being very careful to have those caskets safely 
 brought, though I told her that according to her pleasure, 
 signified unto your honour in my letter this day, you had 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 50. 
 
262 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 despatched a discreet person to assist Mr. Gorge and 
 Mr.Waad in his charge, yet her Highness is scant satisfied 
 with that, and would have you to provide yet better herein, 
 and specially that the said caskets might be brought under 
 sure conduct and by sure persons before, for her Highness 
 esteemed more of the caskets and of the things contained 
 in them than of Nau and Curie, for in comparison, little 
 she esteemeth them in respect of the caskets. 
 
 This afternoon the French Ambassador resident here, 
 and M. d'Esneval, who is come out of Scotland, had 
 audience, and her Majesty told me that she never saw a 
 man more perplexed than the legier^ Ambassador here, for 
 when he was about to speak, every joint in his body did 
 shake, and his countenance changed, and specially when 
 this intended enterprise was somewhat mentioned by her 
 Majesty. Whereupon, seeming to take some more heart 
 unto him, said unto her Majesty, " I would have moved 
 some suits unto you, but that I see that your Majesty is 
 somewhat troubled with these jeimes follastres that are 
 apprehended." "Yes," said her Majesty, "they be such 
 jctmes follastres as some of them may spend ten and 
 twenty thousand francs of rent, and it may be that there 
 are some may spend more." 
 
 Her Majesty seemeth to me afraid that this Ambas- 
 sador might work some mischievous means to disturb the 
 quiet and sure bringing up of these men and things before 
 named ; wherefore she willed me in any wise to put 
 your honour in remembrance that special care be had 
 thereof 
 
 Her Majesty is marvellously glad of the apprehension 
 of Roger Yardley, and prayeth you that he may be well 
 looked unto. It seemeth unto me that her Majesty 
 hath heard before of his quality. I had no time to tell 
 
 ^ Leger (from Dutch legger^ to lie), anything that lies in a place, as a leger 
 Ambassador, a resident ; a leger-book, a book that lies in a counting-house. 
 Johnson. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 263 
 
 her of M. de Civille, which I will perform, God willing, 
 to-morrow in the morning. 
 
 And thus, humbly taking my leave of your honour, 
 I pray God have the same always in His blessed keeping. 
 
 From Windsor, this 21st of August, 1586, at nine of 
 the clock at night. 
 
 Your honour's humble at commandment, 
 
 NiCASIUS Yetsweirt. 
 
 Chateauneufs report of this audience to Henry 1 11.^ is widely 
 at variance with Elizabeth's statements to Yetsweirt, and the 
 Ambassador's account is corroborated by d'Esneval's letter to 
 Courcelles," September 2, intercepted by Walsingham. The 
 latter runs thus: "Depuis M. de Chasteauneuf ayant faict de- 
 mander audience a la Royne d'Angleterre, nous I'allasmes trouver 
 Dimanche dernier a Vindsor ou elle est, et receut M. de Chas- 
 teauneuf et moy aveques toute favorable demonstration. Et 
 apres beaucoup d'honnestes langages passez entre nous," &c. 
 But he goes on to say that Elizabeth, when she heard that 
 Courcelles was left in Scotland in the place of d'Esneval, " aussy 
 tost faict une grande exclamation j" that in reply d'Esneval said 
 that he was a faithful servant of his King, " ce qui la mit fort en 
 cholere," &c. 
 
 Another letter'' from d'Esneval to Courcelles, dated October 7, 
 contains passages respecting the Queen of Scots' apprehension, 
 well deserving of insertion here. 
 
 "Monsieur, — Ayant faict mes affayres a Londres, je suis venu 
 en ce lieu de Rye pour me trajetter a Dieppe, dont je ne veulx 
 partir sans vous advertir de ma bonne sante. 
 
 " Touteffoys pour faire scavoir comme se passe le faict de la 
 Royne d'Escosse que j'ay appris plus particulierement depuis 
 vous avoir escript a quelques jours, que Sir Amias Poulet mena 
 la dite Dame Royne pour aller a la chasse, ou s'estant acheminee 
 
 ^ Von Rammer, History of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries^ p. 123. 
 Teulet. 
 
 ^ Scotland^ Elizabeth, vol. xli., n. 12. 
 Scotland, Elizabeth, vol. xli., n. 30. 
 
264 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 avec tous les siens, mesmes Nau et Courles ses secretaires, 
 Gorges I'aysne la vint trouver et luy feit entendre qu'il avoit 
 charge de la Royne sa maistresse la mener a une maison a troys 
 lieues de Charteley, nomme Tixsal, qui est a Sieur Edouard 
 Hasten, et aussy de se saysir des personnes de Nau et Curie, 
 ce qui la mit en telle colere qu'elle Toutragea fort de parolles et 
 sa maistresse : mesmes voulust que les siens se missent en 
 defence. Touteffoys Gorges estant le plus fort, Sir Amias Poulet 
 la mena ou il avoit charge, et Gorges emmena ses secretaires. 
 Pendant les quelles entrefaites il y avoit un secretaire du Conseil, 
 nomme Wade, a Chartley, qui fouilla tous les papiers de la dite 
 Dame Royne, des quelz il se saisit et les fist mener avec les 
 prisonniers, et vantent que ce sont les plus secretz et importans. 
 Je ne sgay s'il est veritable, ou si c'est pour s'en prevaloir de cela 
 en quelque artifice, des quelz ils sont tant inventeurs comme de 
 leur part Maistre [blank] m'a voulu dire ce jours icy, qu'ilz 
 avoyent trouve le testament de la dite Dame, par le quel elle 
 donnoyt I'Angleterre et TEscosse au Roy d'Espaigne, qui n'est 
 comme vous jugerez bien, que pour aigrer contre elle le Roy 
 d'Escosse son filz, vers le quel vous luy sgaurez je m asseure bien 
 faire les bons offices desquelz elle a besoing. ... 
 
 " Cependant Monsieur de Chasteauneuf a envoye ces jours 
 icy vers Monsieur le Grand Tresorier son secretaire, par le quel 
 il luy escripvoyt que ayant entender que Nau et Curie estoyent 
 prisonniers, il avoyt desire scavoir la verite> et si ainsy estoyt les 
 advertir qu'ilz estoyent serviteurs du Roy de France mis par sa 
 Majeste pres la dite Dame pour les affaires de son Douaire. 
 Que estantz telz il le promit d'advertir la Royne souveraine et 
 Messieurs du Conseil qu'ilz y eussent esgard. Le dit Grand 
 Tresorier sans faire aultre response addressa le dit Sieur a Wal- 
 singham qui estoyt la present, et luy bailla la lettre du dit Sieur 
 de Chasteauneuf, laquelle il leut, et apres luy dit que la Royne 
 d'Escosse estoyt une tres mauvaise femme, et ses secretaires tres 
 meschantz, et que la Royne sa souveraine en feroyt justice, et 
 qu'ilz n'advanceroyent rien en cela qu'ilz ne le communicassent a 
 Monsieur I'Ambassadeur, et qu il trouveroyt de telles meschan- 
 cetez qu'il s'asseuroyt qu'il ne vouldroyt ny Madame de Chas- 
 teauneuf (qu'il sgavoyt aymer la Royne d'Escosse) parler pour 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtieeit of Scots. 265 
 
 elle a la Royne sa souveraine, la quelle envoyeroyt encores un 
 gentilhomme^ vers le Roy de France pour luy faire entendre le 
 faict. II semble que Walsingham veuilla desja divertir ceulx 
 qu'il scayt se devoir employer pour la dite Dame. Mais cela ne 
 retiendra pas le dit Sieur Ambassadeur qu'il n'a obmis ny ob- 
 mettra, non plus que je feray estant en Cour, aucune chose qui 
 puisse apporter ayde et secours aux affayres de la dite Dame 
 Royne, de laquelle je n'ay par ceste aultres nouvelles, si non que 
 je suis parti de Londres on y devoyt amener une de ses damoy- 
 selles prisonniere, nommee Pierrepont. II y a beaucoup de 
 personnes en peine pour ce fait, une bonne nombre est prise {sic) 
 et les aultres poursuiviz. Je vous envoye les noms. C'est tout 
 que vous aurez de moy a present." 
 
 As a supplement to d'Esneval's account of the seizure of the 
 Queen of Scots, we may add a record that shows that something 
 more than papers were "taken away" from Chartley. 
 
 "-4 note of such things as were taken away which were the Queen of 
 
 Scots:^ 
 
 "First, a glass furnished with two crystals and two tables or 
 covers on each side. Within the one is the picture of the Queen 
 of England, within the other the picture of the Queen of Scots, 
 and the said tables are enamelled and garnished with diamonds, 
 rubies, and emeralds. 
 
 " Item, a little chest garnished with diamonds, rubies, and 
 pearls. 
 
 ' ^^ Item, a set garnished with diamonds, rubies, and pearls, and 
 emeralds in the midst. 
 
 " Item, a pair of bracelets of agate, garnished with little rubies. 
 
 '■''Item, a jewel pendant, garnished with diamonds, rubies, and 
 emeralds. 
 
 '''■Item, one other jewel to hang, wherein is a sapphire gar- 
 nished with small rubies. 
 
 ^' Item, one other little jewel, enamelled with white and 
 carnation. 
 
 '''■Item, one other little jewel of the fashion of an agate. 
 
 ^ Sir Edward Wotton was sent on this mission to France. Camden, 
 Annates, p. 443. 
 2 Vol. XX., n. 44. 
 
266 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 ^^ Item, a little pincase of gold, a chain to wear for a girdle for 
 a woman, enamelled with white and red. 
 
 ^^ Item, a chain for a man, all plain without enamel, weighing 
 six marks, five ounces, and five pennyweights. 
 
 '•'' Ite77i, in white money about a seven score pounds. 
 
 '''' Itein, one piece of twenty ducats. 
 
 "Two doublets, the one of russet satin, the other of canvas. 
 
 '■'■Item, one black velvet cap, with a green and black feather 
 in the same; three mufflers of embroidery, whereof two be of 
 black velvet. 
 
 '■'■ Item, two carcanets^ or bad [? badge] chains, embroidered 
 with gold and silver. 
 
 " Itetn, other black set with pearls. 
 
 '■''Item, four vessels of sweet powder. 
 
 " Ite?n, one pair of silk stocks." 
 
 Endorsed — Goods stolen from the Queen of Scots. 
 
 The well known letter that follows has no date, but its place 
 in this series is indicated by the mention of it in Poulet's letter 
 from Tixall of the 22nd of August. It has been often printed. 
 Strype^ gives it "as transcribed from a copy thereof taken by 
 Michael Hacket, the Lord Treasurer's Secretary." There it is- 
 headed, "To my faithful Amias." 
 
 Mr. Froude prints^ this letter with the remark that in it 
 Elizabeth's "better nature struggles with her affectation with 
 rather more success than usual." When EHzabeth wrote it, 
 probably in her own mind she had fixed upon Poulet as the 
 roan who, as she hinted to her Parfiament in November, was. 
 to be "found wiUing," by the murder of his prisoner, "to put 
 his own life in risk for his sovereign."^ Be that as it may, 
 
 ^ Carcanet (Fr. carcan), a chain or collar of jewels. Johnson. 
 
 * Annals of the Jieforniation, \o\. iii., p. 361. 
 
 ^ History y vol. xii., p. 163. 
 
 ^ In her second speech to her Parliament, November 24, O.S., Elizabeth, 
 after extolling her own magnanimity, and dwelling upon the obloquy which 
 must accrue to her were she to give public consent to the execution, states her 
 conviction that IMary's death was essential to her own safety, winding up with 
 these significant words : ** But this she considers, that many a man would put 
 his life in danger for the safeguard of a King ; she does not say that so she 
 will, but prays them to believe that she hath thought upon it " (Holinshed. 
 Nicolas' Life of Davison, p. 57). 
 
Keeper of Mary Qicee7i of Scots. 267 
 
 this outburst of gratitude and affection towards Mary's keeper, 
 prompted, we are told, by the Queen's "better nature," reads 
 curiously like the opening of King John's famous speech to 
 Hubert : 
 
 O my gentle Hubert, 
 We owe thee much ; within this wall of flesh 
 There is a soul, counts thee her creditor, 
 And with advantage means to pay thy love : 
 And my good friend, thy voluntary oath 
 Lives in this bosom, dearly cherished. 
 Give me thy hand. I had a thing to say,— 
 But I will fit it with some better time. 
 By Heaven, Hubert, I am almost ashamed 
 To say what good respect I have of thee. 
 
 Elizabeth to Poulet} 
 Amias, my most faithful and careful servant, God 
 reward thee treble-fold in three double for thy most 
 troublesome charge so well discharged. If you knew, 
 my Amias, how kindly, besides dutifully, my grateful 
 heart accepteth and praiseth your spotless actions, your 
 wise orders, and safe regards, performed in so dangerous 
 and crafty a charge, it would ease your travails and 
 rejoice your heart. In which I charge you carry this 
 most just thought, that I cannot balance in any weight 
 of my judgment the value that I prize you at, and suppose 
 no treasure to countervail such a faith ; and shall condemn 
 myself in that fault, which yet I never committed, if I 
 reward not such deserts. Yea, let me lack when I most 
 need, if I acknowledge not such a merit with a reward, 
 nou onmibtis datiunr- Let your wicked murderess know 
 how with hearty sorrow her vile deserts compelleth these 
 orders ; and bid her from me ask God forgiveness for 
 her treacherous dealings towards the saver of her life 
 many a year, to the intolerable peril of her own ; and 
 yet, not contented with so many forgivenesses, must fall 
 
 1 Vol. xix., n. 55 ; Cotton. AfSS., Caligula, C. ix., f. 606. 
 
 2 It is so printed by Strype. The usual form is to put as a separate 
 sentence, JVon omnibus est datum. 
 
268 Sir Amias Poidet, 
 
 again so horribly, far passing a woman's thought, much 
 less a prince's ; and, instead of excusing[s] (whereof not one 
 can serve, it being so plainly confessed by the authors of 
 my guiltless death), let repentance take place, and let 
 [not] the fiend possess her, so as her better part be lost ; 
 which I pray, with hands lifted up to Him that may 
 both save and spill. 
 
 With my most loving adieu and prayers for thy long 
 life, your most assured and loving sovereign, as thereto 
 by good deserts induced, 
 
 E. R. 
 
 Poulet io Walsinghamy 
 
 Sir, — Among many other great favours received from 
 you of late, I account this the greatest that your friendly 
 or rather partial report hath wrought in her Majesty to 
 good acceptation of my poor service, as hath appeared by 
 her most gracious letters : and as the comfort is singular 
 which I have received by the same, so it may please you 
 to think that I account my obligation herein towards you 
 so much the greater, and so I must remain your debtor. 
 
 Whereas you refer to my consideration, my continu- 
 ance here, or my remove to Chartley, only requiring that 
 the house there be first duly searched, which hath been 
 done effectually by Mr. Waad and the other commissioners; 
 I see now no cause at all of our longer abode here, but 
 rather just reason of our return to Chartley, as well in 
 respect of the lessening of her Majesty's charge, and in 
 avoiding the trouble of this country in extraordinary 
 watching and warding about this house, besides the 
 watches and wards in all the towns adjoining; as 
 especially for the better surety of this charge, the house 
 of Chartley being of far better strength by reason of the 
 water than this house is. I am therefore resolved to 
 return to Chartley as soon as I may, and to that purpose 
 to crave the assistance of the well- affected gentlemen of 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 51. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 269 
 
 these parts, for the furnishing of one hundred horsemen 
 at the time of the remove. 
 
 I must confess unto you that I am very willing to 
 remove the Priest, and yet I will not take upon me to 
 discharge him and to set him at liberty without especial 
 direction from you, and indeed I do not think it meet that 
 he should be set at liberty to return into France until the 
 matters in hand were somewhat overblown. I will therefore 
 remove him to Mr. Gresley's house, where he shall remain 
 until it may please you to resolve what shall be done with 
 him. If I should leave him at Chartley until this lady's 
 arrival there, he would not be removed without great 
 difficulty. 
 
 It may please you to remember to send your direction 
 touching Mrs. Pierrepont, Melvin, and Pasquier, who are 
 bestowed with Mr. Trentham, Mr. Bagot, and Mr. Littleton. 
 I will not fail according to your direction to advertise her 
 Majesty as soon as I may, of all the circumstances of the 
 proceeding sithence the pretended hunting, although I 
 doubt not but that her Highness hath been duly informed 
 before this time by Mr. Gorge and Mr. Waad of all things 
 done before their departure, and sithence this lady's coming 
 hither, I have not spoken with her, or seen her. 
 
 It may please her Majesty to believe that I have had 
 so good experience of Mr. Darrell's faithful devotion to 
 her Highness' service, and of his cold affection towards this 
 lady, as I would sooner commit the charge of the company 
 at Chartley unto him than to any other in these parts, and 
 I know he hath discharged it faithfully. I can assure you 
 that this people hath had no intelligence at all sithence 
 their coming hither, to which purpose I kept them from 
 pen, ink, and paper, and the next day after my arrival 
 here did remove Sir Walter Aston's servants who served 
 to deliver necessary things. This lady hath not gone out 
 of her chamber and gallery, and none of her people have 
 gone beyond the hall door sithence their coming hither. 
 
270 Sir Amias Potclet, 
 
 I do not intend to have any speech with this lady during 
 my being here, but after my next speech with her, it is 
 likely I shall have some greater matter for you. 
 
 It may please you to write two or three words of thanks 
 in her Majesty's behalf to Sir Walter Aston, which surely 
 he hath well deserved, as knoweth the Almighty, to whose 
 blessed tuition I commit you. 
 
 From Tixall, the 22nd of August, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Nicasms Yetsweirt's letter of the 19th ordered Walsingham, 
 in Elizabeth's name, "to require Sir Amias Poulet to write unto 
 her the whole story of those things done in this matter to the 
 Queen of Scots and to hers, not for any cause but that her 
 Majesty might take pleasure in the reading thereof." We now 
 learn that Poulet did what he was commanded, but as his 
 letter to Elizabeth was not left in Walsingham's custody, it 
 is not among the State Papers, and we cannot share with 
 Elizabeth the "pleasure in the reading thereof." 
 
 Poulet to Walsingha7Jt?- 
 Sir, — Forasmuch as you required me by order from 
 her Majesty to advertise her of that which hath passed 
 between this lady and me in the execution of this late 
 charge, and also how she hath behaved herself sithence 
 the apprehension of her secretaries, I have considered that 
 the sooner I performed this duty the better it would be, 
 although indeed there hath fallen out nothing worthy of 
 her Majesty, and therefore I send unto you inclosed herein 
 my letter to her Highness. It may please you to consider 
 what shall be done with Nau's servant, who is of this 
 country, and came to his service from Mr. Pierrepont, 
 and with Curie's servant, who is a Scot, they both being 
 now unprofitable here. And touching the residue of the 
 
 1 Vol. xix., n. 52. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qiceeri of Scots, 271 
 
 Scottish family, I think good at my next convenient leisure 
 to send you a note of their names, surnames, and charges, 
 whereupon you may consider to reserve and to remove as 
 you shall think meet. 
 
 It is intended that this lady shall remove to Chartley 
 this next morrow, as here this household can have no 
 long continuance without imminent danger, and extreme 
 charges to her Majesty in many things this winter, by 
 reason that provisions have not been made beforehand. 
 I hear of traitors that are carried towards you every 
 <3ay. God be thanked for it, to whose merciful tuition 
 I commit you. 
 
 From Tixall, the 24th of August, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Poulet did with the Priest as he had proposed, and sent 
 him from Chardey to Mr. Gresley's, before he returned with the 
 -Queen of Scots. 
 
 Walsingham to Poulet)- 
 
 Sir, — Mr. Gorge and Mr. Waad came safely to London 
 on Sunday at night, with their several charges, and her 
 Majesty resteth marvellously well satisfied with the care 
 and endeavour that hath been used by you in the search of 
 the house, expressing as well generally to all my lords of 
 the Council, and particularly to every one that she spake 
 withal in such gracious terms her good liking of your wise 
 and discreet manner of proceeding in the whole course of 
 that your charge, and now in the execution of this late 
 service, as it is not possible for any Prince to give 
 greater commendation to the good desert of a servant, 
 nor to rest better contented withal. Her Majesty doth 
 well allow of your purpose to remove your charge to 
 Chartley again for the reasons that you set down in 
 your letters, of the strength of the house, and easing 
 
 1 Vol. xix., n. 56. 
 
272 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 the country of their continual watches. But upon 
 report made by Mr. Waad of the unsoundness of the 
 country, her Majesty meaneth that your said charge shall 
 be shortly conveyed to some other place, and not there 
 remain, with that liberty that she enjoyeth now, but in the 
 state of a prisoner, attended only with few persons such as 
 she must have of necessity, and therefore her Majesty 
 would have you to consider to what number the said 
 persons may be restrained. I mean to know her Majesty's 
 pleasure touching the Priest, whom in the meanwhile you 
 have done well to sequester into my cousin Gresley's 
 house. And you shall also know what is to be done with 
 young Pierrepont and Melvyn. For young Pasquier, her 
 Majesty would have you to send him hither under sure 
 guard, such as to yourself shall seem convenient for the 
 purpose, because it is supposed he was privy to the writing 
 of these letters that were in cipher. 
 
 There are letters of thanks written to Mr. Manners, 
 Sir Walter Aston, and Mr. Bagot. Anthoine Tuchiner hath 
 been lately taken, so as we want now but only Edward 
 Abington of the whole number of the six conspirators. 
 
 From the Court at Windsor, the 25th of August, 1586. 
 
 Endorsed — To Sir Amias Poulet. 
 
 Before the return of Mary to Chartley, the transfer to 
 Fotheringay Castle was almost determined. The Privy Council 
 repeats " that it is not meant she shall henceforth have that 
 scope and liberty that heretofore she hath enjoyed." "Scope 
 and liberty" are singular terms to apply to Mary's captivity 
 since Poulet was appointed her keeper. 
 
 Burghley and Walsingham to Poulet} 
 After, &c., — The Queen's Majesty, upon information 
 given unto her by Mr. Waad, according to such direction as 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 59. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 273 
 
 Tie received from you for that purpose, of the unsoundness 
 of that country, doth think meet to have the Queen, your 
 charge, removed from thence to some other place of more 
 safety, and for such purpose hath thought upon Fotheringay 
 Castle, in Northamptonshire, and wills us particularly to 
 consider of such things as are necessary for the said 
 remove. Whereupon we have directed our letters unto 
 Sir Walter Mildmay to view the said castle and to certify 
 us of the state thereof, and how the household may there 
 be furnished, both of necessary provision of wood and 
 •meat, and of a convenient quantity of beer by some brewer 
 in the town of Fotheringay, or otherwise ; and do also 
 pray you that you will likewise send either Darrell or 
 some other apt person thither, accompanied with one of 
 the wardrobe, to consider in what sort the stuffs and 
 hangings that are now with you may furnish some con- 
 venient lodging for the said Queen, for that it is not meant 
 she shall henceforth have that scope and liberty that 
 heretofore she hath enjoyed, but remain in the state of a 
 prisoner, with some regard nevertheless of her degree and 
 quality. Other particularities wherein we desire to be 
 resolved by you, we have set down in the inclosed articles, 
 wherein we pray you that you will yield us answer with as 
 much speed as conveniently you may. 
 August 26th, 1586. 
 
 Endorsed — The Lord Treasurer and Mr. Secretary to 
 Sir Amias Poulet. 
 
 Mr. Froude has a curious reason to assign why Mary should 
 have been sent back to Chartley. "The house," that is, Sir 
 Walter Aston's house, Tixall, he says,^ " was small and incon- 
 venient ;" a singular description of a house where there were 
 '' on the point of a hundred persons uprising and downlying," as 
 its master described his '' great family." Mr. Froude then draws 
 for his narrative on the following letter, and therein furnishes 
 
 ^ History^ vol. xii., p. i6l. 
 S 
 
2 74 ^^^ Amias Poulet^ 
 
 another specimen of inaccuracy. Mary " went to her own apart- 
 ments, to find drawers and boxes open and empty, and her most 
 secret papers gone. ' Some of you will be sorry for this,' she said 
 sternly to Paulet, who was attending on her."^ " I was not present 
 when the words were spoken," Poulet wrote ; and the expression 
 follows so closely upon the words uttered by Mary that it seems 
 wonderful that Mr. Froude should have succeeded in copying the 
 one sentence without catching sight of the other. "She said 
 sternly to Paulet," says Mr. Froude, who is indebted to his 
 imagination for the fact ; and every one who reads the passage 
 understands by it a threat on Mar/s part to punish the perpe- 
 trators of the outrage, if ever it was in her power. Poulet 
 understood it to mean that her papers would compromise others, 
 who would have cause to be sorry that they were taken. In what 
 sense that could apply to him he did not know. This he knew, 
 that he could be sorry for others, but " there was nothing in her 
 papers that could give him cause to be sorry for himself." 
 
 But the threat suited Mr. Froude best. He wanted it to 
 introduce this paragraph — " Elizabeth had no braver subject 
 than Paulet, not one who would have broken lance with 
 lighter heart in her behalf against the stoutest knight in 
 Christendom, but there was something in this fiery woman that 
 awed and frightened him. He dreaded a rising in the country. 
 He urged her removal to some stronger place, as a matter of 
 pressing necessity, wishing evidently that she was in the Tower, 
 and that he was rid of his responsibilities with her." Mr. Froude's 
 reference for this is the letter now before the reader. Who would 
 have thought that all this could have been drawn out of Poulet's 
 postscript ? " Our remove," concerns " her Majesty's service very 
 greatly." Her Majesty was grumbling at the number of his 
 soldiers, and begrudging him his expenses. The removal from 
 Chartley had been, in his mind, a question of ''provision to be 
 
 ^ Dr. Lingard has a similar mistake. "When she entered her former 
 apartment, and saw her cabinets opened, and her seals and papers gone, she 
 paused for a moment, and then turning to Poulet, said with an air of dignity, 
 * There still remain two things, sir, which you cannot take from me, the royal 
 blood which gives me a right to the succession, and the attachment which 
 binds me to the faith of my fathers'" {History of ^England, 1844, vol. viii., 
 p. 214). 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 275 
 
 made of hay, wood, coal, and many other things for the service 
 of this house the next winter," as he wrote in June : that was 
 the benefit to her Majesty ; and Poulet himself would get 
 away from a place where his health suffered severely. Certainly 
 he knew that Staffordshire was a county of recusants, the 
 "unsoundness" of which he requested Waad to represent to 
 the Privy Council, but there is nothing of ''pressing necessity" 
 about it. So also in October Poulet represented " the weakness 
 of one part of the Castle of Fotheringay," so that it would not be 
 safe in case a " desperate attempt " were made " in this doubtful 
 time in favour of the Queen his charge." That he would have 
 been glad to be "rid of his responsibihties" is true, but it is 
 utterly untrue that he was " awed and frightened " by Mary. He 
 would have been as surprised to hear it as to have received a 
 summons to set his gouty foot into the stirrup, and break a lance 
 with the hand that sometimes could not hold a pen. He did not 
 fear Mary personally ; he hated her, and he feared above all 
 things the result of her surviving Elizabeth and becoming Queen 
 of England. He hated her with a steadily increasing hatred, and 
 perhaps the personal inconvenience he had to share with his 
 prisoner tended to embitter his mind against her. But there is 
 no sign anywhere that he was awed or frightened by her. His 
 complaint is rather of her "tediousness." Perhaps Mary was not 
 quite " the fiery woman " Mr. Froude imagines her to have been. 
 
 Poulet to Walsinghain} 
 Sir, — This lady was removed hither the 25th of this 
 present, conducted by Sir Walter Aston, Mr. Bagot, 
 Mr. Gresly, Mr. Littleton, Mr. Chetwynd, and others to 
 the number of one hundred and forty horses at the least. 
 At her coming out of Sir Walter Aston's gate she said 
 with a loud voice weeping, to some poor folks which were 
 there assembled, " I have nothing for you, I am a beggar 
 as well as you, all is taken from me ; " and when she came 
 to the gentlemen she said, weeping, " Good gentlemen, I 
 am not witting or privy to anything intended against the 
 
 ^ Vol. xix.,n. 62. 
 S 2 
 
276 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 Queen." She visited Curie's wife (who was delivered of 
 child in her absence), before she went to her own chamber, 
 willing her to be of good comfort, and that she would 
 answer for her husband in all things that might be objected 
 against him. Curie's child remaining unchristened, and the 
 Priest removed before the arrival of this lady, she desired 
 that my minister might baptize the child, with such god- 
 fathers and godmothers as I would procure, so as the child 
 would bear her name ; which being refused, she came 
 shortly after into Curie's wife's chamber, where laying the 
 child on her knees, she took water out of a basin, and 
 casting it upon the face of the child she said, "I baptize 
 thee in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
 Ghost," calling the child by her own name, Mary. This 
 may not be found strange in her who maketh no con- 
 science to break all laws of God and man. 
 
 At her coming hither, Mr. Darrell delivered the keys, 
 as well of her chambers as of her coffers, to Bastian, which 
 he refused by direction from his mistress, who required 
 Mr. Darrell to open her chamber door, which he did, and 
 then this lady finding that her papers were taken away, 
 said, in great choler, that two things could not be taken 
 from her, her English blood and her Catholic religion, 
 which both she would keep until her death, adding further 
 these words — " Some of you will be sorry for it," meaning 
 the taking away of her papers. I was not present when 
 these words were spoken, but no doubt they reached unto 
 me, in what sense she only knoweth. I may be sorry for 
 others, but I know there is nothing in her papers that can 
 give me cause to be sorry for myself. 
 
 I considered that Mrs. Pierrepont's maid would be 
 unnecessary here, and that remaining in this house until 
 the coming hither of this lady she might not be sent 
 away afterwards without peril. I therefore removed her 
 to Mr. Chetwynd's house, where she remaineth until you 
 have resolved what to do with Mrs. Pierrepont. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 277 
 
 I consider that you are overwhelmed with business, 
 and therefore I am loth to trouble you with any un- 
 necessary matter from hence, of which kind I must confess 
 all the premisses to be, and yet I think agreeable with my 
 duty to advertise you of this lady's remove hither, which I 
 would have done sooner, but that I thought she would have 
 desired to have spoken with me after her coming hither, 
 wherein I perceive I am much deceived, and that she is 
 not hasty to see me or speak with me, only she sent to 
 know if I would convey her letters to her Majesty, which 
 I refused, saying that no letters should pass out of this 
 house without order from above, and I do not doubt 
 but that upon the examination of her servants some 
 good occasion will be ministered to deliver some message 
 unto her which may give her just cause to write. She 
 made the like proffer at Sir Walter Aston's house, 
 which I then also refused, and prayed your direction 
 therein. 
 
 I trust you do remember to consider, as time will 
 give you leave, what shall be done with Pierrepont, 
 Melvin, and Pasquier, thinking assuredly that you shall 
 find good cause to command Pasquier to be brought 
 unto you. 
 
 And thus I leave you to the mercy and favour of the 
 Highest. 
 
 From Chartley, the 27th of August, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 After the signing of these letters I received yours of the 
 25th, this present day at eight in the evening, by the 
 which you continue to increase my joy by your report 
 of her Majesty's gracious acceptance of my unw^orthy 
 service, although trusty and faithful. I will not fail to 
 send Pasquier unto you with convenient speed, and at that 
 time will give you my simple opinion touching this lady's 
 
278 - Sir Amias Poulety 
 
 family. God be thanked that so many of the principal 
 conspirators are apprehended, and God make us thankful 
 for these singular mercies. 
 
 Autograph postscript — I beseech you most heartily 
 to further our remove from hence as much as you 
 may, as a matter importing her Majesty's service very 
 greatly. 
 
 The first sentence in the following letter applies to Dr. GifFord. 
 Gilbert Gifford wrote from France to Phelippes,^ *What as [if] 
 Morgan should say that D. Gifford meant not to deal sincerely 
 with Mr. Secretary. I never doubted it but that he would not, 
 and so always I told you." The consideration had for Gilbert 
 Gifford's travail was not less than a promise of 100/. a year.^ No 
 doubt he was well content, at such a price, that Walsingham and 
 Phelippes should " both write and speak bitterly against him." 
 
 Walsingham to Phelippes? 
 
 I return you Morgan's letter, by the which it appeareth. 
 what trust is to be given to Papists. It shall now suffice to 
 assure G. G. that both he and I have been greatly abused ; 
 and that there shall be that consideration had of his travail 
 as shall be to his contentment. 
 
 It were convenient that Paynter did convey over unto 
 him some of that stuff that Mr. Douglas gave unto you for 
 the secret manner of writing, and to instruct him how to 
 use it. Then may he direct his letters to his uncle Offley, 
 containing outwardly but matters ordinary. He must be 
 content that we both write and speak bitterly against 
 him. And as for D[octor] Gpfford]* and Gratley, they 
 deserve it. I have sent Arthur to attend you this day in 
 copying out the letters I sent you. 
 
 1 Vol. XX., n. 45. 
 
 * Domestic^ Elizabeth^ vol. cxcix., n. 96. 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 63. 
 
 ^ JDr. Gifford was afterwards Archbishop of Rheims. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtieen of Scots. 279 
 
 And so I commit you to God. In haste, the 28th 
 
 August, 1586. 
 
 Your loving friend, 
 
 Fra. Walsingham. 
 
 Addressed — To my servant Thomas Phillippes. 
 
 Endorsed by Phelippes — August 28, 1586, from Sir 
 Francis Walsingham. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham} 
 
 Sir, — Pasquier cometh unto you herewith, conducted by 
 three of my servants, not doubting but they will discharge 
 this service to your satisfaction, and indeed I could not 
 think of any other good means to send him unto you. 
 
 Having now resolved and prepared for the sending of 
 Pasquier unto you, I received this last evening at ten of 
 the clock at night letters from my Lord Treasurer and 
 you, with articles inclosed, which shall be answered with 
 as convenient speed as I may. I have no other thing 
 wherewith to trouble you at this time, beseeching God 
 to bless you and all your actions. 
 
 From Chartley, the 29th of August, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. Poulet. 
 
 Poulet to Burghley and Walsingham? 
 It may please your Honours to be advertised that, 
 receiving your letters of the 26th of this present the 28th 
 of the same, late in the evening, I have according to 
 your direction despatched Mr. Darrell this present morning 
 towards Fotheringay for the view of the lodgings there, 
 which no doubt will be furnished with the hangings 
 belonging to this house, whereof there is good store of 
 all sorts of height and breadth. 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 64. 2 Vol. xix., n. 66. • 
 
28o Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 I send unto you herewith my simple opinion touching 
 your articles addressed unto me, and have sent the copy as 
 well of the articles as of my postills to Sir Walter Mildmay, 
 to the end he may in his letters to your honours supply 
 all defect by his better judgment and knowledge of these 
 countries. 
 
 I think myself very happy for many causes to be 
 removed out of this country, and now I should think 
 myself twice happy if this Queen with the change of 
 the lodging might also change her keeper, and, indeed, 
 a gentleman of that country might supply this place with 
 less expense to her Majesty, and better surety of his 
 charge, having his servants, tenants, and good neighbours 
 at hand. 
 
 Although I am bold to write as I wish, yet I will 
 never desire it but as it may stand with her Majesty's 
 good pleasure, as one that embraceth all her Highness' 
 commandments with all willing obedience. 
 
 And thus humbly taking my leave, I commit your 
 honours to the mercy and favour of the Almighty. 
 
 From Chartley, the 30th of August, 1586. 
 
 Your honour's to command, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Addressed — To the right honourable my very good 
 lord, the Lord Burghley, Lord Treasurer of England, 
 and to Sir Francis Walsingham, knight, her Majesty's 
 principal Secretary. 
 
 The postscript of the first of the two following letters is 
 important as showing that the minutes of Mary's letter to 
 Babington were not found among her papers at Chartley, neither 
 the French minute by Nau nor the English by Curle,^ nor her 
 
 1 Curie is represented as stating in the examination of September 21, that 
 he burnt the EngUsh translation by Mary's order {Harikcnckc State PapcrSy 
 V' 237)- 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 281 
 
 own autograph draft, if, as Nau says, she made one. In the 
 letter to Phelippes of the 4th September, Walsingham says again, 
 *' The minute of her answer is not extant." 
 
 Dr. Lingard^ gives an extract from a confession by Nau,^ 
 of the same date as this letter of Walsingham's, which mentions 
 "une minute de lettre escripte de sa main, qu'il lui plust me 
 baillier pour la polir et mectre au net, ainsi qu'il apparoit a vos 
 hon. ay ant Vunc et Vautres entres vos mains' Relying on this, 
 Dr. Lingard says, "At her trial, the minute by herself and 
 French letter by Nau, which were in the hands of the prose- 
 cutors, were suppressed." Prince Labanoff" gives up Mary's 
 autograph minute, but takes for granted that Nau's French 
 minute was found. " La correspondence de Walsingham et de 
 Phelippes prouve qu'il fut impossible de decouvrir la minute 
 autographe dont Nau avait parle, et que la seule chose que 
 Ton trouva, lors de la saisie. . . . ce fut la minute frangaise 
 ecrite par Nau." It is very surprising that Nau should have 
 taken for granted that Mary's minute and his draft were in 
 Walsingham's hands, and that they should not have been found. 
 It is very suspicious, for if Mary's letter was to be altered, the 
 original drafts would have been an embarrassment to the forger ; 
 but forger as Walsingham undoubtedly was in the matter of this 
 letter, it seems impossible that he could have written as he has 
 written to Phelippes, if either of these minutes had been taken 
 at C hartley. 
 
 But though the minutes were not found, there was the cipher 
 which Burghley noted was to be taken to Fotheringay, and there 
 was the decipher made by Phelippes for Walsingham as soon 
 as the letter reached his hands, and neither of these were pro- 
 duced at Mary's trial, or are now forthcoming. The argument 
 does not need to be strengthened. 
 
 The copy of d'Esneval's letter sent by Walsingham to 
 Phelippes with his letter of September 3rd had come to 
 Chartley in a packet from Chateauneuf to Mary, August 5th 
 [? 8th], as we have seen from Poulet's letter of that date. 
 
 ^ History of England, 1 844, vol. viii., p. 214. 
 » Harl. MSS., n. 4649. 
 3 Tom. vi., p. 397. 
 
282 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 Courcelles had sent to Mary through Chateauneuf this copy of 
 d'Esneval's letter to him. 
 
 Davison wrote a letter to Phelippes^ a few months later, 
 which speaks of other intercepted letters and the way they 
 were treated. " The French Ambassador hath written to my 
 Lord Treasurer complaining of the apprehension of his servants 
 and detention of his packets. Her Majesty therefore would 
 that they should be made up ready to be delivered unto him, 
 but that you do first let my Lord Treasurer and me [be] advised 
 in what state the packets are before they be delivered." It is 
 curious to see how perfectly the Ambassador's packets could 
 be made up again,^ so that they should give no sign of 
 having been opened or tampered with. Elizabeth simply 
 takes this for granted, though it does not seem that when the 
 packets were taken, there was any thought that they would 
 have to be returned to the Ambassador. It is not likely that 
 Phelippes was often idle, as Elizabeth was pleased to suppose 
 in December, when Davison thus wrote ^ to him. "Her Majesty 
 delivered me the ticket here inclosed to be sent unto you for 
 your exercise, because she thinketh you now be idle. When 
 you have made English thereof, I doubt not but you will return 
 it back to her Highness." 
 
 The number of letters to or from the French Embassies in 
 England and Scotland intercepted about this time was very 
 considerable. In two volumes of the State Papers^ there are 
 thirty letters to or from d'Esneval, Courcelles, and Chateauneuf, 
 between August, 1586, and September, 1587. Even bills are there 
 for silks, &c., supplied to Courcelles by Henry Nisbet, merchant, 
 of Edinburgh, and the Ambassador's note of hand for eight 
 hundred crowns borrowed from the same man. 
 
 The bearing of Walsingham's treatment of Nau and Curie 
 on the value of their evidence is obvious. To Curie he wrote,^ 
 " I can be but a mediator, and therein I shall have the better 
 
 ^ Domestic, Elizabeth, vol. cxcvii., n. il. Holograph. 
 
 2 The man who tampered with the seals was Arthur Gregory (Camden, 
 
 p. 438). 
 
 3 Cotton. MSS., Caligula, C. ix., f. 569. 
 * Scotland, Elizabeth, vols, xli., xlii. 
 
 5 Vol. xix., n. 119. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtceen of Scots. 283 
 
 ground to deal for you when you shall lay yourself so open, as 
 her Majesty may see in you remorse for that which is past, and 
 a disposition to deserve her favour by acquainting of her with 
 your knowledge of such things as may any way concern her 
 estate." Curie's " confession," dated however the day after this 
 letter, is given among the State Papers^ in English. This was 
 written at the foot of a copy of Babington's letter. "There 
 must, and I do confess to have deciphered the like of the 
 whole above written, coming written in one sheet of paper, as 
 from Mr. Babington. And the answer thereunto, being written 
 in French by Mr. Nau, to have been translated in English 
 and ciphered by me. — Gilbert Curle, 5 September, 1586.'' 
 On the copy of Mary's letter he simply wrote, " The foresaid 
 I acknowledge to have put in cipher. 5 September, 1586. — 
 Gilbert Curle." The other attestation by Curie, already 
 quoted, being dated' the 5th, it would almost seem as though 
 those just given must have been dated the 3rd. He refers to 
 them thus : 2 "Telle ou semblable me semble avoireste la 
 response escripte en frangoys par Monsieur Nau, laquelle j'ay 
 traduict et mis en chiffre, comme j'en fais mention au pied d'une 
 copie de la lettre de Mr. Babington, laquelle Monsieur Nau a 
 signe le premier. — Gilbert Curle, 5 September, 1586." 
 
 Walsmgham to Phelippes? 
 
 Sir, — I send you these inclosed copies, the one of 
 d'Esneval's, and the other of Chasteauneuf's letters unto 
 Courcelles,^ which were intercepted, whereof I would be 
 glad to know the substance, and therefore I pray you take 
 some pain in perusing them that I may be acquainted 
 therewith as soon as conveniently you may. And so I 
 bid you heartily farewell. 
 
 From Barnelms, the 3rd of September, 1586. 
 
 Your loving friend, 
 
 Fra. Walsingham. 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 88. ^ Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 395. 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 80. 
 
284 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 Autograph postcript — I pray you take care to find out 
 such minutes as have been drawn by Nau, who is not so 
 deeply charged as Curie is, who wrote the letters sent to 
 [Sir erased^ Englefield and to Charles Paget, which by 
 subscription he hath acknowledged to be his ; but that the 
 minutes were first drawn by the Queen,^ their mistress. 
 Both he and Nau are determined to lay the burden upon 
 their mistress. By no means ; they will be yet brought 
 to confess that they were acquainted with the letters that 
 passed between Babington and her. I would to God those 
 minutes were found. I pray you send me word what course 
 you have taken for young Pasquier's despatch. It toucheth 
 my poor credit (how hardly soever I am dealt withal) to see 
 our friend beyond the seas- comforted. 
 
 Addressed — To my servant Thomas Phelippes at Court. 
 
 Walsingham to Phelippes? 
 
 This morning I received the inclosed from Fra. Mills, 
 and this afternoon he made report unto me of his pro- 
 ceeding with Curie, accordingly as is set down in the 
 inclosed, by the which you may perceive that Curie 
 doth both testify the receipt of Babington's letter, as 
 also the Queen his mistress' answer to the same, wherein 
 he chargeth Nau to have been a principal instrument. 
 
 I took upon me to put him in comfort of favour in 
 case he would deal plainly, being moved thereto for that 
 the minute of her answer is not extant, and that I saw 
 Nau resolved to confess no more than we were able of 
 ourselves to charge him withal. 
 
 ^ It is noteworthy that while in the earlier interrogations Nau swore that 
 he wrote Mary's letter to Babington from a minute in her own hand, in the 
 examination of September 21, of which we have only an imperfect account 
 drawn up by Phelippes, Nau is made to say that Mary dictated the letter to 
 him by word of mouth, and Curie, for the first time, states that he burnt the 
 English copy by Mary's order, 
 
 2 Gifford at Paris. 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 83 ; in Mills' hand. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 285 
 
 If it might please her Majesty upon Curie's plain 
 dealing, and in respect of the comfort I have put him 
 in to receive grace for the same, to extend some extra- 
 ordinary favour towards him, considering that he is a 
 stranger, and that which he did was by his mistress' 
 commandment, I conceive great hope there might be 
 things drawn from him worthy of her Majesty's know- 
 ledge, for which purpose I can be content to retain 
 him still with me, if her Majesty shall allow of it I 
 pray you therefore procure some access unto her Majesty 
 that you may know her pleasure therein with as conve- 
 nient speed as you may. And so God keep you. 
 
 From Barnelms the 4th of September, 1586. 
 
 Your master and friend, 
 
 Fra. Walsingham. 
 
 Addressed — To my servant Thomas Phelippes at Court. 
 
 Two letters follow of direction " from above," as Poulet likes 
 to call Elizabeth and Walsingham. These are printed from the 
 drafts. They are remarkable as showing Walsingham's fear lest 
 the treatment Mary was now to receive should "cast her into 
 some sickness, whereby the purpose of the said remove should 
 be hindered." He thinks it " likely" that the course on which 
 Elizabeth had now resolved, of seizing Mary's money, separating 
 her from her servants, and of showing her no "great favour" 
 in other respects, would so aggravate her chronic ill-health as 
 to frustrate, by her death, his plans for her degradation by trial 
 and execution. As Elizabeth insists on these harsh measures, 
 " if afterwards the inconveniences happen thereof that are 
 doubted, her Majesty can blame none but herself for it." 
 Elizabeth is then personally responsible for these proceedings. 
 
 Walsingham to Poulet?- 
 Sir, — The inclosed I received yesterday from Mr.Waad, 
 containing her Majesty's pleasure how she would have you 
 
 1 Vol. xix.,n. 86. 
 
286 Sir Amias Poulety 
 
 to deal with that lady, whereupon I took occasion to write 
 back again that if that course were held with her before 
 the intended remove, it were likely to cast her into some 
 sickness, whereby the purpose of the said remove would be 
 hindered ; but because I hear nothing yet in answer of 
 my said letter, I have in the meanwhile thought good to 
 acquaint you with her Majesty's purpose and meaning 
 towards the said Queen, to whom you may easily perceive 
 she hath no disposition that there should be any great 
 favour showed, and we are now here in consultation to have 
 her brought directly to the Tower, as a thing which is 
 thought most necessary, and afterwards proceeded against 
 according to the statute made in the last Parliament. If 
 this course hold, then the intended repairing and furnishing 
 of the Castle of Fotheringay may stay. In the meanwhile 
 you shall, in my opinion, do well to forbear the touching of 
 the money or removing of her servants, &c. 
 September 4, 1586. 
 
 Endorsed — M[inute of letter] to Sir Amias Poulet. 
 
 Walsingham to Poitlet} 
 Sir, — How her Majesty doth continue her former reso- 
 lution to have that lady's money seized and her servants 
 divided from her, you may perceive by the inclosed extract 
 of a letter that I received this morning from Mr. Waad, 
 and therefore her pleasure being such, I do not see why 
 you should now any longer forbear the putting of the same 
 in execution. If afterwards the inconveniences happen 
 thereof that are doubted, her Majesty can blame none but 
 herself for it. I am now absent from the Court by reason 
 of an inflammation that I have in my right leg, grown of 
 the pain of a boil that is risen in it, and therefore I cannot 
 debate the matter with her Majesty as I would. This 
 afternoon my Lord Chancellor, my Lord Treasurer, and 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 87. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 287 
 
 Mr. Vice- Chamberlain meet together at London, where- 
 upon I think you shall be presently advertised of the 
 resolution that will be taken, either for the removing of 
 that lady to Fotheringay, or bringing of her directly hither 
 to the Tower. 
 
 September 5th, 1586. 
 
 Endorsed — M. to Sir Am. Poulet. 
 
 We have already seen that in Nau's confession^ of September 3, 
 he took for granted that Mary's autograph minute of the answer 
 to Babington, and his own French minute drawn up from hers, 
 were found at Chartley. The following letter from Waad affords 
 evidence that at all events they had not reached the hands of 
 Queen Elizabeth. "What does he mean by "I suspect one 
 packet you deciphered ? " 
 
 In Nau's later confession ^ of September 10, the following 
 passage occurs — " La lettre de Morgan et sa minutte pour Bab. 
 doibvent estre parmy les papiers dudict Curie.'' This minute 
 of Morgan's, Prince Labanoff says was found, and is now among 
 the Cecil Papers at Hatfield House. 
 
 Waad to Phelippes? 
 Sir, — Her Majesty's pleasure is you should presently 
 repair hither, for that upon Nau's confession it should 
 appear we have not performed the search sufficiently, for 
 he doth assure we shall find amongst the minutes which 
 were in Pasquier's chests, the copies of the letters wanting 
 both in French and English. I suspect one packet you 
 deciphered. You must bring with you likewise the minutes 
 of letters you had here. So I commit you to God. 
 From Windsor, the 7th of September, 1586. 
 Your most assured loving friend, 
 
 W. Waad. 
 I pray you send us some messengers hither. 
 
 Addressed— To the worshipful, my very loving friend^ 
 Mr. Thomas Phillips. 
 
 1 Harl MSS., n. 4649. 2 Vol. xix., n. 98. 3 Vol. xix., n. 94. 
 
288 Sir Amias Pozclet, 
 
 The long letter that describes the seizure of the money of the 
 Queen of Scots is printed by Robertson/ and Sir Egerton Bridges 
 remarks upon it as damaging to Poulet's character. It is hard, 
 however, to see why the blame should fall upon him. Some men 
 perhaps would not have accounted honourable the details of the 
 work entailed by the office he held. But he read Mary's letters, 
 and now took possession of her money because he was ordered to 
 do so. This letter corrects another of Mr. Froude's inaccuracies. 
 " Paulet, with Secretary Wade," he says,^ " who had accompanied 
 Gorges down, galloped back to Chartley, where drawers, boxes, 
 and cabinets were broken open and searched." Poulet did not 
 gallop back to Chartley. " As you know, I was no commissioner 
 in this search, but had my hands full at Tixall." 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham? 
 
 Sir, — I did forbear according to your direction, signified 
 by your letters of the 4th of this present, to proceed to 
 the execution of the contents of Mr. Waad's letters unto 
 you for the dispersing of this lady's unnecessary servants, 
 and for the seizing of her money, wherein I was bold to 
 write unto you my simple opinion (although in vain, as it 
 now falleth out) by my letters of the 7th of this instant,* 
 which I doubt not are with you before this time. 
 
 But upon the receipt of your letters of the 5 th (which 
 came not to my hand until the 8th in the evening, by 
 reason as did appear by an endorsement that they had 
 been mistaken and were sent back to Windsor, after that 
 they were already entered into the way towards me), I 
 considered that being accompanied only with my own 
 servants, it might be thought that they would be entreated 
 to say as I would command them, and therefore I thought 
 good for my better discharge in these money matters to 
 crave the assistance of Mr. Richard Bagot, who repairing 
 
 ^ History of Scotland, App., p. 426; also Ellis, vol. iii., p. 6. 
 
 " History, vol. xii., p. 160. 
 
 3 Cotton. MSS., Caligula, C. ix., f. 378. 
 
 * This letter is not among the State Papers. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 289 
 
 unto me the next morning, we had access to this Queen, 
 whom we found in her bed troubled after the old manner 
 with a defluxion which was fallen down into the side of 
 her neck, and had bereft her of the use of one of her 
 hands, unto whom I declared that upon occasion of her 
 former practices, doubting lest she would persist therein by- 
 corrupting underhand some bad members of this State, 
 I was expressly commanded to take her money into my 
 hands, and to rest answerable for it when it shall be 
 required, advising her to deliver the said money unto me 
 with quietness. 
 
 After many denials, many exclamations and many 
 bitter words against you (I say nothing of her railing 
 against myself), with flat affirmation that her Majesty 
 might have her body, but her heart she should never have, 
 refusing to deliver the key of her cabinet, I called my 
 servants, and sent for bars to break open the door, where- 
 upon she yielded, and causing the door to be opened, 
 I found there in the coffers mentioned in Mr. Waad's 
 remembrance five rolls of canvas containing five thousand 
 French crowns, and two leather bags, whereof the one had 
 in gold one hundred and four pounds, two shillings, and 
 the other had three pounds in silver, which bag of silver 
 was left with her, affirming that she had no more money 
 in this house, and that she was indebted to her servants 
 for their wages. 
 
 Mr. Waad's note maketh mention of three rolls left in 
 Curie's chamber, wherein no doubt he was misreckoned, 
 which is evident as well by the testimonies and oaths of 
 divers persons, as also by probable conjectures, so as in 
 truth he found only two rolls, every of which containeth 
 one thousand crowns, which was this Queen's gift to 
 Curie's wife at her marriage. \In marg. Curie can tell 
 you the truth of this matter.] 
 
 There is found in Nau's chamber in a cabinet a chain 
 of gold worth by estimation one hundred pounds, and in 
 
290 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 money in one bag nine hundred pounds, in a second 
 bag two hundred [and] fifty-nine pounds, and in a silk 
 purse two hundred, four score, and six pounds, eighteen 
 shiUings. 
 
 All the foresaid parcels of money are bestowed in bags 
 and sealed by Mr. Richard Bagot, saving five hundred 
 pounds of Nau's money which I reserve in my hands for 
 the use of this household, and may be repaid at London 
 where her Majesty shall appoint out of the money received 
 lately by one of my servants out of the Exchequer. 
 
 I feared lest this people might have dispersed this 
 money in all this time, or have hidden the same in some 
 secret corners, for doubt whereof I had caused all this 
 Queen's family, from the highest to the lowest, to be 
 guarded in the several places where I found them, so 
 as if I had not found the money with quietness, I had 
 been forced to have searched first all their lodgings, and 
 then their own persons. I thank God with all my heart 
 as for a singular blessing that it falleth out so well, 
 fearing lest a contrary success might have moved some 
 hard conceits in her Majesty. 
 
 Touching the dispersing of this Queen's servants, I 
 trust I have done so much as may suffice to satisfy her 
 Majesty for the time, wherein I could not take any 
 absolute course until I heard again from you, partly 
 because her Majesty by Mr. Waad's letter doth refer to 
 your consideration to return such as shall be discharged 
 to their several dwellings and countries, wherein it is 
 seemeth you have forgotten to deliver your opinion ; 
 partly for that I have as yet received no answer from 
 you of your resolution upon the view of the Scottish 
 family sent unto you, what persons you do appoint to 
 be dismissed. 
 
 Only this I have done. I have bestowed all such as 
 are mentioned in this bill inclosed in three or four several 
 rooms as the same may suffice to contain them, and have 
 
Keeper of Mary Quee7i of Scots, 291 
 
 ordered that they shall not come out of their chambers, 
 and that their meat and drink shall be brought unto them 
 by my servants. 
 
 It may please you to advertise me by your next letters, 
 in what sort, and for what course, I shall make their pass- 
 ports, and also if they shall say that they are unpaid of 
 their wages, what I shall do therein. It is said that they 
 have been accustomed to be paid of their wages at Christ- 
 mas for the whole year. {^In marg. This lady hath good 
 store of money at this present in the French Ambassador's 
 hands.] Her Majesty's charges will be somewhat diminished 
 by the departure of this people, and my charge by this 
 occasion will be the more easy. But the persons all, saving 
 Bastian, are such seely and simple souls, as there was no 
 great cause to fear their practices, and upon this ground 
 I was of opinion in my former letters that all this dismissed 
 train should have followed their mistress until the next 
 remove, and there to have been discharged upon the 
 sudden, for doubt that the said remove might be delayed, 
 if she did fear or expect any hard measure. 
 
 Others shall excuse their foolish pity as they may ; 
 but for my part, I renounce my part of the joys of heaven, 
 if in anything that I have said, written, or done, I have 
 had any other respect than the furtherance of her Majesty's 
 service, and so I shall most earnestly pray you to affirm 
 for me ; as likewise for the not seizing of the money by 
 Mr. Manners, the other commissioners, and myself, I trust 
 Mr. Waad hath answered in all humble duty for the whole 
 company that no one of us did so much as think that our 
 commission reaching only to the papers, we might be bold 
 to touch the money, so as there was no speech of it at 
 all to my knowledge, and as you know, I was no commis- 
 sioner in this search, but had my hands full at Tixall. 
 Discreet servants are not hasty to deal in great matters 
 without warrant, and especially where the cause is such as 
 the delay of it carrieth no danger. 
 T 2 
 
292 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 Your advertisement of that happy remove hath been 
 greatly comfortable unto me, I will not say in respect of 
 myself, because my private interest hath no measure of 
 comparison with her Majesty's safety and with the quiet 
 of this realm. God grant a happy and speedy issue to 
 these good and godly counsels. 
 
 And so I commit you to His merciful protection. 
 
 From Chartley, the loth of September, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 My servant repairing to my Lord Treasurer's according 
 to your commandment, found his lordship ready to enter 
 into his coach towards the Court, as so as he said he 
 could not write, but commanded him to signify unto me 
 that I should prepare to remove with all speed, and that I 
 should put all things in good safety. His lordship asked 
 him if you had written, and it seemed that he thought 
 you had written unto me touching this remove, wherein 
 as yet I have heard nothing. 
 
 Efidorsed by Phelippes — Septemb. 10. Sir Amyas Poulet. 
 
 Poulet to Walsinghamy 
 Sir, — I find by your letter of the 12th, received this 
 last night at midnight, that you were not acquainted with 
 my Lord Treasurer's first and second letter unto me of 
 the 8th, the contents whereof may appear unto you by my 
 answer to the same, sent to his lordship. I find this lady 
 very willing to remove upon hope to hear often from the 
 French Ambassador, by reason that her lodging is within 
 thirty miles of London, and now twenty carts are appointed 
 to be laden here this next morrow, and I think we shall 
 remove from hence about the middle of this next week, if 
 we be not stayed by contrary news, whereof I thought 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 102. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 293 
 
 good to advertise you. Sithence my last letters unto 
 you I found in a casket in Nau's chamber 5/. \Qs. in gold 
 and 2js. 2>d. in white money, and among the same the 
 silver piece inclosed, by the which you may easily judge of 
 his malicious, cankered, and traiterous heart towards her 
 Majesty. All this Queen's seals were in this casket, which 
 are in great number, and to serve for privy packets and all 
 other purposes. 
 
 And thus I leave you to the mercy and favour of the 
 Almighty. 
 
 From Chartley, the 15th of September, 1586. 
 
 Nau had bestowed these pieces of silver among a 
 number of Agnus Dei. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Poidet to Walsingham} 
 
 Sir, — I have not failed according to the direction given 
 unto me to advertise my Lord Treasurer from day to day 
 of my proceedings in this late journey, which being now 
 .finished, thanks be to God, Mr. Thomas Gorge repaireth 
 to the Court to make report to her Majesty of all the 
 circumstances belonging. I shall be glad to hear that you 
 are recovered of your late grief. And thus wishing unto 
 you all happiness, I commit you to the merciful protection 
 of our good God. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 25th of September, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Endorsed— 2^\h September, 1586. From Sir Amyas 
 Paulett. Of his arrival with the Scottish Queen to 
 Fotheringay. 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 113. 
 
294 'Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 The Commissioners, of whom Walsingham was one, were 
 those who were sent to Fotheringay as Mary's judges. The 
 accounts of the trial must be sought elsewhere, as it does not 
 enter into the series of letters that are here reproduced. 
 
 Potilet to Walsingharn?- 
 
 Sir, — I have received your letters of the 28th of this 
 present, and am very glad to find by the same that you 
 are so well recovered of your late grief, and that you are 
 appointed a commissioner to come hither, trusting now to 
 be so happy to see you once again before I die, which I 
 should never have done if I had continued one year more 
 in that unhealthy house at Chartley, finding myself already 
 well amended in my health sithence my entrance into this 
 journey. I have no other matter for you at this time. 
 
 And so do commit you to the mercy of the Almighty. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 29th of September, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham} 
 Sir, — I was very willing to have provided a chamber for 
 you and had taken order for it, but Sir Walter Mildmay 
 hearing thereof hath given me to understand that the 
 chamber appointed for him near adjoining to the council 
 chamber shall serve for you and him, and that he knoweth 
 you would have it so. He hath also made provision for 
 your diet in that chamber. I have taken order for room 
 for ten or twelve of your horses in the stable appointed 
 for my use. I take it for an especial favour and cannot 
 thank you enough for your friendly proffer, touching the 
 traffic desired by the merchants of the west parts to be 
 established in Jersey and Guernsey, wherein I can say 
 little without conference with the merchants, only I shall 
 most heartily pray you that if this traffic be granted it 
 
 ^ Vol. xix., n. 115. Holograph. ^ Vol. xx., n. 3. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 295 
 
 may be left indifferent to both the isles, and then my 
 neighbour Sir Thomas Leighby [Leighton] and I shall 
 agree very well I doubt not. 
 
 You will not be here so soon as I wish for you, and 
 indeed I think every day three until you come. And thus 
 with my second thanks for your 'friendly remembrance 
 touching this Jersey cause, I commit you to the mercy of 
 the Almighty. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 5th of October, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Queen Elisabeth to Sir Amias Foulet} 
 Right trusty, &c., — Forasmuch as heretofore the Queen 
 your charge hath taken exception to such Ministers of 
 ours as have been sent to treat with her, for that they 
 came not accompanied with letters of credit from us 
 directed to herself, we have therefore thought meet to 
 the end she may take no exception unto the Commissioners 
 we now send, being persons of that quality and honour 
 they are, for lack of letters of credit directed from our- 
 self to her, to send you the inclosed herewithal, which 
 our pleasure is that you shall deliver unto her, at such 
 time as by you and the rest of the said Commissioners 
 shall be thought meet. And so, &c. 
 October 6th, 1586. 
 
 Endorsed — Minute of a letter to Sir Amys Paulet. 
 
 The Commissioners arrived at Fotheringay Castle on the 
 nth of October, and on the 15th the Court was adjourned to 
 the Star Chamber at Westminster. It was by Elizabeth's express 
 order that sentence was not passed at Fotheringay. " She caused 
 me to write a few hasty and scribbled lines at midnight," Davison 
 wrote ^ to Walsingham on the 14th, "for the stay of the sentence 
 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 5. ' Domestic, Elizabeth y vol. cxciv., n. 43. 
 
296 ' ' Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 against the said Queen until your return to her Majesty's presence 
 to make report what you have done, notwithstanding by your 
 general verdict there she be found guilty of the crimes whereof 
 she standeth charged." But the next day he wrote ^ that 
 Elizabeth feared lest this "stay of pronouncing the sentence 
 . . . may have wrought some hindrance to the rest of that 
 course you are to take, as proceeding to the verdict upon the 
 indictment and proofs against her, a [thing which] in truth would 
 as little please her as there is little cause to doubt." 
 
 "We had proceeded presently to sentence," Walsingham 
 wrote 2 to Leicester, "but that we had a secret countermand, and 
 were forced under some other colour to adjourn our meeting 
 until the 25 th of this month at Westminster. I see this wicked 
 creature ordained of God to punish us for our sins and unthank- 
 fulness, for her Majesty hath no power to proceed against her 
 as her own safety requireth." The "colour" for the adjournment 
 is given by Burghley in a letter^ to Davison on the same day. 
 It was his business to hide the fact that Elizabeth had given 
 this " secret countermand," and he pledges the Queen to permit 
 sentence to be passed at the next meeting. "We had great 
 reason to prorogue our Session, which is done till the 25 th, and 
 so we of the Council will be at the Court the 22nd. And we 
 find all persons here in commission fully satisfied as by her 
 Majesty's order judgment will be given at our next meeting ; but 
 the record will not be perfected in five or six days, and that was 
 one cause why if we should have proceeded to judgment we 
 should have tarried five or six days more, and surely the country 
 could not bear it, by the waste of bread especially. Our company 
 there and within six miles [is] above two hundred horsemen. 
 But by reason of her Majesty's letter, we of her Council, that 
 is the Lord Chancellor, Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Secretary, 
 and myself only did procure this prorogation for the other two 
 causes." 
 
 It happened as EHzabeth feared, and the adjournment took 
 place without any verdict having been given. Burghley received 
 
 ^ Domestic y Elizabeth, vol. cxciv., n. 44. 
 ' Cotton. MSS., Caligula, C. ix., f. 502. 
 3 Ibid. f. 533 ; Ellis, vol. iii. p. 12. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 297 
 
 Davison's letter on Sunday the i6th, at his house at Burghley, 
 which caused him to write ^ to Walsingham, "I have showed 
 how unpossible it is to convene us together afore the 25 th, both 
 because it should be an error in law, the commission being 
 adjourned, and almost in fact unpossible to come sooner than 
 our day appointed. I have given hope that the matter will take 
 a good end, and honourable for such a cause, which would 
 not upon two only days, or rather but upon one day and a half 
 hearing be also judged; for so we might verify the Scottish 
 Queen's allegation, that we came thither with a prejudgment, 
 and that as she said it was so reputed commonly." 
 
 Burghley to Walsingha?n? 
 
 Sir, — Being come to this town of Royston this 
 Wednesday, at night, I first received a letter from Sir 
 Amias Poulet by a servant of his own that came hither, 
 and by that he wrote to me that he had advertised you^ 
 of some speeches of late betwixt the Scottish Queen and 
 him, but his special cause of sending to me was to have 
 some money, which at my coming to London on Friday I 
 will accomplish. 
 
 And after that I had supped, there came a letter 
 directed to you from him also, which I thought might be 
 the letter whereof he made mention to me, although if it so 
 be, it appeareth that the post maketh less haste than the 
 ordinary pursuivant. 
 
 If there be any matter that hath passed from that 
 Queen worth knowledge, I pray you advertise me. 
 
 The letter that yesterday came to me from you, sent 
 by Mr. Davison, was written on Saturday, so as hitherto 
 I cannot understand how her Majesty accepteth of our 
 same Saturday's work in adjourning our commission. I 
 mind to be at Theobalds to-morrow at night, and at 
 Westminster on Friday at night. 
 
 ^ Domestic f Elizabeth^ vol. cxciv., n. 45. 
 
 * Domestic, Elizabeth, vol. cxciv., n. 49. Holograph. 
 
 3 This letter to Walsingham is not among the State Papers. 
 
298 
 
 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 My Lord of Shrewsbury, as I think, lodgeth this night 
 at Huntingdon, and my Lord of Rutland at Stilton. 
 From Royston, 19th October, 1586. 
 
 Yours assuredly, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY. 
 
 Poulet to Walsi7ighaj7i} 
 Sir, — I send unto you inclosed herein the copy of my 
 articles postilled by you, together with the names of the 
 Scottish retinue at Chartley.^ And whereas by direction 
 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 16. Holograph. 
 
 ^ The names of the Scottish Queen's family remaining at Chartley the 
 29th of August, 1586 [four days after Mary's return from Tixall], and in what 
 rooms they serve : 
 
 Men Servants. 
 French Mr. Burgoigne 
 Gervais 
 
 Nic. de la Marre 
 Bastian Pagez 
 Hanniball 
 Symon 
 + Baltazar, old and 
 tent 
 English Robert Mooreton . 
 French + Charles Plouvart 
 
 ,, + Dedier, an old man 
 Scottish John Lawder 
 French Martyn 
 
 ,, Nicholas 
 
 Scottish Hamilton 
 English Percye 
 French Silvester 
 
 impo- 
 
 Physician : Ralf, his servant, English. 
 
 Chirurgeon. 
 
 Apothecary. 
 
 Grooms of her chamber. 
 
 Page of her chamber. 
 
 Tailors of her wardrobe. 
 
 Embroiderer. 
 
 Panterers. 
 
 ... Master cook. 
 ... Pasteler. 
 ... Under cook. 
 
 \ Boys and tumbroches of the kitchen. 
 English + Little Hamerlyn ... ^ 
 
 „ + Thomas Welshe, one of this number, hath been discharged withia 
 
 these two days for his misdemeanour. 
 ,, Roger Sharpe 
 
 ,, Lawrence Barloe ... 
 
 ,, John Jackson 
 
 ,, Robert 
 
 ,, + Henry 
 Scottish + Lawrence 
 English + George ... 
 
 Women Servants. 
 Scottish + Curie's wife 
 French + Beauregard 
 Scottish t5 Jane Kenethye 
 ,, w Elizabeth Curie 
 Gillis Mowbray 
 
 Coachman. 
 
 Grooms of her stable. 
 
 Nau's servant. 
 Curie's servant. 
 Melvin's servant. 
 
 Gentlewomen of her chamber. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtceen of Scots, 
 
 299 
 
 from my Lord Treasurer and you, I sent two of my 
 servants to Chartley to bring hither Mr. Melvin, Bastian's 
 daughter, and Mr. Melvin's servant, the charges in the 
 journey for the whole company in coming and going 
 amounting to the sum of 105^-, or thereabouts, it seeming 
 reasonable that the Scottish Queen should bear the 
 charge thereof, because it was done for her service 
 and contentment, wherein I pray your direction. I pray 
 you let me hear from you if it will be expected that I 
 should see my charge often, which as I do not desire to 
 do, so I do not see that any good can come of it so long 
 
 English 
 Scottish 
 
 } 
 
 Maidens to serve the Queen' 
 women. 
 
 Laundresses. 
 
 Catharine Braye ... )^ Maidens to serve the Queen's gentle- 
 
 A Scottish maid 
 ,, Bastian's wife 
 
 ,, Her two daughters 
 
 ,, Her sbn 
 
 English Elizabeth Butler 
 ,, Alice Sharpe 
 
 ,, + Alice Foster 
 38. 
 Of which number these following seem to be unnecessary if this lady shall 
 be restrained of her liberty. 
 
 Men Servants. 
 Baltazar 
 
 Charles Plouvart 
 Didier 
 Hamilton 
 
 Roger Sharpe, Coachman ... ^ 
 Lawrence Barloe 
 John Jackson 
 
 Robert 
 
 Henry 
 
 Lawrence 
 
 George 
 
 Women Servants. 
 Curie's wife 
 Catharine Bray ... 
 Bastian's wife ... 
 Her two daughters 
 Her son 
 
 The three laundresses may be reduced to two. 
 19. 
 If Bastian's wife be discharged, it is like that Bastian will desire to go 
 with his wife, wherein there were no great loss, because he is cunning in his 
 kind, and full of slight to corrupt young men. 
 
 Endorsed— TYiQ Scottish Queen's family (Vol. xix., n. 65); Labanoff, 
 torn, vii., p. 250. 
 
 Tailor of her wardrobe. 
 Embroiderer. 
 Panterer. 
 Under cook. 
 
 May be spared if their mistress be not 
 allowed to ride abroad. 
 
 Nau's servant. 
 Curie's servant. 
 Melvin's servant. 
 
 Gentlewoman of her chamber. 
 Who serveth the gentlewomen. 
 
300 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 as I stand assured that she is forthcoming. God send you 
 a good journey to the Court, and prosper all your doings 
 to His glory. Wishing the like to Mr. Vice-Chamberlain. 
 
 From Fotheringay, this present Saturday [.? October 22], 
 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Mary knew full well the peril of her life in which she stood, 
 and Poulet's letters disclose to us her brave carriage in this 
 trying time. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham?- 
 
 Sir, — I took occasion yesterday afternoon, accompanied 
 with Mr. Stallenge, to visit this Queen, who hath been 
 troubled these two days last past with a defluxion in one of 
 her shoulders, intending to take physic this next morrow. 
 I see no change in her from her former quietness and 
 security certified in my last letters, careful to have her 
 chambers put in good order, desirous to have divers things 
 provided for her own necessary use, expecting to have 
 her money shortly rendered unto her, taking pleasure in 
 trifling toys, and in the whole course of her speech free 
 from grief of mind in outward appearance. 
 
 I tarried with her one hour and a half at the least, 
 which I did of purpose to feel her disposition, and moving 
 no new matter myself, suffered her to go from matter to 
 matter at her pleasure. She had long speech of the 
 Countess of Shrewsbury, of the Lord of Abergavenny, 
 and of some other things not worthy of advertisement. 
 This only I thought good to signify unto you, that falling 
 in talk of the late assembly here, and having glanced at 
 the Lord Zouch for his speech in her chamber, and also at 
 the Lord Morley for some things delivered by him to the 
 lords sitting next unto him, which she said she overheard 
 and told him of it in the open assembly, she was curious 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 17. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 301 
 
 to be informed of the names of one such sitting in such a 
 place, and of others sitting in other places, saying that one 
 had said little, another somewhat more, and others very- 
 much. I told her that I might easily perceive by her hard 
 conceit of the lords which she had named already she was 
 much inclined to think ill of all those that spake, and 
 therefore I would forbear to name any man unto her, 
 praying her to conceive honourably of the whole assembly, 
 and to think that those which spake, and the rest which 
 were silent, were of one consent and mind to hear her 
 cause with all indifferency. 
 
 She added that the histories made mention that this 
 realm was used to blood. I answered that if she would 
 peruse the chronicles of Scotland, France, Spain, and Italy, 
 she should find that this realm was far behind any other 
 Christian nation in shedding of blood, although the same 
 was often very necessary where dangerous offences did 
 arise. She was not willing to wade farther in this matter, 
 and indeed it was easy to see that she had no meaning in 
 this speech to reach to her own cause, but did utter it by 
 way of discourse after her wonted manner. Thus you see 
 that I am bold to trouble you with trifles, as one willing 
 to be blamed rather for lack of good matter, than for want 
 of diligence. And so I commit you to the mercy and 
 favour of our good God. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 24th of October, 1586. 
 
 This note inclosed being found among Nau's things, 
 and your name being mentioned therein, I thought good 
 to send it unto you. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Autograph postcript — It seemeth by all circumstances 
 that this Queen hath had no intelligence of the prorogation 
 of the late assembly, and that she is utterly void of all 
 fear of harm. 
 
302 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 The following letters show, in addition to those already- 
 given, that several letters from Poulet were received after the 
 trial and before the date of our next letter-book, which are 
 not to be found among the State Papers in the Public Record 
 Office. 
 
 Davison to Burghley?- 
 
 My especial good Lord, — The letters here inclosed came 
 to me yesterday from Mr. Secretary, which having imparted 
 with her Majesty I thought immediately to have sent to 
 your lordship, but that some speech her Majesty let fall of 
 your return hither yesternight made me in expectation 
 thereof retain them by me. 
 
 Sir Amias Poulet his complaint of the weakness both 
 of his number and the place where he is, to resist any 
 desperate attempt [which] might in this doubtful time be 
 made in favour of the Queen his charge, is a thing her 
 Majesty thinketh fit to be provided for ; which in her own 
 opinion may best be done by a levy of some one hundred 
 or two hundred, to be disposed in some apt places near 
 him ready against any sudden [attempt] for his relief, 
 which her Highness willed me to signify unto your 
 lordship to consider of and take order for, if you find 
 not some other way, as by arming some of the best 
 affected gentlemen thereabouts, more expedient. 
 
 To remove her thence, especially to any place nearer, 
 I find no disposition in her. For his other wants of powder 
 and shot, she is so willing to have him supplied as breeds 
 some doubt she will not hastily ease him of his present 
 cares. 
 
 Some lack her Majesty noteth in himself that he doth 
 not advertise her Highness what speeches and discourses 
 do fall from her, since your lordships being with her ; and 
 hath willed Mr. Secretary to let him know that she looketh 
 for more particularities in these things from him. 
 
 ^ Domestic^ Elizabeth, vol. cxciv., n. 66. Holograph. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtceen of Scots. 303 
 
 Of our Ambassadors' letters I found her Majesty to take 
 little taste, containing as she took it nothing worthy the 
 charge they put her to. With them I send your lordship 
 the copy of an instruction from the King of Navarre to 
 de Reaux, touching the interview betwixt the Queen 
 mother and him, which it seems hath some other subject 
 and scope than an intent to meet on the one side or the 
 other, at the least to any good purpose in her behalf. 
 Which is all I have now to trouble your lordship with, 
 whom I most humbly recommend to the grace and provi- 
 dence of the Almighty. 
 
 Richmond, this 29th of October, 1586. 
 
 Your lordship's humbly at commandment, 
 
 W. Davison. 
 
 John Wallis is this morning despatched from Mr. Secre- 
 tary into France, and will in his way attend upon your 
 lordship to see what it may please you to command him. 
 
 Burghley to Davison} 
 
 Sir, — I have read Mr. Paulett's^ letters which you sent 
 me, and finding thereby his opinion of the weakness of one 
 part of the Castle of Fotheringay, and of lack of shot and 
 powder, of both which I perceive her Majesty would have 
 regard had. For the first, I think best in my opinion that 
 he had an increase of forty or fifty soldiers for watch and 
 ward, who being well chosen by himself will serve to better 
 purpose than two hundred without the castle, or arming of 
 any gentlemen thereabout. For shot and powder I will 
 take order with a servant of his that is an agent for him 
 here in London for the provision thereof. 
 
 And considering I mind by God's grace to be there^ 
 to-morrow at night, I do forbear to proceed any further 
 
 ^ Domestic f Elizabeth, vol. cxciv., n. 68. Holograph. 
 
 ^ In the Calendar it is printed *' Mr. Parlett." It is Sir Amias. 
 
 3 '♦ There," that is at Windsor. 
 
304 Sir Amias P 021 let, 
 
 herein until her Majesty may direct the same, and yet I 
 will presently write to Mr. Poulet about both these matters, 
 so as his further mind may also be known, either to-morrow 
 at night, or on Tuesday some time. 
 
 And so until my return I forbear to write any more. 
 To-morrow in the afternoon the Commissioners must meet 
 at the Star Chamber, so as, the cause being of great length, 
 to hear and conclude upon the whole process in form of a 
 record. It will be late before I can come thither, specially 
 seeing I shall bring the gout with me in my foot, which 
 nobody, either here nor there, will accept from me I am 
 sure. But I thank God my hand is free. 
 
 30th October, 1586. 
 
 Your letter is dated yesterday, and yet came not to me 
 until past twelve this 30th. 
 
 Yours assuredly, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham} 
 
 Sir, — Although I have no matter worthy of you, yet 
 having a convenient messenger without troubling of the 
 post, I thought good to advertise you that this Queen hath 
 taken physic this week three times, and by occasion thereof 
 according to her wonted manner hath been sick, so as she 
 hath not come out of her bed these five or six days and 
 there remaineth as yet. 
 
 Your letters of the 26th have comforted me greatly, 
 and I thank you for them as for an especial favour, praying 
 you to do the like as you shall proceed further. And so 
 I commit you to the mercy of the Highest. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 30th of October, 1586. \ 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. Poulet. 
 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 19. Holograph. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 305 
 
 Burghley to VValstngham} 
 
 Sir, — I know it [is] unreasonable to send you any 
 matter to take care thereof, considering how otherwise 
 your mind is burthened, with a care not easily to be 
 removed ; ^ but yet having received in a packet to me 
 addressed from Sir Amias Poulet a letter^ to myself and 
 another to you, not knowing what might be in yours, I 
 venture under your patience to send them both to you, not 
 finding in mine, to the principal point for strengthening of 
 the place, any resolute opinion but argumentation, doubtful 
 to both sides ; and therefore I would for answer to be 
 made to mine, that Mr. Secretary Davison might report his 
 answer, and receive her Majesty's resolution : and if both 
 our letters be sent to him, I think her Majesty's answer 
 shall be best for us both. For I still find by experience 
 that such directions must be taken as princes shall givQ 
 after counsel given. 
 
 Nov. 2, 1586. 
 
 It is curious to see how completely Burghley looked on 
 Mary's death as inflicted for religion. It is for the good of 
 the Church that she is to die, and the sacredness of the cause 
 removes the case from the operation of the rule of the old 
 Canon Law that Bishops were to take no part in trials for life 
 or capital sentences. 
 
 Burghley to Davison.^ 
 
 Sir, — Yesterday in the Parliament chamber grew a 
 question whether it was convenient for the two Arch- 
 bishops^ and four other Bishops to accompany the other 
 lords temporal in their petition to her Majesty for 
 
 1 Domestic^ Elizabeth, vol. cxcv., n. i. Holograph. 
 
 2 Walsingham had just lost his son-in-law, Sir Philip Sydney, who died 
 October i6, 1586, of the wound he received at the battle of Zutphen, on the 
 22nd of September, 
 
 2 These letters are not among the State Papers. 
 * Domestic y Elizabeth , vol. cxcv., n. ii. Holograph. 
 ^ John Whitgift and Edwin Sandys. 
 U 
 
3o6 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 execution of the Scottish Queen. Some scruple I had 
 whether her Majesty would like it, because in former times 
 the Bishops in Parliament were wont to absent themselves. 
 But yet I do not think unlawful for them to be present 
 and persuaders in such causes, as the execution of 
 the sentences tend to the state of the Church as this 
 doth. 
 
 I pray you do use some speech thereof to her Majesty, 
 that it may be felt whether she will like or mislike, for so 
 will my Lord of Canterbury direct the course. Return me 
 word with that speed you can. I have spoken with 
 Sir Drue Drury, whom Mr. Secretary will despatch this 
 afternoon. With too much haste, 
 
 Yours assuredly, 
 
 W. BURGHLEY. 
 This Friday, [.? Nov. 4]. 
 
 If Mary had read the letter that follows, she would not 
 have been able to retain the opinion she had formed, that she 
 might expect fairness from Lord Burghley. He flippantly com- 
 pares the sentence to a young child that is now old enough to 
 speak. Dr. Lingard quotes^ Burghley's letter to Hatton that 
 Nau and Curie "would yield somewhat to confirm their mistress' 
 crimes if they were persuaded that themselves might escape 
 and the blow fall upon their mistress betwixt her head and her 
 shoulders;" and he adds, "Was then the decapitation of Mary 
 a subject of merriment to the Lord Treasurer ? The wary 
 courtier knew to whom he was writing, and to whom his letter 
 would be shown." 
 
 Btirghley to Davison? 
 
 Mr. Secretary, — I have considered how Ash Wednesday 
 
 falleth this year coming, which shall be a full month after 
 
 Candlemas, so as it will be unto Ash Wednesday three full 
 
 months, that is a quarter of a year. Ash Wednesday shall 
 
 1 History of England, 1844, vol. viii., p. 2 1 9. 
 ^ Domestic f Elizabethy vol. cxcv., n. 22. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 307 
 
 be the ist of March, and Easter Day the 16th of April, 
 about which time it will be meet that all persons be in the 
 countries maritime, to provide for defence. 
 
 I pray you remember her Majesty to send in writing 
 the manner of the speeches that my Lord Chancellor shall 
 use to-morrow at the prorogation of the Parliament. I 
 knew her Majesty meaneth to thank them for their pains, 
 and specially for their care and continuance therein for her 
 safety. But if they have not some comfort also to see the 
 fruits of their cares by some demonstration to proceed 
 from her Majesty, the thanks will be of small weight to 
 carry into the countries ; and then the realm may call this 
 a vain Parliament or otherwise nickname it a Parliament 
 of words. For there is no law made for the realm, and 
 if also there be no publication presently of so solemn a 
 sentence, the sentence against the Scottish Queen will 
 be termed a dumb sentence, whereof the nobility that 
 have given it, and all the Parliament that have affirmed 
 it, may repent themselves of their time spent. 
 
 The sentence is already more than a full month and 
 four days old. It was full time it should also speak. 
 
 If her Majesty will sign it this day, both the Ambas- 
 sador of Scotland may be prevented this day in that point, 
 as done to satisfy the importunity of the noblemen in 
 commission, and of all the [EJstates in Parliament ; and 
 to-morrow also my Lord Chancellor^ may declare the 
 same to the liking of the Parliament. 
 
 And for hope of the last part for execution, if her 
 Majesty shall be content that it be said that therein she 
 will prefer no other men's advices or any stranger's for 
 her surety afore her own people, she shall leave hope of 
 execution. And to that hope I beseech God give full 
 perfection. 
 
 Thus you see I cannot but utter my opinion, long afore 
 day light, for I have been up since five. 
 
 ^ Sir Thomas Bromley, who died April 12, 1587. 
 U 2 
 
3o8 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 Poulet to Bnrghley}- 
 
 My very good Lord, — I can hardly express unto your 
 lordship the great joy which I have conceived of your 
 choice of Sir Drue Drury for my assistant in this charge, 
 wherein, although I know that your lordship's chief and 
 principal regard hath been to further her Majesty's service, 
 yet because your lordship cannot be ignorant of the old 
 acquaintance and good friendship between this gentleman 
 and me, I take it for an especial favour that among so 
 many others meet for this place, it hath pleased your lord- 
 ship to make choice of one such as was so likely to be 
 welcome unto me, as indeed he shall be most heartily 
 welcome. I am well recovered of my gout, I thank God, 
 having felt no pain these three or four days, and now I 
 doubt not but that these good news will set me on foot 
 without delay. 
 
 And thus, with most humble thanks for your manifold 
 favours, I commit your good lordship to the merciful 
 protection of the Almighty. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 13th of November, 1586. 
 
 Your lordship's to command, 
 
 A. Poulet. 
 
 Addressed — To the right honourable my very good 
 lord, the Lord of Burghley, Lord Treasurer of England. 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham? 
 Sir, — Your several letters of the 13th of this present 
 I received this day at nine in the morning, and now 
 according to your direction Mr. Stallenge cometh unto 
 you, who hath behaved himself here in good and honest 
 sort, willing and ready to do his best endeavour to the 
 furtherance of her Majesty's service, and yet to say truly 
 unto you, having received no warrant for it, I have not 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 27. 2 Vol, XX., n. 28. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 309 
 
 employed him in anything concerning this lady, neither 
 hath he had access to her or any of her people but in my 
 presence, not for any doubt I had of the gentleman, 
 because he was sent unto me from her Majesty, but for 
 that I had no commission to employ him in such like 
 causes, whereof I thought good to advertise you for his 
 discharge, doubting lest some greater report might be 
 expected at his hands than he is able to make. Sir Drue 
 Drury arrived here the 13th of this present, in the evening, 
 by whose assistance I find myself so much strengthened, 
 as I trust I may be bold to assure you that all things shall 
 fall out here to the full discharge of his duty and mine. I 
 have sent your letters to Sir Richard Dyer, trusting that 
 your speedy resolution will abridge this trouble and charge, 
 and indeed the gaining or losing of one day may be the 
 gaining or losing of a kingdom. Sithence the writing of my 
 last, I received these inclosed from Curie's wife, and will 
 not fail to convey the letter received from you for her, as 
 soon as I may. 
 
 And thus, with due commendations from Sir Drue 
 Drury and myself, I commit you to the mercy of the 
 Highest. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 15th of November, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth to Poulet} 
 
 Right trusty, &c., — We have thought it very con- 
 venient for sundry respects to send our right trusty and 
 well-beloved councillor the Lord of Buckhurst, and our 
 servant Beale, to acquaint the Queen, your charge, as 
 well with the proceedings of the Commissioners since their 
 departure from our Castle of Fotheringay, as also what 
 iiath been lately done in Parliament. Upon communicating 
 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 30. 
 
3IO Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 unto them the said Commissioners' proceedings both at our 
 said castle and since their return, as by their particular 
 instructions you shall more at large understand, which we 
 have willed them to impart unto you ; and therefore our 
 pleasure is that you permit them to have access unto the 
 said Queen, hoping in God that before their repair thither 
 you will be restored to that good state of health, as you 
 may be able to assist and join with them in the present 
 service committed to their charge. And in case the said 
 Queen shall desire to have any conference apart, upon 
 pretence to reveal some secret matter to be communicated 
 unto us, either with the Lord of Buckhurst, or with any one 
 of our said servants above named, we are content to assent 
 thereunto, if she shall earnestly request the same ; for that 
 otherwise we could best like that you to whom the only 
 charge of her is committed, should be present when any 
 such speeches should be delivered. 
 
 Endorsed — The minute of a letter of her Majesty to 
 Sir Amys Poulet. November, 1586. 
 
 Poiilet to Walsiitghamy 
 Sir, — Your letters of the 19th came not to my hands 
 until this present day at three after noon, wherein you. 
 may see the lewd negligence of the posts, who might have 
 brought this letter inclosed to have been delivered to my 
 Lord of Buckhurst before his departure from hence this 
 present morning. My letters to her Majesty inclosed herein 
 will be, I doubt not, imparted unto you, and although it 
 pleaseth you to impute her Highness' intended liberality 
 towards my servants and soldiers to the report of Mr. Stal-^ 
 lenge, yet I am greatly persuaded that the same hath 
 proceeded in the greater part, if not wholly, of your favour 
 towards me and mine, wherein you have bound me very 
 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 31'; Labanoff, torn, vii., p. 220. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 3 1 r 
 
 much, and indeed I thank you for it as for a singular 
 benefit. 
 
 And thus I leave to trouble you, beseeching God to 
 bless all your actions to His glory. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 21st of November, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 I do not remember, and I think I may be bold to deny 
 that I have at any time left this lady in her passionate 
 speeches, but I confess that I have left her often in her 
 superfluous and idle speeches. I have said to Mr. Stallenge, 
 and it is very true, that in former time I have observed 
 this course [to] have as little talk with her as I might, 
 [but] now lately that, following your direction, I have 
 given her full scope and time to say what she would, and 
 yet at some times, finding no matter to come from her 
 worthy of advertisement, I have departed from her, as 
 otherwise she would never have left me, and I am 
 deceived if my Lord of Buckhurst will not give the 
 same testimony of her tediousness. 
 
 Potdet to Walsinghaiti} 
 
 Sir, — I perceive I was not much deceived in my con- 
 ceit, upon the receipt of your late letter, mentioning the 
 discharge of the trained soldiers appointed to be sent 
 hither out of Huntingdonshire, and the same to be supplied 
 by the like number to be taken out of this shire of 
 Northampton, which I took for an argument of the short 
 continuance of this service, and that I should not be 
 troubled with these soldiers at all. I am much confirmed 
 in this opinion and hope, by the late repair hither of the 
 Lord of Buckhurst, and now I trust the next messenger 
 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 32. 
 
312 Sir Amias Poulety 
 
 will bring your last resolution, which God grant, to whose 
 mercifal protection I commit you. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 2ist of November, 1586, 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Autograph postscript — I have requested this bearer, 
 Mr. Beale, to pray your sign to a letter, wherein you 
 shall do me friendly pleasure. 
 
 The " opinion and hope " expressed in the letter just given, 
 pervades the last letter-book, to which we have now come. 
 Poulet's eagerness for Mary's death grows upon him as he 
 becomes personally more weary of the odious service in which 
 he was engaged, and as delay brought with it a probability that 
 her life would be spared. He looked forward with dread to the 
 possibility of her becoming his Queen, and the expressions of 
 his desire for her death are as strong as they well could be. 
 
 The value of this last letter-book consists in this, that with 
 the exception of two letters that are in the Record Office, and 
 one in the British Museum, its contents are unknown. As we 
 approach the end of the tragedy, the letters increase in interest, 
 and the letter-book fortunately supplies us with letters, the 
 originals of which have been, we cannot doubt, purposely taken 
 from the series in the State Papers. 
 
 The fragment with which the letter-book begins is a part of 
 Poulet's letter to Queen Elizabeth, which was inclosed in the 
 letter to Walsingham given above, dated the 21st of November. 
 
 . . . And this example so full of favour and bounty 
 will move others to the like and greater fidelity upon 
 like occasions occurring, as knoweth the Almighty, who 
 always preserve your most excellent Majesty. 
 
 To my Lord of Buckhiirst. 
 My very good Lord, — Your lordship hath bound me 
 long sithence by your liberality towards myself, and now 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 313 
 
 you have bound me again by your liberality extended 
 towards my servants and soldiers, and as the same hath 
 been greater than I would have wished, so my debt is 
 thereby the more increased, which I do acknowledge 
 with all thankfulness, and would make better satisfaction 
 if I were able. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 To Mr. Stallenge, eodem die. 
 Sir, — I have been informed by letters from Sir Francis 
 Walsingham, of the friendly offices touching my servants 
 and soldiers, wherein you have deserved more of them 
 than they shall be able to acquite towards you ; and being 
 not ignorant that I have great interest in any command- 
 ments that shall be made of them or their service, I 
 acknowledge myself also to be beholden unto you herein, 
 and will be always ready to acquite it in all that I 
 may. And upon this promise, with my right hearty 
 commendations, &c. 
 
 About this time Mary wrote several letters, which she intrusted 
 to her servants to be delivered by them after her death. ^ In 
 these she gives her own account of the manner in which her 
 cloth of Estate or dais was taken down, and her account differs 
 greatly from Poulet's. On Saturday, the 19th of November, O.S., 
 Lord Buckhurst, and Beale, Clerk of the Council, were sent 
 by Elizabeth to announce to Mary that sentence of death had 
 been pronounced against her. On Monday the 21st, the day 
 when Lord Buckhurst left Fotheringay,^ Poulet and Drury 
 told Mary that she was a dead woman without honour or 
 dignity, and that therefore they must remove her cloth of 
 Estate. Her own attendants refusing to touch it, they ordered 
 in seven or eight of their servants, by whom it was taken 
 down j and then, sitting covered in her presence, Poulet ordered 
 
 ^ Her letter to Mendoza, dated November 23, 1586, O.S., was received 
 by him October 15, 1587, N.S. (Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 461). 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 31 ; supra^ p. 310. 
 
314 ""^^^ Amias Poulet, 
 
 that her bilhard table should be removed, as she had no further 
 need of pastime. She answered that she had not used it since 
 it was put up, and that she had other occupations. A sad 
 office was in store for the cover of that billiard table. Imme- 
 diately after the execution, when the headsman had despoiled 
 Mary's corpse, it was carried into a room adjoining that 
 in which her maids of honour were confined ; and they looking 
 through a crevice saw the body of their mistress half covered by 
 a piece of rough woollen stuff, which had been hastily taken from 
 the biUiard table.^ Mary said that all Poulet's insolence was 
 brought upon her because she would not confess herself guilty 
 and beg pardon of Elizabeth. ^ 
 
 After this, on the 23rd, some work was carried on in her 
 dining-room, while she was writing to Mendoza, and she 
 believed it to be the erection of a scaffold for her execution. 
 On Thursday the 24th, she wrote to the Duke of Guise, 
 that when Poulet and Drury visited her, "Je leur ay mon- 
 stre, au lieu de mes armes audit days, la croix de mon 
 Sauveur." Poulet says very expressly that her servants took 
 down the cloth of Estate, and not his, and he does not 
 mention to Elizabeth his insolence in putting on his hat in 
 Mary's presence.^ Mary wrote* to Elizabeth about a month 
 later, calHng it a useless cruelty, and showing how keenly she 
 felt the indignity. "Je pense que vous aures bien sceu que, 
 en vostre nom, on m'a faict abattre mon days, et apres on m'a 
 diet que ce n'estoit pas par votre commandement, mais par 
 I'advis d'aucuns du Conseil. Je loue Dieu que telle cruaulte, 
 ne servant qu'a exercer malice et m'affliger apres me estre 
 resolue a la mort, n'est venue de vous. Je crains que ainsi ne 
 soit de beaucoup d'autres choses, pourquoy on ne m'a voulu 
 permectre de vous escripre que apres m'avoir eu, a tant qu'en 
 eulx est, en forme degradee de principaulte et noblesses, me 
 disant que je n'estois qu'une simple femme morte, incapable 
 de toute dignitez." 
 
 It would seem that it was from Poulet's own expression that 
 he was "very curious and precise to be warranted in all his 
 
 ^ Brantosme; Jebb, vol. ii., p. 493. ^ Infray p. 327. 
 ^ Labanoff, torn, vi., pp. 459, 464, 469. ■* Ibid.^ p. 478. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 3 1 5 
 
 proceedings," that Elizabeth drew the censure she passed upon 
 him when he would not liberate her from her embarrassment 
 by the assassination of his prisoner. 
 
 To Mr. Secretary Davison^ November 28, 1586. 
 
 Sir, — Finding by your letters of the 25th of this present 
 that her Majesty doth not allow of my proceedings in 
 two several things, I submit myself most humbly to her 
 Highness' censure, with promise of all conformity to her 
 better directions. And yet for my discharge at least in 
 some little part of the blame imputed unto me, I am bold 
 to trouble you with the true and plain circumstances of my 
 doings herein, as one very willing to deserve no blame at 
 all if it were possible, although my manifold infirmities 
 of body and mind will not permit it in so weighty a 
 charge. 
 
 Touching the matter and manner of the taking down of 
 this lady's cloth of Estate. These are to advertise you 
 that whereas I had been given to understand by a late 
 letter from some friend about the Court, of her Majesty's 
 mislike that this lady did enjoy her cloth of Estate, the 
 truth is that I found her seized thereof, in her private 
 dining-chamber, at my first entrance into this service, and 
 had been informed by credible report that she had always 
 enjoyed the same in the sight and view of many Councillors 
 and others [nigh] unto her, and therefore I should never 
 have been so bold to have taken [it] from her without 
 direction from above, as one that ever hath been and shall 
 be hereafter, very curious and precise to be warranted in 
 all my proceedings. But finding her possessed at my first 
 coming unto her, of one other cloth of Estate, set up in 
 the chamber where I was to dine and sup, I thought it 
 impertinent, and not meet to be tolerated by any English 
 subject, and therefore caused it immediately to be taken 
 down, to this lady's great discontentment.^ And whereas 
 
 ^ See vol. XV., n. 74 ; sitpra, p. ii. 
 
3i6 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 it is witnessed that this other cloth of Estate had been 
 taken down in some morning before her coming into the 
 place, or at some other time when she had been absent, I 
 would gladly have done It in this sort, but by reason of the 
 straitness of her bed-chamber and of the chamber adjoining, 
 some of her gentlewomen are forced to take their lodging 
 at night in the dining-chamber, where the said cloth of 
 Estate was placed, so as I could have no access thither in 
 the morning ; and after noon she is very seldom out of her 
 dining-chamber. And as I had no mean to know when 
 she was retired into her bed-chamber ; so if she had been 
 there the same is so near adjoining, as I could not have 
 done it without her privity. And you may believe that she 
 would not have yielded unto it without conference with me. 
 As likewise I have never had access unto her, but after 
 knowledge given by one of her servants of my coming, 
 and then I was always assured to find her [in her] dining- 
 chamber under the cloth of Estate which was set over the 
 chimney, and covered the place she was accustomed to 
 sit at her dinner and supper, where I found her at this last 
 doings, and prayed her to retire herself out of the chamber, 
 which although she refused, yet she forsook her place and 
 sat down on the other side of the cham.ber, and at my 
 solicitation pretending that my servants could not take it 
 down so well as her own servant who had set it up, she 
 sent for the yeoman of her wardrobe and by him it was 
 taken down in my presence, so as it was not done in such 
 severe fashion as hath been supposed. And although my 
 direction herein was delivered unto me by express words 
 as from her Majesty, yet you may perceive by my last 
 letters, that I used all possible moderation, saying only 
 that "it was thought meet," without making mention of her 
 Majesty or any other, so as, indeed, it might seem unto 
 her, that I did it rather by order from Sir Francis 
 Walsingham, or you, or from some other lords of the 
 Council, than from her Highness. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 317 
 
 Thus much for the matter and manner of the taking 
 down of the said cloth of Estate. And now for some 
 answer to the second fault in not entertaining this lady 
 in the desire she had to write unto her Majesty, and 
 that although she had not desired it of me sithence the 
 departure from hence of the lords, yet I should have 
 made offer thereof unto her, I must confess that I never 
 made this offer, wherein if I have offended, the same 
 deserv^eth grace in that I did it not maliciously, but of a 
 settled opinion that without special direction, I ought 
 not in duty to move her unto it until she had desired it, 
 and in truth I was never willed and advised to do it by 
 any Councillor whosoever. And in respect of my duty to 
 her Majesty, I should never have done it without warrant. 
 It seemed to me sufficient that I had signified to her once 
 or twice, that if she had desired to write unto her Majesty 
 it had been permitted, whereby she could not but under- 
 stand that howsoever she had been restrained to write 
 shortly after the taking away of her secretaries, yet now she 
 might have done it, if she had been so disposed. And yet 
 to [speak] truly unto you, I did advertise Mr. Secretary 
 Walsingham of her desire to write, by two several letters, 
 doubting lest the blame of the refusal should have lighted 
 wholly upon myself, although I found it inconvenient in 
 my simple judgment to give her that scope at that time 
 without her Majesty's privity. This is all I can say for 
 mine excuse in some part of those faults whereby I trust 
 it will appear that the same have proceeded of ignorance, 
 most humbly praying her Majesty's pardon. 
 
 , Yesterday Sir Drue Drury and I took occasion to 
 visit this lady after noon, whom we found in her dining- 
 chamber sitting in her accustomed place ; and looking to 
 the chimney she said unto me, that although I had taken 
 down her cloth of Estate, which God and nature had given 
 unto her, yet she trusted that I would not take those 
 things from her which she had set up in the place thereof, 
 
31 8 Sir Amias Poiilet, 
 
 which were eight or ten pictures in paper of the Passion 
 
 of Christ, and of other hke stuff fastened upon the hangings 
 
 over the chimney. I answered that indeed it was not 
 
 thought meet by some of the lords of her Majesty's Council 
 
 that standing now convict in law, she should be used with 
 
 these respects and ceremonies which before were permitted 
 
 unto her. She said she took it to have been so ordered 
 
 by her Majesty. I told her she had no reason to take 
 
 it so, because I made no particular mention either of 
 
 her Majesty or of her Council, but said in general terms 
 
 it was thought meet to have it so done. " Yea," saith she, 
 
 " many things are done by her Council which are not to be 
 
 imputed to her," affirming that for her part she did not 
 
 allow of the Council nor had to do with them. And 
 
 staying at this speech, I declared unto her that the Lord 
 
 of Buckhurst had made report unto her Majesty of her 
 
 requests, and that she should receive answer therein within 
 
 a day or two. "My requests," said she, "are not so many but 
 
 they may be soon answered." " Yet they are three or four 
 
 [in] number," quoth I, " [and] are so many as require some 
 
 consideration in the answer." She said she moved them 
 
 to none other end than by taking order with her servants, 
 
 and settling her other things she might be the better 
 
 prepared towards God. I told her that her purpose was 
 
 good, and no doubt she should receive answer very shortly, 
 
 adding that if she had been disposed to have advertised 
 
 by her letters to her Majesty, as well her requests, as 
 
 also such other matter as she delivered to the Lord of 
 
 Buckhurst in her private conference with him, I was very 
 
 well assured his lordship would not have refused it. She 
 
 answered that because his lordship was sent hither unto 
 
 her from her Majesty, and as she heard did appertain 
 
 to her Highness, (whereby she meant some matter of 
 
 alliance, and after she did expound it) she thought it 
 
 sufficient to commit those things to his lordship's report 
 
 I said there was no doubt but that his lordship would 
 
(t . 
 
 Keeper of Mt^^^ Queen of Scots. 319 
 
 make true report of all things, and that I had put her in 
 remembrance of her writing for none other end than that 
 she should know that she might have written by his lord- 
 ship if she had desired it, and that if she continued in any 
 disposition of writing I would not fail to convey her letters. 
 She said that when all things were not so far past she was 
 willing to have written, but now standing condemned, she 
 was to think of other matters, and to prepare herself for a 
 better life in another world. And hereupon she fell into a 
 large discourse on the mercies of [God] towards her, and 
 of her preparation towards Him, and into many other 
 impertinent speeches not worthy to be recited ; as likewise 
 I omit some other talk which passed between her and me, 
 upon this ground tending only to the benefit of her soul, 
 and the discharge of my conscience. And thus I departed 
 from her, having endeavoured myself according to your 
 direction, to salve the two faults mentioned in your letters 
 in as clear manner as I could, without giving her cause to 
 think that I came to her to that purpose. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 Ad eunde7n eodem die. 
 Sir, — I have received your letters of the 25 th of this 
 present with great joy, because they give unto me not only 
 assurance of her Majesty's safety (whom God in His mercy 
 long preserve from the dangerous snares of this lady under 
 my charge and her adherents), but also a most certain 
 testimony of your good affection and favour towards me, 
 which as I esteem very highly, so I will not be found 
 unworthy thereof, if it may suffice to love you unfeignedly 
 and to deal honestly and friendly with you. I am of this 
 disposition, that where I owe much I would owe more, and 
 therefore I pray you continue your good offices towards 
 me, and to bind me more and more to be your thankful 
 friend, and this is all you may expect of me. I have 
 delivered your commendations to Sir Drue Drury by the 
 
320 Sir Amias Poulety 
 
 full view of your letters, and now both he and I return the 
 like towards you in the best and heartiest manner we can 
 devise, as knoweth the Almighty, &c. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham, December 4, 1586.^ 
 Sir, — I think the time very long sithence I heard from 
 you or any other about the Court, and I should fear lest 
 Fotheringay were forgotten, if I did not know that this 
 lady under my charge has given great cause to be remem- 
 bered by all true and faithful subjects ; whose dutiful care 
 for her Majesty's subjects, the continuance of the Gospel, 
 and the liberty and quiet of this realm, will not permit 
 them to sleep soundly until the head and seed plat of all 
 practices and conspiracies tending to the imminent sub- 
 version of Prince, realm, and people, be utterly extirped. 
 I thank God I have conceived a most steadfast hope of a 
 happy resolution, and yet the experience of former time 
 doth teach us that opportunities neglected are very often 
 accompanied with very dangerous effects. God has the 
 times and seasons in His hand, and His judgments cannot 
 be prevented, but will appear in their due hour. The lady 
 is said to be grieved in one of her knees, which is no new 
 thing unto her, and is not likely to have any continuance. 
 Thus you see that these few lines tend to none other end 
 than to draw from you one or two, if your leisure will so 
 permit. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 To the Earl of Leicester, eodcm die. 
 My very good Lord, — Being given to understand of 
 your lordship's arrival at the Court, I would not fail to con- 
 gratulate the same by these few lines, as also your happy 
 success in your martial affairs, a principal mean of our 
 happy quietness, which God continue, if it be His good 
 pleasure. I trust to be so happy as to attend on your 
 
 1 Vol. XX., n. 38. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queeri of Scots, 321 
 
 lordship shortly at the Court, whereof I have the greater 
 hope because the felicity of Queen and country consisteth 
 especially next after God, in the sacrifice of justice to be 
 duly executed upon this lady, my charge, the root and 
 well-spring of all our calamities. 
 And thus I, &c. 
 
 Her Majesty's charges were increased now that there were 
 two households to maintain instead of one, and the right chord 
 to strike was to play on Elizabeth's parsimony. Poulet has 
 done his best to play upon her fears. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer, December 9, 1586. 
 
 My very good Lord, — Your lordship's letters of the 5 th 
 coming to my hands the 6th of this present, at nine in the 
 night, I sent the next morning for Mrs. Bridget Digby, 
 who coming to Mr. Cruse's house that day late in the 
 evening, yesterday I conferred with her, and received such 
 answer as may appear unto your lordship by this note 
 inclosed, having taken order with Mr. Cruse according to 
 your lordship s direction. I trust the Scottish household 
 at Chartley is not forgotten, which no doubt is chargeable 
 to her Majesty. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 To Mr. Secretary Davison, December 11, 1586. 
 Sir, — Having not heard in many days from any friend 
 about the Court, and upon that only ground written to 
 Mr. Secretary Walsingham the 4th of this present, with 
 request to receive somewhat again of him, your letters of 
 the 6th of [the same] are come to my hands to my great 
 satisfaction, partly for your liberal advertisement of home 
 and foreign occurrents, for the which I most heartily thank 
 you, but especially in that you are content in this time of 
 expectation to remember your poor absent friend by your 
 letters, without any cause touching Prince or State moving 
 
32 2 Sir Amias Poulet^ 
 
 you thereunto, wherein you have bound me greatly, and I 
 pray you be not weary to bind me more and more, although 
 I can yield nothing again but a thankful, friendly mind. I 
 had written to my Lord of Leicester two days before the 
 receipt of your letters mentioning his lordship's favourable 
 remembrance of me. 
 
 These letters come unto you in a packet directed to 
 my Lord Treasurer, containing the examination of a gentle- 
 woman of [these] parts, taken before me by direction from 
 his lordship. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 Poulet's ingenuity is great in varying the phrases in which 
 he expresses his vehement eagerness for Mary's death. A day 
 or two ago it was "the sacrifice of justice" that was "to be 
 duly executed upon this lady." Now it is a "gaol delivery'' 
 he is anxious for. Yet he had a strong dislike to the correlative 
 title of gaoler. 
 
 To my Lord Treasure}'^ eodem die. 
 My very good Lord, — Captain Oliver has been here with 
 me this day, with whom I have resolved upon all things 
 touching the forty soldiers appointed for this service, which 
 are promised to be brought hither on Monday next. I am 
 so strongly persuaded of the honourable necessity of the 
 cause as I will not take this new supply for an argument 
 of a longer continuance of this service. I was not long 
 sithence a suitor to your lordship for a new supply of 
 powder, whereof surely there will be great need if the 
 service have any little continuance, every harquebusier of 
 my servants and soldiers having in store at my coming to 
 this castle only one flask full of powder, whereof some part 
 was spent the day of her Majesty's coronation. Although 
 I have but thirty soldiers, yet I have more than fifty 
 harquebusiers, it may please your lordship to relieve this 
 household with a new supply of money, the 400/. which 
 Mr. Darrell had last from your lordship being already 
 
Keeper of Mary Qiceen of Scots, 323 
 
 spent and 200/. more. The charges of this family will be 
 greatly increased by reason of the Scottish household at 
 Chartley and this new supply of soldiers, wherein there is 
 no other remedy than by a gaol delivery, which God will 
 send in due time. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 The letter to Davison of this day's date had been despatched 
 before the arrival of this now acknowledged from Walsingham, 
 who had been long silent, and who did not write again, save a 
 few lines about Mary's accounts, until he signed with Davison 
 the assassination letter of February ist. Poulet's fanatical hatred 
 to his prisoner quenches his natural feeling. He is mortally 
 afraid of anything that gives Mary the least chance of life ; or 
 he could never, himself a father, have spoken, as he here speaks, 
 of the letter in which James pleads with Elizabeth for his 
 mother's life. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham^ eodem die?- 
 Sir, — I cannot thank you enough for your friendly 
 letters of the 7th of this present, and for your willing 
 favour to let me know upon every good occasion such 
 accidents as shall seem meet for me, which in this time 
 of expectation cannot but bring greater comfort, howsoever 
 things shall fall out, against all expectation. I should be 
 condemned for a busybody if I should write unto you all 
 that I think touching the copy of the Scottish King's 
 letters to Keith, not doubting but that her Majesty and 
 her most honourable Council will consider of it, in all 
 respect of honour to her Highness touching the manner, 
 and in all public and Christian judgment touching the 
 matter. Only I will say, that as I would be glad to 
 hear that her Majesty had not vouchsafed to read the 
 said letters at a second-hand, so I assure myself, that 
 having answered the French Ambassador (coming from 
 the mightiest Prince in Europe, and bringing a message of 
 
 1 Cotton. MSS., Caligula, C. ix., f. 561. 
 V 2 
 
324 Sir Aniias Poulet, 
 
 great temperance) in such round, princely, and majestical 
 sort, as moved admiration in all the hearers; her Highness 
 being now justly provoked many ways (if I do not mistake 
 the copy), will not give place to the pride of so poor 
 a neighbour, but repress the same in his first budding, 
 a principal, or rather the only remedy, in such forward (I 
 will not say) presumptuous attempts. I pray God the un- 
 thankfulness in the mother work not like effects in the son. 
 
 Captain Oliver has been here with me this day, and 
 will bring hither the forty trained men on Monday next, 
 being very glad of this supply in this dangerous and des- 
 perate time. And although I took the last delay thereof, for 
 some argument of no long continuance of this service, yet I 
 am so strongly persuaded of the honourable necessity of 
 the cause (the rather upon the proclamation lately pub- 
 lished), as these new forces cannot remove me from my 
 former hope of a speedy discharge. I have been of late a 
 suitor to my Lord Treasurer and you for a supply of 
 powder, whereof in truth I shall have great need if the 
 service have any little continuance. Every harquebusier of 
 my servants and soldiers had only one flask full of powder 
 remaining at my coming to this castle, whereof some part 
 was spent the day of her Majesty's coronation. I have for 
 the thirty soldiers allowed unto me only thirty calivers 
 out of her Majesty's store, but I brought hither thirty 
 calivers of my own store, which serve to furnish my 
 household servants. 
 
 This letter cometh unto you in a packet sent to my 
 Lord Treasurer, by the which I am a suitor to his lord- 
 ship for a new supply of money, and also have put his 
 lordship in remembrance of my former suit of powder. 
 
 And thus [I leave to trouble you, committing you to 
 the mercy of the Highest. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 9th of December, 1586. 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 325 
 
 Autograph postscript in the original — Sir Drue Drury 
 hath seen your favourable remembrance of him in my 
 letters and doth yield unto you all due thanks.] 
 
 On the 23rd of November, Mary wrote to Mendoza, "J'ai 
 demande un pretre, je ne sais si je I'aurai; ils m'en ont offert 
 un eveque des leurs. Je I'ai refuse tout a plat." 
 
 The tirade at the close of Poulet's letter, meant no doubt for 
 Elizabeth's eye, reveals the writer's entire want of sympathy 
 with what is noble and elevated in character. He puts as the 
 climax of Mary's offences, that she makes no mention of desire 
 for life. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham, December 15, 1586. 
 Sir, — Having signified to this Queen that I was com- 
 manded to restore unto her the money which I took from 
 her, and praying her to authorize some of her servants 
 for the receipt thereof, she returned answer that as I had 
 taken it from her, so she thought meet that I should 
 render it unto herself: whereupon repaying unto her, 
 accompanied with Sir Drue Drury and Mr. Darrell, I found 
 her in her bed troubled with some weakness in one of 
 [her] legs, but without grief as she said ; where delivering 
 unto her a particular note of the money which I received 
 of her, together with the defrayments which I had made 
 by her direction, she asked me for the two thousand 
 crowns taken from Curie's wife. I told her that she was 
 found seized of them, and that it was well known that 
 they had been given unto her for her preferment in 
 marriage. She said it was very true, but affirmed that 
 the money was delivered here only by way of pawn 
 or pledge, and that she had taken order with her officers 
 in France for the payment of the like sum there to the 
 use of Curie, and therefore prayed that order might be 
 so taken for her discharge, as she might not pay the said 
 sum both here and there. She said farther, tliat her 
 chirurgeon, named Gervais, had delivered three hundred 
 
326 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 crowns or thereabouts to Nau upon hope to have received 
 the same again in France. And that one of her gentle- 
 women called Beauregard had delivered unto him six 
 hundred crowns for like purpose, as likewise that Nau 
 and Pasquier used her money at London for provision of 
 divers things for themselves and their fellows, whereof 
 yet no perfect account was made unto her. I answered 
 that it was likely the certainty of all these things would 
 appear in her papers or in Nau's papers, and that I knew 
 very well nothing would be concealed that might concern 
 any particular person in justice and equity. She prayed 
 that it might be considered, and therewith asked me what 
 answer I received to her other demands. I told her that 
 her papers should be sent her very shortly, and that her 
 servants should have free passport, to go into France or 
 Scotland at their pleasure. "Yea," saith she, "but I 
 cannot tell whether they shall have liberty to pass freely 
 with such things as they shall have of me." I said that 
 she had no cause to doubt of it. " I speak it," saith she, 
 " for my movables, because I intend to send a bed to my 
 son," saying that for such like causes she had prayed 
 liberty to make her will, and asked me if I had received 
 no answer therein. I told her no, and that it seemed to 
 require no answer, because it was things that depended 
 wholly of herself Then she asked me what answer I 
 had received touching her Priest. I told her it was. 
 intended that he should have access unto her shortly. 
 This was the substance of her speech at that time. And 
 so, after restitution made of the money. Sir Drue Drury 
 and I departed from her. 
 
 I sent two of my servants for the Priest remaining 
 with Mr. Thomas Gresley on Monday, and do look for their 
 return this evening, or at the farthest this next morning, by 
 the grace of God. This lady continueth in her former 
 wilful and wicked disposition. No outward sign of repen- 
 tance ; no submission, no acknowledging of her fault, no^ 
 
Keeper of Mary Queeji of Scots. 327 
 
 craving of pardon/ no mention of desire of life ; so as it 
 may be feared lest as she hath lived, so she will die, and I 
 pray God that this Popish ignorant Priest be not admitted 
 unto her by His just judgment to increase her punish- 
 ment, being very likely that he will rather confirm her in 
 her stubbornness towards her Majesty, and in all her other 
 errors in matter of religion, than seek to reclaim her to a 
 better disposition. As knoweth the, &c. 
 
 Poulet represents to Burghley that Mary's almoner being 
 restored, "it may be repented of in policy," if she be not put 
 to death at once; but three days later he wrote to Davison 
 that the "inconvenience is not so great in matter of policy as 
 in conscience," as du Preau was of too "weak and slender a 
 judgment " to be dangerous. 
 
 To i7iy Lord Treasurer, December 18, 1586. 
 
 My very good Lord, — Having long sithence received 
 express direction for the dismissing of the Scottish com- 
 pany now remaining at Chartley, within [the] five days 
 next following after the remove of this Queen from 
 thence towards this castle ; and to that purpose, required 
 at that time to know what she would give them in reward, 
 and towards the charge of their journey ; upon motion 
 made to her therein, I received her warrant under her sign 
 of certain sums of money to be delivered to every of them 
 for their travelling expences, referring them for their reward 
 to a farther consideration, which sums of money I left in 
 Mr. Richard Bagot's hands at my coming from Chartley, 
 to have been delivered by him to the Scottish train accord- 
 ing to their several portions at their departure from thence, 
 which I had appointed to be within five days after the 
 
 ^ "On me menace si je ne demande pardon; mais je dis, Puisque jails 
 m'ont destinee a mourir, qu'ils passent outre en leur injustice, esperant que 
 Dieu m'en recompensera en I'autre monde." Mary to Mendo^a, Nov. 23, O.S. 
 (Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 459). 
 
328 Sir Amias Poidet, 
 
 remove, according to the order prescribed unto me in that 
 behalf from above. And at that time did also deliver to 
 Mr. Bagot passports for every of them, for their travel 
 into France or Scotland according to their several desires, 
 wherein also I was authorized by direction from above. 
 These things being settled after this sort, in my way 
 hitherward I received express commandment to stay them 
 at Chartley until her Majesty's pleasure were further known. 
 And now your lordship's letters of the 17th, coming to 
 my hands this present day at five in the evening, I 
 forbear to discharge the family until I hear again from 
 your lordship, because you commanded me by your said 
 letters to send unto your lordship a list of their names with 
 the particular sums they are to have, that upon view 
 thereof, order may be taken to pay and then to dismiss 
 them, which are the very words of your lordship's conclusion 
 upon the end of that article, by the which it appeareth that 
 your lordship was not yet acquainted with the restitution 
 made the last week to this Queen of all her money 
 remaining in my hands by order from Mr. Secretary 
 Walsingham. And therefore sending unto your lordship 
 herewith the particular names of all the said family, 
 together with the several sums given them by this Queen, 
 I refer to your lordship's consideration if I shall acquaint 
 her with their departure, or make any new motion of a 
 further liberality towards them, and whether it shall be 
 permitted unto them to make their repair to London in 
 their way towards their several homes, which they desire 
 and was granted unto them by their former passports, 
 wherein I was also authorized from above. 
 
 Also I received direction by my last letter from Mr. 
 Secretary Walsingham, to send for this Queen's Priest 
 remaining with Mr. Gresley, and to permit him to have 
 access unto her, who arrived here the 17th of this present ; 
 so as if the execution of this lady be delayed, it may be 
 repented as well in policy as in Christianity that he hath 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 329 
 
 so speedy access unto her, and thereby shall have so long 
 continuance with her. Being desirous to be delivered of the 
 household at Chartley for the diminishing of her Majesty's 
 charges, and partly' for mine own better discharge, being 
 forced to commit that company to the order of one of my 
 servants, I despatch these letters with the greater speed 
 for your lordship's final resolution herein, intending very 
 shortly to render unto your lordship Mr. Darrell's particular 
 account of one month's charges in the state we live in here 
 at this present. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 The new form that Poulet's wish for Mary's death here 
 assumes is almost comical. She is to be "removed," as the 
 cause of "her Majesty's charges." There have not been many 
 sovereigns to whom it could have been suggested, as a motive 
 for putting to death a captive Queen, that it would be a 
 good stroke of economy. What possible harm the restoration 
 of Mary's money could do, or why Poulet should wish it had 
 been delayed "until within a day or two before the execution," 
 it is not easy to see. In truth, it is but another way of saying 
 that he wishes that the execution might come within a day or 
 two of the restoration of the money. 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer^ December 19, 1586. 
 My very good Lord, — Having answered some part of 
 your lordship's letters of the 17th by mine of yesterday, 
 sent from hence this day at five in the morning, for your 
 lordship's satisfaction in the residue I send inclosed herein 
 an estimate of one week's expence of this family in diet, 
 wages, and other incidents, wishing that her Majesty's 
 charges herein might be lessened, whereof I see no reason- 
 able mean, unless the cause were removed, which bringeth 
 forth these chargeable effects, and without the special 
 mercy of God may breed most lamentable and dangerous 
 •effects. As knoweth, &c. 
 
330 Sir Amias Poiclet, 
 
 For the little interest I have in this Scottish action by 
 reason of my charge in this castle, I trust it may be lawful 
 for me to wish without offence that this lady's money had 
 not been restored unto her until within a day or two before 
 the execution, and yet I doubt not to keep her fasting 
 from employing the same to any indirect or dangerous 
 uses. 
 
 There were two letters that about this time Mary addressed 
 to Elizabeth. The first has no date, but is attributed to 
 November It asks of Elizabeth three favours, Christian burial, 
 a public execution, that no false rumours may be spread abroad 
 about the faith in which she would die, and free passage for her 
 servants, ^together with undisturbed possession of her gifts to 
 them. The second, dated December 19, is longer, and as 
 there is nothing in the first letter that is not contained in the 
 second, and as Poulet's correspondence gives no trace of more 
 than one letter written at this time by Mary to Elizabeth, it 
 seems probable that the letter without date is a draft of that 
 dated December 19.^ 
 
 Acting on Walsingham's instructions, Poulet, through the long 
 interview he here describes, was trying by insulting speeches to 
 exasperate Mary into rejoinders which might compromise her. 
 Iterating the instructions supplied to Lord Buckhurst, he tells 
 Mary that she had been tried by a commission composed of the 
 nobility as a great favour, that Elizabeth had long preserved her 
 life against the wish of the Scottish people and the desire of the 
 English Parliament, and that as a pretender to the crown she 
 had been well treated. Poulet reproaches her with refusing to 
 give up her claim to the crown, save on condition that she 
 should be acknowledged heir presumptive, with fomenting rebel- 
 lion, &c. He speaks of " dangerous practices," but when Mary 
 rejoins that she was not accountable for what others have done, 
 
 ^ Prince LabanofFhas printed the letter of December 19 (torn, vi., p. 474), 
 from a "minute avec corrections de M. de Chateauneuf, " collated with the 
 copy in the Record Office (vol. xx., n. 40). The letter having no date is 
 taken from La vrayc Histoire de Marie Siuart, by N. Caussin, published at 
 Paris in 1624. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qttee7i of Scots. 331 
 
 Poulet, instead of bringing home her share in Babington's con- 
 spiracy to her at once, reproaches her with keeping Morgan in 
 her service. Had he not been, to say the least, doubtful of her 
 guilt, he would have tried to wring some acknowledgment from 
 her, if only to counteract the effect of her letter to Elizabeth. 
 Lord Buckhurst, who probably did believe Mary guilty, had told 
 her to her face, in Poulet's presence, that she " should die for the 
 Queen's murder." ^ Why too does Poulet never mention the 
 reputed crime in his letters? 
 
 To Mr. Secretary Davison, December 21, 1586. 
 
 Sir, — Although this Queen hath pretended with many- 
 shows of constancy neither to fear death, nor to desire 
 life, ydc being advertised in my last conference with her 
 (as I doubt not you have heard by my letters of the i6th 
 to Mr. Secretary Walsingham), that her Priest should have 
 access unto her very shortly, whereof she will in reason 
 make none other construction than that he was admitted 
 for none other purpose then to satisfy her desire in her last 
 tragical end, it seemeth by that which followeth that she 
 is neither so mortified, as she is willing to die, neither doth 
 think her case so desperate, but that some shift may be 
 found to prolong her days. 
 
 Upon this opinion, if I be not deceived, she prayed 
 me to repair unto her, which I did in the company 
 of Sir Drue Drury, the 17th of this present, where she 
 declared unto me that in time past she had been desirous 
 to write to her Majesty, but sithence the advertisement 
 of her conviction she prepared herself for another world. 
 Nevertheless, she was willing, not for desire of life, but 
 for the discharge of the rest of her conscience, and for 
 her last farewell, — these were her very words, — to send 
 a memorial of something concerning herself after her 
 departure out of this world, and to remove from her 
 Majesty all suspicion of danger in receiving the paper 
 
 ^ LabanofF, torn, vi., p. 467. 
 
332 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 which should come from her, she said herself would take 
 the assay thereof, and deliver it to me with her own hands. 
 I asked her if she would not be also content to seal and 
 inclose it in my presence, which she yielded unto, praying 
 me to promise that it might be safely delivered ; which 
 being granted, she desired my further promise to procure 
 certificate from above that the same was so delivered there. 
 Sir Drue Drury told her that it was in our power to send 
 but was beyond our power, and above us, to promise any 
 certificate. She said she trusted that consideration would 
 be had of her after her decease, as one proceeding from 
 Henry VI L, and according to the religion wherein she 
 was born, and which she had professed all the days of her 
 life, concluding that when her memorial was ready she 
 would send for us, which we looked should have been the 
 next day, but she did not send for us till yesterday, 
 imputing the delay thereof to her lame hand, which would 
 not permit her to write more speedily. 
 
 She took it in ill part that I had asked if she would 
 be content to make up and seal her letter in my presence, 
 which bewrayed my hard opinion of her. I told her that 
 herself having proffered beside my expectation to take 
 my first assay of the utter [outer] part of the letter, 
 I was not ignorant that there might be as great danger 
 within the letter as without, and therefore could not be 
 blamed to concur with her in this jealousy, affirming that 
 if herself had not moved it. Sir Drue Drury and I should 
 not have thought it. Then [she] said she had moved 
 it upon this occasion that having [been] accustomed in 
 time past to send sometimes some tokens to her Majesty, 
 and at one time sent certain clothes (so she called them), 
 one standing by advised her Highness to be caused to 
 be tried before she did touch them, which she said, she 
 had sithence observed and had taken order with Nau at 
 his last being at the Court to do the like to a furred 
 counterpane which she sent at that time. I answered that 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 333. 
 
 I thought her Majesty was at that time far from any 
 suspicion of such foul dealing, and wished that no just 
 cause had been sithence given, and then things had not 
 been as they now are. "Things are as they are," saith 
 she, "and I stand convicted and do not know how many 
 hours I shall live." " Madam," quoth I, " you shall live as 
 many hours as shall please God, but it may be said truly 
 that you have been convicted in very honourable and 
 favourable sort." " With what favour .? " said she. I said 
 her cause had been examined by a number of the most 
 ancient nobility of the realm, where, by our laws she 
 should have been tried by twelve men as a common 
 person. "Your noblemen," saith she, "must be tried by 
 their peers." I told her all strangers of what quality soever 
 were in matter of crime tryable in the territories of other 
 Princes by the laws of that realm. " You have your laws," 
 saith she, " but other Princes will think of it as they see 
 cause, and my son is now no more a child, but is come to- 
 the state of a man, and he will think of these things." 
 Sir Drue told her that ingratitude was odious in all 
 persons, but especially in great personages, and that it 
 would not be denied but that her Majesty had deserved 
 greatly both of her and her son. " What shall I acknow- 
 ledge.'*" saith she. " I am free from the world, and therefore 
 am not afraid to speak ; I have had the favour to have 
 been kept here prisoner many years against my will." 
 " Madam," quoth I, " this was a great favour, and without 
 this favour you had not lived to see these days." " How so?" 
 saith she. I said her own subjects pursued her, and were 
 the stronger in her own country. " That is true," quoth 
 she, " because Mildmay (I think she did mean Sir Nicholas 
 Throckmorton) persuaded me to discharge my forces, and 
 then caused mine enemies to burn my friends' castles and 
 houses." I told her, however, it was great personages of 
 that country had made earnest suit to her Majesty to have 
 her delivered unto them, which her Highness refused to 
 
334 ^^^ Ainias Poulet, 
 
 their great dislike ; and Sir Drue added that her Majesty- 
 had saved her Hfe seventeen years, and whereas she called 
 her Highness by name of sister, she had in [truth] dealt 
 most graciously with her in seeking to preserve both her 
 life and her honour. "Wherein?" said she. He answered, 
 in the commission of her causes sitten upon at York, which 
 was dissolved at the instance of her friends to save her 
 honour. " No," quoth she, " the cause of the dissolving of 
 the commission was, that my friends could not be heard to 
 inform against mine accusers." I told her that the Bishop 
 of Ross had written that it was dismissed in her favour, 
 and that his book was extant, and this was but one of many 
 favours which her Majesty had extended unto her. " It is 
 a great favour," said she, *' to have kept me here many 
 years against my will." I said it was for her safety, and 
 that her countrymen sought her destruction, and to that 
 end required to have her delivered unto them, as was 
 before said. " Nay," saith she, " then I will speak. I am 
 not afraid. It was determined here I should not depart, 
 and my Lord Treasurer, when I was demanded by my 
 subjects, wrote in a packet to the Earl Murray (which was 
 intercepted and brought to me) that the devil was tied fast 
 in a chain, and that they could not keep her, but she should 
 be kept safely here." Sir Drue Drury told her that the 
 Earl Murray was a very honourable gentleman as ever he 
 knew bred in that country. She said the Earl Murray was 
 one of the worst men of the world ; a common adulterer, 
 a spoiler, and a murderer. Sir Drue affirmed that he 
 remembered to have seen him here six weeks, and that he 
 governed himself very gravely, and carried the reputation 
 of a noble gentleman, neither did he ever hear him evil 
 spoken of till then. '* Yea," quoth she, " my rebels are 
 honest men here, and have been maintained by the Queen." 
 I told her she did forget herself greatly to charge her 
 Majesty with so foul a fault, which she should be never 
 able to prove. " I pray you," saith she, "what did she with 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 335 
 
 the French at Newhaven?" "It appeared," quoth I, "that 
 you have conceived so hardly of the Queen my mistress, 
 that you interpret all her actions to the worst without 
 knowing the truth of the cause," but I could assure her that 
 her Majesty had just cause, as well in respect of Calais, as 
 other ways, to do as she did, and to have done more if it 
 had so pleased her. I told her this was great unthankful- 
 ness after so many great favours, whereof she would in no 
 ways acknowledge the least. I told her that her Majesty 
 had saved her life with the discontentment of her best 
 subjects in open Parliament, who craved justice against her 
 for matter of civil rebellion. She said she knew no such 
 matter, but knew very well that Sir Francis Walsingham, 
 after his last being in Scotland, had said that she should 
 rue his entertainment there. I told her she had not rued 
 it, but had been more honourably entreated then was ever 
 any competitor in any other realm, whereof some have 
 been kept close prisoners, others had been disfigured and 
 maimed, and some others had been murdered. " I was 
 no competitor," said she. " I required to be reputed as next 
 to the Crown." "Nay, madam," quoth I, "you went farther, 
 in giving the arms and style of England, as though our 
 Queen had been an usurper." She said her husband and 
 kinsmen had done what they thought good : she had 
 nothing to do with it. " Why, then," quoth I, " would you 
 not renounce your pretended claim herein, but with con- 
 dition that you might be authorized next heir apparent to 
 the Crown." Whereunto she answered that she had made 
 great proffers at sundry times which could never be 
 accepted. I told her that it had been heretofore proved 
 unto her, that in the very instant of all her treaties and 
 offers of friendship, some dangerous [practices were dis- 
 covered. " You must think," saith she, "that I have some 
 friends, and if they have done anything, what is that to 
 me } " " Madam," quoth I, " it was somewhat to you (and 
 for your own sake I would you had forborne it), that after 
 
33^ ^i^ Amias Potilet, 
 
 advertisement given unto you of Morgan's devilish practice 
 to have killed a sacred Queen, you would yet entertain 
 him as your servant." She answered that she might do it 
 with as good right, as that her Majesty entertained her 
 rebels. Sir Drue told her the speech was very hard, and 
 that the case differed greatly. 
 
 She fell from these discourses, and returned to the 
 matter of her conviction, saying that she was con- 
 demned partially, and that the Commissioners knew, 
 she being convicted, her son could have no right, 
 and that her Majesty could have no children, whereby 
 they might set up whom they liked. I told her that 
 she did forget herself greatly to charge the nobility of 
 the realm with two so foul and horrible faults, as first to 
 take her life from her by partiality, and then to bestow 
 the Crown where they liked. She said all was one to her, 
 and that for her part she thanked God that she should die 
 without regret (I use her own words) of anything that she 
 had done. I prayed her to be sorry, at least for the great 
 wrong she had done to the Queen my mistress. "Let 
 others answer for themselves," saith she ; " I have nothing 
 to do with it;" and then asked me if I had remembered her 
 money matters, mentioned in her last conference with me, 
 which I said was not forgotten. After this long discourse 
 thus ended she took her letter sent herewith, which, not- 
 withstanding her pretended lameness in her hand, could 
 make up, seal and superscribe, without the help of any 
 other, or outward show of ache or pain.^ She had borne 
 Sir Drue and me in hand (as is before remembered) 
 that she would only send a memorial, but it appeared 
 by the view of the paper, that this memorial was become 
 a just letter. Sir Drue Drury and I might easily perceive 
 that this lady doth not cease to carry a revenging mind 
 
 ^ Mary wrote to the Duke of Guise, "Ceste main droite, depuis ceste 
 derniere venue, m'est si enflee et fait tant de mal qu' a peine puis-je tenir la 
 plume, ny m'appaster " (Labanoff, tom. vi., p. 439). 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 337 
 
 towards her Majesty, her nobility and all her faithful 
 subjects. 
 
 Thus you see what hath passed between this Queen and 
 us, wherein to obey your direction I have not failed to do all 
 that I might, to provoke her to utter her stomach, although 
 I am persuaded her malice is so rooted as her Majesty 
 shall make little profit thereof, and shall serve to none 
 other purpose but to increase her sin, whereof she hath 
 enough otherways, as God best knoweth. You may believe 
 that she hath been urged to all that she hath said, as other- 
 ways she would have used her late accustomed silence, and 
 indeed her speeches have been very quiet sithence the 
 taking away of her cloth of Estate. I have already by my 
 late letters yielded to her Majesty, as I was most bound, my 
 most humble and dutiful thanks for her intended liberality 
 towards my servants and soldiers, and now it may please 
 you to do the like to her Highness in my name for the 
 performance thereof signified by your last letters, beseech- 
 ing God to give His grace both to master and men to 
 acknowledge this undeserved bounty with all dutiful thank- 
 fulness, and to live and die her Majesty's true and faithful 
 subjects. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 I had forgotten to signify unto you that this Queen, 
 taking her letter in both her hands, and holding the leaves 
 open, did wipe her face with every part of both the leaves ; 
 which no doubt she did in despite that I had told her 
 there might be as great danger within the letter as without. 
 
 Clearly this second letter is not intended for Elizabeth's 
 eye. It is a very important letter, showing that Poulet even 
 took upon himself to delay the despatch of Mary's letter, for 
 fear lest Elizabeth might be moved by it, and so recall any 
 warrant issued for the execution. It may have been the 
 knowledge of this cruelty and injustice on Poulet's par 
 W 
 
33^ Sir Amias Potilet, 
 
 that encouraged Walsingham to think him capable of a. 
 still more grievous crime. Poulet's motive for this delay 
 he himself explains. He hoped that the warrant would be 
 signed before the Court went to Greenwich the week before 
 Christmas for the usual recess. During the recess the warrant 
 would certainly not be signed. He kept the letter till it was 
 too late to interfere with what might be done before the holiday 
 began. In the subsequent letters, he expresses the greatest 
 relief that no harm had happened to Elizabeth that Christmas, 
 wishing it to be understood that to have spared Mary's life at 
 such a time was a singular peril to Elizabeth. 
 
 Ad eii7idem eodejn die. 
 Sir, — We were not a little perplexed with this motion 
 of writing, and indeed did forbear to deliver our answer 
 until we had considered of the matter privately between 
 ourselves, wherein as we feared greatly to give any the 
 least cause of delay of the due examination [execution] 
 of the long desired justice, so having received lately her 
 Majesty's express commandment to make offer to this 
 lady to convey her letters, if she were disposed to write,^ 
 although she did not accept thereof at that time, yet 
 doubting lest our refusal to yield unto it at this present 
 might be offensive to her Highness, and perchance breed 
 some slander to the cause, we condescended to her desire, 
 beseeching God so to direct the sequel thereof, as the 
 same may redound to His glory and her Majesty's safety, 
 whereof there were no doubt, if we were as willing to take 
 the advantage of great and urgent occasions to further this 
 expected sacrifice, acceptable to God and man, as we are 
 easily diverted from it upon every sinister suggestion. All 
 good and faithful subjects will be always careful of her 
 Majesty's safety, but especially in the time of Christmas 
 now at hand, which giveth occasion of many dangerous 
 assemblies. We are content to be found faulty of this 
 pardonable jealousy. Being not able to do any good in 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 339 
 
 this service, we should be very sorry and should think 
 ourselves more than unhappy if anything should come 
 from us that might do hurt. And, therefore, to be plain 
 with you as with our very friend, we have used all con- 
 venient means to delay the receiving of this, to the end it 
 might arrive at the Court too late to stay any action 
 touching this lady that might be intended before Christmas, 
 being strongly persuaded that the delay of the execution 
 until after Christmas will give great cause to suspect an 
 everlasting delay, either through her Majesty's too great 
 inclination to mercy, or by reason of the danger of her 
 person in the Christmas, a time subject to dangerous 
 assemblies. 
 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 Post-scriptum mserenduni in prcecedenti epistola — I am 
 very sorry that your letters of the 14th, received the 20th 
 at nine in the morning, came not to my hands in time 
 convenient for the stay of the Priest, who arriving here 
 the 17th was immediately admitted to the presence of his 
 mistress, according to the direction which I had before 
 received in that behalf The inconvenience whereof is not 
 so great in matter of policy as in conscience, because, 
 indeed, the Priest is [of] weak and slender judgment and 
 can give neither counsel nor advice worthy of a young 
 scholar. I feared lest he might have learned some bad 
 news during his abode with Mr. Gresley, but having groped 
 him the best I can, do find that he is a mere stranger 
 almost to those things which are common to all men, 
 which I impute to his want of our language, and to 
 Mr. Gresley's absence from his house now many weeks 
 by reason of his being at London, so that he hath had 
 little other company then of his keeper. I might have 
 doubted lest he had dissembled his knowledge in the 
 occurrents of this time, but having searched his papers, do 
 find two leaves of paper craftily (as he thought) inserted 
 w 2 
 
340 Sir Amias Potilet, 
 
 in the midst of his philosophical exercises, wherein he 
 hath set down a daily note of all that he heard spoken 
 unto him, and likewise of his answers in all this time of 
 his absence, the same being ridiculous as do bewray his 
 great indiscretion. I would have been glad, for some 
 Christian respects, that he should have had no access to 
 this Queen until the night before her execution, and indeed 
 having received direction to send for him, I took it for a 
 strong argument that the time of her execution was near 
 at hand. 
 
 The bounty mentioned in the following letter is the favour 
 for which Poulet thanks Elizabeth in the letter, a fragment of 
 which begins the first page of this letter-book. It is worthy 
 of remark, how insignificant the two letters are, of which alone, 
 amongst all the letters of this letter-book, the originals remain 
 amongst the Public Records. 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsinghajn, January 2, 1586.'^ 
 Sir, — Whereas by your letters of the 26th of the last, 
 you signified unto me that you had received a Privy Seal 
 for a 100/., bestowed by her Majesty in reward upon the 
 soldiers serving in this castle, and that you reserve the 
 same in your hands to be delivered to any such as I would 
 appoint to take order for the receiving and conveying of 
 it hither, it may please you to deliver the said Privy 
 Seal to this bearer, my servant Thomas Knight, who is 
 appointed to take order with one of his fellows remaining 
 always in London to receive and convey the said money 
 hither. I send the said bearer and three of his fellows to 
 London at this present for none other cause than to bring 
 hither 500/. in money for the use of her Majesty's house- 
 hold here. This country yields no means to receive it by 
 exchange. 
 
 This lady fmdeth fault that her papers of account for 
 this last year, which include all former years, are kept from 
 
 ^ Vol. xxi., n. I. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 341 
 
 her, as indeed I can say they are not sent, because I 
 perused those which were sent before they were dehvered, 
 and the same may also appear by this copy inclosed of 
 Nau's letters sent with the said papers. I have remaining 
 in my hands some books of accounts found in Nau's 
 chamber at the time of the search, and doubting lest 
 they might concern these causes, I have without this 
 Queen's privity perused them, and do find that they 
 contain accounts of former years. I wish unto you 
 all good means to increase your health, but it seemeth 
 that the cold season of the year had need of hot and 
 earnest solicitors. The delay is fearful, God send it a 
 good and happy issue. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 [Postscript in the original — I thank you most heartily 
 for Mr. Davison's letters, which I return unto you inclosed 
 herein. Sir Drue Drury prayeth to be recommended to 
 your good favour.] 
 
 Poulet is becoming uneasy at the long and unusual silence 
 of Sir Francis Walsingham. The fact was that Walsingham had 
 retired from the Court in dudgeon. The cause was no doubt, 
 in the main, jealousy of Sir Christopher Hatton, and mortification 
 that Elizabeth would not grant him Babington's forfeited estates,^ 
 yet probably vexation that his advice respecting Mary's speedy 
 execution was not followed may have had some part in his resolu- 
 tion to withdraw from Elizabeth's presence. " I humbly beseech 
 your lordship," he wrote- to Burghley from Barnes, December 16, 
 " to pardon me in that I did not take my leave of you before 
 my departure from the Court Her Majesty's unkind dealing 
 with me hath so wounded me as I could take no comfort to 
 stay there. And yet if I saw any hope that my continuance 
 there might either breed any good to the Church, or further- 
 ance to the service of her Majesty or of the realm, the regard 
 
 ^ Sir Philip Sydney had died bankrupt, and Walsingham was surety for 
 his debts. Babington's estates were given to Sir Walter Raleigh. 
 ^ Domestic^ Elizabeth^ vol. cxcv., n. 64. Holograph. 
 
342 Sir Amias Poiclety 
 
 of my particular should not cause me to withdraw myself. 
 But seeing the declining state we are coming into, and 
 that men of best descent are least esteemed, I hold them 
 happiest in this government that may be rather lookers-on 
 than actors. I humbly therefore beseech your lordship, that 
 as I do acknowledge myself infinitely bound unto you for your 
 most honourable and friendly furtherance yielded unto me in 
 my suit (which I will never forget), so you will be pleased to 
 increase my bond towards you by forbearing any further to 
 press her Majesty in the same, which I am fully resolved to 
 give over. I do assure your lordship, whatsoever conceit her 
 Majesty maketh either of me or of my [service], I would not 
 spend so long time as I have done in that place, subject to so 
 infinite toil and discomfort, not to be made Duke of Lancaster. 
 My hope is, howsoever I am dealt withal by an earthly 
 P[rince], I shall never lack the comfort of the P[rince] of 
 Princes, to whose protection I commit your lordship, most 
 humbly taking my leave." 
 
 And on the 5th of January he wrote^ again, "I find your 
 service in Court the more discomfortable for lack of resolution, 
 and if I do not mistake it, her Majesty's great causes, both at 
 home and abroad, are come to that period as they require present 
 resolution. There are, as I am informed, most dangerous fac- 
 tions sprung up amongst the better sort of those of the United 
 Provinces. The C[ount] Maurice, the C[ount] Hollocke, the 
 C[ount] of Nuenor,2 and the C[ount] William of Nassau are 
 grow^n discontented with the English Government. And if the 
 treaty of peace shall not be very warily handled, and some 
 course taken for the contenting of those five noble persons, 
 there will be a peace made without her Majesty, both to her 
 peril and her dishonour. To serve all things upright, there is 
 but one way (next after God), and that is, that her Majesty will 
 be persuaded to preserve her safety before her treasure. The 
 diseases of her Estate will not be cured with slight remedies, 
 nor can long endure delay. I pray God, therefore, direct her 
 Majesty's heart to do that which may be for her safety. 
 
 ^ Domestic, Elizabeth, vol. cxcvii., n. 5. Holograph. 
 ' Count Hohenlohe, and Count Nieuwenar, Stadtholder of Guelderland. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 343 
 
 " For my own particular, I most humbly thank your lordship 
 for your honourable care had of me therein. My stay in sending 
 unto your lordship hath proceeded through the sickness of my 
 servant Mills, in whose place I mean to substitute some other. 
 If it were not for my promise made unto your lordship, whose 
 advice I will both honour and follow, I would quite give over 
 my suit. The grief of my mind hath thrown me into a dangerous 
 disease, as by Mr. Dr. Bayly your lordship may understand." 
 
 To my Lord Treasurer , Janiiary g, 1586. 
 
 My very good Lord, — The provision of wines for this 
 household will be utterly spent within eighteen days at 
 the farthest. And as I would not supply the same in this 
 uncertain time without direction from your lordship, so 
 being given to understand that the price of wine at this 
 present is very excessive, as likewise that none are yet 
 -arrived in the ports of these parts, it may please your 
 lordship to consider, if being resolved that a new pro- 
 vision of wine shall be made, it shall not be meet to 
 have the same from London, whereby your lordship's 
 .good mean they may be taken at the Queen's price, 
 whereby the long carriage,^ and herein it may please your 
 lordship to signify your pleasure unto me at your con- 
 venient leisure. 
 
 Although Mr. Cruse will never be weary of any guest 
 committed unto him for her Majesty's service, yet I 
 thought good to put your lordship in remembrance of 
 Mrs. Bridget Digby, who remaineth yet under his keeping. 
 I did forget in the late advertisement of the weekly 
 'expenses of this household, to make mention of the 
 charges of the household at Chartley, which, although I 
 did omit of forgetfulness, wherein I humbly pray your 
 lordship's pardon, yet the truth is that the charges of 
 that family stand upon a reckoning between Mr. Bagot 
 and me, so as I am yet ignorant of what the same 
 .amounteth unto. 
 
 ^ A line has been missed here. 
 
344 -^^'^ Amias Potilet, 
 
 The poor prisoners of this castle, I mean Sir Drue 
 Drury and myself, begin to faint for want of some comfort- 
 able matter from above, wherein we should find ourselves 
 much refreshed, if we might hear any the least advertise- 
 ment of the present state of things, having received no 
 letter from the Court sithence the 20th of last month ; 
 and therefore your lordship may [do] a deed of charity to 
 bestow your alms of some trifling occurrents upon your 
 poor languishing friends at Fotheringay. The truth is that 
 I received this last week only five or six lines from Sir 
 Francis Walsingham, making mention of the sending there- 
 with of some papers of accounts for this Queen. Sir Drue 
 and I cannot receive more comfortable matter from your 
 lordship than to hear that her Majesty has passed this 
 Christmas in good health. We beseech God long to 
 preserve her Majesty, and to grant your lordship a happy 
 New Year, and to live many years in all health and felicity. 
 
 From, &c. 
 
 Waad wrote ^ thus to Davison respecting Mary's books of 
 accounts. "It may please your Honour, — Mr. Secretary Walsing- 
 ham did let me understand her Majesty's pleasure for the seeking 
 out the accounts of the Scottish Queen, which were amongst her 
 writings : and because the coffers were left, as I take it, in her 
 Majesty's gallery at Windsor, there is a messenger sent thither 
 for to bring them to the Court by cart with a man of my own, 
 that assisted in the conveying of the same hither, and knoweth 
 •the chests. If they should happen to be rendered to any other 
 room, which it may please your honour to let her Majesty 
 understand. This day I have given my attendance here on 
 the lords, otherwise would have waited on your honour. Thus 
 leaving further to trouble [you], I rest most entirely at your 
 commandment. 
 
 "From Cecil House, the 30th of November, 1586. 
 "Your Honour's in all duty and sincerity of good will, 
 
 "W. Waad.'» 
 ^ Vol. XX., n. 34. Holograph. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 345 
 
 And on the same subject Walsingham wrote to Phelippes, 
 "After my hearty commendations, her Majesty, understanding 
 that the coffer with the Queen of Scots' accounts are not yet 
 sent down, is displeased therewith, and imputeth a fault of 
 negligence in me. I pray you therefore to let me understand 
 what hath been the cause of the stay thereof, for if I had 
 known that you could not convey the same, I would have 
 devised some means that it should have been sent before this 
 time. 
 
 "And so I commit you to God. From Barnelmes the 
 1 8th of December, 1586. 
 
 " Your very loving friend, 
 
 " Fra. Walsingham. 
 
 '-*■ Autograph postscript — Her Majesty doth find some fault 
 that the original letters intercepted be not brought in unto her 
 with the extract you promised to make." 
 
 To Sir Francis Walsingham, eodem die Uan. 9]. 
 Sir, — This Queen resteth not as yet satisfied for her 
 books and papers of accounts, sending unto me after the 
 delivery of those received with your letters of the 4th of 
 this present, her master of household and physician, with a 
 new request in that behalf, wherein she desireth that all 
 other such books and papers which concern the estate of 
 her payments of pensions and wages, with the accounts of 
 her several officers in France, may be sent unto her, as 
 likewise all such notes made by Nau of his receipts and 
 payments, that he left behind him at Chartley at the time 
 of his apprehension, saying that she cannot be satisfied 
 with the new accounts made by him sithence his imprison- 
 ment ; and further saith that all things are not clear betwixt 
 her and Pasquier, whom she allegeth to have employed her 
 money remaining in the French Ambassador's hands to the 
 use of himself and his followers here for their necessaries, 
 praying that his reckonings left by him at Chartley may be 
 sent unto her, and that Cordaillot, the French Ambassador's 
 
34^ -^^'^ Amias Poulet, 
 
 secretary, who disbursed this money, may make a like 
 reckoning of all employments made by him by direction 
 from Nau and Pasquier. She also requireth Nau's answer 
 touching the money supposed to have been committed to 
 his custody by her gentlewoman, Beauregard, and her 
 surgeon. And whereas I wrote unto you in my last letters 
 that I had remaining in my hands some books of accounts 
 left by Mr. Waad in Nau's chamber at Chartley, and 
 doubting lest they might concern these causes, had, without 
 this Queen's privity, perused them and did find that they 
 contained accounts of former years, I have thought good to 
 put you in remembrance of the said books, which I wish to 
 be delivered unto her, to avoid further cavillation, where- 
 unto this Queen is greatly inclined, and indeed they cannot 
 serve to any other use. Thus for my better discharge I 
 have delivered unto you the message which I received 
 from this lady. 
 
 And now, referring these things to your better con- 
 sideration, I commit you, &c. 
 
 Poulet, who is so precise that he will not give up to Mary 
 her old accounts without special warrant, ventures, entirely on 
 his own responsibility, first to keep back his prisoner's letter 
 of December 19th, and afterwards to prevent her writing again, 
 in the face of Elizabeth's orders to the contrary. It points to 
 his dread lest her assertions of innocence should rouse Elizabeth's 
 suspicions, an uneasiness which Walsingham's silence must have 
 greatly strengthened. 
 
 To Mr. Secretary Davison^ January 10, 1586. 
 Sir, — Although this Queen, my charge, hath received 
 so many messages of death as might suffice to work true 
 mortification in any good Christian soul, yet her froward 
 flesh and crooked affection hath given sundry evident testi- 
 monies of want of charity, and many other wilful rebellions, 
 notwithstanding that in many works [weeks] she expected 
 
Keeper of Mary Queeii of Scots. 347 
 
 from day to day the fatal stroke of her bloody deserts. 
 And now it seemeth that still long delay of justice hath 
 stirred her to hope of further mercy. Upon this ground, if 
 I be not deceived, although with pretence to move me for 
 some papers of accounts, she sends Melvin and her physi- 
 cian unto me, who after some talk touching the said papers, 
 asked me in the name of their mistress if I had received any 
 answer of her letter to her Majesty, which being denied, 
 they said she was willing to write again, and when her 
 letter was ready would send unto me to see the inclosing 
 and sealing of it. Whereunto I answered that I would say 
 nothing to that motion, forbearing either flatly to deny her, 
 or to promise to convey her letters ; to be plain with you, 
 being so well acquainted with her cunning, I would not 
 wish that she might be permitted to write again to her 
 Majesty, being assured that she will write nothing that 
 shall be profitable to her Majesty's person or realm, and it 
 may be feared lest her flattering and treacherous promises 
 may incline the merciful disposition of our Queen to give 
 better ear unto them than shall stand with her surety or 
 with the quiet of her State, and therefore I thought it not 
 agreeable with my duty to agree to the sending of a second 
 letter with[out] special warrant, wherein it may please you 
 to give your direction, having forborne to say to the 
 messengers that I would write to this purpose, which shall 
 be mine answer when she sendeth for me, whereby this 
 meantime may not hinder any good resolution that may 
 come above. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 Poulet manifests his bitter spirit against poor Mary by taking 
 from her Melville, the faithful master of her household, and 
 du Preau, her chaplain. It is singular that he should have 
 selected the two men to whose inoffensiveness he has himself 
 testified. ^ He has spoken strongly in Melville's praise, saying 
 that a strong hostility existed between him and Nau;i and that 
 ■^ Supray p. 251. 
 
34^ ^^^ 'Amias Poulet, 
 
 no harm could possibly be worked by du Preau he has not 
 long since written to Davison. ^ But Mary was attached to 
 them, and therefore they are withdrawn from her. IMelville 
 she was allowed to see again on the morning of her execution, 
 but not so the Priest, though she had earnestly begged for 
 this last religious consolation. The sudden withdrawal of the 
 Priest was an unexpected blow. To Elizabeth she had written, 
 "L'on m'a diet que ne vouUiez en rien forcer ma conscience 
 ny ma religion, et que mesme vous m'avez concede ung prebstre." 
 On the eve of her death Mary wrote du Preau a letter- which 
 begins, "J'ay este combatue ce jour de ma religion et de 
 recevoir la consolation des heretiques." She calls her physician 
 to witness her fidelity to her faith. "J'ay requis de vous avoir 
 pour faire ma confession et recevoir mon sacrement, ce qui 
 m'a este' cmellement refuse." She begs him to write instructions 
 how she should spend her last night on earth, and she says that 
 if she perceives him in the crowd in the morning, she will 
 kneel before them all for his benediction. At two o'clock in 
 the morning of the last day of her Hfe she wrote ^ to Henry III., 
 King of France, " La religion Catholique et le mantien du droit 
 que Dieu m'a donne a ceste couronne sont les deux points de 
 ma condemnation, et toutesfois ils ne me veulent permettre de 
 dire que c'est pour la religion Catholique que je meurs, mais 
 pour la crainte du change de la leur : et pour preuve, ils m'ont 
 oste mon aumosnier, lequel, bien qu'il soit en la maison, je 
 n'ay peu obtenir qu'il me vint confesser ny communier a ma 
 mort ; mais m'ont fait grande instance de recevoir la consolation 
 et doctrine de leur ministre amene pour ce fait. Ce porteur 
 et sa compagnie, la pluspart de vos sujets, vous tesmoigneront 
 mes deportemens en ce mien acte dernier." 
 
 Not only would Poulet deprive Mary of Melville and 
 du Preau, but, writing too from his own sick bed, he betrays 
 his wish to remove the medical attendants also, though his 
 prisoner was in chronic ill health. 
 
 Drury's unwillingness to take Poulet's place as Mary's interro- 
 gator, irritating her that "in her heat" she might say something 
 offensive to Elizabeth, is what we might have expected from 
 1 Supra ^ p. 339. ^ Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 483. ^ Ibid.^ p. 492. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 349 
 
 him, whom Mary describes^ as *'ce Droury, plus modeste et 
 gratieux de beaucoup." 
 
 To Mr. Secretary Davison^ January 21, 1586. 
 Sir, — You write very truly that I thought myself utterly 
 forgotten at the Court, in that I had not heard from thence 
 in one whole month, saving that I received in that mean- 
 time four or five lines from Mr. Secretary Walsingham, 
 which concerned only this lady's papers of accounts, and 
 therefore you may believe that your letters of the i8th 
 of this present were very welcome unto me, and I thank 
 you most heartily for them, as likewise for your friendly 
 advertisement of the state of things above at this present, 
 whereby, although I can receive no great comfort by reason 
 of the dangerous and most pitiful delay in [the] cause of 
 all causes, and especially in these declining days, wherein 
 Satan with his complices goeth roaring up and down 
 with open throat, seeking by most horrible and execrable 
 complots, as well domestical as foreign, how to devour our 
 most gracious Queen, whom God in mercy long preserve ; 
 yet it [is] some satisfaction to hear somewhat, and that 
 there remaineth yet some hope that God in His wisdom 
 hath decreed a day, which can neither be prevented nor 
 disappointed. I do not marvel to hear that this lady's 
 letters to her Majesty effected no good thing,^ which agreeth 
 with my former opinion therein, upon a full resolution in 
 my simple conceit that she might do hurt by her writing, 
 but good she would do none to Prince or State, and yet I 
 have been blamed many times that I have not urged her 
 to write, when I have had no commission for it She 
 
 ^ Labanoff, torn, vi., p. 469. 
 
 ^ This refers to the impression made upon Elizabeth by Mary's letter 
 dated December 19th, which we have seen Poulet so reluctant to forward. 
 Leicester, writing to Walsingham on the 22nd, mentions it in these terms : 
 * ' There is a letter from the Scottish Queen that hath wrought tears, but I 
 trust shall do no further herein ; albeit the delay is too dangerous" {Harl. MSS., 
 285 ; Ellis, vol. iii., p. 22). 
 
350 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 delighteth in blood, mischief and slander, and other fruits 
 come not from her. 
 
 Whereas her Majesty noteth want in me for per- 
 mitting the whole retinue of this lady to resort as freely 
 to her now as they were wont to do before her con- 
 demnation, which she would have somewhat restrained, 
 referring the same to my discretion, I must confess to you 
 that I am not sorry for this commission, having extended 
 the same to the removing of Melvin and the Priest, who are 
 the only two persons which this lady may best forbear, 
 and have been esteemed unnecessary in former time, but 
 have been restored to her lately sithence her coming to 
 this castle by direction from above, and therefore she may 
 spare them without any hindrance to her necessary service, 
 as also they are lodged within the court adjoining to the 
 inner gate, as they may take their meat and drink in this 
 lady's pantry without resort to the hall. The physician, 
 apothecary, and the surgeon have been so often allowed to 
 this lady by her Majesty's order, that I may not take upon 
 me to displace them without special warrant, referring the 
 same to your better consideration. Those which remain 
 take their meat and drink all together in a room at the 
 foot of the stairs leading to this lady's dining-chamber, 
 from whence they may have access to their mistress if they 
 are disposed, because they are out of the view of my 
 soldiers, which I have endured to avoid their eating and 
 drinking in the hall among my servants and soldiers, having 
 no other place in this castle for their assembly. Although 
 divers of this number cannot be divided to have access to 
 their mistress for her necessary service, yet for my better 
 discharge, and to the end you may remove any other such 
 as you think good from making their repair to their 
 mistress, I have thought convenient to send unto you 
 here inclosed a note of their particular names and functions. 
 
 You write that her Majesty wisheth I should resort often 
 to this lady and give her cause to discover herself and her 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 351 
 
 aflfections as much as I can, because in her heat she is wont 
 to speak ex abundantia cordis, wherein if I have failed 
 during the little time of my health, after mine access unto 
 [her] signified by my former letters, it may please you to 
 excuse me, the same proceeding of no other cause than 
 that I looked daily to hear from you whether her Highness 
 continued in that disposition or no. And now lately, by 
 the space of fourteen days, I have been very sick of my 
 gout and have not departed from my bed, where I remain 
 as yet, not without' great grief, I assure you, and do not 
 look to be recovered in few days. These are the fruits of 
 my long abode in Chartley House, a place environed with 
 naughty and corrupt waters, which have increased so much 
 my disease as I shall feel of it during the residue of my 
 short days. Being forbidden to repair to this lady by 
 reason of my sickness, and having acquainted Sir Drue 
 Drury with your letters, I have moved him to supply my 
 place, who prayeth to be excused herein, alleging many 
 reasons for his defence, whereof he supposeth this not to be 
 the least, that being a mere stranger to all her stratagems, 
 and not thoroughly acquainted with former proceedings, 
 he might perchance not urge her so aptly as might be 
 expected. He doth not doubt but that your good friend- 
 ship (although by nothing else than by your silence) will 
 suffice to satisfy her Majesty in this trifle until God shall 
 restore me to better health. And yet if it shall be thought 
 meet to use his service herein, he will not fail to perform 
 her Majesty's direction. I cannot express unto you how 
 much I think myself bound to her Majesty in sending this 
 honest gentleman hither unto me, whose company hath 
 been no less com [fort unto] me in this late extremity of 
 sickness and sorrow, t[han] needful for her Majesty's 
 service, whereof he ta[keth the] whole burthen during 
 mine infirmity, and doth [bear it] with will and courage. 
 I trust the wicked conspiracies lately revealed wi[ll at 
 the] last open her Majesty's eyes, and incline her heart to 
 
352 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 tak[e care] of the Church of God, herself, and her crown 
 and [realm, the] which are all assailed in her royal person. 
 Who is so [thoughtless], so void of reason, or so careless of 
 his duty [as not to sigh] and groan under this fearful delay, 
 and [we may fear] lest the old proverb be verified to our 
 utter [destruction, which] saith, "That so often goeth the 
 pot to the water, t[ill at last it] comes home broken," and 
 especially when God is tem[pted by over]security. You 
 and others placed about her Majesty's [person], do your 
 best endeavours, I doubt not, to prevent these [dangers] by 
 your actions, and I, a poor cripple, will assist you wi[th my] 
 hearty and humble prayers, and hereunto Sir Drue Drur[y, 
 my] yoke-fellow, saith, Amen. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 This letter to Sir John Perrot ends with one of those quaint 
 sentences which served, according to the fashion of the time, 
 for a ring posy. The tone of affection throughout the letter 
 marks a natural sympathy between the gaoler, thirsting for the 
 blood of his helpless prisoner, and the Deputy who was 
 harrying and hanging the defenceless Irish by thousands. 
 
 To Sir John P arret \_Perrot\ January 26, 1586. 
 My good friend of old acquaintance, — I am very heartily 
 glad to understand by your letters to Sir Drue Drury, my 
 yoke-fellow in this heavy and unpleasant charge, that you 
 keep your health, and that among the broils of this tem- 
 pestuous world your Government standeth quiet, and as 
 the same was never more needful than at this present, 
 when all our neighbours on every side desire nothing more 
 than to disturb the happy peace of her Majesty's realms 
 and dominions, so it must be confessed that your desert is 
 the greater, and I wish it to be considered towards you, to 
 your satisfaction, and to the encouragement of others serving 
 in like place of trust and importance. I know you will look 
 for no new matter from a prisoner, wherein I must refer 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtceeti of Scots. 353 
 
 you to the Court and courtiers, only I can tell you that we 
 continue in our old security, and that our fearful delays 
 threaten ruin to Prince and country. Love me still, I pray 
 you, and I trust it shall not repent you. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 It is noted in Rishton's " Diary of events in the Tower of 
 London," that Edward Arden was executed December 23, 1583. 
 The Arden, therefore, spoken of by Poulet in the next letter is 
 probably Francis Arden, who was imprisoned in the Tower, 
 according to Rishton, March 25, 1584. The injustice of his 
 imprisonment is shown by one of the State Papers,^ entitled 
 "What course is meet to be held in the causes of certain 
 prisoners remaining in the Tower," dated May 27, 1585, which 
 says of him, " Francis Arden, indicted of treason, but the matter 
 not full enough against him; to be removed to her Majesty's 
 Bench." He probably was so removed and afterwards tried; 
 and as in those days a verdict for high treason was easily 
 obtained from a jury against a Catholic, even when the " matter " 
 was not very " full," he was condemned and sent back to the 
 Tower about the beginning of 1586; for in a subsequent list^ 
 of prisoners in the Tower, October 24, 1589, he is mentioned 
 as " prisoner two years and three quarters, condemned of 
 treason," and in the margin, "Referred to her Majesty." He 
 was therefore under sentence of death when Poulet wrote. 
 Nearly eleven years after this he escaped from the Tower in 
 company with Father John Gerard.^ 
 
 To Mr. Secretary Davison, January 27, 1586. 
 Sir, — I send unto you here inclosed a letter come to 
 my hands from one of the justices of peace of the county 
 of Huntingdon, which I answered forthwith, as may appear 
 by this copy, whereof I thought good to advertise you 
 without delay, to the end you may see that this dreadful 
 
 ^ Domestic y Elizabeth, vol. clxxviii., n. 74. 
 
 2 Ibid., vol. ccxxvii., n. 37. 
 
 ^ Condition of Catholics under James /., p. cxv. 
 
354 Si^ Amias Poulet, 
 
 delay breedeth dread and danger of every side, and that 
 every day bringeth forth his new mischief, whereof in 
 reason and judgment there will be no end until the cause 
 be removed, and that the wrath of God be appeased by 
 the sweet-smelling sacrifice of justice executed upon this 
 lady, whose life threateneth ruin both to Prince and people. 
 There is also a great alarm in the county and in counties 
 adjoining, upon the rumour of the escape of one Arden, a 
 traitor. 
 
 And thus in haste. 
 
 In these letters Poulet has alluded to several of the stratagems 
 that were adopted by the Government in order to hasten the 
 execution of the Queen of Scots. By the " wicked conspiracies," 
 mentioned in his letter^ to Davison of the 21st, the discovery 
 of which Poulet prays may put an end to the "fearful delay;" 
 is doubtless intended the pretended plot of the younger Stafford, 
 through which Destrappes, Chateauneuf's secretary, was thrown 
 into the Tower. The spirit in which Poulet writes well illustrates 
 the effect produced by the daily rumours set afloat, that London 
 was fired by the Papists, that the Queen of Scots had escaped, 
 that a Scotch army had crossed the Border, that a Northern 
 rebeUion had broken out, that Guise had landed in Sussex, that 
 a Spanish fleet rode in Milford Haven; rumours all contrived 
 to enlist the fears and the hatred of the nation against the 
 Scottish Queen. Camden^ represents these reports as expressly 
 designed, "ad majores terrores Reginse incutiendum," to terrify 
 Elizabeth into signing the warrant. 
 
 Poulet, too blunt-minded to see that the hue and cry was 
 a trick to hasten Mary's execution by spreading panic and 
 arousing Elizabeth's fears, gives his "simple opinion" on "these 
 seditious rumours " in a way that must have amused the more 
 astute Secretaries of State. Among the Lansdowne Manuscripts^ 
 are two letters of the mayor and aldermen of Exeter, the first 
 
 1 Supra, p. 351. 
 
 2 Annales, p. 485. 
 
 * Lansd. AfSS., n. 51, f. 42 ; Wright's Queen Elizabeth and her times ^ 
 vol. ii., p. 329. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 355 
 
 written February 3, i58f, to Lord Burghley, for instructions 
 with regard to a precept of hue and cry for the Queen of Scots 
 who was said to have made her escape ; the other to the Privy 
 Council, dated "the 4th of February, at the hour of one in the 
 night," respecting another hue and cry received by them "that 
 her Majesty's City of London by the enemies is set on fire," 
 and commanding them to have their "men and armour in 
 readiness upon pain of death." They are curious enough for 
 insertion. 
 
 '"''Hue and Cry. 
 
 "These are to charge you in her Majesty's name upon 
 pain of death, to make diligent search, and hue and cry for 
 the Queen of Scots, who is fled, and to lay all highways, and 
 stay all barks and shipping in your harbours, for that the 
 direction came from Mr. Howard, Esquire ; so you keep a 
 standing watch day and night until you receive order to the 
 contrary, and let this be done by the chief of your parish. 
 This 2nd of February, anno 1586. Received into Honiton at 
 1 1 of the clock in the forenoon, this present Thursday. 
 
 " Thomas Ward, Constable of Honiton. 
 
 "This hue and cry to go to the Mayor of Exeter, and so 
 forth. 
 
 " Received by David Colles of Honiton the 2nd of February, 
 about I of the clock in the afternoon, into Exon." 
 
 '■''Hue and Cry. 
 
 "These are in the Queen's Majesty's name to charge and 
 command, immediately upon sight hereof, to send like precepts 
 four manner of ways, from town to town, to make your armour 
 and artillery in readiness, and that with all speed, upon pain of 
 death, for London is set on fire. For Mr. Turlett of Anstenlewell 
 brought this word from the Bell, the ist of February. Send 
 this to Exeter with all speed. 
 
 "William Bowerman, Justice. 
 
 "This from Sampfield this loth inst, Saturday, the 4th of 
 February, 1586, at 8 of the clock in the evening. 
 
 X 2 
 
35 6 Sir Amias Poidet, 
 
 " Received this by the hands of Robert Smythe of Collumpton, 
 the 4th of February, at lo of the clock in the night. 
 
 "William Marston, 
 " William Kirkham, 
 ''Edward Hate. 
 
 ''These are in her Majesty's name straitly to charge and 
 command you that upon the sight hereof you send Uke precept 
 two or three ways, from tithing to tithing, to set your men in 
 armour with all speed upon pain of death, for London is on 
 fire. Let this go to Exeter upon horseback. Haste ! haste ! haste ! 
 "Thomas Ward, Constable of Honiton. 
 
 " Received from Mr. Collins, this 4th day of February, about 
 8 of the clock at night 
 
 "Received this by Philip Balston, of Honiton, victualler, 
 betwixt the hours of 9 and 10, 
 
 " By me, Roger Chandon." 
 
 To Mr. Secretary Davison^ yamiary 30, 1586. 
 [Sir], — You may perceive by these letters inclosed, with 
 mine [ans]wer to the same, that the report of the Scottish 
 Queen's escape, or of her taking away, as it is now termed, 
 carrieth such credit in these parts, as it [is] followed with hue 
 and cry. And although, considering my late letters to like 
 effect, I did not think needful to advertise you thereof with 
 speed, yet I would not hide it from you, and therefore do 
 send it by one of my servants repairing to London about 
 his own business, not doubting but that the same will come 
 as speedily to your hands as if it had been sent by the post. 
 These seditious rumours are not to be neglected, in my 
 simple opinion, and indeed there is not a more ready way 
 to levy forces to the achieving of that which these lewd 
 reporters pretend to fear. I cannot let them to flatter 
 themselves with vain hope, but by the grace of God I will 
 not lose this lady, my charge, without the loss of my life, 
 neither shall it be possible for any force to take her out ot 
 my hands alive. And thus, &c. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 357 
 
 To Mr. Secretary Davison, February 2, 1586. 
 Sir, — I pray you give me leave to deal plainly and 
 openly with you, wherein I am the more bold because you 
 carry the reputation to be round and sincere in all your 
 proceedings. I may say truly, that I have been grieved 
 and troubled in body and mind by the space of many 
 weeks for the general, but now lately to increase my grief 
 I have felt some disquietudes in particular. The cause is 
 this. It pleased Sir Francis Walsingham not long before 
 Christmas last, upon occasion of some intermission of 
 writing at that time, to promise to take order that this 
 charge should be more often remembered, as a thing very 
 necessary and convenient, as he affirmed, sithence which 
 time I have written many letters to you and others to 
 several purposes, and for answer have received only one 
 letter from you during the two months last past. It is far 
 from me, as God best knoweth, to desire to be informed of 
 secret causes, or of anything [beyond] that belonging in 
 reason and necessity to the charge committed unto me ; but 
 to hear nothing at all, I must confess that it breedeth in me 
 some hard conceits against myself I am occasioned many 
 times, and sometimes directed to do things by discretion, 
 and being now so well recovered, I thank God, of my . . . 
 
 It is greatly to be wished that here this volume might 
 end. The new letters that we have undertaken to publish have 
 been given in their integrity, together with many others taken 
 from our Public Records. Once, it seems, there existed a 
 narrative from Poulet's pen of the execution of the Queen of 
 Scots, but it is now lost.^ It was in the possession of his 
 
 1 Mr. Ogle, the editor of Poulet's letters for the Roxburghe Club, in 
 his Preface, mentions that "Hardinge, in his Biographic Mirror (vol. ii., p. 74) 
 quotes a passage from a letter to Burghley from Poulet before" the latter left 
 on his embassy to France, which he says is taken from a large collection of 
 MSS. preserved among the family papers at Hinton St. George. The present 
 Earl Poulett has kindly, at the editor's request, caused search to be made for 
 these letters, but unhappily, neither they, nor any trace of such a collection, 
 can be discovered " (p. 2, note). 
 
35^ '^'^V Amias Potdet, 
 
 descendants, together with other letter-books, which, at the 
 beginning of the eighteenth century, were preserved among the 
 family archives at Hinton St. George. Amongst these were the 
 w^ell known letters respecting the proposed assassination. We 
 owe them to Hearne, by whom they were printed in ttie glossary 
 to Robert of Gloucester.^ They were transcribed and com- 
 municated to Hearne by Mr. Edward Prideaux Gwyn, gentleman 
 commoner of Christ Church, and they are here printed from 
 Hearne's manuscript Diary, which is preserved in the Bodleian 
 Library. 
 
 Freebairn, in his Life of Mary Queen of Scots,^ says that 
 " a copy transcribed from the originals was sent to Dr. Mackenzie, 
 by Mr. John Urry, of Christ Church, Oxford." 
 
 Another transcript exists in the British Museum, amongst the 
 Harleian Manuscripts.^ It is in the handwriting of Lord Oxford, 
 and it is accompanied by the following letter from the Duke of 
 Chandos. 
 
 "Cannons, Aug. 23, 1725. 
 
 " My Lord, — I ought long before this to have returned your 
 lordship the inclosed, and made my acknowledgments to you for 
 the liberty you gave me to take copies of 'em. They are a 
 very valuable curiosity, and deserve well to be preserved. 
 
 "I am, my lord, 
 
 " Your lordship's obedient humble servant, 
 
 " Chandos." 
 
 Addressed — " To the right honourable the Earl of Oxford, at 
 his house in Dover Street." On this correspondence Chalmers* 
 remarks that "neither Lord Oxford nor the Duke seem to have 
 known that those notorious epistles had been already published 
 in 1722 by Dr. Mackenzie in his Life of Mary.^ They were 
 also pubhshed in 1725 in Jebb."^ 
 
 Now, Queen Elizabeth had written •" to Mary not quite two 
 years before this about Sir Amias Poulet in these terms — "You 
 need not to doubt that a man that reverenceth God, loveth his 
 
 1 P. 673. 2 p 270. 3 N. 6994, f. 50. -* Vol. ii., p. 185, note. 
 
 ^ Lives, iii., 340. ^ App., viii. "^ Vol. xv., n. 57; supra, p. 6. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qtcee7i of Scots, 359 
 
 Prince, and is no less by calling honourable than by birth noble, 
 will ever do anything unworthy of himself." This man, by calling 
 honourable, by birth noble, reverencing his God and loving his 
 Prince, was required by his sovereign, a Queen of England, to 
 be the assassin of the helpless woman who was committed to 
 his custody. Poulet had condescended to do much that was 
 unworthy of himself during Mary's captivity. He had expressed 
 himself as vehemently desirous of her death, and the words 
 had been seen by Elizabeth, as the writer intended that they 
 should be seen. But though Poulet thought in his fanaticism 
 that to put Mary to death would be to do God service, he was 
 not capable of the degradation to which Elizabeth urged him. 
 We may feel certain that if he had obeyed the unworthy orders 
 he received, Elizabeth would have left on him the full responsi- 
 bility, and a worse fate than Davison's would have been his. 
 
 Once more we turn to Mr. Froude, and it is to draw from his 
 pages this comment on the conduct of Queen Elizabeth. It 
 ^*was not noble, but it was natural and pardonable."^ Natural! 
 Unhappily, it is quite possible that there have been some in 
 whom even a mean and wicked endeavour to throw upon another 
 the odium of the violent death of a kinswoman may be called in 
 too true a sense natural ; but God forbid that the day should 
 ever come when an English writer unrebuked may say that such 
 <:onduct is y^mzX, pardonable. 
 
 To Sir Amias Poulet? 
 After our hearty commendations, we find by speech 
 lately uttered by her Majesty that she doth note in 
 you both a lack of that care and zeal of her service 
 that she looketh for at your hands, in that you have 
 not in all this time of yourselves (without other provo- 
 cation) found out some way to shorten the life of that 
 ■Queen, considering the great peril she is subject unto 
 hourly, so long as the said Queen shall live. Wherein, 
 besides a kind of lack of love towards her, she noteth 
 
 ^ History^ vol. xii.,p. 241. 
 2 Heame's MS. Diary, vol. Ixxxv., p. 89, from Gvvyn's transcript. 
 
360 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 greatly that you have not that care of your own particular 
 safeties, or rather of the preservation of religion and the 
 public good and prosperity of your country, that reason 
 and policy commandeth, especially having so good a 
 warrant and ground for the satisfaction of your con- 
 sciences towards God and the discharge of your credit 
 and reputation towards the world, as the oath of asso- 
 ciation which you both have so solemnly taken and 
 vowed, and especially the matter wherewith she standeth 
 charged being so clearly and manifestly proved against 
 her. And therefore she taketh it most unkindly towards 
 her, that men professing that love towards her that you 
 do, should in any kind of sort, for lack of the discharge 
 of your duties, cast the burthen upon her, knowing as 
 you do her indisposition to shed blood, especially of one 
 of that sex and quality, and so near to her in blood as 
 the said Queen is. These respects we find do greatly 
 trouble her Majesty, who, we assure you, has sundry 
 times protested that if the regard of the danger of her 
 good subjects and faithful servants did not more move 
 her than her own peril, she would never be drawn to 
 assent to the shedding of her blood. We thought it very 
 meet to acquaint [you] with these speeches lately passed 
 from her Majesty, referring the same to your good 
 judgments. And so we commit you to the protection of 
 the Almighty. 
 
 At London, February i, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured friends^ 
 
 Francis Walsingham, 
 Wm. Davison. 
 
 This letter was received at Fotheringay the 2nd of 
 February, at five in the afternoon. 
 
 An abstract of a letter from Mr. Secretary DavisoUy 
 of the said 1st of February, 1586, as followeth — I pray 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 361 
 
 let this and the inclosed be committed to the fire, which 
 measure^ shall be likewise mete to your answer, after 
 it hath been communicated to her Majesty for her 
 satisfaction. 
 
 A postscript in a letter from Mr. Secretary Davison^ 
 of the 'i^rd of February y 1586 — I entreated you in my 
 last to burn my letters sent unto you for the argument 
 sake, which by your answer to Mr. Secretary (which I 
 have seen) appeareth not to have been done. I pray 
 you, let me entreat you to make heretics of the one 
 and the other, as I mean to use yours, after her Majesty 
 hath seen it. 
 
 In the e7id of the postscript — I pray you let me hear 
 what you have done with my letters, because they are 
 not fit to be kept, that I may satisfy her Majesty therein, 
 who might otherwise take offence thereat, and if you 
 entreat this postscript in the same manner, you shall 
 not err a whit. 
 
 A. Poulet — D. Drury. 
 A copy of a letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, of the 
 2nd of February y 1586, at six in the afternoon, being the 
 answer to a letter from him, the said Sir Francis, of the 
 1st of February, 1586, received at Fotheringay the 27id day 
 of February, at five in the afternoon — Your letters of 
 yesterday coming to my hands this present day at five 
 in the afternoon, I would not fail according to your 
 directions to return my answer with all possible speed, 
 which {sic) shall deliver unto you with great grief and 
 bitterness of mind, in that I am so unhappy to have 
 liven to see this unhappy day, in the which I am required 
 by direction from my most gracious sovereign to do an 
 act which God and the law forblddeth. My good livings 
 and life are at her Majesty's disposition, and am ready 
 
 ^ For measure Lord Oxford has read we assure. 
 
362 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 to so lose them this next morrow if it shall so please 
 her, acknowledging that I hold them as of her mere 
 and most gracious favour, and do not desire them to 
 enjoy them, but with her Highness' good liking. But 
 God forbid that I should make so foul a shipwreck of 
 my conscience, or leave so great a blot to my poor 
 posterity, to shed blood without law or warrant. Trusting 
 that her Majesty, of her accustomed clemency, will take 
 this my dutiful answer in good part (and the rather by 
 your good mediation), as proceeding from one who will 
 never be inferior to any Christian subject living in duty, 
 honour, love, and obedience towards his sovereign. 
 
 And thus I commit you to the mercy of the Almighty. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 2nd of February, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friends, 
 
 A. POULET, 
 
 D. Drury. 
 
 Your letters coming in the plural number seem to 
 "be meant as to Sir Drue JDrury as to myself, and yet 
 because he is not named in them, neither the letter 
 directed unto him, he forbeareth to make any particular 
 answer, but subscribeth in heart to my opinion. 
 
 I copied these letters irt December, lyi'j, from a MS. folio 
 book of letters to and from Sir Amias Poulet, when tJie 
 Queen of Scots' governor at Fotheringay. This book is in 
 the hands of JoJm Earl Potdett, his immediate descendant, 
 and in that book is likewise cofitained a particular account 
 oftheJrialand exectUion of the Queen of Scots, which seems 
 to be done by Sir Amias himself} 
 
 Poulet was too cautious to destroy the disgraceful letters 
 he had been dishonoured by receiving from the secretaries of 
 his sovereign. He carried the originals with him to London, 
 ^ With this note by Mr. Gwyn, Hearae's copy ends. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 363 
 
 and there doubtless they were "made heretics of," as Davison 
 had urged. But mindful of his own reputation, he left copies 
 with his famil)'-, that, if necessary, it might be known in what 
 terms he had repelled the base proposal. 
 
 Poitlet to Davison?- 
 
 Sir, — The rule of charity commandeth to bear with 
 the impatience of the afflicted, which Christian lesson you 
 have learned, as I find by experience to my great content- 
 ment, in that you have been content to bear with my 
 malapertness, wherein you bind me more and more to love 
 you and to honour you, which I will do with all honest 
 faithfulness. 
 
 If I should say that I have burned the papers you 
 wot of, I cannot tell if everybody would believe me, 
 and therefore I reserve them to be delivered to your 
 own hands at my coming to London. God bless you 
 and prosper all your actions to His glory. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 8th of February, 1586. 
 
 Your most assuredly to my small power, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Addressed — To the right honourable Mr. William 
 Davison, esquire, one of her Majesty's principal secretaries. 
 
 Endorsed by Lord Burghley — February 8th, 1586, from 
 Sir Amias Poulet to Mr. Secretary Davison. 
 
 We give two more letters, written by Poulet at Fotheringay, 
 after the death of the Queen of Scots, and with them we bring 
 the series to a close. By the time they reached London, Davison 
 was in the Tower. They were received, as the endorsement 
 shows, by Lord Burghley. If the mention of the usual straitness 
 in money matters excites a smile, we are soon made serious again 
 by Poulet's pious rejoicings over Mary's death, written on the 
 day of her execution. 
 
 ^ Vol. xxi., n. 13. 
 
364 Sir Amias Poulety 
 
 Poulet to Davison?- 
 Sir, — It may please you to let me know from you what 
 shall become of the families of this castle and Chartley, 
 and in what sort and for what places passports shall 
 be made for the Scottish train when they shall be dis- 
 charged, thinking, that considering the nearness of London, 
 both the French and Scottish will desire to pass that way,, 
 which was so appointed lon^ sithence by Mr. Secretary 
 Walsingham for those remaining at Chartley, and their 
 passports made to that effect, and left with Mr. Richard 
 Bagot, because it was then intended that they should 
 have been discharged within four or five days after the 
 removing of this lady from thence. 
 
 It seemeth meet that some watch and ward be kept 
 about this house during the continuance here of the 
 Scottish company, which may be supplied by my thirty 
 soldiers, if you shall like of it, and the forty soldiers 
 taken out of Huntingdonshire may be discharged. 
 
 Although Mr. Darrell, master of her Majesty's house- 
 hold here, hath been destitute of money of late, yet I 
 have forborne upon consideration of the uncertainty of our 
 abode to trouble my Lord Treasurer therewith, and having 
 no ready mean to bring money from London, I have 
 supplied the want out of Nau's money remaining in my 
 hands, which may be repaid hereafter at London, as shall 
 be appointed by the lords of her Majesty's Council. 
 
 I trust I shall not need to put you in remembrance 
 for order to be given touching her Majesty's plate and 
 other household stuff here, as likewise for the coffers 
 and trunks belonging to Nau and Curie. 
 
 Sir Drue Drury with his hearty due commendations 
 unto you, prayeth your favourable mean for his revoca- 
 tion, which he would not desire (notwithstanding his great 
 and urgent occasions) if the cause of his abode were not 
 
 ^ Vol. xxi., n. 12. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 365 
 
 through the mercy and favour of our good God clearly 
 removed, to the great comfort of himself and all other 
 faithful Christian subjects. I will say nothing of his careful 
 service in this place, because his zeal to religion, duty to 
 his sovereign, and love to his country are very well known 
 unto you. 
 
 The children of God have daily experience of His 
 mercy and favour towards such as can be content to 
 depend of His merciful providence, who doth not see as 
 man seeth, but His times and seasons are always just and 
 perfectly good. The same God make us all thankful 
 for His late singular favours. And thus I leave to 
 trouble you, wishing unto you all felicity in our Lord 
 Jesus. .^^ 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 8th of February, I58b.\\ \ 
 
 Your very assured friend to my small power, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 We may not forbear to signify unto you that these two 
 
 Earls ^ have showed a very singular and faithful affection 
 
 to her Majesty's service in this action, as you shall .be 
 
 infor^ned more particularly by me, Robert Beale, at my 
 
 return to the Court, which shall be shortly by the grace 
 
 of God. 
 
 A. PoULET. 
 
 D. Drury. 
 
 Robert Beale. 
 
 Addressed — To the right honourable Mr. William 
 Davison, esquire, one of her Majesty's principal secretaries. 
 
 Endorsed in Lord Biirghley's hand — 8th February, 
 1586. Sir Amias Poulet, Sir D. Drury, to Mr. Secretary 
 Davison. 
 
 ^ The Earls of Shrewsbury and Kent were the Commissioners to whom 
 the warrant for the execution was addressed. 
 
366 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 The following paper ^ is a list drawn up by Poulet with 
 a view to the preparation of passports for those mentioned 
 in it. 
 
 "Upon conference with the French and Scottish servants, 
 they answer as followeth : 
 
 "Mr. Melvin, now remaining with Mr. Bagot, prayeth to 
 take London in his way towards Scotland. 
 
 "I have not spoken with the Priest remaining with Mr. Gresley^ 
 but I find by a message received from him of late that he is 
 willing to go directly into France. 
 
 "Bastian and his wife, with their two daughters and one 
 son, are desirous to go to London, and from thence into 
 France. 
 
 " Baltazar will go into France. 
 
 " Curie's servant is desirous to wait on his mistress. 
 
 " Nau's servant did once serve Mr. Pierrepont, and doth pray 
 to return unto him. 
 
 "The cocher and the grooms of the stable are of Sheffield, 
 in Derbyshire, and of the parts adjoining, and pray to return 
 thither. 
 
 " Curie's wife prayeth to go to London. 
 
 "The three laundresses are of Derbyshire, and desire to 
 return thither." 
 
 Poulet to Walsingham? 
 
 Sir, — Following the direction of the lords of her 
 Majesty's Council, signified by your letters of the 15th 
 of this present, I have brought hither the Scottish 
 household from Chartley, and have discharged all the 
 soldiers, one porter and four soldiers only excepted which 
 have the charge of the gate. 
 
 I send unto you herewith the inventory ' of her 
 Majesty's plate, hangings, and other household stuff lately 
 used in this castle, whereof the plate, the greater part of 
 the hangings, and all the best stuff was removed from 
 
 ^ Vol. xxL, n. 2I." 2 Vol. xxi., n. 20. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 367 
 
 hence yesterday under the conduct of some of my servants, 
 praying you to signify forthwith to my servant Robert 
 Hackshaw remaining in London, in what place there the 
 said plate and other stuff shall be discharged, as likewise 
 Mr. Darrell prayeth for the better clearing of his account, 
 and doth think it so meet for her Majesty's better service 
 that the said plate and other stuff may not be removed 
 from the place where it shall be unladen, until his coming 
 to London. One of the conductors of these carts is 
 commanded to be at London four or five hours before 
 the arrival of the carts to learn of my serv^ant Hackshaw 
 where the said carts shall be unladen. 
 
 The jewels, plate, and other goods belonging to the 
 late Queen of Scots were already divided into many parts 
 before the receipt of your letters, as may appear by the 
 inventory thereof inclosed herein, the whole company 
 (saving Kenethy [Kennedy] and Curie's sister, two of her 
 gentlewomen) affirming that they have nothing to show 
 for these things from their mistress in writing, and that 
 all the smaller things were delivered by her own hands. 
 I have, according to your direction, committed the 
 custody of the said jewels, plate, and other stuff ta 
 Mr. Melvin, the physician, and Mrs. Kenethy, one of the 
 gentlewomen. 
 
 The care of the embalming of the body of the late 
 Queen was committed to the high sheriff of this county, 
 who, no doubt, was very willing to have it well done, and 
 used therein the advice of a physician dwelling at Stamford, 
 with the help of two surgeons, and yet upon order given 
 according to your direction for the body to be covered 
 with lead, the physician hath thought good to add 
 somewhat to his former doings, and doth now take 
 upon him that it may continue for some reasonable 
 time. 
 
 I purpose by the grace of God to depart from hence 
 towards London on Monday next, the 27th of this present 
 
2,6S Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 And thus I leave to trouble you, committing you to the 
 mercy of the Almighty. 
 
 From Fotheringay, the 25 th of February, 1586. 
 
 Your most assured poor friend, 
 
 A. POULET. 
 
 Addressed — To the right honourable Sir Francis 
 Walsingham, knight, her Majesty's principal secretary. 
 
 Endorsed — 25th February, 1586, from Sir Amias Poulet. 
 Letters from Sir Amias Poulet, Mr. Somers, and Francis 
 Mills, employed about the business with the Scottish 
 Queen. 
 
 The inventory^ of the property of the Queen of Scots, alluded 
 to in the foregoing letter, is printed in Prince Labanoff' s collec- 
 tion, in which it occupies more than twenty pages. Poulet 
 compiled it by summoning Mary's servants before him, and 
 requesting each of them to give him a written note of all that 
 the Queen had given them. 2 A comparison of this inventory, 
 made after Mary's death, with a former one, dated June 13, 
 1586, which Prince Labanoff found amongst M. de Chateauneuf's 
 papers^ enables us to see that Mr. Froude has been led into a 
 curious error respecting Mary Stuart^s dress at the scaffold by 
 the anonymous writer whose account he follows in preference 
 to the narratives drawn up by responsible witnesses. It may 
 seem to be of little importance, but as Mr. Froude has chosen 
 to represent the last moments of Mary's life as ** brilliant acting 
 throughout," he should at least have been accurate in his details. 
 He even goes so far as to say that she was deprived of the 
 assistance of her chaplain for " fear of some religious melodrame." 
 As to her dress, he says,* "She stood on the black scaffold with 
 the black figures all around her, blood-red from head to foot. 
 Her reasons for adopting so extraordinary a costume must be 
 
 1 Vol. xxi,, n. 20, I ; Labanoff, torn, vii., p. 254, 
 
 2 Jebb, vol. ii., p. 649. 
 
 2 Labanoff, torn, vii., p. 231. 
 * History ^ voL xii., p. 254, 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 369 
 
 left to conjecture. It is only certain that it must have been 
 carefully studied, and that the pictorial effect must have been 
 appalling." And he quotes from the Vray Rapport the words, 
 "Ainsyfut executee toute en rouge." 
 
 The rouge was not " blood-red," but a dark red brown. 
 Blackwood says that she wore, with a pourpoint or bodice of 
 black satin, "une Juppe de vellours cramoisi brun," and the 
 narrative called La Mort de la Royne d'Escosse says the same. 
 There it is in the June inventory, "Une juppe de velloux 
 cramoisy brun, bandee de passement noir, doublee de taffetas de 
 couleur brune." In the inventory taken after her death it is 
 wanting. As it happens, if she had wished to be "blood-red," 
 she might have been so, for in the wardrobe there was "satin 
 figure incarnat," " escarlate," and " satin incarnate." These 
 figure both in the June and February inventories. When she 
 was dressed "le plus proprement qu'elle put et mieux que de 
 coutume," she said to her maids of honour, "Mes amies, je 
 vous eusse laisse plustost cet accoustrement que celui d'hier, 
 sinon qu'il faut que j'aille a la mort un peu honnorablement, et 
 que j'aye quelque chose plus que le commun." "La tragedie 
 finie," continues Blackwood, " les pauvres damoiselles, soigneuses 
 de rhonneur de leur maistresse s'adresserent a Paulet son 
 gardien, et le prierent que le bourreau ne touchast plus au 
 corps de sa Majeste, et qu'il leur fust permis de la despouiller, 
 apres que le monde seroit retire, afin qu'aucune indignite ne 
 fust faitte au corps, promettant de luy rendre la despouille, et 
 tout ce qu'il pourroit demander. Mais ce maudict et espou- 
 ventable Cerbere les renvoya fort lourdement, leur commandant 
 de sortir de la salle. Cependant le bourreau la dechausse, et 
 la manie a sa discretion. Apres qu'il eust fait tout ce qu'il 
 voulust, le corps fut porte en une chambre joignante celle de 
 ces serviteurs, bien fermee de peur qu'ils n'y entrassent pour 
 luy rendre leurs debvoirs. Ce qui augmenta grandement leur 
 ennuy, ils la voyoient par le trou de la serrure demy couverte 
 d'un morceau de drop de bure qu'on avoit arrache de la table 
 du billard, dont nous avous parle cy dessus, et prioyent Dieu 
 k la porte, dont Paulet s'appercevant fist boucher le trou."^ 
 * Jebb ,vol. il, pp. 306, 489, 640. 
 
0/ 
 
 Sir Amias Potilet, 
 
 The executioner snatched from her hand the little gold cross 
 that she took from her neck. "Sa Majeste osta hors de 
 son col line croix d'or, qu'elle vouloit bailler a mie de 
 ses filles, disant au maistre d'oeuvres, Mon amy, cecy n'est 
 pas k vostre usage, laissez la a cette damoiselle elle vous 
 baillera en argent plus qu'elle ne vaut; il luy arracha d'entre 
 les mains fort rudement, disant, C'est mon droit. C'eust 
 este merveille qu'elle eust trouve courtoisie en un bourreau 
 Anglois, qui ne I'avoit jamais sceu trouver entre les plus honestes 
 du pais, sinon tant qu'ils en pouvoient tirer de profit." It was 
 worthy of Poulet to insist that, even though everything Mary 
 wore was to be burnt and the headsman was to lose his perqui- 
 sites lest he should sell them for relics, it was to be by his 
 hands that they should be taken from the person of his victim. 
 Several narratives of the execution exist. The most complete, 
 attributed to Bourgoin, is printed in Jebb.^ Sir H. ElHs and 
 Robertson print the official report of the Commissioners. Then 
 there is Chateauneuf's Report to Henry III., February 27, 
 1587, N.S., in Teulet, and a narrative drawn up for Burghley 
 by R. W. (Richard Wigmore). Blackwood also furnishes an 
 interesting and trustworthy description. The anonymous Vray 
 Rapport will be found in Teulet. ^ Mr. Froude appears to have 
 selected it, partly because it was possible to expand the Realistic 
 description of the dissevered head, and in particular the inevit- 
 able contraction of the features, into the gross and pitiless 
 caricature which he permits himself of the poor wreck of humanity; 
 partly too, because the Vray Rapport, in direct contradiction to 
 the other accounts, supports his assertion that Mary was 
 "dreadfully agitated" on receiving the message of death from 
 the two Earls. To convey the impression that the writer was 
 bodily present on that occasion, Mr. Froude introduces him as 
 "evidently an eye-witness, one of the Queen of Scots' own 
 attendants, probably her surgeon." But the narrative shows us 
 that the writer, whoever he was, could not have been one of 
 Mary's attendants, nor even acquainted with them, for he desig- 
 nates the two ladies who assisted their mistress at the scaffold 
 as "deux damoiselles, I'une FranQoise nommee damoiselle 
 ^ Vol. ii,, pp. 611—649. ^ Tom. iv., pp. 154—164. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qiteen of Scots. 371 
 
 Ramete, et I'autre Escossoise, qui avait nom Ersex." There 
 were no such names in Mary's household. The two ladies were 
 both Scottish, Jane Kennedy and Elspeth Curie, Gilbert Curie's 
 sister. Mr. Froude says, "Barbara Mowbray bound her eyes 
 with a handkerchief." It was Jane Kennedy who performed 
 for her this last service. 
 
 Poulet's inventory, amongst other things, contains the follow- 
 ing entry : " Memorandum that the Priest claim eth as of the 
 said late Queen's gift, a silver chalice with a cover, two silver 
 cruets, four images, the one of our Lady in red coral, with 
 divers other vestments and necessaries belonging to a Massing 
 Priest." When the scaffold had been taken away, the Priest 
 was allowed to leave his room and join the rest of the household. 
 On the morning after the execution he said Mass for Mary's 
 soul; but on the afternoon of that day Melville and Bourgoin 
 were sent for by Poulet, who gave orders that the altar should 
 be taken down, and demanded an oath that Mass should not 
 be said again. Melville excused himself as he was a Protestant 
 and not concerned; the physician stoutly refused. Poulet sent 
 for the Priest, and required the coffer in which the vestments 
 were kept to be brought to him. Du Preau, who was evidently 
 a timid man, took the oath that Poulet insisted on, little thinking 
 that he was pledging himself for six months. "II jura sur la 
 bible de ne faire aucune office de religion, craignant d'estre 
 resserre en prison." ^ 
 
 The household of the late Queen were not allowed to 
 depart as soon as Poulet expected. They were detained at 
 Fotheringay, from motives of policy, till the 3rd of August, 
 when the funeral of their mistress having been at last 
 performed, they were set free. Some of them were taken 
 to Peterborough to accompany the corpse and to be present 
 at the funeral ceremonies on the ist of August. Amongst 
 them, in the order of the procession, it is surprising to find 
 Mary's chaplain, "Monsieur du Preau, aumosnier, en long 
 manteau, portant une croix d'argent en main." The account 
 of the funeral from which this is taken, written by one of the 
 late Queen's household, takes care to mention that when they 
 
 ^ Jebb, vol. ii., pp. 649, 656. 
 Y2 
 
372 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 reached the choir of Peterborough Minster, and the choristers 
 began "k chanter a leur fagon en langage Anglois," they all, 
 with the exception of Andrew Melville and Barbara Mowbray,^ 
 left the church and walked in the cloisters till the service was 
 finished. "Si les Anglois," he says, "et principalement le Roy 
 des heraux . . . estoit en extreme cholere, d'autant estoient 
 joieux et contents les Catholiques." 
 
 Poulet left for London, and as long as Mary's servants 
 were detained at Fotheringay, he seems to have retained juris- 
 diction over them. It was to him, therefore, that Melville 
 and Bourgoin applied in March for leave to sell their horses 
 and to write into France respecting the bequests made to them 
 by the Queen of Scots ; and to him that Darrell forwarded in 
 June "the petition of the whole household and servants of the 
 late Queen of Scotland remaining at Fotheringay," ^ begging to 
 be released from their prison and to be allowed to leave the 
 country. 
 
 Poulet, as has already been said, was made Chancellor of 
 the Garter in April, 1587, but he did not retain this preferment 
 for a whole year. He continued in the Captaincy of Jersey 
 up to his death, but he appears to have resided in and near 
 London. In the British Museum are two letters^ from him of 
 small importance. One, addressed to the Lord High Admiral, 
 is dated, "From my poor lodging in Fleet Street, the 14th of 
 January, 1587," about "right of tenths in Jersey, belonging 
 to the Government." The other, "From my little lodge at 
 Twickenham, the 24th of April, 1588," "on behalf of Berry," 
 whose divorce was referred by the Justices of the Common 
 Pleas ta four Doctors of the Civil Law, of whom Mr. Doctor 
 Caesar, Judge of the Admiralty, to whom the letter was written, 
 was one. 
 
 His name also occurs in a letter, from Walsingham to 
 Burghley, dated May 23, 1587, while Elizabeth still kept up 
 the farce of Burghley's disgrace for despatching Mary Stuart's 
 death-warrant. "Touching the Chancellorship of the Duchy, 
 
 ^ Qy. Gillis. Barbara, her sister, was Curie's wife. 
 
 2 Vol. xxi., nn. 30, 33, 34. 
 
 * Additional MSS., n. 12507, f. 126; n. 12506, f. 261. 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 373 
 
 she told Sir Amias Poulet that in respect of her promise 
 made unto me, she would not dispose of it otherwise. 
 But yet hath he no power to deliver the seals unto me, 
 though for that purpose the Attorney is commanded to attend 
 him, who I suppose will be dismissed hence this day with- 
 out any resolution." And on the 4th of January following, 
 together with the other lords of the Council, he signed a letter 
 addressed by the Privy Council to the Lord Admiral and to 
 Lord Buckhurst, the Lieutenants of Sussex, against such Catholics 
 as "most obstinately have refused to come to the church to 
 prayers and divine service," requiring them to " cause the most 
 obstinate and noted persons to be committed to such prisons 
 as are fittest for their safe keeping : the rest that are of value, 
 and not so obstinate, are to be referred to the custody of some 
 -ecclesiastical persons and other gentlemen well affected, to remain 
 at the charges of the recusant, to be restrained in such sort as 
 they may be forthcoming, and kept from intelligence with one 
 .another,"! On the 26th of September, in the year in which 
 this letter was written, 1588, Sir Amias Poulet died. 
 
 Poulet was buried in St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. When 
 that church was pulled down to be rebuilt, his remains, with 
 the handsome monument erected over them, were removed to 
 the parish church of Hinton St. George. After various pane- 
 gyrics in Latin, French, and English inscribed on his monument, 
 a quatrain, expressive apparently of royal favour, pays the 
 following tribute to the service rendered by him to the State 
 as Keeper of the Queen of Scots — 
 
 E. R. 
 
 Never shall cease to spread wise Poulet's fame ; 
 These will speak, and men shall blush for shame : 
 Without offence to speak what I do know, 
 Great is the debt England to him doth owe. 
 
 ^ Harl. MSS., n. 6994, f. 39 ; n. 703, f. 52 ; Wright's Queen Elizabeth and 
 her times, vol. ii., pp. 338, 358. Mr. Wright is mistaken in stating (p. 255, 
 note) that Poulet's Embassy in France was "at a later period," after he had 
 -the custody of the Queen of Scots. 
 
ADDITIONAL NOTES. 
 
 Page 2, — In Lord Burghley's Notes of Queen Elizabeth^ s Reign (Murdin, 
 p. 787), there occurs this entry. "February, 1587. The Chancellorship 
 of the Garter by the death of Amyas Paulett granted to Mr. Secretary 
 "Walsingham." This must have been written by Burghley so long afterwards 
 that he had forgotten the details. Poulet succeeded Walsingham in the 
 Chancellorship, and was succeeded byWolley, and though he died in 1588,, 
 he was not dead in the February of that year. 
 
 Page 21, — Lady Pope, mentioned by Morgan, was Elizabeth, eldest 
 daughter of Walter Blount of Blount Hall, co. Stafford, who married first, 
 Anthony Basford or Beresford of Bentley in Derbyshire ; secondly. Sir 
 Thomas Pope, whose third wife she was ; and thirdly. Sir Hugh Poulet, 
 father of Sir Amias. Sir Thomas Pope was the founder of Trinity College, 
 Oxford, and his wife Elizabeth was a benefactor of the College. Her effigy 
 is in the College chapel, beside that of Sir Thomas, and her picture is in 
 the hall. The name of Lady Poulet appears in various lists of recusants. 
 For instance. Justice Young wrote to Lord Keeper Puckering, February 25,. 
 159^, that Thomas Hygate, a Priest, had been harboured, amongst other 
 places, "at the Lady Pawlett's in Essex, with Mr, Southcote, who married 
 her daughter" {Domestic, Elizabeth, vol, ccxliv., n, 48), And again, in May, 
 1587, in a list of "Common receivers, harbourers, and maintainers of Jesuits- 
 and Seminary Priests," we have, amongst other names, those of "The Lady 
 Lovell, the Lady Paulet, the Lady Copley" {Ibid., vol, cci., n, 53). She 
 survived her third husband, and had issue only by Beresford, who left her a 
 widow March i, 1539. Sir T, Pope died Jan. 29, I55f, and Sir H, 
 Poulet in 1571. She died October 7, 1593, possessed of the estate of 
 Tittenhanger, co. Herts., and was succeeded by her nephew. Sir Thomas 
 Pope Blount, knight, son of her eldest brother, William Blount, which 
 Thomas (her children by her first husband being then all dead) was not only 
 her heir-at-law, but also great-nephew of her husband, Sir Thomas Pope,, 
 through his mother, Frances, daughter of Edward Love, Esq., by Alice, sister 
 of Sir Thomas Pope (Clutterbuck's Hertfordshire ; Burton's Leicestershire). 
 Father Richard Blount, S,J., was the younger brother of Sir Thomas Pope 
 Blount. 
 
 Page 85. — The confitures seiches had, as Poulet suspected, another meaning,. 
 It was Mary's secret supply of money, which was brought to her in a way 
 that we should have thought could not possibly have escaped detection on 
 arrival, if it escaped pillage on the road. Those through whose hands- 
 these boxes of confitures passed must have thought them singularly heavy.. 
 
Sir Amias Poulet, 375 
 
 In her letter to the Archbishop of Glasgow of July 17, 1586, Mary requests 
 him to send to her four thousand crowns given to her by the King of Spain 
 for the expenses of her escape. " Ce que vous pourrez aisement faire par mes 
 nouveaulx serviteurs, s'ilz viennent en bref, ou dans deux cachettes secretes 
 aux deux boites d'un bahu, plain de boytes de confitures d'ltalie et d'Espagne, 
 le plus liegerement remplis que pourrez. Car oultre que telles choses pour 
 ma bouche sont plus respectees et moins maniees tant par les chemins que 
 icy, ayant accoustume d'en faire venir tous les ans, on se doubtera moins qu'il 
 y aye rien de cache pardessoubs. Je vous envoyeray le memoire de ces 
 confitures par la voye ouverte, et en cas qu'il ne yous soit rendu en temps, ne 
 laissez d'en choisir par precedentes memoires des annees passees" (Labanofif, 
 tom. vi., p. 414). 
 
 Page 117. — The last we hear of Phelippes is in 1622, when he must have 
 been an old man. He was then in the Marshalsea, "arrested upon an old 
 quarrel between me and one Tyttyn," when he wrote two letters dated 
 May 22, to Sir Robert Cotton, giving an account of a petition that he 
 had presented to King James I. {Cotton. MSS., Julius, C. iii., f. 297). 
 Perhaps the last thing we should have expected him to petition for would 
 have been "some ecclesiastical dignity," even though "of the inferior sort." 
 "Philips the decipherer hath been dealt with by such as take notice of his 
 wants and oppressions, for to leave the realm, and to expect entertainment 
 abroad to sell his skill. He was advised rather by others to have recourse 
 to the King's bounty here, being also of himself loth to wander at these 
 years, especially without leave of the State. He thereupon presented a 
 petition to his Majesty, importing that he had been forced, since his Majesty's 
 coming to this Crown, to part with a pension had for deciphering, towards 
 satisfaction of a debt owing to the late Queen, which she was in mind to have 
 pardoned. . . . His Majesty therefore may be moved — if not for his feat of 
 deciphering, by the which, notwithstanding, England was sometime preserved 
 to him, and sometime his Majesty to England, when he knew not of it — for 
 these other abilities to bestow somewhat upon him for the present, for to pay 
 his debts, till something may occur to repair his estate, and to entertain such 
 a servant, which may be, perhaps, some ecclesiastical dignity of the inferior 
 sort, whereof he is capable, pensions being burthensome to the Crown, and 
 his estate and age not attending other casualties or inventions." It is hardly 
 a conjecture to add that Phelippes must have sold to Sir Robert Cotton some 
 of the documents in his collection, which could only have come through the 
 hands of the old deceiver and decipherer. 
 
 Page 242. — The reader may be glad to have at hand the other letters in 
 which Barnes is concerned. They are therefore given here. 
 
 Barnes to the Queen of Scots. (Vol. xviii., n. 6.) 
 " Madam, — The dutiful good mind I have always inwardly to your 
 Highness borne hath been such as I have not only quietly lamented your 
 undeserved estate, but have likewise sought by all means to me possible with 
 as much as in me lay, I might any way yield you comfort in this your distressed 
 case, or employ myself and that little I had to do you service, all which inten- 
 tions of mine partly through my long imprisonment, and partly for divers other 
 causes as hitherto could take no effect until of late, having conferred with a 
 
37^ Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 certain kinsman of mine about such affairs, he imparted to me this kind of 
 service, which he could not so earnestly recommend unto me as I did willingly 
 and affectuously accept of the same. And surely in this he hath satisfied me 
 this far that I think not myself so much bound unto him in respect of our 
 consanguinity, and I do acknowledge myself redevable and beholden to him 
 for this his trust and courtesy. And, therefore, not only this way but howso- 
 ever it shall please your Highness to employ me, you shall find me ready 
 according to my ability to perform as you shall upon occasions think con- 
 venient to command. I have here sent you a packet from France which you 
 had received ere this if I had not in this strange country lighted in the hands 
 of thieves, who having spoiled me of my horse and money, have enforced me 
 to go on foot the best of my way. I expect your answer for the receipt as 
 soon as may be, for that I would presently repair again to London to furnish 
 myself of necessaries. I pray you send me a new alphabet, for that which I 
 write by was worn out, because I had it of my cousin. Thus my humble duty 
 to your Highness not forgotten, I commit you to God, whom I beseech long 
 to preserve your Majesty in life, and shortly to deliver you out of the hands of 
 your enemies. 
 
 " Dated this loth of June. 
 
 " Deciphered by me, Gilbert Curie, 5th October, 1586. 
 
 " This is the copy of the true and only letter I sent to the Queen of Scots. 
 
 "By me, Thomas Barnes." 
 
 Barnaby to Cm-le. {Ibid., erroneously entered in the Calendar as with n. 26.) 
 
 " From Barnaby unto me. 
 
 " Sir, — In the way from London I met yours of the 20th May, according 
 to the reformed calendar (which I will hereafter follow), which the bearer 
 thereof delivered and is returned with this only letter. I was bold to pray the 
 Ambassador to bestow an angel upon him, which would be a great encourage- 
 ment to him being a foot boy to run it, being also the manner of our nation 
 and a trifle in the whole year to her Majesty. Wherefore it may please you 
 to give credit to this motion by your next to the said Ambassador, which was 
 done in truth for her Majesty's better service. My brother desireth to be 
 troubled as little as he may with waiting, but is content to bear any charges as 
 I am any pains for her Majesty's good. Howbeit the alphabet in respect ot 
 any occasion that may happen in my absence is common between us, yet I 
 shall not be long at any time so far off but your directions may be sent to 
 myself. The 23rd of this present I will repair for answer. God have you in 
 His keeping. 
 
 "Lichfield, i6thjune, 1586. 
 
 " Deciphered by me, Gilbert Curie, 5th October, 1586." 
 
 Curie to Barnaby. (Vol. xviii., n. 10; Curie's draft, much corrected.) 
 ** Sir, — At the seven night before my former, yours dated the 28th of April 
 with your cousin and the whole mentioned therein, came safe to her Majesty's 
 hands. So did on the 20th of this instant your other dated the i6th of the 
 same conform to the reformed calendar, whereof before now I could not 
 advertise you. Her Majesty thinketh herself not a little beholden to your said 
 cousin for the finding out of you and your brother to pleasure her Majesty in 
 this intercourse, nor less obliged unto yourselves for your so willing acceptance 
 of the pain and travail that thereby you shall have, which her Majesty hath 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, ^"j^j 
 
 commanded me to signify unto you in her name, and withal to assure you of 
 her goodwill and thankful mind to recognize the same in effect towards you 
 and all yours whensoever occasion and means may offer thereunto. By any 
 error or want of circumspection either in her Majesty's self, or any here about 
 her person, you may be assured there hath no inconvenience happened unto 
 any man whom her Majesty hath had intelligence withal, or employed as you 
 are, having always kept that order and rule on her side for the surest, that 
 never one almost should know of another dealing for her Majesty. But that 
 which has overthrown many (to her Majesty's extreme great grief), hath been 
 their own too great curiosity to know more than was requisite for their security, 
 and jealousy one of another after their too liberal revealing amongst themselves 
 of their goodwills in the cause, towards whom and their posterity, her Majesty 
 notwithstanding esteemeth her and hers bound to acknowledge her obligation 
 therein effectually, and will be no less careful in the meantime of your 
 preservations every way than of her own, which her Majesty maketh not so 
 much account of for any particular contentment she wisheth to herself as she 
 doth for the maintenance of God's cause, and the common good of this isle, 
 to which end her Majesty hath dedicated both her life and labour. 
 
 "On Monday last this bearer brought hither a letter written to her 
 Majesty in [Gilbert Gifford] his alphabet without any name or sign who he 
 may be that wrote it, except only that he asserted his kinsman imparted this 
 way to him. The inclosed is for him, desiring to know his name, without 
 the which her Majesty can ground no sure intelligence with him. 
 
 " For this day fortnight, which will be the 14th of July, her Majesty will 
 have a packet finished to be sent unto the French Ambassador, wherefore 
 desireth you for that time to hold your boy in readiness, and touching his 
 encouragement, her Majesty shall let the Ambassador know her intention to 
 your contentment. What correspondence I may give you for my own part 
 in this trade, you shall be sure to have all also the pleasure and service my 
 power can therewise do you, whom I pray God to preserve. 
 
 '• Chartley this 29th day of June [N.S.]. 
 
 *' I have thought good to change the ciphered words added to this alphabet 
 in other simple characters as are herein noted, which I pray you use in time 
 coming, as I will to the end our ordinary writing in case of interception or 
 loss of our letters be not discovered as might by the other, and so by con- 
 sequence ourselves. 
 
 "From me to Bamabie at the Queen's Majesty my mistress' com- 
 mandment, 
 
 ** Gilbert Curle. 
 
 •' 5th October, 1586. 
 
 *' Whosoever you be that hath written a letter unto me in the alphabet 
 hereof dated the loth of this instant, ^'hereunto before now I could not 
 answer, I must thank you right heartily for the affection declared therein 
 which you bear unto me, and the offer you make to let me effectually know 
 the same. But I would more boldly accept thereof and employ you if I did 
 know your particular intention therein, and what way you would pleasure me, 
 and what is your name, omitted in your said letter, which by your next I pray 
 you to utter. In the meanwhile, I do herewith send you a new alphabet 
 conform to your desire, and pray God to preserve you. This 19th of June 
 according to the new computation. [Air. Lemon adds — A mistake, June 19, 
 stylo veteri]." 
 
37^ Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 Curie to Barnaby. (Vol. xviii., n. i6a. In cipher, with decipher in Phelippes' 
 handwriting, veiy illegible. ) 
 
 *' On Sunday last I wrote unto you by this bearer, having received nothing 
 from you since your letter dated the i6th of this instant. I hope to have her 
 Majesty's Ambassador's despatch mentioned in my foresaid ready for to- 
 morrow seven-night . . . appointment. In the mean season her Majesty 
 prayeth you to send your footboy as closely as you can . . . two little [letters] 
 inclosed the one so mar[ked to] Anthoine Babington dwelling in Derbyshire 
 . . . [ho]use of his own within two miles of . . . but you know for that in 
 this shire he hath both friends ... or snper scriptum to ... in Nottingham 
 town unto neither of the said personages . . . with whom he shall have . . . 
 and what is given him . . . herself you will with all convenient diligence 
 . . . her Majesty desire th you would . . . occurrents as may for her Majesty's 
 knowledge . . , within or without the realm, and in particular what you under- 
 stand of the Earl of Shrewsbury his going to Court . . . preserve you. 
 
 " Chartley, of July the 4th, on Saturday. \Mr. Lemoji's note. The day 
 of the month is the 5th, and according to the new style]." 
 
 Ctcrle to Barnaby. (Vol. xviii., n. 30,) 
 ** The last of yours which came to my hands was dated the 17th of June, 
 since which have written to you twice, the one on this day was sennett, 
 and the other the 4th of this instant, but have had no word from you of the 
 receipt of either of the two. Herewitn is the packet mentioned in both, which 
 her Majesty prayeth you send by your boy or otherwise surely to the French 
 Ambassador. So, expecting you will by the next commodity to communicate 
 to her Majesty such news as you hear, I pray God to preserve you. 
 
 ** This Saturday at Chartley, the 12th of July. {Mr. Lemon's note. This 
 according to the new style]. " 
 
 Barnaby to Curie. (Vol. xviii., n. 63. Draft in Phelippes' hand, much 
 
 corrected.) 
 *' Sir, — I have received your last of the 12th of July by my cousin Gilbert, 
 as also your other two therein . . . which in mine absence came to my 
 betters' hands, who took order for satisfaction of her Majesty touching the 
 contents, but . . . as a thing which he always desired he might not be charged 
 with. The present packet is committed to my cousin Gilbert, to be by himself 
 delivered, who hath likewise signified as he tells. . . . this second messenger, 
 as I hold it needless to trouble you with anything myself touching that point 
 . . . delivery of the letters in cipher inclosed in yours of the 12th instant, 
 my brother at London despatched it accordingly thither ... he received the 
 packet sent herewith, which Babington said required great haste, and therefore 
 the boy returned without staying for any despatch from the French Ambassador, 
 who attendeth letters he saith daily out of France. I will take order for the 
 . . . letter myself. I find the Earl of Shrewsbury he was greatly grieved with 
 a stay that the Queen of England made of a . . . punished by him about one 
 Babsthorpe, a gentleman, upon the statute of scandalum magnatum, for lewd 
 speeches uttered by the said Babsthorpe against the Earl. Howbeit the Earl 
 since his going up hath prevailed so far with . . . the Queen of England is 
 content the law shall have course. For other matters I refer to the next ; this 
 both sudden and speedy because of Mr. Babington's request. I received your 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 3 79 
 
 alteration of the alphabet . . . the reason I wish for great expedition also in 
 writing, that you would assign special characters for a number of the most 
 common words. So God preserve you. 
 " The 20th of July." 
 
 Curie to Barnaby. (Vol. xviii., n. 42. In cip/iei', with decipher in Phelippes'' 
 
 hand. ) 
 
 *' Sir, — Yesternight your letter dated the 12th of this instant, with the 
 inclosed to her Majesty received, who right thankfully at you which [?] diligence 
 you show to pleasure her in all she desireth. I trust you have caused deliver 
 her Majesty's answer to the second messenger, although (to say truly) her 
 Majesty agreeth with your cousin Gilbert his advice, not much to employ the 
 man, neither hath her Majesty been willing at any time unneedfully to this 
 course for her part with any other than yourself, your brother, and your cousin 
 Gilbert. If Mr. Babington be gone down to the country (for whom this 
 character )-( shall serve in time coming), her Majesty prayeth you to cause 
 convey to him this inclosed, otherwise to stay it until you hear from her 
 Majesty again. With my next I shall do of my best to satisfy you touching 
 the other characters. God have you in protection. 
 
 " Of July the 22nd. Curle, Chartley." 
 
 Curie to Barnaby. (Vol. xviii,, n. 57. In cipher, with decipher by Phelippes.') 
 '* Sir, — This afternoon, having received your letters of the 25th of this 
 instant, and let her Majesty see the same wholly deciphered, which hath not a 
 little augmented the good opinion she had conceived before of your affection 
 towards God's cause and hers, she hath commanded me hereby to give you. 
 her right hearty thanks therefore, and to pray you in her name, until farther 
 occasion shall be offered to employ you otherwise, that you will continue in 
 occurrences as you promise and now have done, and to make this inclosed be 
 surely delivered in the hands of Anthony Babington, if he be come down in 
 the country. Otherwise that if it be kept still in yours or your brother's until 
 Babington his arrival, or set an [?] ten days, within which time her Majesty 
 intendeth to have a packet ready to be sent unto the French Ambassador by 
 your boy, who by the same means may also carry the other to Babington at 
 London, if he went down home. Herewith is the addition to this alphabet, 
 and so I pray God to preserve you. 
 " Of July the 27th. Curle." 
 
 Barnes was put into the Tower for a short time, but without any intention 
 of bringing him to trial. The following letter it is hardly possible to look 
 on in any other light than as written to hide the fact that he had been 
 employed by Walsingham, and to justify his release from prison. 
 
 Barnes to Walsingham. (Vol. xxi., n. 26.) 
 ** Right Honourable Sir, — "Whereas upon a certain blind conceit of the late 
 Queen of Scots' innocence in such matters as had or might have been imputed 
 to her, and the opinion of her unjust imprisonment, with hope of doing myself 
 good, both presently and in time to come, by doing her service in that 
 distressed state, being withal thereunto persuaded and enticed by my cousin, 
 Gilbert Gifford, I entered into this course of conveying letters unto her, I 
 most humbly confess and acknowledge my fault committed therein, and crave 
 pardon for the same. And as I protest before God that to be all and the 
 
o 
 
 80 Sir A7mas Poulet, 
 
 very truth which hath passed that I have set down in writing, so if any way 
 I may by my service for the repairing in some part of that fault committed 
 serve your honour's turn by discovering or bringing to light any of their 
 treacherous intents towards the State hereafter which be fugitives or traitors 
 at home or abroad, I most humbly beseech your honour to accept of the 
 same, and I will be right glad to be employed therein, promising you by the 
 faith of a Christian, that I will truly, sincerely, and faithfully proceed therein 
 according to such direction as I shall receive from your honour, and do 
 renounce my part of Paradise if I do not discharge myself like an honest 
 subject in that behalf. In witness whereof I give this my handwriting for 
 a perpetual testimony against myself. Almighty God long preserve your 
 honour in health, wealth, and prosperity. 
 
 "London, this 17th of March, 1587. 
 
 **Your honour's most humble orator, 
 
 "Thomas Barnes. 
 
 ^''Endorsed — To the right honourable Sir Francis Walsingham, knight, 
 principal secretary to her Majesty, and one of her Highness' most honourable 
 Privy Council, give these." 
 
 Page 257. — The earliest record that we have of Gilbert GiflTord is the 
 entry in the Douay Diary, stating that he and his uncle, William Gifford, 
 the Dr. Gifford of this correspondence, arrived at the College in 1582, the 
 one to teach theology, the other logic. "Venerunt Roma hoc anno 1582 
 D. Gulielmus Giffordus ut S. Theologiam hie doceret, et cum illo Gilbertus 
 Giffordus, qui logicam et philosophiam docere coepit." 
 
 It may be interesting to give some further extracts from the letter that 
 Gifford wrote to Phelippes from Paris as soon as he received a cipher in which 
 to write. The profanity of the letter is singular, and so is the reference to 
 "men of my coat," or cloth, according to more modern phrase, of which, 
 indeed, he was no ornament. 
 
 Gifford to Phelippes. (Vol. xx., n. 45. In Phelippes' hand.) 
 ** I know not which way to turn me nor how to answer yours, but I perceive 
 the ancient speech will be verified in me, that betwixt both I shall lose both, 
 as commonly men of my coat do that deal, and bear sincere affection to 
 our Prince. Pardon me if I speak boldly, for by God you touch me near, 
 and though I should lose all the friends I have in the world, by God it is 
 nothing in respect of that wherein most unjustly either you suspect or accuse 
 me, wherein I defy all the world ; and, by Jesus Christ, if there be any man 
 alive accuseth me therein, I will be in England if I die a thousand times, 
 either to purge myself before the world or to die ignominiously. . . . 
 
 " When Morgan examined me secretly touching the parties that conveyed 
 letters, I was forced to name two, whereof Barnes was one, and for that 
 purpose I dealt with Barnes, never thinking, as Christ Jesus save me, but to 
 make him a colour for Emilio, and his writing once or twice would cause all 
 blame to be removed from myself when things should be opened, which I 
 knew must needs be shortly, and so in truth it is fallen forth, and otherwise 
 it had been impossible to have continued, but as God is my witness, I thought 
 to have withdrawn him after that Morgan fully perceived that the convoy was 
 5ure ; and one thing I will tell you, if you handle the matter cunningly, Barnes 
 may be the man to set up the convoy again for Paget, and Morgan be never 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 381 
 
 in rest inquiring for him. I have feigned as though the matter were irre- 
 cuperable, and therefore I have speculated upon the point. 
 
 **If you have Barnes, keep him close ; if you have him not, I would you 
 had him in your hands. However it be, either bring him by promise or fear 
 to write to Morgan, or if you have him not, feign his hand to me. Mis- 
 name was Pietro Mariani. Write by the name of Pietro Mariani, discoursing 
 of the whole success, and that, as chance was, your name never came in 
 question, and that now is time to begin again, which they desire beyond 
 measure, and no doubt they will take hold of it, for they are about another 
 practice I assure you, and I pray you use Emilio no more. Let him be one 
 of those that were hanged, for before God they will suspect. After you have 
 written to me they will leap for joy. I cannot devise any better course, and 
 it is unpossible but it should hit. I know they burn. Paget hath written 
 to me twenty times. I show myself unwilling. But when you have written 
 I will stir them. Besides, if Cordaillot be there, tell him I left word with 
 you to send me two doublets and two pair of hose, which I left with him at 
 my departure, and a cloak and other little things. If he be not there speak 
 to Peter Francis and desire him to deliver them, and I pray you send them 
 to Thomas Evans, who is a good simple instrument. 
 
 "... The greatest cause of my going away was that I feared to be 
 brought to witness some matters concerning the Scottish Queen face to face. 
 . . . Besides that I knew not what they had written of me to the Scottish 
 Queen. Perhaps they might have spoken to her some things in my com- 
 mendation which might justly have bred jealousy in your head and yet I 
 nothing in fault. And if all this will not persuade you of my innocency, let 
 Mr. Secretary send for me in without any further warrant, and I will come 
 in, and howsoever it be, there is no man alive that knoweth my heart to her 
 Majesty and Mr. Secretary, and then God confound me when I leave to 
 honour him. And albeit he would command me silence, if I could by any 
 means pleasure or serve him otherwise, I would do it till death. 
 
 "... I know Savage thought I had detected him, with whom I kept 
 compan;j^ in truth only for that he was one of the best companions. . . . 
 
 "What as Morgan should say that D. Gifford meant not to deal sincerely 
 with Mr. Secretary. I never doubted it but that he would not, and so always- 
 I told you, only in truth against those others they are and meant sincerely. 
 But I told you still that my credit could no otherwise have been kept but 
 by pursuing the matter. And as for Ballard, Christ confound me if ever 
 Gratley, Paget, Dr. Gifford, or Morgan, or any in the world, talked to me 
 of him on this side, and if ever I had any other acquaintance with him or 
 knew him otherwise than man I never saw. Wherefore I told them that they 
 failed, not to make me privy thereof They told me it was for my safety, and 
 in truth Gratley and Morgan wrote to me expressly not to meddle with him, 
 which letters I sent to Mr. Secretaiy, and I think you saw them." 
 
 As the letters of Sir Edward Stafford, the Ambassador, to Walsingham 
 from Paris after the apprehension of Gifford throw great light on his relations 
 with Phelippes, it may be well in this place to extract more copiously from 
 them. The saddest revelation in these letters is the treachery of Sir Charles 
 Arundell, hitherto, as far as we are aware, unsuspected by the Catholics 
 (See, however, Murdin, p. 462). Cordaillot also, it seems, was no better than 
 Cherelles, and served as a means of communication, enabling Gifford in France 
 
382 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 to send his letters to Walsingham or Phelippes in the French Ambassador's 
 bag. "Besides as I hear that he hath accused Cordaillot for the convoy 
 by the French Ambassador." Nau also was spoken of by Phelippes in a 
 compromising manner, "I hear besides now that Nau entereth to be a 
 party against him [Gifford] to clear himself of that which Phelippes writeth 
 of him, so that I am afraid it will be a great broil, and that the knave will 
 be instrument of whatsover they will have him. And yet when they have 
 all out of him that they desire, they will hang him if they can ; and I 
 think they will put him to a hard plunge," &c. {Domestic^ Addenda, Elizabeth, 
 vol. XXX., n. 69, January 7, I58|-), 
 
 The two letters {Ibid., nn. 53, 55) from which the following extracts are 
 taken were written a few days earlier than that last quoted. They are worth 
 printing, for such a sentence as this speaks volumes — "I am promised if 
 there be any means possible to get the letter of Phelippes, wherein the chief 
 things be that may call anything in question. If I could get that, the chiefest 
 things be in it ; if he were hanged for the rest it were not a halfpenny matter." 
 
 Sir Edioard Staffoj-d to Sir Francis Walsingham. Paris, Dec. \^, 1587. 
 "I stayed this" bearer hoping still to recover into my hands certain papei's 
 and coffers that have been taken in Gilbert Gifford's chamber, after he had 
 been taken with an English quean . . . and with them also was taken one 
 Cotton. . . . This was done upon Friday last, and I had warning of it by 
 Charles Arundell that day, and that there are letters that Phelippes writ to 
 him and a notable cipher that Phelippes sent him, and certain letters that 
 they have intercepted any time this month or six weeks which he writ to 
 Mr. Phelippes, which they have deciphered with the cipher. It is told me 
 that things [are] discovered of the death of the Queen of Scots and the 
 apprehension of the gentlemen that were executed, and things which they 
 think to make their profit greatly of to her Majesty's dishonour. I have 
 done what I can to have them into my hands, and Arundell laboured to 
 get all, and assured [me] upon Friday I should have them the next day, 
 or it should cost him his life." But Arundell fell ill and died. "So that 
 now I cannot tell which way to go about it to have them, for, as I hear 
 say, the Vicar-General of the Bishop of Paris [Rome by error in the Calen- 
 dar], by these knaves means, hath laid his authority upon him because he 
 is a Priest, which maketh me afraid that I shall not get them now, and 
 that I shall hardly get him out, which I dare work all the means I can 
 and will spare for nothing. And if I can and he will, I will find means 
 to send him into England, for if he were away, what letters soever be taken 
 there [could] be said to be counterfeit, but if he be here to avow them by 
 constraint, they will make their profit of them greatly. They say they find 
 that by Phelippes' mean he kept intelligence with her Majesty. I have set 
 divers ways to have him spoken withal, to give him warning of the taking of 
 his papers which he knoweth not yet, and to give him warning to keep his 
 tongue, which is but too lavish, and not to bewray himself, and also to see 
 if he can find any means to get out himself any way. I hope to-morrow 
 some of them I have set about it will find some means to speak with him, 
 for to-day is Christmas Day here, and is not possible to do it. If it had 
 pleased God to send the poor gentleman [Charles Arundell], I could have 
 done well enough, but I do not think he will live till to-morrow morning. 
 Look sir, I pray you, whom you trust, for Without doubt it hath been written 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots, 383 
 
 hither, and they that have writ it have writ that they had it from you, that 
 Anindell made a packet of Charles Paget's be brought to me, and that I 
 sent it you, and all that I writ to you of Paget's and Morgan's being in evil 
 predicament with the Spanish Ambassador, for it was shewed him written." 
 
 "Sir, — I writ to your honour the last day of the taking of the Priest 
 GifFord, for whom I have done what I could to help [him] any way out, I did 
 not care how, if that he had not discovered himself and me, thinking to save 
 himself and to get thereby favour and friendship in discovering that I offered 
 him favour and that he refused it. It may be I might have helped him, for 
 I would have spared nothing for that purpose, because his examination I am 
 afraid and his confession (for I see he will confess anything that is and more 
 than is) may give subject to the enemies of her Majesty to procure a 
 scandalous opinion to be conceived of her and of her Council, for they 
 mean to turn a letter or two, but especially one of Phelippes to him, to 
 prove that he was the setter on of the gentlemen that were executed for that 
 enterprise of the Queen of Scots, and then to discover them, and that he was 
 practised to this by you and Phelippes, and withal, they would fain have it, 
 with her Majesty's knowledge. 
 
 " They have made the Queen-Mother acquainted with this, and she hath 
 commanded the lieutenant-criminal to make the King acquainted with it, and 
 then she hath promised she will follow it, and the Bishop of Glasgow meaneth 
 to enter into it, and Madam Montpensier will put fire to it, who is the devil 
 of the world, so that as he hath now handled the matter, I know not in the 
 world how to deal in it, for they lie but at wait to find if any way I deal in 
 it, to take hold fast of it to make me a party, and to have as the Queen's 
 Minister intelligence with him in those causes to make the matter more odious, 
 
 "And in this time he hath showed himself the most notable double 
 treble villain that ever lived, for he hath played upon all the hands in the 
 world. I have sent you the copy of his answers, whereof I have the originals 
 with his own hand, whereby you may see how vilely he dealt with me, to say 
 that the billet was safe, and by word of mouth sent me word that it was burnt, 
 when it was shewed me by one that gave me warning of all, and gave me 
 warning afore his letter came to me, that I should receive such a letter from 
 him, to demand of me to send Grimston or somebody to him to get him a 
 procureur, which was a thing he was made to do of the nonce, that as soon as 
 ever any of mine came with a promrmr, he should be seized upon to know 
 what interest I had in him and his cause, to have made me a party ; which he 
 failed not to do to serve their turns as you may see by his letter to me, and 
 when he saw I could not be got to do that, but sent him word that I could 
 not deal that way, but sent him some money for God's sake that he might 
 not starve, and did offer to perform anything that he should promise to one 
 could help him to make a scape, he conferred that with them too, and then 
 they invented another way to take me withal, that he should send unto me 
 that if he could get caution he should be let out, and that he had found an 
 honest Catholic gentleman to avow the caution, because I should not be a 
 dealer in it ; which, as by his letter you may see that he performed to catch 
 me in a trap ; but as God would have it, I had warning of it and did it not, 
 and have therefore plainly given over dealing with him. 
 
 ** It is a common saying, sir, that it is a simple thing that there is nothing 
 picked out of, nor an evil wind bloweth nobody good, as his knavish dealing 
 
384 Sir Amias Poulet, 
 
 some would have served their turns of it to my affront and the discredit of her 
 Majesty, so some others that loved me, thinking that I could not leave any- 
 thing undone in respect what consequence his getting out was for the public 
 service, and fearing lest I should do the public no good but myself for my own 
 private harm, have, to incense me against him, thinking that would make me 
 colder, found means to come by his letters he writ to Phelippes with his own 
 hand, which I have seen with my eyes within these two days, the most 
 villainous against me and all mine that could be in the world, whereof I am 
 promised to have the copies, where in one of them are these words, ' I cannot 
 directly (as I take it) answer you, but I am sure it is. I cannot directly say 
 the Ambassador is a naughty man, but probably I can say it, for the haunting 
 with Charles Arundell, the greatest traitor on this side the seas, is a proof. 
 He speaketh evil, and all his men be naught,' and a great many things more 
 which I do not remember. And withal I saw a copy of Phelippes' letter to 
 him, whereby he eggeth him to write of me. 
 
 ** Besides, the villain, to make them believe that he had done service with 
 his dealing in England to the cause here, and to show that he went about to 
 cozen her Majesty (for he braggeth he dealt with her directly by Phelippes' 
 mean, and that you had most of things but by second hand) and to take away 
 the credit that might be given to me or any [of] mine that might inform her 
 from hence, he had so discredited me and mine that we were taken for worse 
 or as bad as any that they counted traitors on this side the seas ; for having 
 found commandment of you (for so he afifirmeth it) and direction of Phelippes 
 to inquire diligently of me and my actions, and finding that I was a shy child 
 (for so, I thank him, he termed me) and that under colour of fair speeches and 
 courteous usage of all men, I did nothing but draw wires out of their noses to 
 know all and then to advertise it, to undo them on this side, and to hang as 
 many as I could of the other side. . . . 
 
 *' It shall be seen to my disgrace what a mistrust is made of me at home, 
 what reputation I live in there and what credit I have, when such persons as 
 Phelippes is, is countenanced to set such farther varlets as this is to look into 
 my actions. I promise you I am so much grieved withal and so ashamed 
 of my hard fortune, as with all my heart I rather wish to be dead than live. 
 I do what I can to cover it the best that I can, both in the respect of mine 
 own credit, but especially in respect of that which may touch her Majesty in 
 opinion by these letters, for though I will do what I can to get as many of 
 the originals as I can into my hands both of Phelippes' (if it be any way 
 possible), and of the other knave's letters too ; both [but] to them that show 
 them, I have and will affirm they be things counterfeit that they avow to be 
 Phelippes', and the others to be letters written by consent and practice of 
 knaves here, to have them to be surprised and to lean men's judgments [on] 
 occasions to think amiss both of her Majesty and of all her Ministers, which 
 is the best course that I know for me to take now that there is no remedy, 
 and that I can deal no more to get the knave out ; because he hath betrayed 
 me, thinking to help himself, but indeed he hath betrayed himself, for they 
 will go near to make it cost him his life, for they have sent all copies of things 
 to the Cardinal, and press him to make the Pope write to the King of it to 
 use all extremity, and my Lord Paget and his brother, and others that he hath 
 touched in his letters, follow it to the uttermost for theii own credit. I am 
 promised if there be any means possible to get the letter of Phelippes wherein 
 the chief things be that may call anything in question. If I could get that, 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 385 
 
 the cliiefest things be in it ; if he were hanged for the rest it were not a 
 halfpenny matter. If Charles Arundell had either not fallen sick as he did, 
 or had lived I had had all, though he say he be cause of this harm of his. I 
 can assure you I had had them, and of him he is dead and gone, I will say to 
 you in truth, and one day I will make you plainly see it, there was no man of 
 this side served my turn as he did, for her Majesty's service, and never Spanish 
 Ambassador nor his master were better handled. And if I do not make you 
 see it and confess it one day, never give credit to anything I say to you again. 
 I have had a great loss of him, for the certainest and quickest advertisements 
 out of Spain I had of him, for the Spanish Ambassador had that credit in him 
 as he hid nothing that was reasonable from him. He had continually letters 
 from Sir Francis Englefield and Pridiox, whose letters I ever saw afore he 
 deciphered them. And to tell you that I found him not dally with me was 
 that the advertisements that he gave me \A'ere ever confirmed unto me in the 
 same sort he gave them me, by those letters that come to the Venice 
 Ambassador, and the advertisements that B. sent me as they came from their 
 agent. For the rest it is not to be written of; you shall know it some day," &c. 
 
 The following extracts are taken from the letter of a Priest to Walsingham. 
 The departure of Henry C?esar from the College at Rheims is entered in the 
 Second Douay Diary on the 12th of February, 1582. As to the book against 
 Father Persons and the Society {supra, pp. 189, 219), the writer says that it 
 was "the occasion of Gifford's trouble in Paris and of Gratley's in Rome." 
 It was chiefly from Gratley's pen. One is sorry to see Gratley in such com- 
 pany as Gifford, as he is one of the Priests mentioned in the Life as well 
 as in the indictment of Philip, Earl of Arundel {Fourth Report of Deputy - 
 Keeper of Public Records, p. 279) ; but there was unhappily a suspicion among 
 Catholics that he had some share in the betrayal of the Earl. He was 
 accused also of retaining for his own use three thousand crowns sent through 
 him to Cardinal Allen by the Countess of Arundel. For a time after the 
 death of the Queen of Scots Gratley Avas an inmate of Cardinal Allen's 
 household, but being the cause of disturbances there he was sent away. He 
 betook himself to Padua, where, as a poor exiled Priest, he was kindly 
 received by the Bishop ; but his conduct again betraying him, he was by the 
 Pope's command sent back to Rome, where he was imprisoned in the Holy 
 Office for five years. 
 
 Henry Casar to Walsingham . Paris, Dec. 9, 1588. {Domestic, Addenda, 
 Elizabeth, vol. xxx., n. 120). 
 
 "Right Honourable, — Having understood by Mr. Good that your honour 
 was very desirous to understand the truth, as concerning Gilbert Gifford, 
 Priest, which hath been now a year in prison in Paris, in the Bishop's 
 prison. The truth is so, that to satisfy your honour I have taken pains 
 therein to know the truth thereof; and did pen it down as it was told me 
 by one of my own calling, by name William Nicolson, Priest, and greatest 
 companion with Gifford, qui mihi omnia verbatim retulit qiuv hie seqnnnttir. 
 Gifford being a Priest, lived in Paris, and was apparelled as our disguised 
 Priests are in England, whereat divers men were offended, and every man 
 spake his pleasure, but in especially miles Hispanicus ille, Sir Charles 
 Arundell, whom, indeed, Gifford did accuse to the Spanish Ambassador to 
 
o 
 
 86 Sir AiJiias Poulet, 
 
 be an espie for her Majesty of England ; which thing Sir Charles Arundell 
 {(vgre ferens) never rested until such time as that he had brought the matter 
 to that pass whereat it is. 
 
 "Lily, alias Ambodester, being very familiar with Gifford, also with 
 Mr. Arundell, it was thought good by Sir Charles and his counsel, who 
 were one Doctor Piers, alias Skinner, and one Birket, a Priest, to fee 
 Lily, and so by his means to get at one time or another something to lay 
 against Gifford, and prove him an espie, as he had accused the other to be. 
 Lily being a fit man for the purpose, thought best to get that book that 
 your honour had, which was made by Grackley [Gratley] and Gifford 
 against the Jesuits, and as touching the authority of the Bishop of Rome, 
 which book hath been the occasion of Gifford's trouble in Paris, and of 
 Grackley's in Rome, the which book Phelippes, your man, did send unto 
 Lily. . . . 
 
 "Gifford, a little before his taking, did write a book against Dr. Allen's 
 book, which was made in the defence and maintenance of Sir William 
 Stanley's fact, in delivering up of Daventry into the Spanish hands. The 
 book Gifford delivered unto Lily, his trusty friend, to send unto your 
 honour, yet afterwards mistrusting of him, he demanded for to have the 
 book again. Lily did answer him that he had sent it unto your honour, 
 whereas indeed he had delivered it to Sir Charles Arundell. A most 
 wicked fact, and not only contented with this but adding to it, did intercept 
 of packets of letters, the which Gifford did send unto your honour and 
 others, being directed to Mr. Hugh Offley. All this aforesaid hath been 
 the cause of Gifford's long imprisonment, although the occasion of his first 
 takin^ was for that he was taken of a sudden in a suspected house. " 
 
 There is some mention of Gilbert Gifford's imprisonment and examination 
 in Paris in one of the Stonyhurst manuscripts, and as it has never before been 
 published, it is subjoined. It contains some interesting details, and gives the 
 feeling of all Catholics, both at the time and ever since, as to the true source 
 of the Babington plot. The "Bishop of Armacan," mentioned in it was 
 Richard Creagh, Archbishop of Armagh, of whom there is this testimony in 
 the State Papers {Domestic, Elizabeth, vol. clxxviii., n. 74). "1585, May 27. 
 Tower. Ri. Creaghe, a dangerous man to be among the Irish, for the reverence 
 that is by that nation borne unto him, and therefore fit to be continued in 
 prison." 
 
 " The matter of Babington was wholly of their plotting and forging, of 
 purpose to make Catholics odious, and to cut off the Queen of Scots. The 
 chief plotters were the Secretary, Leicester, and the Treasurer. Poley, the 
 Secretary's man, was the chief actor in it here in England. Gilbert Gifford, 
 by his own confession, their actor in it, both here and in France. Poley was 
 for a fashion put in the Tower, but liad what he would, and in the end, 
 having there poisoned the Bishop of Armacan with a piece of cheese that he 
 sent him, was let out, and is now in as great credit as ever, being as deeply to 
 be touched in all things, and as much to be proved against him as any that 
 were executed. He was continually with Ballard and Babington, he heard 
 Mass, confessed, and in all things feigned to be a Catholic, and still learned 
 his lesson of Mr. Secretary, whom they should draw into the plot, and what 
 plot they should lay, and what course they should take, that might best serve 
 the turn for which all this device was intended. He brought the copy of the 
 
Keeper of Mary Qiceen of Scots. 387 
 
 letter penned by Mr. Secretary himself, or by his direction, that Babington 
 writ to the Queen of Scots, and upon which she was afterwards condemned 
 for having answered it as she did, Nau, her Secretary, and Curie, having been 
 by the same Secretary hired with seven thousand pounds to betray their 
 mistress, and it was found in a bill in his study after his decease, as hath been 
 credibly reported. Foley now liveth like himself, a notorious spy, and either 
 an atheist or an heretic. 
 
 "Also the same appeareth by Gilbert Gifford's letters to Philips the 
 decipherer, and Philips' also to Gilbert Gifford, who purposely was made 
 Priest, as he confessed, to play the Secretaiy's spy, and acknowledged he was 
 his chief instnuTient in this plot, and Philips' letters having been taken unto 
 him, wherein the same is most manifest. \In the margin. Inquire of this 
 point of Gilbert's examiners.] 
 
 *' Savage also being at the Court long before that any of the Council took 
 notice of the matter, was by the Queen herself pointed at, and two pensioners 
 commanded to have an eye unto him, that he should do her no harm, being 
 known to be one of the agents, and yet permitted to go free, because they had 
 not yet entrapped all they sought to bring in. 
 
 '* Also, one of Foley's principles was, as appeared by the gentlemen's 
 words and speeches at the bar, that none of the graver sort of Catholics, or 
 those that were esteemed wise, should have any notice of their intents, because 
 they doubtless would have smelled the fraud and train that was laid for them ; 
 but only young gentlemen, whose green heads and aspiring minds were easy to 
 be deceived, and apt to be induced into any high attempt. Yea, they had so 
 wrought Mr. Ballard, the Priest, that none of the same calling were acquainted 
 with his intent, they fearing that if the gi-aver Priests should have heard, they 
 would have found the deceit, and hindered the course that was intended to all 
 their undoings. As in truth it was easy for any that saw the raw device, and 
 more than childish folly, and so lavish talk of it, that the Protestants knew it 
 before Catholics, and the actors, long before their apprehension, pointed at in 
 the streets of London, and yet not touched, until the matter was brought to 
 that pass to which the Council would have it come. 
 
 "While Gilbert Gifford was in England he had continual access and 
 intercourse with the Secretary Walsingham, and in being in danger of the 
 laws, because he was deacon, went, nevertheless, at full liberty without fear ; 
 and when he went over, it was of purpose to set forward this action, and from 
 thence he continually writ to Philips, and received letters from him ; and I 
 guess Ballard was by his means, and with his instructions, sent into England. 
 \In the margin. Inquire of this point.] 
 
 "At the same time Mr. Martin Array, having been released and to 
 go over sea, being by a round sum bought from the shambles, he desired 
 of Mr. Secretary some twenty days to despatch his business. Whereat the 
 Secretary pausing, *No,' saith he, *you shall have but fourteen; for within 
 the time you require, the coasts would be too hot for you.' As in truth it fell 
 out, for about that time was Babington's matter disclosed by the Council, 
 watch and ward kept everywhere, and much fear showed where it was all 
 prevented, and an ugly matter made against Catholics of a drift of their own 
 devising. Which showeth who was the author of all this device, knowing it 
 long before, and yet furthering it until their end was achieved, and all things 
 ripe to reveal their own plot as the Catholics endeavour, who in truth were 
 least acquainted with it. 
 Z 2 
 
2,SS Sir Amias Pottlet, 
 
 "Justice Young, and higher magistrates, as Tyrrell himself confessed 
 xmder his hand and oath (for he most deeply avoweth it in his letter to the 
 Queen), bade him say Mass, hear confessions, and minister Sacraments, so in 
 the end he told them what, and to whom he had done it, so seeking to entrap 
 folks, and making men to break their own laws of purpose to draw them into 
 their penalties. 
 
 "Their spies, as namely, Burden, Baker, Vachel, have pretended themselves 
 to be Catholics, and that by the warranties and advice of their superiors. They 
 have heard Mass, confessed, and received, only of purpose to discover Catholics 
 and to entrap them" [Stonykicrst MSS., Angl. A., vol. i., n. 70, circ. 1592). 
 
 Since the foregoing sheet of A^oks was printed, the Editor has, by the 
 kindness of the Archbishop of Westminster, been permitted to examine the 
 Douay Diaries, and in the Second the dates are entered with precision. They 
 are here given, with some additional and interesting details. 
 
 Gifford's first admission into the College, which w^as then at Rheims, is 
 thus noticed under the date of January, 1577, N.S. : "31° die Gilbertus 
 GifFordus, clarus adolescens, prius ad aliquot menses in Collegio Aquicinc- 
 tensi convictor, ad nostra communia est admissus." 
 
 He was sent to Rome in 1579 to the English College, where his name 
 is the twenty-third in the list of the students. The name of Edward Gratley 
 is not far from his. The Douay Diary incidentally mentions his being at 
 Rome when recording the arrival at Rheims of his brother George, on the 
 24th March, 1580 : " Eodem die nuper ex Anglia commigrantes, Lutetia 
 Parisiorum, duce Ric. Hargraves, ad banc urbem advolarunt duo nobili genere 
 oriundi adolescentes, viz., Georgius Giffordus, Gilberti frater, qui in Seminario 
 Romas vivit, et Jo. Wolsleius, qui ad mensam nostram statim admissi sunt." 
 
 We learn from the Relatione del Collegio Inglese (March 14, 1596) that 
 Gifford's perversion was due to the influence of Solomon Aldred, a married 
 man who was then in Rome, and who is doubtless the Aldred mentioned by 
 Phelippes in his letter to Walsingham, March 19, I58| {supra, p. 157). At 
 first he earned his bread as a tailor, and at the intercession of Dr. Owen 
 Lewis, afterwards Bishop of Cassano, obtained a pension of ten crowns from 
 Pope Gregory XIII. He went to England, where he was taken into 
 Walsingham's service, and passed to and fro between England and Rome, 
 until on his third journey, having reached Bologna, he there learned that 
 Cardinal Allen was at Rome, and if after this he revisited Rome, it was 
 in secret. He was believed to have had secret service money placed at 
 his disposal by Walsingham, and one of the first of the students of the 
 English College whom he gained over was Gilbert Gifford. 
 
 The same paper informs us that one of Gilbert's first exploits in early life, 
 before he came to Rome, was a challenge to a schoolfellow to fight a duel. 
 The character given of him in the Roman College is just what we should 
 have expected from his after conduct : "In hoc collegium admissus ut subdolo 
 erat ingenio, egregia simulatione pudorem et modestiam primo mentitus est." 
 Finding himself strongly supported by friends outside the College, he laid 
 aside his modest demeanour, and soon brought upon himself a sentence of 
 expulsion. From this dates his ill will to the Jesuits and to Cardinal Alien. 
 In the sense of the narrative here given, the statement made in the body of 
 this book {supra, p. 143) must be understood that "Gilbert Gifford had no 
 Jesuit training, and that the Order never had anything to do with him." 
 
Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. 389 
 
 After his ejection from the English College he lived for a time at Rome 
 with the friends he had made ; and the next mention we have of him is that 
 already quoted from the First Douay Diary, which tells us that he and 
 William Gififord arrived at the College at Rheims in 1582, the one to teach 
 theology, the other logic. The exact date is given us by the Second Diary, 
 which says, "Junius, 1582 : 23° die Roma ad nos venerunt D. Guil, Giffordus, 
 presbyter, et D. Gilbertus Giffordus alterius cognatus." 
 
 If there is no error in the dates or names this restless soul cannot have 
 held his school of logic long, for the Second Douay Diary has the entry on 
 September 13, 1583 : "Venerunt Roma D. Gib. Gifford et Ric. Bradshawe." 
 
 We next find his name in the Diary as ordained at Rheims, Subdeacon, 
 on March 16, 1585, and Deacon on the Saturday before Passion Sunday, 
 April 6, by the Cardinal of Guise in the Church of St. Remigius. His 
 departure from the College is noted on the 8th of October in the same year. 
 Apart from his hostility to the Jesuits, "on the business of which Order" 
 Mr. Froude imagines Gifford to have "travelled" {supra p. 143), there was 
 little time for such journeys, for Morgan's letter to the Queen of Scots, 
 stating that "there was of late with him one Gilbert Gifford," is dated the 
 15th of that same month of October {supra, p. 112). The statement {supra, 
 p. 144) requires correction that he was in Paris in the summer of 1585, for 
 he was then at Rheims in the College. 
 
 The precise date of his ordination to the priesthood we learn from the 
 Second Douay Diary, in the year 1587, "Post Dominicam Lcetare, sabbato 
 .sequente, viz. 14 Martii, ad Presbyteratum evecti sunt D. Gilb. Gifford, diocesis 
 Lichfeldensis," &c. 
 
 According to the Relatione, Gifford's plan was to return to Rome and to 
 obtain a professorship in the schools of the Sapienza, and so form a position of 
 influence to be able to watch and interfere with the students of the English 
 College. Meanwhile he took to Walsingham the book written by Gratley 
 and himself against the Jesuits, "pretending no other errand," as Phelippes 
 wrote to Walsingham {siipra, p. 219); and then on his return to Paris, the 
 executions for the Babington. conspiracy and the death of the Queen of Scots 
 awakening suspicion against him, he was watched and apprehended under 
 the disgraceful circumstances described by the English Ambassador. The 
 same Relatione says that before his death he wrote to Cardinal Allen a full 
 narrative of the harm done by him to the Cardinal and the Jesuits. It adds 
 that in a letter to Walsingham, written and intercepted just before his arrest, 
 he stated that he had obtained ordination that he might the better hide his 
 dealings with Elizabeth's Minister. 
 
 Page 272. — ^John Savage in his confession said that the six conspirators 
 who were to assassinate Elizabeth were "Robert Barnwell, Chideock Tichborne, 
 Anthony Tychinor, Thomas Salisbury, as I think, and myself— Mr. Abington, 
 I am not able to touch him." 
 
 The following passages in the same confession are interesting. Gifford 
 considered that Savage thought that he had "detected," that is betrayed him. 
 
 "That there is one of the guards about the said Queen of Scots, a brewer 
 by occupation, that is corrupted to convey letters unto her from whomsoever 
 they come, and that by the means of Gilbert Gifford she had intelligence 
 of the French Ambassador. 
 
 "//^///, that there is one Thomas Barnes, a Warwickshire man, that Gilbert 
 
,90 Sir Amias Poulef, 
 
 Gifford left in his stead to take such letters as came to the French Ambas- 
 sador's hands for the Queen of Scots, and carry them to the said brewer, 
 to be delivered to the Queen, and to stay for the Queen's answer, which 
 was transported by the Ambassador's means. 
 
 ^^ ItejH, that Gilbert Gifford had often conference with Richard Gifford, 
 brother to George Gifford, and that the said Richard was pri^7• to this vowed 
 attempt by his brother George against her Majesty, as Gilbert told me" 
 {Cotton. MSS., Caligula, C. ix., f. 374, 376). 
 
 The Queen's evidence against Gilbert Gifford, here given, induced his 
 father, John Gifford, to write the following letter to Phelippes, which puts 
 before us in lively colours the wretched state to which the Catholics were 
 reduced, when a country gentleman was obliged to write in such terms to 
 such an agent of the Government as Phelippes. Dodd introduces his Life 
 of William Gifford, Archbishop of Rheims {Church History^ vol. ii., 
 p. 358), by this mention of the family: *'The Giffords were Counts of 
 Longueville in Normandy before the Conquest, and afterwards enjoyed the 
 title of Earl of Buckingham, being persons of gi-eat note and very large 
 possessions, in all the succeeding reigns. In the Conqueror's days Osbert 
 Gifford was master of several lordships, but the chief seat of the family 
 appears to have been at Brinsfield in Gloucestershire. A branch or the chief 
 heir of the family, by marrying an heiress, obtained a plentiful estate at 
 Chillington in Staffordshire." The position that Mr. Gifford of Chilling- 
 ton occupied in the county is shown by a commission from the Queen, 
 dated October 27, 1570, addressed to Sir Thomas Cockayne, Sir George 
 Blount, Richard Bagot, and John Gifford, to decide on a contention 
 respecting a highway and a watercourse, between Lord Paget and William 
 Gresley {Do?iicstic, Addenda, Elizabeth, vol. xix., n. 18). His name is here 
 associated with those with which, in the course of these letters, we have 
 become familiar. 
 
 John Gifford to Phelippes. (Vol. xix., n. loi.) 
 
 " Sir, — I have written to my unfortunate son. I would God he had never 
 been born. I may well say, Happy is the barren, that hath no child. I pray 
 you peruse it, and pen it to your liking, and send it to me and I will write 
 it up. I thank you for your letter, which did somewhat comfort me, but 
 hearing by report of Savage his confession, how far he toucheth him in 
 practice and generally at his names, I cannot but be very sorrowful. And 
 in truth [it] hath cast me into [a] fit of an ague, but I heartily pray you to 
 request Mr. Secretary for me that Savage and other moe [more] be examined 
 whether they were privy of Gilbert's being left in London, whether he were in 
 my company since his going from me before Easter, and what the cause was 
 he kept himself secret from me ; and further, as his honour shall think good, 
 that either I may live in his honour's good favour, or be punished for mine 
 offences. I beseech you that this may be before Savage die, unless their 
 honours have searched so far before this time, and rest satisfied. Thus, 
 resting upon your friendship, [I] do desire you to have consideration of me 
 as you think best. 
 
 "Islington, this 14th of September. 
 
 "Your assured friend to his power, 
 
 "John Gifford. 
 
Keeper of Mary Qziee^i of Scots. 391 
 
 *'I pray you have good consideration whether it be not dangerous for me 
 to write to him, standing indicted." 
 
 Addressed — "To his. very good friend, Thomas Phelippes, Esq., these be 
 delivered with speed." 
 
 It will be seen that there is a concurrence of testimony between the 
 Stonyhurst paper, Chateauneuf's Memoir, the confession of Savage, and 
 the State Papers here given, that Gifford was a mover in Babington's con- 
 spiracy. His name was carefully kept out of the printed accounts, for 
 naturally enough Walsingham did not wish the part that he had taken to 
 be made known. 
 
 Page 305. — The Journals of the House of Lords give but scanty informa- 
 tion respecting these Sessions, but enough is recorded to show us who the 
 four Bishops were, and also to let us see that no scruple was entertained by 
 the Lords Spiritual, who were willing to take part in petitioning for the 
 death of the Queen of Scots. It would appear that Elizabeth would not 
 allow them to do so. The Bishop of London was John Elmer ; of Winchester, 
 Thomas Couper ; of Durham, Richard Barnes ; and of Worcester, Edmund 
 Freak. 
 
 "On the 7th day of this instant month of November, while the Lords 
 were in consultation about the great matter of the Queen of Scots, the chief 
 and only cause of the summons of this Parliament, they of the Commons 
 House came up and desired conference with some of the Lords of this House, 
 what number it should please their lordships to appoint touching the said 
 great cause, which, as they affirmed, had been opened and declared unto 
 them ; whereupon the Lords made choice of these Lords following, viz. : 
 the Archbishops of Canterbuiy and York, the Lord Burghley, Lord Treasurer, 
 the Earl of Derby, Lord Steward, the Earls of Northumberland, Kent, 
 Rutland, and Sussex, the Bishops of London, Durham, Winchester, and 
 Worcester, the Lord Howard, Lord Admiral, the Lord Hunsdon, Lord 
 Chamberlain, the Lords Cobham, Gray, Lumley, Chandos, Buckhurst, 
 Delaware, and Norreys ; and to attend the said Lords, the Lord Chief 
 Justice of the Common Pleas, the Lord Chief Baron, and Justice Gawdie. 
 The place and time of their meeting was in the outer Parliament Chamber, 
 that afternoon, at two of the clock ; and after often meetings and long 
 conferences had, they agreed upon a form of petition, which by both the 
 Houses should be presented unto her Majesty, and that choice should be 
 made of a certain number of either House to prefer the same unto her 
 Highness ; which being reported to this House, the Lords liked very well 
 thereof, and thereupon made choice of these Lords following, videl. : the 
 Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the 
 Lord Steward, the Earls of Northumberland, Kent, Rutland, Sussex, 
 Pembroke, and Hertford, the Lord Admiral and Lord Chamberlain, the 
 Lords Abergavenny, Zouche, Morley, Cobham, Gray, Lumley, Chandos, 
 Buckhurst, Delaware, and Norreys ; and they of the Commons House 
 -appointed their Speaker, and all such of that House as were of the Privy 
 Council, and so many others of that House as in all, with the said Privy 
 Council, made up the number of forty-two persons, to join with the said 
 Lords. And they altogether, understanding first her Majesty's pleasure for 
 the time of their repair to her Highness' presence, which Avas signified to 
 
392 Sir Aniias Poidet. 
 
 be on Saturday, the I2th day of November, on which day the Lord Chancellor, 
 in the name of the Lords, and the Speaker, in the name of the Commons, 
 declared unto her Majesty that both the Lords and Commons, after often 
 conferences and long consultation, had concluded to be humble suitors unto 
 her Majesty by way of petition ; the effect whereof was then at good length 
 opened unto her Majesty by the Lord Chancellor and Speaker, and the 
 petition thereupon delivered unto her Majesty in writing." 
 
 Queen Elizabeth's oracular answer to the petition is well known. 
 
 "If," said her Highness, "I should say unto you that I mean not to 
 grant your petition, by my faith, I should say unto you more than perhaps 
 I mean ; and if I should say unto you that I mean to grant your petition, 
 I should then tell you more than is fit for you to know ; and thus I must 
 deliver you an answer answerless" {Journal of the House of Lords ^ 28 Eliz., 
 p. 123). 
 
 Page 320, — The Earl of Leicester, who had written from Holland to 
 advise that Mary should be secretly removed by poison (Camden, Annales, 
 p. 444), had now returned home to assist Elizabeth in her deliberations. 
 
 Page 335. — Mary's question, "What did she with the French at New- 
 haven?" — that is Havre de Grace — is in allusion to Elizabeth's interference 
 in the civil war in France in 1562, when she had not only furnished money 
 and troops to the Prince of Conde, but had occupied Havre with an English 
 garrison. This was not the first time the question*had been put to Poulet. 
 Writing to Elizabeth from Paris, August 6, 1577, he describes a scene at 
 Court, where he endeavours, very ineffectually, to screen Elizabeth's notorious- 
 aid to the Huguenots during the civil war then in progress. Catharine de 
 Medicis cut short his protestations with the sharp rejoinder, " *Do you not 
 remember what the Queen, your mistress, did at Newhaven?' I answered 
 that I remembered well the time, but was ignorant of the occasions, which I 
 doubted not were very sufficient. " 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 Page 4, line 2, for more than fifty letters not to be found in the Record 
 Office, read nearly forty Letters not to be found in the Record Office or the 
 British Museum. See p. vii. 
 
 Page 26, line 28, for bloodhounds read buckhounds. See p. 106, note. 
 
 Page 99, line 7, for father read grandfather. -5"^' p. 252, note. 
 
 Page 143, line 2, for the Order never had anything to do with him, 7-ead 
 though he was for a time a student in the English College at Rome, which 
 was under the charge of Jesuit Fathers, he was expelled by them from the 
 College. See p. 388. 
 
 Page 144, line 13, dele Gifford. See p. 389. 
 
 The description of Sir Walter Aston's park at Standon has by error been 
 applied to his park at Tixall in the footnote on page 249, which note should 
 therefore be erased. 
 
ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 Abergavenny, Lord 300. 
 
 Abington, Edward 272, 389. 
 
 Agar, George 158. 
 
 Agar, William 109, 136, 157. 
 
 Aldred, Solomon 156, 388. 
 
 Allen, Cardinal 168, 385, 386, 388. 
 
 AUyn, John, Walsingham's ser- 
 vant 252. 
 
 Alsopp, yeoman 46. 
 
 Ambodester 386. 
 
 Arden, Edward 353. 
 
 Arden, Francis 353. 
 
 Arnault, M. viii., 140. 
 
 Arran, Earl of 28, 71. 
 
 Array, Martin, priest 387. 
 
 Arthur, Walsingham's servant, 278. 
 
 Arundell, Sir Charles 168, 381, 
 382, 384, 385. 
 
 Arundel, Philip, Earl of 17, 385. 
 
 Aston, Lady 125. 
 
 Aston, Sir Walter 94, 98, 102, 103, 
 214, 249—252, 269, 270, 272, 
 273, 275, 277. 
 
 Aston, Lord 99. 
 
 Aston, Sir Edward 252, 264. 
 
 Athol, Countess of 92, 106. 
 
 Audley, Lord 186. 
 
 Audrey, the embroideress 82, 124. 
 
 Babington, Anthony 233, 235, 
 
 245, 256, 260, 341, 378, 379, 
 
 386; his conspiracy 116, 142, 
 
 143, 211 ; letters to Mary 209, 
 
 224, 283 ; Mary's letter to 149, 
 
 210, 223, 226, 234, 243, 280, 
 284. 
 
 Bacon, Francis i, 151, 152. 
 
 Bagot, Richard 23, 32, 58, 69, 93, 
 
 94, 97, 103, 108, 174, 180, 183, 
 
 214, 248, 251, 252, 269, 272, 
 
 275, 288, 290, 327, 328, 343, 
 364, 388. 
 
 Baker, spy 388. 
 
 Ball 117. 
 
 Ballard, John, priest 142 — 146, 
 219,221, 222,235,381,386,387. 
 Baltazar, tailor 298, 299, 366. 
 Barloe, priest 181. 
 Barloe, Lawrence, groom 298, 299. 
 Barnaby [Barnes] 118, 243, 376— 
 
 379- 
 Barnes, Thomas 116, 148, 149, 
 
 167, 209, 213, 216, 217, 219, 
 
 233, 239—243, 375, 379, 380, 
 
 381, 389. 
 Barnelms, Walsingham's house 
 
 34, 283, 285, 341. 
 Barnewell, Robert 260, 389. 
 Bayte, Peter 82. 
 Bayley, Dr. 209, 343. 
 Baynham, Mr. 32, 65, 66, 129. 
 Beale, Robert, secretary of Privy 
 
 Council xxix., 309, 3^2, 313, 365. 
 Beaudesert, Lord Paget's house 
 
 31,48,72,73,74,94. 
 Beauregard, Mrs., Mary's gentle- 
 woman 184, 298, 326, 346. 
 Bedford, Earl of 72. 
 Bellenden, Sir Louis, Justice 
 
 Clerk 27, 28. 
 Bencroft, John, coiner 60. 
 Berden, Nicholas, spy 168, 225 
 
 226, 236, 388. 
 Beresford, Anthony 374. 
 Bergerne xviii., xx. 
 Brewerton 
 Berry 372. 
 Birket, priest 385. 
 Blackbourne, John xxix. 
 Blackett, Dr. vi., 3, 4. 
 Blackwood, Adam 369, 370. 
 Blount, Christopher 118. 
 Blount, Father Richard, S.J. 374. 
 Blount, Sir George 388, 
 Blount, Walter 374. 
 Bold, Bryan 174, 180. 
 
394 
 
 Alphabetical Index. 
 
 Bolton, Dukes of i. 
 
 Bouillon, Duke de xxvii. 
 
 Boulenger i86. 
 
 Bourgoin, Mary's physician 141, 
 184, 298, 370, 371. 
 
 Boutteryshe, Dr. xxxi. 
 
 Bowerman, William, Justice 355. 
 
 Bradshawe, Richard 389. 
 
 Braye, Catharine 299. 
 
 Brice, Hugh 22. 
 
 Bridges, Sir Egerton 288. 
 
 Brisac, Count 120, 163. 
 
 Bromley Park 48. 
 
 Bromley, Sir Thomas, Lord Chan- 
 cellor 286, 296, 307. 
 
 Brynkley, Stephen 168. 
 
 Buckhurst, Lord viii., 309, 312, 
 318,330,331,373. 
 
 Burghley, Lord High Treasurer, 
 Bacon's uncle i ; godfather to 
 Poulet's daughter 3, 186 ; his 
 plans 25 ; Mary trusts to his 
 favour 188, 235, 306 ; letters to, 
 from Davison 297, 302; from 
 Poulet {vide p. xli.) ; from Sad- 
 ler 4 ; letters from, to Davison 
 231, 296, 303, 305, 306; to 
 Poulet 272 ; to Walsingham 4, 
 
 297, 305- 
 Burton, Lord Paget's house at 31, 
 
 33, 48, 62, 63, 65, 73, 74, 178. 
 Burton, a brewer of 31, 33, 44, 
 
 128, 147, 189— 191, 195, 196, 
 
 209, 211, 388. 
 Butler, Elizabeth, laundress 299. 
 Buxton, Mary at 39. 
 
 Cade, John, Poulet's servant 160. 
 
 Caesar, Henry, priest 257, 385. 
 
 Caesar, Dr. 372. 
 
 Camden, William 236, 237, 257. 
 
 Campion, Fr.Edmund, S. J., martyr 
 150. 
 
 Cankwood 99. 
 
 Casimir, Duke xx., xxvii., xxx. 
 
 Castlehaye Park 45 — 47. 
 
 Cave, Bryan, Master of the House- 
 hold 50. 
 
 Cavendish, Henry 64; his ground 
 46 ; his house 47, 58, 63, 72—74, 
 82, 89; his servant 51; suspected 
 of favouring Mary 67 ; his 
 niece Elizabeth Pierrepont 176. 
 
 Cavendish, Lady Grace 64, 67, 125. 
 
 Cavendish, Sir Wilham 64. 
 
 Chandos, Duke of 358. 
 
 Chartley, Earl of Essex's house ; 
 choice of 94; low and unhealthy 
 105, 294; transfer to 120, 131 ; 
 Phelippes' visit to 123, 146, 218 ; 
 inaccessible 127 ; Gifford at 
 166; prices at 172; Mary's 
 health at 198 ; search at 253, 
 264, 288 ; Mary's papers taken 
 at 229, 237, 280, 287; her house- 
 hold left at 269, 298, 327, 364 ; 
 her return to 268, 271, 273. 
 
 Chateauneuf, see De I'Aubespine. 
 
 Ch^relles, secretary to the French 
 Ambassador 165 ; Mary's note 
 to 85 ; betrays his trust 86, 168, 
 381 ; visit to Mary 85, 92, 175 ; 
 communicates with Nau iir, 
 126, 166, 200 ; with Gifford 
 155 ; sends Mary beads and 
 pictures 170. 
 
 Chetwynd, Mr. 275, 276. 
 
 Clifton, Sir Gervase 177. 
 
 Cobham, Sir Henry 2. 
 
 Cotham, Fr. Thomas, S.J., martyr 
 150. 
 
 Cockayne, Sir Thomas 388. 
 
 Colerdin, Jacques [Gifford] 257, 
 258. 
 
 Colles, David 355. 
 
 Colls, John 69, 70. 
 
 Conde, Prince of 200, 389. 
 
 Copley, Lady 374. 
 
 Cordaillot, secretary to French 
 Ambassador i64,:2i6, 256, 257, 
 
 345, 381. 
 
 Cornellys, Nicholas [Gifford] 150, 
 193, 225. 
 
 Cotton, Sir Robert 375. 
 
 Cotton 382. 
 
 Courcelles, French Ambassador in 
 Scotland 223, 224, 263, 282. 
 
 Coventry 'j'j, 80, 81. 
 
 Coxe, Rev. H. O. vi. 
 
 Cradocke, Mr. 66. 
 
 Creagh, Richard, Archbishop of 
 Armagh 386. 
 
 Cruse, Mr. 321, 343. 
 
 Curie Barbara 1 84, 298 ; her mar- 
 riage 107, no. III; birth of 
 her child 135 ; child baptized 
 by Mary 276 ; writes to Wal- 
 singham 309 ; asks to be sent 
 to London 366 ; present at 
 Mary's funeral 372. 
 
 Curie, Elspeth or Elizabeth 184, 
 298, 367, 371. 
 
Alphabetical Index. 
 
 395 
 
 Curie, Gilbert, Mary's secretary 
 184, 211, 232, 237, 280; accom- 
 panies Mary 53; her messenger 
 to Poulet 60, 161, 169, 205 : 
 communicates with Gifford 152, 
 193; with Barnes 239, 376; and 
 Emilio 242; his servant 179; 
 arrested 118, 249, 253, 255; 
 accusations against 229, 259, 
 387; attestations bv 118, 231, 
 283. 
 
 D'Alencon, Duke xii. 
 
 Danet, John 4. 
 
 Darrell, Marmaduke, Master of 
 the Household, Clerk of the 
 Avery 138, 140, 215, 260, 276; 
 receives money for Mary 17 ; 
 in want of money 32, 58, 161, 
 173, 364; sent to view Nede- 
 wood Forest, 46 ; Mr. Gifford's 
 house, 99, 102 ; Fotheringay 
 279 ; takes inventory 54 ; gives 
 in his accounts 160, 171, 178, 
 182, 188, 367 ; coldly affected 
 to Mary 269 ; interview with 
 Mary 325 ; left at Fotheringay 
 after Mary's death 372. 
 
 Daventry 386. 
 
 U'Aumale, the Duke 15. 
 
 Davison, William, Secretary of 
 State 305 ; Burghley writes to 
 231, 296, 303, 305, 306 ; Poulet 
 to {vide p. xlii.) ; Waad to 
 344; writes to Phelippes 282; 
 to Burghley 297, 302 ; to Poulet 
 
 359. 
 
 De Civille, M. 263. 
 
 Dedier, panterer 298, 299. 
 
 De la Marre, Nicolas, Mary's 
 apothecary 298. 
 
 De la Mothe F^ndon, French 
 Ambassador in London xxix., 
 24. 
 
 De I'Aubespine de Chateauneuf, 
 French Ambassador in London, 
 arrives, 25, 175 ; direct commu- 
 nication with Mary forbidden 
 92, 95 ; letters from Mary 84, 
 106, 120, 123, 188, 202, 223, 225 ; 
 to Mary 137, 161, 200, 292 ; to 
 Poulet 204, 215 ; his Memoir 
 129, 145, 164, 219, 256; sends 
 Mary her money 136, 291 ; 
 communicates with Gifford 153, 
 222, 243 ; with Poley 156 ; and 
 
 Emilio Russo 225 ; his wife 187; 
 audience with Elizabeth 262, 
 263, 323 ; his letters intercepted 
 282, 283. 
 
 De Laval, M. 200. 
 
 Delbena, Mazzini, xiii. — xvii., xxv. 
 
 De Mauvissiere, French Ambas- 
 sador in London ; sends Mary 
 her money 17, 102 ; letters be- 
 tween him and Mary 27, 38, 78, 
 83, 88, I02, III, 154; his inter- 
 view with Archibald Douglas 
 28 ; easier with Walsingham 
 than Chateauneuf 34, 92, 95 ; 
 leaves England25, 129. 
 
 De Medicis, Catharine, Queen 
 Mother xii. — xviii., xxvii., 383, 
 
 389. 
 
 Derby 'j'j. 
 
 Derby, Justices of 130, 131, 158, 
 159. 
 
 De Reaux 303. 
 
 D'Esneval, French Ambassador 
 in Scotland 166, 258, 259, 262, 
 265, 281, 282. 
 
 Destrappes, Chateauneuf's secre- 
 tary 354. 
 
 De Vigo, John 59. 
 
 Digby, Bridget 321, 343. 
 
 Douglas, Mr. 278. 
 
 Douglas, Archibald 28, 67, 75, 
 168. 
 
 Drake, Sir Francis 247. 
 
 Drury, Sir Drue, Poulet's assis- 
 tant 319; choice of 306, 308; 
 arrival at Fotheringay 23, 309 ; 
 interview with Mary 313, 317, 
 325, 331; praised by Mary 349; 
 refuses to act alone 351 ; repu- 
 diates assassination 362 ; prays 
 his recall 364. 
 
 Du Jardin, French Ambassador's 
 servant 256. 
 
 Dudley Castle iii. 
 
 Dudley, Edward Lord iii. 
 
 Du Prdau, Camille, Mary's chap- 
 lain 24, 57 ; called her reader 
 31, 184; not allowed to ac- 
 company Mary 60 ; his disguise 
 no; baptizes Bastian's child 
 135; Mary's almoner 162; called 
 by Walsingham valet de cJiam- 
 bre 181 ; removal rumoured 
 222 ; left to Poulet 260 ; sent 
 to Mr. Gresley's 269 ; restored 
 to Mary 326, 328; harmless 
 
396 
 
 Alphabetical Index, 
 
 339) 347 ; taken from Mary 
 350; wishes to go to France 
 366; sworn not to say Mass 
 371 ; present at Mary's funeral 
 371. 
 Dyer, Sir Richard 309. 
 
 Edward, the 175. 
 
 Elizabeth, Queen, refuses Mary a 
 Priest 5 ; defends Poulet 6 ; 
 letters to, from Mary 24, 83, 88; 
 from Poulet 7, 312 ; writes to 
 Poulet 93, 255, 267, 295, 309; 
 her parsimony 58, 161, 173, 178, 
 187, 364 ; delays Chateauneuf's 
 first audience 175 ; another au- 
 dience 262, 263 ; instructions 
 to Lord Shrewsbury 247 ; to 
 Poulet 5, 53, 253, 286 ; and to 
 Walsingham 259 ; her speech 
 to Parliament 266, 392 ; forbids 
 sentence at Fotheringay 295 ; 
 complains she is not informed 
 of details 302 ; desires Mary's 
 assassination 358. 
 
 Ellis, Captain 225. 
 
 EUis, Sir Henry 370. 
 
 Elweys, Ralph 70. 
 
 Emilio 239 — 243. 
 
 Englefield, Sir Francis 166, 168, 
 187, 244, 284, 385. 
 
 Ensor, Richard 174, 180, 181. 
 
 Essex, Earl of 31, 94, 95, 98, loi, 
 196. 
 
 Eton, Mr. 46. 
 
 Etwall 76. 
 
 Evans, Thomas 381. 
 
 Exeter 355. 
 
 FiTZHERBERT, Thomas 168. 
 
 Fitzmaurice xxiii. 
 
 Foljambe, Godfrey 22, 166, 168. 
 
 Fontenay 85, 106. 
 
 Foster, Alice, laundress 299. 
 
 Foster 154. 
 
 Fotheringay Castle 84 ; choice of 
 273, 286, 287 ; weakness of 275, 
 303 ; Mary removed to 293 ; 
 trial at 295 ; execution at 365. 
 
 Foxley [Gratley] the priest 189, 
 219. 
 
 France, King of 84, 348, 370. 
 
 Francis, Peter 381. 
 
 Froude, Mr.; his statements about 
 Mary's enchantments 18; Sir 
 Drue Drury 23 ; Nau 41 ; Phe- 
 
 lippes 1 1 7, 223 ; Gilbert Gifford 
 142, 219; the Jesuits 143, 148, 
 150; Ballard 142, 219; Walsing- 
 ham's plot 146, 147 ; the agents 
 employed 86, 190 ; Mary's vio- 
 lence 27, 274 ; her correspon- 
 dence 127, 167, 220 ; her health 
 198 ; her letter to Babington228 ; 
 the postscript 236 ; Mary's guilt 
 231 ; her return to Chartley 273 ; 
 seizure of her letters 288 ; Ehza- 
 beth's proposal to assassinate 
 her 359; Mary's dress at her 
 execution 368 ; and other de- 
 tails 370. 
 
 Gerard, Father John, S.J. 76, 
 258, 353- 
 
 Gerard, Sir Gilbert 76. 
 
 Gerard, Sir Thomas 22, 76, 'j'], 80. 
 
 Germyn, Thomas [Morgan] 150, 
 193, 225. 
 
 George, Melville's servant 298, 
 299. 
 
 Gervais, Mary's surgeon 298, 325. 
 
 Gifford, George 388. 
 
 Gifford, Gilbert, spy ; his family 
 112, 390 ; his College life 
 388 ; introduced to Mary by 
 Morgan 115; arranges corres- 
 pondence 127, 141 — 151 ; his 
 movements 164, 211, 218 — 224; 
 spy on other spies 191, 195 ; 
 suspected by Poulet 193 ; his 
 letter to Walsingham 220 ; to 
 'Phelippes 217, 225, 242, 380; 
 letter to, from Morgan 225 ; his 
 cipher 239, 377; Barnes' cousin 
 241, 379 ; goes to France 256 ; 
 ordained Priest 257, 389; im 
 prisoned 257, 382 ; dies in 
 prison 258. 
 
 Gifford, John 98, 99, 103, 104, 145, 
 
 390- 
 Gifford, Robert 112, 113. 
 Gifford, Richard 388. 
 Gifford, Dr.WiUiam 223, 278, 380, 
 
 381, 389. 
 Glasgow, Archbishop of, Mary's 
 
 Ambassador in France 21, 93, 
 
 95, 144, 151, 166, 187, 188, 195, 
 
 229, 230 235, 375, 383. 
 Godwyn, John 180. 
 Good, Mr. 385. 
 Gorge, Thomas 252, 255, 261, 262, 
 
 264, 269, 271, 288, 293. 
 
Alphabetical Index. 
 
 397 
 
 Gratley, alias Foxley, priest 189, 
 219,223,278,381,385,388,389. 
 
 Gresley, Thomas 58, 59, 103, 251, 
 269, 275, 326, 328, 339, 366. 
 
 Gresley, Mrs. 125. 
 
 Gresley, William 390. 
 
 Gray, Master of 26, 27, 71, 168. 
 
 Grimston 383. 
 
 Guaras, Antonio de xxx. 
 
 Guernsey 54, 132, 294. 
 
 Guise, Cardinal of xxix., 389. 
 
 Guise, Duke of 25, 30, 39, 79, 84, 
 151, 167, 230, 336, 354. 
 
 Gwyn, Edward Prideaux 358. 
 
 Racket, Michael, Burghley's 
 secretary 266. 
 
 Hackshaw, Robert, Poulet's ser- 
 vant 198, 367. 
 
 Hamerlyn, turnbroche 298. 
 
 Hamilton, Lord Claude 154, 163, 
 223, 224. 
 
 Hamilton, cook 298, 299. 
 
 Hanniball, Mary's servant 298. 
 
 Harborne, Mr. 225. 
 
 Hardwick, Elizabeth 64. 
 
 Hargraves, Richard 388. 
 
 Harrison, James, martyr 60. 
 
 Harrys, Andrew 132, 133. 
 
 Hartley, Francis [Gifford] 258. 
 
 Harvey, Anthony, Poulet's father- 
 in-law 2, 20. 
 
 Hastings, Francis 82. 
 
 Hate, Edward 356. 
 
 Hatton, Sir Christopher, Vice- 
 Chamberlain 235, 260, 261, 287, 
 296, 300, 341. 
 
 Havre de Grace [Newhaven] 335, 
 392. 
 
 Haywood, Jasper 150. 
 
 Hearne 358. 
 
 Henry HI., King of France 84, 
 348, 370- 
 
 Henry Vn., King 332. 
 
 Henry, Nau's servant 298, 299. 
 
 Heyden, Robert 3, 22. 
 
 Hinton St. George i, 3, 358. 
 
 Hollocke [Hohenlohe] Count 342. 
 
 Hok, FatherWiniam,S.J. 150, 166. 
 
 Hotman, 21. 
 
 Howard, Lord, of Effingham, Lord 
 Admiral viii., 174, 373. 
 
 Hunsdon, Lord 28. 
 
 Huntingdonshire, soldiers from 
 311,364; Justices of 353. 
 
 Hygate, Thomas, priest 374. 
 
 Jackson, John, groom 298, 299. 
 James, King 25, 26, 28, 70, 116, 
 
 323- 
 James 117. 
 Jersey, Isle of x., xii., i, 19, 54, 55^ 
 
 70, 121, 132, 133, 162, 174, 175, 
 
 294, 295. 
 Jessopp, Dr. 258. 
 John, Don xii., xxiii. 
 
 Keith 323. 
 
 Kennedy, Jane 298, 367, 371. 
 
 Kent, Earl of 365. 
 
 Kirkham, William 356. 
 
 Knight, Thomas, Poulet's servant 
 
 340. 
 Knollys, Sir Francis 76. 
 
 Labanoff, Prince 226 — 228, 236, 
 238, 239, 281, 287, 330. 
 
 Langford 22. 
 
 La Rue, Pere, S.J. 128, 129, 167, 
 195. 
 
 Laurea, Cardinal 218. 
 
 Lawder, John, panterer 298. 
 
 Lawrence, Curie's servant 298,299. 
 
 Leicester, Earl of, master of her 
 Majesty's race 45 ; his pohcy 
 X., xxii. ; Poulet out of liking 
 with 20, 68 ; letters from Poulet 
 vii., viii., 45, 64, 201, 320, 322 ; 
 letter to Poulet 67 ; to Walsing- 
 ham 349 ; thought by Catholics 
 to be a chief plotter 386 ; 
 recommends that Mary be 
 poisoned 392. 
 
 Leighton, Sir Thomas 120, 295. 
 
 Lemon, Mr. 377. 
 
 Lewis, Dr., Bishop of Cassano 
 235, 388. 
 
 Lichfield 210, 233, 239, 376. 
 
 Lichfield, Dean of 174. 
 
 Liggons, Mary's Ambassador in 
 Low Countries 166, 187. 
 
 Lily 386. 
 
 Lingard, Dr. 239, 274, 281, 306. 
 
 Littleton, Mr. 103, 269, 275. 
 
 London, Lord Mayor of 261. 
 
 Lorraine, Princess of xiv. xvii. 
 
 Love, Edward 374. 
 
 Lovell, Lady 374. 
 
 Lymberye, Edward 175. 
 
 Mackenzie, Dr. 358. 
 M'Roe 22. 
 Magale i8i. 
 
398 
 
 Alphabetical Index. 
 
 Maine, Duke of 200. 
 
 Mandreville xiv. 
 
 Manners, John 158, 159, 252, 254, 
 272, 291. 
 
 Manners, Lady Gertrude 64. 
 
 Mareshall 154. 
 
 Mariani, Pietro [Barnes] 243, 381. 
 
 Marshalsea 375. 
 
 Marston, William 356. 
 
 Martyn, master-cook 298. 
 
 Mary Queen of Scots : removed 
 to Tutbury 27 ; to Chartley 
 120; to Tixall 252; to Chartley 
 273 ; to Fotheringay 293 ; letters 
 between her and Elizabeth 24, 
 78, 84, 330 ; her letter to Eliza- 
 beth delayed by Poulet 338 ; her 
 letters read by Poulet 34 ; cor- 
 respondence with Mauvissiere 
 27,38,78,83,84, 102,111, 154; 
 with Chateauneuf 84, 106, 120, 
 123, 137, 161, 188, 200, 202, 223, 
 225, 292 ; letters from Morgan 
 19, 112; her letter to Babington 
 226 — 234 ; minutes of it 280 ; 
 postscript 236 — 241 ; conversa- 
 tions with Poulet 7, 18, 37, 61, 
 63,73,77,95,105,175,215,300, 
 311, 325, 331 ; her household 
 56, 184, 298 ; her sickness 37, 
 
 n, 87, 93, 98, 137, 164, 197, 199, 
 
 300, 320; her alms 31, 39, 53, 
 62 ; her Maundy 161, 169 ; 
 jewels taken 265 ; "confidence 
 in Cherelles 85 ; baptizes Curie's 
 child 276. 
 
 Matthias, Archduke xxvii. 
 
 Maurice, Count 342. 
 
 Melville or Melvin, Andrew, 
 Mary's master of household 
 184, 215 ; free of practices 251 ; 
 orders respecting 269, 272, 277 ; 
 brought from Chartley 299 ; 
 separated from Mary 347, 350 ; 
 has charge of Mary's jewels 
 367 ; a Protestant 371 ; present 
 at Mary's funeral 372. 
 
 Mendoza, Don Bernardino, Span- 
 ish Ambassador in France 219; 
 letters from 87, 166, 237 ; 
 receives Ballard 145 ; and 
 Gifford 146; letters to 187, 218, 
 229, 230, 244, 313 ; Chateauneuf 
 warns Gifford against 256. 
 
 Mercier 240. 
 
 Mildmay, Sir Walter 273, 280, 294. 
 
 Michleover 32. 
 
 Milford Haven 354. 
 
 Mills, Francis, Walsingham's 
 secretary 259, 284, 343, 368. 
 
 Montpensier, Madame 383. 
 
 Mooreton, Robert, tailor 170,298. 
 
 Morgan, Thomas ; Poulet curious 
 of him in Paris xxiv., 8 ; Mary's 
 agent 86, 192 ; accused by 
 EHzabeth 93 ; letters to Mary 
 19, 112, 156, 166, 211 ; Mary's 
 letters to 119, 187, 199, 211, 235, 
 242 ; in the Bastile 19, 142 ; 
 Giiford introduced to Mary by 
 112, 151, 220; Gifford paid by 
 191 ; letters to Gifford 193, 225; 
 conversation with Gifford 242, 
 380 ; minute of letter to Bab- 
 ington 287. 
 
 Morice [Phelippes] 116. 
 
 Morley, Lord 300. 
 
 Morton, Daniel 60. 
 
 Mowbray, Barbara [Curie] 107, 
 110,111,135, 184,276,298,309, 
 366, 372. 
 
 Mowbray, Gillis 100, 107, 184, 298, 
 372. 
 
 Murray, Earl 334. 
 
 Nau, Mary's secretary 184; inter- 
 views with Poulet 12, 13, 18,30, 
 37,41, 77,85,88, 109, 136, 157, 
 208 ; sent to the Court by Mary 
 26 ; Poulet's dislike to 43 ; 
 causes discontent 52, 54 ; his 
 brother 70 ; Mary against him 
 108 ; letters to and from Che- 
 relles III, 126, 200; reports 
 Mary's illness 140, 186; letter 
 from Mauvissiere 154; wishes 
 to marry Elizabeth Pierrepont 
 176, 202 ; writes Mary's des- 
 patches 197,232,280, 284; letter 
 from Cordaillot 216; his letter 
 to Babington 224, 237, 241 ; 
 arrest 248, 251, 253, 255,259; 
 accusations and confessions 228 
 — 232, 239, 281, 284; his money 
 and Agnus Dei 293 ; note found 
 301; accounts 326, 341, 345; 
 accuses Gifford 382 ; thought to 
 be bribed 387. 
 
 Navarre, King of xxvii., 79, 303. 
 
 Nedewood Forest 46, 47. 
 
 Newhaven [Havre de Grace] 335, 
 392. 
 
Alphabetical Index. 
 
 ;99 
 
 Newport, Mr., steward to Earl of 
 
 Essex 196. 
 Nicholas, pastelar 298. 
 Nicolson, William, priest 385. 
 Nisbet, Henry 282. 
 Norfolk, Duke of xxv., xxix. 
 Norreys, Lord 4, 20, 164, 391. 
 Northamptonshire, soldiers from 
 
 311. 
 Northumberland, Earl of 40, 177. 
 Nottingham 'JT^ 80, 81. 
 Nuendr [Nieuwenar] Count 342. 
 
 Offley, Hugh 225, 278, 386. 
 Ogle, Mr. xi., xxix. 
 Oliver, Captain 322, 324. 
 O'Mullrain, Cornelius, Bishop of 
 
 Killaloe xiii. 
 Owen, Hugh 116, 167. 
 Oxford, Earl of 358. 
 
 Paget, Charles 31, 116, 144, 166, 
 
 167, 168, 187, 218, 221, 222, 229, 
 230,231,243,284,381. 
 
 Paget, Lord 31, 123, 129, 168, 174, 
 178, 179, 180, 198, 388. 
 
 Pagez, Bastian, Mary's servant 
 276, 298, 366. 
 
 Pagez' wife 135, 164, 184, 299, 366. 
 
 Paine, Hellyer 133, 134. 
 
 Pasquier, Mary's servant 208, 249, 
 269, 272, 277, 279, 284, 287, 326, 
 345, 346. 
 
 Paynter 278. 
 
 Pelham, Sir Henry 248. 
 
 Percy, turnbroche 298. 
 
 Perrot, Sir John, Deputy of Ire- 
 land viii., 55, 56, 352. 
 
 Persons, Fr. Robert, S.J. 150, 166, 
 
 168, 189, 219, 385. 
 Phelippes, Thomas, the deciphe- 
 rer 19, Z'j\ dealt with Morgan 
 86, 144 ; Morgan's account of 
 him 1 14 ; Mary's description of 
 him 119, 189; rewards 115; 
 veracity 117 ; Mary inquires 
 about him 120; at Chartley 123, 
 126, 146; deals with Gifford 
 142 ; letters from Gifford 216, 
 380 ; intercepts Mary's letter 
 149, 218 ; letters from Poulet 
 151, 169, 198, 201, 214, 246; 
 forwards Mary's letters when 
 read 166, 194 ; writes to Poulet 
 170, 212 ; letters to Walsingham 
 
 155, 218, 223, 225, 234 ; letters 
 from Walsingham 87, 189, 245, 
 278, 283, 284 ; petition to 
 James L 375. 
 
 Phillipps, carrier 162. 
 
 Piers, Dr. 386. 
 
 Pierrepont, Elizabeth, Mary's 
 companion 91, 184; her family 
 64 ; Nau wishes to marry her 
 176, 203 ; Mary wishes to part 
 from her 177; Mary asks Eliza- 
 beth to take her 187 ; arrange- 
 ments for leaving 197, 202 — 209, 
 259, 269, 272 ; rumour respect- 
 ing 265 ; her maid 276. 
 
 Pierrepont, Sir Henry 64, 156, 
 203 — 207, 216, 270. 
 
 Pietro [Gifford] 240. 
 
 Plouvart, Charles, embroiderer 
 298, 299. 
 
 Poley, Robert, spy 118, 144, 156, 
 211, 223, 224, 386, 387. 
 
 Pope, Elizabeth, Lady 21, 374. 
 
 Pope, Sir Thomas 374. 
 
 Pope, Lady 21. 
 
 Port, Sir John 76. 
 
 Poulet, Catherine, Lady 2, 20, 37,52. 
 
 Poulet, George, Bailiff of Jersey 
 3, 131, 132, 134, 155. 
 
 Poulet, Hugh 2. 
 
 Poulet, Sir Amias, Lieutenant and 
 Captain of Jersey, knighted, 
 Ambassador to France i ; his 
 letters from France xii. ; made 
 Privy Councillor 2, 5, 373 ; his 
 wife and children 2, 20, 22 ; 
 made Mary's keeper 4 ; his in- 
 structions 5, 53, 253 ; letters to, 
 from Queen Elizabeth 93, 255, 
 267, 295, 309 ; from Lord Burgh- 
 ley 272 ; from Walsingham 94, 
 100, 271, 272, 285, 286, 359 ; 
 from Davison 359 ; from Phe- 
 lippes 170, 212 ; his letters 
 (vide p. xH.) ; refuses to assas- 
 sinate Queen Mary 362 ; made 
 Chancellor of the Garter 2, 372, 
 374 ; dies 2, 373. 
 
 Poulet, Sir Anthony, Lieutenant 
 of Jersey 2, 54, 70, 120. 
 
 Poulet, Sir Hugh, Captain of 
 Jersey, Vice President of Wales 
 I ; marries Lady Pope 21, 374. 
 
 Poulett, the Earls i, 3. 
 
 Pridiox 385. 
 
 Puckering, Lord Keeper 374. 
 
400 
 
 Alphabetical Index. 
 
 Ralf, Bourgoin's servant 298. 
 Raleigh, Sir Walter 341. 
 Randolph, English Ambassador 
 
 in Scotland 163. 
 Ridolfi XXV, 
 
 Rishton, Edward, priest 353. 
 Robert, groom 298, 299. 
 Robertson, Mr. xi., 288, 370. 
 Robinson, Robert [William Ster- 
 
 rell] 116. 
 Rogers [Berden], Thomas 168. 
 Ross, Bishop of 166, 187, 384. 
 Royston 297. 
 Russell, Lord 72. 
 Russo, Emilio 225, 226. 
 Rutland, Earl of 298. 
 Rutland, Mr. 140. 
 Rye 235. 
 
 Sadler, Sir Ralph, keeper of 
 the Queen of Scots x., 2, 4, 6, 37, 
 43, 48, 50, 56, 130, 138, 158, 182, 
 248 ; his letters 3, 7, 22, 56, 58 ; 
 blamed for leniency 7 ; leaves 
 Tutbury 10; agrees for three 
 posts 1 5 ; mentions du Preau 
 25. 
 
 St. John, Lord, of Bletso x., 4. 
 
 Salisbury, Earl of 117. 
 
 Salisbury, Thomas 389. 
 
 Sandys, Edwin, Archbishop of 
 York 305, 391. 
 
 Savage, John 256, 260, 389, 390. 
 
 Sampfield 355. 
 
 Sedan xxvii. 
 
 Sharpe, Alice, laundress 299. 
 
 Sharpe, Roger, the coachman 1 1, 
 13, 14, 42, 43, 50, 141, 298, 299, 
 366. 
 
 Sheffield 248. 
 
 Shrewsbury, Countess of 64, 95, 
 177, 208, 300. 
 
 Shrewsbury, Earl of, keeper of 
 the Queen of Scots x., 4, 37, 48, 
 59, 63, 64, 74, 76, 90, 248, 298, 
 365, 378. 
 
 Shulborowe 157. 
 
 Silvester, turnbroche 298. 
 
 Sismondi, xviii., xix. 
 
 Skinner [Piers] Dr. 386. 
 
 Somers, John, Sir Ralph Sadler's 
 assistant x., 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 14, 
 ^S^^^, 30, 34, 40, 43, 48, 50, 5i> 
 137, 368. 
 
 Stafford, Justices of viii., 130, 158, 
 
 159. 
 
 Stafford, Sir Edward, English Am- 
 bassador in France 93, 95, 257, 
 258, 381, 382. 
 
 Stafford, the Ambassador's brother 
 
 354- 
 Stallenge, Mr. viii., 300, 308, 310,. 
 
 311, 313- 
 Stamford 218. 
 Stanley, Sir William 386. 
 Star Chamber 304. 
 Sterrell, WiUiam 116. 
 Stilton 218, 233, 298. 
 Stockley Park 46, 47. 
 Strangvage xi. 
 Strype, John 266. 
 Stuart, Lord Charles x. 
 Symon, Mary's page 298. 
 Sydney, Sir Philip 305, 341. 
 
 Talbot, Lady Grace [Cavendish] 
 
 64, 67, 125. 
 Talbot 222. 
 Taylor, Robert 180. 
 Taylor, Thomas, a spy 59. 
 Theobalds 44, 297. 
 Thorowgood 235. 
 Thorpe, Mr. 247. 
 Throckmorton, Francis 112, 143. 
 Throckmorton, Thomas 112. 
 Tichborne, Chideock 389. 
 Tither, Priest 59. 
 Tittenhanger 374. 
 Tixall 94, 98, 102, 249, 264, 266,. 
 
 273, 288, 291, 298. 
 Trentham, Mr. 251, 269. 
 Tresham, Sir Thomas 222. 
 Tyrrell, Anthony, priest and spy 
 
 143, 388. 
 Tytler, Mr. 236, 237. 
 Tyttyn 375. 
 
 Tuchinor, Anthony 272, 389. 
 Tutbury 31 — no, 126 — 129, 131,. 
 
 172, 173, 179, 183. 
 Turlett, Mr. 355. 
 
 Urry, John 358. 
 Uttoxeter 94. 
 
 Vachel, spy 388. 
 V^rac xiv. 
 
 Vincent, Sir Francis 3. 
 Vitrye 85. 
 
 Waad, Sir William, clerk of the 
 Council ; sent to France i6 ; 
 
Alphabetical Index. 
 
 401 
 
 hard usage there 17 ; examines 
 Phelippes 116; letter to Earl of 
 Salisbury 117; goes to Chartley 
 246 ; meets Poulet 248 ; seizes 
 Mary's papers 252, 261, 264, 
 268, 271 ; writes to Walsing- 
 ham 285 ; letter to Phelippes 
 287 ; writes to Poulet 288; note 
 of Mary's money 289 ; letter 
 to Davison 344. 
 
 WaUis, John 303. 
 
 Walpole, Fr. Henry, SJ. 258. 
 
 Walsingham, Sir Francis, Secre- 
 tary of State ; his letters, to 
 Sadler 5 ; to Poulet 94, 100, 
 271, 272, 285, 286, 359; to Phe- 
 lippes 87, 189, 245, 278, 283, 
 284 ; letters to, from Sadler 22 ; 
 from Poulet {vide p. xli.) ; from 
 Burghley 4, 297, 305 ; from 
 Phelippes 155, 218, 223, 225, 
 234 ; from Somers 6 ; from 
 Gifford 220. 
 
 Ward, Thomas, Constable of 
 Honiton 355, 356. 
 
 Welshe, Thomas 298. 
 
 Wenden, Dr. 59. 
 
 Westmoreland, Earl of xxiii 
 xxxi., 40. ^■-r'^'^ 
 
 Weston, Fr. William, alias Ed- 
 monds, S.J., 150. 
 
 Whitgift, John, Archbishop of 
 Canterbury 305, 306, 391. 
 
 Wigmore, Richard 370. 
 
 Williams, Lord 4. 
 
 William of Nassau, Count 342. 
 
 Wilson, Thomas, Secretary of 
 State xxi., xxxiv., xxxvi. 
 
 Winchester, Marquisses of i. 
 
 Wingfield 59, "]-]. 
 
 WoUey, Sir John, Chancellor of 
 the Garter 2, 374. 
 
 Wolsey, John 388. 
 
 Woodshawe, Edward, spy xxxi. 
 
 Woodward, Robert, a spy 59, 70. 
 
 Worcester, Marquis of 151. 
 
 Wotton, Sir Edward 265. 
 
 Wright, Mr. 373. 
 
 Yardley, Roger 262. 
 Yetsweirt, Nicasius 207, 259, 261, 
 
 263. 
 Yonge, Mr. 138. 
 Young, Justice 115, 156, 374, 388. 
 
 Zouch, Lord 300, 391. 
 Zouch, Sir John x., 69, 70. 
 Zutphen 305. 
 
By the same Editor. 
 
 THE CONDITION OF CATHOLICS UNDER 
 JAMES I. Second Edition. London : Longmans, Green, 
 and Co. 1872. Demy Zvo, doth, i^s. 
 
 This work consists of two parts : 
 
 T. The Life of Father John Gerard, S.J., chiefly trans- 
 lated from the narrative of his missionary career in England, 
 written by him in Latin for his Superiors. 
 
 2. A Narrative of the Gunpowder Plot, written in 
 English by Father Gerard, and now first pubHshed from the 
 original Manuscript at Stonyhurst. 
 
 THE TROUBLES OF OUR CATHOLIC FORE- 
 FATHERS, related by themselves ; from hitherto unpublished 
 Manuscripts. First Series. London : Burns and Gates. 
 1872. Demy Svo, cloth, \os. 6d. 
 Contejits : 
 
 1. Mother Margaret Clement and the Carthusian 
 
 Monks. 
 
 2. The Imprisonment of Francis Tregian. 
 
 3. Father Tesimond's Landing in England. 
 
 4. Father Richard Blount and Scotney Castle. 
 
 5. The Babthorpes of Babthorpe. 
 
 6. St. Monica's Convent in War, Pestilence, and Poverty. 
 
 7. The Venetian Ambassador's Chaplain. 
 
 8. The Southcote Family. 
 
 9. The Tichbornes of Tichborne House. 
 
 A HUNDRED MEDITATIONS ON THE LOVE 
 OF GOD, by Father Robert Southwell, S.J., the Poet 
 and Martyr. Now first pubHshed. London: Burns and 
 Gates. 1873. Fcap. Svo, doth, ^s. 
 
 THE DEVOTIONS OF THE LADY LUCY HER- 
 BERT OF POWIS, formerly Prioress of the Augustinian 
 Nuns at Bruges. London: Burns and Gates. 1873. Fcap, 
 Svo, cloth, 3>f. dd. 
 
By the Woodbuiy or permanent process^ is. each, or 'js. 6d. a dozen. 
 
 SIXTEEN PHOTOGRAPHS OF FATHERS OF THE 
 SOCIETY OF JESUS, CHIEFLY MARTYRS, 
 
 FROM PICTURES IN HOUSES OF THE. SOCIETY AT ROME. 
 From the Gesu. 
 
 FF. Campion, M; FF. Briant, M. FF. Cottam, M. 
 Garnet, M. Wright, M. Walpole, M. 
 
 Oldcorne, M. Filcock, M. Persons. 
 
 Holland, M. Cornelius, M. Haywood. 
 
 Fro7)i S.Andrea on Monte Cavallo. 
 
 FF. Weston and Darbyshire. 
 
 Fjvm the Roman College. 
 
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 Photographs of Portraits or Prints of English jNIartyrs from 
 other sources. 
 
 Sir Thoinias More (from a beautiful picture in the Barberini 
 
 Library at Rome). 
 Cardinal Fisher. 
 Archbishop Plunket. 
 FF. Ward,, Duckett, Green, alias Brooke, Tunstall, Genings, 
 
 Secular Priests. 
 F. Barlow, O.S.B. 
 FF. Bell, Bullaker, Heath, Woodcock, and Colman (who died 
 
 in prison), O.S.F. 
 FF. Campion, Whitbread, Morse, Wright, Holland, Corby, 
 
 Arrowsmith, Baker, S.J. 
 Richard Herst, layman. 
 
 Of these, ten are taken from the Portraits that for two hundred years have been 
 in the possession of the Teresian Nuns at Lanherne. 
 
 London : Burns and Oates, 17 Portman Street. 
 
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