These things were read in public Assembly, and approved by all. Some wished that more sharpness had been used, because the time so craved. But the monsieurs of the Court, and Secretary Lethington above others, could not abide such hard speaking; "For who ever saw it written," said he, "to a prince, that God would strike the head and the tail, or that, if Papists did what they should list, men would begin where they had left off?" Above all others, it was most offensive that the Queen was accused as if she would raise up Papists and Papistry again. To put that into the people's head was no less than treason; for oaths durst be made that she never meant such a thing. It was answered that the Prophet Isaiah used such manner of speaking; and there was no doubt but that he was well acquainted in the Court, for it was supposed that he was of the King's stock. Howsoever it was, his words make manifest that he spake to the Court and courtiers, to judges, ladies, princes and priests. And yet, says he, "The Lord shall cut away the head and the tail," etc. "And so," said the first writer, "I find that such a phrase was used once before. If it offend you that we say, 'Men must begin where they left off,' in case the Papists do as they do; we would desire you to teach us, not so much how we shall speak, but rather what we shall do when our ministers are stricken, our superintendents are disobeyed, and a plain rebellion is decreed against all good order." "Complain," said Lethington. "Whom to?" said the other. "To the Queen's Majesty," said he. "How long shall we do so?" quoth the whole. "Till ye get remedy," said the Justice Clerk: "give me their names, and I shall give you letters." "If the sheep," said one, "shall complain to the wolf that the wolves and whelps have devoured their lambs, the complainer may stand in danger; but the offender, we fear, shall have liberty to hunt after his prey." "Such comparisons," said Lethington, "are very unsavoury; for I am assured that the Queen will neither erect nor yet maintain Papistry." "Let your assurance," said another, "serve yourself; it cannot assure us; for her manifest proceedings speak the contrary."