Series 3 > Letters of James the Fourth, 1505-1513

LETTERS OF JAMES IV
323
1513]
peace, he thought it would be dishonourable to Henry if
he made any further request, and asked the Secretary to
give him the letters, such as they were, that James meant
to write to Henry, so that he could take his leave. The
Secretary promised to do what he could.
On Saturday (April 9) he went to the Court and waited
for the King in the Chapel. He came in about noon, and
at once called West to him. West asked him to put his
answer in writing ; he refused for two reasons that he had
already given—because he would lose the French King if
he wrote so plainly, and because Henry had said that his
words and his deeds did not agree. West replied that he
was too much afraid of losing the favour of the French
King, and that he should rather fear the loss of Henry’s
favour; even if Louis helped him with all his power,
he would still be unable to perform ‘ his greate voyage ’
unless Henry stood his good brother. This he admitted,
but said that all the world knew in what cause he went,
and therefore Henry would be dishonoured if he did any¬
thing against him. West replied that all the world knew
that Henry went in the cause of the Church, and therefore
it would be dishonourable of James to do anything against
him. He answered that though he did not flatter Henry
with words, yet Henry should find good deeds, for while
others that spoke him fair might deceive him, he would
rather ‘ dee ’ with Henry than see him take any dishonour.
At this the Bishop of Galloway informed the King that it
was past noon, whereupon he took West by the arm and
went into a room. West said that as James had nothing to
add to his previous answer and he had no further instructions
he would ask permission to depart, which the King granted
with good will. James advised him to see the Prince and the
Queen at Linlithgow, as she had tokens for Henry and his
Queen.
On Sunday (April 10) afternoon he rode to Linlithgow,
arriving at four o’clock. The Queen asked him at once
what answer he had got, and when he answered the same
as before, and that the King would not put it in writing,
she said he was afraid it would be shown in France. West