Queen. I will say nothing against your religion, nor against your convening to your sermons. But what authority have ye to convocate my subjects when ye will, without my commandment?
Knox. I have no pleasure to decline from the former purpose. And yet, Madam, to satisfy your Grace's two questions, I answer that at my will I never convened four persons in Scotland; but, upon the instructions of the brethren, I have given divers notifications, and great multitudes have assembled. If your Grace complain that this was done without your Grace's commandment, I answer—So has all that God has blessed within this realm from the beginning of this action. Therefore, Madam, I must be convicted by a just law that I have done against the duty of God's messenger in writing this letter, before either I be sorry, or yet repent for the doing of it, as my Lord Secretary would persuade me. What I have done, I have done at the commandment of the general Kirk of this realm; and, therefore, I think I have done no wrong.
Queen. Ye shall not escape so. Is it not treason, my Lords, to accuse a prince of cruelty? I think there be Acts of Parliament against such whisperers.
That was granted by many.
Knox. But wherein can I be accused?
Queen. Read this part of your own bill, which began, "These fearful summonses are directed against them, to wit the brethren foresaid, to make, no doubt, preparation upon a few, that a door may be opened to execute cruelty upon a greater multitude." Lo, what say ye to that?
Many doubted what the said John should answer.
Knox. Is it lawful for me, Madam, to answer for myself? Or shall I be condemned before I be heard?
Queen. Say what ye can, for I think ye have enough ado.
Knox. I will first, then, desire this of your Grace, Madam, and of this most honourable audience, whether your Grace knows not that the obstinate Papists are deadly enemies to all such as profess the Evangel of Jesus Christ, and that they most earnestly desire the extermination of them, and of the true doctrine that is taught within this realm?