[191] As an example of some of the mistakes which the fabricators of these letters committed, it may be mentioned, that in one of them, dated the 27th of July 1586, Mary is made to say,--"I am not yet brought so low but that I am able to handle my cross-bow for killing a deer, and to gallop after the hounds on horseback, as this afternoon I intend to do, within the limits of this park, and could otherwhere if it were permitted." Yet on the 3d of June previous, Sir Amias Paulet informed Walsingham--"The Scottish Queen is getting a little strength, and has been out in her coach, and is sometimes carried in a chair to one of the adjoining ponds to see the diversion of duck-hunting; but she is not able to walk without support on each side." See Chalmers, vol. i. p. 426. [192] Camden, p. 519, et seq.--Stranguage, p. 192, et seq.--Robertson, Book VII.--Stuart, vol. ii. p. 268, et seq. [193] It deserves notice, that no particulars of the trial at Fotheringay have been recorded, either by Mary herself, or any of her friends, but are all derived from the narrative of two of Elizabeth's notaries. If Mary's triumph was so decided, even by their account, it may easily be conceived that it would have appeared still more complete, had it been described by less partial writers. [194] Camden, p. 525, et seq. [195] Murdin, p. 569. [196] Camden. [197] Jebb, vol. ii. p. 91. [198] Tytler, vol. ii. p. 319, et seq., and p. 403.--Chalmers, vol. i. p. 447.--Tytler gives a strong and just exposition of the shameful nature of the Queen's correspondence with Paulet. The reader cannot fail to peruse the following passage with interest: "The letters written by Elizabeth to Sir Amias Paulet, Queen Mary's keeper in her prison at Fotheringay Castle, disclose to us the true sentiments of her heart, and her steady purpose to have Mary privately assassinated. Paulet, a rude but an honest man, had behaved with great insolence and harshness to Queen Mary, and treated her with the utmost disrespect. He approached her person without any ceremony, and usually came covered into her presence, of which she had complained to Queen Elizabeth. He was therefore thought a fit person for executing the above purpose. The following letter from Elizabeth displays a strong picture of her artifice and flattery, in order to raise his expectations to the highest pitch. 'TO MY LOVING AMIAS.