Knox. I gladly acknowledge this to be my handwriting; and also I remember that I indited a letter to the brethren in sundry quarters, in the month of October, giving signification of such things as displeased me. So good opinion have I of the fidelity of the scribes that they would not willingly adulterate my original, albeit I left divers subscribed blanks with them, I acknowledge both handwriting and ditement.[221]
Lethington. Ye have done more than I would have done.
Knox. Charity is not suspicious.
Queen. Well, well, read your own letter, and then answer to such things as shall be demanded of you.
Knox. I shall do the best I can.
With loud voice he began to read the letter already quoted. After it was read to the end, it was presented again to Mr. John Spens; for the Queen commanded him to accuse, as he afterwards did, but very gently.
Queen. Heard ye ever, my Lords, a more despiteful and treasonable letter?
No man gave answer, and Lethington addressed himself to John Knox.
Lethington. Master Knox, are ye not sorry from your heart, and do you not repent that such a letter has passed your pen, and from you is come to the knowledge of others.