To cause to be paid to me all that is due to me, of my pensions, as also of money advanced by the late Queen, my mother, in Scotland, for the service of the King, my father-in-law, in those parts, that at least an annual obit may be founded for my soul, and that the alms and little endowments promised by me may be carried into effect. Further, that he may be pleased to grant me the benefit of my dowry for one year after my death to recompense my servants. Further, that he may be pleased to allow them their wages and pensions during their lives as was done to the officers of Queen Aliener (of Austria, sister of Charles V.). Further, I entreat him to take my physician into his service, according to his promise to consider him as recommended. Further, that my almoner Prean may be replaced in his profession, and for my sake have some trifling benefice conferred upon him so that he may pray to God for my soul during the rest of his life. Further, that Didier, an old officer of my household, whom I have recompensed with a registership, may be permitted to enjoy it for his life, being already far advanced in years.
Written on the morning of my death this 8th February 1587.
Marie (Queen).
Letter of Pope Pius V. to Mary Queen of Scots
The custodier of the following important letter has authorised its inclusion in this volume:—
“Most dear Daughter in Christ,—Health and Apostolic Blessing.
“Having read your Majesty's letter of October 15th wherein you have fully acquainted Us of your state and calamity, and being moved thereat in spirit not otherwise than We ought, We have grieved bitterly over your misfortunes and woes; but having learnt that your Majesty has fallen into these mishaps in the defence of Catholic Faith, this comfort has somewhat eased our sorrow, so that We can neither call nor deem you unhappy whom our Saviour calls 'blessed.' For how can you be unhappy, having borne so many persecutions for justice sake? You, who for the maintaining of Almighty God's true worship, have not hesitated to undergo such toils, and to encounter so many dangers: you, in fine, who out of your rare zeal for the Catholic Faith, have feared neither bands nor prisons, a fugitive from your own kingdom: all of which things, although to our human spirit seemingly hard and painful and grievous to be endured, can nevertheless be sweetened by the love of the divine goodness that is sweeter than all things.
“Dearest Daughter, although grief for all that you have lost, and care for your kingdom, may vex your Majesty, still, as neither honour, nor kingdoms, nor fleeting riches are to be sought after since we must leave them behind us: if we seek after good things, let us covet such as we may possess everlastingly: while if we fear evil things, let us rather dread those evils which are borne by the reprobate without end of their woes. Therefore we ought neither to be wearied out with evil, nor despair of what is good, for God Who rescued David from out the hand of Saul, and Who brought the Apostle Paul from out the lion's mouth, can likewise free you from many mishaps, and restore you to your own kingdom.