The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

The 29 of May entered the Queen, the Duke, Monsieur d'Osell, and the French-men,¹ who in discharging their Volley of Hacquebutes, did well mark the house of Patrick Murray, a man fervent in Religion, and that boldly had sustained all danger in that trouble; against whose stair they directed six or seven Shot even against the faces of those that were there lying; all men escaped, except the son of the foresaid Patrick, a boy of ten or twelve years of age; who being slain, was had to the Queens presence: but she understanding whose son he was, said in mockage, It is pity it chanced on the son, and not on the father; but seeing that so it is chanced, we cannot be against fortune. ²This was her happy entry in Saint Johnston, and the great zeal she beareth to Justice. The swarm of Papists that entered with her, began straight to make provision for their Mass; and because the Altars were not so easy to be repaired again, they provided Tables, whereof some before used to serve for Drunkards, Dicers, and Carders, but they were holy enough for the Priest and his Pageant. The Queen began to rage against all godly and honest men, their houses were oppressed by the French, the lawful Magistrates, as well Provest as Bailies, were unjustly, and without all order, deposed from their Authority: a wicked man, void of Gods fear, and destitute of all virtue, the Laird of Kilfans, was entrusted by her, Provest of the Town: Whereat all honest men offended, left their own houses, and with their wives and children sought amongst their brethren some resting place for a time.³ She took order that four Colours of the Soldiers should abide in the Town to maintain Idolatry, and to resist the Congregation. Honest and indifferent men asked why she did so manifestly violate her promise? She answered, That she was bound to keep no promise to heretics: And moreover, That she promised only to leave the Town free of French Soldiers; which (said she) she did,⁴ because that these that therein were left were Scotishmen. But when it was reasoned in her contrary, That all those that took wages of France were counted French Soldiers, she answered, Princes must not be straitly bounden to keep their promises: ⁵