The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Then (said he) in my judgement his words,¹ although they were spoken, can never be Treason to you; for the performance of the Fact depends upon your will, whereunto ye say ye have disassented; and so shall that purpose vanish and die of it self, unless that you waken it; For it is not to be supposed, That he will accuse you of that, which he himself hath devised, and whereunto you would not consent. Oh (said he) you understand not what craft is used against me: It is Treason to conceal Treason. My Lord (said he) Treason must import consent and determination, which I hear on neither of your parts: And therefore (my Lord) in my judgement, it will be more sure, and more Honourable unto you, to depend upon your your Innocency, and to abide the unjust accusation of any other (if any follow thereof) as I think there shall not) then to accuse, especially after so late reconciliation. I know (said he) That he will offer the Combat unto me, but that would not be suffered in France: But I will do that which I have purposed. And so he departed, and took with him to his Lodging the said Master Alexander Guthrie, and Master Richard Strange, from whence was written and indited a Letter to the Queens Majesty, according to the former purpose: which Letter was directed with all diligence unto her Majesty, who then was in Falkland. The Earle himself rode after to Kinneill to his Father the Duke; but how he was used, we have but the common brute. But from thence he wrote a Letter with his own hand in ⟨p. 333⟩Cyphers to the Earle of Murray, complaining of his rigorous handling and entertainment by his own father and friends. And assured further, That he feared his life, in case he got not sudden rescue. But thereupon he remained not, but broke the Chamber wherein he was put, and with great pain passed to Sterling, and from thence was conveyed to the Holy-yards, where he was kept till that the Earle of Murray came unto him, and conveyed him to the Queen, then being in Falkland, who then was sufficiently instructed in the whole matter; and upon suspicion conceived, had caused to apprehend Master Gawan Hamilton and the Earle Bothwell aforesaid, who knowing nothing of the former advertisements, came to Falkland, which augmented the former suspicion.

Then (said he) in my judgement his words,¹