The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

While the French Ambassador was thus labouring for Accommodation, Bothwell came out of the Camp (which was in the Trench that the Englishmen had left at their last being in these places, as was we have said in the former Books) well mounted, with a defy to any that would fight with him. James Murray, brother to the Laird of Tullibardin, who before had accepted of Bothwell's challenge, when he made the Rodomontade at Edinburgh, immediately after the Kings death; but then James Murray did not make known his name. Bothwell refused to fight with James Murray, alleging he was not his equal. Upon this the Elder Brother William Murray, Laird of Tullibardin, answered, That he would fight with him, as being his Better in Estate, and in Antiquity of House many degrees above him; yet Bothwell refused him, saying, That he was not a Peer of the Kingdom, as he was; then sundry Lords would have gone to fight with Bothwell; but the Lord Lindsey namely, who said to the rest of the Lords and Gentlemen, That he would take it as a singular favour of them, and as a recompense of his service done to the State, if they would suffer him to fight with the Braggadocio. Bothwell seeing that there was no more subterfuge nor excuse, under-hand made the Queen to forbid him. After this challenge and answers, Bothwell's Complices and Followers were very earnest to fight, but others that had come only for the Queens sake, became little cold, saying, That Bothwell would do well to fight himself, and spare the blood of divers Gentlemen that were there. Some counselled to delay the Battle till the Hamiltons came, whom they did expect. All this the Queen heard with anger; and riding up and down, burst out in tears, and said, They were all cowards and traitors that would not fight. Immediately after, thus vapouring, the Queen perceiving sundry to leave her, she advised Bothwell to look unto himself, for she said to him, She would render her self unto the Noble-men. Upon this she sent for James Kirkcaldy of Grange, ¹with whom she kept discourse for a while, till that she was assured that Bothwell was out of danger. Then she went to the Lords, whom she did entertain with many fair words, telling them, That it was neither fear, nor want of hope of victory, that made her come unto them, but a mere desire to spare shedding of innocent blood:

While the French Ambassadour was thus labouring for Accommodation, Bothwell came out of the Camp (which was in the Trench that the Englishmen had left at their last being in these places, as was we have said in the former Books) well mounted, with a defie to any that would fight with him. Iames Murray, brother to the Laird of Tullibardin, who before had accepted of Bothwells challenge, when he made the Rodomontade at Edinburgh, immediately after the Kings death; but then Iames Murray did not make knowne his name. Bothwell refused to fight with Iames Murray, alleadging he was not his equall. Upon this the Elder Brother William Murrey, Laird of Tullibardin, answered, That he would fight with him, as being his Better in Estate, and in Antiquitie of House many degrees above him; yet Bothwell refused him, saying, That he was not a Peer of the Kingdome, as he was; then sundry Lords would have gone to fight with Bothwell; but the Lord Lindsey namely, who said to the rest of the Lords and Gentlemen, That he would take it as a singular favour of them, and as a recompence of his service done to the State, if they would suffer him to fight with the Braggadocio. Bothwell seeing that there was no more subterfuge nor excuse, under-hand made the Queen to forbid him. After this challenge and answers, Bothwells Complices and Followers were very earnest to fight, but others that had come only for the Queens sake, became little cold, saying, That Bothwell would do well to fight himself, and spare the blood of divers Gentlemen that were there. Some counselled to delay the Battell till the Hamiltons came, whom they did expect. All this the Queen heard with anger; and riding up and down, burst out in tears, and said, They were all cowards and traytors that would not fight. Immediately after, thus vapouring, the Queen pereceiving sundry to leave her, she advised Bothwell to look unto himself, for she said to him, She would render her self unto the Noble-men. Upon this she sent for Iames Kirkaldie of Grange,