But before sunrise, upon the morrow, two messengers were directed to him, commanding him not to depart until he spake with the Queen's Majesty. This he did, meeting her at the hawking be-west Kinross. Whether it was the night's sleep or a deep dissimulation locked in her breast that made her forget her former anger, wise men may doubt; but concerning that she never moved word, and began divers other purposes, such as the offering of a ring to her by the Lord Ruthven.
Queen. I cannot love Lord Ruthven, for I know him to use enchantment, and yet is he one of my Privy Council.
Knox. Whom blames your Grace for that?
Queen. Lethington was the whole cause.
Knox. That man is absent for the present, Madam; and, therefore, I will say nothing on that subject.
Queen. I understand that ye are appointed to go to Dumfries, for the election of a Superintendent to be established in these countries.
Knox. Yes, those quarters have great need, and some of the Gentlemen so require.
Queen. But I hear that the Bishop of Athens would be Superintendent.
Knox. He is one, Madam, that is put in election.
Queen. If ye knew him as well as I do, ye would never promote him to that office, nor yet to any other within your Kirk.