Series 1 > Miscellany of the Scottish History Society (First volume)

SUMMARY OF MEMORIALS, 1596
37
Scotland, as is plain from the fact that he asks the King of Spain in the
name of his King that they should not be heard ; moreover, he has no
good word for the labours of the Scottish fathers of the Society of Jesus,
who have much profited the Catholic Church in that Kingdom. And still
less does he stand well towards the affairs of Cardinal Allen (may he
be in glory) and of father Parsons and father Holt, with others who
follow the same way for the true restoration of England. From this it
may be gathered that this negotiation of John Ogilvy hath not much
foundation except to pass the time, and to stir up the humours of the
world.
Difficulties on the part of the King of Scotland.1
Neither does it appear that on the side of the King of Scotland for his
own proper part is there any settled disposition for this treaty with his
Holiness and his Catholic Majesty.
1. In the first place, during the whole life of the King, since he came
to years of discretion (which was about twelve years ago), he has never
shown any sign of wishing to become a Catholic, notwithstanding the
diligence with which the fathers of the Society, both of the English and
of the Scottish nation (and they are many) have laboured, as well as other
persons, prelates, and princes, who have desired and sought the welfare
of the said King by letters, messengers, presents, and other means, but
always without any result.
2. He hath with his own hand written hooks against the Catholic
Religion. He hath made and published edicts. He hath banished
many persons. He hath killed some. He hath conspired with the Queen
of England, and hath followed her lead in everything. He hath put
himself into the power of his ministers and preachers. He hath married
a Lutheran queen. He hath hardly seen or read a Catholic book in his
life. He will not confer with or listen to any Catholic person on our
side. All his relations, friends, and familiars are heretics. How then
is it possible that this man should become a Catholic all of a sudden ?
3. And conformably with this, among all the motives and reasons put
forward by this person, on behalf of the king, for seeking alliance and
amity with the King of Spain, and union with the Apostolic See, there
will not be found any proceeding from Catholic Religion. All of them
have reference only to injuries received, which considerations, however,
have little weight with the King, as may be seen from the experience
of the many years that have passed since the death of his mother, and
the various other grievances he has suffered,—grievances which, one
thinks, may very well be taken into account as indicating what are the
feelings of a King;2 but they leave no impression on the heart of the
1 The French has ‘ Espagne.’
2 This seems to be the general meaning of the passage, but the text is some¬
what obscure.