<B ROYAL1>

[^LETTERS OF QUEEN ELIZABETH AND KING JAMES VI. OF SCOTLAND;
SOME OF THEM PRINTED FROM ORIGINALS IN THE POSSESSION OF THE
REV. EDWARD RYDER, AND OTHERS FROM A MS. WHICH FORMERLY BELONGED
TO SIR PETER THOMPSON, KT. ED. BY BRUCE, JOHN. CAMDEN FIRST
SERIES 46. 1849.^]

<Q RO1 1585 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 10>
[} [\NO. VI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January 1584-5.\]
<P 11>
   I mynde not deale, my deare brother, as wise men commenly
counsel, to try my trust with trifles first, and therby iuge of
like event, but haue agried to make my first assay of your many
promises and desires that you might knowe the way to please me
most; and therfor do require, that a question may, upon
allegeance, be demanded by yourselfe of the mastar Gray, whether
he knoweth not the prise of my bloude, wiche shuld be spild by
bloudy hande of a murtherar, wiche some of your nere-a-kin did
graunt. A sore question, you may suppose, but no other act than
suche as I am assured he knowes, and therfor I hope he wyl not
dare deny you a truthe; but yet I beseche you let it not seme to
come from me, to whom I made no semblance but ignorance. Let him
suppose that you receaued it elzwhere. O most wicked treachere,
to gusche the droppes of innocent bloud, yea, of suche as
perhaps hath saued often thers! As this toucheth me nearest, so
use it with best commodity, and let the answer be speded after a
thre or foure dayes after his retourne. It
<P 12>
may please you, aske it no sonar, lest he suspect it come of me,
from whom, according to trust, let it be kept.
   Your most assured sistar and cousin,
   [\UNSIGNED\] .
   God euer kepe you from al daungerous attempts, and graunt you
many yeres to liue and raigne.
[\ADDRESSED,\] (\Au roy d'Escose, mon bon frere et cousin.\)

<Q RO1 1585 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 12>
[} [\No. VII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES\] }] 
[\January or February 1584-5.\]
   I haue, right deare brother, receaued your frendly and
affectionat letters, in wiche I perceaue the mastar Grayes
halfe, limping answer, wiche is lame in thes respectz: the one,
for that I se not that he told you who bade him talke with
Morgan of the price of my bloude, wiche he knowes, I am assured,
right wel; nor yet hathe named the man that shuld be the
murtherar of my life. You wel perceaue that nothing may nearelar
touche me than this cause, and therfor, accordinge to the bond
of nature and the promes of strikte frindeship, let me coniure
you that this vilanye may be confest. I hope I may
<P 13>
stand you in bettar sted than that you wyl shew you uncareful of
suche a treason.
   And because I desiar that no cause be giuen of your part to
make me, or the lokers on, to slandar your good wyl, I heare,
out of my realme of Ireland, that Skotz assemble in great
troupes. Giue you charge immediatly, I most hartely require you,
that, upon paine of treason, the desist from suche action, and
so shal you bind me to recompence suche honorable traictment.
   And wher I perceaue that you expected the erles departur from
the bordars, it is true, vpon my honor, that I dispached
furthewith a charge unto them, wiche the answered, after a wekes
leasur, that the wer so indetted to my subiectz that the could
not, but I am sure by this time the ar departed. As for ther not
banisment out of my realme, I haue, by my secretary, signified
to the mastar Gray what reasons necessary to be considered moues
me therunto, specially sins the offar to submit themselues to
suffar as if the wer my subiectz offending me, and to take
condigne pain if, while the bid in my gouernement, the disobay
ther alegiance to you. And this, with the rest, I trust wyl
content you, as one that I wyll take as great care of, for your
honor and your surty, as whosoever may giue you more golden
promes with leaden performance.
   I beseche you let your answer be retournid me with your best
spede and most commoditye. Thus, not willing to molest you, I,
with my humblest deuotion, intreat the Almighty to protect you
from al inconveniens, and grant you many happy yeares.
   Your most assured sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] (\A monsieur mon bon frere et cousin le roy
d'Escosse.\)

<Q RO1 1585 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 16>
[} [\NO. X ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\June or July, 1585.\]
<P 17>
   Right deare brother, Your gladsome acceptance of my offred
amitie, togither with the desiar you seem to have ingraven in
your mynde to make merites correspondant, makes me in ful
opinion that some ennemis to our good wyl shal loose muche
travel, with making frustrat thar baiting stratagemes, whiche I
knowe to be many and by sondry meanes to be explored. I cannot
halt with you so muche as to denye that I haue seen suche
euident shewes of your contrarious dealings, that if I mad not
my rekening the bettar of the moneths, I might condemne you as
unworthy of suche as I mynd to shewe myselfe toward you, and
therfor I am wel pleased to take any coulor to defend your
honor, and hope that you wyl remember, that who seaketh two
stringes to one bowe, the may shute strong, but neuer strait;
and if you suppose that princes causes be vailed so couvertly
that no intelligence may bewraye them, deceave not yourselfe; we
old foxes can find shiftes to saue ourselves by others malice,
and come by knowledge of greattest secreat, spetiallye if it
touche our freholde. It becometh, therfor, all our rencq to
deale sincerely, lest, if we use it not, whan we do it, we be
hardly beleaved. I write not this, my deare brother, for dout
but for remembrances. My ambassador writes so muche of your
honorable traitment of him and of Alexandar, that I belive the
be convertid Scotes. You oblige me for them, for wiche I rendar
you a milion of most intire thankes, as she that meaneth to
desarue many a good thoght in your brest throwe good desart. And
for that your request is so honorable, retaining so muche
reason, I wer out of [{my{] sences if I shuld not suspend of any
hiresay til the answer of your owne action, wiche the actor
ought best to knowe, and so assure yourselfe I meane and vowe to
do; with this request, that you wyl affourd me the reciproque.
And thus, with my many petitions to the Almighty for your long
life and preservation, I ende thes skribled lines.
   Your verey assured lovinge sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
   (\A mon bon frere le roy d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1585 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 19>
[} [\NO. XII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\August 1585.\]
   Right deare brother, I find to true the Frenche adage,
(\Qu'un mal ne vint jamais seul\) ; for as the horrible and
soudain murdar of my most faithful subiect and most vaillant
baron was unto me a heartsore and grivous tidinges, so was it
tenfold redoubled with knowelege that a Skot shuld dare violate
his handes on any of our noble bloude, in a peacable concord,
whan our frendship shuld haue sent out his hotest beames to the
kindeling of the entier affection of bothe realmes; that any of
that nation shuld ons dare haue had a thoght to maculate suche a
contract of amitie. I perceive, by my ambassador, that your
grief is litel les than suche a hap deserveth, and do perceaue
that you haue not spared your wel-fauored, to cause him answer
suche a suspicion. I thinke myselfe, therfor, greatly
<P 20>
obliged unto your care for my satisfaction, and therin I thanke
you for being so considerast of your owne honor, wiche, I assure
you, lieth a-bleding in the bowels of many an Inglas man, until
ful rayson be made for suche a treacherye. God send us bettar
luck after our league be finished than this bloudy beginninge
may geue calendes of, elz many a red side wil folowe suche
demerites. But I hope you wyl spare no man that may be douted of
suche a meaning. I meane, not only of the murdar but of the
breaking out upon our borderars, wiche commonly ar the
beginnings of our quarelz. I dout nothinge of your curious care
in this behalfe, and for that the warden of that marche hathe
bine the open and commen fosterar and compagnion of the traitor
Westmarland and his complices in France and Scotland, I hope you
wil agrie to send him to my handes, wher he shal neuer receaue
iniurie nor ivel measure. And thus, desiring [{you{] to credit
my ambassador in certain particularites that he shal impart unto
you as to myselfe, I recommend you to Gods safe tuition, who
graunt you many gladsome yeres.
   Your most affectionat sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED\] (\A mon bon frere et cousin, le roy d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1585 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 22>
[} [\NO. XV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\November 1585.\]
<P 23>
   Right deare brother, the strangenes of harde accidens that ar
arrived here, of unloked for, or unsuspected, attemps in
Skotland, euen by some suche as lately issued out of our lande,
constraineth me, as wel for the care we have of your person as
of the discharge of our owne honor and consciense, to send you
immediatly this gentleman, one that appartaineth to us in bloud,
bothe to offer you all assistance of helpe as al good indeuor of
counceil, and to make hit plaine that we delt plainly. Thes
lordes makeng great outcryes that I wold not or coulde helpe
them to be restored; I, by ther great importunitie, yelded, that
if I might be fried of my assurance given unto you for ther safe
kiping, I wold consent to ther departure, and so, after your
answer, as my thoght most honorable, that the might take ther
way to Germany with your gracious graunt of some livelode, after
a weekes space I gaue them my pasport and so dismissed them,
without, I swere unto you, ons the sight of any one of them.
Now, whan I way how suddenly, beyond my expectation, this suddan
stur ariseth, and fering lest some ivel and wicked person might
surmise that this was not without my forsight, I beseche you
trust my actions accordinge the measure of my formar dealings
for your safety, and ansuerable to the rule of reason, and you
shal find, that few princes wyl agrye to constraint of ther
equalz, muche les with compulsion of ther subiects. Juge of me,
therfor, as of a kinge that caries no abiect nature, and thinke
this of me, that, rather than your daungier, I wyl ventur myne;
and albeit I must confesse that it is daungerous for a prince to
irritast to muche, through iuel aduise, the generalitie of great
subiectz, so might you or now haue folowed my aduise, that wold
neuer betray you with unsound counceil; and now to conclude,
making hast, I pray you be plain with this bearar, that I may
knowe
<P 24>
what you wold that I should do, without excuse hireafter, that
constrained you did hit, for I dare assure you of his secresye,
and therof be you bold. For the lord Russelz dethe, and other
thinges, I referre me to this gentilman, who I dare promis is of
no faction beside my wyl. God blesse you in al safety as I
wysche myself.
   Your tru assured cousin and sistar,
   Elizabeth R.
   Feare not, for your life must be thers, or els the shal smart
wel, euery mothers son of them.
[\ADDRESSED,\] (\A mon trescher frere le roy d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 26>
[} [\NO. XVII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January 1585-6.\]
   Right deare brother, I am not a litel satisfaict of many a
carefull thoght that my mynde tossed up and downe, with doutes
what care might do to a kings brest, invirunned of a seubdain
with so vnlooked for an accident; my thankes, therfor, may
sca[{r{]se be contained in this paper for your most acceptable
messanger, whom it pleased you to commaund [{for{] my
satisfaction of your good estat, togither with your good liking
of the lordes and ther action, whom I
<P 27>
beseche God no longar preserue in life, than the be ready for
your preservation to spend all thers; so far wer euer my intentz
from any trechery towarde you. And wheras your desiar seameth
great that the league in hand myght come to ende, I am
addressing a gentilman vnto you for the same purpose, and wyl
delay no time for so good a intent, trusting than, that no
whispering treason shal haue credit in your eare to retarde or
cut of so nideful an action. Suppose suche, I pray you, to
resemble a golden houke that oft deceaues the vnwary fische, and
makes him receaue his worst in lieu of bettar hope.
   Amidz al thes kind dealings of yours, let me not forget how
litel care the worlde shal thinke you prise me at, if in middest
of greatest frindship, my los of honor be no whit repaired for
the shamful murther of the baron Russell. Pondar it depely, I
beseche you, for hit striketh nere me, so publik an iniurye to
haue no redres, without we shewe the thoght, wiche God alone
reserues his part. The like answer was neuer yet giuen, and
[{I{] hope for bettar paiment.
   For your churche matters, I do bothe admire and reioise to
see your wise paraphrase, wiche far excedeth ther texte. Since
God hathe made kinges, let them not unmake ther authorite, and
let brokes and smal rivers acknowledge ther springes, and flowe
no furdar than ther bankes. I praise God that you uphold euer a
regal rule.
   For all other matters wiche this gentilman hathe told me, I
wil hope stil that your faithful profession of constantie in my
behalfe shal far surmount the devellishe practises and suttel
iniquitie of those wiche, undar pretence of your aduancement,
wil skanten your best fortiune. And albeit I am aduertised, even
from amonge themselves, that your assurance to them doth shewe,
that al my faire offers from you be (\ad Ephesios\) and
ridiculus, meaning wholy to folow them and temporise with me,
yet I mynd to (\peccare in meliorem\) if I must nides be
begiled, and mynd not to trust them til I see you faile me, and
than (\deceptis ad decipientem digne vertitur\) . Til than, I
wyl trust your worde, and dare assure you shal neuer, on my
behalfe, haue cause to
<P 28>
repent your woues, meaning you no les good than I pray God euer
to afourde me, prayinge him longe to conserve you. And to ende
this lettar, let me not forget to recommend this gentlemans good
behavor in this his charge, hauing used it to your honor and his
great praise. Thus I finische to troble you, but do rest,
   Your most assuredzt louing sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deerest brother and cousin the king of
Scotts.

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 28>
[} [\NO. XVIII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\February 1585-6.\]
   Right deare brother, Determining with myselfe to sende you
some one of whose affection I had profe towarde your estat and
parson, have resolved of this gentilman, who in your childesche
yeres sought all menes of your preservation, and was the
instrument to have you served by them that folowed no other
rular than your raigne, and for that cause suffred hard
assaultes, yea to the present peril of life, wiche was soght
sondry wayes, and ons by bullet of pistol, as he had to shew.
Suppose you that suche a one, so used, wold be hasty to go on
this viage, wer it not my spetiall charge, wiche only I do for
the longe experience that he hathe had of that country, and so
the bettar able to serve us bothe, for I dare swere he hathe no
other scope than to kipe us frendes, and increase that bond. And
if he
<P 29>
find any opposite against so good a worke, he wyl obviat it if
he may, and wyl serve you in any thing that may advance your
honor and quiat, according to his commission; praying you to
have regard unto him and his honorable traictment, that I may
haue no cause to reuenge his wronge; not douting but if you knew
his nature and honesty, as I do, you wold not estime him menely.
I assure you he is of muche valeur bothe for wit and discretion;
in whom ther was never found trechery. Thus I end, with my
prayers to God for your long continuance.
   Your assured sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] (\A mon bon frere le roy d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 29>
[} [\NO. XIX. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }]
[\March 1585-6.\] 
   The expertist seamen, my deare brother, makes vant of ther
best shippes whan the pas the highest bellowes without yelding,
and broke nimlest the roughest stormes. The like profe, I
suppose, may best be made, and surest boste, of frindes, whan
greatest persuasions and mightiest ennemis oppose themselues for
parties. If than a constant
<P 30>
irremouable good wyll appere, thar is best triall made. And for
that I knowe ther is no worse orator for truthe than malice, nor
shwredar invahar than envye, and that I am sure you haue wanted
nether, to assaile your mynde to win it from our frindeship; if
not auailing all thes minars, you kipe the hold of your promised
inward affection, as Randol at lengthe haue told me and your
owne lettars assure me, I dare thus boldly affirme, that you
shall haue the bettar part in this bargain. For when you way in
equal balance, with no palsey hande, the very ground of ther
desires that wold withdrawe you, it is but roote of mischif to
peril your selfe, with hope to harme her who euer hathe
preserued you; and sins you may be sure that Skotland, nor
yourself, be so potent, as for your greatnes the seake you, nor
neuer did, but to iniure a thirde; and if you rede the
histories, ther is no great cause of bost for many conquests,
thogh your contry sarued ther malice. This you see the beginning
why euer Skotland hathe bine sought. Now, to come to my ground
worke, only natural affection (\ab incunabulis\) sturrid me to
saue you from the murderars of your father, and the peril that
ther complices might brede you. Thus, as in no counterfait
miroir, you may behold without maske the faces of bothe
beginnars. It is for you to juge what ar like to be the best
euent of bothe, and therafter I pray God you may use your best
choise to your surest good, no semblant false to begile. And as
I reioyse to haue had, iven in this hammering worlde, suche
presant profe of your sincerite, so shal you be sure to imploye
it upon no gileful person, nor suche as wil not take as muche
regard of your good as of her owne.
   Tochinge an "instrument," as your secretarye terme it, that
you desiar to haue me signe, I assure you, thogh I can play of
some, and haue bine broght up to know musike, yet this disscord
wold be so grose as wer not fit for so wel-tuned musicke. Must
so great dout be made of fre good wyl, and gift be so
mistrusted, that our signe Emanuel must assure? No, my deere
brother. Teache your new rawe
<P 31>
counselars bettar manner than to aduis you such a paringe of
ample meninge. Who shuld doute performance of kinges offer? What
dishonor may that be demed? Folowe next your owne nature, for
this neuer came out of your shoppe. But, for your ful
satisfaction, and to plucke from the wicked the weapon the wold
use to brede your doubt of meanings, thes the be. First, I wil,
as longe as you with iuel desart alter not your course, take
care for your safety, helpe your nide, and shun al actes that
may damnifie you in any sort, ether in present or future time;
and for the portion of relife, I minde neuer to lessen, thogh,
as I see cause, I wil rather augment. And this I hope may stand
you in as muche assuranse as my name in parchement, and no les
for bothe our honors.
   I can not omit, also, to request you, of all amitie betwine
us, to haue good regard of the longe-waiting expectation that
all our subjectes lokes after, that some persons be deliuered in
to my handes for some repaire of my honor thogh no redres for
his dethe, according as my ambassador Randol shal signifie, and
that ther be no more delais, wiche haue bine ouer many already.
And thus I end my trobling you. Comittinge you to the tuition of
the living God, who graunt you many yeres of prosperous raigne.
   Your most assured louinge sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 33>
[} [\NO. XXI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES VI.\] }] 
[\May, 1586.\]
   I muse muche, right deare brother, how possiblie my wel-ment
lettar, prociding from so fauteles a hart, could be ether
misliked or misconstred; and first, for my promis made of
reciproke usage in all amicable maner, I trust I nether haue,
nor neuer shall, make fraction of in the lest scruple; and as
for doute of your perfourmance of your vowe made me, I assure
you, if I did not trust your wordes, I shuld estime but at smale
valew your writings, and if you please to reade againe my last
lettar, you shall perceaue how muche I prise your tried
constancy for all the many assaultes that, I am sure, your eares
haue bin assailled with, and therfor I am far from dout, whan
suche profe is made, and you might worthely forthinke you to
haue bestowed so muche faithful dealinge upon one that ether had
smal iugement or muche ingratitude, and therof I may clerely
purge me from suche crime, for I haue more iust cause to
acknowelege thankefulnis manifold, than, in any part, to ouerrun
my owne wit to leue it behind me.
   And for the some that you suppose my many affaires made me
forget, togither with the maner of the instrument, or lettar,
(\quocunque
<P 34>
nomine datur\) . For the first, I assure you I never gaue
commission for more. Some other might mistake, as Raudol wil tel
you. And for the lettar, some wordes and fourme was suche as
fitted not our two frindeships, as Randol also can shewe you,
but I haue sent you a lettar that I am sure containes all you
desired in spetiall wordes. I trust it shal content you;
although I must say for myselfe this muche, that the pithe and
effect of all you receiued afore; and beseche you thinke, that I
finde it my greatest fault that I remember but to well, yea,
many times more than I wolde, but never aught that may be for
your behoffe, ether in honor or contentation, shal euer slip out
of my mind, but wil take so good regarde unto it as that it euer
shal nerely touche myselfe; as knoweth God, who euer preserue
you from deceitful counseil, and graunt you true knowlege of
your assured, with longe and many yeres to raigne.
   Your most affectionate and assured louing sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED\] (\A mon bon frere et cousin le roy d'Escosse.\)

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 37>
[} [\NO. XXIII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\4th October, 1586.\]
<P 38>
   I hope, my deare brother, that my many waighty affayres in
present may make my lawful excuse for the retardance of the
answer to your ambassadeurs charge, but I doute not but you shal
be honorably satisfaict in all the pointz of his commission, and
next, after my owne errand done, I must rendar you my
innumerable thankes for suche amicable offers as hit hathe
pleased you make, making you assured that, with Gods grace, you
shal neuer have cause to regrat your good thoghtz of my meaninge
to deserue as muche good wil and affection as euer one prince
owed another, wisching all meanes that may maintaine your
faithful trust in me, that neuer wyl seake aught but the
increase of your honor and safty. I was in mynd to haue sent you
suche accidentz as this late monethe brought furthe, but the
sufficientie of mastar Archebal made me retaine him, and do
rendar you many loving thankes for the joy you take of my narow
escape from the chawes of dethe, to wiche I might easely haue
fallen but that the hand of the hiest saued me from that snare.
   And for that the curse of that desaing rose up from the
wicked sucgestion of the Jesuites, wiche make hit an axceptable
sacrifice to God, and meritorieus to themselfe, that a kinge not
of ther profession shuld be murthered, therfor I could kipe my
pen no longar from discharging my care of your person, that you
suffer not suche vipars to inhabite your lande. The say you gaue
leue undar your hand that the might safely come and go. For Gods
loue regard your surety aboue all perswations, and account him
no subiect that intertaines them. Make not edictz for skorne,
but to be obserued. Let them be rebelles, and so pronunsed, that
preserue them.
   For my part, I am sorier that the cast away so many goodly
gentilmen than that the soght my ruine. I thanke God I haue
taken
<P 39>
more dolor for some that ar gilty of this murther than beare
them malice that the soght my dethe. I protest hit before God.
But suche iniquitie will not be hide, be hit neuer so craftely
handeled; and yet, whan you shal here all, you wyl wondar that
one accownted wise wyl use suche matter so fondly. But no
marvel, for whan the ar giuen to a reprobat sence the offen make
suche slip.
   I haue bine so tedious that I take pitie of your paine, and
so wyl ende this skribling, praying you beliue that you could
neuer haue chosen a more sure trust that wil neuer begile than
myself, who dayly prayes to God for your longe prosperitie.
   Your most assured louing sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED\] (\A mounsieur mon bon frere et cousin le roy
d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 39>
[} [\NO. XXIV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES\] }] 
[\15th October, 1586.\]
<P 40>
   My deare brother, Hit hathe sufficiently infourmed me of your
singular care of my estat and brething that you haue sent one,
in suche diligence, to understand the circumstancis of the
treasons wiche lately wer lewdly attempted and miraculously
vttred. Of whiche I had made participant your embassador afor
your lettars came. And now am I to shewe you, that, as I haue
receaved many writings from you of great kindnis, yet this last
was fraughted with so careful passion, and so effectuall
utterance of all best wisches for my safety, and offer of as
muche as I could haue desired, that I confes, if I shuld not
seake to decerue it, and by merites tye you to continuance, I
wer ivell-wordy suche a frind; and, as the thankes my hart
yeldes my pen may skant rendar you, so shal the ownar euer
decerue to shewe hit not ivel imploied, but on suche a prince as
shall requite your good wyl, and kipe a wacheful yee to all
doings that may conserne you.
   And whereas you offer to send me any traitor of myne residing
in your land, I shal not faille but expect th'accomplischement
of the same in case any suche shal be, and require you, in the
menetime, that spidy deliuerye may be maid of the Cars, wiche
toucheth bothe my conscience and honor.
   I thanke God that you beware so sone of Jesuites, that haue
bine the source of al thes trecheries in this realme, and wyl
sprede, like an iuel, wide, if at the first the be not wided
out. I wold I had had Prometheus for companion, for Epimetheus
had like have bine myne to sone. What religion is this, that the
say the way to saluation is to kil the prince for a merit
meritorious? This is that the haue all confessed without tortur
or menace. I swere hit, on my worde.
<P 41>
   Far be hit from Skotland to harbor any suche, and therfor I
wische your good providence may be duly executed, for elz lawes
resemble cobwebbes, whens great bees get out by breaking, and
small flies stiks fast for wekenis.
   As concerning the retarding of your answers to al pointz of
your ambassadors charge, you had receved them or now but that
matters of that weight that I am sure you wold willingly knowe
can not as yet receaue a conclusion, and til that mastar Douglas
doth tarye; and with his retourne I hope you shal receaue
honorable requital of his amicable embassade, so as you shal
have no cause to regret his arrival; as knoweth the Lord, whom
ever I beseche to send you many joiful dayes of raigne and life.
   Your most assured louing and faithful sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
   I must giue you many thankes for this poore subject of myne,
for whom I wil not stik to do al pleasure for your request, and
wold wische him undar the grond if he shuld not serue you with
greatest faithe that any seruant may. I haue wylled him tel you
some thinges from me; I beseche you heare them fauorablie.
[\ADDRESSED\] (\A mon bon frere e cousin le roy d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1587 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 41>
[} [\NO. XXV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January, 1586-7.\]
<P 42>
   I finde myselfe so trobled lest sinistar tales might delude
you, my good brother, that I haue willingly found out this
messanger, whom I knowe most sincere to you and a true subiect
to me, to carry unto you my most sincere meaning toward you, and
to request this iust desiar, that you neuer dout my intiere good
wyll in your behalfe; and do protest, that, if you knewe, even
sins the arrivall of your commissionars, (wiche if the list the
may tell you,) the exstreme dangier my life was in, by an
embassadors honest silence, if not invention, and suche good
complices as haue themselues, by Godz permission, unfolded the
hole conspiratie, and haue aduouched hit befor his face, thoght
hit be the peril of ther owne lives, yet voluntaryly, one of
them neuer beinge suspected brake hit with a councelar to make
me acquanted therwith. You may see whither I kipe the serpent
that poisons me, whan the confes to haue reward. By sauing of
her life the wold haue had mine. Do I not make myself, trowe ye,
a goodly
<P 43>
pray for euery wretche to deuour? Transfigure yourself into my
state, and suppose what you aught to do, and therafter way my
life, and reiect the care of murdar, and shun all baites that
may untie our amities, and let all men knowe, that princes knowe
best their owne lawes, and misiuge not that you knowe not. For
my part, I wyl not liue to wronge the menest. And so I conclude
you with your owne wordes, you wyl prosecute or mislike as muche
thos that seake my ruine as yf the sought your hart bloud, and
wold I had none in myne if I wold not do the like; as God
knoweth, to whom I make my humble prayers to inspire you with
best desiars.
   Your most affectionated sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
   I am sending you a gentilman fourwith, the other being fallen
sick, who I trust shal yeld you good reason of my actions.
[\ADDRESSED\] To my verey good brother and cousin, the king of
Skotz.

<Q RO1 1587 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 43>
[} [\NO. XXVI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\About 1st February, 1586-7.\]
   Be not caried away, my deare brother, with the lewd
perswations of suche, as insteade of infowrming you of my to
nideful and helpeles
<P 44>
cause of defending the brethe that God hath given me, to be
better spent than spilt by the bloudy invention of traitors
handz, may perhaps make you belive, that ether the offense was
not so great, or if that cannot serue them, for the
over-manifest triall wiche in publik and by the greatest and
most in this land hathe bine manifestly proved, yet the wyl make
that her life may be saved and myne safe, wiche wold God wer
true, for whan you make vewe of my long danger indured thes
fowre - wel ny fiue - moneths time to make a tast of, the
greatest witz amongs my owne, and than of French, and last of
you, wyl graunt with me, that if nide wer not mor than my malice
she shuld not have her merite.
   And now for a good conclusion of my long-taried-for answer.
Your commissionars telz me, that I may trust her in the hande of
some indifferent prince, and have all her cousins and allies
promis she wil no more seake my ruine. Deare brother and cousin,
way in true and equal balance wither the lak not muche good
ground whan suche stuf serves for ther bilding. Suppose you I am
so mad to truste my life in anothers hand and send hit out of my
owne? If the young master of Gray, for curring faueur with you,
might fortune say hit, yet old master Mylvin hath yeres ynough
to teache him more wisdome than tel a prince of any jugement
suche a contrarious frivolous maimed reason. Let your
councelors, for your honour, discharge ther duty so muche to you
as to declaire the absurditie of such an offer; and, for my
part, I do assure myselfe to muche of your wisdome, as, thogh
like a most naturall good son you charged them to seake all
meanes the could deuis with wit or jugement to save her life,
yet I can not, nor do not, allege any fault to you of thes
persuations, for I take hit that you wil remember, that advis or
desiars aught ever agree with the surtye of the party sent to
and honor of the sendar, wiche whan bothe you way, I doute not
but your wisdome wil excuse my nide, and waite my necessitie,
and not accuse me ether of malice or of hate.
   And now to conclude. Make account, I pray you, of my firme
frindeship loue and care, of which you may make sure accownt, as
one
<P 45>
that never mindz to faile from my worde, nor swarve from our
league, but wyl increase, by all good meanes, any action that
may make true shewe of my stable amitie; from wiche, my deare
brother, let no sinistar whisperars, nor busy troblars of
princis states, persuade to leave your surest, and stike to
vnstable staies. Suppose them to be but the ecchos to suche whos
stipendaries the be, and wyl do more for ther gaine than your
good. And so, God hold you ever in his blessed kiping, and make
you see your tru frinds. Excuse my not writing sonar, for paine
in one of my yees was only the cause.
   Your most assured lovinge sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED\] To my deare brother and cousin, the kinge of
Skotz.

<Q RO1 1588 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 47>
[} [\NO. XXVIII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\RECEIVED 15 MAY, 1588.\]
   My pen, my deare brother, hathe remained so long dry as I
suppose hit hardly wold have taken ynke againe, but, mollefied
by the good justice that with your owne person you have bine
pleased to execute, togither with the large assurance that your
wordes have
<P 48>
given to some of my ministars, wiche all dothe make me ready to
drinke most willingly a large draught of the rivar of Lethe,
never minding to thinke of unkindnes, but to turne my yees to
the making vp of that sure amitie and stanche good wyll wiche
may be presently concluded in ending our league, that so
unhappyly, to my harts grife, was delaied and differd, assuring
you, on the faith of a christian and worde of a king, that my
hart cannot accuse my conscience of one thoght that might
infringe our frindship, or let so good a worke. God the chersar
of all harts euer so haue misericorde of my soule as my
innocencye in that mattar deserveth, and no otherwise; wiche
invocation wer to dangerous for a gilty conscience; as I have
commanded this bearar more at large to tel you. And for your
part, my deare brother, thinke, and that with most truith, that,
if I find you willing to imbrase hit, you shal find of me the
carefulst prince of your quiet gouuernment, ready to assist you
with forse, with treasor, counsel, or any thing you shal haue
nede of, as muche as in honor you can require, or upon cause you
shal nede. You may the more soundly trust my vowes, for never
yet wer the stained, nether wil I make you the first on whom I
shal bestowe untruthe, wiche God wyl not suffer me live unto.
   I have millions of thankes to rendar you, that so frankely
told to Cary suche offers as wer made you, wiche I doute not but
you shall euer haue cause to reioyse that you refuse; for wher
the meane to weken your surest frind, so be you assured the
intended to subiect you and yours. For you see how the deale
euen with ther owne in al countries lessar than ther one, and
therfor God, for your best, I assure myselfe, wil not let you
faule into suche an aperte daunger, undar the cloke, for al
that, of harming other and aduansing you; but I hope you wil
take Ulisses wexe to saue you from suche sirenes. Hit wer most
honorable for you, if so hit please you, to let them knowe that
you neuer sent for ther horse, thogh some of your lords (to bold
with you in many ther notions and over sawsy in this) made them
beliue you consented to ther message, wiche the themselues
desired your pardon for. This wyl make them feare you more
hereafter, and make them
<P 49>
affraid to attempt you to weaken your assured frind. If I
deserue not your amitie persecute me as your foe; but being
yours, use me like a prince who feareth none but God.
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To our good brother and cousin, the king of
Scotland.

<Q RO1 1588 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 49>
[} [\NO. XXIX. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\About 1st July, 1588.\]
<P 50>
   I am greatly satisfied, my deare brother, that I find, by
your owne graunt, that you bilive the trothe of my actions so
manifestly openly proved, and thanke you infinitely that you
profes so constant defence of your country, togither [{with{]
myne, from all Spaniardz or strangers; a matter fur otherwise
given out by bothe our enemies, withe blotting your fame with
assurance of doble dealing, as thogh you assured them under-hand
to betake you to ther course; wiche, what a stain hit wer in a
princis honor, you yourselfe in jugement can wel deme. For my
part, I wyl ever trust your word, til I be so sure of the
contrary. Right wel am I persuaded that your greatest daunger
shuld chanche you by crossing your strait pathes, for he that
hathe two stringes to his bowe may shoute stronger, but never
strait; and he that hathe no sure foundation cannot but ruine.
God kipe you ever therefor in your wel-begone pathe.
   I have sent you this gentleman, as wel to declare my good
agrement to send some finischars of our leage, as other matters
wiche he hathe to communicate unto you, if hit please you to
heare him; as my desiar of answering your good frindeship and
amitie in as ample sort as with honor I may, as one that never
seakes more of you than that wiche shal be best for your selfe.
Assure your selfe of me, therfor, and shewe by dides ever to
mantaine hit, and never was ther in christendome betwine two
princes surar amitie nor soundar dealing. I vowe hit, and wil
performe hit.
   And for that you speake oft of satisfaction, I haue much
vrged, as now againe I do, to knowe what therby is ment, sins I
bothe mynde, and also do, whatsoever may honorably be required
of suche as I profes myselfe; and therfor, I require you therin
to answer me. And so, trusting that all your protestations
lately made me by Cary shalbe readely performed, togither with
your constant resolute cours of late professed, I end to molest
you longar, but, with my thankes to God that any your offendars
be entred to your hands, and not the les not having bine done
without some of our helpe, whiche glads me no les than [{if it
had{] happened to our selfe, whose forse shal never faile you in
all leaful causes: as knoweth God,
<P 51>
who euer bles you from all malignant spiritz, and increas your
happy yeres.
   Your most assurest sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To our right deere brother, the king of Scotland.

<Q RO1 1588 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 52>
[} [\NO. XXXI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\August, 1588.\]
<P 53>
   Now may appeare, my deare brother, how malice conioined with
might strivest to make a shameful end to a vilanous beginning,
for, by Godz singular fauor, having ther flete wel-beaten in our
narow seas, and pressing, with all violence, to atcheue some
watering place, to continue ther pretended invation, the windz
have carried them to your costes, wher I dout not the shal
receaue smal succor and les welcome; vnles thos lordz that, so
traitors like, wold belie ther owne prince, and promis another
king reliefe in your name, be suffred to live at libertye, to
dishonor you, peril you, and aduance some other (wiche God
forbid you suffer them live to do). Therfor I send you this
gentilman, a rare younge man and a wise, to declare unto yov my
ful opinion in this greate cause, as one that neuer wyl abuse
you to serve my owne turne; nor wyl you do aught that myselfe
wold not perfourme if I wer in your place. You may assure
yourselfe that, for my part, I dout no whit but that all this
tirannical prowd and brainsick attempt wil be the beginning,
thogh not the end, of the ruine of that king, that, most
unkingly, euen in midz of treating peace, begins this wrongful
war. He hathe procured my greatest glory that ment my sorest
wrack, and hathe so dimmed the light of his svnshine, that who
hathe a wyl to obtaine shame let them kipe his forses companye.
But for al this, for yourselfe sake, let not the frendz of Spain
be suffred to yeld them forse; for thogh I feare not in the end
the sequele, yet if, by leaving them unhelped, you may increase
the Englisch hartz unto you, you shal not do the worst dede for
your behalfe; for if aught shuld be done, your excuse wyl play
the (\boiteux\) ; if you make not sure worke with the likely men
to do hit. Looke wel unto hit, I besiche you.
   The necessity of this matter makes my skribling the more
spidye,
<P 54>
hoping that you wyl mesure my good affection with the right
balance of my actions, wiche to you shalbe euer suche as I haue
professed, not douting of the reciproque of your behalfe,
according as my last messengier unto you hathe at large
signefied, for the wiche I rendar you a milion of grateful
thankes togither, for the last general prohibition to your
subiectz not to fostar nor ayde our general foe, of wiche I dout
not the obseruation if the ringeleaders be safe in your handz;
as knoweth God, who euer haue you in his blessed kiping, with
many happy yeres of raigne.
   Your most assured louing sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
To my verey good brother the king of Scottz.

<Q RO1 1589 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 55>
[} [\NO. XXXIII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\September, 1589.\]
<P 56>
   As no tidinges, my most deare brother, can euer come out of
season to me that may brede you honor or contentement, so this
last newes, thogh soudaine, of the aproching neare of your
coming quene, bids me so muche to bode you all the best
blessings that the mighty God can send you, as in witnis therof
to salute you bothe with an embassader, and some tokens, for
signe of the happinis I wische that feast, and the gladnis my
hart shuld haue receued if hit wer as lawfull to honor hit with
my presence as hit is sure that I bles hit with my orasonns. And
for that the spide of suche a bargen was far greatar than the
expectation of her arrivall, you wyll, I trust, blame yourselfe,
and impute no neglect to me, that my messangers come after the
solempnites; for I assure you, but for my honor sake, my wyl
wold haue hied ther post with smaller company than fitz my
place. And in meane while, let hit content you to giue me so
muche right as to assure yourselfe no witnis ther of so princely
a pact shall wische hit more succes, nor greatar lasting joy,
than myselfe, that wischeth sign king no longar while than to
see the perfourmance of suche alliance, hauinge besides
yourself, wiche is the principall, an inward zele, wiche, sins
my childhold, I haue borne to the parentes of your honorable
quene, to whome I desiar all felicitie, and neuer shal skrape
from my memorye the intire loue the bare me; as knoweth God, who
euer bles you and gide you.
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deare brother the king of Skotes.

<Q RO1 1590 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 57>
[} [\NO. XXXIV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\1590.\]
   Althogh my faithe stands me, my deare brother, in so good
stede, as, without assurance by any one [{but{] your owne
hand-worke, I do beliue that God hathe, of his goodnes more than
your hide, prosperd to good end your vntimely and, if I dare tel
truthe, ivel-seasoned journey, yet I may no longar, thogh my
courage could stay me til you first began, that best hathe cause
to acknowelege thankfulnes, stay but let you knowe, what humble
sacrifice of thankes I yeld to the Omnipotent for your safest
stop for al your hard cours, and am so bold to chalenge some
part of that seurty to my heartiest oraisons powred out of no
fained lippes, wiche best is pleasing to his eares. And do
beseche the same to send you, in this noble-raced linage, suche
lasting joy as the continuance may yeld you bothe happy.
   And now to talke with you frely as paper may vttar conceit.
Eccept my howrely care for your broken countrey, to to muche
infected with the maladie of strangers humors, and to receue no
medecin so wel compounded as if the owner make the mixture
appropriatted to the qualetye of the siknes. Knowe you, my deare
brother, for certaine,
<P 58>
that thos ulcers that wer to muche skined with the doulcenes of
your applications wer but falsly shaded, and wer within filled
with suche venom as hathe burst out sins your departure with
most lewd offers to another king to enter your land, with
declaration of ther assured perfourmance of ther by-passed
helpes, and numbars great to take ether part. If with my yees I
had not vewed thes treasons, I would be aschamed to write them
you. And shal I tel you my thoght herein? I assure you, you ar
wel worthy of suche traitors, that, whan you knewe them, and had
them, you betraied your owne seurty in fauoring ther liues. Good
Lord! who but yourself wold haue left suche peple to be abel to
do you wrong. Giue ordar with spide that suche skape not your
correction, and hie your retourne, that is more your honor than
a other mans land, without you mynde to make you seme innocent
of your realmes ruine, whan absence wil sarue but for your bad
excuse. Sild recouvers kings ther dominion whan greattar posses
hit, yea, suche as ther owne skars may indure for ther tirany.
   My deare brother, you see how fur my intire care drawes me
out of the limites that anothers affaires shuld plucke me to,
but all suche error I hope you wyl impute to affection, not my
curiositie, and beare with ouerplaine imputation, sins hit
springs of so good a roote. I craue of you, for your owne best,
to authorize, yea, animate, your faithfulst and giltles of this
conspiratie, that the feare not to apprehend in time (I pray God
not to late), all suche as any way the may suspect or knowe to
be pertakers of this faction. Beliue no more to dandel such
babies, as may, or they come to honestie, shake your chaire, for
you haue had to sowre experience what suche vane opinions hath
bred you. I wyl not faile, from time to other, to warne suche as
I may thinke most clere of this infection of all my knowelege in
this dangerous season, daring so muche in your absence as to
animat them not to lingar this great mattar til your retourne,
for I knowe that wer to late; the dayes that the haue giuen ar
shortar than to expect so longe. If my prayers wer not more than
my good [{writing{] , I shuld be sory to retaine your yees on so
rude skribling, wherfor I
<P 59>
end, with my incessant prayers to God for your safe kiping and
ioyful retourne.
   Your most affectionat lovinge sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deere brother and cousin the king of
Scotland.
   After the finisching of my lettar, ther came to my handz an
overtur that makes me suppose hit could not, nor durst not, haue
bine offerd me without your consent, albeit for hit I nether saw
your commission nor receued from you one word therof, but for al
that, hit makes me see that your sight serues you not alone for
present vewe, but makes you to beholde the state of distant
countries wiche do fele the smart of my vndeserued hate, and
makes the innocent bloud cal for reuenge of euel-framed
iniuries. And thogh my conscience cannot accuse my thoghts to
haue by any cause procured suche an ennemy, and that he hathe to
plainlye soght my life and kingdome, yet, I think myselfe
obliged to you that wold make end of so uniust a war, and
acknowelege the ded king of famous memorie more happy in suche
faithful councelars than I see many kings in ther liuing
seruantz. And for that they offer me, I wyl euer cronicle them
amonge the iust fulfillars of true trust. And albeit my wrongs
be suche as nature of a king aught rather, for ther particular,
dye than not reuenge, yet the top of my courage shal neuer
ouerstreche my hart from care of christian bloud, and for that
alone, no feare of him, I protest to God, from whom bothe iust
quarel, faithful subjectz, and valiant acts I dout not wil
defend: yet, am I thus content that you shal folowe the
wel-deuised methode, and if he wyl giue playne grant without a
gileful meaning, I wil make knowen that in me the lack of so
good a worke shal neuer be found.

<Q RO1 1590 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 60>
[} [\NO. XXXV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\May 1590.\]
   The strife is great, my deare brother, wiche shuld win, ether
the care of your perilous journey or the joy of your safe
retourne, but, leuing them in ther batail, I assure you I can
scars giue a tru verdit who is the victorar, but only this I
dare say, that no one that liveth thankes God more deuoutly for
al your eskapes, nor is more joyful of your sure arrivall than
myself, who could not stay but salute you, togither with your
honorable espouse, and by this ambassade make you know how
grateful suche newes wer to me, besichen God to bles you withe
suche benedictions as he bestoith with largist giftes, and make
your contentementz long and prosperous.
   And now that you bied wher yourself, I doubt not, wyl haue an
accownt of what in your absence hathe bine ordred, I hope you
wyl not be careles of suche practisis as hathe passed from any
of yours without your commission, spetially suche attemptz as
might ruin your realme and danger you. If any respect whatever
make you neglect so expedient a worke, I am affraid your careles
hide wil worke your unlooked danger. Thinke not but I knowe how
some had the vewe of my lettars, in wiche you did your selfe les
honor than to me harme, and yet you see hit warnes me not ynough
from againe to ventur the like hap. But as no hate to any of
them (God I cal to witnis) procured me hireto, so only care of
your sure gouuernement hathe made me deale this far, and, if I
see al admonition so uaine, I wil hireafter wische al wel, but
counsel no more at all. I can not
<P 61>
forget to reiterat my thankes for suche your offars as hit
pleased you by justice-clarke to make me, and as I shal hire
more therof from you I shal concur with you in so holy an
action. And thus I end troubling you with my skribling, with my
prayers to the Almighty for al prosperitie in your dayes.
   Your most affectionat sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To our deere and loving brother the king of
Scotland. 

<Q RO1 1590 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 63>
[} [\NO. XXXVII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\6th July, 1590.\]
   Greatar promises, more affection, and grauntz of more
acknowelegings of receued good turnes, my deare brother, none
can bettar remember than this gentilman by your charge hathe
made me understand; wherby I thinke all my endeuors wel
recompensed, that see them so wel acknoweleged; and do trust
that my counseles, if the so muche content you, wil serue for
memorialz to turne your actions to serue the turne of your safe
gouernement, and make the lookars-on honor your worthe, and
reuerence suche a rular.
   And lest fayre semblance, that easely may begile, do not
brede your ignorance of suche persons as ether pretend religion
or dissemble deuotion, let me warne you that ther is risen,
bothe in your realme and myne, a secte of perilous consequence,
suche as wold haue no kings but a presbitrye, and take our place
while the inioy our privilege, with a shade of Godes word, wiche
non is juged to folow right without by ther censure the be so
demed. Yea, looke we wel unto them. Whan the haue made in our
peoples hartz a doubt of our religion, and that we erre if the
say so, what perilous
<P 64>
issue this may make I rather thinke than mynde to write.
(\Sapienti pauca.\) I pray you stap the mouthes, or make shortar
the toungz, of suche ministars as dare presume to make oraison
in ther pulpitz for the persecuted in Ingland for the gospel.
   Suppose you, my deare brother, that I can tollerat suche
scandalz of my sincere gouuernement? No. I hope, howsoeuer you
be pleased to beare with ther audacitie towards your selfe, yet
you wil not suffar a strange king receaue that indignitie at
suche caterpilars hand, that, instede of fruit, I am affraid wil
stuf your realme with venom. Of this I haue particularisd more
to this bearar, togither with other answers to his charge,
besiching you to heare them, and not to giue more harbor-rome to
vacabond traitors and seditious inventors, but to returne them
to me, or banische them your land. And thus, with my many
thankes for your honorable intertainementz of my late embassade,
I commit you to God, who euer preserue you com al iuel counsel,
and send you grace to folow the best.
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deere brother, the king of Scotland.

<Q RO1 1591 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 64>
[} [\NO. XXXVIII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\April 1591.\]
<P 65>
   My deare brother, As ther is naught that bredes more
for-thinking repentance and agrived thoughtes than good turnes
to harme the giuers ayde, so hathe no bonde euer tied more
honorable mynds, than the shewes of any acquital by grateful
acknowelegement in plain actions; for wordes be leues and dides
the fruites. Wiche I may not forget to remember in your present
fact, granted so frely, in deliuering up my lewde rebel, whose
person and forse, thogh nether be aught worthe, as who, for his
greatnes, being a base varlet, drawes few for sequel, nor his
birthe so great as a meanar than a prince nides feare, yet I
wold haue bine agrived that so lewde a mynd shuld haue found
fauor in so deare a brothers dominion, and do assure you, that I
wil lay this part in the safest cornar of my memorye, to serue
me for example of a like acquital, if suche ivel accident shuld
happen you. And in meane while, thanke myselfe, not you alone,
that haue made so good a choise of so sounde an election upon
whom to spend the chifest care of my endeuors, as I hope you
haue hiretofore tried, and this may make increase.
   The two gentilmen, I trust, shal receaue your thanke for
perfourming so wel ther charge, wiche, I beseche you for my
sake, the may receaue; not a litel wondring why your subiectz of
Glasco shuld doute the stop of ther trafique for so poore a
caytife, who was neuer of abilitie to make or giue trafique. The
ar sorely misinfourmed of his greatnes. A few sort of outlawes
fils up his traine, and of the meanest sort. I trust you wyl
make them knowe your faithful ministars must not be niknamed
"the English feade men."
<P 66>
I protest I haue no suche in your realme, for, if the principal
faile me, I shal neuer care for (\adiacentia\) .
   I rendar for this my most loving and deare thankes,
acknoweleging the kinnes more than the act, and bothe so
honorable as shal neuer be blotted out of my thankefulst mynde,
adding therto the sincere ordar giuen for our bordars matters;
tokens sufficient to shewe your grateful hart and princely mynd,
wiche I meane to requite and acknowlege, as knoweth the liuing
God, who I am sure wyl make your subiectz the surar that you
abhor anothers traitors. Among wiche, I must not forget your
most kind vsage in the answer that my arche-rebel, Westmarland,
shal receue from you, wiche shal serue him, and all suche, to
knowe that ther neuer shal remane with you ether helpe or hap
for suche wicked members of a kingly rule. This shal retourne to
you with triple fold of good regard amonge your owne, if the see
your justice to anothers traitor, yea to suche a one as made me
knowe a traitor in my land. I wyl end to troble your yees with
my skribling, but neuer end to care for you and yours as for my
owne. God euer bles you, and make you kipe your regal
authoritie, and make yours knowe you.
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my verey good brother, the king of Scotz. d.
d.

<Q RO1 1592 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 69>
[} [\NO. XLI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January 1591-2.\]
<P 70>
   My deare brother, Thogh the heringe of your most daungerous
peril be that thing that I most reuerently rendar my most lowly
thankes to God that you, by his mighty hand, hath skaped, yet
hathe hit bine no other hazard than suche as bothe hathe bine
forsien and fortold; but Cassandra was neuer credited til the
mishap had rather chanched than was prevented. The poore man
who, against his wyl, was intercepted with all suche epistelz as
traitors sent and receved, was for reward put to the bootes; so
litel was any thing regarded that procided from your best frind,
and yet the matter made to aparant, or many days after, throw
the traiterous assembly of your euidant rebelz, that with banner
displaied and again you in the fild. Thes wer the calendes of
this late attempt. I knowe not what to write, so litel do I like
to loose labor in vaine; for if I saw counsel auaill, or aught
pursued in due time or season, I shuld thinke my time fortunatly
spent to make you reape the due fruit of right oportunitie; but
I see you haue no luk to helpe your state, nor to assure you
from treasons leasur. You giue to muche respit to rid your harme
and shorten others hast. Wel, I wyl pray for you, that God wyl
unseal your yees, that to long haue bin shut, and do require you
thinke that none shal more joy therat than myselfe, that most I
am sure grives the contrary. Aston hathe told me some of your
request, to wiche I haue made so reasonable answer as in reason
may wel content. Praying God to defend you from all mishap or
treason,
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my right deare brother the king of Skotz. d.
d.

<Q RO1 1593 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 71>
[} [\NO. XLII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January 1592-3.\]
   My most deare brother, Wondars and marvelles do so assaill my
conceatz, as that the long expecting of your nideful answer to
matters of suche waight as my late lettars caried nides not
seame strange. Thogh I knowe the aught be more regardid, and
spidely performed, yet suche I see the emminent danger and
wel-ny ready approche of your states ruin, your liues peril, and
naighbors wrong, as I may not (to kipe you company) neglect what
I shuld, thogh you forget that you aught. I am sory I am driuen
from warninge to heed, and from to muche trust to seake a tru
way how your dides, not your wordz, may make me assurance that
you be no way gilty
<P 72>
of your owne decay and other danger. Receue, therfor, in short,
what cours I mynd to hold, and how you may make bold of my
unfained loue and euer constant regard.
   You knowe, my deare brother, that, sins you first brethed, I
regarded alwais to conserue hit as my womb hit had bine you
bare. Yea, I withstode the handz and helps of a mighty king to
make you safe, iven gained by the bloud of many my deare
subiectz liues. I made myself the bulwark bitwixt you and your
harmes whan many a wyle was invented to stele you from your
land, and making other posses your soile. Whan your best holdz
wer in my handz, did I retaine them? Nay, I bothe conserved them
and rendred them to you. Could I indure (thogh to my great
expence) that forennars shuld haue foteing in your kingdome,
albeit ther was than some lawfull semblance to make other
suppose (that cared not as I did) that ther was no danger ment?
No. I neuer left til all the Frenche that kept ther life parted
from your soile, and so hit pleased the Hiest to bles me in that
action, as you haue euer sins raigned void of other nation than
your owne. Now, to preserue this, you haue overslipt so many
soundry and dangerous attemps, in nether uniting with them whan
you knewe them, nor cutting them of whan you had them, that if
you hast no bettar now than hiretofor, hit wyl be to late to
helpe whan non shal avale you.
   Let me remember you how wel I was thanked, or he rewarded,
that ons broght all the lettars of all thos wicked conspirators
of the Spanische faction, even the selfe same that yet stil you
haue, to your eminent peril, conserued in ther estates. Was I
not so muche douted as hit was thoght an Italian invention to
make you holde me dearer, and contrived of malice, not don by
cause; and, in that respect, the poore man, that knewe no other
of his taking but as if thiues had assailed him, he most cruelly
soufert so giltles a marterdome as his tormentors douted his
life; so sore had he the bootes, whan the wer ivelworthy life
that bade hit. See what good incouragement I receved for many
wacheful cares for your best safty! Wel, did this so discomfort
my good wyl as, for al this, did I not euer serue for your true
espiall, iven whan you left your land and yours ready, wel-ny,
<P 73>
to receaue suche foraine forsis as the required and wer
promised; wiche, if you had pleased to knowe, was and is to
evident to be proved. But what of all this, if he who most
aught, did naught to assure him, or to requite them?
   Now, of late, by a fortunate good hap, a lewd felowe hathe
bine apprehended with lettars and instructions. I pray God he be
so wel handeled as he may confes all his knowlege in the
Spanische conspiracie, and that you use not this man as slightly
as you don the ringeleaders of this treason. I vowe, if you do
not rake hit to the botome, you wyl verefie what many a wise man
hathe (vewing your procidings) judged of your gilttines of your
owne wrack; with a wining, that the wyl you no harme in inabling
you with so riche a protector, that wyl prove, in the ende, a
destroiar.
   I haue beheld, of late, a strange, dishonorable, and
dangerous pardon, wiche if hit be true, you haue not only
neglected yourselfe but wronged me, that haue to muche procured
your good to be so ivelguerdoned with suche a wrong, as to haue
a fre forgiuenes of aught conspired against my person and estat.
Suppose you, my deare brother, that thes be not rather enseignes
of an enemy than the tast of a frinde? I require, therfor, to al
this, a resolute answer, wiche I chalenge of right, that may be
dides, bothe by spidy apprehension with bisy regard, and not in
sort as publik rumor may precede present action, but rather that
the be intrapped or the do looke therfor; for I may make deme
you wold not haue [{them{] taken, and what wyl folowe than, you
shal see whan lest you looke. Think me, I pray you, not ignorant
what becometh a king to do, and that wyl I never omit; praying
you to trust Bowes in the rest as myselfe. I am ashamed that so
disordard coursis makes my pen excide a lettar, and so drives me
to molest your yees with my to long skribling, and therfor end,
with my ernest prayers to God that he wyl inspire you to do, in
best time, al for your best.
   Your loving affectionat sistar,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] For our deare brother the king of Scotland.

<Q RO1 1593 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 81>
[} [\NO. XLVII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\May 1593.\]
   No sample bettar triar of truthe, my deare beloued brother,
than whan dides dothe give a right sequel to wordes precedant,
the report of wiche profe sins your actions make me, iven in the
last just handeling of that wicked traitor Westmerland, whom
many benefitz of life and lande, besides all other kind and
louinge traictmentz, could neuer let but he wold nides make his
name the first traitor that euer my raigne had; to whom, nether
cause, nor iniury, nor pouerty, nor il vsage, gaue euer shadowe
of mene to moue suche a thoght, but wer hit not that he liueth
by my meanes (whom many wold, for the horror of his fact, or now
haue dispached), (\securus propter contemptum\) , els hit had
not bine possible for him to haue liued to this howre; but I
dout not but your answer to his treasonable lettar wyl make him,
and suche like, knowe that you not only hate the treason, but do
owe as muche to the traitor; and, I assure you, I wil neuer
suffer that this fact of yours shal retourne void, but wil euer
recompence you withe the like, with my million of thankes for
suche kinglike part.
   And, now, I heare that some nobleman hath bine accused of so
<P 82>
horrible a crime as my hart rues to remember. For Godz loue,
look throw no spectacles to your owne safety. Your yees be
younge, you nideth not haue a clere sight in your so nye a
cause, and let your counseil see that you wyl not easely be
begiled in making to smal regard of that wiche toucheth life -
yea, of a king! For overgreat audacitie wyl brede, to a mynde
that may be sone perswaded that all is wel, to do the boldlar a
wicked act. Hard is the skul that may serue in place of suche a
danger, nay hit may bride hit to neglect hit. You haue had many
treasons wiche to tendarly you haue wrapt vp. I pray God the
cindars of suche a fire bride not one day your ruine. God is
witnes I malice none, but for your seurty is only the care of my
writing. I desiar no bloude, but God saue yours. Only this my
long experience teacheth me; whan a king neglectes himself, who
wyl make them enemis for him? Let this serve you for a
(\caveat\) . You wil beare with the fault that affection
commiteth, and use the profit to your best good. For wiche I wyl
euer pray to God, who long defend you from al treachery.
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
   While Bodewel is in this case, give ordar, I beseche you,
that the ordars so wel begone may be perfourmed, and so
continued, and that no man haue rule ther that taketh not to
hart the quiet of bothe realmes.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deare brother the king of Skotz.

<Q RO1 1593 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 90>
[} [\NO. LI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\October 1593.\]
   My deare brother, If the variablenis of Skottis affayres had
not invred me with to olde a custom, I shuld neuer leue wondring
at suche strange and vncought actions, but I haue so oft with
careful yees foresine the ivel-comming harmes, and with my
watche for-met
<P 91>
with chifest attemptz, and see them ether not belived or not
redrest, that I wex faint vndar suche burdain, and wery of
fruictles labour. One while, I receue a wright of obliuion and
forgiuenes, than a revocation, with new additions of latelar
consideration; sometimes, some you cal traitors with proclame,
and anone, ther must be no profe allowed, thogh neuer so
apparent, against them. Yea, if one lewd aduocat, perchance
hired for the nonest, dar pronounce a sentence for them, thogh
one of like state denye the same, his word must not take place.
Hit semes a paradoxe to me, that, if of two plaidars one be for
the king, the equal number shal not serue for a king. I muse how
any so lewd a man hathe bine chosen for suche a place, as durst
come in open vew pleade against his mastar. Ther office is, as
to do right so do the soueraine no wronge. If he had douted, as
no honest man could, he ought bine absent rather than ther to
play so vnfitting a part, thogh secretly he had told hit you. He
is happy he is no Englis man. You shuld haue hard other newes of
him than.
   Old Meluin, I perceaue, hathe told you a pece of a tale and
left out the principal. My wordes wer thes: "I heare say the
offending lordz hopes by ther frindz to skape ther paine; I
suppose your king to wise to be so unmindful of his peril to
suffar vnprosecuted suche as wold tral ther country to strangers
curtesy, hauing knowen hit so plain and so long, for this is not
ther first offence. But if his powre serued not to apprehend,
yet to condempne I douted not, for if euer he wold pardon them,
wiche I could hardly counseil, yet I could not thinke without
some obligation to some other prince, that, for ther request, he
wold do hit."
   Now to this great cause that toucheth us bothe so muche.
First, considar of what profession the be; next, to whom the
haue made vowe for religion, the wiche I call christian treason,
under what cloke so neuer. I haue oft told you I was neuer
horsleche for bloude, but rather than your ouer-trust shuld
peril the creditor, I wold wische them ther worst desart. Than
how to credit that so oft hathe deceued? My braines be to shalow
to fadom that botome. How hardly
<P 92>
remedies be aplied to helpe inveteratid maladies! I haue small
skil of suche surgery. In fine, I see nether jugement, counseil,
nor sure affection in so betrayinge advis as to giue your selfe
suche a lasche that the shal be bothe vncondemned and saued.
What thanke may the giue your marcy whan no crime is tried? What
bond shal tye ther profert loyalty if no precedent offencis past
be acknoweleged by confession? Shal the leue to adhere to that
party wiche the neuer made? Or what othe shal be sure to suche
as ther profession skars thinkes lawful for a trust? I vowe to
the liuinge Lord, that no malice to any, nor turbulent spirit,
but your tru seurty and realmes fredom, inforseth my so plain
discours, wiche cannot omit that ther be left so great a blot to
your honor as the receuing them uncondemned to your grace.
   And for Bodwel, Jesus! did euer any muse more than I, that
you could so quietly put up so temerous, indigne, a fact, and
yet by your hand receving assurance that all was pardoned and
finisched. I refer me to my owne lettar what dome I gaue therof.
And now to heare al reuoked, and ether skanted or denied, and
the wheele to turne to as il a spouke. I can say, bad is the
best, but yet of iuelz the lest is [{to{] be taken. And if I wer
in your place, I wold, or he departed, make him try himself no
sutar for ther fauor whos persons let him persecute, so shal you
best knowe him, for ther be liars if depely the have not sought
him or now.
   But that I way most is the smal regard that your sure party
may make [{of{] you, whan the see you adhere to your owne foes,
habandoning the others seruise. I feare me the fame blowes to
fur that you wyl not pursue the side of wiche you be, what so
your wordes do sound. And this conceat may brede, if not
already, more unsound hartz than al the paching of thes bad
matters can worke you pleasure. You ar supposed (I must be
plain, for dissemble I wyl not,) to haue receued this heretical
opinion, that foreign forse shal strengthen you, not indanger
you, and that al thes lordes seake your greatnes not your decay.
O, how wicked sirenes songes! wiche, in first shewe, pleas; in
ende, ruines and destroies. Wax ynough of Godz raison befal
<P 93>
you to resist so distroing aduis, and be so wel lightned as not
so dark a clowde may dim you from the sight of your best good,
wiche cannot be more shunned than by the not yelding to so
betrainge deceat; from the wiche I wil incessantly pray for your
deliuerance. Wisching you many days of raigne, and long.
   Your most assured sistar,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my good brother the king of Scotland.

<Q RO1 1594 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 103>
[} [\NO. LV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\May 1594.\]
   Thogh by the effectz, I sild see, my good brother, that euer
my aduisis be folowed, yet you haue whitsafed to giue them the
reding I wel understand, having made some of them the theme of
your last, thogh, God knowes, applied fur awry from ther true
sence or right desart; for if I bin in abuse, I claime you the
author of my deceat, in beliving more good than the sequele
hathe told me. For I haue great wronge if you suppose that any
perswation from whomsoeuer can make me haue one iuel opinion of
your actions, if themselues be not the cause. I confes that
diuers be the affections of many men, some to one, some to
another, but my rule of trust shal neuer faile me,
<P 104>
whan it is grounded, not on the sandes of euery mans humor, but
on the stedy rock of approued fact. I shuld condemne my wicked
disposition to founde any amytie promised upon so tikel ground
that others hate might breake the boundz of my loue, and upon
others jugementz to bild my confidence. For Bodwelz bold and
unruly entrance into my bordars, I am so fur from gilt of suche
a faulte, as I protest if I had receaued an answer, in seuentene
wekes space, of my lettar that contained his offer to reveale
unto you the treason of the lordz with forennars, I could sone
haue banished him from thens; and next, he came with your owne
hand to warant that no offence was imputed, wiche made the
borderars readiar to receaue him; but after I had not left
unpunist some of his receatars, I could not haue beliued the
durst haue procurid the pane due for suche desart, and
minde to make them affraid to ventur suche a crime agane; and if
ordar giuen now to all the wardens do not suffice, I vowe ther
bodies and pursis shal wel suffar therfor.
   I wil not troble you with recital of what this gentilman
hathe hard in all the other pointz, but this toucheth me so nere
as I must answer, that my desartz to you haue bine so sincere as
shal neuer nide a threte of hel to her that hathe euer procured
your blis. And, that you may knowe I am that prince that neuer
can indure a menace at my ennemys hand, muche les of one so
dearly traictid, I wyl giue you this bond, that affection and
kind traictement shal euer preuaile, but feare or doute shal
neuer procure aught from me; and do advowe, that if you do aught
by forainers, wiche I knowe in ende worst for yourselfe and
country, hit shal be the worst aide that euer king had, and I
feare may make me do more than you wyl cal back in haste. Deare
brother, use suche a frende, therfor, as she is worthe and giue
her euer cause to remaine suche a one, as her affection hathe
euer merited, whos raschenes is no suche as neglect ther owne so
nere if the wil not forgo ther best and shun ther owne mishaps,
whom non can at my hand procure but your owne factz. Thus,
hoping that this bearar wyl tel you my faithful mening and
sincere
<P 105>
professions, with al the rest that I haue committed to him, I
leue this skribling, besiching God euer more to preserue you.
   Your most affectionate sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To our good brother the king of Skotts.

<Q RO1 1594 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 108>
[} [\NO. LVII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\October 1594.\]
   My most deare brother, Thogh I wold haue wisched that your
sound counsels oft-giuen you, and my many lettars intercepted
wiche made to plain a shewe of that hye treason that to late you
beliued, might haue prevented your ouer great peril and to muche
hazarde, yet I rejoys with who is most gladlist, that at lengh
(thogh I confes almost to late) hit pleseth you so kingly and
valiantly to resist with your parson ther (\oulter-cuidant\)
malignant attempt, in wiche you haue honord your selfe, reioysed
your frends, and confound, I hope, your proud rebelz. You may
see, my deare brother, what danger it bredes a king to glorifie
to hie and to soudanly a boy of
<P 109>
yeres and counduict, whos untimely age for discretion bredes
rasche consent to undesent actions. Suche speke or the way, and
attempt or the considar. The waight of a kingly state is of more
poix than the shalownis of a rasche yonge mans hed can waigh,
therfor I trust that the causeles zele that you haue borne the
hed of this presumption shal rather cary you to extirpe so
ingratius a roote, in finding so sowre fruite to springe of your
many fauors ivel-acquited, rather than to suffer your goodnis to
be abused with his many skusis for coulors of his good menings.
Though at the first your carire was not the best, yet I hope
your stop will crowne all. If you now do not cut of clerely any
future hope to your nobilitie, through this example, neuer to
combine with forenars, or compact amonge themselues to your
danger, I wowe to God you wyl neuer posses your dignitie long.
Wedes in fildes, if the be suffred, wil quickly ouergrowe the
corne, but subiectz, being dandeled, wil make ther owne raignes,
and for-let an other raigne. My affection to your surty bredes
my plannes, wiche I dout not but by your sower experience you
wil fully beliue hireafter, hauing so lately proued the
sincerite of my dealings. God so prosper me in my affaires as I
maligne none of your subiectz, nor euer wold exaggerat any
matter but for your seurty, whom I mind to take euer as great a
care of as if only the interest of my life and person consisted
theron.
   This gentelman, the lord of Wemes, I find a most careful
subiect of his prince, and one most curius to atcheue as muche
as you committed to him, in wiche I dout not but I haue
satisfied you in honor, as time and comoditie serue, with wiche
I wil not molest you more than refer me to his declaration, with
this only, that no one answer to al but procideth from a most
parfaict good affection toward you, and so I desire, with most
affection, that you interprete hit.
   I must not omit, for conscience sake, to speke a few wordz of
the mastar of Gray, with whom I haue had long discours, in wiche
I find him the most gridiest to do you acceptable seruise that I
haue euer hard any, and dothe lay none of his disgracis,
banismentz, nor los, in any part to you, but only to perswations
of suche as ment his ruine,
<P 110>
and hopes, with his good indeuors, to merite your formar grace;
and for my owne [{part{] , I am nothing partiall to him for his
particular, but this I must confes, being as honest as he is
sufficient, I thinke your realme possesseth not his secound. I
nowe speake upon my knowelege, therfor lose not so good an
instrument for your affaires, if you knowe no more against him
than I can lerne. You will pardon my audacious writing, as one
whos yeres teacheth more than her wit, neuer ceasing to lift up
my handes and hart with deuout [{prayers{] for your most
prosperous safe and sure succes in this voiage, for which I haue
sent you but to pay for hors-mete.
   Your most affectionat louing sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deere brother the king of Scotland.

<Q RO1 1596 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 112>
[} [\NO. LIX. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January or February 1595-6.\]
   My deare brother, If the wracked state, and wel-ny ruined, of
this poore gentylman, through the faitheles trust of desceving
servantz, in looking every wike of the ending of his troubles,
[{had not occasioned me to delay,{] I could not haue left my pen
so long dry, but wold haue fild hit to you with matter ful of
truthe, and memorialz of my cares, wiche neuer ar at rest for
your best avail, and ment to warne you of suche occurrance as
other nations afourd me; spetially, suche as might touche the
safty of our countryes, and honors of ourselves. Althogh I do
not dout, as now I do perceaue, that you shuld think them now
overstale for newes, being by good espialz not made ignorant of
our ennemis driftz, whos skope haue ther boundz while ether
liues in raigne, but the ever-guidar of best actions, and
readiest ruinar of wicked actes, wyl, I doute not, coule ther
heat, abate ther pride, and confounde ther forse. I am not suche
a wekely, nor
<P 113>
of so base a courage, that euer I mene breake one slombar for
ther malice, nor ons dreame of ther victoiri, whos ground-worke
is of so slippar foundation that the hold of suche edefice wyl
be overturnd with his owne gilt. I may not deny but Epimetheus
is no companion for a king. With Prometheus, therfor, I mynd to
folowe that after wische condemne not for iugement, and
therafter prepare suche menes and power, that, I feare not, shal
be so marshald as shal make us no skorne to the world, nor
delite to our foes; in some suche sort as I here you haue
begone; whos praise, if I shuld not lessene in praising, I could
more delate, but this muche I must tel you, that I cannot imagin
how you could by any more glorious menes set out your care for
your land, your loue to your neigbors, your hate to suche
wrongeful invadars, than with your pen and charge to your
subiectz you haue utterd, in wordz of suche effect and matter,
of suche waight, as, in honest dimars, hit may mar the facon [^A
CEDILLA ON THE C IN THE PREVIOUS WORD^] of diuelische machines,
and crase the hartz of treason-mynding men. In me, hit hathe set
a deape impression of a cousin-like zele, that myxith not his
los with her decay, and joyeth not that she shuld perische
first, in hope of bettar fare; wiche, as hit is euer unsure, so
sild is hit not a winde-shaked blast. But your so spedy care for
thretes, that the may not arive to dedes, doth assure me that
the shal haue no just cause that shuld make suche a skruple.
Receve, therfor, deare brother, bothe my censare and my thankes
therfor, as she that wyl not suffar you to go one fote beyond
her in busy inquiring and narow serching what fitteth best for
my counsel, or my warning for that may conserne your safety or
estate, as I haue charged this my embassador to tel you more at
length, as time and cause shal invite me, not omitting to
beseche you, that as I knowe him most obsequious in aught that
may conserne you, so hit wyl please you to shadow him with your
grace against the spiritz of suche as may fortune envie him but
shal never mache him. Thus I end my tedious skribling, wiche you
wil the rather pardon for to recompence the
<P 114>
long space that my writing hathe not spoken with you, praying
the euer-liuing God euer to preserue you from sinistar counsel,
and al good elz may euer befal you may prosper.
   Your most affectionat sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.



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