The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland: With Which Are Included Knox's Confession and The Book of DisciplineKnox, John
History
The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland: With Which Are Included Knox's Confession and The Book of Discipline
Knox, John
Reformation -- Scotland; Scotland -- Church history
For the punishment of theft and of reif,[185] which had increased
upon the Borders and in the south, since the Queen's arrival, the
Lord James was made Lieutenant. Some suspected that such honour and
charge proceeded from the same heart and counsel as that by which
Saul made David captain against the Philistines. But God assisted
him, and bowed the hearts of men to fear and obey him. Yea, the Lord
Bothwell himself at that time assisted him. Sharp execution was made
in Jedburgh, for twenty-eight of one clan and others were hanged at
that Justice Court. Bribes, buds, nor solicitation saved the guilty,
if he could be apprehended; and God prospered the Lord James in his
integrity. He also spake with the Lord Grey from England at Kelso,
that good rule might be kept upon both the Borders, and they agreed
in all things.
[185] Robbery.
[Sidenote: The Behaviour of the Queen.]
Before the return of the Lord James, the Queen one night took a
fray[186] in her bed, as if horsemen had been in the close, and the
Palace had been enclosed about. Whether this proceeded of her own
womanly fantasy, or men had put her in fear, for displeasure of the
Earl of Arran, and for other purposes, as for the strengthening
of the guard, we know not. But the fear was so great that the town
was called to the watch. Lords Robert of Holyroodhouse and John
of Coldingham kept the watch by turns. Scouts were sent forth,
and sentinels were commanded, under pain of death, to keep their
stations. Yet they feared, where there was no cause for fear: nor
could ever any appearance or suspicion of such things be discovered.
[186] Fright.
Shortly after the return of the Lord James, Sir Peter Mewtas
came from the Queen of England, with commission to require the
ratification of the Peace made at Leith. His answer was even such as
we have heard before--that she behoved to advise, and then should
send answer.
In presence of her Council, the Queen kept herself very grave, for,
under the dule weed,[187] she could play the hypocrite in full
perfection; but as soon as ever her French fillocks,[188] fiddlers,
and others of that band, got the house alone, there might have been
seen skipping not very comely for honest women. Her common talk was
in secret; she saw nothing in Scotland but gravity, which repugned
altogether to her nature, for she was brought up in joyousness, as
she termed her dancing, and other things thereto belonging.
[187] Apparel of mourning.
[188] Giddy young women.
[Sidenote: The Influence of the Court is felt in the Kirk.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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