The Last Days of Mary Stuart, and the journal of Bourgoyne her physicianCowan, Samuel
History
The Last Days of Mary Stuart, and the journal of Bourgoyne her physician
Cowan, Samuel
Mary, Queen of Scots, 1542-1587 -- Death and burial
can fortify himself within the house, or carry me out of the same. It
were necessary to despatch two or three of the said advertisers by
divers ways, to the end if one be stayed the other may come through;
at the same instant were needful to try to cut off the posts ordinary
ways_.
“This is the plot that I consider best for this enterprise, and the
order whereby we shall conduct the same for our common security; for
stirring on this side before you be sure of sufficient foreign forces,
that were for nothing but to put ourselves in danger of following the
miserable fortune of such as have heretofore laboured in the like
actions; and if you take me out of this place, be well assured to set
me in the midst of a good army, or some very good strength, where I
may safely stay till the assembly of your forces and arrival of the
said foreign succours. IT WERE SUFFICIENT CAUSE GIVEN TO THE QUEEN,
IN CATCHING ME AGAIN, TO ENCLOSE ME IN SOME HOLD, OUT OF THE WHICH I
SHOULD NEVER ESCAPE, if she did use me no worse, and to pursue with
all extremity those who assisted me, which would grieve me more than
all the unhappiness that would fall upon myself. Earnestly as you can,
look and take heed most carefully and vigilantly, to compass and assure
all so well that shall be necessary for the effecting of the said
enterprise, as with the grace of God you may bring the same to a happy
end, remitting to the judgment of your principal friends on this side
with whom you have to deal, therein to ordain and conclude upon these
points, which may serve you for an overture of such propositions as you
shall amongst you find best; and to yourself in particular I refer the
gentlemen aforenamed, to be assured of all that should be requisite for
the entire execution of their plans. I have their common resolution
to advise: in case the design do not take hold, as may happen whether
they will or no, do not pursue my transport, and the execution of the
rest of the enterprise. But if the mishap should fall out that you
might not come by me, being set in the Tower of London, or in any other
strength with strong guard, yet, notwithstanding, delay not, for God's
sake, to proceed with the enterprise; for I shall at any time die
most contentedly, understanding of your delivery out of the servitude
wherein you are holden as slaves. I shall endeavour, at the same time
that the work shall be in hand, to make the Catholics of Scotland
rise and put my son in their hands, to the effect that from thence
our enemies may not prevail by any aid from others. I would also that
some stirring were in Ireland, and that it were begun some time before
anything be done here, and then that the alarm might arise thereby on
the direct contrary side. That the blow may come from your designs is
very pertinent; and therefore were it good to send privately to the
Earl of Arundel or some of his brethren, and likewise to seek the young
Earl of Northumberland, if he be at liberty from over the sea; the Earl
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