An English version of Letter I., preserved in the Record Office
(State Papers relating to Mary Queen of Scots, vol. ii. p. 66),
quoted by Mr. Henderson in his "Casket Letters," pp. 124-5:--
It seemyth that with your absence forgetfulness is joynid
consydering that at your departure you promised me to send me newes
from you. Nevertheless I can learn none. And yet did I yesterday
looke for that that shuld make me meryer than I shall be. I think
you doo the lyke for your return, prolonging it more than you have
promised.
As for me, if I hear no other matter of you, according to my
commission, I bring the man Monday to Craigmillar, where he shall
be upon Wednisday. And I go to Edinborough to be lett blud, if I
hear no word to the contrary.
He is the meryest that ever you sawe and doth remember unto me all
that he can, to make me believe that he loveth me. To conclude, you
wold say that he maketh love to me, wherein I take so much
pleasure, that I have never com in there, but the payne of my syde
doth take me. I have it sore to-day. If Paris doth bring back unto
me that for which I have sent, it suld much amend me.
I pray you, send me word from you at large, and what I shall doo if
you be not returned, when I shall be there. For if you be not wyse
I see assuredly all the whole burden falling upon my shoulders.
Provide for all and consyder well first of all. I send this present
to Ledington to be delivered to you by Beton, who goeth to one day
a law of Lord Balfour. I will say no more unto you, but that I pray
God send me goode newes of your voyage.
From Glasco this Saturday morning.
Letter II.
Being departit from the place where I left my hart, it is esie to be
judgeit quhat was my countenance, seing that[20] I was evin als mekle as
ane body without ane hart; quhilk was the occasioun that quhile
dennertyme I held purpois to na body: nor zit durst ony present
themselves unto me, judging yat it was not gude sa to do.
Four myle or I came to the towne, ane gentilman of the Erle of Lennox
came and maid his commendatiounis unto me; and excusit him that he came
not to meit me, be ressoun he durst not interpryse the same, becaus of
the rude wordis that I had spoken to Cuninghame; and he desyrit that he
suld come to the inquisition of ye matter yat I suspectit him of. This
last speiking was of his awin heid, without ony commissioun.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account