The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

What Lethington's Credit was, we know not; but shortly after there began much to be talked of the Earle of Lenox, and of his son ⟨p. 348⟩the Lord Darley. It was said that Lethington spake to the Lady Margaret Douglas; And that Robert Melvill received a horse to the Secretaries use from the Earle of Lenox, or from his wife. Howsoever it was, Master Fouler servant to the said Earle, came with Letters to the Queen, by which, License was permitted to the Earle of Lenox to come to Scotland, to travel in his lawful business. That same day the Queens License was granted, the Secretary said, This day I have taken upon me the deadly hatred of all the Hamiltons within Scotland, and have done unto them no less displeasure, then if I had cut their throats. The Earle Bothwell, who before had broken Ward, fearing apprehension or taking, prepared to pass to France; but by storm of Weather was driven into England, where he was stayed, and was offered to have been rendered by the Queen of England: But our Queens answer was, That he was no Rebel, and therefore she requested that he should have liberty to pass whither he pleased. And thereto Lethington helped not a little, for he travelled to have friends in every faction of the Court. And so obtained the said Earle Licence to pass to France.

What Lethingtons Credit was, we know not; but shortly after there began much to be talked of the Earle of Lenox, and of his son ⟨p. 348⟩the Lord Darley. It was said that Lethington spake to the Lady Margaret Dowglas; And that Robert Melvill received a horse to the Secretaries use from the Earle of Lenox, or from his wife. Howsoever it was, Master Fouller servant to the said Earle, came with Letters to the Queene, by which, License was permitted to the Earle of Lenox to come to Scotland, to travell in his lawfull businesse. That same day the Queens License was granted, the Secretary said, This day I have taken upon me the deadly hatred of all the Hamiltons within Scotland, and have done unto them no lesse displeasure, then if I had cut their throats. The Earle Bothwell, who before had broken Ward, fearing apprehension or taking, prepared to passe to France; but by storm of Weather was driven into England, where he was stayed, and was offered to have been rendred by the Queen of England: But our Queens answer was, That he was no Rebell, and therefore she requested that he should have liberty to passe whither he pleased. And thereto Lethington helped not a little, for he travelled to have friends in every faction of the Court. And so obtained the said Earle Lincense to passe to France.