Elizabeth: March 1585

558. Marmaduke Darell and Brian Cave to Burghley. [March 1.] C.P., vol. XV.

Not long since there was sent to your lordship from hence a demand for a proportion of victuals and other allowances for the diet of the Scottish Queen and her family, somewhat larger than heretofore has been served. And for that by the book of diet lately brought hither by Mr. Marmaduke Darell it appears your honours have not determined upon any increase of her former allowance, we perceive some mistake is conceived thereof. And for their better satisfying, upon the return of the demand, it has been answered to her officers, that because their note, sent to your honours, was imperfect and not to be well conceived, the establishment of it is forborne.

Mr. Somer and we have had conference with her officers, and all points being explained, a book of diet is set down and sent to your honours herewith, without which, it seems, she cannot be satisfied, misliking, they say, that such small things should be denied, being no more than needful; and the rather for that her secretary, Nau, has assured from her majesty that she should be better used than in former times.

Your lordship shall perceive by their book that their demands are not much more than the present allowance, the granting whereof will very well content them, as the denial greatly discontent them and give them cause to exclaim, whereto they are very apt. Tutbury. Signed: Marmaduke Darell. B. Cave.

1 p. In Darell's hand. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosure with the same.

[Queen of Scots' diet.]

"A demaunde of diet to be increased for the Quene of Scottes and her famelie, at Tutbury Castell."

"A proportion of diet for the Skottish Quene and her famelie by the daie now demawndede to be establishede, and a declaration what increase of chardge will growe therbie."

Bere—xx gallons—iijs. iiijd.; ale—j gallon and a half—xd. ob.; wine for the table—v gallons—vjs. viijd.; wine for y^e kichen—half a gallon—viijd.; ale for the kichen—3 quartes—iijd.

The flesh day. Beef—vj stone—xijs.; veale—half—iijs. iiijd.; multon—j—vjs. viijd.; pigge—j—xijd.; capons, fatt—ij—ijs. viijd.; capons, goode—iiij—iiijs.; conyes—iiij—xvjd.; lambe or kide—half— xxd.; foule of sowndrie sorte accordinge to the season rated at xd. a dishe one with an other—vj dishes—vs.

Larde—iijlb.—ijs. viijd.; sewet—ijlb.—iiijd.; butter—vijlb.— xxjd.; egges—xl—vijd.; vergis—j quarte—ijd.; veniger—j quarte —iijd.

The charges of the diet for the flesh daie according to the demawnde —lviijs. vijd.: as it is now servid—xlviijs. vjd.: thincrease—xs. vd. per diem.

The fishe daie. Bred, bere, ale and wine—xvs. vjd.

Linge—j—ijs.; codde—j—xvjd.

To make up xxiiij dishes at euerie meale at the discreacion of ther cookes: yf thone kinde will not serve—as not to be had—to be supplied with the other. Sea fishe of severall kindes accordinge to the season—5 sortes; oysters—cc; fresh water fishe of severall kindes—vj sortes: reckoned at xijd. the dishe with all chardgies— xxiiijs.

Butter—xiij lb.—ijs. vjd.; egges—iiijxx. xij—xxd.; milke—ij quartes—ijd; creme—ij quartes—vjd.

The chardgies of a fishe daies diet accordinge to the demawnde— xlviijs. vd.: as it is nowe servid—xls. iiijd.: thincrease—viijs. ijd.

Md. pease, barlie, onyons, herbes, ntemell, and suche like thinges for pottagies, as nede shall requier.

Salte salmon—half; salte hearinge—lx; red hearinge xx; stockfishe: to served in the time of Lent and to be deducted out of the former proportion.

The proportion of woode, cole, and lighte to be allowed, accordinge to ther late demawnde because yt doeth appere lesse will not serve

Required also by the weeke: beof townges—ij; calves mugget. hed, and feet—ij; shepes feete—xl; tripes of beof twise in the weeke.

Spicies demaund for a monthe: peper—iij lb.—viijs. vjd., thincrease—half a pound—xvijd.; suger—xxj lb.—xxxs. vijd.; ginger —j lb.—xxd. thincrease—iiij oz.—vd.; maces—vj oz—iijs. ixd. nutmegges—vi oz.—iiijs. vjd.; saffrone—j oz.—xvjd,; rice—ij lb.— vjd.; cloves—ij oz.—ixd,; thincrease—j oz.—iiijd. ob.; almondes —ij lb.—iiijs; reason corners—vj lb.—ijs.; great reasons—ij lb.—vjd.; prunes—viij Ib.—ijs.; dates—j lb.—xviijd.; sallet oyle—half a gallon —ijs. viijd.; capers—ij quartes—xxd.; olyves—ij quartes—xxd.; streyners, fine,—j yarde—viijd. Swm lxvijs, iijd.—thincrease ijs. xjd. ob.

Memorandum that besides the said monethly proportion of suger ther is xij lb. required onely for the Quene to be spent in her chamber for pussettes and cawdells for to serve a monethe. Required more for Lent by the weeke; reasons, great,—vj lb.; almonds—vj lb.; figges—vj lb.; prunes—vj lb.; rice—iiij lb,; sallet oile—ij quartes; to be deducted for that time out of the former monethes proportion. Tutbury.

3½ pp. Copy. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

559. Mary to Burghley. [March 2.] Cott. Calig. C. VIII., fol. 243.

Desires he will consider her request to the Queen of England, for sending someone from her household to her son.

Wishes that the treaty might be concluded before her death; which must be expected soon to strike her in her prison.

Requests that the 16 horses she asked for be sent immediately.

Desires that her people may be allowed to go to the next towns to buy necessities for themselves, if they give their parole. Will continue to submit blindly to the will of Elizabeth. Tutbury. Signed: Marie R.

1 p. Holograph, also address. (Printed, Labanoff, vol. vi. p. 98.)

560. Provision of Tutbury Castle. [March 2.] C.P., vol. XV.

28th Feb. 1584. "Thinges necessary to be considerid, and to be answered in good tyme, for provision to Tutbury Castell." Wood and coal for Tutbury.

What woods of the Queen's majesty's shall be used for fuel and coal for provision of this castle, failing the wood for fuel, tolerable to be spared in "Castle hay" (1 mile), and "Rife haye" (2 miles), for coal, both being now "grudged at" by the governors of them; the one in respect of the race, as is alleged. The other for the pannage [of] the same, and the herbage farmed out to Mr. Richard Aderley.

If these be forborne, that provision must be brought further off, from the forest of Needewood—which carries omen cum nomine, especially for timber—and so will be the more chargeable to the Queen, but much more to the country, which is already to be charged for this year by the consent of the justices of Derbyshire and Staffordshire, here before me, [in the margin: 20 Feb. 1584] with 204l in money, whereof 24l in Leicester for the carrying of wood and coal from those near places to this castle. Whether the Queen's majesty will give authority to the governor for the time being upon this charge, to take the "loppes" of Lord Paget's woods, called "Burton out woodes" (2 miles), "Tatenell out woodes" (2 miles), and "Ansley outwoodes," being easier wood to be made than the other, which by age, etc., is without "lop" almost throughout, and "boystrous great" at the root, though dead and hollow, and thereby cannot be made "manyable" so fast as it is meet to carry it in due time in summer to prevent winter carriage, which by experience is very grievous. Wherein also husbandmen's seasons are to be weighed; and having the commodity also of Lord Paget's woods, the one may be brought whilst the other is in dressing.

Whether it will please her majesty to command the said Lord Paget's bailiffs at Burton, and his other officers having cause, to suffer the governor—being therein warranted—to appoint to be brought hither such hay—[in the margin: wheat, oats, peas [and] straw] from the said lord's demesne meadows, and other compositions and tithes reserved for his provisions, as the tithes of Shapnoll, and of Burton and Bramson, and any other out of lease, as he shall think to be fittest for the provision of this house. The governor to have authority to demise the same from year to year to such as will deliver most of every kind at this place, without troubling the country for carriages, and to avoid uncertain gathering of them other ways. And likewise the governor to have the ordering of some pasture grounds of Shapnoll farm and Seny park, for cattle for this provision, or in case of composition for beef and mutton, the compositors to have them at a rent.

Whether it will please her majesty to suffer the governor to take the use of a very little park, called the "Castell park," part of it being a botom, all the winter, and yet wet, unmeet by water and bogs for horses or head cattle; and part of it high ground, and is adjoining to this castle, for the use of his geldings in summer—a good sparing off for provender—and sometime to serve for oxen and sheep to be ready at hand. This little park was lately taken in, and upon Mr. Chancellor's motion, surrendered by Mr. William Agard for a help to the race as joining to "Castell hay" where it was kept.

The Queen's majesty has no other ground near this castle for geldings in summer. Whether shall the six country watchmen have their supper and breakfast as they have had always, and wherewith they are very well pleased, or else 4d. for their night watch, as was once written hither they should have.

1¹/8 pp. Indorsed.

561. John Somer to Burghley. [March 2.] C.P., vol. XV.

Herewith goes another note of the depth and compass of the Scottish Queen's chamber here for the juster appointing of hangings for it, and of other things which may be well bestowed here; among the rest, the sheets and "pillowbeeres" for herself are very specially recommended as very needful by the report of the principal gentlewomen about her. This Queen often expostulates with Nau, in that she says he brought her little other than words, seeing hitherto small effects, and thinks that the increase of her "escuyrie" to make up sixteen horses of her own to be found at her majesty's charge, is not granted her. Seeing Nau gave her such assurance thereof, she has now six found so, and that she esteems that most next to the two principal points: viz., to proceed to a treaty with her majesty and to send one of hers to her son to know the long or the short of his intention.

I have alleged—in answer—the weak state of her body, the coldness of the time, the foul ways hereabouts, like to be unpleasant this good while, the charges to provide so many horses more, the expenses incident thereto, besides the grooms' wages to be paid by her, and when she would take the air she may have of the governor's. But all will not serve. I am every day assaulted with this motion by Nau and Curle, and seeing my answers cannot satisfy them, I have referred further answer to come from her majesty by the successor, together with the establishment for her household.

She cannot be satisfied, in that she takes no knowledge by Mr. Chancellor, but specially from her majesty, of the name of the successor in this charge, yet she has advice thereof from the French ambassador.

Her majesty wrote lately to her that it should be a person not to be doubted of for his integrity. I wrote lately to Mr. Secretary of her dislike and jealousy thereof, who has answered now that her highness means to write again to her of him. If it would please her majesty to send such a letter before his coming, and to name him, giving her good assurance of him, and that he depends upon none other than her majesty—for thereof she is marvellously suspicious—it may, perhaps, make him the better welcome to her, and serve to good purpose, namely at this time, when all good is expected. On Mr. Darel's coming hither we have conferred again with this Queen's officers about the note for the establishment of her household allowance according to the book which he brought down; which being somewhat short in some things of their demands, they showing some dislike—though with modesty "as Melvil uses in well"—that such small things, especially in matters of diet, should be "stand upon," is helped somewhat in the book sent now to their liking, if it may be established in that sort which is as near—they say—as may be. And surely, my lord, that little will give contentment, and the abatement in this time may offend more than a greater matter ought to do, seeing they look, as they say, to be better used than they were before.

Here is also a note sent once more of Lord Paget's commodities near and helpful to this place, if it may please her majesty to grant the use of them hither; and withal to give authority to the governor here to bargain with tenants from year to year for corn and hay to be delivered here in most profitable process, and that thereof knowledge be given from her majesty to Lord Paget's officers, or to others having the charge there, for their discharge, and in like sort for his woods.

For the helping of her majesty's charges, if it may be—which, perhaps, may be the greater by greater number of the governor's company and horses, than is limited by her majesty, and by resort of his friends or coming of his lady, and such like, what if he were allowed an ordinary daily diet, ambassador-like, for his side, and being a gentleman of credit, honour and livelihood, will, perhaps, for his reputation, add somewhat of his own to it—perhaps he will by his own good officers husband the matter as well as it is now at least.

But, as for this Queen's diet and charges, it will be hard to take that course; wherein, nevertheless, a discreet, skilful officer, having no other charge than for her, may use the matter as though she have an increase of horses. [In the margin: "A horse charges for meat will not cost here above 5d. per diem, comprehending also litter."] Her household charges and stable, comprehending therein wax and "wher lightes," sauces, fruit, and some other small courtesies in honour at need, cannot arise to 5l. a day; as by an estimate sent up now by Mr. Cave and Mr. Darell, even as is required, saving for the stable, may appear to your lordship. Herein wood is not comprehended, for that being the Queen's majesty's she only pays for the making and carrying at her process.

The countries hereabout having compounded by the justices of the peace meeting here for that purpose, three for Stafford and two for Derby, in the names of all the rest, for this years carriages of wood and coal which will stand the country in 204l. [In the margin: Stafford —90l., Derby—90l, Leicester 24l.] and the Queen not 25l. unless it be fetched further off than coals two miles, and wood one mile.

Your lordship can consider that there will be still some extraordinary charges, as sending, repairing, glasing, altering, utensils wanting, etc.

The French ambassador has given this Queen good comfort—as Nau tells me—that her majesty will grant her license to send into Scotland, naming Nau. But I preceive by him she means then to send Curle, her Scottish secretary, who shall go lightly in post, without such parade as Nau went with to the Court to show his greatness, besides length on the way. He is not so quick-spirited nor prompt as Nau—Frenchlike—but has a shrewd, melancholy wit, not so pleasant in speech and utterance, suspicious enough. She makes great account of him for his fidility and secrecy.

[In the margin: Besides these households there are thirty soldiers in "sold" at 8d. [a]piece per diem; 363l. per annum.] Tutbury. Signed: John Somer.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosure with the same.

[Queen of Scots' bedchamber.]

"Hanginges needfull for the Scottish Queen's bed chambre at Tutbury."

The said Queen's chamber is but nine feet deep from the raison or wallplate being "seelid" under the rafters, as a pavillion roof.

The one side of that chamber having no window to open—for it is near, and under the height of the castle wall—is eleven yards long with the return from the chimney at one end to the corner. For the same, so many pieces as will hang so many "gardes."

From the chimney to the door, and to cover it, is eight feet.—One piece.

From the door to the corner of that end, and with a return to a window is almost eight feet.—One piece.

Between the two windows on the side towards the court is ten foot. —One piece.

From the window to the corner, and a little return to the door at the lower end of that chamber is about nine foot.—One piece.

From the door—and to cover it—all the rest of that end is about fifteen feet, perhaps two pieces. [A plan is given of the chamber.]

Other things required as needful.

Three or four hundredweight of good sweet feathers to amend more beds here.

Three or four pieces of broad "dornickes" for many uses in chambers, "fayre coulours."

Some pieces of course "lyre" and curtain rings—none here to be had.

A dozen or more livery coverlets, lined with canvas to last the better.

Blanketing for ten or twelve pair, or so many ready made.

Certain Turkey carpets to lie about the Queen's bed. One under her seat in her dining chamber. [In the margin: The dining chamber floor is plaster, very cold, though strewed with rushes]; and one like in her bed chamber, as she eats there when she is not well: in all five or six. She has the best of the old long ones to walk on in her chamber, which is matted, but yet too hard for her sore foot.

Besides, the plate whereof Mons. Nau wrote lately, and is promised shall be sent.

One other special thing is much recommended, whereof this Queen has great need, as is said, and whereof I have not heard until now, and that by one of her gentlewomen nearest about her, that is, to have for the Queen's own use six pair of large fine sheets and a dozen "pillowbeeres."

Woods and other commodities of my Lord Paget's near to Tutbury.

"Burton outwoodes—2 miles. Tatenwell outwoodes—2 miles. Ansley outwoodes—1½ miles. Seny park woods, good store of deere, 2 buckes weekely in season—3 miles. Shapnoll farme—3 miles. The demeane meadows—4 miles. Shapnoll tythes—4 miles. Mikle Owre and Lytle Owre and Fyndon—6 miles. Burton and Bramson tythes—4 miles. Warren of conyes rented out for 2 years to come— 10l. per annum. Dove house at Shapnoll. Fisshing in Trent."

1 p. Indorsed: "1 March 1584. A note of thinges for Tutbury."

562. John Somer to Walsingham. [March 2.] C.P., vol. XV.

Your packet of the 26th of February was brought hither on the 28th, and therewith another to the Scottish Queen from the French ambassador, which I delivered forthwith, finding her writing to the Queen's majesty, and to others, as Nau told me, as she has been doing these four or five days, which has caused Mr. Chancellor's despatch [to] stay so long, looking daily, by their own words, for hers. Upon such occasion of letters she sometimes, but Nau oft, is desirous to understand who shall succeed Mr. Chancellor in this charge, and when she shall look for him—whereof she has advice, perhaps from the French ambassador. But nothing is told her here for certain who it is, whereat she is not well satisfied. Wherefore such a letter as you wrote of last hither, from her majesty naming him, [etc. as in no: 556].

She longs very much likewise to hear of her majesty's consent and allowance of an increase of her escurie [etc. as in no: 556].

But all this serving not I have referred further answer to her majesty's pleasure, together with the establishment of her household [etc. as in no: 556].

By the French ambassador's last despatch he has given this Queen good comfort, as Nau says, that her majesty will give her license to send one into Scotland [etc. as in no: 556].

"I must needs say, that Almighty God be praysid and thankid for ever, for the discovery of suche a most detestable intention as that wretchid ipocrite, dissolut Parry had in his hart, a fit grownd to receave suche seede as suche husbandmen do usually wickidly sowe; and that thorough our mercifull Godes goodnes, to all our comfortes, so oft heapid upon us, bothe the thorny grownd the rockely seeke, the popishe poppy, and unseasonable labour have worthely perished together. Amen, amen, for his mercy sake to all such horrible husbandry." This Queen has "gotten" advice from the French ambassador of Parry's intentions, and a copy of the Cardinal of Como's letter to him, as Nau told me. And questioning with me of Parry, I set him forth in his true colours, having known him ever since he married old Mistress Haywood, then my neighbour in Fleet street, of whom he made as much as he could, besides abusing her daughter— proper to his profession. Nau seemed to rejoice greatly at this discovery, and for "requitall" told me of the like discovery in Scotland against the King, and for the same Dromwhassell and another were executed. The ambassador gave advice hereof also. Tutbury. Signed: John Sommer.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

563. Instructions by Elizabeth to Sir Amias Powlet. [March 4.] C.P., vol. XV.

Whereas we have made special choice of you in respect of the great trust we repose in your approved fidelity, and for the trial we have made of your sufficiency otherwise, to have the charge, as well of the safe keeping of the Queen, of Scots, as of restraining her and such as attend upon her from secret conveyance of letters and other like practices, we do not doubt but that you will accordingly have a special care to see the articles following duly put in execution, which we deliver unto you for your better instruction and direction in that behalf.

And first, forasmuch as the said Queen by means of secret conference with some of the ordinary attendants upon those that heretofore have had the charge of her, has practised the said parties to become instruments for the secret conveyance of her letters, we think meet, for the avoiding of the like inconvenience hereafter, that you restrain her from having any speech or conference with any that shall appertain to you, otherwise than in your own hearing.

You shall also inhibit all those that attend upon you to have any conference with any of the said Queen's servants, otherwise than for matters that concern her diet, or such other necessary provisions as are to be made either for herself or those that attend upon her. For which purpose you shall make special choice of some trusty persons among your other servants to have the only care and charge thereof.

You shall from time to time, when to yourself in your own discretion it shall seem convenient, suffer the said Queen to take the air abroad for her health and recreation, either on horseback or on foot, so that the same does not exceed the space of two miles distance from the place where she now remains.

And in the time of her so going abroad to take the air, you shall give order that none of her train have any speech or conference with any of those that appertain to you.

Also, when any of her servants shall go out of the castle to take the air, you shall appoint certain of the soldiers and of your own servants to attend upon them, and yet with special charge and commandment that they may have no speech together.

If any stranger have occasion to repair to you, you shall, upon knowledge of his coming, give order that he may not enter into the castle, but remain in some place in the town to be by you appointed for that purpose.

And forasmuch as some of the inferior sort of those that appertain to the said Queen, as "cochers," laundresses and such others, have heretofore been used as principal instruments for the conveyance of letters and messages, you shall have a special regard that a watchful eye be "caryed" over them, and that their doings be so observed that the like inconveniences may not grow by them hereafter.

You shall, with the advice and assistance of the justices next adjoining, presently upon your entering into this charge, take order for the setting of day watches in places convenient—if by you it shall be thought meet—about the castle; and for privy searches to be made from time to time in places of any suspicion, as also for the restraining of rogues, beggars and other like vagrant and loose persons from any resort near to the castle, lest any other dangerous persons should in disguised sort repair thither about matter of practice. You shall give order that she shall not in taking the air pass through any towns, nor suffer the people to be in the way where she shall pass, appointing some always to go before to make them withdraw themselves, for that heretofore under colour of giving an alms and other extraordinary courtesies used by her, she has won the hearts of the people that inhabit about those places where she has heretofore lain.

2 pp. Indorsed: "4 March 1584: A drawght of instructions for Sir A. Pawlet." Alterations in Walsingham's hand.

Copy of the same, with this additional article (in Walsingham's hand).

Lastly we think meet to refer to your discretion such other matters as may concern this charge, wherein we have given no particular direction, not doubting but that you will have regard to carry yourself in such sort in the said charge as shall be answerable to the trust we repose in you, and for your own credit and reputation.

564. Mr. Thomas Fitzherbert to Mary. [March 4.] C.P., vol. XV.

Having heretofore, in July last past, presumed to offer to your majesty my most humble service both by my own letters and also by the commendation of some of your majesty's agents here, and having now of late received from your majesty a letter in answer thereto, assuring me of your majesty's favour and good acceptance of my service offered, I thought it my duty to yield your majesty most humble thanks therefore, and further to signify to your majesty that I conceive therein unspeakable comfort, and find my zeal to your highness' service redoubled thereby. I humbly beseech your majesty to account of me as of one who will ever rest wholly at your majesty's devotion as far as my poor ability, yea, or my life, can extend. Whereto no other thing has moved me but the due consideration of your virtues and the duty that I owe to my native country and God's afflicted church therein, the reparation and weal whereof depend principally upon your majesty, in whose person God seems to promise to all his distressed servants in England peace and repose, having to that end—as we may well hope—preserved your majesty most miraculously from the malicious practices of your enemies. His divine providence must needs produce in the end some rare and strange effect to his own glory, and the consolation of your majesty, in whose innocence and approved patience his name is so highly glorified. The which I am now bold to put your majesty in mind of, to move you by the remembrance thereof to take courage and comfort in your adverse fortunes, and to attend a happy end of God's so merciful and miraculous proceedings with you, the remembrance and consideration whereof make me bear the burden of my banishment much the more contentedly. Paris.

1 p. Copy. Indorsed.

Another copy of the same.

565. [Walsingham] to Angus, Mar, and the Master of Glamis. [March 5.]

Whereas the King their sovereign has by the Justice Clerk, his ambassador here, charged three of the gentlemen of their train, Andrew Rollock, John Keir, and Thomas Hume, with the late conspiracy practised against his person—whereof, notwithstanding, he [Walsingham] does not doubt they are able to clear themselves—the Queen of England thinks meet they should all three be presently sent hither for their answer. Has imparted to Mr. Colvile what other particularities are fit for their lordships to know in this behalf, to be more at length communicated to their lordships by him. Hopes God has offered this occasion very aptly, and to good purpose, for the trying out of their innocency.

½ p. Copy. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. VIII., fol. 247b.

Another copy of the same.

566. Angus to Walsingham. [March 9.]

How "sclanderouslie" we are of late dealt withal by our "wnfreindis" presently about the King my sovereign, I hope your lordship will somewhat perceive by our letter directed to her majesty. But I trust your honour will be more fully resolved and satisfied therein by the trial of the gentlemen who, as is given out by our enemies, should have committed a most detestable and heinous fact, yea such a fact as I believe never entered into the breast of any one of that nation, much less into ours or any with us, who, as is well known—albeit otherwise thought now by him—from his highness's youth have given good proof of our loving and cheerful minds for the preservation of his person.

The greatest earthly comfort, therefore, that we have in all these our troubles, "joynit" to our innocency, is the assured hope we have that her majesty will not easily be induced by the sinister information of any to belief that of us which in any point may "derogat" us in honour or may tend to our discredit, the preservation whereof we have alway preferred to our lives and all things temporal.

I think it will not be necessary to trouble your honour at this time with any purgation of our part in this matter lately laid to our charge; but I remit the same to such trial as shall be thought most meet by her majesty and your lordships [the Privy Council], not doubting but the truth and our honest parts will then most clearly appear. "Alwayes" one thing I must still crave of your honour, that both in this cause, which generally touches us all so deeply, and in all other good causes, as they shall fall out, your honour will continue in your wonted goodness towards us, so far as the uprightness of our cause shall merit. And in my own particular matters I will take the boldness to trouble your honour after my accustomed manner, hoping that your honour will accept the same in good part. Norwich. Signed: Angus.

1¼ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

567. Angus, Mar, and the Master of Glamis to Walsingham. [March 10.]

Declare their innocency in this false accusation lately given out under manner of deposition. Think there is no nearer way to make the same manifest than to seek trial therein. Beg that they may be called upon when the ambassador [Bellenden] is there resident. But if this matter be overpassed, as was the accusation given out by Drummond, they will be altogether discouraged, and their enemies will take boldness daily to forge new calumnies against them. Recommend their present state to his good consideration. The change of places and distribution of their friends has put them to great expenses, and now being among unknown people here, who are very courteous, they are ashamed to want. His benefits shall not be bestowed on unthankful men, howsoever fortune frowns on them. Refer further to Mr. John Colvile, whom they request him to trust. Norwich.

According to the Queen of England's pleasure and his honour's desire, have sent their servants to be tried, which is the thing in the world they most desire, [and] not only that their servants, but also they themselves may be put to exact trial. If their servants be detained and put to no trial, surely they cannot but think their enemies have too much credit. Hear also that there are many slanderous books there printed to their reproach. Whereat they are sorry, seeing it "lesum" for their evil willers to publish what they will against them, and they can "have no place" either by their own presence or apologies to answer for themselves. Signed: Angus. Mar. Tho. M^r Glammis.

³/8p. Addressed. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. VIII., fol. 248.

Another copy of the same.

568. Godfrey Foljambe to Mary. [March 10.] C. P., vol. XV.

A few days after my last despatch to your majesty I received the inclosed from Father Parsons, which he desired I should send by this "convoy." The contents may best appear by the letters themselves, I not daring to write anything thereof, for that my cipher is not sure; for the best part thereof I lost in my troubles, and the rest is fallen by sinister means into some other hands. And therefore I humbly desire that I may receive so of your majesty's causes. Otherwise I dare not write as is convenient to your majesty to know them.

The father has retained the letters in his hands a long time in hope to have received answer of his former.

But seeing his expectation therein frustrated, has thought good to commit these to this convoy. Great troubles are beginning here: divers towns of the King's being presently taken and held by noblemen and gentlemen who profess the Catholic religion, and some say that the noble houses of Guise are the chief conductors thereof: who, with the consent, advise, aid, and support of all Christian Catholic princes of Europe, will attempt the abolishing of heresy, not only in France, but also in all other Christian kingdoms. There has been of late in England an Italian [ ] from Rome who has dealt with the [ ] in matters of great importance. His success has not been as was promised, for the late accident happened to Parry, whose travails employed to serve their turns are condignly rewarded. He has accused the Pope, his nuncio, and an Italian Jesuit at Padua, for the allowing of his action, and Mr. Morgan for his instigator and persuader to the same. Part of them he accused before his apprehension. to the [ ], as is supposed, hoping thereby to have gained some office or dignity, which mark he ever shot at.

It is thought that he has accused these men wrongfully, in regard whereof it were good your majesty should write in the behalf of Mr. Morgan, either for his liberty, or at the least that he may not be delivered out of this country, which is urged vehemently by the Queen of England, with faithful promise to deliver him back again to the French King alive, whereby it is plain they seek to discover divers articles for some other in him, for whose ruin they thirst after.

My desire is to hear some certainty of your majesty's estate.

1 p. In the hand of Mr. Phelippes. With No. 564.

569. Godfrey Foljambe to Curll. [March.]

Your continual silence has greatly afflicted me, who never received any word from you since my departure from England. You have no friend living that loves you more than I, nor that shall venture more for your sake than I will do; and so I pray you to account and make experience; and if in any lawful cause I refuse, you hold me ever for condemned.

I have written to you divers times, and I trust Mr. Morgan has caused [the letters] to be conveyed safely. For my opinion of the state of things here, I remit you to her majesty's letter.

I hear Sir Amias Powlet shall have the custody of her, whereupon I have enquired what men "towards" him are fit to be dealt with for her majesty's service. I have learned the names. Mr. Heydon, his son-in-law, and his wife, Hugh Brice or his son, one called Mr. Roe; all will serve [and are] thought reasonable men, and likely to be dealt withal.

Mr. Morgan at ten o'clock at night was arrested by ten of the King's guard, his study ransacked, his letters, papers, and part of his money taken away, the rest watched by the King's guard, the sum amounting at the least to [ ] crowns. I hope he shall lose no part thereof. The King, on [receipt of] the Queen of England's letter, granted the ambassador license to arrest any one English without knowing what he was. Then [he] requested his delivery, with promise that he should be examined of no other matter than the conspiracy with Parry for her death, which Parry had confessed. His delivery by secret means has been stayed. His papers [are] never yet viewed, and if they be, there will no great matter fall forth thereby, as I think, for he had sufficient notice four days before. It chanced so that he had shifted as many as he knew [to be] dangerous away.

They keep him still in prison. What the event will be, I know not, but I hope the best.

1 p. In the handwriting of Mr. Phelippes. Indorsed with other copies.

570. Godfrey Foljambe to Mary. [March.] C.P., vol. XV.

The extreme grief and sorrow I have endured, in respect of the manifold and unspeakable troubles wherein your majesty has been tormented and troubled since my departure from England, have been yet more extreme and violent than I can possibly express by writing. For, when I have compared your majesty's regal progeny with the base parentage of your adversaries, your knightly throne with their contemptible cottages, your rare and excellent virtues with their monstrous and detestable vices, your sincerity, integrity, and innocency with their enormous guilts and crimes, and, all that notwithstanding, to behold the manifold crosses and afflictions which daily pursue your majesty's constant and invincible mind and courage, and the surpassing prosperity that the paltry companions, your adversaries, enjoy, I find myself so animated for the instant time, that in rage I cry out that there is neither right, equality nor order of justice in human things.

But after that violent perturbation of my mind is overpast and subdued to the rule of reason, I conceive good hope and assured confidence that God will undo utterly in the end these traverses, and turn them to the benefit of our country, to the eternal renown and surpassing glory of your majesty, no less in this world than the next, and finally to His own honour and praise. For this has been the course of the unscrutable wisdom of God in all past ages, rigorously to entreat with time to see whom he most "affectioneth," whereby their virtues may advance and make them more worthy the renown and triumph in time to come. Which property is so incident to his divine wisdom that He spared not the most blessed Virgin Mary, his own mother, who endured more sharp torments, and that in her tender heart, than any that ever lived have suffered, or are able to bear; whom, notwithstanding, he crowned with more perfect consolations, joys, and comforts, yea, and that in this world, than any other has, or shall taste. Which blessed Virgin, as your majesty resembles in name, which is common to you with many others so in afflictions and sorrows, you approach nearer than any other, and by consequence most assuredly shall be, to your unspeakable consolation and infinite glory, advanced and preferred before all others, as well in this world as in heaven.

Persevere therefore, most gracious Queen, in the accustomed course of your invincible courage, and thereby you shall daunt the enemy of God and yourself, and so firmly fix the crown of virtue upon your highness' own head, that neither the malice of the devil, nor craft of his members, shall be able to remove the same.

I have sent divers letters to your majesty from Scotland and England, but never received any answer to any of them, which I ascribe to want of intelligence. For the reparation whereof I travail by an honest and well-qualified gentleman, Mr. Thomas Fitzherbert, who would have undertaken the journey if it had been so thought good by Mr. Paget and Mr. Morgan, who "seemed" to me that your majesty stood in need of no such service.

I have sent herewith a letter from the gentleman containing an answer to a former letter delivered [to] him by Mr. Morgan from your majesty.

I have in my former letters signified all my proceedings and dealings, as also the accidents of my journey hither, with many other particulars, and therefore I never need to "reiterate" the same again, for I trust Mr. Morgan has caused my letters to be delivered safely.

I have here entered [into] divers conferences with Father Parsons, to whom your majesty recommended me in your letter to him. I wish and pray a thousand times that his "invention" [Mary's escape] might be happily effected, the difficulty whereof rests in my fancy in that [which] shall be accomplished by your majesty's person; for the rest it will be easily performed. Fit agents for the same will be found. The father expected a long time answer of your resolution herein, having sent no letters to your majesty since he received that wherein mention is made of me. If God grant that my desire may be well accomplished, that after you shall attain what you desire there by request or commandment [sic]; for, as the case presently stands, your friends dare never attempt any action of difficulty in respect of the harm of your majesty's person, wherein rests the chief anchor and the only "esperance" of the restoring of religion in our country, which is the principal motive that induces princes to procure your release. And therefore they, suspecting what course the King will take, are almost resolved to attempt nothing before security of your majesty's person, lest, as they say, they but haply relieve one that would be [an] enemy to the Church.

And herein, as in duty I am bound partly to the King, but especially to your highness, I must signify plainly how far I have sounded the intentions of divers in this behalf, which rests in this, that of late time there is, and has been, wonderful enquiry of the King's disposition and affection towards the Catholic religion. And it is certified by divers out of Scotland, which they gather for that he follows of late the form of government practised in England as well in causes ecclestical as temporal. He also joins [in] league and amity with England, and his actions are so secret in that behalf as gives great presumptions that his intentions are never suitable to the desire of Catholic princes, whereof the ambassadors and others do greatly complain besides us.

Religious men that have continued in Scotland divers years by the convenience of [ ] are ready to depart for fear of persecution.

These are matters of great consideration, and to be thought upon in time; for already I see the affections of Catholics wax cold towards his highness. It is therefore very necessary in my opinion that the King, by some public and notorious act, manifest to the world that he bears no evil affection towards the Catholics or their cause, whereby to entertain their devotion towards him; whom, if he first cast off, they will never resolutely follow as they presently do, and your highness will. Also I would advise your majesty to advertise and advise the King more seriously to consult upon these causes, wherein consists his chief happiness or infelicity in this life. For in my simple opinion his course in this case is never better, if he take regard but to the forces he expects abroad or at home. For all foreign princes will forsake him, and the Catholics at home have so long tasted the tyranny of heresy that they will never hereafter endure the like again. And if it be imagined that the Protestants be never so sufficient a force to serve his turn, that error is very palpable, considering that five parts condemn no less the politic government of their churches than the Catholics themselves. And therefore they will wholly forsake him and join themselves to their god Huntington, or some such other companion. Especially they will prefer any Protestant that is born a native subject before his majesty, whom they term and take as a stranger, and the rather so for that he is descended of so virtuous and Catholic a Queen, as all the world acknowledges your majesty to be.

But admitting for better consideration hereof that all Protestants would follow his course, yet he shall find that in time indifferent the catholic party will be strong, albeit they had but an ordinary head to follow.

But, alas! it is a resolution already arrested and determined that if—as God forbid—any harm should chance to your majesty, and the King continue in the state he now is, they will have the most puissant King of Christendom to follow for their release; who, if for no other cause, yet for the gain of so rich a kingdom to his own, will spare no cost to possess himself thereof, the way thereunto being so plain and open. Also, his forces shall be found more puissant than in times past, especially for that he is in furnishing and building so great provision of ships fully resolved to govern at his pleasure the whole ocean of Spain, France, and England, by reason whereof he will enter upon England at his pleasure. For all the riches of England are never able to maintain a continual and sufficient navy upon the sea to encounter him; and he dealt so providently herein that the charges of this provision will be small to him, he paying only a third part of the charges towards the building, and the merchants the rest; who are bound to grant him the use of them for four months every year, without paying anything therefor, and the rest of the year for certain hire which is agreed upon.

The special cause of the provision is for the obtaining and safe keeping of his countries of Holland and Zealand, which will never be kept in subjection without great forecast by sea.

I trust your majesty will hold me excused for dealing thus plainly, who otherwise shall neither discharge my conscience towards God, my country, and your majesty, nor my duty to the King, whose cause, next to your majesty's, I will preserve with the loss of my life.

The estate of the affairs here in France is very dangerous, there being a general expectation of some tumults to break forth. The Duke of Guise and his dependants absent themselves from Court, and there is a general discontentment through the whole realm.

Mons. Lansac, the younger, has taken one of the King's towns, Mons. St. Luc another. The Earl of Derby has been very well entertained here: the King received the Garter, but refuses to deal with Flanders. What the Queen mother will attempt is not yet resolved.

Mr. Arundel has performed many good offices towards your majesty in this place; by whose means there can hardly any evil intention be contrived against your majesty but there will be notice thereof obtained out of hand; which intelligences Mr. Arundel is appointed by the Duke to communicate to [ ], who signifies the same to the Duke or the Cardinal of Guise; for in this action each party refuses to deal with Mr. Morgan, who is of all men most suspected to hinder many good attempts enterprised on your majesty's behalf. By reason whereof it is certain that neither they nor the Prince of Parma will deal in any thing he shall manage. It shall be good your majesty make very good semblance to the Prince, whose desire, I hear, is very excessive to perform some notable service in your behalf. In which respect the King his master has committed all your causes to his managing, as a principal recompense of his service.

Mr. Arundel with great difficulty has obtained the payment of [ ] crowns. He desires your majesty to write for the payment of the rest, whereof I know he stands in extreme need; otherwise he would be loth to request the same; and as causes fall forth here he has done, and will do good offices, his sufficiency being answerable to his devotion, which is inferior to few.

Since my arrival here, I and my brother received your majesty's pension for the last year, which I divided with my brother, as also the [ ] which the King bestowed on us. For which I humbly thank your majesty.

Marry, your officers find difficult to continue the same according to your majesty's appointment. Of which scruple we humbly pray your majesty to deliver them by your next letters. Also, if it would please your majesty to vouchsafe a few lines to the Spanish ambassador in my behalf, to procure me a pension of the King in regard of the service I did to him in England, the favour to me will be very great, who otherwise shall never be able to maintain my wife with 200 crowns, whose arrival I daily expect, and without whom I count my life most miserable.

If it please your majesty to employ my endeavours in France, I dare promise they shall be as sufficient and profitable as ever they have been in England, finding myself as able, and at better leisure to execute any attempt here than I was then; with this, that I find many more willing to communicate secrets unto me which they conceal from other agents.

If it please your majesty to write to me, I would wish the letters to be directed to [the bishop of] Glasgow. Paris.

5 pp. In the hand of Mr. Phelippes. With No. 556.

571. Godfrey Foljambe to Curll. [March.] C.P., vol. XV.

Since my last certificate of Mr. Morgan he is removed from the custody of the provost of the King's household, to the Bastille, where he remains a close prisoner. What the end will be, God knows. Marry, we hope better than the beginning has been. The ambassador does daily what good offices he can for the procurement of his liberty, the particulars whereof it is likely he will certify himself.

I desire you to certify me of the good estate of her majesty, in whose safety consists all the comfort I have in this world.

I have written to her highness in my former letters something concerning my own particular. I pray you further the same with such friendly endeavours as have furthered my former desires, and you shall find my services towards you most ready in what you desire to satisfy your contentment.

If her majesty shall have any occasion to use my service in these parts or elsewhere it shall please her to command me, I will perform it faithfully, and as I hope sufficiently, my present state and condition yielding me good opportunity thereunto; I dare say my action shall be as profitable to her majesty's affairs as of any other of my nation.

If I might know any means how my letters might be safely conveyed, I could give intelligence as necessary for her majesty to know as any.

After I had written this letter I understood Mr. Morgan's case to be more dangerous than I expected, therefore I pray you do for his benefit all you possibly can. Paris.

¾ p. In the hand of Mr. Phelippes. With No. 556.

572. Godfrey Foljambe to Curll. [March.] C.P., vol. XV.

I have written many letters to you since my departure from England, but as yet have not received any answer to any of them, which greatly afflicts me, partly in respect of the desire I have to be assured by your letters of the continuance of your friendly goodwill to me; wherof I make no doubt, for that I am assured my faith and actions on your behalf may never deserve the contrary. But, most of all, for that I gather hereby that the gracious Queen has no mean of intelligence, although some persuade me to the contrary.

The assured bond of friendship which I imagine to be between you and me does not permit that I conceal anything from you—any thing that may be prejudical to your credit or estimation, whereof I have no less regard than of my proper reputation. Yet I am not ignorant that the strings I may play upon are so unpleasant to you that I may thereby hazard your friendship, whereon I rely more than on any other favour, her majesty's favour only excepted.

The matter is such as you have been longer acquainted with than myself, albeit not so sufficiently instructed, I suppose, as I have been; which is that Mr. Morgan is not only suspected, but condemned as dealing dishonestly with the virtuous Queen in her causes, as also with the catholic estate of England. The time and occasion do not serve to set down the particulars. This I can assure you, that the definitive sentence is so arrested, and therewith neither the Pope, the King of Spain, the Prince of Parma, the princely house of Guise, nor any other catholic prince will deal or employ themselves in any action wherein he shall participate, whereof her majesty may at divers times have been informed were it not that with great vows he gives assurance that howsoever his actions are, there remain no means possible to impair his credit with her majesty, which is said to proceed for that whatsoever is pretended to her with his discredit may never come to her hands or hearing. How near this assertion touches you in credit, you may best consider, and also conceive what may be the consequence thereof, if ever God grant her highness liberty in such sort that her best friends may freely discourse with her of these causes.

In sum, if any mishap, which God forbid, betide her majesty or any overthrow to the catholics of our country, the whole blame doubtless shall be laid upon him and his adherents.

I deal with you herein as I desire you do with me, that is, to advertise you of any accident, which may be prejudical to you, and according to my opinion to advertise [you] what to beware [of] or follow.

1 p. In Phelippes' hand.

573. Sir Ralph Sadleir to Walsingham. [March 12.]

Yesterday, the 11th instant, I received your [letter] of the 9th; and therewith a letter to this Queen from the King her son, which was straight delivered to her.

After she had read it, she said that she would not acknowledge it to be her son's letter, being altogether otherwise than he had, by sundry [of] his letters, made profession and protestation to be towards her. But said it was the invention and doing of some that would be loth to see them join together.

She has now written her mind, she says, to the Queen's majesty, which is the only cause of this despatch, praying that it might be sent away with speed.

I am sorry that Sir Amias Powlet has yet another clog to stay him a little longer, and yet glad, and in good comfort, to see by your letter that within two or three days he was to take his leave of her majesty, to come hitherwards. Tutbury. Signed: R. Sadleir.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

574. Sir Ralph Sadleir to Walsingham. [March 18.] C.P., vol. XV.

Yesternight, the 17th, I received your [letter] of the 15th, with a packet for this Queen, which contained nothing but a book and small trifles from the Bishop of Glasgow's secretary to Nau, and a letter to him from the French ambassador.

The occasion of this despatch is for money, all the store here being spent, and some borrowed, and here nothing can be had without money. Mr. Darrell has forborne to send up till now, hoping daily to hear of Sir Amias Powlet's coming, who has the rest of the last warrant. But finding by yours that it may be yet all this week ere he comes forward, [I] can tarry no longer without desiring help that way.

I mean, according to the Queen's majesty's commandment, signified by your [letter], to deal with the parties charged in Bridges' examination as soon as I can get the one from Nottingham and the other from Langford. But until I shall be further advised by your answer, I mean to forbear to call for Mr. Langford himself, who is the principal. Wherein I trust you will send me answer, as also what I shall do further with the other, in case of apparent matter worthy consideration and restraint.

And so having nothing else to write to you but of this Queen's good health of body, but weak of limbs, not able to go without help, I commit you to the protection of the Almighty. Tutbury. Signed: R. Sadleir.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

575. Marmaduke Darell to Walsingham. [March 18.] C.P., vol. XV.

In my last letter I signified to your honour, as I have now done to my Lord Treasurer, our wants here of money, which could not be otherwise, in that at my coming hither the money which I brought with me was not sufficient to pay what was then owing to the country. And so the chief part of that, being then paid out in discharge of former debts, Mr. Cave and I have been forced, for the furnishing of this service since, to borrow money of Mr. Chancellor here, and Mr. Agarde the receiver. Wherefore may it please your honour, and my Lord Treasurer, to take order for the sending of some more money hither with speed, whereof we would have written unto your honours more earnestly before, but that we have been in hope from time to time of the coming of Sir Amias Powlet, and to have had a supply by him.

I further signified unto your honour that here [there] is yet small abatement of the charge, both by reason of the so long stay of Sir Amias from hence, until whose coming your honour gave me no order to use any abridgment or alteration, and, besides, because we have yet had no help out of Lord Paget's living, neither money to make our provisions at the best hand. Tutbury. Signed: Marma. Darell.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

576. Morton to Arbroath. [March 18.] Cott. Calig., C.VIII., fol. 251.

Advises him of the present estate of the countries.

The Earl of Arran so handles all the nobility that all must yield to him in every particular. The Earl of Morton has no course other than banishment if he does not give up to him the lands called "the Merins." The King is so ruled by him, and so subject to his affections, that law, reason, and innocence cannot defend any man against his designs. This has caused such a general feeling of misliking and unrest as Scotland has never known before.

Has sounded Lord Scrope's mind on this subject, and finds him very cold towards Arran, therefore thought good to advise him of this state of affairs, and desires to know what his counsel is on the matter. If this opportunity pass by the Queen of England will never have a like occasion.

There is bruit of revolt in all parts of Scotland, and a man must needs divide his heritage in two parts, and use the one half to defend the other.

It were expedient that he should feel the Queen's own mind and some of her Secret Council, and send the same to him in haste.

1 p.

577. Elizabeth to Mary. [March 22.] C.P., vol. XV.

We find by your letter of the 2nd of March that you are entered into a very hard conceit of the association, as though the same carried a factious meaning, tending to the prejudice of yourself and the King your son, which, considering your former allowance thereof by making yourself a party therein, seems to us somewhat strange. For, whatsoever others conceive of the matter, we are persuaded that our subjects never yielded a better testimony of their love and devotion towards us than by entering into the said association, having shown thereby that they carry more regard to our present safety, than seek to content others by hunting after future hopes.

And whereas you conceive that the King's letter written to us in disavowing the association between you, was a matter forced, yet, because your own last letters—contrary to that which has heretofore been affirmed—now declare that no association has passed, but only an act subscribed by him, which he, notwithstanding, denies, affirming that there was never further proceeding in the said association by him, than that he by way of "postilles" quoted certain articles without any subscription, or any act that might import conclusion therein; and whereas you seem to conceive that the same proceeds from the Master of Gray, though we have no reason to be his advocate, considering his "inwardnes" heretofore with our greatest enemy in France, so far he has been privy not only to such practices as tended to the trouble of our estate, but also reached to our own person, whereof long since we were thoroughly informed; yet, for that both honour and conscience commands us to say the truth, we must needs affirm on his behalf, that he has but verified that which the King has often affirmed to such of our ministers as have been sent from us to the King, and as his ministers sent to us have also by his special direction maintained. So that you have no cause to charge the gentleman, who has but dutifully performed that which he was by instruction directed to do, and as he saw it stood his master greatly in honour to maintain, having so often, and so many ways denied that there was any such association.

Touching your request to send a servant of yours to the King your son in company of the French ambassador, as we see no present cause for the said ambassador [to] repair now into that realm, as at such time when the King stood in hard terms with his subjects, whose presence then by way of mediation might have served to very good purpose, so, if there had been cause for his repair thither, we would most willingly have assented to your servant's repair in his company. And if you shall, notwithstanding, like to send any thither in company of some one of ours, we can be content to yield thereto.

And as touching the proceeding in the treaty, we suppose you cannot be ignorant how, since the time Parry's wicked intent has been disclosed, and known to our loving and devoted subjects, they are grown so jealous of our safety—the rather for that the said Parry confessed, before certain of our council appointed to examine him, that his attempt tended purposely to the restoring of the catholic religion by advancing you to this crown—that in open Parliament motion has been made, with a general applause of the whole house to revive the former judicial proceedings against you, propounded thirteen years past in Parliament. Which, as you know—being assented to by both the nobility and commons—was only stayed at that time by us, as it was also at this present on the same motion, and not without the great misliking and discontentment of our best devoted subjects.

This being most true, we leave then to you to judge whether the time be now apt, amid this jealousy, grounded on so apparent matter, and of so great consequence, for us to enter into a treaty with you for further liberty, or not.

As touching your desire to know the party to whose custody you shall be committed, we had hoped that you had rested satisfied with the assurance given by our last letters, and therefore pray you to put on that honourable conception of us that we have no less care in that point of our honour than you have of your safety.

And as for Powlet, against whom you seem to take exceptions in respect of his dealing—as you say—against you, at such time as he had the charge of our ambassadorship in France, the question is, whether the cause grew from himself or from you and your ministers there. If he advertised us truly of such things as he heard were practised both by yourself and them against us, therein he did but discharge his duty. And if you still hold the rule which you have heretofore professed that you love and esteem best those who serve us most faithfully, then have you more cause to like than to dislike him, for we repute him to be towards God religious, towards us most faithful, of calling honourable, by birth, in respect of the antiquity of his house, most noble.

And therefore if we should see hereafter cause to use him in Sadleir's place, you need not doubt that a man who reverences God, loves his prince, and is no less by calling honourable than by birth noble, will never do anything unworthy of himself.

As touching your request, that the Justice Clerk might be permitted on his return to make his repair to you, we could have been glad to have gratified you therein, but that the gentleman himself, being moved in that behalf, refused the same, saying that he had no commission from the King his master so to do.

Postscript.—Finding by your last letter how earnestly you desire to send a servant of your own to the King your son, we very willingly yield thereto, which, our meaning is, shall be in company of one of our own, whom we purpose to send to him out of hand, as our servant Sadleir shall more at large declare to you. Greenwich.

2½ pp. Copy. Indorsed: "22 March 1584. The Quenes Ma^te to the Quene of Scottes."

578. Sir Ralph Sadleir to Walsingham. [March 22.] C.P., vol. XV.

Whereas by your letters of the 19th of March, I understand that her majesty is informed of the liberty that is permitted to this Queen here to go a hawking six or seven miles from this castle, etc., in sort as your said letters purport, if it were true in all parts, as it is informed, and as I will not deny that part which is true, yet if it be not otherwise taken than I meant well in the doing, I am sure it cannot be interpreted to be any great offence.

The truth is that when I came hither, finding this country commodious and meet for the sport, which I have always delighted in, I sent home for my hawks and falconers wherewith to pass this miserable life which I lead here. And when they came hither I took the pleasure of them sometimes here, not far from this castle; whereof this Queen hearing, earnestly entreated me that she might go abroad with me to see my hawks fly, a pastime indeed which she has a singular delight in, and I, thinking that it could not be ill taken, assented to her desire.

And so has she been abroad with me two or three times hawking upon the rivers here, sometimes a mile, sometimes two miles, but not past three miles, when she was furthest from this castle. And for her guard when she was abroad, though I left the soldiers at home with their halberts and "harquebutes," because they are footmen and cannot well toil on foot, the ways here being foul and deep, yet had I always forty or fifty of my own servants and others on horseback, and some of them had pistols, which I knew to be a sufficient guard against any attempt that can be made by any man here upon a sudden for her escape, whereof I assure you I see no manner [or] cause of fear so long as this country remains in such quietness as it is now. But if it were otherwise, and that any such force might be used or attempted in that behalf, as her well willers would desire, it is not twenty or thirty halberts and harquebussiers, nor all the small power that I have here, nor yet the strength of this castle, which, God knows, is very weak, that could defend us.

And therefore, sir, I have used my simple discretion in granting this Queen this liberty, the rather for that she thinks herself by such comfortable words and messages as she receives from her majesty by Nau to stand now in better terms, and to be in better grace with her majesty than she has been heretofore. Wherein I thought I did well. But since it is not so well taken as I meant, I would to God some other had the charge that could use it with more discretion than I can, for I assure you I am so weary of it, that if it were not more for that I would do nothing that should offend her majesty, than for fear of any punishment, I would come home and yield myself to be a prisoner in the Tower all the days of my life, rather than attend any longer here upon this charge. And if I had known when I came from home that I should have tarried here so long, contrary to all promises made to me, I would have refused, as others do, and yielded to any punishment rather than have accepted this charge. For a greater punishment cannot be ministered to me than to force me to remain here in this sort, being more meet now in my old and last days to rest at home to prepare myself to leave, and to be out of the miseries and afflictions which we are subject to in this life, and to seek the everlasting quietness of the life to come, which the Lord Almighty grant to us when it shall be his good pleasure. And if it might light on me to-morrow I would think myself most happy, for I assure you I am very weary of this life, the rather for that I see things well meant by me are not so well taken. But now I trust her majesty will deliver me of this burden, and lay it upon one who can better bear it and more wisely discharge it, though in duty and goodwill thereunto I will compare with all men. Tutbury. Signed: R. Sadleir.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

579. Treatment of Mary. [March.] C.P., vol. XV.

"Requestes on the behalf of Sir Amias Poulet." It seems very requisite that he be directed what liberty shall be given to the Queen of Scots for her exercise and recreation, and likewise to her servants.

That such letters as shall be directed to the said Queen from hence, or shall be sent by her from thence to the French ambassador here, or any other, may be opened and perused by her majesty's secretary, seeming unmeet for many respects that the same should be opened or perused there.

That letters may be written in manner of commissions dormant to the Earl of Shrewsbury, and such other lords and sheriffs as shall be thought meet, for their assistance upon all occasions occurring.

That it may be considered if it shall not further her majesty's service, that the thirty soldiers have their meat and drink within the castle, whereby it may seem that some dangerous inconveniences may be avoided, besides that the governor shall be the stronger by reason of their continual attendance. It is said that such as watch and ward are already allowed their breakfasts at her majesty's charges.

That there may be a commission for carriages upon all occasions occurring.

That he may be provided with two carts out of the Tower with ropes and bear-hides belonging, either for ready money to be paid or restored again, as shall be thought most meet. In case these carts be granted, to have a commission for taking up of horses to draw the said carts.

2 pp. Indorsed.

580. John Somer to Walsingham. [March 22.] C.P., vol. XV.

I cannot but testify to you how grievously Mr. Chancellor takes the Queen's majesty's conception on some over liberal information— like that of Derby—given to her highness that he has given this Queen more liberty than she had in my Lord of Shrewsbury's time; as to suffer her to go six or seven miles a hawking, from this castle, and that the soldiers using to attend her abroad with their bills have lately used only their swords and daggers.

Mr. Chancellor writes more plainly the truth in that behalf, that the furthest part that ever she went a hawking from hence was to Burton moor, not so far as Burton, which is but three little miles hence, and sometimes nearer, and [in] all but seldom, for since she came hither neither her health nor strength of body would suffer this above four or five times at the most.

It is the only comfort he has had since he came to this charge for exercise and some contentment is this restraint—as he accounts it— from his wonted life.

And considering the great contentment her majesty was pleased to give her by her highness' letters, but the more amply by Nau's report, how sorry her majesty would be of her evil, and much more that she should die in her hands, Mr. Chancellor could not—he thought —in honour, respecting that favour, refuse her her desire to see that wherein she takes such singular delight, as being scant able of late to abide the amble of her easy horse, would yet force herself, by small pace, to see that sport, and take the air, not being able by lameness to do it afoot.

And this your honour will give me leave to say truly, as I can make good account to her majesty, whereof there has been given good testimony since Mr. Chancellor's coming hither, that without some such contentment given to this Queen she would never have delivered her mind so frankly, as to utter her soul and offer her body to her majesty by word and writing, which is all [that] can be "gotten" of prince or people, leaving to the Almighty to judge the inward secrets.

And yet had Mr. Chancellor such care of her safety that he had always with him a good company of good horses and like men well appointed, and she never above four men and two gentlewomen.

And of this one thing her majesty may be well assured, that if any danger had been offered, or apparent doubt suspected, this Queen's body should first have tasted of the gall. There is so good order given to the gentlewomen hereabouts, and watch and ward in every village within ten miles of this castle—witness an extraordinary number of rogues and vagabonds in the gaols, taken by these watchmen and warders—that no company can resort hitherwards without speedy knowledge given hither.

And though there be in this shire, and in the next, some well-known papist gentlemen—the more blame to the bishop of the diocese of Lichfield and Coventry—yet they are of so small means that, besides their small credit among the gentry and people of sort, they dare not stir out of their doors to offend the meanest by force. Tutbury. Signed: John Somer.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

581. [Walsingham] to Angus, Mar, and the Master of Glamis. [March 23.]

The King of Scots having authorised the Justice Clerk to move her majesty that they may be sent for to be charged before her Council here, she requests that they will accordingly repair hither.

¼ p. Copy. Indorsed.

582. Sir Ralph Sadleir to Walsingham. [March 25.] C. P., vol. XV.

The Queen of Scots sending to me these inclosed [letters], the one to the Queen's majesty, and the other to the French ambassador, prayed me to move you earnestly that her letters to him, and his to her, may have speedier passage than some have had of late. Wherein she does not impute the fault to you, but, being laid out of sight, may be forgotten.

I have examined one Rowland, servant to Mr. Langford, of Derbyshire—of whom I wrote lately to you—touching a letter mentioned in Briges' examination, which I sent then also; and have desired one Edward Stanhope, of Nottingham, to examine one Anne Tailer, now there, upon the same letter, and of other points of Briges' examination, but can get nothing from either of them, denying flatly the whole wherewith they are charged. And therefore I have forborne to send for Mr. Langford, having no better proof against him of those matters, which are the principal points touching matters of State.

But this I find plainly by Rowland, serving his master in his chamber —though he says he must not accuse Catholics to hurt himself and them in matters of religion—that Mr. Langford and all his family forbear at all to go to the church, and does not deny that he has received into his house divers massing priests named in the examination of Bridges, whom I take to be a bad fellow, and was pursued by Mr. Langford as suspected of horse-stealing, as I wrote. I "stay" him and Rowland yet close here, until your answer shall advise me what I shall do further with them, and with Mr. Langford, to charge whom— otherwise than by Bridges' report—I find no proof, saving for his refusal to go to church and receiving of priests; for which the bishop may deal with him, as is pertinent to his charge. Wherein it appears he has not been diligent that way in his diocese, as his charge does in duty require. For if he would look out he should find some gentlemen whose example withdraws the inferior sort, their tenants, and others depending on them, from their duties towards God, and unsoundness often consequently follows towards this State, which God long preserve in quiet by the good health and prosperity of the Queen's majesty. I never longed for anything more than to hear of Sir Amias Powlet's despatch from the Court and setting forth hitherwards, which many words have promised, but many weeks have worn them out. Tutbury. Signed: R. Sadleir.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed: "25 March 1585. From Sir Ralphe Sadleir. To receave answeare touchinge Bridges and Rowland."

583. Walsingham to Sir Ralph Sadleir. [March 29.] C.P., vol. XV.

I have acquainted her majesty with the contents of your late letters, who rests reasonably well satisfied withal, yet her meaning is that the Queen your charge shall, notwithstanding, be very straitly looked to, the rather for that the Guises of late grow to be very great, etc.

This doubtful and dangerous state of things gives her majesty just cause to carry the more watchful eye on that Queen and her doings, yet, if she delivers to you any despatches to be conveyed hither, you shall do well to send them to me still, who will so order the matter that they shall not be delivered with that speed they were wont.

Touching her request to be suffered to send a servant of hers into Scotland, her majesty's pleasure is that you should let her understand that she is content to yield that she shall send such a servant accordingly in company of one of her own, though she does not mean that the said party shall repair up hither, but remain in readiness there to go forward with her servant when he shall come that way, whereof warning shall be sent the day before, to the end he may meet him in the ordinary way. And in this behalf her majesty would have you persuade her to send hither a copy of the instructions that she shall deliver to her said servant, to the end both ministers may by like direction concur in the course of their nogotiation.

½ p. Copy. Indorsed: "March 29 1585. M[inute] to Sir Rafe Sadler."

584. Thomas Morgan to Mary. [March 30.] C.P., vol. XV.

While it pleased God to give me life and liberty I was wont to give your majesty, according to my duty, [an] account of my life and actions, and of such things as your majesty commended to my faith and charge in your service, whereof, God is my witness, I have always had a special regard. Now, by some accident happened, which deprived me of liberty, I thought myself bound to give your majesty the reasons thereof; as I will, God willing, so near as my present condition and state will bear and permit.

When the Earl of Derby arrived here he gave his sister, the Lady Morley, special caution that she should not deal with me or with Mr. Thomas Throgmorton. Which admonition so given to the said lady, whereof she advertised both myself and the said Throgmorton, I took also as a warning to look to myself and my papers the better. And thereupon [I] made a special view of all my letters and papers that concerned your majesty, the Duke of Guise, or the Bishop of Glasgow, or any other in charge or service for your majesty, and so "retired" all apart, which are defaced since.

In the treaty that the said Earl of Derby and the ambassador leger of England had here with this King, one of the points was that the Queen of England desired to have me restored to England. And upon some new matter happened in England by the confession of one Parry, to please that State, and to deliver himself from torments: he uttered some new matter against great personages, and against myself also, which increased the fury of them of England against me, insomuch that new special instance was made by the said earl and by the said ambassador to have me still delivered to England, bearing this King and his mother in hand that, besides many evil offices done by me against her of England, I had also in this place offended this crown and realm, and that I served here the King of Spain, and brought the people of England to his service, to the offence of this realm and England, and that for these considerations I had great sums of money and a pension of the King of Spain.

Upon these untrue suggestions this King sent his officers to my lodging on the 9th of March, about ten o'clock at night, and in their company a "spiall" of the Queen of England, named Shute, to conduct them to my lodging. Where, when they arrived, they arrested my person, and searched my study and papers, and brought my papers to Mons. Pinart, and seized all my goods in my chamber to the King's use. And, upon my expenses and charges, left a company of the King's officers in my lodging, by the space of three weeks, to look to my lodging till further order was taken with me; being, the said 9th of March, carried from my lodging prisoner to the house of the lieutenant of the Provost del Hostel to the King, where I was [for] five days [a] close prisoner and guarded both day and night. When I was apprehended the said Mr. Throgmorton was with me, to my comfort, and gave speedy advertisement of that accident to friends to us.

Whereupon the Bishop of Glasgow and others solicited the King earnestly for me, lest I should be delivered to England, which was so earnestly sought for. Though for that time the Earl of Derby departed without me, yet to satisfy the importunacy of them of England, I was removed from the place where I was first imprisoned, to the Bastille, the selfsame day that the Earl of Derby departed towards England. And in the Bastille I have been close prisoner ever since, and so remain, well contented with whatsoever it shall please God to lay upon me.

And now I hear Wade is come an express ambassador from the Queen of England to thank this King for his dealing against me in favour of her, and to entreat this King to deliver me to England, which, I think, cannot be done with the honour of this realm, whereof I doubt not but the King will have due regard. But hitherto the matter is in deliberation, and not concluded, and if it be, I hope it be rather in favour of my cause than against me.

I hear by Charles Paget and Throgmorton that the Bishop of Glasgow has laboured earnestly for me by all means, for which I beseech your majesty most humbly by your next letters to thank him, although the cause of God and service of your majesty, the preservation of my life, and conservation of the quiet state of others, worthy to be respected, required his labours and endeavours in this case of mine, whereupon somewhat depends.

This trouble comes to me in a strange country, and at such a time as I am unprovided to bear the burden and charge annexed to the same, not knowing of any support that I shall recover of any living, yourself excepted as my refuge, under God, in all fortunes; and to God I have resigned this cause and my life and death, with that confidence also that he will of his mercy dispose of my life to his glory and my comfort. And I take no discouragement in this state, but rather patience. But so far forth as I remember that my captivity or death may be any decay to your service, so am I indeed troubled; which conceit I beseech your majesty humbly to hold of me living or departing out of this life, for I shall live and die your majesty's faithful and loyal servant. And if I erred in your service, of a zealous affection to your service, apprehending deeply—God is my witness—your long captivity, which goes not to so many hearts as I would it did, I beseech your majesty to forgive me: and in the rest of the days I have to live to comfort me in your good grace, and in the good grace of all yours, and to charge the Bishop of Glasgow, and such as shall have charge under your majesty, to yield me that honour and comfort in this captivity, or wheresoever I be, that I may hear of your majesty's state, which I trust to God shall never be unprofitable to your majesty, whom I shall serve while I live, and honour with the effusion of my blood, if that be the lot of life assigned to me by God. There were taken in my lodging when I was apprehended 6000 crowns of the sun, of the provision of Lord Paget, sent to him out of England since his departure out of that realm, which he left with me to be transported to his service, wheresoever he should happen to be. All those crowns, and some few of my own, and whatsoever I had besides, are seized to the King's use, and so yet remain. And they of England maintain that the said crowns were sent to me out of Spain to do ill offices. But God and my conscience, and others, can witness the contrary, which is already here proved, to the dishonour of them of England who wrest things ever to the worst sense for the serving of their purpose.

Having to do with many of divers countries, and thereby daily letters and intelligence, I could not choose but have some papers in my lodging, which I would be loth should come to the hands of adversaries. Yet, as I said before, there were no papers concerning your majesty or from you, one little cipher excepted, which came to me from Sir Francis Englefield out of Spain the same night that I was apprehended, and one packet of letters in blank which I had made long since, prepared to be addressed to Germain Ireton, wherein is contained no matter whereof you need to care. Which I tell your majesty to put you out of doubt, and that you be not terrified with the brags of the adversaries, although I hope they, nor any of the rest, shall come to their hands to be surveyed. And for the present they remain in the hands of Mons. Pinart, who has used some grace towards me by secretly permitting the said Throgmorton to repair to me sometimes in this captivity, whereby I was much relieved and satisfied in many points which close prisoners want.

Charles Paget and Throgmorton labour earnestly for me, being their friend, as they know it shall be a comfort to me, if you let both of them know that their kind dealing with me at this time is grateful to your majesty. And many more of the English here are ready to adventure their lives to relieve me out of this captivity. I thank them, and mind to resist my going to England, unless the King sends a special guard for the purpose, which I trust his majesty will never do. Yet it is good to prevent the worst and to hope the best, as I do; concluding that to be best for me that it shall please God to lay upon me. Yet this trouble comes in this time of diffidence between this King and your majesty's parents and their confederates in the league accorded among them, whereof I doubt not but you shall hear amply by the Bishop of Glasgow and others at liberty.

The Queen mother went eight days past to Mons. de Guise, who is at Chalons, to see if things may be accorded between the King and them, and the rest. And on Monday last I perceive that the Queen spake with Mons. de Guise: but how they agree, I trust you shall hear otherwise than by me. I will consider as duly as I can that my captivity or death do not hinder any service of your majesty by me continued in times past, and as long as I live I shall be careful of your majesty's estate and do my best for the advancement of your service.

Now that Gray has—as I hear—dishonourably acquitted himself of your majesty's service, there be some instruments that "lay to me" that I procured his credit here and with your majesty. He was commended out of Scotland by Father Holt to some others of that society here, who gave him all the credit they could to the Duke of Guise; and the Bishop of Glasgow entertained Gray with great respect of him, and all matters were imparted to him—God is my witness, never by me. But he could tell me many particulars which, when I heard, I was sorry to hear that the same were so dispersed, and thereof I advertised your majesty, testifying the devotion he showed to have to your service, and indeed I thought a gentleman of his quality and religion could never so ungratefully and undutifully forget himself towards his sovereign lady and mistress. And so I hope your majesty will not impute to me any blame for his lewd parts, whereof he shall hear at my hands if I live to speak with him.

Fuljambe is here for his pension. You know that "Baynard" (Francis Throgmorton) and he were familiar, and he keeps the same course with Francis Throgmorton's brother, who is here, who is a good one. "Barasino" (Thomas Throgmorton) repairing to me in this captivity, signified to me full modestly and discreetly that Fuljambe had signified to him that he had a pension of your majesty, for which cause he was come hither at this time. Fuljambe committed error by revealing anything to Thomas Throgmorton; for, though he can retain secrecy and use discreetfully, and so will, specially where the matter concerns your majesty, yet by this revealing of things one to another in this distress and banishment of ours, whereunto many crosses be annexed, Thomas Throgmorton seeing your liberality to all that have engaged themselves, may presume so much of your honour and goodness that it will please your majesty to have some gracious consideration of him, utterly spoiled by the fall of Francis Throgmorton, by my knowledge of the devotion of that family towards your majesty; and by consideration of their present state, so spoiled and "maliced" by the state now "regnant," I am of very conscience and duty moved to beseech your majesty most humbly upon my knees that it will please your majesty to establish some order for some yearly provision to Thomas Throgmorton. Whereof your majesty shall have both honour and service, the gentleman being well qualified, and like to be a profitable servant to your majesty and his country.

Thomas Throgmorton and his friends hold me one of the best witnesses they have of their devotion and service to your majesty, and they all think that my poor credit with your majesty may weigh somewhat. In this case I beseech your majesty "eftsones" to confirm that conceipt of theirs by yielding some present support to Thomas Throgmorton, and some yearly pension for the time to come, which I assure myself your majesty shall find well bestowed, and this favour at your majesty's hands shall restrain me from troubling your majesty in the like case hereafter.

I beseech your majesty return your pleasure for answer herein with the first opportunity, and let the same be addressed to the Bishop of Glasgow or to "Hert" (Charles Paget), to be delivered to me, and in case of my absence or death, to Thomas Throgmorton, with instructions to the Bishop of Glasgow to see your pleasure performed in favour of Thomas Throgmorton.

"I do this remember" your majesty, because I know not what shall become of me in such a "broyling" time as this is, and when the Queen of England has more credit here than she deserves, or ever will be for the commodity of this realm.

The Bishop of Glasgow visited the Earl of Derby and found him courteous, as of his nature. I hold him not malicious, though carried away to serve the appetite of them of England.

I understand that Sir Amias Powlet is appointed to wait upon your majesty. He is a gentleman of an honourable family, a Puritan in religion, and very ambitious; of which humour you may take hold. He is courteous, and, I hope, will know his duty towards your majesty. But he will be very curious and watchful about your majesty and your people, and respects Secretary Walsingham above all the rest of the men in the service of that State; and I believe Walsingham was the procurer of him to that charge.

The said Powlet was within this twelvemonth far out of liking with Leicester, and I pray God the matter is not altered between them. The said Powlet is governor of the Isle of Jersey, belonging to that crown, which is worth to him 1000l. by the year at the least. The hope he may conceive of your majesty's favour towards him and his house, and that they may continue in that charge, and receive some advancement otherwise, may bring him with time to be careful and tender of your majesty, far contrary to the expectation that is conceived of him.

They that serve that State desire nothing else but commodity, present, and advancement, which your majesty may assure him [of], and make him and his house for his good service another manner of assurance of the said island than ever was given to subject of that realm of a thing of like state and nature. For you give him the said island for many years, or in fee, if he deserve it, whereas he has the same at this time but for term of life—to himself and his son at the most.

He may "dispend" in lands of his own 1000l. by year. His son and heir is married to the daughter of Lord Norris, a protestant, and out with Leicester, unless they be lately reconciled.

The said Powlet's wife is a plain gentlewoman, and was the daughter and heir of one Mr. Anthony Harvye, a catholic gentleman of the west country of England; but he is dead a good while since, whereof I am the more sorry as the case now falls out. The said Powlet's wife was a catholic during her father's life, but her husband has altered her since, but not so far but there must remain in her some of the good instructions and examples of her father.

I think of all the means I can to find out among Powlet's friends and followers some to serve your turn, which God will send yet.

There is one Hotman, a Frenchman, who much haunts the said Powlet, whose children he brought up both here and in England. The said Hotman is a great Huguenot, and much addicted to Leicester, as far as I perceive, [who] is a kinsman to Hotman, who serves your majesty in your council here: wherefore upon these occasions I will give instructions to the Bishop of Glasgow to deal with old Hotman, and to see whether the other may be made an honest man and an instrument to serve your majesty, which he might do without suspicion.

Having written thus far, I perceive Wade has got audience of the King, and was marvellous earnest to have me delivered to England; which the King would not grant then. But Wade and the "lidger" ambassador still prosecute the matter with grateful offers of pleasure, and assistance of two millions of gold to this King to make the wars in Flanders and against Mons. de Guise and his adherents, so that I remain but in a "tickle" state here. But the best is, I have committed myself to the providence of God.

And for that this rude writing of mine in haste may, peradventure, be the last that your majesty shall have of me, I shall upon my knees most humbly desire your majesty, first, whatsoever becomes of me, to conserve with yourself a gracious memory of me for the devotion I have borne to your service, which, God is my witness, has ever been sincere and faithful; and if I ever committed any error, which never proceeded of malice or negligence, I beseech your majesty in like manner to pardon me.

If it be my lot to be transported to England, there to suffer death, for that I hope well in God your majesty shall live with joy and honour, and see a better world in England, I shall most humbly beseech your majesty to cause two masses to be said for ever for my soul every day in Paul's Church in London.

By the advice of my Lord Paget, Doctor Lewis, Doctor Allen, Charles Paget, Charles Arundel, Thomas Throgmorton, Richard Gilford, and Godfrey Fuljambe, being friends in this banishment, I shall also desire your majesty, for the long conjunction and amity I have had with many personages to whom I desire to leave some memory of my goodwill towards them all, may it please your majesty to give to every of the personages here named some jewel to remain with them in memory of me.

And whereas I wrote to you that I had taken, to the use mentioned in my said letters, 500 crowns of the sun, of the goods of Thomas Somerset, I shall desire your majesty to repay the same to him, and to do the like, if I shall be forced, as I am sure I shall, in this captivity to take up some money here for the service of my necessity, whereof I shall have need of the Bishop of Glasgow, "Hert" (Charles Paget), and Thomas Throgmorton.

I recommend to your majesty my poor family and two brethren of mine, the one named Henry, who has lovingly remembered me in this banishment. My other brother is a man of the church, and prays for your majesty wheresoever he is.

Rowland Morgan, Edward Morgan, Thomas Morgan, Edmund Morgan, Rice Morgan, and Thomas Lewes are the gentlemen of my name and blood which I recommend unto your majesty, being all well placed in their country, and I hope will some time serve your majesty.

I pray you to give somewhat to the poor to pray for me.

I recommend to your majesty the wife of Francis Throgmorton and his only child, and Thomas Throgmorton, with all devotion. and his only brother.

De Courcelles and one Hubert, a brother-in-law of the said de Courcelles, dwelling in this town, having merited well of me in the service of your majesty, wherefore I pray your majesty to gratify the said Hubert with something to the value of 100 crowns. And as for de Courcelles, I trust you have him in recommendation; and Arnault and Pasquier. Some of Arnault's friends, by his means, are in this time tender of my ease and state, as many good personages else are—God reward them—and murmur that I should be prisoner at the instance of the Queen of England, by whose life and reign this noble realm has been pitifully embroiled and infected with heresy, and the cause of the death of many notable princes, and spilling of much innocent blood here and elsewhere; whereof God give her grace to repent.

Albeit this cipher was taken as I told you, yet there was no mention in my letter that it was for your majesty; and whensoever I shall be thereof examined, I will allege that the same was for some other, and not for your majesty.

There is a discreet lady, called Lady Pope, who was married to the aforesaid Powlet's father. She is a catholic, by whose means it may be that you shall draw some service of Powlet and some of his. Because I may not in this state practise with the said lady, I have remembered her and some other instruments to Charles Paget, and wished him to deal with them for your better service; whereto I have put my helping hand, being very sorry that the force of my captivity or death should decay your service any way, for the which I will provide as well as my ease and state will bear.

If this King and his mother stay me here, and not send me to England, as I trust they will not, I think it shall not be amiss that your majesty cause your ambassador to thank them in your name, as he has already alleged to the King and others that I am your servant, as I am to the death. But this point I leave to your majesty's wisdom, praying your majesty also to write to your ambassador, and to the Duke of Guise, that during this captivity I may not want necessaries for my furniture, wherein, God willing, I will be found as profitable as may be.

It should seem to me that all the nobles and gentlemen of the north part of England, from London to Berwick, receive a great check in that the Queen went to the west parts of the realm to pick out Powlet to attend on your majesty, and could not find any of the nobility and gentlemen between London and Berwick to take that charge: and as it is a check to all the north parts, as I would have them to take it, so it is also a great argument of the diffidence which the State has of the north parts, though it is yet to your honour, as I have alleged and written as soon as I heard of the resolution that Powlet should wait on your majesty. I think it shall not be amiss, for the service of your own turn, that you cause some of your friends of those parts to visit Powlet and to do him some courtesy, which shall breed some amity between them, which may turn to your service. Whereas if Powlet is left there alone like a stranger, it will breed occasions of repair to the place of your continuance, which the more it be, the more [it] will serve for your turn, which I desire, as God knows.

My own conscience, [I] now here a prisoner at the mercy of God and this King, bears me witness that I have truly served your majesty as my duty bound me, which makes me the more bold to desire your majesty to perform these my most humble petitions when God pleases to repair your state and to give you that which is due to you.

In the meantime I beseech your majesty to show your goodness and favour to Thomas Throgmorton; which petition being, perhaps, one of the last I shall make to your majesty, I trust you will not deny me for so good a member and servant to your majesty.

The personages that I desire your majesty to acknowledge hereafter with some token of your liberality in memory of me are these:— the Duke of Guise, the Bishop of Glasgow, the Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Worcester, Mr. Thomas Somerset, Lord Ross, Lord Lumley, Lord Paget, Roger Manners, Doctor Lewes, Doctor Allen, Sir Edward Herbert, Sir Francis Englefield, Charles Paget, William Shelley, Charles Arundel, Mons. Nau and Curll, your secretaries, whom I should have named rather, the Laird of Farnyhurst, old Mons. Curll, du Ruisseau, Fontenay, Doctor Atslow, Thomas Throgmorton, Richard Gilford, Foljambe, Lygons, de Courcelles. Many more I could name, whom honest friendship binds me to remember, but I will no further trouble your majesty. Yet I pray you give me leave to recommend to your favour Doctors Mouse, Aubrey, Griffith, Jones, and Floyd, professors of the civil law, resident in London, and I have been beholden to the said Griffith in times past.

I still recommend to your majesty William Green. I recommend also to your majesty's favour some reverend priests on this side of the seas, Doctor Gifford, Mr. Reynoldes, Doctor Elye, Doctor Barrett, Doctor Wendon, Doctor Nicolson, Mr. Clitherow, all daily orators for your majesty.

And thus I finish my last will and testament, if God will have it so, thanking Almighty God that I have served so gracious a lady, who, of her charity and goodness towards me, will, I hope, cause the same to be performed, and lastly dispense with me for my boldness.

In a good time Thomas Throgmorton will instruct your majesty for the recovery of the 6000 crowns delivered to Francis Throgmorton, for the recovery whereof there is no dealing in this time. Written in the Bastille where I am prisoner.

Postscript.—Good Curll, adieu, and pray for me, and love me as I have loved you, and will while I live, and if God call me out of this life in this time, I shall desire you to "remember" her majesty for the performance of my petitions here mentioned, and that it will please her majesty to have a gracious respect to Thomas Throgmorton; which point I recommend also to Mons. Nau as, perhaps, my last request to you both, whereof I desire that Thomas Throgmorton may find some good fruit, whatsoever become of me.

Commend me heartily to Mons. Nau, to your good sister, and to your wife that shall be, if it please God, to whom I commit you for want of more paper.

6 pp. Cipher. Signed on the back by Burghley, Shrewsbury, Hunsdon, Cobham, and Walsingham. Indorsed: "Ther ar thre leaves here in a small cipher." In another hand: "9 Aprill, 1585. Morgan to the Scottish Quene." In Phelippes' hand: "Decifred, Phelipes."

Decipher of the same in Thomas Phelippes's hand.

585. Master of Gray to Walsingham. [March 31.]

Protests mutual goodwill, readiness to follow his advice, and performance of all he should promise to do.

Need not write of the present state of this realm as Mr. John Miller knows it so well, but asserts that Mr. Randolph, her majesty's ambassador, had a great deal more to promise than to perform. He possibly believed in them at first, his hasty belief proceeding from his own honesty or otherwise.

Nevertheless, trusts that Randolph's "embassad" will end well, though men have done evil offices for the impeachment of his negotiations.

Thanks him for his message concerning the Earl of Leicester's affairs, received through Randolph. Will rest satisfied until the return of Sir Thomas Heneage.

Received a latter lately from Sir Philip Sidney, which Mr. Miller will show him. Upon receipt of his answer will satisfy his [Sidney's] desire.

George Douglas landed an Englishman at Yarmouth. Will inform the ambassador when he learns what is his name. Holyrood. Signed: M^r of Gray.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

586. Lady Margaret Fleming to Mary. [March 31.] C.P., vol. XV.

Since the coming of Mons. Fountenay, and the receipt of your grace's letter by him, I had never the commodity to make answer, by reason of the contagious sickness that has been, and yet is in this realm, so now my coming to this town [is] for lamenting my own hard handling by my son, my lord of Athol, whereof I find little remedy or good "esperance" to be had as yet. God will send better when he thinks time. And finding your majesty's advice far altered from the point I left you at Michaelmas, I wot not what to say therein.

Our Court changes manners, which your majesty must take in patience, and impute naught to the King's majesty, your son, but evil company and counsel; for after the assurance his grace commanded me to make your majesty in his name of the great affection he bears to your grace and your liberty, I can never believe, for all the evil persuasions that he can get, that ever his grace shall be other than an humble, obedient, and most heartily loving son to your grace.

As to the estate of Court and affairs of this realm, I refer to others more experienced therein than I am; for truly I wot not what they are doing in this world, yet there are some, I believe, will be true to both your majesties, and if they are not, I "quit my part of them."

I pray God that I may see your majesty and the King's grace, your son, together, as you ought to be, ere I die, which would be in one part satisfaction to me for all my troubles.

In the meantime, if either myself, or your grace's servant, my daughter Mary, may do you agreeable service, we are at command, as Mons. de Fountenay will declare to your grace at more length, to whom your majesty ought to be [a] good mistress. For, so far as I can see, he is altogether your true and faithful servitor, and good friend to all that favour your grace's service, and not recompensed here according to his merit. For my own part I am sorry I had not the means to do as I would always. He wanted no goodwill of me. "Canygate," Edinburgh.

1½ pp. Copy. Indorsed.