Spottiswoode Society > History of the affairs of the Church and State of Scotland from the beginning of the reformation to the year 1568 > Volume 1

388 APPENDIX. [book I.
secretly into the Castle, whither he came the day before we
departed, and was there when we went away. One Black-
adder, your neighbour, is thought to have wrought much
mischief in this cause, and betrayed Ormiston. True it is
that he hath been the Dowager's friend, and persuaded the
Lord Erskine against the Lords of the Congregation. Some
there be that suspect the Lord Ruthven, who is one of this
Congregation and Council, a great friend to the Earls of
Huntly and Morton. The Lords of the Congregation have
remained here at Stirling two days consulting of their affairs,
having determined rather to die than thus to leave their
enterprize ; but only for a time to retire themselves, and in
the mean season to annoy the Dowager or her friends as they
may. The greatest thing that grieveth them, as they say,
is the fear that they have that the Queen's Majesty will
have an ill opinion of their doings ; but they trust her Ma-
jesty will favourably weigh their case, and accept such offers
of service as shortly shall be presented unto her by the Laird
of Liddington, who hath received his dispatch ; and I trust
we shall be with you within eight days at the furthest, not
very certain yet what way we shall take, being not very sure
neither by sea nor land. I see not how again I can write
unto your Honours before my departure, having at this time
where I am much ado to find a convenient messenger. I
received on Monday last, within one hour, both your letters
and instructions. I made as many partakers of them as I
thought might stand with your pleasures, and the matter
did chiefly concern. They have promised hereafter greater
silence, and more circumspection in their doings, trusting
not to lack of your good advices, as hitherto they have had.
What they shall determine here yet I know not thoroughly,
but intend to bring certain knowledge thereof at my coming.
To write at large, your Honours know it is not possible in
this kind of writing ; I had not also at all times, as I would,
convenient means to send, which had been very necessary
in this time ; notwithstanding, I trust it shall appear that
neither have I been idle, nor omitted any occasion where I
might do any service. Upon Tlnusday last, the Earl of
Arran received a cartel of defiance from the Earl of Both-
well, requiring of him the combat, the copy whereof, and
answer to the same. I will bring with me. The same day the