_what comportment the Kings of_ England _(for their securities) have had with their competitors, namely_ Henry _the first with_ Robert _his elder brother_, Edw. _the third, or rather his mother, with_ Edward _the second_, Henry _the fourth with_ Richard _the second_, Edward _the fourth with_ Hen. _the sixt, with his sonne the Prince of_ Wales, _and_ George _of_ Clarence, _and_ Henry _the eighth with_ De-la-Poole _Earle of_ Suffolk, _with_ Margaret _of_ Salisbury _and_ Courtney _Marquesse of_ Exeter: _all which (in comparison of their offences) dyed for very sleight matters._ Neyther did the Courtiers only suggest these and the like to the Queene; but diverse fiery-tongued Preachers also, tooke occasion to exercise (with all asperity of spirit) the heate of their desires, in hastning on her death. Sundry also of the vulgar sort were of the same temper, according as their affections or humours carried them away with hope or feare. Amidst these sad-afflicting thoughts of minde (which so troubled the Queene of _England’s_ perplexed heart, as that she delighted to be all alone, and to sit solitary by her selve, neyther looking up, nor uttering any speech; yet would suddenly many times, breake out into these words, and sighing, say, Aut Petere Aut Percute,[43] _and withall, also a kinde of Emblem_: Prevent the Stroke by Striking) shee delivered Secretarie _Davison_ letters under her hand and seale, wherein hee was commanded to make ready a Warrant, under the great seal of _England_, for the execution of the Qu. of _Scotland_, and to keepe it private, not acquainting any therewith, lest happely in this turbulent time of feare, some sudden violent danger might happen. But the morrow after (some sudden affright mixing it selfe with her pensive thoughts and meditations of minde), changing her former purpose, she recommanded _Davison_ (by _Killegray_) to dispatch his Warrant. _Davison_, going to her, told her it was ready, and sealed. Whereat she grew very angry, saying, He was too hasty. But for all this, he forbore not to publish the matter, and to impart it to the Councell; who (beleeving that willingly, which they desired earnestly) were easily perswaded, that the Queene had given commandment for the execution; and (unknowne to her) sent presently away _Beale_ (who, out of a fervour of zeale which he bore to religion) was more eagerly bent against the Queene of _Scotland_, than any other and with him two executioners, and letters Patents, whereby authoritie was granted to the Earles of _Shrewesbury_, _Kent_, _Derby_, _Cumberland_ and others, to proceed in this execution. And although the Queene had told _Davison_ at that time, that shee had a purpose to deale otherwise with the Queene of _Scotland_; yet, for all that, he did not stay or recall _Beale_.... * * * * *