IN this exigencie of tyme and pressure of af­faires when a general sadnes, and Kynde of despaire óreclouds & shaddows the face of things, as well as Men. I know nothing so necessarilie conducing to his Maiesties concern­ments as information; which must not come lamely creeping forth, as if it were affrayde [...]o view the light or bee seene by any and unawares bee disco­ [...]ered, but appeare in bold, naked, and iustifiable Truthes! the King is in no cōdition to bee flattered, when hee is in so greate [...] hazard, and visible danger of beeing beetrayde, and by com­ [...]ination of those factions who gave that fatall and cursed [...]owe to his Glorious Father, of euer belssed memorie. And [...]resentlie threaten appairent ruine to his Royall Posteritie.

Without Counsell no highe undertaking can bee succe­full, or attaine to its wished period. Without information [...]ounsell is at a stand, and fixeth the Pillars of Hercules, bee [...]re wee have performed the least of his labors. The end of [...]ounsell is action, execution. The end of this designed action [...] restore the King: beefore the King can settle and establish [...] Throne hee must settle and confirme his Counsell. Which [...]hile it continues in this unhappy distraction, his wauering [...]d unfixt resolutions will bee so divided, that hee shall but [...] certainlie know, to which, with best aduantages he should [...]line when Faction, professing the same ends, with the [Page 2] Royall party labors in there pursuite to arriue at them by other, and most indirect means, and by the way endeauor to exclude them. I shall communicate freelie, what either the undoubted information of others, or my owne apprehension, and certaine knowledge hath suggested to my sense and iud­gement. And since most men are ledd, and seduced by opinion, lett every one, [it is an uncontrolable libertie that all men wil take] frame what Arguments and censure hee pleaseth, from what hee finds most faythfully asserted.

I hold myselfe obliged to the whole world to render a du [...] and stricte account of my observation and knowledge and wi [...] entirelie endeavor to vindicate truth so excellinglie pretious and absolutelie to rectifie, misinformed and erring iudgements I shall doe it with such impartialitie and so sincerelie, tha [...] nota Person liuing, of what faction soever, whithersoever hi [...] particular interests and Relations leade him, wil bee able t [...] disprove.

There are diverse papers exhibited to the world in prin [...] which, beecause they are obuious to every common eye, purposely omitt. They discover the manifold Practises and A [...] ­tempts of the Hamiltons, for the obtaining of the Crown [...] and Governement of the Kingdome of Scotland, at which the have aymed, more then one hundred and twenty yeares, in constant proseqution of there disloyal designes.

If wee examine seriouslie the whole tracte of the Dukes life and reflect on the series of all his actions, wee shall discov [...] no less designe of usurpation, and fierie ambition of rule, in hi [...] then in his Predecessors. Encouraged by several Prediction and Astrologies, to which that Familie is much addicted. shall beeginne with, but not insist on his desyres to the King [...] Sweden, for his assistance to his uniust pretence: to who [...] David Ramsey was sent a Commissioner, who imagining h [...] Master already King, and himselfe his Embassador, stood n [...] [Page 3] upon bare ceremonies, but readilie putt on his hatt, in the pre­sence of the King.

The most material things worthy our observation and strict survey, are the Dukes Actions and deportments, after the pu­ [...]lishing of M ^r Meldrumes scandalous & traiterous booke; which declaring him to have the onely iust righte to the crowne of Scotland, cherished in him such an insatiate and implacable [...]mbition of Reigne, that deathe onelie was able to extinguish [...]he one, with the other. The booke was burned by the Hang­ [...]an, but the Author was entertained by the Duke, and relea­ [...]ed, after three yeares imprisonment in the fleete, notwith­ [...]anding the base aspersions of so inglorious a libeller.

Touching the Dukes next designe, I referre the Reader to [...]he depositions of the Lord Rhe, Lord Ocholtrie, Maior [...]arstwike with diuerse others, extant upon Record, and sin­ [...] published in Printe.

His pretexte of Leavies for Germany. A 1630. was onely a [...]lott to gett power into his hands, that having men in a rea­ [...]ines on foote, and well appointed, hee might, supresse the [...]ing and Kingdomes by that power, ioyned with his factions [...] either Kingdomes. The King, the people, all men in such [...]rofound securitie, not suspecting the hidden and concealed, [...]anger, were not able to make the leaste considerable resi­ [...]ance.

The Duke had resolued to launch out into the deepe, and [...]ter two dayes sayling to returne to Hull, plante a garrison [...]d leaue a Governor, while hee showld march to London, [...]yne with his faction, imprison the King in the Tower. And [...]ere dispatche him by poyson, send the Queene to France [...]rowne himselfe King of Scotland, declared to bee Prote­ [...]or of the young King.

The Islande of Orcades were offered to the Lord Rhe, ha­ [...]ng a Regiment of fiveteene hundred men, to ioyne in the [...]esigne.

[Page 4] To this end the Duke procured twelve or [...]teene thousand Armes, to bee disposed pri [...]elie in sev [...]ral places of his in­terests, and caused diverse peeces of Cannon to bee cast, by his Cousen Alex: Hamilton in that Kingdome,

Hee pressed tbe king to al Monopolies, of which himselfe had the greatest share. And yett had his emissaries to poison the people agaynst them, and to murmurre and cry out agayust the king in both kingdomes.

Hee importuned the king to call Parliaments and then urged reasons to dissolve them, thus bee brought the king into hatred, and incited the people to commotions. While he alwayes studdied to send al persons, from Court malconten­te Hee ordinarilie reuiled the king, and where hee had freedome tovent his expressions, had him in hate and derision.

When hee was Deputed Commissioner for Scotland, hee had particular warrant to limitt and regulate Episcopacie, or pass from it altogether, as might best conduce for peace; the king iustlie fearing, that the troubles and stirrs in Scotland if not quieted and appeasde on any termes would breed unrest in England; and put his discontented subjects into a combustion at home, yett hee deserted the Assembly, suffering them to sit, abandōed the Governement, tooke with him all Officers of [...] State and purposlie let the Reines of Government loose that ye people might have ye easier libertie to rebell. Hee told the king, that if hee did not cut of those Rebells hee did not deserve to reigne, The king had done well to have beegunne with him yet double Toungde hee whispers to the people, the [...] king was a Coward; the innocent death and uniust suffering of the King the guilt and deserved punnishment of the [...]ke speakes who appeared the cowart on the Scaffold, he advised them to hold the king strictlie to it, and not to de­part from there unreasonable demands. Telling them if they [Page 5] gave him his will, hee would prove a Greater tyrant then Ne­ [...]ro; when hee was first imployed with a fleete into the Scotsh Sease, hee might have either hindred them from comming to [...]nntzlawe or, if he had landed in the North of that Kingdome, as hee was often sollicited, by the kings freinds hee might [...]here have brought twenty thousand men on there backes, as is most notoriouslie known: but having five or sixe thousand men [...] boarde, hee never made the least attempt.

While hee was in the fleete, hee had private meetings every [...]ther day, and conference with the cheefe of the Rebells com­ [...]ittee, discovered to them all the kings designes and provided, [...]emedies against them, and either approved there counsels, [...]r put them upō new proiects all his freinds of greatest intima­ [...]ie, and neerest relation to him, who were never accustomed [...] desert him in the most uniust designes imaginable, were the [...]nely mortal and most malitious enemies against the, king and [...]emed in that onely, to appeare against him, his people, his [...]angers on did ordinarily drinke healthes to king Iames the [...]venthe and hee did tacitely allowe, and countenance it at [...]ch times as hee lay in the Kings Bedchamber, hee frequently [...]ed to searche his Majesties pocketts for letters, sent the dup­ [...]ates to the rebells, by which intelligence, the Kings freinds [...]re disappointed of there intentions to doe him service he so [...]btily insinuated with the king [hee could picke thankes as [...]ell as pocketts] as he prevailed for a Commission to goe [...]o Scotland, with a coulorable pretence, to settle and com­ [...]se there differences: hee referred all to the determination [...] a National Synod at Glascow, which hee soone dissolved, [...]d returning to the king incensed him against his subjects of [...]otland. The warre followed hee to himself purchased the [...]mmand of the Navy, hee came to the Forth of Scotland but [...]eatned by the Covenantars, who sent some to the ships to [...] him knowe that if hee did preiudice them, they would dis­cover [Page 6] all, and prove against him the Accusations of my Lord Rhe and Ocholtrie, hee desisted from enterprising any thing, conducing to the kings service, unless the munity hee enfor­ced on his souldiers, aduantaged it, a pacification was made beetweene the king and his Subjects of Scotland who the in­sueing yeare inuaded England. The Duke held correspon­dence with the cheifest Covenanters.

Hee perswaded the king to passe an acte for the Triennial Parliament; and more to eternize that, while it was not to bee dissolved without there owne consent.

Anno, 1641. At the kings goeing into Scotland, the Duke to ingratiate himselfe with the people joyned with ye Marquisse of Arguille in that faction, with whome, hee deserting the Par­liament at Edinburg, retired into the Country, pretending a plott agaynst him by some Courtiers and Souldiers. At which tyme the king publikly declared in Parliament, that the Duke was the onelie man, had incensed him against the kingdome, how ever hee seemed now to comply with them.

When hee was his Maiesties commissioner hee often sayde in private, to the cheife Covenanters, that nothing would pre­vaile with the king but force, and necessitie. When the Earle of Traquaire beeing Commissioner in Scotland, did returne to London, hee concealed him ten dayes in his Bedchamber, gave no occount of his trust to the king, till they had resolued on a bitter relation agaynst the Scots, which compelled the king to declare a warre, which done, hee sent them informa­tions, advertissements, helpes and assistances to state them in a condition, of defence.

Hee did subtlie weave himselfe into the Command of the Navy the second tyme, hee provides it with a vast expence▪ pretends (as hee knew wel to dissemble, though unfit for Reigne) some easy discontents, causeth all the Ships to bee unvictual'd, the stalladges and other necessarie accomo­dations [Page 7] for horse & foote to bee demolished, within ten dayes following, hee urged to have his charge renewed, [...] to bee reuictuald hee brings a saucy bill of Fare; the [...] chargeth the account, upon his one score, the ships up [...]n the Dukes, to which, beeing cheife of his cabbinet Counsell, hee had perswaded him in a very short tyme. Thus are the Kings Treasures unnecessarilie exhausted, and tyme allotted to the rebells in Scotland to advance in there undertakings.

When the king had made a prosperous progres in his affaires [...]nd had very neere subdued all his opposers in England, when [...]ee had reduced the whole Kingdome to his obedience except London, and three or fowre other Garrisons, and those few Members who styled themselves a Parliament had no visible meanes left to preserve themselves, or oppose the King, but the [...]uiting in of the Scots, when it was if not possible, at least [...]ery difficult, for the Covenanters to afford, or contribute [...]ny considerable assistance to there confederates in England, if [...]hose who protested themselues the kings freinds in Scotland [...]ad faythfully acted there Parts; then Hamilton thought it [...]ighe tyme for him to passeover from the Covenanters, and [...]retend for the king that having free accesse to his Counsels, [...]e might at pleasure betray, and disappointe his designes [...]hen the incomparably noble Marquis of Montros had at [...]orke informed the Queene, of the Scots conspiracie, and [...]ad fully represented to her Maiesty, the treacheries and [...]mminent danger of the Covenanters, had unripped there [...]olicies and unmasked all there devices, when hee advised [...] mature prevention, and by anticipating there designes, to [...]pell force with force. to which more then a bare lawfulnes, [...] in evitable necessitie did vrge. The Duke posted with more [...]ast then good speed to Yorke, with a coulor to kisse her Ma­ [...]sties hands and congratulate her safe arivall into England. [...]om whence he had formerly designed to send her on an Em­bassy: [Page 8] but his plot was entirely to overthrow and confound the seasonable and faithfull counsells and perswasions of that truly perfectlie Loyall Soule, that Man of Honnor the Mar­quis of Montros, he possessed the Queene how rawe, indisge­sted, rashe and Dangerous the counsels of the Marquis were and altogether condemned his iudgment and in that his owne vvhich in all mens ought to bee highlie preferd to the Dukes Opinion, he did more then put a remora, to retard, he gave check to the Marquisses high undertakings and by subtile art and cunning, gott the disposing of the Men and the whole game iuto his owne hands by which meanes after, hee gave checkmate to the King he offers by faire means to hinder th [...] raising of an Army in Scotland, if the too often deceived King would trust him with the managinge of that buissnes, to rende [...] it more plausible, he promiseth to performe it, without trou­ble or expence to his Majestie whose bagges hee had milkt be­fore; such easie proffers have ever a powrfull influence on prin­ces reduced to want and irresistible necessitie, but his vile an [...] cheape counsels, which hee alwayes gave for nought cost th [...] King deare by dissembling a danger, hee had contracted o [...] himselfe from the Legislative Covenanters, and counterfeitin [...] the hazards he seemed to run, although hee came not withou [...] there privitie and allowance and abundantly furnished with there treacherous instructions, hee gayned from the King a [...] absolute trust.

Returnde to Scotland, hee made greate Professions at hom [...] as hee had done abroade and would have gladly seemed th [...] most joyous, and most zealous person living for the Kings in [...]terest, yet in all his proceedings, hee crossed the advices an [...] resolutions of the Kings freinds hee betrayed the Kings tru [...] and filled up the blanks committed to him, with the King [...] approbations to that Convention of Scotland, where a leavy o [...] twenty thousand, men for England, and sixe thousand fo [...] [Page 9] [...]reland were ordained. The King advertisde that the Co­ [...]enanters had indicted a Convention of state without his con­ [...]nt or knowledge did write a letter to the Duke and those of [...]e counsel to discharge the Convention, the Duke concea­ [...]ng the letter desired the Earle of Kallender to conferre with [...]e Earle of Roxbroug, and some others, best affected to his [...]ajestie to aske ther aduise they all unammously concluded, [...]e King should disclayme the Convention, and declare it [...]egall but the Duke, [who without the Kings knowledge [...]d consent, and contrary to ye lawes of the Kingdome inter­ [...]sing the Kings name and Authoritie, had invited, and com­ [...]lled the Covenanting Lords to frequent Assemblies] ac­ [...]aints them by the Earle of Callander, that it was the Kings [...]tention and purpose, to approve the Convention, with some [...]w restrictions, and limitations; this false suggestion of the [...]uke, made them to alter there aduice the King never having [...]rboured such a thought untill it was insinuated, to him by [...]milton as the advice of a freind from Scotland, that there [...]ere probable conjectures and posible hopes, to overpowre [...] Covenanters, And carry the matters in the Convention, [...] the Kings advantage, or at least to impede and obstruct any [...]stance to bee sent into England against him. Thus the [...]ngs expectation, was deluded and the hopes of his faithfull [...]bjects in Scotland frustrated, while both, were induced by [...]e Dukes Policie to approve and countenance the Convention [...]d the Kings affaires suffered an infinite prejudice when at that [...]me it was very feosible to have supprest there confederacie [...] its infancy or growing Estate, ere it had aspirde to that [...]ighte and perfection, since Scotland wanted not, rather a­ [...]unded with Men Loyall, trusty, and valiant, those men wan­ [...]d neither power, or those necessarie accomodations for [...]rre, the sinewes, the ligaments that Causa sine qua non, [...]oney, onely the Kings Commission, by which they should [Page 10] have power to act, was deficient with which once inspired, they would have attempted any thing, might present danger, and administer any occasion to express there honorable reguard to the Kings most inestimable life, and Royall dignities. Delay (in affaires of greate importance ever dangerous, and to bee avoyded) could onely destroy there hopefull designes then, a [...] our just feares are, it will doe at present▪ there are too many sa [...] witnesses of the Dukes and his Brother the earle of Lannerick [...] Deportments in that Convention, and afterwards; there Ac­tions were in no wise answerable to there promises in there conference with the Noble men that were well affected to the King, they refused to joyne with them in a course of oppositi| on, or to give there approbation, that they should actuate wit­hout his Personal appearance in the buisines, these that would have aduentured there Fortunes, there lives, whatsoever wa [...] Deare unto them, for his Majesties preservation were ignomi­niouslie betrayde.

When the Duke for his heinous Crymes and Treasonabl [...] Practises, was justlie committed Prisoner to Pendennis Cast [...] his Brother the Earle of Lannericke, deserted his Majestie [...] service at Oxford, and secretlie conveyed himselfe away ha­ving no excusable pretence, unless the Dukes deserved impri­sonment can justifie his Defection from so Deare and Bounteou [...] a Master, that to the Duke had ever given more then hee could deserve, and no more in this then what hee deserved. Lanne| ricke preferrs the safetie of a Brother to the preservation of hi [...] Countryes Father, to save one, on whose beeing some particu­lar Freinds, and Followers had dependance hee leaves as much as in him lay, the King to the mercy of his ennemies to bee destroyed, in whose life and well beeing the preservation and securitie of three Kingdomes did alone consist. Hee repaires to London, joynes himselfe to the Scotch Commissioners, for which hee will never bee able to repaire his weatherbeaten re­putation [Page 11] and blasted honnor. The Commissioners welcome [...]s revolte and congratulate his dishonorable retreate from [...]s Masters Cause and Service. They dispatche him away to [...]ere Army, by sea, with Letters of Commendations. From [...]e Army hee beetakes himselfe to Scotland, where in a sol­ [...]ne meeting in there Parliament, he not onely protested that [...]e was penitent for his former carriage in adhering to the [...]ing, but that hee would not have deserted his Master untill [...]s Master had deserted God [well sayd thou good and [...]thful servant] he declared publiklie that it he did see visiblie. [...] Religion destroyed, and the Mass openly mantained and [...]ofessed both in the Army, and at Oxford [a zealous convert [...]at speakes more then the Truth,] hee hath no sooner given [...]idence of his penitent and Contrite heart, but they are mer­ [...]full to the Sinner, they receive him into there honorable [...]cietie, and adorne him with the reverent title of a Cove­ [...]nter [a holy and blessed order] Thus qualified, they admitt [...]e sanctifide Brother, to there Religious Counsells and on [...]m immediately conferre the command of forces against the [...]ngs Majestie, which hee like a gratefull and Loyall Subject [...]ost thankfully receivesly how vigorous and stirring he proved [...] all his undertakings with the Rebells, all men, that know [...]y thing of that Kingdome perfectie know, hee did showe [...]ch rare feats of his Activitie, in there Combination, that [...]th quicke and nimble motion hee skipps into the place of a [...]eading Member, hee appeared like a Ruling Elder, nothing [...]s done, or indeed could bee done, without him, at that [...]eate Battaile of Kilsythe where sixe thousand Rebells were [...]yne under the well managed Conduct of the Noble Munt­ [...]s, hee had drawne together one thousand foote, and five [...]ndred Horse, of his freinds and Followers, which were on [...]ere Marche within seven miles, to have joyned with the [...]bells not with standing all the intreaties, and sollicitati­ons, [Page 12] perswasions, and promises Loyall Montros did use, to make him joyne with him, in the Kings service, against which hee stubbornly persisted, and continued in Armes and opposition till Montros by the Kings express commands, had disbanded his Forces [the Royall Party.]

When the King was at Newcastle, hee was crediblie infor­med, that upon a serious consultation amongst the Covenant­ers, what instructions they should send to the Scotch Com­missioners residing at London, concerning the King who as they sayde was the Author of so much bloushed, the Generous Earle of Lannericke gave out these words:

[A worthy position] but wee deny his Major and his mino [...] and pray against his Conclusion, touching the race of the King▪ an Argument hee may chance to runne himselfe out of breath [...] in! upon another occasion hee delivered his mynde in these words.

His scrupilous conscience needed not have raisde so danger­ous a doubt, it may bee, hee expects the accomplishment of his horoscope, wherein (as himselfe since related, hee had so grea [...] confidence) that when hee was thought to bee in danger, be­fore his Escape from Oxford hee was heard to to say.

[Would hee be more then a Duke?] if his Ambition cannot [...]e satisfied with his Brothers title, God send him his Place [...]o; hee may bee an Angell in heaven, but must not a King up­ [...] Earthe, unless hee designes to rule some new Plantation, the [...]d Brittaines preferre the Stewarts to the Hamiltons.

Some old wives in Scotland affirme that the Midwife at his [...]tivitie, out of the strengthe of all inspird, did Prophesie most [...]wrefully, and lett some odde and strange things droppe from [...]er, they say with all that hee was an eminent witche.

When the Duke was set at libertie from imprisonment and [...]e to London, he was heard say.

[I wonder hee did not doe it sooner and that hee had trusted [...] so long] this unhansome expression discovered the re­ [...]ment hee had of his imprisonment. When hee came to Neu­ [...]astele, he and his Brother Lannericke, did undertake to the [...]ng, to carry him into Scotland, which if they had performed [...]cording to promise it had beene very easy for ye king to have, [...]gaged that Kingdome, and there Army, for restoring his Maje­ [...]e to his just Rights in England. But his comming into Scot­ [...]d and there designes were incompatible. his presence there [...]ould have to much Ecclipsed there Greatnes, and have clipte to [...]ort the wings of there too highe-soaring Ambition. they divert [...] from his resolutions, with faire pretences leading him along, [...] a strict Guarde was sett upon his Person. Withi [...] some few [...]yes after he was delivered [being sold] to the Parliament brokers the Parliament of Scotland they made a faire semblance of rea­soning [Page 14] for the King, had a pretty flourish, a skirmishing in words but when it came to the pushe of a Vote conceruing his deliveri [...] the two Brethren in iniquitie were in the Negative themselves but al there freinds and dependants, whose voices they vsed t [...] command with the same freedome, they did there own, were a [...]together in the Arffirmative for selling the King contrary to th [...] aforsayde Brethrens promise & asseurance to his Majesty. Tho [...] greedy Merchants that so fierclie voted for selling the King, we [...] as violent in there debates for making the Duke General in ther [...] late engagement, for when not onelie the lawfulnes, but th [...] unavoidable necessitie of ingageing in a warre against the Bre [...]kers of that Covenant, of ever cursed memorie, with Englan [...] was made manifestie to appeare and had received the stampe, an [...] authoritie of the convened States.

Duke Hamilton by the contrivance of his complices and th [...] connivence of is competitors is Elected Generall. A Person [...] of the most eminent Titles, so of the greatest Activitie and vigo [...] amoungst them; hee, having had the command of an Army h [...] retofore in Germany, and for some few other intricate Reason it thought Fittest to command the present designed to go [...] against the common Ennemie, of the confederate Kingdome [...] They procede to levie men, which are lifted with that unwilli [...]gnes, and so slowlie, that they seeme to be too heauy a Burthe [...] for the Country, and the cause too light; whatsover is so spe [...]ouslie pretended by thes new undertakers, it is suspected [...] most Men and beeleeved by many, the Good and happie beei [...] of the King and his Royal Posteritie is the least in there intention [...]

This was the Reason, why this new Model of a cause mett o [...]struecion in the house ad oppofition abroade the Dissentors [...] Parliament, having Abettor is in the Assemblie by whose Divi [...] assistance, they were more then encouraged. for the Persoaha [...] brought the Caule into suspicion and controversie.

In the most stricst examination, and disquirie of particular [...] [Page 15] [...]ey found Argument and Ground enough whereon to raise a [...]rre but the Generall they had pitched upon, would not hold [...] watter; hee had sprung a leake beefore, & was not sound at [...]ttome.

Had the Affaires be managed under another conduct, the un­ [...]fulnes of the ingagement had not beene imputed for sin. So [...]e was it iudged from beeing uniust, that by al sydes it was con­ [...] to bee inevitablie necessaire. So much acknowledged to bee [...]re D [...]ty, that Necglect would prove Periurie. They conclu­ [...] in a kind of Dilcmma, either take up Armes, or shake hands [...]h the Covenant & part. Lay it altogether asyde, or vse the [...]ost Endeavonrs to make it Good; stand to it now, or lett it [...] for ever. cowld the Duke in there opinion have beene as ea­ [...] cleared as there other Doubts, the Church in all mens opi­ [...]n had undoubtedlie gone along for Company. And those [...]pits wich were fraught with most bitter invectives, had beene [...]ull of exhortations and motives. Large promises of Blessings [...] beene the snbject of Sermons, that now abounded with revi­ [...]s & bitter curses Yett I wonder not to heare him cald mad [...]gge to his Theethe, out of the Pulpitte at Edinburg, when no­ [...] was so sold as his owne Chaplayne at Hamilton in his presence [...]urse the engagement & damne al such as showld prosecute it, [...] doe I wonder at his impudence, when I know others the [...]ke had sent to, to exclaime and inueigh against ye unlawful en­ [...]ement. Who out of conscientiousnes refusing were suddenly [...]cke dumme. Silenced by ye Assembly.

All the vse they made, of Preaching, was first exprobation to [...] Duke, and Commination to the People. Which hee him­ [...] heares with that wonderfull Patience, that hee seemes ra­ [...] pleased with the Doctrine then offended with the Applica­ [...]: that not one of them was ever in Q [...]estion; calls the Hearers Q [...]estion, & might putt it out of doubt, they were conscious [...]hat they had heard an Ordinance is provided to stoppe [Page 16] there mouthes, which they open theu vider to there very faces The Duke takes notes, but no notice of there Sermons, beeing very confident, as hee often affirmed, all they cowld vent in tho­se places, would not suffice, to prevent his Designes, which i [...] the unhappy event proved too trve. Yet by this A [...]t by this cun­ning of preaching the Levies are almost every where retarded in the West they rise to oppose them. the insurrection is brough [...] soneere the Dukes owne Gates, that wise men imagined, it wa [...] contrived within, for his own Vassals were as buisie as the best [...] And the cheife Actors and Leaders of the R [...]bellion, were left a [...] libertie to sitt downe, till the dispersing of the first, and the Ga­thering together of the second Levie might administer a fresh oc­casion to manifest whose children they were.

If the Dukes designe was to ruine the wel Affected to the King and the Royall Partie as it was rationalie conj [...]ctured, then i [...] very much did conduce to his purpose, to preserve so necessarie instruments for perfecting the Worke where hee had layde [...] most strong foundation.

Hee had soone discovered of what excellent use thay would prove in due tyme, that had alreadye supdlyde him with a hanso­me excuse that his motion to the assistance of the Royall Party i [...] England might not bee censured slow, and the delay, to which se [...]emed inforete, receive some coulour to iustifie the reoson, though the insurrection it lelfe had none.

Before that time, there Deportment to the English had received a scurvy construction. Little were they beholding to them for the advancing of there Affaires, when all arts and industrie was vsed to holde them backe. there diligence and utmost Powers would have beene imployed to the advan­tage of there undertakings, had the Duke simply espoused a Quarrell for the King, and not a Quarrell against him, for one of his Kingdomes to which that an easyer way, and not so open, may bee found tis thought expedient to destroy first [Page 17] his Maiesties knowne Faithfull, Freinds in England those fir­ [...]e Pillars once removed, the Royall Pallace must fall, being [...]o longer supported. whose ruine that it might be certaine, [...]nd unsuspected, Prerogative must receive its fatall wound [...]hrough the sydes of a pretended Loyaltie.

Sir Marmaduke Langdale is treated with. A Person whose [...]ndoubted integritie, and perfect courage had so powrfull in­ [...]uence on his Majesties Party, that from all parts hee was able [...]o drawe forces to his Assistance. Hee is permitted to take [...]erwicke and Carlisle aud pntt in Garrisons, but upon this [...]ondition, that they bee surrendred into the Dukes possession, [...] soone as hee showld enter into England, with his Army. As [...]laces to retreate to, showld his Army bee beaten. If he had [...]estined them to that end before, it was a subtile plot to dis­ [...]ossess the Kings freinds, and secure those Townes in the [...]ands of his professed Ennemies. It cowld not bee expected, [...]e Army once vanquisht those Garrisons would hold out long, [...]onsisting all of Officers and Souldiers at the Dukes Devotion.

Sir Marmaduke Landale had purchased so greate a reputa­ [...]on, by the surprise of Berwike and Carlisle that his forces are [...]ery much encreased, by a confluxe of people from those [...]diacent parts. Men are not wanting to him so much as Armes, [...]f which hee stood much in need yett every one had his Brest [...]rmed with resolution and Loyaltie, not intending to turne [...]ere backes on the rebellions ennemy.

Messingers are dispatcht to the Duke to desire a supply [...]f Armes, tustie expecting a readines in them to further and [...]romote there enterprise, from whome they had received en­ [...]ouragement to attempt it.

Although there necessitie, and the greate consequence is [...]ade to appeare, there is little showe of compliance while [...]ere demands are unsatisfied, by much sollicitation and im­ [...]ortunitie, five hundred Armes to Berwicke, and three hun­dred [Page 18] to Carlisle are privatelie conveyed. For the Duke will not bee s [...]en to allowe or countenance there procedings al­beeit the beeginnings were warranted with promises of his Graces assistance. Which being at any tyme implorde, was at no tyme so ready as an excuse. And that backte with reasons to coulour the ne [...]glect. A further supply of Armes is re­quired, and promise made to restore them so soone as there Souldiers showld march to the Borders. Protestation is made they have them not. Some Armes there are of the old Ge­nerals but they will not make bold, to handle them withou [...] his leave, which, I knowe not if they ever askte. So little i [...] hee there freind, whom they feared to make there ennemie▪ that those Armes are reserved for ther destruction which prob [...]bly mighte have proved there preservation. They choose rather to prejudice there certaine freinds, then hazard the of­fending of one, at that tyme doubtful, but after there declare [...] ennemie. This not granted, they are desired to furnish them [...] with so much money, for the present occasion, and they woul [...] take care to provide Armes, there beeing then Good store i [...] Leithe and for caution, they would make choise of wha [...] Notherne Gentlemen, they pleasde to secure them­selves.

They had mett so many occasions to disburse large summes▪ that Mony was the hardest commodite to come by. Thi [...] slender excuse serving for a denial, no more is insisted on, bu [...] that they would procure them credit with the Merchants, & they would drive the bargaine, make the best marquett they cowld. But this demand also is supposed to be so unreaso­nable that it is not assented to, and it was thought as strang [...] that proposals to aduantagious showld meete so cold an en­tertainement. But tis no wonder if duly considered; for ad [...]mitt the restoring of the King to bee the sole object of ther [...] purposes, then would the English forces share too much in th [...] [Page 19] [...]lory of the Action, and robbe the Duke of the honnor due [...]ohis Name. Suppose sinister and worse ends, then would [...]hose forces with there daily Accruits, if tymouslie supplyde, [...]ave growne to that greatnes and strengthe, it would not have [...]eene in the Power of the Duke or the adverse Army, to who [...]e they seemed to bee destineda prey, to have gainde so easy a [...]onquest. Notwithstanding the no helpe hee receives.

Sir Marmaduke advanceth into the Country swells into a [...]ody of fowre or five thousand horse and foote; hee mar­ [...]eth forward, meets an open Ennemy and a secret order [...]ot to figh. In obedience to this order hee rerreats. The [...]nnemie pursves; hee forbidden to fight, secures his forces in Carlisle; Lambert sitts downe beefore it.

Sir Marmaduke, blocked up on one syde of the Towne is re­ [...]uced to an unnecessarie necessitie, a needles extremitie. He ends away to aquainte the Duke in what a posture his affaires [...]ood, his Grace little sensible of the inconveniences would [...]nsuer, etournes but an unsatisfactorie answer.

Sr Marmadukes wants admitt of no delay, nor will they [...]uffer him to bee in jest. Doubtfull of the Dukes intendments [...] come, and desirous ot knowe certainely, what hee was to [...]xpectt and trust to, dispatches a Gentleman to reneuw his for­ [...]er sollicitations and informe him preciselie of there reall [...]d insupportable condition. And importune his suddaine ad­ [...]ance.

Colonell Lockher is sent beefore with twelve hundred [...]orse to visitt the Borders, but the Plague was, hee hath no [...]rder to releevi the distressed. Otherwise they might have, in [...]l probalitie, performed that, in an instant, a longe tyme [...]ould not serve to undo eespeciallie if they had at the same ty­ [...]e spared Collonell Gray five hundred or a thousand horse, [...]hich were in a readines. And for which hee offered pro­ [...]ortionable pay to goe into Northumberland, of vvhich hee [Page 20] had beene undoubtedly absolutie Master. And had endange­red the ennemyes Garrison in Nevvcastle vvhich they had re­solved to surrender and of vvhich ye Duke vvas informed. A parte of the Army is not vvorth the hazarding, one blovve shall suffice to cutt of the vvhole.

The Duke is now at length on foote, hee takes Carlisle into the Armes of his protection; Marcheth forward, goes, as if hee had beene beewitcht into Lanchashire, and without performing any, the least considerable thing, his mightie, and all threatning Army is totaly routed, wee defeated of our expectation, and the trauaile, the hard labour of so many mon­thes destroyed in a moment. a strange Catastrophe, this sud­daine execution made very many beeleeue they had received there doome longe beefore, that the Ennemy might giue the easier, and an irrecouerable ouerthrow order was taken to disperse them to there hand, the Reare of the Army beeing distant from the Van, more then forty miles; good miles but bad wayes and there I leaue his Grace, where hee left his Army to bee disbanded after a strange new, mode, of which there is nothing left, but the sad remembrance.

No sooner had the wellcome newes of the Armyes defeate [...] arriued in the West, but they rise in Armes beeing in a rea­dines beefore and expecting this blessed opportunitie. The [...] Brethren in Fife had more Prophetike Spirits who wrote di­verse Epistles wherin they made mention of the very Tyme [...] and so preciselie related particular accidents, is if they had consulted beefore with the Duke or the Devill.

The Rebels in the west have slaine some of the intended second leuie in there owne Country, and beeing fleshte the bloud hoauds hunt for prey abroad. they aduance and thre­aten Edinbourough. The standing Committee, is running out of there witts, thy advise what way is best to take. They agree, they will not longer prosequute the late engagement, [Page 21] [...]ut resolve the endeavoring to preserve and secure there [...]wne Persons, by joyning those small forces they have to [...]ose newly returnde from England. there old Secretarie is [...]osen there new Generall: the same hand directs the Pen, [...]d the Sword sing the second part to the same tune the good [...]ukes brother is aboute to perfect what himselfe had leftun­ [...]one.

Scarse vvarme in his but yesterday Title, hee hastens to [...]s command! the designe must not coole. Beefore hee secu­ [...]s the Tovvne, hee takes possession of the Fei [...]de. The Castle [...] left in the hands of an Ennemie to keepe out freinds that [...]ight as easilie have beene committed to the safe custody of freind, that vvould have kept the ennemie at a greater [...]stance.

Hee takes along vvith him the Earle of Glenkerne. The Lord Lynsey by usurpation Craford stayes beehinde to pro­ [...]de Armes formy Lord Mourtons Regiment. But beeing [...]easurer and carryng the bagge not keeper of the Castle, hee [...]ew better hovv to lay up, theu to distribute. hee stayes not [...]ng, for the destroying ennemie approaching, hee flyes like [...]icodemus to seeke a saviour by night, and at Heddington [...]eets the other desciples, who vvere thither fled, not for [...]e testimonie of a Good conscience, and here they lay the [...]undation for there intended vvare. But the Generall vvants [...]en, those men hee hath vvant Armes. Wee have a certaine [...]nde of treasurer, and hee vvants money, vvhich vvould have [...]ene much more acceptable to the souldier then his per­ [...]n.

They send letters to recall General Majior Munro out of [...]ngland, who beeing left beehinde to guarde the Cannon, his [...]rees were preserved entire, when the Army disjointed fell [...]to peeces.

The Triumuirate, L. Lannerike, Lynsey and Glenkerne, [Page 22] march towards the borders, to unite with some scattered Tropes, that had escaped the ennemy and were come into Scotland. They meete at a Rendevous, joyne, and March to Dunce.

The Lord Honby, and the Lord Lee, come with overtures for a Treaty with the Chancellor then in Armes about Eden­bourg. They imbrace the offer; send backe there proposals, vvhich if the ennemy condiscend to, they vvill prosequute the treaty wherin they hope to retoncile ther private differences, & vvith an unanimous consent oppose Cromvvel that bore in­testine hatred to ther Nation. And so happilie recover ther lost honnor. This is made the ground, and pretence for a treaty.

Yett wee were not ignorant that Letters were intercepted in there passage to Lambert; wherin hee had order to hazard fighting with Sir Marmaduke Langdale on any termes, that if possibly, hee might joyne with them in the West of Scotland with whome they helde correspondence, and where himselfe was dayly with his forces, expected. tis a wonder to simple honestie, that ratio­nall men (for such showld men of those eminent places bee) cowld imagine, that the westland people would combine with there ennemies, to repell there freinds, whome they had long beefore invited, and were now ready to entertaine.

Of there inclinations to the one faction, and of there hate and aversion to the other this there second insurrection, had giuen a sufficient testimony.

What expectation, what asseurance cowld bee had of those people now, that in the Pride and glory of a puissant Army durst with a few oppose, and dispute the unlawfulnes of the en­gagement; would they allowe that for lawfull now, when there are as few to withstand them strong, at least in there owne opi­nion, both in number and Power.

Nor were wee ignorant of the great disadvantage the delay of treating would bring upon our selves. And of what excellent [Page 23] [...]se it would bee to our Adversaries, which they wiselie taking [...]nto there consideration, demand there may bee a cessation for [...]veteene dayes, in which tyme they would endeavour to com­pose the discords then beetweene them, which they desired ra­ [...]her, and intended showld bee continued David Lesley thought [...]veteen dayes enough to putt his undisciplinde Mutineers into [...] warlike Posture, and aboute that tyme, as after hee did Crom­ [...]ell would come to there assistance. There demands are thought [...]oo hard, and unreasonable, to yeele to, Lynsey is appointed to [...]o and meet with M. G. Munro. to invite him, to his owne losse [...]ojoyne with us. To which hee is readilie perswaded, beeing [...]imselfe a Person of much Gallantry, hee was confident they [...]ent upon the same principles of honnor that hee did, nor did [...]eesuspect any thing, but the Kings interest, to bee the object of [...]ere bee gunne quarrell, and this continued controversie. Our [...]ords like the Devill having compassed the earth returne to [...]eddington, wher G. M. Munro. in a noble compliance with ther [...]esires, gives them a faythfull asseurance of his utmost powers.

At that instante Sir Iaruis Lucas, & Colonell Chater two En­ [...]lish Gentlemen of knowne Loyaltie and trust, are sent from the [...]maining forces in England under the command of Sr Thomas [...]insley with offer of there ayde and assistance, to the proseqution [...] the warre wherin they were first engaged mutualie; and al­ [...]ough two or three thousand men were not at such a tyme in­ [...]nsiderable, they are rejected, and returne with a bare, a thred­ [...]re compliment, They camot come, they may not enter into [...]e holy land, [Scotland is Canaan] without the Covenant [...]ere mouthes are stopt, but beefore they face about. they are [...]ld to aske a certaine question or two.

First, if, that in case, Cromwell showld press so upon [...]em, they were no [...] able to keep footing in there owne Coun­ [...]y, they would give them leave to come upon Scotch Ground [...]eerly for there own preservation.

[Page 24] By no meanes my Lord Lannericke cannot allow that in consistencie with his designes. that will call in Cromwell, wh [...] under a coulour of pursuing them, will with a greater an [...] more considerable number, joyn with the Ennemy to there in [...]finite preiudice, which to avoyde, they are advised to dis [...]band, when they are no longer in a possibilitie of making good there owne Countrey. which nevertheles did not di­vert Cromwell from his Designe and long purpose of coming into Scotland, but onely which was enough, weaken and de­stroy the Kings Party in England thus private Policie under­mines, and Easilie ruines a strength, that being once joyned to them, the publike Ennemy would have encountred a dif­ficultie before there overthrowe: counsaile seconded with seeming reason. pust a fatal and final end, to that force, would have begunne a new worke, that might have met a re­volution, sooner th [...]n a period.

The officers and other Gentlemen obtaine a liberty to secu­re themselves in Berwicke, under protection of there Gar­rison, but had not most of them provided better for there owne safetie, they had been secured with those that adventu­red a stay, in a Prison. yet was it desperatelie sworne, they would hazard all there Fortunes the last drop of there blouds, in the defence and iust preservation of those Gallant men that had so freely layde there fortunes, there lives at stake in ioy­ning with them. yet Barwicke is not onelie surrendred, but those Gentlemen, of whome there is no mention in the capi­talation, are given up a sacrifice to there cruell Ennemy. and with the Towne, as if that were too little, they resigne up the preceding Governour, out of whose Custody they had taken it formerlie, it seemes, and may bee presumed, on purpose to put it into those hands.

Now is the L. Lamericke ioyned to G. M. Munro there united forces discover a hansome Body, onely the L. Glen­kerne [Page 25] is in doubt, vvhat face to put on it. Here is an Army [...]le to iustifie the cause, but the cause in it selfe doth not ap­ [...]eare to be iust and so not iustifie them. (they told not this to [...]unro before) when in there letters to him they had coniured [...]m by his loyaltie to combine with them, and svvorn to him, [...] prosecute the late engagement vvhile there veines contei­ [...]ed the least drop of bloud. notvvithstanding. there private [...]greement at a Committe to desert it) a tender conscience; [...]tisfaction must be given. it vvas thought iust, even by these [...]ersons, and requisite to suppress them vvhen they did rise [...]efore in the West and is not it equalie iust to destroy them, [...]ovv, that made so ill vse of there former Mercy.

The Persons are the same onely more in number, the cause [...]f there Rebellion is the same, onelie tis not the same Re­ [...]ellion. tis another, but to the same tune, the second Re­ [...]ellion for the first cause. vvas the engagement at first lavv­ [...]ll, and is it unlawfull to pursue it.

The engagement is not less lavvfull, but vve are less able, so [...]ore unvvilling to continue in it, to make it good. The Duke [...]vanquisht, gone to the Dogs, and vvho knovvs vvhat vvill [...]ecome of poor Lannericke and us? The Duke is dovvn the [...]inde, and Lannericke will but swime against the streame. [...] Yet if the refractorie Ennemy condiscend not to there de­ [...]ands, which onely tended to there owne preservation, tis [...]estionles most lawfull to engage the poore, deceived Soul­ [...]er to fight it out to the last man. The proposals are rejected [...]e word and signe are given, wee advance, and approache the [...]nemy with such boldnes, as if wee resolved, either certaine­ [...] to beate and conquer the foe, or at least to make sure of the [...]ippe, then in Leithe Roade, that was sent with Armes from [...]e Princes highnes to the L. Lynsy and L. Lannericke, which [...]d been no ill service, considering my L. Mourtons Regi­ [...]ent consisting of about a thousand men were quartered with­in [Page 26] ten miles of us, and stayde beehinde us for wante of Armes. A Commanded Party is sent out, which about Musslebou­rough rancunters a Porty of ye Ennemyes horse, who beeing so uery lately borrowed from the Plow, were as unacquainted with this new trade as there rawe Ryders, they drawe backe, and both make use of there heeles, and in there flight leave about ten, beehinde them, which being dead, weight, were too heavy to carry and there they gave the first proofe how they meante (not) to fight.

The whole Body of our Horse advanceth to Musslebourough the sands by r [...]ason of the sea were not then passible. we march [...] to the Bredge, wher vve maks a halt, and in a cecem [...]ny give the [...] foote the way to march before us. while wee are sent to seeke out new adventures, to finde a pass, and where the river was fordable, albeit wee might have marched over the bridge [...] before our foote had come up. wee have discouered a passe▪ where some of our men having crost the river they are cal [...] backe with a witnes, Rouges, for obeying Commands.

That they might more asseuredly prevent enc [...]unters, th [...] Foote are commanded backe, to quar [...]er in the Towne and th [...] horse behinde them, least happily we might gaine too grea [...] an advantage over the enn [...]my. the next morning care is take [...] to give them asseurance not to come, to quarter within thre [...] miles of Edinbourough. and now are they at rest, for they are sure to hinder our meeting. The Ennemy intends not t [...] forsake his [...]renches, yet about five h [...]ndred of there Horse [...] had made a long retreate upon a supposed Allarum the nigh [...] before; if Fighting must have decided the controversie it wa [...] seared the rest would not have stayde long behinde, but to en­courage, and secure there stay, we March avvay, about th [...] promised distance. and leave behinde us a Pavvn, as an asse [...]rance of Fidelitie to them a Shippe vvith Armes to dispose a [...] they thinke good. and novv they rest vvith there Predecessor [...] [Page 27] [...] the Castle. The L. Mourton may secure his foot in the [...]hippe, it is not likely the old Generall that good subiect [...]il furnish them vvith Armes novv, that had denyde them [...]efore. if he vvithhelde those vvhich vvere intrusted in the Castle for securitie, vve my iustly expect, for his ovvne sa­ [...]tie, he vvill, not part vvith a lavvfull Price.

All the accounte the t King vvill r [...]ceive. is, that his Armes [...]e in Hucksters hands. they vvere malignant Armes, though [...]ot in the unlavvfull engagement, aud are committed to the [...]astle for safe custody. but novv they are conuerted, and if [...]e Castle secure them they secure the Castle; and such Armes [...]ithin the vvalls, are good collaterall securitie.

If they cost the King dear, to purchase them at first, it [...]ill stand him in much more, to redeem them now. though [...]ings at second hand usuallie go lesse. they are bought and [...]ld the second time, or betrayde for nought. his Highnesse [...]ust expect as much; if (which heaven forbidde) he fall into [...]e same hands. Yet they deale more faurtably with the Earle [...] Castles. who having taken up his Quarters in Lithco. is ad [...]rtisde before of our approache.

That the world may know to whom he owes this courtesie [...]d his preservation, the provident Lord Threasurer, unwil­ [...]g so good a friend as Castles, showld be the first should suf­ [...]r. dispatches before hand. a messinger to informe him cer­ [...]inly of the danger of his stay, and our Armies advance. which [...]d he not with speede avoyded, he might have been sent to [...]ilde Castles in the Aire.

That he might have time enough to escape vvith his vvhole [...]egiment, our Horse are dravvn up to Quarter in te Feilde. G. M. Munro having intelligence of the ennemyes Quartering [...] Lithco. Encourageth his foote as unacquainted with his de­ [...]gne, as hee unknowing of Lynseys, to march that night to [...]thco. There needed not much Rhetoricke to perswade to a [Page 28] Good towne, the Souldier wearied with tedious matches, and worse quarters.

Yett ye hopes of surprising any thing was called ennemy, would have wingde there feete whose onely sorrow was, they had left one beehinde, and had not there hands at libertie to fight. Wee enter the Towne, but Castles a wiseman, to whome, one word is is enough, upon his tymely intelligence had remoude his men to fresh Quarters, Our Souldiers mouthes are soone stopped, though they cowld not but bite the lippe for anger, that the en­nemy had escaped out of there hands to which they had a grea­ter appetite, then to the meate, they left beehinde them, Al­though they had bourne away Castles on there Camell backes, they marched away with empty bellyes. The Alarum was so hott and there courage so cooled: they had no leisure to take there super ftom the fire, which they had provided for them­selves, and left ready drest for us. We thanke ye good Catarers, and they may thanke the good L. Threasurer, or they might have been well sauc'te, though our Men are ill Cookes, had wee come in season. But, since the Birdes are flowne our men are for­c'te to make merry with what they finde, and soone are recon­cilde there hungry stomackes to the foode, though they will ne­ver forgive Lynsey for taking away there best Dish.

Hee had beene his owne foe, that having fasted all the day, would haue nicely refused to eate because it was prepared for the ennemy. Hee had had no stomacke, or a stomacke to greate that would have usde, or stood upon other ceremony then the word, and fall on.

Being so well refresht at Lithco, wee out of ye strength may thereof, marche the next day, to Sterling, That wee may pre­vent, the joyning of Arguiles forces with Lesly. Arguile had newly possessed himselfe of the town but before our Lords had time to give him notice of our approache Arguile had made a suddaine sally out of the towne, bnt at the wronge Porte, leaving his men to our mercy, & the towne to our protection,

[Page 29] G. M. Munro, receving intelligence that Arguile was in Ser­ [...]ng, stayes not to advertise our good Lords, of it, or his designe, [...]ast his present hopes might bee unhappily frustrated by those [...]at had deceived his former intention.

Hee resolves to carry the newes himselfe, that when they sawe [...]im, thay might beeleeve hee was come in good earnest. Not [...]nowing hovv vvelcome they vvould make him in the tovvne, [...]ee takes his vvay to the bridge, resolving to make good his Quarters there or loose, his life, if hee covvld not gayne that [...]sse vvithout vvhich all vvas lost, this desperate undertaking he [...]ovvned with so much gallantry and wonderfull success, that [...]ad his fortunate enterpise beene seconded vvith a serious and [...]gorous Proseqution of the vvar, he had soon reverst vvhat vvas [...]tely forfetted, and regaynde here vvhat vvas lost in England. If it appeared so great a vvonder that ten thousand in a vvel [...]rdered Body should destroy an Army of thirty thousand that [...]ere so disperst they covvld never be brought to fighte, this [...] a miracle! Munro vvith five men breaks in upon about se­ [...]en hundred disperseth them, takes above five hundred priso­ [...]ers; the rest are either slayne on the ground, or drownde in [...]e watter.

Arguile well horst with two men hardly escaping. they that [...]eadge the fing [...]r of God was seen in the first, must con­ [...]ss his hand is visible in this. nor was the reputation of this [...]tion less then if he over came D. Lesley with his adherents. It would prove a more difficult worke, of another nature, [...] reduce them to obedience, and make them good Subiects. [...] If they pretend devotion, and Religion to coulor there re­ [...]llion, we conceale Rebellion under coulor, and pretence [...] obedience. our treachery will ballance there treason, if [...]e appeare not the greater Traitors, by how much, a pro­ [...]t ennemy is less dangerous and more excusable then a see­ [...]g Freind.

[Page 30] The Lords are at last com to be witnesses of the execution, but whereas they are expected to congratulate the victorie▪ they manifest the greatest indignation, and aversion to the act. The daring Souldier is well rewarded for the hazard of his life while they, for whose preservation wee ignorantly fought, discountenance both the attempt and success. and seem to curse the event of that day which we al thought heave [...] had bestowed on us for a blessing, and were thankfull.

The Ennemy was not in greater disorder and confusion the [...] were these Lords; it beganne to grow doubtfull which syd [...] had gott the Victorie. Yet wee lost but one man, who was stobbed by one to whome hee had given Quarter. They seeme so much concerned, that had we exchanged the For­tune of that day with our Ennemies, there cowld not have ap­peared more recentment, or a face drest in more sadnes, the [...] what our Lords put on.

The Pittifull L. Threasurer greiving to see the bloud of hi [...] freinds, so prodigally spilt, opened his purse mouth and sayd he would have given a hundred pounds, [out of the abundanc [...] of his tender compassion, and his Maiesties revenewes,) tha [...] we had not come to Sterling that day. Munro is not used t [...] bribes, but if he would have given all his Estate, he knew no [...] whither else we cowld go. Lesly pursueing in the Reare. Ar [...]guile possest of sterling.

The left handed L. Glenkerne publicklie protested he [...] would have given his right hand we had not come. he cowl [...] have curst those fingers that made such worke that day. it wa [...] Generally thought hee might have spared it and would have fought with one hand as soone as with two.

They all resolve to renew the treatie. Policie must undo [...] what we had atchieved by force.

That they may express there penitence for bloud drawn a­gainst there vvill, and without there knowledge they wil [...] [Page 31] condiscend to dishonorable Conditions vvhich for that very [...]eason they had reiected before. A Trumpett is sent to give [...]ee Ennemie an account of our actions, and breake a gappe [...]or the treatie to enter. they intimate, that notwithstanding God [he indeed is much in there thoughts) had been pleased [...]ut of his goodnes, not there desert.] to giue them a victorie [...]uer Arguiles forces [vvee might have hoped for a second o­ [...]er Lesley had vvee not falne to treating] to manifest to the [...]vorld they did not desire there Countries ruine, and that [...]ey did, not thirst after bloud [nor hunger after righteous­ [...]es) they would treate upon the old Score. Tis accepted. a [...]lace appointed L. Treasurer. and Glenkerne are Commissio­ [...]ers for us. vvell may they treate, and talke of the buisines [...]s not thought, there vvill be any debate amongst freinds.

Differences vvill soone be composed, vvhen persons of so [...]ame Spirits, and easy natures haue the managinge. We [...]ay expect good Quarter, when Lynsey and Castles draw in [...]ouples and all our hopes hang upon them. Wee are like to [...]ay long in Sterling, when our Treators, would haue giuen [...] liberaly wee had neuer come there.

Who can imagine I ynsy will not beetray us, when hee fin­ [...]es so faire an opportunitie, that used beefore such diligence [...] bee treacherous.

Will hee bee faythfull in a cessation, that was false in tyme [...]f hostilitie. When so easy a way as a treaty may bee found to [...]stifie his meeting with his good freind Castles. With whome [...]is hearte went sti [...]l along though wee had the honnor, but no [...]appines, of his company; hee misdemeaned himselfe so in all [...]s actions, as it is no contradiction to say, hee was with and [...]gaynst us. That under a coulor of beeing on our syde, hee [...]ight secretly and unsuspected doe us greater mischeife. I [...]ish wee had not the unhappy occasion to say there were grea­ [...]er traytours with vs then agaynst us. Tis yett undiscovered, [Page 32] who gave advise to Colonell Laweere to march speedilie to Burntellin in Fife with his Regiment and joyne with Lessey, least hee were prevented as was Arguile, who mistooke his vvay & went by weeping Cross. but this is certainlie knowne, though we had earlie intelligence, that there was no Party sent to stoppe thier passage, till the next day after they had croste [...] the Sea and us.

The steede is stolne, and L. Lannericks ovvne Regiment of horse is sent, to shutt the stable Dore, to repayre this ill lost [...] opportunitie, vvee growe vviser for the future. Since vvee came to late to meete vvith our ennemyes, vvee make the more hast to discover our freindes. well knovving of the good affections of the inhabitants of St. Iohn stons to his Maiestie, and the cause vvhich vve pretended to be his. vve go to secure the Tovvn being a very considerable passe, and undoe the▪ to-bee-pittied, people, vvho hauing giuen euidence of there Loyaltie to the King, forfet there charter, and become slaue [...] to Tyrants.

It vvas cruelly done to betray our freinds, and leaue them t [...] the mercy of a seuere ennemy, to bee destroyed. vvhen vv [...] take care to preserue our knovvn and profest Ennemies.

D. Lesley is untoucht, undisturbde in his house at St Iohn [...]stons, vvhen his Souldiers had left nothing standing in S [...] William Nisbets house, but the Walls. a Captaine of hors [...] must not come in competition vvith a Generall, and haue hi [...] vvrongs repairde upon the others sufferings.

The vvorld shall see, the Reuenge wee intend shall be exe [...]cuted on those to vvhome vve pretend a freindship we writ [...] letters to our acquaintance in the North of povver, and o [...] either knowne or suspected Fidelitie to the King, to inuit [...] them to our assistance, and here owne undoeing. for at tha [...] same time, although wee had procurde them a safe passe at S [...] Iohnstons. wee weare in treaty with the ennemy, and ha [...] [Page 25] before it beganne, Resolved vvhat should bee the conclusion The letters had not come long to there hands, but others are [...]ispatcht to desire them to disband the Forces, they had not [...]llowde them time to raise! there own letters shall serve to un­ [...]aske there policies and render those subtilties perspicuous [...]hich they might suppose invisible.

HOw like Linsey-Woolsey lookes this last letter, wherein the whole design is betrayde. the former discovers quicke inuention intricacies and subtile plots, and this unawarres [...]covers the subtilties of there plotts. in the first where wee [...] invited to ingage. we are made sensible of the distempers, [...] home, dangers from a broade, threaten us; the good of [...]ligion must inflame our zeale, loyaltie and Love to the [...], must quicken our duty, and provoke our powers. Free­ [...]e and liberty must serve to express our reguards to the na­ [...]n. whose extremity commands our assistance, which if [...]sonable will speake us, good Christians, Loyall Subiects, [...] honest Countrimen. but now Lynsey comes, and out of a [...]der conscience as before out of a rotten hearte, discloses whole truth. We insist not so strictly on those severe Prin­ciples [Page 38] of Piety, Loyalty, and Honnor that th [...]y shall▪ holde us at a longer distance, all Differences betwixt us are removed and not one of those trifles ever came into controuersie.

Shall an imprisoned King, be the subiect of our Quarrell? must we for his honnor appeare in open feilde, in hostile man­ner? or shall the defence of I know not what, Religion, inga­ge our swords? shall wee keepe up Armies, to save us, from being trodden downe, or mantaine our vassals to preserve u [...] from being perpetual Slaves?

They must be disbanded to ease the Country whose preser­vation is dearer to us, then Piety, Loyalty or Honnor. teach [...] children piety, preach Loyalty to Courtiers, and let the [...] souldier swell, in Robes of honnor.

The resolution wee have taken to disbande, will declare u [...] honest Countrimen, and remove all mistakes between us an [...] our neighbour nation, the taking away all occasion of offence will showe we are good Christians. The Laying downe of Ar [...]mes when the Army of secturies is not upon our Borders b [...]farre advanced into our Country will undoubtedly speake [...] men of Honnor, what bette character can we give of loy [...] subiects, then to submitt and yeelde obedience to Arguile, wh [...] all the world knowes, how much he is the Kings freind, an [...] vvell wisher.

Noble resolutions, and worthy such men, from whom n [...] better cowld be expected, when they had written letters to th [...] Ennemy, that they continued in Armes not in prosequutio [...] of the late engagement, but for the preservation of there ow [...] persons and places. All that love the honnor of the King co [...] to Sterline. in the best condition you can, & express yourselv [...] Loyall subiects. the Crown and Scepter, by wondrous Magic [...] is converted into a Staffe and a Penne. our honest Countrime [...] have changed there Religion. The Army of Sectaries hath co [...] led there Presbiterian and not long liude zeale. and will [...] [Page 39] doubt have reguards to the libertie and freedome of this Au­ [...]ent, and yet unconquered Nation.

Thus ends the Quarrell declared to be personall. all differen­es betwixt them are reconciled. And the mistakes of the [...]eighbour nation, removed.

To showe they are good Patriots, those forces are disbanded or the ease of the Country; that were never raised, for its pre­ [...]rvation. good Christians that lay down Armes for the testi­ [...]ony of a good conscience, that were never taken up for the [...]efence of Religion. Loyall subiects, that since they had no [...]tention to fighte in so noble a cause as that of the Kings, they [...]ould not hazard the life of a Subiect in so degenerous a cause there owne. what more they are, there needs nothing more [...] make them known to the world, then the Articles of the [...]reaty at Sterline.

To give a perfect iudgement of the whole Matter, it is ne­ [...]ssarie to understand aright. Which wee shall easilie, if wee [...]flectt on the Dukes, behaviour in England, and survey the [...]portment of his confederates in Scotland; Compare S [...]erl­ [...]e with Preston, and you will find the translation agrees with [...]e originall, if wee paralell there severall actions, wee may [...]cyde a Question disputable beefore, and bee confirmed in a [...]th, that might have beene suspected. Sterline and Preston [...]oke like the comment, and the Texte, where the knottines, [...]d the intricacies of the one, are made plaine, and unfolded the other. An easy exposition of a hard Chapter. Preston a ridd [...]e, Sterline the solution Murther will out; the treason Preston is discouered at Sterline. There was an Army des­ [...]oyed with a Blowe, and without a word. here was an Army [...]stroyed with a word, and without a Blow. and the Kings [...]einds ruined at bothe. The Duke wanted good intelligence, Preston, and his Brother at Sterline, common understanding the Duke lost the honnor, which he never had, at Preston; at [Page 32] Sterline they forfeited the honestie, they made a showe off. I know The Earle of Lannericke disclaimes the Articles of the Treaty at Sterline, hee constantly avowes, his assent was ne­ver to those dishonorable Conditions. yet he signed the Com­mission by which the Traitors had power to treate, and deter­mine. and after he did write letters to the Governors of Ber­wicke and Carlis [...]e to surrender there Garrisons, (vvich vvas the most material Article of the traety without any respect had to the English, although hee had deepely protested the con­trary to S. laiuis Lucas, it is more then probable, that after­wards hee did accept of the Articles. at that time he stood im­peached of more then tvventy Articles of highe Treason. For amoung other questions the Committe of the Parliament at Edinburg proposed to him; the first was, whither hee did ac­knowledge them a lawfull Committe the next, whither hee did accept of the Articles of the Treaty at Sterline to which he had formerly openl [...] protested, hee would never yeelde his approbation and consent. affirming them to be most dishono­rable. He well knew that it was no time in that place to dispute the Authority of the Committee, hee advisedly acknowled­ged the lawfullnes of there Calling, though certainelie now, the Parliament Trade is no lawfull calling. Touching the Ar­ticles, they next put him to tryall. Which had he renounced, they had certainely put him into a worse condition, a Prison. For all this while although he was accused of highe Treason [...] he had the libertie to walke at pleasure, and was unconsined many monthes after the disbanding of the Army at Sterline and in the height and extremitie of there prosequtions, was no more then confined to his House, twelve Miles distant from Edinburge, from which hee had leave to take a two mile [...] walke. had he beene of the Kings Party, he had be [...]ne made more sensible of there power, and authority, though never so uniust, and unlawfull. wee are all knowing of there riguor and [Page 41] [...]everity extended to them one day had apprehended him, th [...] [...]ext adiudged him, on the third he had received his dis [...]harge. [...]ith the resignation of his heade.

Which that he might save, he betakes him to his heeles; and [...]ommitts Burglarie, breakes by night The Houses order of [...]onfinement, and is come to tell a plausible storie of his adven­ [...]ures, and escapes. That having tymely advertisement, and [...]dvice from his freinds in the house of Parliament, that a party [...]f Horse was to bee sent the next, day to guarde him to Edin­ [...]urg, hee prevented there designe, and (Arguile like) com­ [...]i [...]s hims [...]lfe to a Boate goes aborde a shipp, which it seemes [...]he Earle of Lauderdale had brought for this cleanly con­ [...]eyance, hee is no sooner there, but a Messinger is sent from [...]he Parliament to the shippe, ryding in Leithe Roade, to com­ [...]ere Lauderdale, and Lannerike and summon them to give [...]curitie to the Parliament not to acte any thing prejudiciall to [...]em. If they suspected there fidelitie, it had beene a very easy [...]atter to have secured both themselves, & them while the one [...]ood under the Notion of treason, and the other walked free­ [...] in the streets at Edinburg. But that would have spoyled [...]ere designes at the Hague, the plott was better cast, they [...]eighe Anchor, and no sooner are they putt to sea, but to [...]ulour there devices. They are both comperde to give in [...]ution to the Parliament, within three dayes, or to bee pro­ [...]aimed Traitors, a hansome cloake. I doe not heare that the arliament of Scotland, insists on there bannishment from [...]ourt, they may acte as residents for them. Yett are they [...]iltie of more disservices, and later, to the Sate then the He­ [...]icke Montros, who onelie in that, had disobliged them, [...]at to his Masters commands hee was a faythfull servant! [...]e late unlawfull engagement is, cancelled. The killing of rguiles men at Sterline is burried in oblivion, which gives [...]ee great cause to beelelve, there peace was concluded in tho­se [Page 42] nights the Earle of Lannericke, had his private meetings and consultations w [...]i [...]h his Adversarie Arguile.

I wonder what securitie Arguile had from Lannerike then. Without it I am sure hee is so monstrous a Dwarfe in courage, hee would never have mett, those night walking Spirits that had frighted him so lately from Sterline. This iugling is a rid­dle to others. and will aske more yeares for the solution then sphinx allowed dayes for the dis playing of his AEnigma. I am so well acquainted with all the devices, that to me they are no wonders because I know them, There late proclaiming of the King, is a pretty peece of Mockery. it vvill serve to blind [...] the Common people: vvho must be alvvayes kepte in there des­perate ignorance. to satisfie them, they openly proclayme him King, they all confess it to be his indisputable Righte, but he must not exercise his Regall power, till he give those Rebell [...] satisfaction in there unreasonable demands. They allovv him his Title, but viciously declare against the vertue thereof here is the stampe, the Image of a King, and the King stands for no other then an Image, vvhile his coyne is thus rounde [...] and clypte, his Motto. circumscrib' de, and his Image de­fac'te. he must give satisfaction to the Kirke, [it may be they will inioyne it in sackclothe] then is Mais Iacke Presbiter, a greater man of worship then the King his Master, and shal [...] take an accounte and survey of his actions as often as he plea­seth, which, under payne of there petty damnation, Excom­munication he must not refuse to give. thus they will handle him worse then a Texte, which many of them as little under­stand, as there Auditory, them! Then [Beloved Brethren i [...] the Lord Arguile] and not till then, they will admitt him to that Presbiterian Sacrament, the holy ordinance of the Cove­nant. Bold, forward Rebells. I wishe, those that impose th [...] Covenant on his Maiesty, would doe like Cavaleeres, like Braue men, unlike themselves. and answer the Reasons of the [Page 43] Vniuersity of Oxford obiected against there Covenant. I won­ [...]er those molten Calves, doe not more strongly defend there [...]doll. it alludes so much to impudence and subtiletie, that I [...]ight ca [...]l it there Brasen Serpent, and would, did I not see it [...]o be a Tipe of Antichrist. Those Reasons have been in printe [...]bout three yeares and neither the Synod in Fngland nor the [...]ssembly in Scotland, did ever dispute there soliditie, or sa­isfie tender Conscience esin the contradiction. tis all the mo­ [...]esty they ever exprest. They confess the truth of them unde­ [...]iable, by there Diliberate silence, which implies there assent [...]e doe not thinke there reply, Tis so, because it is so and we [...]ave voted it so, to be of weighte enough to perswade, because [...] proceeds from the Plumbeous Cerebrosity of a sleepy Chair [...]an, or an immoderate Moderator. wee do not beleeve that [...]ere accidentall holines, doth oblidge us to implicite Faith. [...]ee do not beleeve infallibilitie to be annexed to that scorne­ [...]ll chaire, which we know stands in Errors Denne The Par­ [...]ment house we know, they erre as Men, and damnably too [...] Devills, and wee demand Reason for a guyde to our Faith. [...]ationall men, that hold nothing of that refractorie Spirit of contradiction. are well content, with the well grounded Po­ [...]ions, of the Vniuersity, and beleeve Oxford equall in Autho­ [...]tie, to either Glascowe or St. Andrewes in Scotland. they [...]e fortified with so strong Arguments, that they are highe [...]ovenant Proofe at hand, and not to be beaten from those Te­ [...]ents, they mantaine, or can be forc [...]te to re [...]ire from so firme [...]rinciples.

Grante [which I never will] that the King take the Cove­ [...]nt. hee may bee a King of Scotland. they will never further [...]m in his progress to the Crowne of England. when they pu­ [...]ikly declare, they will preserve the unitie and Agrement [I [...]eleve they are agreed] beetweene the two Kingdomes. yet [Page 44] the pretended Parliament, and usurping power of England, have thrust forth there declaration, that they wil never ad­mitt of Kingly Governement. And with the late King of bles­sed memorie, have destroyed Monarchy. I wonder that the Parliament men of Scotland were such bold knaves to send, or there commissioners such sylly fooles to come, on so slee­veles an errant to mocke and affronte the King [...] they give lawes to him, and will instruct him in his Duty, beefore they knowe, or practise there owne! Brave Montros must bee Bannished, and to attend him for a life Guarde all such as are declared ennem [...]es by the parliament of England When those Bloud thirsty persequutors had taken off the heade of greate Strafford, Cardinal Richelieu was pleasde to say. England had but one wise man, so excellingly wise, and the fooles had cvtt of his Heade. [Yett those cursed feinds cowld never ma­ke a divell of him.] There is but one Loyall, faythfull, and powrefull Scotche Lord, so superlatiuelie able to do service [...] neere the King, and he must uncivily be put to a civill Deathe [...] Bannishment, and Exile I know there are, who to lessen (if [...] were possible) his reputation, object his unabilitie to doe the King service in Scotland and consider him as one man, a syngl [...] person, hee is a singular person, indeede and one amongst [...] ten thousand men, and taller in merritt then they all by th [...] Heade, and showlders. Reflect on his Gallant actions; an [...] compare them with the petty doeings of the rest of that King [...] dome, you will finde the difference, and confesse his interest t [...] bee more then all theires! concerning the Duke, and the Ha­miltons power in that Nation, give mee leave to say thus much that who so knows the present condition of that Kingdome, wi [...] acknowledge it nothing. They exclayme of the Dukes Trea­cherie, or Cowardise, call it what you please, in England, an [...] dislike, and cry out agaynst his Brothers proceedings at Sterline so much, that at there disbanding it was one common voice of th [...] [Page 45] Officer, and Souldier with full mouth, in open streete, God [...]damne him, that ever followed a Hamilton more. When the Duke, at the heighte of his power went into England amongst [...]orty Collonels of Horse, and thirty nine Collonels of foote [...]here were very few, that went not upon there owne scor, to ser­ [...]e the Kings interest. and amoungst them very many, who were [...]ver averse to the Hamilton Faction; the Duke sufferd but few of his F [...]iends to take charge in the Army some few that desyred [...]t, cowld never have his countenance after.

Turne your eye, and beeholde Arguile the Boatman, the Ferri­man of Scotland, see how all his purblinde Actions looke a [...]quinte on the Kings service I shhowld bee sorry to see him inga­ged in his Majesties service, hee is so unblest in all his underta­ [...]ings; hee never broughte men to fighte [as hee hath done very [...]ften, but never stayde to fighte himselfe,] which came not [...]lwayes by the worst. They are weary to followe so unpros­ [...]erous a Commander, withso unlucky and ill a visage. They [...]ay that when hee, having lost all is men at Sterline, went to in­ [...]vite Cromwell into Scotland, which hee did the same night, Cromwel stood upon his Guarde, add durst not suffer him to [...]ome within [...]he poynte of his nose, though hee knew him to [...]e an admirable coward. Cromwel might have kept him at that dista [...]ce, and be in no danger of his poysonous lookes. His eyes [...]re not more prodigious then the others nose, which serves for [...] kinds of an head peece to his face.

Would both there headpeices were off once. These are the two heading Factions of Scotland. the Hamiltons, and the Camels. Touching the cheife of the Hamiltons, I see nothing but that hee goes into Scotland, unless he hath under wrought his peace, on the [...]ame termes, that the Marquis doth, I mean in relatiō to Scotland, [...] kuow other wise there is a greate difference, the one having ser­ [...]ed the King, the other the State. And both proclaymed Trai­ [...]ors, & unlesse there bee craft in the dawbing, Lannerick can­ [...]ot return in to Scotland, but upon the Kings account. The King [Page 46] must doe his buisines now, and not hee the Kings, when hee is in disgrace with the State, And how wil hee doe the kings buisines in tyme to come, that heretofore at Sterline ne [...]glected, and wilfully lost so faire an opportunitie. I will not Quarrell fate, and dispute the necessitie of contingencies, but I cowld almost Mathematically, demonstrate, that had the Earle of Lannerike, a [...] Sterline improude his time, or usde but his meanest faculties to the advantage of his Majesties service, the Kings heade, had beene upon his showlders at this very day, if the crowne had not beene upon his heade. although he was pleasde to say, he might keepe Sterline, and have the full command of all Scotland on that syde the Forthe which is the most considerable parte of the Kingdome but it would contribute nothing to the Kings service. [I thinke so to, if the sequell vvas the service hee intended] onely it would un­doe and destroy a poore Kingdome, [of which it may be he dream [...] te to be a King;] hee had good reason then, to preserve it to his power. when he was demanded, why he would not rather fight then condiscend to so dishonorable conditions, he answered; He would not bee a Traytor to his Country for no man alive. [The King was then in being albeit in a bad one] it being replyde that no such aspertion cowld be throwne on him, so long as hee owned his Maiesties interest, he answered, that, Hee never iutended to acte the second part to Montroses Scaeue. If by it hee meant the Loyall Subiect. all men will readily beleeve his words at volley he chooseth rather as Secretary to write after the Dukes fowle Coppy Then as Generall, to set before him, [...]he noble Example and wondrous Actions of so inimitable a Marquisse.

We may trust him to raise fresh supplies, that disbanded a force might have helde of the confederacie beetweene A [...]guile and Cromwell, if not utterly have broke it, have beaten Lesley before Cromwells advance into Scotland.

I shall not condemne so much, Arguiles league vvith Crom­well, when the Duke before his going into England helde a [Page 47] Correspondency with the Earle. of Denbighe, a Gratefull ser­ [...]ant of the Late King of sacred Memorie, and an Archeinde­ [...]endent Traitors. one letter was intercepted from Denbighe [...] the Duke. wherin he entreated him to make all hast, and dis­ [...]atche his comming into England, for every thing was in a [...]ght way, and to his wishes! how much the Duke intended [...]he Kings service and happines is easilie collected out of his [...]wne speeche on the Scaffolde.

These are the words of a dying Man, and they alwayes carry [...]ith them weight, and often times Credit. I wish that all men [...]f his opinion, were in the same condition yet his Death sig­ [...]ifies nothing. it is a hard Fate, when his suffering cannot ac­quitt [Page 48] him from the facte for which hee dyed. yett hee dyed not so much.

For the fact, for which hee stood condemned as to satisfie particular splene and faction; vvherin truly Arguile did out vvit him. Who was neither safe, nor confident of his owne life, while the other was in beeing. Cromwell having shaken hands w [...]th Arguile and they beeing mutuallie resolved, thought it not so proper to suffer Hamilton to live, of whome hee cowld make little or nouse, in subseiviencie to his pur­poses; first that hee was Politique as himselfe, next as Tre­acherous. Of which hee had the experiencie, and therfore judged it as indiscreete as unnecessarie to tr [...]st him. Thus Machiavill like, hee hugges the Treason, but hee hates the Traitor, and having battelde awhile in the treason, he strikes off the Traitors head having done his worke! I would not have his Tragedie made the Argumēt, to trust the Hamilton Faction of whome the King must the more diligently beeware, and walke with greater circumspection, for upon this grounde, there are those that will not [...]aile to insinuate, with his M­je [...]y, whisper in his Eare the Dukes Loyalty, and integrity, ho [...] treacherous so ever the whole Tracte of his life hath appeared to the vvorld. [...]harity bids me bury the rest with him in his Grave hee hath satisfied the world. But many in the world are very much unsatisfied, while Persons of so neer Relations to him, are so conversant with his Majestie. being no whit inferior to the Duke, in Court Arts of Matchivilian Practises, if they doe not farre excell.

Now lett all the world iudge, vvhat the King can expect [...] from these men; or vvhat trust hee may repose in Factions? vvill not those Malitious Villaines that have digged up the Kingly roote, bee as ready to catche opprtunitie vvhe: they can to loppe off the Royall Branches? althoughe the Inde­pendants acted the Iewes to putt the King to death, the Pres­biterians [Page 49] playde Pilate and delivered him over bound, vvhat confidence can the King give to Scotland that now mantaines so much of independencie, and countenance the Murther of his glorious Father of blessed Memorie, by there compliance vvith the English pretended Parliament, and audiaciously con­troling Army.

The Kirke of Scotland hath already procured the Patrona­ge of all the churches in the Kingdome not vvithstanding any vvritt of the King, Barrons or others, and for carrying on there beegunne Independencie. Mr, Roe Scoutmaster Gene­rall to Cromvvell, hath beene often vvith Arguile in private, hath given him full instructions.

From the arch-Traitor his Master. Englands Belzebub, and is not long since with abundant satisfaction and reioycings of Spirit, return de to him that sent him. There appeare no ot­her Hopes now, but that his Maiesty must wholy rely upon the Royall Party, hee must lay the foundation of his hopes, & build them up upon the Terrafirma of there constant Loy­altie, not loose his ovve party, vvith deceiptful hopes to gayne traitors and conspirators, vvhen all there designe is to inueigle the King, and gett him into there hands, by vvhich they vvill easily casheere and destroy his Majesties party, vvho cry dovvn Montroses povver [none ever durst his vvill to serve his Master] lett them reade the volume of his ac [...]s, uvho living, is his ovvn, and Glorious Monument. Vievvhil [...]yding on a tyred [...]ade that would have discomposed Iob, & vexte his patience at­ [...]ended with a clookbagge, stuft with Loyaltie, beeholde him stealing [yett no theife] into Scotland when they had on foote [...]en thousand men, at home, and in England tvventy. See him [...]n sixe battailes more then a Conqueror, and beetrayde in the seventh, wee gaze with vvonder on all his Actions, and but that they are uncontradicted, showld have payne to beleeue Posteritie will bee infidels and reading his life, will conclude [Page 50] it a Romance, oh that the King would renevv that commission which [as hee had taken it up] hee layde dovvne at the com­mands of his Dearest Master.

His reputation is so farre from flooping, that it towres aloft flyes highe, but not to lessening, and hath the Rebell in his Eagle Eye, which hee vvill make his prey so soone, as hee can fasten his tallons, [...]eesydes him there is none that can or will s [...]tt the Crowne on the Kings most sacred heade. If any vvonder that the Duke performed nothing at all vvith so ma­ny men, and the Marquise of Montrose, so much, vvith so [...] knovve there Principles vvere different. The Marquisse per­fectlie Noble pursued simply, the kings inte [...]st. The Duke vvas treacherous, and prosecuted his ovvne. Both vvould have sett up the crovvne, the Marquise on the kings heade the Duke on his ovvne. The Marquise vvould have made a king, the Duke vvould have beene one, vvonder at the Duke, Admi­re the Marquise, and obey the king.

Fac Deus, infestos penitus Rex dissipet Hostes, Tempora, perpetuò viridi cingente coronâ Accinctum femori gladium perstringe, Superbos Deijce! Qui solus potis es confunde Rebelles.