The conclusion of that first reasoning was that the question should be put in form, and letters directed to Geneva for the resolution of that Church. Therein John Knox offered his labours; but Secretary Lethington, alleging that much depended on the information, said that he should write. But that was only to drive time, as the truth declared itself. The Queen's party urged that the Queen should have her religion free in her own chapel, that she and her household might do what they should list. The ministers both affirmed and voted to the contrary, adding that her liberty should be their thraldom before long. But neither could reason nor threatening move the affections of such as were creeping into credit, and the votes of the Lords prevailed against those of the ministers.
Lord James Stewart is sent to the Borders.
For the punishment of theft and of reif,[185] which had increased upon the Borders and in the south, since the Queen's arrival, the Lord James was made Lieutenant. Some suspected that such honour and charge proceeded from the same heart and counsel as that by which Saul made David captain against the Philistines. But God assisted him, and bowed the hearts of men to fear and obey him. Yea, the Lord Bothwell himself at that time assisted him. Sharp execution was made in Jedburgh, for twenty-eight of one clan and others were hanged at that Justice Court. Bribes, buds, nor solicitation saved the guilty, if he could be apprehended; and God prospered the Lord James in his integrity. He also spake with the Lord Grey from England at Kelso, that good rule might be kept upon both the Borders, and they agreed in all things.
The Behaviour of the Queen.
Before the return of the Lord James, the Queen one night took a fray[186] in her bed, as if horsemen had been in the close, and the Palace had been enclosed about. Whether this proceeded of her own womanly fantasy, or men had put her in fear, for displeasure of the Earl of Arran, and for other purposes, as for the strengthening of the guard, we know not. But the fear was so great that the town was called to the watch. Lords Robert of Holyroodhouse and John of Coldingham kept the watch by turns. Scouts were sent forth, and sentinels were commanded, under pain of death, to keep their stations. Yet they feared, where there was no cause for fear: nor could ever any appearance or suspicion of such things be discovered.
Shortly after the return of the Lord James, Sir Peter Mewtas came from the Queen of England, with commission to require the ratification of the Peace made at Leith. His answer was even such as we have heard before—that she behoved to advise, and then should send answer.
In presence of her Council, the Queen kept herself very grave, for, under the dule weed,[187] she could play the hypocrite in full perfection; but as soon as ever her French fillocks,[188] fiddlers, and others of that band, got the house alone, there might have been seen skipping not very comely for honest women. Her common talk was in secret; she saw nothing in Scotland but gravity, which repugned altogether to her nature, for she was brought up in joyousness, as she termed her dancing, and other things thereto belonging.
The Influence of the Court is felt in the Kirk.
The General Assembly of the Church was held in the December after the Queen's arrival. There the rulers of the Court began to draw themselves apart from the society of their brethren, and to sturr[189] and grudge that anything should be consulted upon without their advices. Master John Wood, who had formerly shown himself very fervent in the cause of God, and forward in giving his counsel in all doubtful matters, plainly refused ever to assist the Assembly again. At this many did wonder. The courtiers drew to them some of the Lords, and would not convene with their brethren, as had been their former custom, remaining at the Abbey instead. The principal commissioners of the churches, the superintendents, and some ministers went to see them at the Abbot's lodging within Holyroodhouse. Both the parties began to open their grief.
The Ministers reproach the defaulting Lords.