The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Let him acknowledge (said she) his own hand-writing, and then shall we judge of the Contents of the Letter; and so was the Letter sent from hand to hand to John Knox, who taking inspection of it, said, I acknowledge this to be my hand-writing; and also I remember, that I indited a Letter in the month of October, giving signification to the Brethren in divers Quarters, of such things as displeased me; and so good opinion have I of the fidelity of the Scribes, that willingly they would not adulterate my original; albeit that I left divers blanks subscribed with them. And so I acknowledge both the Hand-writing, and the Dictatement.

Let him acknowledge (said she) his owne hand-writing, and then shall we judge of the Contents of the Letter; and so was the Lettet sent from hand to hand to Iohn Knox, who taking inspection of it, said, I acknowledge this to be my hand-writing; and also I remember, that I indited a Letter in the month of October, giving signification to the Brethren in divers Quarters, of such things as displeased me; and so good opinion have I of the fidelity of the Scribes, that willingly they would not adulterate my originall; albeit that I left divers blanks subscribed with them. And so I acknowledge both the Hand-writing, and the Dictatement.

You have done more (said Lethington) then I would have done. Charity (said the other) is not suspicious. Well, well, (said the Queen) read your own Letter, and then answer to such things as shall be demanded of you. I shall do the best I can (said the other) and so with a loud voice he began to read, as before is expressed. After that the Letter was read, it was presented again to M. John Spence her Advocate; for the Queen commanded him to accuse, as he did, but very gently. After (we say) that the Letter was read, the Queen beholding the whole Table, said, Heard you ever (my Lords) a more despiteful and Treasonable Letter? While that no man gave answer, Lethington addressed himself to John Knox, and said, M. Knox, are you not sorry from your heart, and do you not repent that such a Letter hath passed your Pen, and from you hath come to the knowledge of others? I. Knox answered, My Lord Secretary, before I repent I must be taught of my offence. Offence, (said Lethington) if there were no