An instance of the preceding REASONS out of the SCOTISH HISTORY. THE SECOND PART.

AND now we com to our main business, which is the review of story, wherin we may find such a direct and uninterrupted series, such mutual endearments between prince and people, and so many of them crown’d with happy reigns and quiet deaths (two successively scarce dying naturally) that we may conclude, they have not only the most reason, but a great deal of excellent interest who espouse the person and quarrel of the hopeful descendent of such a family: nor shall we be so injurious to the glory of a nation, proud with a catalogue of names and kings, as to expunge a great part of their number; tho som, who have done it, affirm there can be no probability that they had any other being than what Hector Boyes, and the black book of Pasley (out of which Buchanan had most of his materials) are pleas’d to bestow on them, there being no mention of the name of Scot in any authentic writer, till four hundred years after Christ. No, we shall no more envy these old heroes to them, than their placing the red lion in the dexter point of their escucheon. But tho we might in justice reject them as fabulous and monkish, yet since they themselves acknowlege them, and they equally make against them, we shall run them over like genuin history. The first of this blessed race wasToland1771: 1. Fergus; first general, and afterwards got himself made king: but no sooner cast away on the coast of Ireland, but a contention arises about the validity of their oath to him, and uncles are appointed to succede, which argues it elective: so Feritharis, brother to Fergus, is king, but his nephew forms a conspiracyToland1771: 2. against him, forces him to resign and fly to the iles, where he dy’d. Feritharis dying soon after, was suspected to beToland1771: 3. poison’d. After him coms in Main (Fergus’s Toland1771: 4.second son) who with his son Dornadilla, reign’d quietly fifty-seven years.Toland1771: 5. But Reuther his son not being of age, the people make his uncle Nothat takeToland1771: 6. the government; but he misruling, Reuther, by the help of one Doual, rais’d a party against him, and beheads him, makes himself king with the indignation of the people that he was not elected; so that by the kindred of Nothat he is fought, taken, and displac’d; but afterwards makes a party, and regains. His son ThereusToland1771: 7. was too young, so that his brother Rheutha succeeded, but after seventeenToland1771: 8. years was glad to resign. Well, Thereus reigns, but after six years declines to such leudness that they force him to fly, and govern by a Prorex. After his deathToland1771: 9. 10. Josina his brother, and his son Finan are kings, and quietly dy so.

Toland1771: 11.But then comes Durst, one who slays all the nobility at a banquet, and is by the people slain. After his death the validity of the oath to Fergus is call’d inToland1771: 12. question, and the elective power vindicated; but at length Even his brother is admitted, who tho he rul’d valiantly and well, yet he had Gillus a bastard son, vafer & regni cupidus. The next of the line are twins, Docham and Dorgal, sons of Durst: they, while they disputed about priority of age, are, by the artifice of Gillus, slain in a tumult; who makes a strong party, and seizing of aToland1771: 13. hold, says he was made supervisor by his father, and so becoms king, cuts off allToland1771: 14. the race of Durst: but is after forc’d out of the kingdom, and taken by Even the second his successor (who was chosen by the people) and by him put to deathToland1771: 15. 16. in Ireland. After Even comes Eder: after Eder his son Even the third, who for making a law, that the nobility should have the enjoyment of all new marry’d women before they were touch’d by their husbands, was doom’d to prison duringToland1771: 17. his life, and there strangl’d. His successor was his kinsman Metellan: afterToland1771: 18. 19. whom was elected Caratac, whom his brother Corbret succeded. But thenToland1771: 20. came Dardan (whom the lords made to take on him the government, by reason of the nonage of Corbret’s son) who for his leudness was taken by the people, and beheaded.

Toland1771: 21. 22.Afterhim Corbret the second, whose son Luctat for his leudness was byToland1771: 23. the people put to death; then was elected Mogald, who following his vitious predecessors steps, found his death like theirs violent.

Toland1771: 24.His son Conar, one of the conspirators against him, succeded, but misgoverning, was clapt in prison, and there dy’d.

Toland1771: 25.Ethodius his sister’s son succeded, who was slain in the night in his chamber by his piper.

Toland1771: 26.His son being a minor, Satrael his brother was accepted, who seeking to place the succession in his own line, grew so hateful to the people, that, not daring to come abroad, he was strangl’d in the night by his own servants, which made way for the youngest brother.

Toland1771: 27.Donald, who outdid the others vices by contrary virtues, and had a happy reign of one and twenty years.

Toland1771: 28.Ethodius the second, son of the first of that name, was next, a dull inactive prince, familiarium tumultu occisus.

Toland1771: 29.His son Athirco promis’d fair, but deceiv’d their expectations with most horrid leudness, and at length vitiated the daughters of Nathalock a nobleman, and caus’d them to be whipt before his eys; but seeing himself surrounded by conspirators, eluded their fury with his own sword; his brother and children beingToland1771: 30. forc’d to fly to the Picts. Nathalock, turning his injury into ambition, made himself king, and govern’d answerably; for he made most of the nobility to be strangl’d, under pretence of calling them to council, and was after slain by his own servants.

After his death, Athirco’s children were call’d back, and Findoc, his son,Toland1771: 31. being of excellent hopes, accepted, who made good what his youth promis’d: he beat in sundry battles Donald the Ilander; who seeing he could not prevail by force, sent two as renegados to the king, who (being not accepted) conspire with his brother, by whose means one of them slew him with a spear when he was hunting.

His brother Donald succedes (the youngest of the three) who, about to revengeToland1771: 32. his brother’s death, hears the Ilander is enter’d Murray; whom he incountring with inequal forces, is taken prisoner, with thirty of the nobility, and, whether of grief, or his wounds, dy’s in prison.

The Ilander that had before usurp’d the name, now assum’d the power (theToland1771: 33. nobles, by reason of their kindred prisoners, being overaw’d). This man, wanting nothing of an exquisit tyrant, was, after twelve years butcherys, slain by Crathlinth, son of Findoc, who under a disguise found address and opportunity. The brave Tyrannicid was universally accepted, and gave no cause of repentance:Toland1771: 34. his reign is famous for a war begun between the Scots and Picts about a dog (as that between the Trojans and Italians for a white hart) and the defection of Carausius from Dioclesian, which happen’d in his time.

His kinsman Fincormac succeded, worthy of memory for little but the pietyToland1771: 35. of the Culdys (an order of religious men of that time overborn by others succeding). He being dead, three sons of his three brothers contended for the crown: Romach,Toland1771: 36. as the eldest, strengthen’d by his alliance with the Picts, with their assistance seiz’d on it, forcing others to fly; but proving cruel, the nobility conspir’d and slew him.

Angusian, another pretender, succedes, who being assail’d by Nectham,Toland1771: 37. king of the Picts, who came to revenge Romach, routed his army in a pitcht battel; but Nectham coming again, he was routed, and both he and Nectham slain.

Fethelmac, the third pretender, came next, who beating the Picts, and wastingToland1771: 38. their fields, Hergust, when he saw there could be no advantage by the sword, suborn’d two Picts to murder him, who drawing to conspiracy the piper that lay in his chamber (as the manner was then) he at the appointed time admitted them, and there slew him.

The next was Evgen, son of Fincormac, who was slain in a battel with theToland1771: 39. Picts, to the almost extirpation and banishment of the Scots; but at last the Picts, taking distast at the Romans, enter’d into a secret league with the Scots, and agreed that Fergus (whose uncle the last king was) being then in banishment, and of aToland1771: 40. military breeding and inclination, should be chosen king. With him the Danes maintain’d a long war against the Romans, and pull’d down the Picts wall: at last he and the king of Picts were in one day slain in a battel against them. This man’s access to government was strange, ignotus rex ab ignoto populo accersitus, and may be thought temerarious; he having no land for his people, and the Roman name inimical; yet founded he a monarchy, there having been kings ever since; and we are to note, this is the first man that the sounder writers will allow to be real, and not fabulous. Him succeded his son Eugenius (whose grandfather,Toland1771: 41. Graham, had all the power) a warlike prince, whom some say slain,Toland1771: 42. some dead of a disease. After him his brother Dongard, who, after the spending of five superstitious years, left the crown (as they call it) to his youngest brotherToland1771: 43. Constantin; who from a good privat man turn’d a leud prince, and was slainToland1771: 44. by a nobleman, whose daughter he had ravish’d. He was succeded by Congal, Constantin’s son, who came a tolerable good prince to a loose people; and having spent som two and twenty years in slight excursions against the Saxons, leftToland1771: 45. the rule to his brother Goran, who notwithstanding he made a good league against the Britans, which much conduc’d to his and the peoples settlement, yet in requital, after thirty-four years, they made away with him; which brought inToland1771: 46. Eugenius, the third of that name, the son of Congal, who was strongly susspected to have a hand in his death, insomuch that Goran’s widow was forc’d to fly into Ireland with her children. This man, in thirty-three years time, did nothing but reign, and make short incursions upon the borders; he left the rule toToland1771: 47. his brother Congal, a monastical, superstitious, and inactive prince, who reign’dToland1771: 48. ten years. Kinnatel his brother was design’d for successor; yet Aidan, the son of Goran, laid his claim, but was content to suspend, in respect of the age and diseases of Kinnatel, which after fourteen months took him out of the world,Toland1771: 49. and clear’d the controversy, and Aidan, by the consent of Columba, (a priest that govern’d all in those days) came to be king; a man that, after thirty-four years turbulently spent, being beaten by the Saxons, and struck with the death of Columba, dy’d of grief.

Toland1771: 50.After him was chosen Kenneth, who has left nothing behind him but hisToland1771: 51. name. Then came Eugenius the Fourth, the son of Aidan (so irregular is the Scots succession, that we see it inverted by usurpation or cross elections in every two or three generations). This man left an ambiguous fame; for Hector Boetius says he was peaceable; the manuscript, implacably severe: he reign’dToland1771: 52. sixteen years, and left his son Ferchard successor, who, endeavoring to heighten the prerogative by the dissensions of the nobility, was, on the contrary, impeach’d by them, and call’d to an account, which he denying, was clapt in prison, whereToland1771: 53. he himself sav’d the executioner a labor. So that his brother Donald succeded, who being taken up with the piety of those days, left nothing memorable, except that he in person interpreted Scots sermons to the Saxons. He was follow’d by hisToland1771: 54. nephew Ferchard, son to the first of that name, a thing like a king in nothing but his exorbitancys, who in hunting was wounded by a wolf, which cast him into a fever, wherein he not observing the impos’d temperance, brought on himself the lousy disease; upon which discomforted, he was, by the persuasion of Colman (a religious man) brought out in his bed cover’d with hair-cloth, where he made a public acknowlegement to the people, and soon after dy’d. Maldwin,Toland1771: 55. Donald’s son, follow’d, who, after twenty years ignoble reign, was strangled byToland1771: 56. his wife. Eugenius the Fifth succeded, son (they say) of King Dongard, tho chronology seems to refute it. This man spent five years in slight incursions, andToland1771: 57. was succeded by Eugenius the Sixth, son of Ferchard. This man is famous for a little learning, as the times went, and the prodigy of raining blood sevenToland1771: 58. days, all milkmeats turning into blood. Amberkelleth, nephew to Eugenius the Fifth, who succeded this rude prince, while he was discharging the burthen ofToland1771: 59. nature, was slain by an arrow from an unknown hand. Eugenius the Seventh follow’d, who being attemted by conspirators, had his new marry’d wife slain in bed beside him; for which he being accus’d, produc’d the murderers before his trial, and was acquitted, and so ended the rest of his seventeen years in peace, recommending to the people Mordac, son of Amberkelleth, who continuingToland1771: 60. a blank reign, or it may be a happy one, in regard it was peaceable, left it to Etfyn, son of Eugenius the Seventh: the first part of his reign was peaceable;Toland1771: 61. but age obliging him to put the government into the hands of four of his servants, it happen’d to him, as it dos to other princes, whose fortunes decay commonly with their strength, that it was very unhappy and turbulent: which miserys EugeniusToland1771: 62. the Eighth, son of Mordac, restrain’d. But he, it seems, having a nature fitter to appease tumults than to enjoy rest, at the first enjoyment of peace broke into such leudness, that the nobility at a meeting stab’d him, and made way for Fergus, the son of Etfyn, one like his predecessor in manner, death, andToland1771: 63. continuance of reign, which was three years; the only dissimilitude was, that the latter’s wife brought his death; for which others being impeach’d, she stept in and confest it; and to avoid punishment, punish’d herself with a knife. Soluath,Toland1771: 64. son of Eugenius the Eighth, follow’d him, who, tho his gout made him of less action, yet it made his prudence more visible, and himself not illaudable: his death brought in Achaius, the son of Etfyn, whose reign was innobled with anToland1771: 65. Irish war, and many learned men; besides the assistance lent Hungus to fight against the Northumbrians, whom he beat in a famous battel, which (if I may mention the matter) was presignify’d to Hungus in a dream, St. Andrew appearing to him, and assuring him of it; and in the time of battel a white cross (that which the heralds call a saltier, and we see commonly in the Scots banners) appear’d in the sky; and this I think to have bin the occasion of that bearing, and an order of knights of St. Andrew, sometimes in reputation in Scotland, but extinguish’d, for aught I can perceive, before the time of James the Sixth, tho the collar and pendant of it are at this day worn about the Scots arms. To this man CongalToland1771: 66. his cousin succeded, who left nothing behind him but five years to stretch out the account of time. Dongal, the son of Soluath, came next, who being of a natureToland1771: 67. fierce and insupportable, there was an endeavour to set up Alpin, son of Achaius, which design by Alpin himself was frustrated, which made the king willinger to assist Alpin in his pretension to the kingdom of Picts; in which attemt he was drown’d, and left to Alpin that which he before had so nobly refus’d,Toland1771: 68. who making use of the former, rais’d an army, beat the Picts in many signal victorys; but at last was slain by them, leaving his name to the place of his death, and the kingdom to his son Kenneth. This man, seeing the people broken withToland1771: 69. the late war, and unwilling to fight, drew them on by this subtilty; he invites the nobility to dinner, and after plying them with drink till midnight, leaves them sleeping on the floor (as the manner was) and then hanging fishskins about the walls of the chamber, and making one speak thro a tube, and call them to war; they waking, and half asleep, suppos’d something of divinity to be in it, and the next morning not only consented to war, but (so strange is deluded imagination) with unspeakable courage fell upon the enemy, and put them to the rout; which being confirm’d by other great victorys, utterly ruin’d the Pictish name. This man may be added to the two Ferguses, and truly may be said to be the founder of the Scots empire, not only in making that the middle of his dominion, which was once the bounds, but in confirming his acquisitions with good laws, having the opportunity of a long peace, which was sixteen years, his whole time of government being twenty. This was he that plac’d that stone, famous for that illusory prophecy, Ni fallat fatum, &c. (which first was brought out of Spain into Ireland, and from thence into Argyle) at Scoon; where he put it in a chair, in which all his successors (till Edward the First brought it away) were crown’d, and since that all the kings of England, till the happiness of our commonwealthToland1771: 70. made it useless. His brother Donald was his successor, a man made up of extremitys of virtues and vices; no man had more bravery in the field, nor more vice at home, which increasing with his years, the nobility put him in prison, where, either for fear or scorn, he put an end to his days, leaving behind himToland1771: 71. his brother Constantin, a man wanting nothing of him but his vices, who struggling with a potent enemy (for the Picts had call’d in the Danes) and driving them much into despair (a bravery that has not seldom ruin’d many excellent captains) was taken by them, put into a little cave, and there slain. He was succeded byToland1771: 72. Ethus, his brother, who had all his eldest brother’s vices, and none of his second’s virtues; Nature, it seems, making two extremes and a middle in the three brethren. This man, voluptuous and cowardly, was forc’d to resign; or, asToland1771: 73. others say, dy’d of wounds receiv’d in a duel from his successor, who was Gregory, son of Dongal, who was not only an excellent man, but an excellent prince, that both recover’d what the others had lost, and victoriously travers’d the northern countys of England, and a great part of Ireland; of whose king, a minor, and in his power, he generously made no advantage, but settled his country, and provided faithful and able guardians for him. These things justly yield him theToland1771: 74. name of Great. Donald, son of Constantin the Second, by his recommendation, succeded in his power and virtues, notwithstanding some say he was remov’dToland1771: 75. by poison. Next was Constantin the Third, son of Ethus, an unstable person, who assisted the Danes, which none of his predecessors would do; and after they had deserted him basely, yet yielded them succors, consisting of the chief of the Scots nobility, which, with the whole Danish army, were routed by the Saxons. This struck him so, that he retir’d among the Culdys (which were as the Greec Caloyers, or Romish monks at this day) and there bury’d himself alive. AfterToland1771: 76. him was Milcom, son of Donald the Third, who, tho’ a good prince, and well skill’d in the arts of peace, was slain by a conspiracy of those to whom his virtueToland1771: 77. was burdensom. His successor was Indulf (by what title I find not) who fighting with the Danes, that with a navy unexpectedly came into the Frith, was slain.Toland1771: 78. Duf, his son, succedes, famous for an accident, which, if it be true, seems nearly distant from a fable. He was suddenly afflicted by a sweating disease, by which he painfully languish’d, yet nobody could find the cause, till at last a girl, that had scattered som words, after torments, confest that her mother and som other women had made an image of wax, which, as it wasted, the king should wast, by sweating much: the place being diligently search’d, it was found accordingly; so the image being broke, he instantly recover’d. That which disturb’d his five years reign was the turbulency of the northern people, whom when he had reduc’d and taken, with intent to make exemplary punishment, Donald, the commander of the castle of Forres, where he then lay, interceded for som of them; but being repuls’d, and exasperated by his wife, after he had made all his servants drunk, slew him in his bed, and bury’d him under a little bridg (left the cutting of turfs might discover a grave) near Kilros abby: tho others say, he turn’d aside a river,Toland1771: 79. and after he had bury’d him, suffer’d it to take its former chanel. Culen the son of Indulf, by the election of parlament, or convention of the people, succeded, good only in this one action, of inquiring and punishing his predecessor’s death; but after, by the neglect of discipline, and the exquisiteness of his vices, became a monster, and so continued three years, till being weakned and exhausted in his body, and vext with perpetual diseases, he was summon’d by the parlament, and in the way was slain by a Thane (so they then call’d lieutenants of counties) whose daughter he had ravish’d.

Then came Kenneth, brother to Duf (tho the forepart of his reign was totallyToland1771: 80. unlike his) who being invaded by the Danes, beat them in that famous battle, which was won by the three Hays, husbandmen (from whom all the Hays now give three shields gules) who with their sythes reinforc’d the lost battle; but in his latter time he lost his reputation, by poisoning Milcolm son of Duf, to preserve the crown for a son of his name, tho of less merit (for says Buchanan, They use to chuse the fittest, not the nearest) which being don, he got ordain’d in a parlament, that the succession should be lineal, the son should inherit, and be call’d Prince of Scots; and if he were a minor, be govern’d by som wise man (here coms the pretence of succession, wheras before it was clearly elective) and at fifteen he should chuse his guardian himself. But the divine vengeance, which seldom, even in this life, passes by murder, overtook him; for he was ensnar’d by a lady, whose son he had caus’d to be executed, and slain by an arrow out of an ambush she had laid. Constantin, the son of Culen, notwithstanding all the artifice of Kenneth,Toland1771: 81. by his reasoning against the act, perswaded most of the nobility to make him king, so that Milcolm the son of Kenneth and he made up two factions, which tore the kingdom; till at length Milcolm’s bastard brother (himself being in England assisting the Danes) fought him, routed his army, and with the loss of his own life took away his, they dying of mutual wounds. Grime, of whoseToland1771: 82. birth they do not certainly agree, was chosen by the Constantinians, who made a good party; but at the intercession of Forard (an accounted rabbi of the times) they at last agreed, Grime being to enjoy the kingdom for his life, after which Milcolumb should succede, his father’s law standing in force. But he, after declining into leudness, cruelty and spoil (as princes drunk with greatness and prosperity use to do) the people call’d back Milcolumb, who rather receiving battel than giving it (for it was upon Ascension-day, his principal holy-day) routed his forces, wounded himself, took him, pull’d out his eyes, which altogether made an end of his life, all factions and humors being reconcil’d.

Milcolumb, who with various fortune fought many signal battles with theToland1771: 83. Danes, that under their king Sueno had invaded Scotland, in his latter time grew to such covetousness and oppression, that all authors agree he was murder’d, tho they disagree about the manner; som say by confederacy with his servants; som by his kinsmen and competitors; som by the friends of a maid whom he had ravish’d. Donald his grandchild succeded, a good-natur’d and inactive prince,Toland1771: 84. who with a stratagem of sleepy drink destroy’d a Danish army that had invaded and distrest him; but at last being insnar’d by his kinsman Mackbeth (who was prick’d forward by ambition, and a former vision of three women of a sour human shape, whereof one saluted him Thane of Angus, another Earl of Murray, the third King) he was beheaded.

The severity and cruelty of Mackbeth was so known, that both the sons ofToland1771: 85. the murder’d king were forc’d to retire, and yield to the times, while he courted the nobility with largesses. The first ten years he spent virtuously, but the remainder was so savage and tyrannical, that Macduf Thane of Fife fled into England to Milcolm, son of Donald, who by his persuasions, and the assistance of the king of England, enter’d Scotland, where he found such great accessions to his party, that Mackbeth was forc’d to fly; his death is hid in such a mist of fables, that it is not certainly known.

Toland1771: 86.Milcolumb, the third of that name, now being quietly seated, was the first that brought in those gay inventions and distinctions of honors, as dukes, marquesses (that now are become so airy, that som carry them from places to which they have as little relation as to any iland in America, and others from cottages and dovecotes). His first trouble was Forfar, Mackbeth’s son, who claim’d the crown, but was soon after cut off. Som war he had with that William whom we call falsly the Conqueror, som with his own people, which by the intercession of the bishops were ended. At length quarrelling with our William the Second, he laid siege to Alnwick castle, which being forc’d to extremity, a knight came out with the keys on a spear, as if it were to present them to him, and to yield the castle; but he not with due heed receiving them, was run thro the ey and slain. Som from hence derive the name of Piercy (how truly I know not). His son and successor Edward following his revenge too hotly, receiv’d some wounds, of which within a few days he dy’d.

Toland1771: 87.Donald Bane (that is in Irish, white) who had fled into the iles for fear of Mackbeth, promis’d them to the king of Norway, if he would procure him to be king, which was don with ease, as the times then stood; but this usurper being hated by the people, who generally lov’d the memory of Milcolm, theyToland1771: 88. set Duncan, Milcolm’s bastard, against him, who forc’d him to retire to his iles. Duncan, a military man, shew’d himself unfit for civil government; so that Donald, waiting all advantages, caus’d him to be beheaded, and restor’d himself: but his reign was so turbulent, the ilanders and English invading on both sides, that they call’d in Edgar, son of Milcolm, then in England, who with small assistances possest himself, all men deserting Donald, who being taken and broughtToland1771: 89. to the king, dy’d in prison. Edgar, secure by his good qualitys, and strengthen’d by the English alliance, spent nine years virtuously and peaceably; and gave the people leave to breathe and rest, after so much trouble and bloodshed. His brotherToland1771: 90. Alexander, sirnam’d Acer, or the Fierce, succeded; the beginning of whose reign being disturb’d by a rebellion, he speedily met them at the Spey, which being a swift river, and the enemy on the other side, he offer’d himself to ford it on horseback: but Alexander Car taking the imployment from him, forded the river with such courage, that the enemy fled, and were quiet the rest of his reign. Som say he had the name of Acer, becaule som conspirators being by the fraud of the chamberlain admitted into his chamber, he casually waking, first slew the chamberlain, and after him six of the conspirators, not ceasing to pursue the rest, till he had slain most of them with his own hand: this, with the building of som abbys, and seventeen years reign, is all we know of him.

Toland1771: 91.His brother David succeded, one whose profuse prodigality upon the abbys brought the revenue of the crown (so prevalent was the superstition of those days) almost to nothing. He had many battels with our Stephen about the title of Maud the empress; and having lost his excellent wife and hopeful son in the flower of their days, he left the kingdom to his grandchildren, the eldest whereof was Milcolumb a simple king, baffl’d and led up and down into France by ourToland1771: 92. Henry the second; which brought him to such contemt, that he was vex’d by frequent insurrections, especially them of Murray, whom he almost extirpated. The latter part of his reign was spent in building monasterys; he himself ty’d by a vow of chastity, would never marry, but left for his successor his brother William,Toland1771: 93. who expostulating for the earldom of Northumberland, gave occasion for a war, in which he was surprised and taken, but afterwards releas’d upon his doing homage for the kingdom of Scotland to king Henry, of whom he acknowledg’d to hold it, and putting in caution the castles of Roxboro (once strong, now nothing but ruins) Barwic, Edinburg, Sterling, all which notwithstanding was after releas’d by Richard Cœur de Lyon, who was then upon an expedition to the holy war; from whence returning, both he and David earl of Huntingdon, brother to the king of Scots, were taken prisoners. The rest of his reign (except the rebuilding of St. Johnston, which had bin destroy’d by waters, whereby he lost his eldest son, and som treatys with our king John) was little worth memory; only you will wonder that a Scotish king could reign forty-nine years, and yet die in peace.

Alexander his son succeded, famous for little, except som expeditions againstToland1771: 94. our king John, som insurrections, and a reign two years longer than his father’s. His son was the third of that name, a boy of eight years old, whose minority was infested with the turbulent Cummins; who when he was of age, being call’d to account,Toland1771: 95. not only refus’d to appear, but surpris’d him at Sterling, governing him at their pleasure. But soon after he was awak’d by a furious invasion of Acho king of Norway (under the pretence of som ilands given him by Mackbeth) whom he forc’d to accept a peace, and spent the latter part amidst the turbulencys of the priests (drunk at that time with their wealth and ease) and at last having seen the continu’d funerals of his sons David, Alexander, his wife, and his daughter, he himself with a fall from his horse broke his neck, leaving of all his race only a grandchild by his daughter, which dy’d soon after.

This man’s family being extinguish’d, they were forc’d to run to another line, which, that we may see how happy an expedient immediat succession is for the peace of the kingdom, and what miseries it prevents, I shall, as briefly and as pertinently as I can, set down.

David, brother to K. William, had three daughters, Margaret married to Allan lord of Galloway, Isabel married to Robert Bruce lord of Annandale and Cleveland, Ada married to Henry Hastings earl of Huntingdon. Now Allan begot on his wife Dornadilla, married to John Baliol afterwards king of Scotland, and two other daughters. Bruce on his wife got Robert Bruce earl of Carick, having married the heretrix therof. As for Huntingdon he desisted his claim. The question is, whether Baliol in right of the eldest daughter, or Bruce being com of the second (but a man) should have the crown, he being in the same degree, and of the more worthy sex. The controversy being tost up and down, at last was refer’d to Edward, the first of that name, king of England. He thinking to fish in these troubled waters, stirs up eight other competitors, the more to entangle the business, and with twenty-four counsellors, half English, half Scots, and abundance of lawyers fit enough to perplex the matter, so handled the business, after cunning delays, that at length he secretly tampers with Bruce (who was then conceiv’d to have the better right of the business) that if he would acknowlege the crown of him, he would adjudg it for him; but he generously answering, that he valu’d a crown at a less rate, than for it to put his country under a foren yoke: he made the same motion to Baliol, who accepted it; and so we have a king again, by what right we all see: but it is good reason to think that kings, com they by their power never so unjustly, may justly keep it.

Toland1771: 96.Baliol having thus got a crown, as unhappily kept it; for no sooner was he crown’d, and had don homage to Edward, but the Abernethys having slain Macduf earl of Fife, he not only pardon’d them, but gave them a piece of land in controversy: whereupon Macduf’s brother complains against him to Edward, who makes him rise from his seat in parliament, and go to the bar: he hereupon enrag’d, denies Edward assistance against the French, and renounces his homage. Edward immediately coms to Berwic, takes and kills seven thousand, most of the nobility of Fife and Lowthian, and afterwards gave them a great defeat at Dunbar, whose castle instantly surrender’d. After this he march’d to Montrose, where Baliol resign’d himself and crown, all the nobility giving homage to Edward. Baliol is sent prisoner to London, and from thence, after a year’s detention, into France. While Edward was possest of all Scotland, one William Wallace arose, who being a privat man, bestir’d himself in the calamity of his country, and gave the English several notable foils. Edward coming again with an army, beat him that was already overcom with envy and emulation as well as power; upon which he laid by his command, and never acted more, but only in slight incursions. But the English being beaten at Roslin, Edward comes in again, takes Sterling, and makes them all render homage; but at length Bruce seeing all his promises nothing but smoke, enters into league with Cummin to get the kingdom: butToland1771: 97. being betray’d by him to Edward, he stab’d Cummin at Drumfreis, and made himself king. This man, tho he came with disadvantage, yet wanted neither patience, courage, nor conduct; so that after he had miserably lurk’d in the mountains, he came down, and gathering together som force, gave our Edward the second such a defeat near Sterling, as Scotland never gave the like to our nation: and continu’d the war with various fortune with the third, till at last age and leprosyToland1771: 98. brought him to his grave. His son David, a boy of eight years, inherited that which he with so much danger obtain’d, and wisdom kept. In his minority he was govern’d by Thomas Randolf earl of Murray, whose severity in punishing was no less dreaded than his valor had bin honor’d. But he soon after dying of poison; and Edward Baliol, son of John, coming with a fleet and strengthen’dToland1771: 99. with the assistance of the English, and som robbers, the governor the earl of Mar was routed, so that Baliol makes himself king, and David was glad to retire into France. Amidst these parties (Edward the third backing Baliol) was Scotland miserably torn, and the Bruces in a manner extinguish’d, till Robert (after king) with them of Argile and his own family and friends, began to renew the claim, and bring it into a war again; which was carry’d on by Andrew Murray the governor, and afterwards by himself: so that David, after nine years banishment, durst return, where making frequent incursions, he at length in the fourth year of his return march’d into England, and in the bishoprick of Durham was routed, and fled to an obscure bridg, shew’d to this day by the inhabitants. There he was by John Copland taken prisoner, where he continu’d nine years, and in the thirty-ninth year of his reign he dy’d.

Toland1771: 100.Robert his sister’s son, whom he had intended to put by, succedes, and first brought the Stuarts (which at this day are a plague to the nation) into play. This man after he was king, whether it were age or sloth, did little; but his lieutenants and the English were perpetually in action. He left his kingdom to John his bastard son, by the lady More his concubin, whom he marry’d, either to legitimat the three children (as the manner was then) he had by her, or else for old acquaintance, his wife and her husband dying much about a time. This JohnToland1771: 101. would be crown’d by the name of Robert (his own, they say, being unhappy for kings) a wretched inactive prince, lame, and only govern’d by his brother Walter, who having David the prince upon complaint of som exorbitancys deliver’d to his care, caus’d him to be starv’d; upon which the king intending to send his son James into France, the boy was taken at Flamburg, and kept by our Henry the Fourth: upon the hearing of which his father swounded, and soon after dy’d. His reign was memorable for nothing but his breaking with George earl of March (to whose daughter, upon the payment of a great part of her portion which he never would repay, he had promis’d his son David for a husband) to take the daughter of Douglas who had a greater; which occasion’d the earl of March to make many inrodes with our Henry Hotspur; and a famous duel of three hundred men apiece, whereof on the one side ten remain’d, and on the other one, which was the only way to appease the deadly feuds of these two familys. The interreign was govern’d by Robert, who enjoying the power he had too much coveted, little minded the liberty of his nephew, only he sent som auxiliarys into France, who, they say, behav’d themselves worthily; and his slothful son Mordac, who making his sons so bold with indulgence, that one of them kill’d a falcon on his fist, which he deny’d to give him: he in revenge procur’d the parliament to ransom the king, who had bin eighteen years a prisoner. This James was the firstToland1771: 102. of that name, and tho he was an excellent prince, yet had a troublesom reign; first, in regard of a great pension rais’d for his ransom; next, for domestic commotions; and lastly, for raising of mony; which, tho the revenue was exhausted, was call’d covetousness. This having offended Robert Graham, he conspir’d with the earl of Athol, slew him in his chamber, his wife receiving two wounds, endeavoring to defend him.

This James left the Second, a boy of six years, whose infancy, by the misguidanceToland1771: 103. of the governor, made a miserable people, and betray’d the earl Douglas to death, and almost all that great family to ruin; but being supplanted by another earl Douglas, the king in his just age suffer’d minority under him, who upon displeasure rebel’d, and was kill’d by the king’s own hand. Afterwards having his middle years perpetually molested with civil broils, yet going to assist the duke of York against Henry the Sixth, he was diverted by an English gentleman that counterfeited himself a Nuncio (which I mention out of a manuscript, because I do not remember it in our storys) and broke up his army. Soon after besieging Roxburg, he was slain by the bursting of a cannon in the twenty-ninth year of his age.

James the Second left a boy of seven years, govern’d by his mother, and afterwardsToland1771: 104. by the Boyds; thro the persuasions of astrologers and witches, to whom he was strongly addicted, he declin’d to cruelty; which so inrag’d the nobility, that, headed by his son, they conspir’d against him, routing his forces near Sterling, where he flying to a mill, and asking for a confessor, a priest came, who told him, that tho he was no good priest, yet he was a good leech, and with that stab’d him to the heart. A parlament approv’d his death, and order’d indemnitys to all that had fought against him.

Toland1771: 105.James the Fourth, a boy of fifteen years, is made king, govern’d by the murderers of his father; a prodigal, vainglorious prince, slain at Floddon field, or, as som suppose, at Kelsy by the Humes, which (as the manuscript alleges) seems more probable, in regard that the iron belt (to which he added a ring every year) which he wore in repentance for the death of his father, was never found, and there wereToland1771: 106 many, the day of battle, habited like him. His successor was his son James, the Fifth of that name, a boy of not above two years of age; under whose minority, what by the misgovernment of tutors, and what by the factions of the nobility, Scotland was wasted almost into famin and solitude: however in his just age he prov’d an industrious prince, yet could not so satisfy the nobility, but that he and they continued in a mutual hate, till that barbarous execution of young Hamilton so fill’d him with remorse, that he dream’d he came and cut off his two arms, and threaten’d after to cut off his head. And he displeas’d the people so much, that he could not make his army fight with the English then in Scotland; whereupon he dy’d of grief, having first heard the death of his two sons, who dy’d at the instant of his dream, and leaving a daughter of five days old, whom he never saw.

Toland1771: 107.This was that Mary under whose minority (by the weakness of the governor, and ambition of the cardinal) the kingdom felt all those woes that are threaten’d to them whose king is a child; till at length the prevalency of the English arms (awak’d for her cause) brought the great design of sending her into France to perfection: so that at five years old she was transported, and at fifteen marry’d to the Dolphin Francis, after king; while her mother, a daughter of the Guise, in her regency, exercis’d all rage against the professors of the pure religion then in the dawn. Francis after two years left her a childless widow, so that at eighteen she return’d into Scotland to succeed her mother (then newly dead) in her exorbitancys.

I had almost forgot to tell, that this young couple in the transport of their nuptial solemnitys took the arms and title of England; which indiscrete ambition we may suppose first quicken’d the jealousy of Elizabeth against her, which after kindl’d so great a flame.

In Scotland she shew’d what a strange influence loose education has upon youth, and the weaker sex. All the French effeminacys came over with her, and the court lost that little severity which was left. David Rizio, an Italian fidler, was the only favorit, and it is too much fear’d, had those enjoyments which no woman can give but she that gives away her honor and chastity.

But a little after, Henry lord Darnly coming with Matthew earl of Lenox, his father, into Scotland, she cast an ey upon him, and marry’d him. Whether it were to strengthen her pretension to England, he being com of Henry the Seventh’s daughter, as we shall tell anon, or to color her adulterys, and hide the shame of an impregnation (tho some have whisper’d, that she never conceiv’d, and that the son was supposititious) or som phrenzy of affection drew her that way; certain it is she soon declin’d her affection to her husband, and increas’d it to David (he being her perpetual companion at board, and managing all affairs, while the king with a contemtible train was sent away) insomuch that som of the nobility that could not digest this, enter’d into a conspiracy, which the king headed, and slew him in her chamber.

This turn’d all her neglect of the king into rage, so that her chiefest business was to appease her favorit’s ghost with the slaughter of her husband; poison was first attemted, but it being (it seems) too weak, or his youth overcoming it, that expectation fail’d. But the devil and Bothwel furnish’d her with another that succeded; she so intices him, being so sick that they were forc’d to bring him in a horslitter to Edinburg, where she cherish’d him extremely, till the credulous young man began to lay aside suspicion, and to hope better: so she puts him into a ruinous house near the palace, from whence no news can be had, brings in her own bed, and lys in the house with him; and at length when the design was ripe, causes him one Sunday night, with his servant, to be strangl’d, thrown out of the window, and the house to be blown up with gunpowder, her own rich bed having bin before secretly convey’d away. This and other performances made her favor upon Bothwel so hot, that she must marry him; the only obstacle was, he had a wife already; but she was compel’d to sue for a divorce, which (so great persons being concern’d) it was a wonder it should be granting so long as ten days. Well, she marrys; but the more honest nobility amaz’d at those exorbitancys, assemble together, and with arms in their hands begin to expostulat. The newmarry’d couple are forc’d to make back southwards; where finding but slender assistance, and the queen foolishly coming from Dunbar to Leith, was glad at last to delay a parly till her dear was escap’d; and then (clad in an old tatter’d coat) to yield herself a prisoner.

Being brought to Edinburg, and us’d rather with hate of her former enormitys, than pity of her present fortune, she receiv’d a message, that she must either resign the crown to her son James (that was born in the time of her marriage with Darnly) or else they would procede to another election, and was forc’d to obey. So the child then in his cradle was acknowleg’d James the Sixth, better knownToland1771: 108. afterwards by the title of Great Britain.

The wretched mother flying after into England, was entertain’d (tho with a guard) by queen Elizabeth; but after that being suborn’d by the Papists, and exasperated by the Guizes, she enter’d into plots and machinations, so inconsistent with the safety of England, that by an act of parlament she was condemn’d to death, which she receiv’d by a hatchet at Fotheringay castle.

The infancy of her son was attended with those domestic evils that accompany the minority of kings. In his youth he took to wife the daughter of Denmark (a woman I hear little of, saving the character Salust gives Sempronia, that she could dance better than became a virtuous woman) with whom he supposing the earl Gowry too much in league, caus’d him and his brother to be slain at their own house whither he was invited; he giving out, that they had an intent to murder him; and that by miracle and the assistance of som men (whom he had instructed for that purpose, and taught their tale) he escap’d. For this deliverance (or to say better, assassination) he blasphem’d God with a solemn thanksgiving once a year all the remainder of his life.

Well had it bin for us, if our forefathers had laid hold of that happy opportunity of Elizabeth’s death (in which the Teuthors took a period) to have perform’d that which, perhaps in due punishment, has cost us so much blood and sweat; and not have bow’d under the sway of a stranger, disdain’d by the most generous and wise at that time, and only supported by the faction of som, and the sloth of others; who brought but a slender title, and (however the flattery of the times cry’d him up for a Solomon) weak commendations for such an advancement.

His title stood thus, Margaret, eldest daughter to Henry the Seventh, was marry’d to James the Fourth, whose son James the Fifth had Mary the mother of James the Sixth. Margaret after her first husband’s death, marrys Archibald Douglas earl of Angus, who upon her begot Margaret wife of Matthew earl of Lenox, and mother of that Henry Darnly, whose tragical end we just now mention’d. Now upon this slender title, and our internal dissensions (for the Cecilians and Essexians, for several ends, made perpetual applications) got Jammy from a revenue of 30,000 l. to one of almost two millions, tho there were others that had as fair pretences (and what else can any of them make?) the statute of 25 Edw. 3. expresly excluding foreners from the crown: and so the children of Charles Brandon by Mary the second daughter, dowager of France, being next to com in. And the lady Arabella being sprung from a third husband (the lord Stuart) of the said Margaret, and by a male line, carry’d surely so formidable a pretension (it should seem) that even that iniquity which was personally inherent to her, made her days very unhappy, and for most part captive, and her death (’tis thought) somewhat too early; so cruel are the persecutions of cowardly minds, even against the weakest and most unprotected innocence.

And indeed his right to the crown was so unsatisfactory even to the most judicious of those days, that Toby Matthews having suit about som privileges which he claim’d to his bishoprick (which was then Durham) wherin the king oppos’d him; and having one day stated the case before som of his friends, who seem’d to approve of it; yes, says he, I could wish he had but half so good a title to the crown. And ’tis known that som speeches of Sir Walter Rawley, too generous and English for the times, was that which brought him to trial and condemnation for a feign’d crime; and afterwards so facilitated that barbarous design of Gundamar, to cut off his head for a crime, for which he was condemn’d fourteen years before, and which by the commissions he after receiv’d (according to the opinion of the then lord chancellor, and the greatest lawyers) was in law pardon’d.

This may appear besides our purpose; but we could not sever this consideration, unless we would draw him with a half-face, and leave as much in umbrage as we exprest. That which most solemniz’d his person was, first the consideration of his adhering to the Protestant religion; wheras we are to consider that those slight velitations he had with Bellarmin and the Romanists, tended rather to make his own authority more intrinsically intense and venerable, than to confute any thing they said: for he had before shak’d them off as to foren jurisdiction; and for matter of popery, it appear’d in his latter time that he was no such enemy to it, both by his own compliances with the Spanish embassadors, the design of the Spanish match (in which his son was personally imbarkt) and the slow assistances sent to his daughter, in whose safety and protection Protestantism was at that time so much concern’d.

For his knowlege, he had some glancings and niblings, which the severity of the excellent Buchanan forc’d into him in his younger time, and after conversation somwhat polish’d. But tho I bear not so great a contemt to his other works, as Ben Johnson did to his poetry, yet if they among many others were going to the fire, they would not be one of the first I should rescue, as possibly expecting a more severe and refin’d judgment in many others; and knowing that he had so many able wits at command, might easily give their oracles thro his mouth. But suppose the things generous and fit to live (as I am not yet convinc’d) yet what condemnation is this to a king, who should have other business than spinning and weaving fine theorys, and engaging in school chiquaneries? which was well understood by Henry the Fourth, who hearing som men celebrat him with these attributes; yes (answer’d he, very tartly) He is a fine king, and writes little books.

’Tis true, he was a good drol, and possibly after Greec wine somwhat factious: but of his substantial and heroic wisdom I have not heard any great instances. He himself us’d to brag of his kingcraft, which was not to render his people happy, and to prosecute the ends of a good king, but to scrue up the prerogative, divert parlaments from the due disquisition and prosecution of their freedoms, and to break them up at pleasure; and indeed his parting with the cautionary towns of the low countrys, and that for so small a sum, shew’d him a person not so quick-sighted, or unfit to be overreach’d.

For his peaceable reign, honourable and just quarrels he wanted not; but sloth and cowardice witheld him: and indeed the ease and luxury of those times fomented and nourish’d those lurking and pestilent humours, which afterwards so dangerously broke out in his son’s reign.

We shall not trouble his ashes with the mention of his personal faults; only, if we may compare God’s judgments with apparent sins, we may find the latter end of his life neither fortunat nor comfortable to him. His wife distasted by him, and som say, languishing of a foul disease; his eldest son dying with too violent symptoms of poison, and that, as is fear’d, by a hand too much ally’d; his second (against whom he ever had a secret antipathy) scarce return’d from a mad and dangerous voyage; his daughter (all that was left of that sex) banish’d, with her numerous issue, out of her husband’s dominion, and living in miserable exile; and lastly, himself dying of a violent death by poison, in which his son was more than suspected to have a hand, as may be infer’d from Buckingham’s plea, that he did it by the command of the prince, and Charles’s dissolution of the parlament that took in hand to examin it; and lastly his indifferency at Buckingham’s death (tho he pretended all love to him alive) as glad to be rid of so dangerous and so considerable a partner of his guilt. Yet the miter’d Parasits of those times could say, that one went to heaven in Noah’s ark, the other in Elisha’s chariot, he dying of a pretended fever, she (as they said) of a dropsy.

Charles having now obtain’d his brother’s inheritance, carry’d himself in managingToland1771: 109. of it like one that gain’d it as he did. The first of his acts was that glorious attemt upon the ile of Rhee. The next, that noble and christian betraying of Rochel, and consequently in a manner the whole Protestant interest in France. The middle of the reign was heightening of prerogative and prelacy, and conforming our churches to the pattern of Rome; till at last just indignation brought his subjects of Scotland into England, and so forc’d him to call a parlament: which tho he shamelesly says in the first line of the book, call’d his, was out of his own inclination to parlaments, yet how well he lik’d them, may appear by his first tampering with his own army in the north, to surprize and dissolve them; then with the Scots, who at that time were court proof; then raising up the Irish rebellion, which has wasted millions of lives; and lastly, his open secession from Westminster, and hostility against the two houses, which maintain’d a first and second sharp war, that had almost ruin’d the nation, had not Providence in a manner immediatly interpos’d and rescu’d us to liberty, and made us such signal instruments of his vengeance, that all wicked kings may tremble at the example.

In a word, never was man so resolute and obstinat in a tyranny; never people more strangely besotted with it. To paint the image of David with his face, and blasphemously to parallel him with Christ, would make one at first thought think him a saint: but to compare his protestations and actions; his actions of the day, his actions of the night; his Protestant religion, and his courting of the Pope; and obedience to his wife; we may justly say, he was one of the most consummat in the arts of tyranny that ever was. And it could be no other than God’s hand that arrested him in the height of his designs and greatness, and cut off him and his family, making good his own imprecations on his own head.

Toland1771: 110.Our scene is again in Scotland, which has accepted his son, whom for distinction sake we will be content to call Charles the Second. Certainly these people were strangely blind as to God’s judgments perpetually pour’d out upon a family; or else wonderfully addicted to their own interest, to admit the spray of such a stock; one that has so little to commend him, and so great improbability to further their designs and happiness ; a Popish education, if not religion too, however for the present he may seem to dissemble it; France, the Jesuits, and his mother, good means of such an improvement; the dangerous maxims of his father, besides the revenge he ows his death, of which he will never totally acquit the Scots; his hate to the whole nation; his sense of Montrose’s death; his backwardness to com to them till all other means fail’d (both his foren beg’d assistances, his propositions to the Pope, and commissions to Montrose) and lastly, his late running away to his old friends in the north; so that any man may see his present compliance to be but histrionical and forc’d, and that as soon as he has led them into the snare, and got power into his own hands, so as that he may appear once more barefac’d, he will be a scourge upon them for their gross hypocrisy, and leave them a sad instance to all nations, how dangerous it is to espouse such an interest, against which God with so visible and severe a hand does fight, carry’d on by and for the support of a tyrannizing nobility and clergy, and wherin the poor people are blindly led on by those afrighting (but false and ungrounded) pretensions of perfidy and perjury, and made instrumental with their own estates and blood towards inslaving and ruining themselves.