Knox. What he has been, Madam, I neither know, nor yet will I inquire. In time of darkness, what could we do but grope and go wrong even as darkness carried us? If he fear not God now, he deceives many more than me. And yet, Madam, I am assured that God will not suffer His Church to be so far deceived as that an unworthy man shall be elected, where free election is, and the Spirit of God is earnestly called upon to decide betwixt the two.
Queen. Well, do as ye will, but that man is a dangerous man.
Therein the Queen was not deceived; for he had corrupted most part of the Gentlemen, not only to nominate him, but also to elect him. This perceived, the said John, Commissioner, delayed the election, and left Mr. Robert Pont (who was put in election with the foresaid Bishop) with the Master of Maxwell, that his doctrine and conversation might be the better tried by those that had not known him before. So the Bishop was frustrated of his purpose, for that time. Yet was he, at that time, the man that was most familiar with the said John, in his house and at table. When the Queen had talked long with John Knox, he being oft willing to take his leave, she said, "I have to open unto you one of the greatest matters that have touched me since I came to this realm, and I must have your help in it." Then she began to make a long discourse concerning her sister, the Lady Argyll, how that she was not so circumspect in all things as she wished her to be.
Queen. Yet, my Lord, her husband, whom I love, treats her not in many things so honestly and so godly, as I think ye yourself would require.
Knox. Madam, I have been troubled with that matter before, and once I put such an end to it, before your Grace's arrival, that both she and her friends seemed fully to stand content. She herself promised before her friends that she should never complain to creature until I should first understand their controversy by her own mouth or an assured messenger. I have heard nothing from her; and, therefore, I think there is nothing but concord.
Queen. Well, it is worse than ye believe. Do this much for my sake, as once again to put them at unity. If she behave not herself as she ought to do, she shall find no favours of me. But let not my Lord know in anywise what I have requested of you in this matter; for I would be very sorry to offend him in that or any other thing. And now, as touching our reasoning yesternight, I promise to do as ye required. I shall cause all offenders to be summoned, and ye shall know that I shall minister justice.
Knox. I am assured, then, that ye shall please God, and enjoy rest and tranquillity within your realm; and that is more profitable to your Majesty than all the Pope's power can be.
And thus they parted.
This conference we have inserted to let the world see how deeply Mary, Queen of Scotland, can dissemble; and how she could cause men to think that she bare no indignation for any controversy in religion, while in her heart there was nothing but venom and destruction, as did appear shortly after.
John Knox writes to the Earl of Argyll.