Ill / :fe^ ^2L- Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from Microsoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/extractfromdespaOOcourrich EXTRACT FROM THE DESPATCHES OF M. COURCELLES, FRENCH AMBASSADOR AT THE COURT OF SCOTLAND. M.D.LXXXVI— M.D.LXXXVII. PRINTED AT EDINBURGH M.D.CCCXXVIII. Vfwn CC- 5" At a Meeting of the Committee of Management of the Bannatyne Club, held at Edinburgh, 11th March, 1828, Resolved, That the Extract from the Despatches of M. Courcelles, French Ambassador at the Court of Scotland, from October 1586 to September 1587, which has been printed from a Manuscript in the library of The Marquis of Lothian, at New- battle Abbey, under the superintendence of Robert Bell, Esq. be completed and circulated among the Members of the Club. David Laing, Secretary. y i The following Extract from the correspondence between King Henry the 3d of France, his Minister Brulart, 1 and M. Courcelles, his Lidger or resident Ambassador, in Scotland, is now first printed from a manuscript in the possession of the Marquis of Lothian, which appears to have been written about the close of the 16th century. One or two paragraphs have been supplied, and a few corrections made, from a similar manuscript in the British Museum, which, as it is in the handwriting of one of the secretaries of Sir Francis Walsingham, is probably the original of the Extract, al- though it is now difficult to ascertain in what manner the letters themselves came into the possession of the English government. The despatches from Courcelles to the French King and his mi- nisters are still preserved in Paris, and several of those which were addressed to him in Scotland, together with what appear to be au- thentic copies of others, are now in the Cottonian Library, and in his Majesty's State Paper Office. 2 1 The name of this minister is erroneously spelled Bruland in the MS. from which the Extract was printed. 2 MSS. Cott. Calig. C. IX. ; D. I. and Nero, B. VI, VI It has been deemed unnecessary to print the original letters, as many of them have been more or less damaged by fire, which would have rendered it impossible to make the work complete. They include also various negotiations, which relate to matters of minor importance, and foreign to the subject of the Extract ; and it is evident, from what still remains of the correspondence, of which two specimens are given in the Appendix, that Walsingham's secre- tary had performed his task with much accuracy and fidelity. From the correspondence itself, it appears that M. Courcelles was intrusted with the management of the affairs of the King of France at the Court of Scotland, during the absence of the actual ambas- sador, M. D'Esnavalle, or De Valle. This absence was perhaps con- trived for the purpose of enabling Courcelles to assume the charge of the negotiations in the manner least likely to awaken the suspi- cions or offend the jealousy of Elizabeth — a jealousy which was the more likely to arise, as this Minister, when formerly attached to the French embassy in England, was, at the desire of the Queen, dismissed by his principal, Mauvissiere, 3 on account of the intrigues in which it was alleged he had engaged. There is also reason to conclude that his arrival in Scotland, where he assumed the name of De Preau, was the source of considerable uneasiness to the Eng- lish Court. No satisfactory information has been obtained with regard to the character or family of M. Courcelles. With the exception of inci- 3 Michael de Castelneau, or Chateauneuf, Seigneur de Mauvissiere. Vll dental notices of his correspondence, in some of the writers on the history of Queen Mary, and a letter published by Mr Ellis, 4 few docu- ments have been discovered in which his name is mentioned, and these, while they tend to support the conjecture which has been hazarded, throw no light on his history in other respects. The first of these documents is a letter from the Master of Gray, who is frequently mentioned in the course of the Extract, to Wal- singham. This letter, 6 which is dated 29 Jany. 1585, commences with this passage, " S r . Albeit of late I wrot unto you : Yeat Robert " Carvel 6 coming unto me by your command, though without letter, " for to knowe what was the effect of this Fr. ambassadors negotia- " tion, I have instructed him at length. He is named Monsr. de " Valle, sonne in lawe to Monsr. Pynart, and I think, by his ad- " dresse, for he is very yonge and little thing in him. He hath for " tutors a secretary of his fathers in lawe, and the fellowe Cursolles, " that was secretary to Malvissier in England, who hath disguised " himself from Cursoles to De Preau, to the end he should not be " knowen. Some think he is sent (I meane Cursolles) by the K. " Mother, our Quene some tyme. But however it be, they kepe them " as yeat very quiet. Never a one of them sortes their lodging." * Second series, Vol. 3d, p. 119. This letter is also referred to by Mr Chalmers, in his Life of Queen Mary. 5 MS. Cotton. Calig. C. IX. fol. 244. 6 Robert Caruel, who was sent by Walsingham to the Master of Gray, was in the employ of Queen Elizabeth at Berwick : He was frequently employed by Walsing- ham to obtain intelligence from Scotland, and sometimes went to Edinburgh for that purpose. Vlll Another* notice of Courcelles occurs in the instructions given by Queen Elizabeth to Randolph, 7 who was sent by her on a mission to Scotland in February 1585-6, in which, after stating that the French Ambassador, or Minister, in Scotland was " noted to be a fa- " vourer of a late league made in Fraunce, tending to no other end " but to bridle the King there, and to overthrowe the professors of " the Gospell, not only in that realme, but also in all other realmes," it is added, " that therfore it shall behove the King to have an espe- " cial eye and regard over him, as one purposely sent into that realm " to breede some broyles, which we have cause the rather so to judge, " for that, as we are informed, there is sent in his company, as an as- " sistaunt unto him, one Courselles, some tyme servaunt to Mauvis- " siere, late Ambassador here, who being discovered to have been a " most dangerous instrument, and a practiser of trouble within this " realme, the said Ambassador was therfore required to send him " out of the realm, which was accordingly perfourmed ; so, as by the " choice of such instruments as he is at this tyme when there is " plainly discovered a general confederacy against those of the re- " ligion, it is manifestly to be deciphered, what is th'intent and pur- " pose of their present sending of the said minister into that realm." A third mention of Courcelles is in a letter from W. Asheby, am- bassador from Queen Elizabeth to the Court of Scotland, 8 dated " Edinborrough, the 20 of Julie 1588," to Sir Francis Walsingham, 7 MS. Cotton. Calig. C. VIII. fol. 282. 8 MS. Cotton. Calig. D. 1. 118, p. 296. wherein he says, he arrived " at Edinburgh the 15th of this present." The King was in Fife, but was expected at Edinburgh " this day" (the 20th). The Lord Chancellor sent him word that he should have audience on the 22d at farthest. This letter mentions that " Cor- " sales, the Frenchman, upon the apprehension of the L. Maxwell,' " is shiped from hense, without his leave taking of the King, feeling " himselfe gilty in Maxwell's practisse, as it is thought." On the subject of the Extract, it is superfluous to offer any re- marks, as it relates to a transaction upon which so much has been written by the various historians of Scotland, and regarding which no additional information can now be reasonably expected. ' Lord Maxwell was apprehended in Carrik, in the beginning of June 1588. Cour- celles seems to hare been in Edinburgh on the 11th July 1588. MS. Cotton. Nero, B. VI. f. 355. THE BANNATYNE CLUB. FEBRUARY M.DCCC.XXVIII. SIR WALTER SCOTT, Bar t . [PRESIDENT.] THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF ABERDEEN. THE RIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM ADAM, LORD CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF THE JURY COURT. SIR WILLIAM ARBUTHNOT, BAR*. 5 JAMES BALLANTYNE, ESQ. SIR WILLIAM MACLEOD BANNATYNE. THE RIGHT HONOURABLE VISCOUNT BELHAVEN. GEORGE JOSEPH BELL, ESQ. ROBERT BELL, ESQ. 10 WILLIAM BELL, ESQ. THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD BINNING. JOHN BORTHWICK, ESQ. WILLIAM BLAIR, ESQ. GEORGE BRODIE, ESQ. 15 BRUDENELL J. BRUCE, ESQ. THE BANNATYNE CLUB. HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH AND QUEENSBERRY. JOHN CALEY, ESQ. JAMES CAMPBELL, ESQ. THE HONOURABLE JOHN CLERK, LORD ELDIN. 20 WILLIAM CLERK, ESQ. HENRY COCKBURN, ESQ. DAVID CONSTABLE, ESQ. ANDREW COVENTRY, ESQ. JAMES T. GIBSON CRAIG, ESQ. 25 WILLIAM GIBSON CRAIG, ESQ. THE HONOURABLE GEORGE CRANSTOUN, LORD COREHOUSE. ROBERT DUNDAS, ESQ. HENRY ELLIS, ESQ. ROBERT FERGUSON, ESQ. 30 LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR RONALD C FERGUSON. THE COUNT DE FLAHAULT. JOHN FULLERTON, ESQ. THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD GLENORCHY. WILLIAM GOTT, ESQ. 35 SIR JAMES R. G. GRAHAM, BAR T . ROBERT GRAHAM, ESQ. THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD GRAY. HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF HAMILTON AND BRANDON. E. W. A. DRUMMOND HAY, ESQ. 40 JAMES M. HOG, ESQ. THE BANNATYNE CLUB. JOHN HOPE, ESQ. DAVID IRVING, LL.D. JAMES IVORY, ESQ. THE REVEREND JOHN JAMIESON, D. D. 45 ROBERT JAMESON, ESQ. SIR HENRY JARDINE. FRANCIS JEFFREY, ESQ. JAMES KEAY, ESQ. JOHN G. KINNEAR, ESQ. 50 THOMAS KINNEAR, ESQ. [TREASURER.] THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF KINNOULL. DAVID LAING, ESQ. [SECRETARY.] THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE. THE REVEREND JOHN LEE, D. D. 55 THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN. COLIN MACKENZIE, ESQ. THE HONOURABLE J. H. MACKENZIE* LORD MACKENZIE. JAMES MACKENZIE, ESQ. JAMES MAIDMENT, ESQ. 60 THOMAS MAITLAND, ESQ. GILBERT LAING MEASON, ESQ. THE RIGHT HONOURABLE VISCOUNT MELVILLE. WILLIAM HENRY MILLER, ESQ. THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF MINTO. 05 SIR JAMES W. MONCREIFF, BAR T . THE BANNATYNE CLUB. JOHN ARCHIBALD MURRAY, ESQ. WILLIAM MURRAY, ESQ. MACVEY NAPIER, ESQ. FRANCIS PALGRAVE, ESQ. 70 HENRY PETRIE, ESQ. ROBERT PITCAIRN, ESQ. JOHN RICHARDSON, ESQ. THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF ROSSLYN. ANDREW RUTHERFURD, ESQ. 75 THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR SAMUEL SHEPHERD, LORD CHIEF BARON OF SCOTLAND. ANDREW SKENE, ESQ. JAMES SKENE, ESQ. GEORGE SMYTHE, ESQ. JOHN SPOTTISWOODE, ESQ. \ 80 THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUESS OF STAFFORD. MAJOR-GENERAL STRATON. SIR JOHN ARCHIBALD STEWART, BAR T . THE HONOURABLE CHARLES FRANCIS STUART. ALEXANDER THOMSON, ESQ. 85 THOMAS THOMSON, ESQ. [VICE-PRESIDENT.] W. C. TREVELYAN, ESQ. PATRICK FRASER TYTLER, ESQ. XI CONTENTS. The first dispatche of Courcelles to the kinge of France. 4th October 1586, P. 3 The second dispatche of Courcelles to the French kinge. 31st October 1586, 9 Courcelles to D'Esneuall. 31st October 1586, . . 12 The king of France to Courcelles. 1st November 1586, . 15 The kinge of France to the kinge of Scottes, 2nd November 1586, . . . . 16 Brulart to Courselles. 2nd November 1586, . . 17 Courcelles third dispatche to the Frenche kinge. 30th November 1586, 17 Courcelles fourth dispatche to the Frenche king. 31st December 1586, . 22 The Frenche king to Courcelles. 22nd November 1586, . 26 The Frenche king to Courcelles. 24th December 1586, . 27 Brulart to Courcelles. 22nd November — 24th December 1586, 27 Courcelles fifth dispatche to the Frenche kinge. 10th February 1587, . _ . 28 The Frenche king to Courcelles. 1st February 1587, . 32 Brulart to the same, . . . . . . . 33 Courcelles sixth dispatche to the Frenche kinge. 28th February 1587, 33 Xll Courcelles to the Frenche king. 8th March 1587, . . 38 The Frenche kinge to Courcelles. [14th March 1587,] . 48 Brulart to Courcelles. 14th March 1587, ... 49 Courcelles seventh dispatche to the kinge of Fraunce. [3rd April 1587,] 49 The Frenche kinge to Courcelles. [13th March 1587,] . 59 Brulart to Courcelles. [18th Marche 1587,] . . 60 Courcelles eighth dispatch to the Frenche kinge. 12th Maye 1587, 61 The Frenche kinge to Courcelles. 13th Aprile 1587, 66 Pinart to Courcelles at the same tyme, ... 67 Courcelles ninth dispatche to the Frenche kinge. 6th June 1587, ... 67 Courcelles tenth dispatch to the French kinge. 24th June 1587, 71 The French king to Courcelles. 11th June 1587, . . 72 Bruland to Courcelles. 11th June 1587, ... 73 Courcelles eleventh dispatche to the French kinge. (3 7th) August 1587, 73 The French kinge to Courcelles. 17th July 1587, . 76 Courcelles twelfth dispatche to the Frenche kinge. 22nd August 1587, 77 Courcelles thirteenth dispatche to the French kinge. 82th (18th) September 1587, 79 AN EXTRACTE GATHERED OUT OF MONSIEUR COURCELES NEGOTIATION IN SCOTLAND, LIDGER AMBASADORE FOR HENRY THE THIRD FRENCHE KINGE, OF SO MUCH AS CONCERNES THE PASSAGES BETWEENE THE SAID HENRY OF FRANCE, JAMES THE SIXTH OF SCOTLAND, AND ELIZABETHE, QUEENE OF ENGLAND, TOUCHINGE THE PROCEIDINGES IN ENGLAND AGAINST HIS MOTHER MARY QUEENE OF SCOTTES, FROM THE IVth OF OCTOBER, ANNO MDLXXXVI, TO THE XXVIIIth OF SEPTEMBER, ANNO MDLXXXVII. THE FIRST DISPATCHE OF COURCELLES TO THE KING OF FRANCE. 4th October 1586. IN O office of curtesie beinge of long time don, on the King of Fraunce his behalfe, to the Kinge of Scotts, he tooke occasione, as it were by chance, to viset the King, beinge at Falkeland a huntinge ; who acknowledged by sondrie good offices the Kinge of France his care over him, wherunto he promised he would core- spond in all good amitie and affection, as he had givene Monsieur Esnevall in charge at his departure to assure him. Havinge thought good to visitt the Lord Hamilton, by him to understand the certentie of those things which were advertized out of England towching the Scottish Queene, and of the Kinge her sonnes resolution in that behalfe : The said Lord Hamiltone tould him he had receaved lettres from Secretary Walsingham, whereby it did appeare that the Queene of Scotts was charged by them which were in prison, to be partaker of the conspiracy againste the Queene of England's person, and that there were some noble men of that country of Scotland which had their hands therin, of whom 4 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' her Majestie was determined to complaine to the Kinge ; and namly, of the Lord Claud his brother. Courcelles answered, That many were of opinion this conspiracie to be but a devised thinge by some about the Queene of England, enemyes to the Scottishe Queen, who, by all appearance, desired to compas thinges to her disadvantage, and so servinge them selves of all occasiones the better to prevaile against her, have induced the Queene of England to beleeve that she was a partie in this late conspiracye ; by which meanes they hope to cause her to at- tempte somwhat farther againste her person, which would proove verye prejuditiall to his Soveraignes greatenes and reputation with all princes, neclectinge the amytie and dutie which ought to be be- tweene a mother and her sonne. The Lord Hamelton tooke it to be true that Courcelles saide, and affirmed that the Kinge, his Soveraigne, ought not to suffer it ; and that he would give the Kinge to understand the prejudice and dan- gere like to ensue therof, as he did forethwith, makinge him ac- quainted with that Secretary Walsinghame had written, and that which Courcelles had conseaved of the same, as of him self : Wher- unto the Kinges answer was, that the Queene, his mother, might well drinke the ale and beare which her selfe had brewed : Further, that having bound her selfe to the Queene of England to doe no- thing againste her, she ought to have kepte her promise, notwith- standing that he woulde nowaye faile in his dutie and naturall obli- gatione he ought her. Courcellis seinge the Kinge, by this meanes, suffitientely informed NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 5 of the state of his Mother, hath forborne to use any speech therof to the said Kinge ; the rather for that it beinge not likelie that the Queene of England will proceede againste her, without communica- tinge the caise to the Kinge of Fraunce, &c. he may attend com- mission and direction touchinge the same which he requireth. Att an Assemblie at Edenburghe, the xxv th of September, was presente the Kinge, the Lord Hamelton, the Earles of Angus, Atholl, Marre and Bothwell, Secretary Ledington, and the Master of Greay ; the other lords findinge excuses to be awaye, for feare leste againste their consciences they should be foreced to advowe and confirme that which the Kinge had lately treated with the Queene of Englande ; or because they had intelligence of some edicte pur- posed to be made againste the Catholicks ; as was, that the reseavinge of Jesuits should be treason, that the provisiones againste Catholickes made in former time should be put in executione. The Kinge receaved lettres from Archebald Douglas, wherby he was advertised of the Queenes dislike of the marriage pretended betweene the Duke of Lennox and the daughter and heare of the Lord Hamelton ; and that she praied him not to make any haste therof, but attend rather some such fitter match as time might offer for the said Duke : The Queene emploieth her factionaries under hand, to hinder the mariage as much as they maye, for feare, these two houses being joyned, she should not be able to find a partie stronge enoughe in that country to serve her turne : She and her predecessores in former times, havinge used to serve them selves of one of them upon all occasiones : It was tould Couersilles 6 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' that the Kinge tooke it verie ill, as though the Queene of England sought to controule him in his owne realme, and that he was resol- ved to goe forward therwith notwithstanding. The Earle of Angus liketh not of the mariage, which were likelie to be the ruine of the Douglasses, havinge bene alwayes contrary to the Haraeltons ; and it was feared leste the Kinge should take awaye from him the lands possessed before by other Dukes of Linnox, and nowe in his hands, to bestowe them upone the yonge Duke ; wherupon it is pretended that the Earle of Angus, devisinge with others of his faction of the meanes to avoid this mischeife, should say, that the redieste waye was to dispach the Kinge ; which it is said, the Ladie of Johnston ofFeres to prove by good witnesses ; wherupon she being sent for, her coming is like to give more light. Archebald Douglas wrot that the Queene of England would, within six or seven dayes, send a gentleman for the Kings consent to proceed againste his Mother, and to demaunde deliverie of certaine Noblemen of that Realme, whom she suspecteth for the conspiracie ; wherupon the Lord Hamelton and George Douglase, tooke occasione againe to speake with the Kinge towchinge his Mother, shewinge him what an injury it should be, if the Queene of England did putt her hand in his blood ; the reproche it would be to him amonge all Christiane Princes ; the small accoumpte he should seem to make of his Motheres honnore, and his owne naturall dutie. The Kinge answered, that he loved his Mother as much as nature and dutie bounde him, but he could not love her conditiones ; for he knewe well that she bare him noe more good will than she did the NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 7 Queene of Englande : That hee had seene with his owne eyes a letter before Founteneyes departure out of Scoteland, written unto him, wherby she sente him worde, that yf hee would not conforme him selfe to her will, and follow her counsell and advise, that he should contente him selfe with the Lordshipe of Darley, which was all that appertained unto him by his Father : Furder, that he had seene other letteres of her owne hand, confirminge her evell will towards him, besids that she had oftene times gone aboute to make a Re- gente in Scotland, and to putt him besids the Crowne : That parte behoved him to thinke of his owne affaires, and that he thought the Queene of England would attempte nothinge againste her person, without makinge him acquinted : That his Mother was hence for- ward to carrie her selfe, both towards him and the Queene of Eng- land, after an other soarte, without building any more upon any such practises and intelligences as she had done in formor times : That he hoped to sett such persones about her as should keepe her from practises : And that in trueth, it was meete for her to medle with nothinge but prayer and servinge of God. George Douglas replied, that he ought not to beleive all theis badd reports, devised by some slaves of the Queene of Englands, which he had nere about him, for he could no otherwise terme them, knowinge that they lived of nothing but the Queene of Eng- lands pentiones, as hee was able to prove. But the Kinge concluded that it was not possible for him to agree with her, beinge of a reli- geon contrary to his. AVherunto Douglas replied, that she retayned the religeon that she had bene brought up in, as he did his ; and 8 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' that she would be as glad he would be of her religeon, as hee that she were of his. The Kinge confessed in deed, he had bene brought up amonge a company of mutinous knave ministeres, whose doctrine he had never approved ; but he knewe his religeon to be the trewe religeon. At the same instante, the Lord Barnebougall, whose daughter is married to Curie, towld him he was redie to goe into England, and craved his lettres to the Queene in behalfe of his Mother, which he was sure the Queene would regard, yf his Mother were not al- redie dead. The Kings answere was reported to be, that his Mother was in no danger of her persone, neither could bee in six monthes ; and to speake or write in her favore, before the Queene had sente him any word therof, were to condempne her afFore hand him selfe. This was all the answer that could be drawne from the Kinge touchinge his Mother : For the reste, it is said, he promised the Queene of Englande, by Roger Aston, to send her all his subjects which should be found any waye culpable of the consperacie. The Earle Bothwell, beinge asked his advise by the Kinge what he should doe, the Queene of England requiringe his consente to proceed againste his Mother, [said,] yf he did suffer it, hee were worthie to be hanged the nexte daye after ; whereat the Kinge laughed, and said he would provid for that. It was towld, that the Ambassadore which was to come out of England, should complaine of the Earles of Hunteley, Craford and Mountrosse and the Lord Claud, with others, which the Queene of England knowinge to be adversaryes to her factiones, seeketh eithere NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 9 by causinge them to be presented as Catholicks, or upon some other pretext, to vexe and procure them to loose their lives and goods, or be banished that Realme ; and therefore would not forgette at this time to charge them with the conspiracy, to make them more odious. Peeter Yonge, that was sent into Denmarke, is returned with all contentemente ; the Kinge of Denmark havinge accepted of all the excuses made by the Kinge of Scotts, for not satisfienge him sooner touching those points, wherof he gave him to understand by his Ambassador, by reasone of the busenes happened upon the returne of the banished Lords, with assurance of straighter amitie ; which he promised to lett him furder understand by other Ambassadore, which he would presently send. He seeth no haste of sendinge those Ambassadors, but thinke they attende till the Kinge of Denmarke send againe, for that the princepall end he pretends, yf he match not one of his daughteres with the Scottishe Kinge, to retire the Orcades. The Second Dispatche of Courcellis to the French Kinge. 31^ October 1586. Sondrey ill affected to the Scottishe Queene have traveled, as he signefied by his formor, to withdrawe the Kinge her Sonne from consideratione of his dutie towards her ; perswadinge him that her B 10 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' attainder can no way prejudice his right to the Croune of England, having title good enough by his father; wher otherwise, byopposinge him selfe againste the intended proceedings of England, he might by the lawe be disabled to succeed, as partaker of the pretended con- spiracye ; besid that, amonge her papers her will was found, wherby she gave the Crownes of England and Scotland to the Kinge of Spaine, as afforetime she had soughte to dispossesse him of his Crowne, and establish a Catholick Regent ; which was confirmed by the confession of the Lord Hamelton, who unadvisedly uttered to the Kinge, that the Jesuits in France had offered to make him Regente yf he would becom Catholicke. The Kinge, seeminge to be carried awaye with these allegationes, diveres Noblemen on the other side prayed him to give no credite to their badd reports touchinge his Mother, who never had but sought his good ; neither could he in honowre abandon her in this necessitie, much lesse suffer to be touched in her persone ; whom the Kinge hath assured that he will nowaye faile in his dutie to- wards her, as all the world shall perceave ; howbeit he perswaded himselfe, that the Queene of England would attempte nothinge againste her without his consente and advise, and yf she did, he knewe howe to behave himselfe. This hath made Courselis forbeare to deale with the Kinge in that behalfe, havinge no order from the Kinge his master, and lookinge for no other answere. Since upon advise from Archebald Douglas, that it were necessary for the Kinge to sende some of his counsell skilfull in the lawes into NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 11 England, to consider whether upon opposinge himselfe by media- tione or otherwise, directely or indirectely, againste the executione of his Mother, he should not prejudice his title to theCrowne of Eng- lande ; and speciallie the Secretarie, as a man of beste judgment and knowledge ; the Kinge entered into consultacion for this purpose. The Secretarie excusinge himselfe, as one that smelte it to be a fetch of Archebald Douglas to drawe him into this negotiation, to thend, any mishape falling upon the Queene of Scotts, the blame therof might also redounde upon him : William Keythe was then appointed to goe into England, of whose labores litle good is ex- pected, by reasone he is a pensionary and creature of the Queene of Englands. All the greate personages of the realme are verie much offended, that the Kinge sufferes him selfe to be caried after this soarte, by factionaries of England ; and are determined (yf he continewe) to agree amonge them selves to joyne, and to shewe him his error and the wronge he doth to his reputacion and the realme, by sufferinge him selfe to be guided by men of so small accompte as they bee ; and with all, seisinge upon their persones, to doo them some shrewde turne, yf they take not the better heede ; and yf the Queene of Eng- land do proceede againste the Kings Mother, to declare open warre againste her ; choosinge rather that extremitie then to endure such injury. He thinketh this accidente of the Queene of Scottes, will be a meane to unite all the Nobillytie of that country in frendshii>e, cau- singe them to forgette theire privat grudges and quarrelles ; aswell 12 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' because they suffer them to be carried with the advice of a fewe factionaries of England who governe all ; as also, to witt, those that have alwaies remained at home, and which have noe affection to the Queene of England, for to redeeme them selves of the feare they are in, leste their Soveraigne, at the Queene of England's solisita- tion, should trouble them for their consciences, or upon some other pretexte ; and the otheres newlie returned, as knowing no meane wherby they maye better maintaine them selves in their presente estate then by the said unione, and leavinge therby the amitie of Englande, to rest them selves joyntly with the otheres upon that of the Kinge of France. The Master of Grayes levieth men for the Earle of Lecester and the Stats somwhat slowely, for wante of presente money : All the Colloneles and Captaines sticke not to give out openly, that they will turne to the Prince of Parma, yf they be not well paid and used by the Queene of England and the States. COURCELLIS TO D'EsNEUALL. 31st October 1586. The Kinge, upon that which hathe bene given him to understand, touchinge the perrill his Mother is in, hath written to the Queene of England in her favore, and houlds him selfe almoste assured that nothinge shal be done to her persone ; and so hath towld them that NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 13 hath delte with him for her ; namlie, the Earle of Montrose, the Lord Claud, and all the reste ; whom Courcelis, for his parte, hath not failed to let understand what care the French Kinge hath of her, who he beleeveth woulde assiste her, as he advised them to perswad their Soveraigne ; forberinge him selfe, without comyssione from the Kinge of Scotts, to deale therin, and to engage him selfe by speeches, wherof he desireth to be excused yf faulte be found. It is judged, that nothinge shalbe attempted againste the Scottish Queenes persone, but her Secretaries removed ; and so her intelli- gence broken of ; some other beinge placed about her, at the coste of her sonne, or rather the Queene of Englande : But yf any thinge be attempted againste her persone, it seemeth all the Nobillitie are resolved to compounde their owne differences, and to invade the Queene of England ; wherin himselfe hath advised George Dowglas to travill as he hath done, and induced the Earle of Angus to this resolution, (as George Douglas hath given him to understand,) that he will plainly tell his Soverainge, yf he see him could in his Mo- ther's cause, that he maye doe what he please, but that him selfe and the reste of the Nobillitie will not indure that the Queene of Eng- land shall putt her hands in his Mother's bloud ; who could not be blamed yf she had eaused the Queene of Englands throat to be cutt for detayninge her so longe unjustely prisoner. He is of opi- nione, that my Lorde of Angus maye continewe constante in this re- solutyon, with the rest of the Nobillitie, which bere no greate good will, non of them, to the Queene of England. Monsieur Chaunuf signifies unto Courceles, that Archebald Dou- 14 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' glas doth verie ill offices in the name of his Soveraigne againste the Scottish Queene, and willeth him to tell the Kinge of Scots so much from him ; yet he forbeareth, tyll he have further comissyone to deale in this cause from the Kinge. It is advertised him, that Babington and Savage should have ac- cused him to have delivered them letters, makinge mentione of the said conspiracie, and that the Queene hath written to Sir Edwarde Stafford to complaine therof to the Kinge his master, to the end to remove him out of Scotland, or to have him delivered in to her hands. He saith, these are Archebald Douglas his drifts, who feareth greately his aboad there ; and besides is desirous to be revenged of him, as he ther affermed he would be in England, for he knewe neither Babington nor Savage ; thinkes hee never sawe them ; hath bene two yeare out of England ; nevere since had comunicatione with Eng- lishe ; besides deliveringe all lettres by Mauvissier's direction, he was not answerable for the contents ; he therfore doubteth no- thinge that he can be charged withall justely, unlese Archebald Douglas use the like drifts he did againste the Duke of Lennox, when he counterfetted letters which he sayd the Pope sente him. The Lord Claud is not greately contented with the marriage of the Duke of Lennox with the Lord Hameltones daughter, whom he will make his heire ; the Lord Claud pretending the Earldom of Arraine and Lord Hameldone to be intayled upon the heires males ; they are in some speech of accorde. The Ladie of Johnston dare not persever in the accusatione she propounded againste the Earle of Angus, for that he remained still NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 15 in libertie, wheras she desired he might be put in ward ; which not being able to procure by reasone of the creditt he carieth presently, she hath absented her selfe for feare of a mischeefe ; wherupon, her hosband is charged to bring her forthe, or to be put to the home. There is much practize to remove Canailon from the Duke of Lennox ; some havinge informed the Kinge that the father used his service to some dishoneste purposes, and so he might give ill example to the yong man ; but it is the Priore of Blantieres practize, because Canailon sought to deprive him of the wardshipe of the yonge Duke. The late Earle of Arraine is not to goe into France ; he was sent by the Kinge (who sent him also for his releefe £1000,) to procure the delivery of one held prisoner by James Macconnell among the hyelandes ; he hath not seene the Kinge, but he was at the Earle of Craford's lodginge, wher wer the Earles of Huntley and Mount- rosse, with otheres, which made some distruste. But Courcelles seeth no apparance of any thing to be done, but rather that they shall accorde, yf the Queene of England attempte any thing againste the Scottish Queen. The King of France to Courcelis. 1st November 1586. The Kinge, understandinge by D'Esnevall that he lefte him in his place till his returne, is verie well contented therwith, to the end he maye be advertized of all such thinges as passe in Scotland. 16 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' Forasmuch as the Queene of Scottes in that state she is in, hath neede to be assisted by all those that love her, so as the Queene of England may be diverted from nsinge her so hardly, as some about her goe about to excite her to doe ; he hath both spoken frankely therof to Sir Edward Stafford, and written effectually to Monsieur Chauneuf in England, and sent a letter herwith to the Kinge of Scottes, which he willeth him to deliver from him ; tending (as may appeare by the coppie) to drawe him to employ him selfe by all good offices for his Mothere towards the Queene of England, wherin fail- inge he shall doe wronge to his reputation and duty [he oweth] to her. The Kinge of France to the Kinge of Scottes. 2d November 1586. He was sorie by Monsieur D'Esnevalle to understande the ill newse of his Mother. Doubtethe not but the Kinge is likewise ad- vertized and greved therwith ; assuringe him selfe that good natur and consideratione of his dutie will induce him to use all instances, requestes, and affectionate intreaties to the Queene of Englande, to diverte her from usinge any rigerouse intreatemente againste his Mother upon this late discovered conspiracie. [Yett, in respect of the alliance wherby she towcheth him so nere- lye, which hath moved him alwayes effectuallye to embrace her pro- tection, he is moved, and in a maner constrayned, to pray him, that NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 17 as he doth the like for his parte, so he do his beste ; to the ende their joynt intercession may the rather procure desired effect, neyther being able to employe theyr travill in a case more recommendable. He advoweth Courcelles to be left there for his service, and giveth him creditt.] Bruland to Coursellis. 2d November, 1585. The Kinge hath written to the Kinge of Scottes, in favore of his Mother, whom he cannot abandone at this presente, without incur- ringe great blame and hinderance to his reputation, besidis hurte to him selfe ; it beinge moste certaine, that his Motheres enemyes attempte by all meanes, to keepe her from ever comminge to the Crowne of Englande ; who, havinge obtayned their purpose of her, shall the easier doe the like to him. It concerneth, therefore, his owne persone to tendere her case. Courcellis Third Dispatche to the French e Kinge. 30th November, 1586. Havinge audience of the Kinge of Scottes, he delivered him the c 18 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' French Kings letters, and a speeche, accordinge to the contents of the lettres of the 1. November, above menconed. Wherupon, the Kinge begane to tell him, that his Mothers cause was the ftrangefte that evere was hearde of, the like not to be found in any storie of the world ; and asked him, yf he had evere redd of a Soveraine Prince that had bene detayned prisoner so longe tyme Avithout cause, by Kinge or Prince her neighbore, that in the end would put her to death. Courcelis answered, that he never had redd the like, and that he thought the Queene of England might contente her selfe with that, without puttinge her to newe tormente ; and that as her fortune was pittiefull in the sight of the wholl world, so ought it to be specially to him, being her sonne. The Kinge said, his Mother had juste cause in deede to saie at her araignemente, that she never had good daye since his berth ; recountynge the crosses she had endured, and shewinge to the wholl assemblie the ringe which the Queene of England sent her for a tokene of her faith, which she so lightly gave credite vnto, and was now therfore to beare the pennance ; and that being invironed with her adversaryes on all sides, she spake so bravelie as the moste parte satte still without replye, pencive with that she had said ; and he thinkes the Queene of England would rather then a good deale of money she were well ridd of her, and that she were one drie land in France. He concluded that he beleeved she would not putt her handis in her bloud, as she had toulde his Ambassador, Archebald Douglase, NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 19 that shee would never concente to her death, though the state of her realme pressed therto ; affirming, that her lyfe could not be sure as longe as she lived, and fearinge both revenge and chang of reli- geon, she cominge to the Crowne ; but for his owne parte, he were not worthie to live yf he did not employ him selfe for her in a cause of such importance. He had latelye written to the Queene a lettere of his owne hand, to praye her to proceed no further against his said Mother, and likewise to foure or five of the princepall Counse- lors, and namly, to one whom he knewe to be a moste bitter ennemy of his Motheres and his, and who hath showed him selfe so much to this actione againste the Queene his Mother that he thinketh ther was no other instrument of that which passed againste her, but hee, meaninge Mr Secretarie Walsingham, to whom he had written to disiste from those evell offices and meddle no further ; which, yf he did, shoulde offend him in such soarte, as he would doe his beste to requite it. For this purpose, he had sent William Keith with the fore said letteres, who had protested, when he tooke his leave, to performe his dutie to the uttermoste, and that he would not live eight daies after, yf she perished by his defaulte; which was spoken to the Kinge, in respecte of a discontentmente taken by the greate person- ages at Courte ; that ther beinge so many of them which would have undertaken the voyage of their owne coste, in a matter of such mo- mente, soe meane a persone should be employed, and one thought to be a pentionarie of England, which makes them beleeve in deed that ther is some secrete intelligence betweene the Queene of Eng- 20 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' land and the Kinge; which is the rather confirmed, because the Kingis Secretary and Grave were onelie made privie to the said Keithes instructions, albeit ther were diveres otheres of the princi- pall of the counsell then at Courte. The Kinge tould Courcelis further, that there was not one in his country that counseled him to suffer his Mother to be touched, whom in deed he thought not in danger of death ; and where the Queene of England is putt in the heade that the Queene of Scottis death should be her suretie, he thinks her ill counseled, for that she was to looke for the contrarie ; and the Queene of Scottis being dead, not to live longe after. That he had givene Keith in charge, yf he coulde not induce the Queene of England and her counsell to vse his Mother more gra- tiously, that he should joyne with Monsieur Chauneuf, to see yf by theire joynte pursuit, they could prevaile to staye the proceedings againste her. Courcellis tould him, he would advertise the King of Fraunce, his master, of this good disposition he found him in ; the effecte wherof would redound to his honnor, praies, and reputation, with all Princes his neighbores, allies, and otheres, as the contrarye to his blame ; besides that, havinge neclected the state of his Mother, the Queene of England would make noe accompte of him neither. He tooke occasione to praye the Kinge, accordinge to the declara- tion he had lately made, not to suffere any of his subjectis to passe to the ayde of the Protestantis, who had takene armes against the Kinge of France, as he heard some were in deliberation shortly ; NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 21 beinge a matter contrary to the conventiones betweene the two Crownes. His answer was, that he would no wave in the world asiste re- bellious subjectis againste their Prince, in what respecte soevere. The minesteris had bene with him latelie to perswade him therto, but he had refuted their argumentis, lettinge them understand that such kinde of propositiones pleased him not ; wherwith they departed discontented, that no souldieres had passed, nor should be levied for that purpose. Touchinge the state of the country, many of the nobillitie of the realme begine to declare them selves openlie, and make professyon of the Catholicke religeone in their howses, with a desire to esta- blishe the same in the realme publickelie, yf it laye in their poweris ; wherof the minesteres latly made complaynte to the Kinge, shew- inge him, that his courte, his counsell, the tolbuith, were full of Pa- pistes ; that many papisticall bookis and ornamentis were brought into the realme ; that the Earle of Huntley had two or three Je- suits in his house. Wherunto the Kinge answered, askinge yf they had delte with any of those in his courte, counsell, &c. which could not render reason of their faith ; and this, they denienge, that they should adrese them selves to the parties, not beinge able to charge any with bringing in the bookis, &c. : they spak at random ; the Earle of Huntley could not refuse his house to his unkle. The short answer, and not satisfienge the ministeres, maketh many waxe could in religeon, which were before warmer. 22 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' CouncELis Fourth Dispatche to the Fuenche King. 31^ December, 1586. Since his last, the Kinge of Scottis hath bene advertised, that the statis of England have concluded the death of his Mother, as the onelie meane for assurance of the Queene of Englandis life : wher- upon, to diswade her from proceedinge to execution, he resolved to send in ambassage, the Earl of Bothwell, the Maister of Gray, and Sir Robart Melvin. Sendinge for their pasporte, it was graunted for Graye, but not for Bothwell, by the drifte, it was thought, of the Master of Graves and Archebalde Dowglase, knowinge the said Earle to be prompt and free of speech, and affectionate to the Queene of Scottis, and such a one as would not, yf he discovered any of the trecheries, which moste suspected by him, conceale it. The Kinge made noe greate mattere of the refusall, in respecte of his desire to send speedelye, thinkinge Graye suffitient with Melven, who might passe under his pasporte. The instructiones, drawne by Ledington, were founded upon many honeste remonstrances of the amitie betweene them, to the prejudice wherof he feared not that her Majestie would staine her accustomed clemencie, other wise so renowned thorough Christendom, by the death of his Mother, her neare kinswoman, and of her sex, whom NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 23 he could not abandon, and suffere to be executed at the appetite of her enemyes, who unjustely sought her lyfe ; with many reasones to prove, that the Queene was more assured by her lyffe then her death : to praye the Queene to sett her at libertie, upon assurances, ostages, and conditiones, as he will become answerable for, yf neede be, that she should not attempte any thinge againste her people or state ; or yf it please the Queene, to banish her out of England, &c. These instructiones, offeres, and overtures, were they willed to co- munycate with the Frenche ambassadore, and to proceed with them joyntly therupon as they should advise ; yf notwithstandinge this, they saw the Queene in daunger of deathe, they should offer, that she should be kepte still prisoner as before in Englande, under good and sure guard, some such being put about her as the Kinge would an- swer for, who should keepe her from all such like practises ; with promise that both of them should be contente, that shee should sub- mitt her selfe to the lawes and customes of England, without chal- lenginge the privelidg of a Soveraigne Princes. For the more authorisinge these instructiones, they were rede in the Assembly of State at Edenburgh, where the Earles Both- well, Atholl, the Lord Claude and otheres, were of advise, to add some signification of their resolution of revenge, thinkinge that meanes should more prevale againste the insolence of her enne- myes ; and that the laste article should be quit lefte out, as con- trary to the honore of his Mother, who would rather die then sub- mitt her selfe to such conditiones. The Kingis answer was, that it was nowe noe time to threaten 24 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' the Queene of Englande, whose greate strength was well known e ; and for the last article, it was to remaine, as a meane wherby the Queene's lyfe muste be saved. Wherupon, the Lord Harris prayed him, not to take it ill yf he tould him, that yf in the begining he had not shewed himselfe soe could in his Motheris defence, the English durste not have proceeded soe farre againste her. The Kinge tould him in collore, that though he were not bounde to render an accompte to his subjectis of his actiones, yet he would every one shoulde knowe, that that which he had done in former tyme, and the occasione whie he had not spokene of her libertie, had bene, because she wrott her selfe to him not to deale therin ; and he would deale for no ingrate person which would not conne him thankes for that he did ; and because it should to all men appeare, that he had not failed of his dutie in any pointe, he would all the letteres she had written him, as also those he had written to her, should be rejestred with the charteres and recordis of the Crowne ; and they might add as they please : But the questyon was of saving her life ; and he protested, that yf therby she came to her end, her bloud should be upon them, and not upon him. Theyseeing him resolute in this opinione, durste insiste no longere, or replie ; which maketh diveres thinke, that it hath bene givene him to understand, that his Motheres lyfe cannot be saved but by this meanes ; and some judge, that thinges must be firste resolved in England, before they be deliberated in Scotland ; at the leaste, that Greye havinge charge to make this overture, it shal note be without NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 25 comunycating the same to the Queene of England, who will not for- gete to make her proffitt therof. That the Kinge of Scottis, will not declare him selfe openely againste her, though his Mother be putt to death, unless the Queene and the Statis would deprive him of his right to that crowne ; which himselfe hath uttered to Earle Bothewell and Chevaliere Seaton : and these thingis have givene the factionarys of England about him more courrage, knowinge his facillitie ; and so have encouraged the Queene of England and her counsell, not to doubte to proceed againste his Mother, whose death, though it may be greevose unto him, they maye by the greate meanes they have about him, with such occas- syones as time may presente, excuse the execution. Some confirmation it is, that they have used such languag amongeste them selves ; for Graye him selfe hath confessed to the Kinge, that he wrott to Secretary Walsinghame and otheres, that he was not of oppinione that the Scottish Queene should be publick- lie executed, but rather made awaye by poisone, &c. Herupon it is thought, that Graye hath the rather accepted this charge, to the end, yf by his travill the Scottish Queenes lyfe maye be saved, he maye washe away the ill oppinione conceaved of him, and obtayne pardone at the Kingis handis for his faultes paste ; or else she miscarienge, be in more suretie in England ; for that diveres have sworne to kill him, yf ought fall to her otherwise then well. D 26 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' The Frenche King to Courcelis. 22e? November, 1586. He finds by his lettres of the 4 th of October, what demonstrationes the Scottish Kinge makes of corespondinge with him ; but he would that letter had gevene him to understand, that the Kinge had bene better disposed towards his Mother, to assiste her in her calametie ; consideringe, the prison wherin she hath bene unjustely detayned for xviij yeares to gether, might provoke her to give yeare to manie thingis which have bene propounded unto her, for obtayninge of her libertie, naturally desired of all people, but especially of Sove- raigne Princes borne to comaund. The Kingis defaulte will faule to his great reproch ; his creditte well imployed, beinge suffitient to remove the Queene of England from that determynatione. It is to be feared lest, the Mother beinge once gon, they goe about afterward for him, to make the successione of England more easie to usurpe to them that gape for it, after the Queenes death ; by whose meanes, he maye not onely be deprived of that Croune, but also that of Scotland be brought in questyon. He knowes not in what case the Scottish Queene is presently, but willes Courceles to excit the Kinge of Scottis, by these remonstrances and such like, to the defence of his Mother. NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 27 The French King to Courcelis. 24*th December, 1586. He is glad to understand, by Courcelis lettres of the laste of Oc- tober and 30th November, that the Kinge of Scottis sufferes not him selfe to be caried awaye, by the conninge perswasiones of those that would make him abandone his Mothere in her calametie ; propound- inge the prejudice it may be to him herafter, to embrace her defence. This office will gaine him great honor and reputacon with all Christyane princes, as the contrarie would have purchesed him like blame. Besides, that it concernes him selfe in perticulere intereste, which he willeth Courcellis still to lay before his eies ; for that he may well thinke, that they that have meane to take awaye his Mother, will stu- die and trye to doe the lyke to him, fearinge revenge at his handis. Brulande, to the same effecte, to Courcelis. 22d November — 24>tk December. 1586. 28 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' Courcelis Fifth Dispatche to the FllENCHE KlNGE. 10th February, 1587. He hath taken occasione, upon the receipte of the King his raas- teris letteres of the 22d November and 24th of Decembere, to see the Scottish Kinge, and make relation of the contentis ; who thanketh the Kinge moste earnestly for his care over his Mother and him. The more he consideres the proceedingis againste his Mother, the more strange and unaccustomed he findes it, such as never the like were herd of by any creature in the world ; aswell in respecte of her longe unjuste detention, but especially that the counsell and subjectis of England have enterprised to give judgmente of death againste a Soueraigne Queene, and of so high a bloud. He did not looke for such an insolencie at her handis ; and leaste of all, that the Queene of England woulde countenance them ; but much more discretion, as he had willed Keythe to signefye, whom he had comaunded to joyne with Bellieur and Chauneufe, to insiste that there might be no further proceedingis ; as also the laste am- bassadores he sent to communicate their instructiones unto them. These his doingis (saith the Kinge) hath put the Queene and counsell of England in greate suspitione and distruste of him, which is the cause that they have givene her advise, to gether with one of his that is neare about her (naming Archebald Douglas, NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 29 whom he hopes to rewarde at his returne) ; that she had no more assured waye to reduce him to that she desires, then to threaten to deprive him of the succession, aswell by perticuler declaratione to be made by her selfe, as by acte of parliamente, for assistinge one that soughte her death ; and to call one of the Earle of Hertefordis sonnes neere unto her, makinge demonstracone to favore him above otheres ; the feeare wherof would make him to yeld to what she listed. He said, they abused them selves greately, for that the parlia- mentes of England have noe authoritie to exclude the true heires from their right : yf it deed, it were for him to care, howe by force of armes to help it, yf he weare constrained. For the Queene of Englandis menaces, he should have litle cou- rage yf he would be intimidated by an ould womane, ill beloved of her subjectis, beinge werie of her governement ; ill assured amongeste her owne subjectis, in perpetuall feare of her owne servantis ; and that, more than ever was he, that caused his beard to be shaven with burnynge coles, fearinge leste the barber should cutt his throate ; for yf she see one she knowes not well come neare her, she runes awaye like one undone. He saith, this ought to be a very greate scurg and tormente to her. He protesteth, though he be a meane Kinge, with smale abil- litie, he would not change fortune with her ; choosing rather to live surely amonge his subjectis, then to seeke after the bloud of his people, of contrary religeone, as she doth. That some had givene her to understand, that he would not em- 30 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' ploy him selfe for his Mother, which might be the cause she had proceeded so farre againste her ; and diveres in the begininge had the same opinyon ; and that indeed he had bene too necligente in her behalfe, takynge not to hearte the indigneties offered unto her. But he hoped to make it appeare by effectis, to all the world, that he would faile in no jotte of his naturall dutie, but doe all that were possyble for her. Courceles tould him, he had good reasone to contemne any actis or deliberacones which could be made againste him by parleamente, the authoritie wherof could doe litle in bindinge of rightis. The ex- perience was seene in the daies of Henry 6. Edward 4. and Richard 3. that the actis of parleament againste the right inheritor, stood no longer, till he had force to repeale them. It muste needis be a greate tormente to the Queen of England, to be every daye more and more in continuall feare, as she is ; a greate fault in those counseleres, which have more regarde to maintaine her with violence, and the bloud of poore Catholickis, then with the good will of her people and strength of her ffreindis, by the helpe of a good conscience and her owne vertue, wherin should consiste her suretie. The Kinge said, indeed, they had spared no kinde of cruel tie to maintayne them selves in Englande ; but it is to be thoughte, that when they thinke them selves neereste that they desire, God will cutt shorte their hopes and vaine counselles with the afflictiones they plage otheres ; with much other discourse to that effecte. Ther came lettres from the ambassadores in England, dated the NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 31 30th of January, wherby was advetrised, that the counsell of Eng- land shewed them selves much anymated and clearly bente againste the Scottishe Queene ; but that the Queene of Englande her selfe was somwhat pacifyed, and that she had yealded to a surcease of the executione for a tyme ; wherin they might advise upon the over- tures made on their masteres behalfe, of whom the Queene thought they had not so exprese charge to oppose them selves againste the executione ; wherof she was assured, as well by that was written unto her and some of her counsell, and some neere about her ; as also by that Alexander Stuard had delivered unto her in his name, whom the Kinge had sent in theire company, with more exprese and secrete charge then they had ; for he had said from the Kinge, that onely because he would not shewe him selfe to neclecte his Mother, and the dutie he owes her, he was faine to sende ambassadores, who had charge to deale as they sawe was for his honore and reputacon, which he prayed her not to take in ill parte ; referring it to her and her counsell, to proceed notvvithstandinge, as they sawe cause. Stuard added, were she once deade, yf the Kinge at firste shewed him selfe not contented therewith, they might easely satisfy him, in sending him doges and deare. That upon this uncertentie of propositiones, the Queene and her counsell were resolved to send Randale and Kille- grewe, to induce the Kinge to that Stuard had tauld them ; and seele his dispositione to revenge, yf she should be executed : but firste it was thought meete to send Stuard, to prepare the waye. Wherwith the Kinge was in marvilose collore, and sware and protested before God, that yf Stuard came, he would hange him before he putt of his 32 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES* bootes ; and yf the Queene medled with his Motheris life, she should knowe, hee would followe somwhat else then dogges and deare. Upon speeche of likelihood of peace in France, the Kinge of Scottes said, that yf the ministeres of France were as seditious as these of his realrae, they would never concente to peace ; for they preache nothinge but warre, which is quite contrarie to the worde of God. That the Kinge of Navarr divers tymes sought to him for aide, and that he would not give eare therto ; having no will to norish the fire kindled amongeste his neighbores, nor assiste ill subjectis risen againste their prince ; be it under colloure of religeon, wher to he knoweth they have no zeale in his opinione, or any other pretexte ; for that he left to the Queene his neighbore, who was carfull enough of such matteres, wherof him selfe had hertofore resented, and did yet resent. The Frenche King to Courceles. 1st February, 1587. By his dispatch of the laste of December, he perceaves a greate testymony of the Kynge of Scottis good will towardis his Mother, for the which he comendis him greately, and acknowledgeth that at such an extremitie he shewes him selfe to be of a good nature. He prayethe Courceles, to encourage him as occasione serves, in this lawdable enterprise, and to laye before his eies, that he cannot NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 33 by any more generouse acte, make his memory more comendable to posteritie, then by yelding assistance to his Mother in her extremy- tie, without faintinge. The contrarie will returne to his reproche, besides that it con- cernes his owne intereste very nearly. [Bruland to the same effect.] Courceles Sixth Dispatche to the Frenche Kinge. 28th February, 1587. The Kinge of Scottes, since his laste, continuing in the affectione he beares to his Mother, comaunded the Minesteres of Edenburgh to praye for her in their churches, yf it might please God to retire her from the dangere she was threatened by her ennemyes ; and so to appease the Queene of Englandis hearte, as she putt not her handis in his Motheres bloude, for the mischeefe that therby maye fall upone the whole iland. Though it were a thinge which the mynnesteres could not denye before God and man, as the Kinge proved by diveres examples of holly Scripture, yet were thy so seditious as to refuse ; wherupon the Kinge comaunded one of them, beinge in the pulpet, to come e Si EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' doune and give place to the Bishope of St Andrewes ; and for using verie peremptory word is to the Kinge, as that he should answere it before God, wherwith the Kinge founde him selfe taxed, and the people encouraged to rebellione, for that a nomber wente out of the church, pretendinge they would not heare the excomunicated bishope, the minister was committed to prison. Some of the minesteres, seinge the moste parte of the nobillitie banded againste them in favoure of the Kinge, agreed to praye for her as he had comaunded : But otheres ther are that stands till faste ; raised as diveres thinke, rather by the perswasione of the Queene of England and her counsell, as the meeteste meane to drawe the people to a revolte and rebellione againste their Prince, then for any other purpose it can serve ; but they are faine to yeald as well as otheres. That which drewe them one the rather, was, for that they found that diveres Catholickis of that realme, would have bene glad the Kinge should have applyed him selfe to revenge their rebelliones and seditious deportmentis towardis him, for to serve them selves of this occasione againste them ; wherwith the Kinge seemed well con- tented : But he heareth nothinge againste the minesteres, and those that governe the Courte, to whome notwithstandinge he saith he hath noe affectione ; but he telleth it them straight, and namely, upon that which the Earle of Hunteley by one of his followeres in his name, and the Earles of Monterose and Craford and others who were redie to doe him all humble service in what it should please him to comaunde, he failed not forth with to tell it those of the contrarie factione, and not onelie as it was delivered him, but also NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 35 what he thought the intentione of the said Lordis was ; and that was thus : that they propounded unto him, that yf he would onelie winke at the matter, withoute pretendinge to take other parte then with the rainesteres, they would thruste them out of the realme with all the protestantis, and establishe ther the catholicke religeone, and change the Courte before xv. daies yend. Which notwithstandinge, those of the Earle of Hunteles parte, saving the reverence due to the Kinge, maintaine they never propounded, but held them selves in the generall termes above menconed, which they praied him to calle to mynde. Diveres are of mynde, that the Kinge made this interpretacion of his owne head, and gave them so to understande that possesse him, for to nourish them in pike on with an other ; thinkinge, he shall beste maintaine him self in suretie with them, by this meanes, rather then by their union, which he hathe hindred as much as hath bene in him to doe ; and all counsell givene him to that ef- fecte ; specially to the Lord Claude, who laied before him, that his suretie depended wholie upon the unione of his subjectis, wherby he should have meane to oppose him selfe againste the injuries don to his mother and him, and contrary-wise by theire disorder. The Earle of Hunteley knowinge this, and that the Kinge suf- feres him to be carried after the will of such as have the moste force about him, and also for the zelle they have to the advancemente of the Catholicke religeon, maye well have givene charge to Collonell Stuard, which is gone in to Flanderes to treate with the Prince of Parma herein. 36 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' He sayth he conjectures this, upon that the Collonell hath written thether not longe since, to one that hath alwayes assisted him in these enterprises, that he should be of good courage, and that he hoped all thingis would goe well ; willinge him to tell certayne cap- taynes his freindis, that they should tarry within the realme attend- inge his returne, wherupon they might be imployed. He hath not bene able to disco vere any more herof, nor knewe of any further proceedingis, other then some have tould him, that yf the Catholickis fynde not sufficiente comforte neere the Frenche Kinge, that they maye have recourse to the Kinge of Spayne, by meanes of the said Collonell, who is moste malecontente with the governemente of that realme, and will seeke by all meanes to esta- blish an other there, which may be more favourable to him, at what price soevere it be : That which causeth him the rather to conjecture this, that whiles Brus, which was sente in to Fraunce with comis- syone and instruction for divers noble mene of Scotland touchinge this matter, was in Scoteland about nine monthes paste, had so straight intellygence with the Collonell, who favoured wholly the said enterpreise ; tyme maye bringe more to light, which he will ad- vertise. The Ambassadores sente into England are returned without ob- taynynge any thinge other, then that the Queene hath promysed to send Ambassadores to the Kinge of Scottes, within fyve or sixe dayes, by whome he shall knowe her intentyon ; which sending she alredie begineth to excuse, upon the accidente of Stanleyes revoulte, who is sayd to be gone towarde the Kinge of Spayne, to be employed NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 37 for the army he prepareth for Ireland, but that Milles shall shortely be sente with certayne overtures of accorde, for the defence of reli- geone and the peace of the whole iland ; but yet ther is noe speeche of his arivall or of any otheres, which hath caused an evell opi- nione, with other conjectures of that the Queene may have alredie done in procedinge againste the Scottish Queene ; wherwith the Kinge makes no shewe to be moved, as with a thinge yet uncer- taine ; but yf it should happen, Courceles doubteth leste tyme and the counseles of those which are aboute him, and the necessetie he is in, make him digeste it as patiently as he hath done that which passed betweene the Queene of England and Allexander Stuard ; whose excuse he hath well allowed, and useth the man as well as before. It was propounded in the Scottis Kingis counsell, to send an Ambassador to the Frenche Kinge, for to thanke him for that care it pleased him to have of him, and to testefye the affectione which he hath to the continuance of so antiente, entier and inviolate amyty as is betweene the two crownes of Fraunce and Scotlande ; and the greefe he tooke of the injurys and indigneties offered to his Mother ; which notwithstandinge is defFerred, till they knowe what is become of her. This article thatfolloweth, was written in cipher, but crossed out, and not written to the Kinge as was mente, it should seeme. The Master of Graye desireth to be employed in this ambassage, 38 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' aswell for to purge him selfe of certene callumniacones wherwith he sayth he is abused in France, as also for the moste devote affec- tion which he saith he hath to the service of the Kinge of Fraunce ; offeringe to shewe Courcelis all the favoure and assistance he maye, for furtheringe the said Kinges affaires in Scotland. Courceles thanked him, and promysed to signefye somuch to the Kinge his master ; and is of oppinione, that the Kinge of Fraunce should not rejecte his offere, consideringe it maye be he meaneth sincearlye, what soever hath passed before ; beinge nowe malcontented for some secrete cause with Englande : And yf he dissemble, he shall not be longe without discoverie ; Courcelles beinge resolved to handle him selfe in the meane while, as Graye shall make litle proffite of him. He hath behaved him selfe verie honestly in the cause of the Queene of Scottis at his beinge in Englande, and promiseth to doe all good offyces hereafter, and to retire his master the Kinge of Scottis frome the amy tie of England to joyne with France. Courceles to the Frenche King. 8th March, 1587. Graye presented the Queene of Englandis lettres to the Kinge of Scottis, contayninge amongeste other thingis, that she marveled that he would presse so earnestely to lette the executione of one which never did him any office of a mother, and whome for 19 yeares she NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 39 had kepe like a serpent for his suretie in her owne bosome; and that forgettinge her, without any more care for her executione, she would become a mother to him, and prove howe much she desired his advauncemente more than she that bare him, who had sought his mine, as well as hers, as he should understand by one to be sente shortly, &c. The Kinge of Scottes receaved the lettere, without makynge shewe of lyke or dislyke. The nexte daye, beinge the 3. of March, aswell uppone the Kingis lettres of the firste of February, as for to knowe howe he tooke the neewes of his Motheres death, wherby he was givene to understand by the Master of Graye, to whom Archebald Douglas had adver- tized the same, and that he hoped no we all thingis would goe well since she was executed, and that the Kinge was to depend upon non but of England, the Frenche Kinge beinge busied as he was, Cour- celes thought good to procure audience, and so delivered by speech the contentis of the lettres above menconed, with this addicone of his owne. That the ennemyes of the Scottish Queene in England, did shewe manyfestly to breath nothinge, but that which furie and impietie could suggeste to them againste her, and which bringe forth everie daye so violente effectis by shedding of bloud wherunto they are accustomed ; so as it was to be feared leste they would proceed againste her with all extremytie, yf they had not alredie ; and after- wardis contrive som as daungerous an enterprise againste him ; wherunto he was to have regarde ; leste being invironed with his 4.0 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' ennemyes and the danger he had recourse to take to the remedies, and for the venome which should have perced to the bones, counter poisones would be taken to late. He would not thinke but that his Majestie, by his wisdome, knewe ho we to remedye the injuries, indegnities, and contumellyes offered to his Mother, dead or alive, which it could not be thought but her ennemyes would converte upon him restinge onely, who had meane to oppose him selfe againste their sinister, violente and wicked dis- signes; the frustratinge wherof would turne to his greate honor upon the whole face of the earth, other wise bothe he and his Mo- ther should be the boutye and praye of their ennemyes, besides the losse of his reputacon. The Kingis answere was, that he had done what was possible for his Mother ; sente Ambassadores to worke the Queene of England by all soarte of remonstrances and meanes ; whose legatione had noe fruite : He had onelie receaved letteres, wherby she signefyes that she would send a gentleman whom she knewe but too much affected to his service, by whom he should understand his (her) intentione : That the gentlman was at Barwicke, havinge sente for a pasporte, but in respecte of the uncertentie of his Motheres beinge alive or dead, he had sente word to him, that yf his Mother were alive, and he would assure him therof, he should be right welcom, and he would be glad to herkene to any accorde ; yf she were dead, he might returne and tell the Queene that she should contente her selfe to have done him that injury e, without seekynge to doe him any other, in bringinge him to accorde with the price of his Motheris bloude. NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 41 He said to Courceles, that he esteemed and loved well the geu- tlman which the Queene had sente, beinge furneshed with diveres gentlmanelie qualleties, havinge bene there with Secretary Walsing- hame, and sence had prayed the Queene to send him thether, which she would not, but sente him only [olde] dotinge Randalle. Courceles said he understood Sir Robarte Melven had done his parte, and was sorie his labore had no better succese ; comendecl highly the message sente Mr Cary, as worthie a generous Prince ; and affirmed he could not but blemishe his honore greatly, by treat- ing with those, whose handis were yet redd with his Motheris bloud as was likly ; for the Queene had sente him one whom she knewe he had a likinge of, to the end the newse might be the lese egere. The Kinge said he could not beleeve yet, nor sawe no certentie to proceedinge to the executione of his Mother : But if it were soe, that he would make it appeare, that that which he had done and treated with the Queene of England was of no force to hould him. Further, that she had givene out, that she had letteres of his owne hand, to shewe, that he remitted it to her to dispose of the life of his Mother as she sawe cause ; he would be very well contented she should putt these letteres in the Kinge of France, or Kinge of Spaines, or any other Princes handis, to the end the truth might be knowne ; for he nevere wrote any such thinge. Courceles tould him, his dutifull endevores for his Mother declared the contrary, and these were but devices of the counsell of Englande, who spared no meanes, lawfull or unlawfull, which they knewe might serve for their cause ; and wher it was said they retired their F 42 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' cattell one the borderes, they had cause not to be affraide of their cattell onely, but of a greater mischeefe ; for that the moste parte of their neighbores had reason enough to be discontented with them and their evell deportementis. The Kinge praied him to recomend him hartelie to the Frenche Kinge, and that he might see him selfe offtene. The 4th of March, came from Archebald Douglas, the manner of the executione of the Scottish Queene ; which the Kinge would not abide to heare redd out: But forth-with the counsell assembled, entered into consultacone whether Mr Carye should be admitted to the Kinges presence or no. Some held that he was not to be admitted into the realme ; others, that he should have leave to come in, but the Kinge to have no conferrence with him, but cause him to be heard by some of his counsell ; refering the answere to be made by the advise of the Frenche Kinge, which should be asked upon this accidente ; without the which, hee should harkene to nothinge that should come from the Queene of England : And till hee heard from the Frenche Kinge, Mr Cary should be detayned as prisonere. Courceles supposeth the factionaryes of England desired this, to the end Mr Cary might under coullore therof, sojurne in that realme, and practise to corrupte those whom he found contrary to the English factione ; or perhapes contriv some enterprise againste the Kinge, yf he sawe he were like to resente his Mothers death : And yet the Earles of Anguish and Marre and the Master of Glames, the princepall of those yt laste returned and might seeme to carrie greateste affectione to England, tould the Kinge, that he ought not NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 43 buld upon any wordis of promis or treaties of amytye between their predicessoris, and therfore send presently to that effecte ; which was agreed unto by the wholl assembly. The King tellinge them, that he would not doe these thingis, without askingttheir advise ; Bothewell, said he had rather he had asked their oppinione, touchinge the chasynge awaye of the English knaves he had about him. The Secretarie thought it necessary, not onely to send and remove the ould treaties, but also to excuse the formore treatirige with Englande without his privitie, which might perhappes make the Frenche Kinge coulder towardis Scotland. Consultynge of a meete persone to be employed to that effecte, the Kinge sayd he would have the Bishope of Glasgo ther man, and to be his Ambassadore there ; which some diswaded ; because he was a Catholicke ; feeringe leste it might be ill interpreted of the comon people, and be occasione of some tumulte. So comissioneres and instructiones are sente to that effecte, authorisinge and direct- inge him to remaine in France, and to treate with the Kinge in his masteres behalfe, with lettres from the Scottish Kinge to the Kinge of Fraunce. The Minesteres hardlie digeste this, and saye, that the Kinge de- maundinge succores at the Frenche Kingis handis, the Catholickis of Scotland joyning with them, both maye likelie enough conspire the distructione of the Protestantis of the whole iland ; and therupon doe diswade seekinge to the French Kinge or emploieng Glasgo, it beinge verie likelie, that the French Kinge will not enter into league 44 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' without promise of the quiete of Catholickis enterance and tollera- tione of Jesuitis and Semenaryes, &c. The 5. of March, Sir Robert Melvine came to Courceles, and tould him, though the Kinge had seene the lettres sente by Archebald Douglas, touchinge the manner of the murder of his* Mother, yet he would not seeme to beleeve it, till the returne of Peter Yonge from Mr Cary ; and that he had willed him to goe to Courceles from him and tell him, that for the sinceare afFectione and good will which he knewe in the Frenche Kinge, aswell towardis his Mothere as him selfe, and for the amitie that had bene of so longe tyme betweene the two Crownes, and profe that his ancestores had of assistance and succoures frome the French Kinge, in the middeste of their greateste afflictiones, he hoped to fynd no lese att his handis, as he had shewed in defence of his Mother ; which moved him not onely to desyre to reveiwe the treaties of alliance which were betweene their predecessores, but also to have recourse unto him in this acci- dente, and by his advise and counsele of his kinsfolkes to gouverne him selfe for the reparatione of the wronge he had receaved by the murdere of his Mother ; wherof he prayed Courcelis to advertice the Kinge of France, and to assure him that he was moste resolute to abandone and retire him selfe wholly from the intelligences he had with England, without givinge eare to any treatie of accord with them hereafter ; and to praye the Kinge, that although the Queene of England, or her Minesteres by the lettres which they might forge, or suppose in their Cabenetes, or by other devises which is ordinarie with them, may goe aboute to make him beleeve the con- NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 45 trade, to doe him that favore as not to give light credence therto ; with assurance that the Kinge of Scottes would inviolably keepe the amyty which ought to be betweene the two Crownes by the auntiente treaties. Courceles answered, that it was his cheefe charg to doe all good offyces for continuance of the amitie ; he would not therfore faille to advertice the Kinge his master, of these overtures. Melvine tould him fourther, that though the Kinge should give audience to the Englishe Ambassadore, yet he would give him no answere, till he hearde from the Frenche Kinge. Whill Melvine was with Courceles, Yonge returnned from Bar- wicke, touchenge the cheefe pointe, that the messengere marveled the newse came no soonere, the thinge beinge paste so longe befor, with the greate greefe of the Queene of England, who therupon had comited the secretary to the Towre who delivered the warrante for the executione, (with other blinde excuses more of mockerie then standinge with any sence,) but yf it please the Kinge to heare him, he would make such overtures one the behalfe of his mistrise the Queene of Englande, as he should have cause to be satisfyed ther- with. The Kinge sente backe Yonge, to understand what he had to saye ; and make reporte and bringe the Queenes letteres, yf he would de- liver them ; in the mean tyme, retired to Dalketh with very smalle companye, greatly greeved with the death of his Mother, which he taketh infynitely at hearte, as Courceles is informed. He thinketh the Kinge would not be longe from pursuinge the 46 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' revenge, but that his povertie and estate is every wave suche as constraineth him to have patience till God and his good frendis doe give him meanes to doe it ; for the daye before the writing herof, at supper, he sware and protested that he would revenge it, and ha- zarde his Crowne, his lyfe, yea his soule too, yf neede were, for that purpose. Courceles beleeveth in truth, that the Kinge is greatly afflicted with this accidente ; but so longe as the factionaryes of England shal be aboute him, they will lette him by all meanes from revenge ; makingehim forgett the injuries with tyme. And yet as he was ad- vertized the daye before the writinge, the Kinge seeing Graye come in, praied the secretarye to fynde some meane to have him oute of his presence, sayinge he should doe well to take vengeance firste upone Graye, who in truth, with Archebalde Douglas, maye be sayd to have bene the murdereres of this poore Princes, her death beinge advauncedby Grayes laste viage intoEngland. The secretary thought it not convenyente, that the Kinge should declare him selfe so sud- denly, but t'attend the assembly of the Nobilitye. Yf the Kinge continwe in this mynde againste Graye, and laye hould of him, who seemethe somwhat more astonished than in tymes paste, Courceles is of oppinione, that he will declare him selfe againste the Queene of England, with the ayd of the Kinge of Fraunce, yf his affaires maye afforde the same. The Kinge is determined to traville in this assemblye, to com- pound the differences and quarrelis of the nobillitie ; which is con- trary to his resolution formorly signefyed ; yet he seeth some ap- NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 47 pearance no we herof as necessary e, yf he will revenge the injurie done to him. The effectis will make proofe of his meaninge, and Courceles will advertise, and in the meane whill, doe his indevore to retaine those which be affected to the French Kingis service ; to which end, it were necessary they had amonge them some gratyfy- catione. Some affectionate to England advise the King, for that his Mo- theres death happened in so cruell a maner, not to weare blake or make shewe of greefe, but rather of courage of revenge ; but theire drifte was, to make him forbeare the sines of morninge, to give occasione to have it thought, that he made litle accoumpte of his Motheres death ; and therby verefy that the Queene of England hath givene oute, that that she did, was with his advise : The Kinge notwithstandinge ware blacke. He hath gevene ordere to them of the borderes, to keepe them- selves quiete ; wherwith bothe they and otheres, who willingly would adventure their lives and meanes in this quarrelle of revenge, are not contented. The daye before his goinge to Dalketh, at suppor, some propound- ed unto him, to take upon him the title of Prince of Wales, as a meane to retaine his Motheres freindis and partizanes, and to re- ceave into his protectione all Englishe that would retire unto him for feare of persecution in Englande. 48 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' The Fjienche Kinge to Courceles. [Utk March, 1587.] He hath understood by Courceles letteres of the 5th of Februarye, howe wisely he hath delte, to induce the Kinge of Scottis to tendere his Motheres case ; and the Kingis good affectione in that behalf e. Hereby he conjectures, howe impatiently it is likelie the Kinge hath takene the cruell and ignominious executione of his Mother, happened since, wherin as all Kinges and Princes Soveraignis are greivously injured and offended, so it touchethe them two neareste. He lookes to heare from him, what maner of excuse the Queene makes by Mr Cary, and thinkes the Kinge wilbe greatly troubled what resolutione to take therin ; not doubtinge but it would breake out to a warre, yf he were able, it beinge the greateste injury that could be don him ; besides that he hath nowe more reasone to looke to him selfe, for asmuch as it is credible enough, that those who car- ried the Queene of England headlonge to so cruell an executione, for feeare leste the Scottish Queene should on daye resente the judgmente by them givene againste here, they will thinke they shall have asmuche cause to feare her sonne hereafter. Yf any of them haue done it, the easlyer to com to the crowne of England after the Queenis death, they cannote but desyre the Kynge of Scottis out of the waye, beinge the true successor. NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 49 Bruland to Courcelles. 14>th March, 1587. He thinketh the newse of the executyone of the Scottish Queene, wilbe heavie to the Kinge her sonne. The Queene of England, by this acte, shewes she cares litle for the one or the other of the Kingis of Fraunce or Scotland ; for Fraunce is very farre comprised within this contempte ; and yf Godis pleasure be, she shalbe warranted from receavinge any injury after, havinge done injury to so many Princes and statis, he thinkes it wilbe a speciall grace. The Kinge of Fraunce, is not yet resolved whatt he is to doe, after such an acte. He will shortely. In the meane whill, they knowe as- suredly the favore of the Queene of England dothe shewe to those, that are risene againste the Kinge of Fraunce, who are in a manere wholy supported by her onely assistance ; desiringe the mine of that realme by entertaine of devisione, contrary to her owne weale and the realme of Fraunce united, beinge better able to serve their neigh- bores tournes neadinge assistance. courceles seventhe dlspatche to the Kinge of Fraunce. [3d April, 1587.] The Queene of Englandis messengere, being not admitted to come Q 50 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' to the Kinge of Scottis presence, nor yet passe furder then Barwicke, rather then returne without doinge his errand, was contented to con- fer with some such of the Kingis Counsell, as it should please him to appointe. Sir Robart Melvene and Koldingeknewes, were appointed to meete him, within 4 miles of Barwicke ; and ther the Ambassadore shewed howe greivously the Queene of England tooke the deathe of the Scottishe Queene, which was executed without her privetie, and at the pursuite of her Counselores, who extorted from her a warrant for their discharge, which she had signed unwars with other papores, which her Secretary Davison had presented her ; whom for this cause she had comitted to the Towre, neither would once speake since with some of her Counsell, for the faulte they had comitted, in stealinge such a warrante from her, and therupon caused the Queene of Scottes to be putt to death ; wherwith they are to be charged and not she, who was inosente and was the moste greived with it in the worlde, and morned therfore ; but since it is impossible to remedie such an accidente, she perswaded herselfe that the Kinge of Scottes might resolve himselfe, and would consider the reasones that moved her Counsell ; beinge such as his Ambassadores were made acquint- ed withall, and mighte satisfy him, so as their amitie should not be broken therupon. As for her parte, she would be as good or bettere to him then his Mother ; desiringe every waye his good and advaunce- mente, and hopinge he would entertaine the League lately concluded by their Ambassadores. Melven answered, that his Soveraigne looked not for so greate an NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 51 injurye, at the Queene of Englandis handis, in recompence of the amytie bygone, and confirmed by the late treaties. And that the Kinge his master, would not disgeste what excuses of the Queene, or reasones soever could be alledged for such a mur- der ; which concerned not the Kinge allone, but the whole Scottishe natione, which was offended in honore, and in their liberties viola- ted by the Queene, havinge proceeded against their Queene by forme of justice ; which she cannote challenge againste a private subjecte of Scotland, much lesse a Soveraigne Queene. The Queene of England, may make what excuse she liste nowe : but by that she gave the Ambassadores to understand, at their depar- ture out of England, she shewed her selfe not againste the executione, but rather to approve the same ; givinge them no hope of savinge her lyffe. Yf she would have the Kinge his master beleive any thinge of that she saide,she should shewe the effectis of her displeasure againste the murder eres, which are her Counselores and subjectis. For remaining in amytie, when she had satisfied the Kinge in a matter of such waight as this, touchinge him in honore, he would then consider of it. [The English A mbassadore replying, that the Queene was resolved to content the Kinge, in all he cold desire ; asking them, what wold content him. They answered, that they were not to advise the Queene of England ; but her selfe was to aske cownsale of those Cownsellors, who had committed the murder.] The English Ambassador concluded, ther was nothinge that her 52 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' Majestie more desired, then to live in amytie with the Kinge, which he prayed them to let the Kinge understande ; to whome she would shortly send an Ambassadore, that should make suche offeres as would contente him : in the meane time, prayenge that the publish- inge of lybelles againste the Queene, might be restrained. Wherunto Melvines answer was, that the Queene gave the Kinge no great cause to continewe in amytie. Yf he would delivere his mesuage in writinge, he would procure answer in like manner. The Kinge could not restraine libelleres, which did but set doune there that in wordis, which the Queene had performed in deedis. The Kinge hereupon hath protested, that he would never hearkene to any thinge which could be propounded to him one the Queene of Englandes behalfe ; and yf she sent any other Ambassadore, they should have as litle accesse : consideringe, that the offeres she would make him, could be but the advise of those Counselores who seeke but to deceave him, and yf it be possyble, to use him as they did his Mother ; aswell for feare of revenge at his handis upon them, as the princepall authores, and also because ther resteth not of the house of Scotland after him, which may pretend to the Croune of England ; his death contrariewise, gaininge them a grounde of quarrelle to the tytle of Scotland, in the behalfe of Arabella, againste the Hamletones or others, which might pretend right there ; and by that meanes raies a partie at their devotione, and entertaine civell warre at leaste in that realme, yf they establish her in the seate. He is resolved therefore, to send comissyone to the Bishope of Glasgo, for to be his Ambasadore residente in Fraunce ; with letteres NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 53 to the Kinge, Queene Mother, and the Queene Regent ; according to those headis, which are specefied in the paper marked A., and in- structiones there sett doune : with the effecte of a lettre to the Duke of Guise, here inserted also, as Courceles hath advertised them. The Contentis of the Letters to the Kinge of France. Thankes for the sendinge of Bellieure, in succore of his Mother ; as also for their affectione continuallie towardis him selfe ; which beinge not able to requite, he will remaine perpetuallie oblige. To advertis his meaninge to have the Bishop of Glasgo his Am- bassador residente there, for the proofe made of his affectione and fidellitie in the service of his Mother ; hopinge to find the like to- wardis him. To praye the Kinge, to accord a peace to his subjectis, for the rea- sones perticulerlie to be delivered him by the Bishope of Glasgo. To require the French Kinge, to imparte him that advise he shall find moste profitable and necessary for him, in thes troubles happen- ed him by the death of his Mother ; and the meanes which the King shall judge moste expediente and honorable to remedy the same ; beinge resolved to reste uppon those sounde counselles, which shall come from him. The heads of the Instructiones for {the Bishope of) Glasgo. [A.] 1. To presse earnestely the French Kinge, for the renewinge the 54, EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' auntiente leagues and treaties, betweene the two Crownes ; reffer- ringe notwithstandinge to his good pleasure, to accord therof what he shall please. 2. To discover under-hand, as diligently and exactelie as he cane, what the good affectione, wille and meaninge of the French Kinge maye be ; and of his parentis, frendis, and allies, to ayd him againste their comone ennemy, in revenge of the injury done unto him ; and for to obtayne the right which he hathe to the Crowne of England ; wherof notwithstandinge, he shall make no overture on his parte, but advertize as soone as he maye, what he fyndis ; wheruppon hee shall receave furder instructione. 3. To require the Princes his kinsfolkes, to assiste him with their countenance, at all solemne times of audience with the Kinge ; and speciallie the Duke of Guis. The effecte of the Kingis Letter to the Duke of Guis. To praye him to laye doune armes, for asmuche as civell warres are approved neither of God nor man, excepte againste rebelles ; and to avoid the occasiones herby givene, of ill speech touchinge his proceedinges, wherof he is sorie, as touched thereby in respecte of their proximitie in bloud ; and to enterpose himself to be a meane of peace betweene the French Kinge and his subiectis ; wherby the better regard shalbe had to that, which the Bishope of Glasgo is to propound to the French Kinge on his behalfe ; whom he prayeth to assiste with countenance and advise, and procure as many noble frendis to that effecte, as hee maye. NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 55 Courcelles concludeth, that the Scottish Kinge hath takene greate- lie to hearte, the murder of his Mother ; so as he appeareth moste resolute to revenge the same, yf he have meane and fynd assistance, espessially at the French Kingis handis, and thePrinsses his parentis : for of himselfe he can doe nothinge, as he confesseth ; accordinge to the paper marked B., seeminge to be the Kingis owne settinge downe. [B.] 1. For wante of martiall experience, being detained captive from his youth. 2. By reasone of his greate necessetye, thorough the covetousnes of the Regentis, who have drawne all to themselves, duringe their governemente, dissipated his revenewes, and lefte him quite with- out money. 3. By reasone of the diveres factiones, bothe of religeon and state in his realme ; everie on regardinge his owne particuler, and not the Kingis. 4. Divers puttinge him in head that his state is assured by the death of his Mother, which befor was never from devision ; wish- ing him not to marrie with any Princesse, but of his owne religeon ; but rather remaine unmarried, which maye be a meanes to make him be sought unto of othere Princes. 5. For feare of factiones, which the Queene of England may raise in his realme, by meanes of his owne subjectis, contrarillie affect- ed to his intentiones ; which putteth him in greate feare of beinge empoisoned, delivered into the handis of his ennemyes, to be used as his Mother was, or remaine in prison perpetually. Thes be the considerationes the King meaneth to propound in the 56 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' assemblie of States, which shalbe at Edenburghe, the 30th of Maye, to be by them advised ; as well of the meanes to prevente these dan- geres, as to make warre, yf it be found necessarie for his honnore and realme. Yf all the noblemen that are sente for, meete at the assemblie, ther is greate appearance that the Kinge maye be retired from the amy tie of England, so it please the French Kinge to give some as- sistance. Wherupon some of the Scottish Kinges Counsell have sought to feele Courceles, what he thought of his masteres intencion, in that behalfe ; makinge him beleive, that he had made certaine ofFeres of the succores to their mastere, in the French Kingis name ; by his confes- syon or deniall therof, to gather the more [certayntie.] He knowinge their intention, referd them to the King, who could remember what he had said to him ; which hath held them in suspece, more notwithstanding in hope, then other wise ; though the parti- zanes of England seeke to retire their Kinge from seekinge the French Kingis assistance ; shewing how prejuditiall the admittance of forraine souldieris into that realme, of a contrarie professyon, may prove to the religeon ; yf the Catholikes of that realme should joyne in attempte of some whatt to that ende, [the suppressing therof.] They were against, the restitution of Glasgo, for the same cause ; wherin notwithstandinge, the Kinge was resolved ; and so it is like Glasgo may enjoye his goodis, as long as the affaires stand in those termes they doe ; as they will, and better too, yf all the noblemen which are sente for to the assemblie, doe com ; which the minesteres and others hinder under-hande, as much as they maye ; knowinge NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 57 that yf it hould, the Kinge will have litle or no regarde to the amitie of England, which otherwise maye be renewed and be faster then ever, by meanes of the factionaries of Englande aboute him ; who presume, that tyme may were awaye the moste parte of this egernese out of the Kingis hearte, and the reste of that realme, for the murdere of the Queene his Mother ; and so taking hould of such occasiones as maye be offered, come to the drifte of their intentiones ; which they shall assuredlye, yf the French Kinge have no regard to that which shalbe propounded by Glasgo ; and besides coole all their affectiones, which are devoted unto Fraunce ; the English therfor dis- posinge of the Kinge and realme, more then before. It is determined, accordinge to the Kinges desire, signefyed unto him by Secretary Ledington, to vissite the Scottish Kinge, and con- dole in the French Kingis name, for the death of his Mother ; and assur him as his moste constante freind, allie, and neighbore, he is moste resolute to observe religeously and faithfully, the treaties be- tweene the two Crownes, as the Kinge of Scottis is to doe one his parte ; without trustinge to any promises that may be made, to in- duce him to the contrarie, which cannot be so certaine as those foun- dationes wherupon the auntiente amytie is bulded ; conforme to the instructiones gevene to Monsieur de Esneuall, which he will effecte to his poure, till he receave other directione from the Kinge. Ambassadores are dispatched into Denmarke, who have charge to treate of a marriage for the Kinge, with the Kinge of Denmarkes daughter ; and to drawe succores for warre, yf it be possible ; as maye appeare by the coppie of the instructiones, such as he could recover ; H 58 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' although some thinke, that he entertaineth the King of Denmarke with such practizes, aswell to the ende he make no instance for re- stetutione of the Orcades, as for any desire he hath to marrie or hope of succores ; which Courceles will not saye he will refuse for all that, yf they be graunted with advantageous conditiones. Tyme will discover furder. The coppie of the instructiones in Frenche, marked with the letter C, with the heades therqfin Latin, marked with the letter D. [C] 1. To salut the Kinge of Denmarke, his nobles and counsell, in his name, with thankes for his visetatione by Ambassadores, desiringe greater familliaritie hereafter betweene theme, &c. 2. To seeke familliere and free accese to the Kinge of Denmarke, and to informe them selves of the particuler estate of the Kinge and his realme ; speciallie of his daughteres, and to advertis of their age, stature, and quallities. 3. To promise to confirme the auntiente amytie, by oath. 4. To make a discourse of the cruell murdere of the Kingis Mother, comitted by the Englishe, contrarie to all lawe ; requiringe assist- ance, for revenge therof ; and to see upon what conditiones, the Kinge may be drawne to ayde. 5. To procure the banish [ement of] all English, from tradinge by his coste ; or else burden the same, with unreasonable impositiones ; or arreste all English shipes and goodis, till the Scottes be fully answered for the pirracies made upon them, by the English. NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 59 £D.] 1. Yf the Kinge of Denmarke give eare to these prepositiones, to advertize ; wherupon other Ambassadores shalbe sente. 2. Yf he affecte a marriage with the Kinge for one of his daughteres, to referre the dowrie to him selfe : but to obtaine all toles leviede upon the Scottesh men, beinge paid the Kinge of Scottis, in his owne realme : the acquittance of the Kinge of Scottes officeres, to be a suffitiente discharge to the Kinge of Denmarke. 3. The nexte toune adjoyninge within sight, shale yeald succore at their oune charge, to all Scottish men, by wrekes by sea. 4. The Scottis and Danes, to be equojure, in either countrie. 5. The Orcades, to remaine perpetually to the King of Scottes. 6. The King of Denmarke, to assiste the Kinge of Scottes with 8000 footemen, payd for two yeares ; or an armie by sea, for one yeare. The Frenche Kinge to Courceles. [18th March, 1587-] He acknowlegeth, by Courceles letteres of the laste of Februarie and 8th of Marche, that the Kinge of Scottis hath testefyed, by the honest speeches used to, and the effectis otherwise, asmuch as was possible for him to be done with the Queene of England, for to di- verte her from the resolution of that she executed upon his Mother. He hath taken that greefe therat, was worthie a sonne so well borne ; forgettinge no part of his naturall dutie to his Mother, and reservinge in his hearte, an intentione to be revenged of such an injury. 60 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' Yf he forbeare to utter what he thinkes, and deliberatis in his hearte, he counteth him the wiser ; seeinge the meanes presently serveth not to pursue revenge, which tyme may bringe. He would have Courceles to testefy, that it was the moste gree- vous thing that happened to him a long time ; for though the Queene of England, by an acte so inhumane, had offended all Princes Soveraigne, taking upon her a jurisdictione which in reasone apper- tained not unto her over a Soveraigne Princesse,God havinge exempt- ed kingis from beinge judged by otheres then by him selfe ; yet he and the Kinge of Scottes were more particulerlie touched ; she beinge mother to the one, and sister in lawe to the other. He hopeth, or rather beleeveth, for his parte most assuredlie, that though men would not endevor to revenge so inhumane an act ; God, who is the juste Judge of the misdeedis of men, will not suffer it unpunished. Brularde to Courceles. [18^ March, 1587.] He complaines greatlie of the state of Scotland and Fraunce, that the affaires of both realmes are in such termes as they have no meanes to be revenged of so cruell and inhumaine an acte, as is co- mitted by the Queene of Englande ; who was pressed by no such necessetie or feare of her life, as she should fall into this extremitie. It muste needis be the intereste of her Counselores, and those that NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 61 would appropriate unto them selves the Crowne of England, after the deathe of the Queene, whom the Kinge of Scottis is to beware of; beinge in more dangere nowe, then when his Mother was alive ; but God is stronge enough to preserve him, to bee revenged therof one daye. Courceles Eighth Dispatch to the French Kinge. 12^ Maye, 1587. He is advertised, that for savinge of charges of sendinge an Am- bassador expresly into Spaine, and speciallie to avoide senister in- terpretation, which the minesteres and protestantis of Scotland might make of such avoiage; the Kinge of Scottes hathe sente to the Bishope of Glasgo, to vizet the Ambassador of Spaine residente in Fraunce ; and to praye him to make the Kinges excuse to his mastere, for not sendinge an expresse bodie to condole the late Queene his Motheres death ; requiringe to be assisted with his good counsell, and meanes for revenge of the cruell executione of his said Mother ; and furder to treate with the said Spanish Ambassador, as he shall see it will serve to beste purpose, for the good of his affaires, and reperatione of the injurie dune unto him. Otheres, he saith, seeke as cunningly to put the remembrance of theis thinges out of the Kinges heade ; occupienge the same with other conceiptes, which he doth readelie apprehend ; but by conse- 62 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' quence, drawinge him backe from the prosecution of his Motheres cause. Hetherto [hereunto] dothe he atribute the Kingis jurney, for surprise of Maxewell and Earle Morton, upon certen propositiones made in the Counsell, April 1587, which are contained in the paper, marked with the letter E. The effecte wherof, and that Courceles writeth therqf, is : [E.] l. That as in all well governed statis, ther are lawes with penalties for the breach therof, wherby Princes be preserved in their dig- netie and subjectes in obedience ; so sundrie good ordinances had bine made in Scotland, for uniformitie in religeon, abollishinge papisticall ceremonies, &c. 2. Likewise, for the suppressynge of roberie, murderes^ spoiles, and such like disturbances of honeste quiete, justice, and gardianes, who neversomuch as at these daies failed of their dutie. 3. Wherupon, consideringe howe prone the people of Scotland, is to take armes upon everie light impressione ; the evidente practises of the Spaniard, to bringe in thraldome all professores of the gospill, which is the trew ende of his warres in Flaunderes, from thence to be able to worke the like efFectis upon this iland, wherin the nobles of that realm e professinge papistrie have conspired with him, assuringe themselves of the devotion of the inferiore soarte, unacquinted with their driftis, but to be ledd whether they liste. 4. It might seeme necessarie for prevention of these mischeifes, to NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 63 take this order following ; That a uniformitie in religeon should be established accordinge to the lawe, and all private quarreles and grudges be compounded by reasonable arbitramente, upon paine of imprisonment to the refuseres ; theire families and kins- folkes in the meane whill, beinge comitted for the service of the Kinge, to newtreall persones. 5. That every nobleman shall give atestation of his obedience, under his hand and seele ; wherby they shall bynd them selves in an assutiation with the King, to serve him and stand by him in all his causes and actiones, with inviolable fidellitie ; to maintaine in word and deed the Kinges authoritie againste all that would rise againste the same, specially againste the tiranye of strangeres of contrarie religeon to that proffessed in his realme ; all those that directely or indirectely enterprise any thing to the contrarie, to be in case of treason. For asmuch as these propositiones, it was thought, would not be taken well of the Catholike nobillitie, they concluded in Counsell, (as he was advertized,) that for effectuatinge herof the said Catho- likis should be apprehended, and specially Maxwell. Wherupon the Kinge mounted himselfe on horsbacke the nexte daye, and wente to Donfreese to have taken him, for to have caused him to answer the evell impressiones that were givene of him ; as that he caused masse to be songe, had inteligence with Spaine, winked at the dailie rob- beries one the borderes, would receave none of the Kingis com- maundementis ; but havinge advertizmente of the Kinges coming, 64 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' he escaped. Wherupon the Kinge returned, putting no more of that was concluded, in execution ; saving that Maxwell was condempned to avoid the realme. He giveth out he will goe in to Fraunce ; but Courceles is adver- tized that he goeth to the Kinge of Spaine, with whom diveres are of oppinione, that he and the reste of the Catholikis of Scotland have intelligence ; and particulerly he was advertized by some of the said Catholikes, that ther should arrive in Scotland, the month of Auguste followinge, or aboute harveste at the furtheste, certaine forces out of Spaine, for to establish, yf they maye with their aide, the Catho- licke religeon, and then passe into Englande. Wherof the Kinge of Scottes had some intelligence ; yet whether because it is an uncer- taine matter, or because he had no meane to oppose him selfe againste it, without some secret enterprise, which he may have againste the said Catholicke nobillitie ; he makes as though he weare ignorante, although it hath bene laid before him in his Counsell. Courceles hath made reporte to the Kinge of Scottis, of the French Kinges letteres of the 4th of March, with many amplifycationes of his owne ; wherunto the Kinges answere was, that by his actiones it might be judged with what affectyone he had imployed him selfe for savinge of his Motheres life ; but he could obtaine nothinge at the Queene of Englandis handis, who had shewed her selfe cruell and unpitifull towardis her ; and yet would make him beleive, by the gentlman she sente laste, and by letteres written with her owne hand, that the murdere, as he said the Queene her selfe called it, was co- mitted without her privetie, with certaine blind excuses, and the NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 65 greefe she said she tooke therat ; conforme to that is set downe in his formor dispatch, touchinge Mr Caryes messuag. Wherunto in conclusion, the Kinge tould him, that it beinge an injurie that con- cerned all princes his neighbores, he had thought meete not to en- terprise any thinge for the revenge therof, but by their advise and counsell, and especially of the French Kinge, who had parte in this conterapte, as also his parentis in France ; and that for this purpose, he had sente to the Bishope of Glasgo, whom he had chosene for his Ambassadore residente, with expresse charge, to praye him heartely to imparte his good advise, in that he shall judge to be for his good and honore, in so ignominious an injurie and cruell murder ; which he assured him selfe of, from the Frenche Kinge ; though he had bene advertized, that since the murther, he and the Queene of Eng- land were greater frendis then ever before. Archibald Douglas putteth the Kinge, by lettres, in hop of satis* factione from England, upon any reasonable demaunde to be made by the said Kinge. The Master of Graye is comitted to prison, upon accusatione of William Stuarde, which is not thoughte will reach to his line; but he shalbe reserved to the Parleamente, where it maye be, som more importante matter shalbe objected against him, and he in hasard, unlese the Queene of England helpe him : Yet, she hath this pro- pertie found by her, that when those that have served her torne in Scotland, have no more meane to helpe them selves, they never find assistance at her handes. i 66 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' The Frenche Kinge to Courceles. 13tk Aprile, 1587. He understandis the sorowe the Kinge of Scottes tooke, at his Motheris death ; him selfe, cannot for the honore she had to marrie his elder brothere, put out of his remembrance, the greate wrong which they have done them selves, that have bene the cause of so tragicall and extraordinary an execution. He attendis the Ambassadores cominge from the Kinge of Scottes ; in the meane while, willeth Courceles to assure him, that he will never faile in any good office, accordinge to the amy tie, of so longe time continued betweene their predecessors ; although he have juste cause to complaine, as he hath done, that the Kinge of Scottis did so lightly allie him selfe with the Queene of Englande, without co- municatinge ther of to him, or to his Ambassador, De Esnevale, being ther, who was nether called, nor could be heard, in the re- monstrances he made ; but this, he willeth Courceles to keepe to him selfe.- . But till De Esnevalle shall returne, willeth him to entertaine the Kinge, in the good affection hee writeth nowe he is in, towardis the French King, being the thinge he ought ; besidis, that the amitie of Fraunce is more proffitable and necessary, then any other he can desire. NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 67 Private to Courceles, at the same tyme to the same effecte. Courceles Ninth Dispatche to the Frenche Kinge. 6th June, 1587. The Kinge of Scottes, understanding he had lettres come, sent for him, to know what newse ; wherunto, he made reporte unto him, of the French Kingis lettres, 13 Aprile : Wherunto, the Kinge of Scottis answered, that, besides the reporte of Courceles, he had by sundrie otheres understoode, how grevously the French Kinge tooke the executione of his Mother, for the which he thought him selfe greately bound unto him. For his owne parte, he would not openlie declare, howe much to hearte he tooke the injury, and his desire to revenge the same : that within fewe dayes before, he had receaved lettres from the Queene, wherby she would perswad him, that she was greately dis- pleased therwith, and that she was innocent therof ; the faulte being holie to be laide on her counselores, which had caused the thinge to be done without her privetie, and whom synce, she would nether here nor see : But it could not nowe be undone. That therfore, he was to 68 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' content him selfe, and forgett the matter, and so he should find her as good a mother as his owne was ; and yf he would treate with her, she would give him all occasione of satisfactione : Marie, shee desired it might be secretely, without the knowledge of his Counsell. For the which he thanked her, and for the affectione she bare him ; but as for treatinge with her openlie or secretly, without the advise of the nobillitie of his realme, he would not ; who could not counsell him to make an accorde againste his honore, with the price of his Mo- theris bloud : That he had sent backe the messenger, without speak- ing with him. Courceles towld him, he should doe wisly, to forbere to make any shewe of desire to revenge, till time served : Yf the Queene of Eng- land desire to treate secretly with him, without the privetie of his Counsell, it was perhappes to have better meane to goe from the overtures or conclusion she should make with him ; for having he- therto bene directed by them, it was not likelie she would nowe alter that course. The Kinge said, he had alwaise observed, that the Queene of Eng- land had governed her selfe, by the advise of 4 or 5, who disposed all in England, and might justly be caled the tyrantis of that realme ; beinge ther, better obeyed then her selfe, who served rather to au- thoris ther deliberationes, without havinge any will or poure to goe againste them, for a Queen : That it was certaine, that she desired not to enter in to any treatie with him, but for to wine tyme, and contente him with hopes yf she could ; but he was resolved to give no eare therto, in any soarte ; as also to doe nothinge, without the good NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 69 advise of the French Kinge, as he may understand by the Bishope of Glasgo, to whom he had sente instructiones by Chesholme. Courceles concludis, that by that the Kinge saith, he seemeth at leaste to make all demonstraeon, that he will wholie conforme him selfe in this busenes, by the good advise and assistance of the French Kinge, yf it may please the said King to gratefye him so much. The Kinge of Scottes, hath employed himselfe in the late Assem- blie, in compounding the differences and quarrelles betweene his subjectis, wherin he hath greately travelled and prevailed. He propounded unto them, his intended marriage with the daugh- ter of Denmarke ; whether he was to send instructiones, which he thought good to comunicate unto them. Wher they knewe suffitiently, the cruelty, which the auntiente ennemyes of his realme and predicessores, had used not longe be- fore towardis his Mother ; as also the devices which they use daylie to deprive him of his lawfull right that he hath to the Crowne of England ; for the obtaininge ther of, with revenge of the foresaid injurie, he praied them to assiste him when occasione served ; beinge a thinge, which touched not his honore onelie in particuler, but all his realme. They declared, that their desire was to see him honorably mar- ryed, wher it pleased him selfe ; but as for the conservatione of his right to England, and revenge of his Motheris death, they sware and protested, they would be alwayes redie to bestowe life and goodis in that quarrell, and fight in it, as longe as any drope of bloud rested in their bodies ; and yf he would forth with command 70 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' them to take armes and invad England, they would verefy their protestacon by effectis. The Kinge, thanked them for their goodwilles and redines ; it was but a generall proposition hee made ; but praied them to be redie, againste he should more particulerlie open his intente therin. Here upon, wine was brought in to the Counsell, and the Kinge dranke to them ; who said, they hoped he should doe the like one daie in London, where they would pledg him. The daye after, he made a banquete, after the which they accompaniede him in to the towne of Edenburgh, wher he released the prisoneres, and certaine peeces of ordinance were shott of for joye. Some thinke, the Queene of England careth litle for this ; for though some of the principall of the courte, in outward shewe, seeme to be contrarie unto her, yet under hand, they favor wholie her partie ; and under coullor of opposing them selves againste her de- signes, doe the beste offices they cane. The Master of Graye, being charged for having traffiked in Fraunce, to the prejudice of the religeon nowe established, and of the Kinges marriage with Denmarke, for havinge counterfeited the Kingis seale, attempted an alteration of the presente state, to the daunger of the Kingis person, was baneshed the realmes of Scot- land, England, and Ireland ; without any mencon, that he was privie to the death of the Kingis Mother ; wherwith they would not charge him, for feare he should accuse som otheres, which are sayd to be cheefe of the Kinges counsell ; which would have bene found as fare in, or farther then he. He maketh his accompt to goe to Fraunce, NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 71 and thence, as opertunetie may serve, in to Spaine, whether Maxwell is lately gone ; with intention, yf he finde the Kinge of Spaine to have an army by sea, or any men of warre, to land in England or Ireland, to caste him selfe in with them, and seeke all meanes he cane, to annoy the Queene. Some of the princepall of the Counsell of England, have sett some a worke, as is said, to kille the King of Scottes with poison, pistall, or harquebushe : It is revealed by an Englishman, takene by Both- well upon the bortheres, cominge into Scotland for the purpose ; who is kepte close prisoner ; tellinge of two otheres, that are shorte- ly to repaire in to that realme, to the same end ; who are watched for, and are like to be taken, unless the Counsell of England have warning of it. Diveres think the Counsell of England, to bee authores of the marriage pretended with Denmarke ; as well, for to retire the Kinge from the alliance, which in consideratione therof he might make with any other prince more suspecte ; as also, to deprive him of all forraine forces ; they having layd a plote, to dispose of those of Den- marke at their owne poste, promisinge to make his sonne Kinge of England, by marriag with Arbella, whose tytle they will preferre. Courceles Tenth Dispatch to the French Kinge. Zteh June, 1587. • Du Bartas is arrived in Scotland, whom the Kinge sente for a 72 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' yeare paste, to expound his poesie. He hath brought lettres from the King of Navarre, wherof he sendeth a coppie, being onely of cre- dence, comendatione of Du Bartas, &c. It cannot be yet discovered, that Du Bartas treateth any other matter, though it be suspected. The Lorde of Weymies, is preparinge to goe to the Kinge of Navarre. He is advertized, that Du Bartas hath propounded to the Kinge, the marriage of the Princes of Navarre ; but that the Kinge excu- seth him selfe, for that he hath sente ambassadores to the Kinge of Denmarke, to the same efFecte ; which he would have stayed, yf Du Bartas had sooner arrived and spoken of that marriage, which he affected above any other. The French King to Courceles. 11th June, 1587. Wherupon, the Kinge of Scottis, is upon the point to demaund counsell of the Princes of Christendome, his parentis and allies, howe to governe him selfe, in this accidente of his Motheris deathe. Yf the Bishope of Glasgo, come to speake with him therof, he will advise with him selfe, to give him the same counsell he would take him selfe, in the like case ; so much he loves him, and detesteth for his owne parte, an acte so cruell and inhumane ; wherby he cannot NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 73 beleeve, but the Queene of England shall on daye, drawe upon her a greate mischeefe ; it being most assured, that some such prince as was moste frendly unto her before, shalbe greatly coulded in the good will he bare her : And he leaveth it to everie man to judge, whether the Queene of Scottis, beinge so neeare to him as she was, he can never be so good frendis with the Queene againe, after sa cruele an executione ; beinge glad, that Courselis hath answered as he did, on his behalfe, to the Kinge of Scottis ; whom he prayeth, to assure of his amitie, as of a moste perfecte fFreind. Bruland to Courceles. 11th June, 1587. Monsieur D'Glasgo, hath not yet come to aske counsell, touchinge the late accidente, of the Scottish Queenes death. The Kinge of Scottes, hath greate occasion, to take it in so ill parte as he doth ; and he prayeth God, that the Kinge may see such vengeance for it, as he judgeth ought to ensue. Courceles Eleventh Dispatche to the French Kinge. {11th) August, J 587. Upon intellegence of Du Bartas arrivall, and the Lord Weymies K 74 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' preparatione towardis the Kinge of Navarr, he vesseted the Kinge of Scottis, and signefyed unto him, howe the Kinge of France, had by gentle meanes assaied to reduce his rebellious subjectis to peace and obedience; who notwithstanding continewe in armes, practizinge with forraine Princes for assistance, under coulore of beinge prose- cuted unjustely ; and so likelie enough, might adrese themselves unto him, to the same ende. But, that the Kinge of France, was so well pers waded of the Kinge of Scottis amitie, that he did promis himselfe, that the said (Kinge of Scottis) would not any waye openly or under hand yeld them succores, nor permitt any thinge, beinge so greate a breach generally of the treaties betweene the crownes, and particulerlie of his owne promisses ; but keepe his word givene in that behalfe, which is enough to tie and binde Princes. The Kinge of Scottis answered, that ther was non com from the Kinge of Navarr, to any such end ; yf any such did com, they should have no assistance at his handis ; he will not assiste rebellious sub- jectis againste ther Soveraigne, a thynge comendable neither before God nor man, and of evell example to all the world ; but rather counsell them, to follow the waye that dutie byndeth them too, seekinge peace with disadvantage, rather than to take armes ; as that he will alwaies advise the Kinge of Navarre and those that are in armes with him in Fraunce ; the good prosperitie and repose wherof, he hath in as greate recomendatione as that of his owne realme, beinge bound for his particuler obligatione to the said Kinge. NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 75 He was sorie there was no likelihood of accorde, but by the evente of some notable victory, which could not be obtayned without greate hazarde, himself e beinge also in person. As for the Lord of Weimies, the Kinge of Navare findinge him ac- tive in huntinge and other exercise, had made him promise to re- turne, at his departure ; wherunto havinge a will, he could not hould him from goinge, or 10 or 12 gentlmen in his companye ; not with- standinge that he hath gevene him charge, not to intermedle with any matter of state or warre about the Kinge of Navarr, nor to doe any thinge, prejuditiall to the service of the French Kinge. Du Bartas, treateth under hand the marriage of the Princes of Na- varr, and an accord betweene the Kinge and the Queene of England ; he returneth with instructions, delivered onely by word of mouth. Att the late Assembly of the States, all the temperalties of the Church were accorded to the Kinge of Scottes, to be united to the Crowne, with much adoe ; but that the Kinge promised to bestowe the inheritance, upon some of the princepall, of that they did pos- sesse. That the Jesuitis, Semenaryes, and otheres which would proffese the Catholicke religeon, and disput againste that receaved in the realme, should departe within one month, upon paine of death ; and that those which receaved them afterwardis, to be punished with lose of their goodis. Att the end of the Assemblie, all the nobillitie there present, kneel- inge doune, after they had rendred the Kinge all humble obaisance, praied him to revenge the injurie which he had receaved with them 76 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' by the murdere of the latt Queene his mother ; wherin they sware and promysed him, with one voyce, to employ their lives and goodis, when it pleased him to comaunde them : The which supplycation and offer of the nobillitie, was followed by all the people, which besought the like, for their partis ; for the which, the Kinge thanked them, and tould them they should understand his intencon. The bruite continueth still in Scotland, of the army of Spaine, wherof on parte they saye, is likelie to be alredie at sea ; as reporte is brought by the shippe that carried Maxwell to Lisbone, who di- veres doe hould, shall shortely returne in to Scottland, with meanes and men of warre ; whether it be to put the Queene of England to trouble, or to employ ther (them) for the advancemente of the Ca- tholicke religeon. The French Kinge to Courceles. Y(ih July, 1587. The Kinge of Scottis, doth wisly to seeke to appease the differ- ences betweene his nobillitie ; without the which, he shall effecte no- thinge abroade. The army of the Kinge of Spaine, wherwith he threatned Eng- land, is in no forwardnes ; by the reason of the attempte of Sir Frauncis Drake, upon his shippes at Cales or else where, of the which, the King made reconinge to be served ; so as it is likely enough, nothinge wilbe done this yeare. NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 7T Courceles Twelfth Dispatche to the FjtENCHE KlNGE. 22d August, 1587. The ambasadores sent into Denmarke, are returned with litle ffruite and successe, as is said, of that they wente for ; because the Kinge of Denmarke, will not joyne in any enterprise, or yeald to any thinge prejudiciall to the Queene of England, with whom he is resolved, to entertaine the peace and amytie, sworne and promised betweene them. The Kinge is verie well contented, that the Kinge of Scottis shall marrie one of his daughteres, so as he be in good accord with the Queene of England, and that he promise to entertaine him selfe therin, and to enterprise nothinge to the prejudice of her or her realme, so longe as she liveth. It is not yet knowne, what resolution the Kinge will hould her- upon ; but it is expected, that the Queene of England, seing that hee seekes for succore one all sides, as of the French Kinge and Den- mark ; havinge a mistruste furder, leste he treate secretly and under hand with the Kinge of Spayne by the meanes of Maxwell ; consi- dering also, the request and suplycation which the nobillitie and people made the laste Parleamente to their Soveraigne, for the re- venge of his Motheres death, with other reasones, which may con- firme the Kinges small affection towardis her, should begine firste 78 EXTRACT OF MONSIEUR COURCELLES' as she tould Archebald Dowglas she would, assoone as she under- stood what was done in this laste Parleamente, either for to travill, intimidat the Kinge of Scottis, by meanes of the necessetie wher- unto she may reduce him, with the counsell and assistance of those about him at her devotion, to the end to dispose him to some ac- cord, or for to appose her selfe againste the diseent which he fear- eth : And moste parte are of oppinion, the Spaniard will make shortely in to this island, especially in a haven called Kircoubray, and in other places of the weste well knowne to Maxwell, who, in 24 howres, may levie in that coast, and for 80 miles about to the borderes of England, 2500 horse of the manner of that country, and as many footemen, for to joyne with the forces that shall discend with him, and shall serve for a scoute to the Spanyarde, and a guid to lead them into England, which is but within 30 miles of Kir- cowbray. The Scottes borderes, have made great incursiones in to England, for repressinge wherof, the Lord of Hunsdon is expected shortely with forces, which maketh the Scottis more temperate : The Kinge winketh at the matter, but everie one judgeth in Scotland, thingis to prepare them selves to warre ; wherunto, althoughe the Kinge of Scottis will not enter, the Queene may constraine him, or else to agree and joyn with her, accordinge to the treaties that laste passed betweene them. NEGOTIATIONS IN SCOTLAND. 79 Courceles Thirteenth Dispatche to the French Kinge. 18/^ September, 1587. The Kinge of Scottis, notwithstandinge the Kinge of Denmarkes answer formorly signefyed, sheweth to have a desire to continewe his seekinge after the Kinge ; for which purpose theEarleMarshealle shalbe sente shortely to pursue the marriage, upon such conditiones as shalbe advised, in a convention to be held shortely ; which beinge defferred from tyme to tyme, maketh diveres thinke, it wilbe to late to take the voyage in hand, this yeare. Some delaye hath growne besides, by reason that some goe about to diverte the Kinge from this marriage, propounding the Princes of Navarr, as a more advantageouse and meete matche for him ; she beinge of his owne religeon, possessinge 20,000 v * by yeare of an- nuall rente ; the alliance of the Kinge of Navarr her brother, to be gotten therby, of greater momente, yf hee prosper ; yf he faile, she is his heire both of the kingdom of Navarr, and other landis in France and else wher, of greate vallue. Wherupon it was resolved, that one should be sente to informe him particulerlie of her state and person ; which should have bene Georg Douglas, but being thought no freind to that alliance, on of Sir Robarte Melvenes brotheris, is the man, imbarked with Du Bartas. * Query, 20,000 Crownes of the Sun? 80 EXTRACT, &c. The Kinge, besides all his costes which he deffraied, gratefyed Du Bartas at his departuer, with a chaine of 1000 v - and as much in redie money, made him knight, and accompanyed him to the sea side, wher he made him promise to retourn againe. He [Courcelles] knoweth no other comyssyone of Du Bartas, but onely that he hath lettres of credence from the Kinge of Scottes, whom he hath solicited much, duringe his aboade here, to assiste the Kinge of Navarre ; wherin he nothinge prevailed, which is the cause this marriage was sett a broach, as a meane to embark him in that quar- rell ; which cannot be, but that the Queene of England muste have a doinge in it ; which causeth those of her faction, to furder this overture, as much as they maye. Finis. APPENDIX. [ 83 ] I. MS. COTT. CALIG. C. IX. FO. 449. Courcelles, le S r Desneual ma diet a son Retour comme II vous avoit laisse pardela en attendant quil ci en Retourne, Chose que Jay bien agreable Affin que Je puisse estre tousiours aduerty de ce qui soffrira en Escosse. Et daultant que en l'estat auquel se Retrouue maintenant la Royne dEscosse ma belle Soeur elle a besoing d'estre assiste de tous ceulx qui la doibuent aymer pour Insister enuers la Royne d'Angleterre ma bonne Soeur a ce quelle soit diuertie d'user enuers elle d'aucun mauuais traictement ainsi qu'il semble que quel- ques vns de ses ministres ly veullent exciter. Je me suis aduise oultre ce que J'en ay J'a diet fort franchement au S r Stafort son Am- bassadeur Resident pardeca et faict dire par le S r de Chauneuf mon Ambassadeur qui est pres delle, descripre au Roy descosse la lettre que 3 Je vous enuoye presentement laquelle vous luy prenterez de la part Tendant ainsi que le pourrez veoir par la coppie dlcelle, a ce qu'il s'employe de tous bons offices pour sa mere enuers ladict Royne d'Angleterre Courcelles cest chose, en laquelle s'il luy deffailloit, II fera grand tort a sa Reputation et a l'amitie filiale qu'il luy doibt porter, Sur ce faisant fin Je suppliray le Createur Courcelles quil vous 1 All above in the original is underlined. 84 APPENDIX. ayt en sa Saincte garde Escript a S l Germain en Laye La premier Jour de No bre 1586. Henry Brulart. A Courcelles Estant pour mon Seruice en Escosse. II. MS. COTTON. CALIG. D. 1, FO. 218. (The upper part of this letter is destroyed.) oluution qui a efte en fin priffe fur elle / dont il a port .... est digne d'un filz bien nay qui na riens oublye de l'amitie que .... naturel II eftoyt oblige de por- ter a sa mere / reseruant en son cueur vng couraige bien resolu de se vanger d'une telle injure / de laquelle s'il se retient de dire ce quil en sent et delibere en son cueur / Je ne l'estime pas moings saige et prudent pour ne se veoir pas les moyens telz quil seroit requis pour en poursuiure la vengeance. Ce que le temps pourra apporter de- sirant que vous luy tesmoignez tousjoiirs que Je senty ceste afflic- tion aussy grande et griefue que aultre qui me soyt de long temps aduenue, Car encores que par vng acte si Inhumain la royne d' Ang rre APPENDIX. 85 ayt offencd tous les princes et roys souuerains du monde entreprenant vne Jurisdiction quelle ne pouuoit auoir par raison / et assubiectissant vne royne souueraine a ce dont Dieu par priuilleige special a exempts les roys qui ne peuuent estre Jugez que par luy seul. Neantmoings mond nepueu et moy auons este parti culeirement offencez pour auoir estd mere de l'un et belle seur de l'aultre. Esperant voire croyant pour ma part de toute asseurance / que quant les hommes ne s'effor- ceroient de vanger vng acte si Inhumain Dieu qui est le Juste Juge des meffaictz des hommes ne permectra quil soy Impuny. 2 Au sur- plus Je vous diray que la royne madarne et mere est arriuee puys peu de Jours enca sans auoir peu arrester aucune chose pour le bien de la paix auec le roy de Nauarre tant II se monstre esloigne et semblablement . . ceulz de son party de ce que Je voulloys deulz pour le bien de mon roy me de sorte q'uil fault que Je me resolue contre ce que Je desireroys procurez de repoz a mes subiectz / d'en- trer plus auant a la guerre / que Je nay point encores faict. Espe- rant qu'auec l'assistance de ceulz qui me sont loyaulz et fideles / Je d'estourneray le mal que Ton veult faire tomber sur mon roy me par beaucoup de sortes et facons. En suppliant Le Createur Courcelles quil vous ayt en sa saincte garde. Escript a Paris le xxviij Jour de Mars 1587 Henry Brulart. 3 2 All the previous part of the letter is underlined. 3 Only part of Brulart's signature is preserved. [ 87 ] INDEX OF PERSONS AND PLACES. Angus, earl of, 5, 6, 13, 14, 42. Arabella, (Stuart,) 52, 71. Arraine, earl of, 15. Arraine, earldome of, 14. Aston, Roger, 8. Atholl, earl of, 5, 23. Babington, 14. Barnebougall, the lord, 8. Bellieur, 28, 53. Berwicke, 40, 45, 50. Blantiere, prior of; 15. Bothwell, earl of, 5, 8, 22, 23, 25, 43, 71. Brulart, 17, 27, 33, 49, 60. Brus, 36. Cales, 76. Canailon, 15. Cary, Mr, 41, 42, 44, 48, 65. Chateauneuf, Monsieur, 13, 16, 20, 28. Chesholme; 69. Courcelles, passim. Craford, earl of, 8, 15, 34. Curie, 8. Dalketh, 45, 47. Danes, the, 59. Darnley, lordship of, 7. Davison, Secretary, 50. Denmark, king of, 9, 57, 58, 59, 69, 70, 71, 72, 77, 79- Denmark, 9, 57, 71, 77« D'Esnevall,Monsieur,3, 12, 15, 16, 57,66. Douglas, Archebald, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18, 22, 23, 39, 42, 44, 46, 65, 78. Douglas, George, 6, 7, 13, 79- Douglasses, the, 6. Drake, Sir Francis, 76. Du Bartas, 71, 73, 75, 79, 80. Edinburgh, 5, 23, 56. Edinburgh, ministers of, 33. England, passim. England, queen of, passim. Esnevall, vide D'Esnevall. Falkeland, 3. Flanderes, 35. Founteneye, 7. France, 15, 18, 32, 36, 38, 43, 49, 52, 57, 60, 65, 66, 70, 74. France, king of, passim. France, queen mother in, 53. France, queen regent in, 53. Glames, master of, 42. Glasgo, bishop of, 43, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 61, 65, 69, 72, 73. Gray, master of, 5, 12, 20, 22, 24, 25, 37, 38, 39, 46, 65, 70. Guise, duke of, 53, 54. r ss ] Hamilton, lord, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 14. Hamilton, lord Claud, 4, 8, 13, 14, 23, 35. Hamiltons, the, 6, 52. Harris, lord, 24. Herteford, earl of, 29« Hunsdon, lord of, 78. Huntly, earl of, 8, 15, 21, 34, 35. Ireland, 37, 70, 71. Johnston, lady, 6, 14. Keythe, William, 11, 19, 20, 28. Killegrevre, 31. Kirkcoubray, 78. Koldingeknewes, 50. Lecester, earl of, 12. Ledington, secretary, 5, 22, 57* Lennox, duke of, 5, 6, 14, 15, Lennox, dukes of, 6. Lisbone, 76. London, 70* London, tower of, 45, 50, Maconnell, James, 15. Marr, earl of, 5, 42. Marshealle, earl, 79. Mauvissier, 14. Maxewell, 62, 71, 76, 77, 78. Mejvin, Sir Robert, 22, 41, 44, 45, 50, 52, 79- Milles, 37. Montrose, earl of, 8, 13, 15, 34. Morton, earl of, 62. Nararr, king of, 32, 72, 73, 74, 75, 79, 80. Navarr, kingdom of, 79« Navarr, princess of, 72, 75, 79' Orcades, the, 9, 58, 59. Parma, prince of, 12, 35. Pope, the, 14. Randale, 31, 41.1 St Andrews, bishop of, 34. Savage, 14. Scotland, passim. Scotts, king of, passim. Scotts, queen of, passim. Seaton, chevaliere, 25. Spain, ambassador of, (in France,) 6l, Spain, king of, 10, 36, 41, 71, 76, 77- Spain, kingdom of, 6l, 71, 76. Stafford, Sir Edwarde, 14, 1 6. Stanleye, 36. Stuard, Alexander, 31, 37, Stuard, Collonell, 35. Stuard, William, 65* Walsingham, Secretary, 3, 4, 19, 25, 41. Weymies, lord of, 72, 73, 75. Yonge, Peter, 9, 44, 45, \ k 14 D/ ' f < 669715 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY