The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Few days before our first departure,¹ which was upon All Hallow Even, William Maitland of Lethington younger, Secretary to the Queen, perceiving himself not only to be suspected as one that favoured our part, but also to stand in danger of his life, if he should remain amongst so ungodly a company; for whensoever matters came in question, he spared not to speak his conscience: which liberty of tongue, and gravity of judgement, the French did highly disdain. Which perceived by him, he conveyed himself away in the morning, and tendered himself to M. Kirkcaldy Laird of Grange; who coming to us, did exhort us to constancy, assuring us, That in the Queen there was nothing but craft and deceit. He travelled exceedingly to have retained the Lords together, and most prudently laid before their eyes the dangers that might ensue their departing from the Town: but fear and dolour had so seized the hearts of all, that they could admit no consolation. The Earle of Arran, and the Lord James offered to abide, if any reasonable company would abide with them; but men did so steal away, that the wit of man could not stay them: yea, some of the greatest determined plainly, That they would not abide. The Captain of the Castle,² then Lord Erskine, would promise unto us no favour, but said, He must needs declare himself friend to those that were able to support and defend him. Which answer given to the Lord James, discouraged those that before determined to have abidden the uttermost, rather then to have abandoned the Town, so that the Castle would have stood their friend: but the contrary declared, every man took purpose for himself. The complaints of the brethren within the Town of Edinburgh was lamentable and sore: the wicked then began to spue forth the venom which then lurked in their cankered hearts: The godly, as well those that were departed, as the inhabitants of the Town, were so troubled, that some of them would have preferred death to life at Gods pleasure. For avoiding of danger, it was concluded, That they should depart at midnight. The Duke made provision for his Ordnance, and caused it to be sent before, but the rest was left to the care of the Captain of the Castle, who received it, as well that which appertained to the Lord James, as that of Dundee. The despiteful tongues of the wicked railed upon us, calling us Traitors and Heretics;

Few dayes before our first departure,