The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

And therefore yet again we say, That such as in that sudden dejection beholds not the hand of God fighting against pride, for freedom of his own little Flock injustly persecuted, doth willingly and maliciously obscure the glory of God; but the end thereof is yet more notable. The certain knowledge of the discomfiture coming to the Kings ears (who waited upon news at Lochmaban) he was stricken with a sudden fear and astonishment,¹ so that scarcely could he speak, or had purpose with any man: The night constrained him to remain where he was; and so went to bed, but rose without rest, or quiet sleep: His continual complaint was, O fled Oliver, is Oliver taken? O fled Oliver: And these words in his melancholy, and as it were carried in a Trance, repeated he from time to time to the very hour of death. Upon the morn, which was Saint Katherines day, returned he to Edinburgh, and so did the Cardinal from Hadington. But the one being ashamed of the other, the brute of their communication came not to public audience. The King made Inventory of his Treasure, of all his Jewels, and other substance. And thereafter ashamed to look any man in the face, secretly departed to Fife, and coming to Hallzairdes, was humanely received of the Lady of Grange, an ancient and godly Matron (the Laird at his coming was absent.) In his company was only with him William Kirk•ldy, now Laird of Grange, and some other that waited upon his Chamber. The Lady at Supper, perceiving him pensive, began to comfort him, and willeth him to take the Work of GOD in good ⟨p. 34⟩part: My portion, said he, of this world is short, for I will not be with you fifteen days. His servants repairing unto him, asked where he would have provision made for Christmas,² which then approached: he answered with a disdainful countenance, I cannot tell, choose you the place; but this I can tell you, Or Christmas day you will be masterless, and the Realm without a King. Because of his displeasure, no man durst make contradiction unto him. So after that he had visited the Castle of Carny, pertaining to the Earle of Crawford, where the said Earls daughter, one of his Mistresses was, he returned to Falkland, and took bed. And albeit there appeared unto him no signs of death, yet he constantly affirmed, Before such a day, I shall be dead.