before six o'clock, my soul shall sup with my Saviour, for whom I suffer this." Then Master George prayed for them that accused him, saying, "I beseech Thee, Father of Heaven, to forgive them that have of any ignorance, or else of any evil mind, forged lies upon me; I forgive them with all mine heart: I beseech Christ to forgive them that have condemned me to death this day, ignorantly." And last of all, he said to the people on this manner, "I beseech you, brethren and sisters, to exhort your prelates to the learning of the Word of God, that they at least may be ashamed to do evil and learn to do good; and if they will not convert themselves from their wicked error, there shall hastily come upon them the wrath of God, and that they shall not eschew." Many faithful words said he in the meantime, taking no heed or care of the cruel torments which were then prepared for him. Then, last of all, the hangman that was his tormentor, sat down upon his knees, and said, "Sir, I pray you, forgive me, for I am not guilty of your death." To whom he answered, "Come hither to me." When he was come to him, he kissed his cheek, and said, "Lo! here is a token that I forgive thee. My heart, do thine office." And then by and by he was put upon the gibbet, and hanged, and there burned to powder. When the people beheld the great tormenting of that innocent, they could not refrain from piteous mourning and complaining of the innocent lamb's slaughter. [Sidenote: Vengeance on the Cardinal is vowed.] After the death of this blessed martyr of God, the people began, in plain speaking, to damn and detest the cruelty that was used. Yea, men of great birth, estimation, and honour, avowed at open tables that the blood of the said Master George should be revenged, or else it should cost life for life. Amongst these John Leslie, brother to the Earl of Rothes, was the chief; for he spared not to say in all companies, "This same whinger," drawing his dagger, "and this same hand, shall be priests to the Cardinal." These bruits came to the Cardinal's ears; but he thought himself stout enough for all Scotland; for in Babylon, that is, in his new block-house, he was secure, as he thought; and upon the field he was able to match all his enemies. To write the truth, the most part of the nobility of Scotland had either given unto him their bonds of manrent, or else were in confederacy, and promised amity with him....