History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland, Book 2 · Body of book two · Floating text 7
The Queens Proclamation.
FOr so much as it is understood by the Queen, that the Duke of Chattellawralt hath lately directed his Missives into all parts of this Realm, making mention that the French-men late arrived with their wives and children, are begun to plant in Leith, to the ruine of the Common-weale, which he and his partakers will not passe over with patient beholding, desiring to know what will be every mans part. And that the fortification of Leith, is a purpose devised in France, and that therefore Monsieur de la Brosse, and the Bishop of Amiens, are come to this countrey. A thing so vaine and untrue, that the contrary thereof is knowne to all men of free judgement. Therefore the Queen, willing that the occasions whereby her Majesty was moved so to do, be made patent, and what have been her proceedings since the appointment last made on the Linkes beside Leith. To the effect that the trueth of all things being made manifest, every man may understand how unjustly that a desire to suppresse the liberty of this Realm is laid to her charge; we have thought expedient to make this discourse following. First, although after the said appointment, divers of the said Congregation, and that not of the meanest sort, hath violently broken the points thereof, and made sundry occasions of new cumber. The same was in a part winked at, and over-looked, in hope that they in time would remember their duty, and abstaine from such evil behaviour, which conversion her Majestie ever sought, rather then any punishment, with such care and solicitude by all means, and in the mean time nothing was provided for her own security. But at last by their frequent Messages to and from England, Elizabeth was come to the crown of England the yeere before, by the death of Mary.their intelligence then was perceived, yet her Majestie trusted the Queen of England (let them seek as they please) will do the office of a Christian Princesse, in time of a sworne Peace, through which, force was to her Majestie, seeing so great defection of great personages, to have recourse to the Law of Nature. And like as a small Bird, being pursued, will provide some nest, so her Majestie could do no lesse in cases of pursuit, but provide some sure retract for her selfe and her company, and to that effect chose the Town of Leith, as a place convenient therefore: because it was her dearest daughters property, and no other person could claime Title or Interesse thereto, and also because in former times it had been fortified: About the same time that the seeking support of England was made manifest, arrived the Earle of Arrane, False lying tongue God hath confounded thee.and adjoyned himselfe to the Congregation, upon further promise then the pretended quarrell, or Religion that was to be set up by them in authority, and so to pervert the whole obedience, and as some of the Congregation at the same time had put into their hands, and taken the Castle of Brochtie, put forth the keepers thereof. Immediately came from the said Duke to her Majestie unlooked for, a Writ, beside many others complaining of the fortification of the said Town of Leith, in hurt of the ancient inhabitants thereof, brethren of the said Congregation, whereof he then professed himselfe a Member. And albeit that the Bearer of the said Writ was an unmeet Messenger, in a matter of such consequence, yet her Majestie directed to him two persons of good credit and reputation, with answer; Offering, If he would cause amends to be made for that which was committed against the Lawes of the Realme, to do further then could be craved of reason. And to that effect, to draw some conference, which by his fault and his Colleagues took no end; neverthelesse they continually since continue in their doings,God hath purged his people of that false accusation. usurping the authority, commanding and charging free Boroughs to chuse Provests and officers of their naming, and to assist to them in the purpose they would be at: and that they will not suffer provision to be brought for sustentation of her Majesties houses. A great part have so plainely set aside all reverence and humanitie, whereby every man may know, That it is no matter of Religion, but a plaine usurpation of the authority: and no doubt but simple men of good Zeale in former times, therewith falsly have been deceived. But as to the Queens part (God who knoweth the secrets of all hearts well knoweth, and the world shall see by experience) that the fortification of Leith was devised for no other purpose, but for recourse to her highnesse and her company, in case they were pursued. Wherefore, as good Subjects that have the feare of God in their hearts, will not suffer themselves by such vaine perswasions to be led away from their due obedience: but will assist in defence of their Soveraigns quarrell, against all such as shall pursue the same wrongfully. Therefore her Majestie ordaineth the officers of Arms to passe to the Market-Crosses of all the head Burroughs of this Realme, and there by open Proclamation command and charge all and sundry the Lieges thereof, that none of them take in hand to put themselves in arms, nor take part with the said Duke or his assistaries, under the paine of Treason.
These Letters being divulgate, the hearts of many were stirred, for they judged the Narration of the Queen Regent to have been true, others understood the same to be utterly false. But because the Lords desired that all men should judge in their cause, they set out the Declaration subsequent.