The Life and Death of Mary Queen of Scots Volume 2

The Life and Death of Mary Queen of Scots Volume 2 is in The Life and Death of Mary Queen of Scots.

On the Life and Deeds of the Most Serene Princess Mary, Queen of Scots, Dowager of France, as Recorded by Sixteen Authors, Arranged into Two Volumes and Reviewed According to the Most Trustworthy Manuscripts by Samuel Jebb.

De vita & rebus gestis Serenissimae Principis Mariae Scotorum Reginae, Franciae Dotariae, quae scriptis tradidere autores sedecim, in duo volumina distributa et ad optimae fidei codices recensita a Samuele Jebb. 1725: Vol 2

It is noteworthy that in her will and in her final requests, Her Majesty wrote some things in a veiled manner, fearing that if the English were to inspect them, they might not fully understand them and might retain them. She declared the interpretation to her servants to convey when they were in France. She also wrote a letter to Monseigneur de Guise, filled with pity and compassion.

Il est à noter qu'en son testament & en ses derniers articles de requestes, sa Maiesté escript quelques choses obscurement, de peur que si les Angloys les visitoient, ils ne suffent entendues d'eux, & ne les retinssent, ayant declaré l'interpretation à ses seruiteurs pour le dire quand ils seroient en France. Elle aussi une lettre à Monseigneur de Guyse, pleine de pitié & commiseration.

She did not seal anything of all that is written above so that her most faithful servants, whom she trusted, could testify about it, and in any case, they would have a duplicate to use if the original was lost. As for her will, she asked how she should conclude and finalize it. On this matter, Mr. Bourgoin asked her not to sign or seal it so soon, as perhaps within two or three hours she might remember something she would regret forgetting. However, with great reluctance, she delayed closing it, saying that she no longer wanted to revisit it or think further about worldly affairs. She declared that she wanted to do nothing more than pray to God and contemplate her conscience. Yet, to her dismay, one of her ladies closed it in a chest again until the morning, with no one knowing what she had written in it.

Elle ne ferma rien de tout ce que dessus est escrit, afin que ses plus fidelles serviteurs, desquels elle s'asseuroit, en peuffent tesmoigner, & entout evenement en eussent un double pour s'en fervir, si l'original se perdoit: quant à son testament, elle demanda comment elle le devoit clorre & arrester, surquoy le dit Monsieur Bourgoin la pria de ne le signer ou fermer si tost, pource que paravanture dans deux ou trois heures elle se pourroit souvenir de quelque chose qu'elle seroit marrie d'avoir oublié, mais avec grand regret retarda la closture d'iceluy, disant qu'elle ne vouloit plus y retourner, ny penser davantage aux affaires de ce monde, qu'elle ne vouloit plus rien faire que prier Dieu, & penser à sa conscience; mais supplice derechef, le ferrer par une de ses filles dans un cofre, jusques au matin, sans que personne sceuft ce qu'elle y avoit escrit.

Later, because her feet were dirty from the remedies applied to them when she had pain, she had them washed. She then lay in her bed for a short time, where no one realized that she had slept but had been in continuous prayer and contemplation.

Par apres, à cause qu'elle avoit les pieds salles des remedes qu'on luy mettoit dessus, quand elle y avoit mal, se les fit laver, se mist pour un peu de temps de dans son lit, où on ne s'apperceut qu'elle cust dormy, mais avoit esté en continuelle priere & contemplation.

Her Majesty had established a practice with her ladies to pray to God in the evening in her chamber when all her servants had withdrawn. Very often, they would read from the book of the lives of the saints, and each of them would choose a saint when opening the book, whom they called their "Valentine." Every day, they would say the prayer of that saint before going to bed. It seems that they changed saints every week. One day, she commanded Jane Kennedy to find in the said book the life of a saint who had been a great sinner. After considering several, she settled on the good thief, saying in humility, "He was a great sinner, not as great as myself. I choose him in memory of our Lord's Passion, and I pray to have remembrance and mercy on me, as He had on him at the hour of his death." She had a handkerchief prepared to blindfold her, choosing one of the most beautiful, adorned with gold embroidery.

Sa Majesté avoit pris un ordre avec ses filles de prier Dieu le soir dedans sa chambre, quand tous ses serviteurs estoient retirez, & bien souvent lisoient dedans le livre de la legende des saincts, & chacune d'entre elles prenoit un sainct à l'ouverture du livre qu'elle appelloit son Valentin, duquel tous les jours elle disoit l'oraison avant se coucher, se pense qu'ils changeoient toutes les sepmaines, de la vint que elle commanda à Janne Kenedey, de chercher dedans ledit livre la vie d'un saint qui auroit esté grand pecheur, & apres avoir fait choix entre plusieurs, s'arresta au bon larron, disant en humilité, Il a esté grand pecheur, non pas si grand que moy, je le veux pour la memoire de la passion de nostre Seigneur, que ie prie avoir souvenance & mercy de moy, comme il eut de luy à l'heure de sa mort. Se fit apprester un mouchoir pour luy bander les yeux, en choisit un des plus beaux, bandé d'ouvrage d'or.

At daybreak, stating that she had only two hours left to live, she got up and began to dress. Before she had put on all her clothes, Bourgoin, fearing that the absent servants might murmur against him if they were not satisfied with her Majesty's will, and if they believed that something had been added or diminished, pleaded with her to summon them all and have the will read in their presence. This was done, declaring that it was her will, that she had done it of her own accord, that everyone should contribute to its fulfillment, and that she should be patient with what she could expect, hoping they would find friends in her favor.

Au point du jour, disant qu'elle n'avoit plus que deux heures à vivre, elle se leve, & commence à s'habiller, & avant qu'elle eust pris tous les vestements, ledit Bourgoin craignant que les serviteurs absents ne murmurassent contre luy, si d'avanture ils n'estoient contens par le testament de fa Majesté, s'ils se persuadoient qu'il y eust fait mettre ou diminuer quelque chose, la supplia de les envoyer tous querir, & le faire lire en leurs presences, ce qui fut fait, leur declarant que telle estoit sa volonté, qu'elle l'avoit fait d'ellemesme, que chacun y tint la main pour le faire accomplir, & print patience de ce qu'elle pouvoit, qu'elle esperoit qu'ils trouveroient des amis en sa faveur.

And then she signed it and placed it in the hands of Bourgoin, instructing him to keep it for delivery to Monsieur the Duke of Guise, her main executor. She also gave him letters to the King, her main papers and records, and gifts for the King, the Queen, and the Queen Mother, with letters of recommendation. The other servants each received various ones from other princes. She entrusted Elspeth Coutle with carrying the letters and papers that Nau had sent to her from the prison in London and showing them to expose his mockery. She had a casket brought, where she had placed her purses, as mentioned above, and by the note she had put inside, indicating to whom it was destined, she distributed them one by one, with no one knowing how much money was in them. It turned out that some had three scudi, others two, others a hundred, some more or less, and the smallest of all had twenty scudi, which was some servant of hers. She did not forget anyone, whether present or absent, giving someone the responsibility for those who were absent. She gave seven hundred lire to give to the poor, two to those in England and five to those in France, which were placed in the hands of her treasurer, and two noble roses for each man to give to the poor in her name. She gave Bourgoin 150 scudi to start covering the expenses of the journey for everyone. Thus, a total of five thousand scudi was distributed, and there were 26 or 27 who received money. She did all this without any emotion, and there was no change in her face, her words, or her demeanor. It only seemed as if she was preparing and organizing her affairs, as if she were moving from one house to another. She said farewell again to her servants, consoled them, admonished them as mentioned above, especially her groom, entrusting him with tasks as mentioned above. While doing this, she finished dressing as neatly as she could.

Et alors le signa, & le mist entre les mains dudit Bourgoin, le chargeant d'iceluy pour le faire tenir à Monseigneur le Duc de Guise son principal executeur, luy bailla aussi les lettres au Roy, ses principaux papiers & memoires, & les presens, tant pour le Roy, la Royne, & la Royne mere, avec lettres de créance: les autres serviteurs eurent chacun diversement ceux des autres Princés: en chargea Elspeth Coutle de porter les lettres & papiers que Nau luy avoit envoyé de la prison de Londres, & les monstrer, afin qu'on conneust qu'il se moquoit d'elle: se fit aporter une caffette où elle avoit mis fes bourfes, dont est fait mention cy dessus, & voyant au dedans par le billet qu'elle y avoit mis, à qui elle estoit ordonnee, de sa main la distribuoit, l'un apres l'autre, nul ne scachant combien il y avoit d'argent, & de trouva qu'aux unes y avoit trois sens escus, aux autres deux, aux autres cent, quelques unes plus & moins, le moindre de tous avoit vingt escus, qui estoit quelque valet de ses serviteurs, sans en oublier aucun ny present ny absent, donnant charge à quelqu'un pour les absens: donna sept cens licres pour donner aux payures, à sçavoir deux à ceux d'Angleterre, & cinq à ceux de France, qui ont esté mis entre les mains de son aut mosnier, à chacun des hommes deux nobles à la Rose pour donner, aux pauvres en son intention: à Bourgoin 150 escus pour commencer defaire les frais du voyage de tous ensemblement. Ainsi furent distribuez cinq mil escus en tout, & furent 26 ou 27, qui eurent argent: toutes les quelles choses elle faisoit sans aucune emotion, & n'y voyoit on en elle aucun changement, ny à sa face, ny à sa parole, ny à sa contenance, mais sembloit seulement qu'elle se preparaft & donnoit, ordre à ses affaires, comme si elle eust voulu changer d'une maison pour aller habiter en une autre, print congé derechef de ses serviteurs, les consola, les ad monesta, comme dessus, & speciallement son valet de fourriere, le furt chargeant comme dessus, & ce faisant elle achevoit de s'habiller, aussi proprement qu'elle pouvoit.

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Being ready, Her Majesty came to her antechamber, in which there was a table set and covered, on which mass was usually celebrated before her priest was secretly removed, and there she knelt down, where she prayed for a long time, reading from a book in French, then saying it in Latin, all the servants around her weeping and praying together. Meanwhile, Mesdemoiselles de Beauregard and de Maubrun realized that Her Majesty had not mentioned them in her will, the only ones forgotten among all. They informed Bourgoin and Gorion to bring it to Her Majesty's attention. She interrupted her prayers, surprised and, taking up her will again, in the first blank margin, she wrote her will, also noting that her chaplain had been forgotten, and she acknowledged the man he was. She replied that he was well rewarded and that she could not give both benefits and money at the same time. But for her reassurance, she wrote in another empty space in her will that her two prebends should be given to him. She resumed her prayers, in which she could not remain on her knees for long. After rising from them, she was invited by her physician Bourgoin to have a little bread and wine, which he had prepared for this purpose. She willingly accepted and, taking very little, thanked him for her last meal, but with such a demeanor that nothing could be seen changed from her usual custom, neither moved nor troubled in the slightest.

Sa Majesté estant preste, vint en son anti-chambre, dedans laquelle y avoit un hostel dressé & couvert, sur lequel on avoit accoustumé de dire messfe, avant que son prestre luy fust ofté jaçoit que ce fust secretement, & là deuant se mist à genoux, où elle fit ses prieres bien longuement, lisant dans une livre en François, puis dit en latin, tous les serviteurs autour d'elle pleurans & prians ensemblement: cependant Mesdamoy selles de Beauregard & de Maubrun s'auiferent que sa Majesté n'avoit fait mention d'elles en son testament, seules oubliees d'entre tous, dequoy advertirent Bourgoin & Gorion pour le remonstrer à la Majesté; dont elle releuce de ses prieres s'esbahissant, & reprenant son testament, en la premiere marge vuide dudit escriuit sa volonté pareillement advertic que son aumosnier estoit oublié, & qu'elle congnoissoit l'homme quel il estoit, respondit qu'il estoit bien recomspensé, & qu'elle ne pouvoit bailler & des benefices & de l'argent tout ensemble, mais pour son asseurance escriuit en une autre place vuide de son testament, que ses deux prebendes luy suffent baillées. Elle se nee mit en ses prieres, esquelles elle ne pouvoit longuement demeurer à genoux, & d'icelles releuée, fut inuitée par son medecin Bourgoin de prendre un peu de pain & de vin, qu'il avoit fait tenir prest à ceste intention, qu'elle accepta volontiers, & en prenant bien peu, le remercia de son dernier repas, mais avec une telle façon que il ne se pouvoir rien voir changé de son accoustumce, ny aucunement esmeue ny troublée.

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The Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke. Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson. Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback.

Shortly thereafter, while she was again engaged in her prayers, there was a knock at the door. As she had not prayed enough at her own pace, she was told that she would be ready very soon. From this, the English assumed that she would be forcibly dragged to her death, as will be seen later. The two Earls of Shrewsbury and Kent had gone up to a small room on the stairs through which she was to descend. In this room resided Poolet's minister, and they awaited her there along with others. This has led some, who have written about it, to think that the aforementioned Earls had gone to fetch her in her room, where they had not been at all since the day before.

Ne tarda gueres, qu'icelle estant derechef à ses prieres, on ne vint heurter à la porte, & elle n'avant assez prié à sa devotion, fut respondu, qu'elle seroit tout incontinent preste; de là s'imaginerent les Anglois, qu'elle se seroit trainer par force à la mort, comme il se verra par apres. Les deux Comtes de Sherosbery & de Kent estoient montez en une petite chambre, sur les degrez, par lesquels elle devoit descendre, en laquelle demeuroit le ministre de Poolet, & là l'attendoient avec des autres, ce qui a fait penser à quelques uns qui en ont escript, que lesdits Comtes avoient esté la querir en sa chambre, où ils ne furent aucunement depuis le jour auparauant.

So, after some time, around eight o'clock or a little later, they sent to knock on the door for the second time. As we have been told, they came with men who were tasked to enter and take her by force, thinking that she would refuse to come out. They recalled her significant resistance and refusal against the commissioners when she was to appear before the contentious people, unworthy of her status, as demonstrated in the other account. They believed that she would act similarly when it came to her death. However, far from showing any signs of resistance, as soon as she heard the knock on the door, she wanted to get up, still on her knees in prayer, to leave. But she was restrained and asked to stay until the English had entered. It was not inappropriate for them to find her in this state of prayer, and they should see what she was doing to avoid, as much as possible, their calumnies, of which they never fall short.

Donc quelque espace de temps apres, environ les huit heures où un peu plus, envoierent pour la seconde fois heurter à la porte, & à ce qu'on nous a dit, avec des hommes qui avoient charge d'entrer, & de l'emmener de force, pensans qu'elle refuseroit de fortir, se ressouvenans qu'elle avoit fait grande resistance & refuz contre les commissionnaires, quand on la vouloit faire comparoir devant les chicaneux, gens indignes de sa qualité, ainsi qu'il est demonstré en l'autre difcours, & estimans qu'elle en seroit de mesme quand se viendroit à la mort: mais tant s'en faut qu'elle en fist aucune apparence, que tout aussi tost qu'elle entendit frapper à la porte, elle se vouloit lever, estant encores à genoux à ses prieres, pour s'en aller, mais elle fut retenue & priée de demeurer, jusques à ce que les Anglois fussent entrez, & qu'il n'estoit pas malseant qu'ils la trouvassent en cest estat de prieres, & que ils vissent ce qu'elle faisoit, afin d'eviter tant qu'il seroit possible leurs calomnies, desquelles ils ne manquent jamais:

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The door being opened, the Sheriff, whom we call the Provost, enters alone, a white rod in hand. Upon his arrival, neither Her Majesty nor any of her servants, all kneeling, moved from their places, continuing their prayers with her. He came quite close to where she was, at the end of the room, without speaking or making any other motion. He looked at her, as did all the others praying, without moving. After staying in this state for some time, without Her Majesty having seen or noticed him, almost as if surprised, he says these words, 'Madam, the Lords have sent me to you,' without any other words. She, perceiving him, turned towards him and suddenly rose from her prayers, saying, 'Yes, let's go.

La porte estant ouverte, le Sherif, que nous appellons Prevost, entre luy seul, un baston blanc en la main, à la venue duquel ny sa Majesté ny aucun de ses serviteurs, estant tous à genoux, ne se bougea de sa place, continuant leurs prieres avec elle, & vint jusques bien pres de là où elle estoit au bout de la chambre, s parler ne faire autre motion, la regardant, aussi tous les autres prians, & ne se mouvans, & apres avoir demeuré en cest estat quelque espace de temps, sans que sa Majesté l'eust veu ny aperceu, quasi comme estonné dit ces propos, Madame, les Seigneurs m'ont envoyé vers vous, sans aucun autre mot; elle l'apperceuant s'estant retournee vers luy, soubdain se leve de ses prieres, disant, Ouy, allons

And as Bourgoin helped her to rise, she asked if she would approve of being presented with this small wooden cross, which was with a crucifix of ivory and usually remained on the altar. She had great affection for it, saying, 'You have done me a great favour by reminding me of it; it was my intention.' She kissed it and then gave it to Annibal to carry in front of her. Immediately, she headed towards the door, supported by Bourgoin on one side. He, standing in the middle of the room, unable to bear the regret he felt about handing her over to the executioners, said, 'Madam, Your Majesty knows with what affection and good will we have served you, and we are still ready to employ ourselves for you as your very obedient and very affectionate servants. But, if it pleases you to excuse us, it is not fitting for us to lead you to the place where you are going and deliver you into the hands of your enemies. Otherwise, since it is God's permission and the force of men that you depart from this world, we will follow you with a very good heart and assist you until the last breath, fully prepared to endure that with you.' She said, 'You are right,' and addressing her words to the Sheriff who was walking ahead, she said, 'My servants do not want to lead me to death. I cannot walk well without help. Please have someone assist me a little.'

Et comme Bourgoin luy aidoit à se lever, luy demanda si elle trouveroit bon que on luy presentast ceste petite croix de boys qui estoit avec vn crucifix d'yuoire, & demeuroit ordinairement dessus l'hostel, laquelle elle print de tres-grande affection, disant, vous m'avez fait un grand plaisir de m'en faire souvenir, c'estoit mon intention, la baisa, puis la bailla à Annibal pour la porter devant elle, & de ce pas s'achemina vers la porte, soulagee par ledit Bourgoin d'un costé, lequel estant au milieu de la chambre, ne pouvant plus supporter le regret qu'il avoit qu'il falloit qu'il la siurast entre les mains des bourreaux, luy dist, Madame, vostre Majesté sçait de quelle affection & bonne volon té nous vous auons fait service, & nous sommes encores prests de mous y employer, comme vos tres-obeissants & tres-affectionnez serviteurs, mais il vous plaisa nous excuser, il ne nous est pas seant de vous mener au lieu où vous allez, & vous deliurer entré les mains de voz ennemis: autrement puisque c'est la permission de Dieu & la force des hommes que vous departiez de ce monde, nous vous suiurons de bien bon cœur, & vous assisterons jufques au dernier souspir, tous prets à endurer avec vous là dessus; dit, Vous auez raison, & adressant ses propos au Sherif qui alloit deuant luy dist, Mes serviteurs ne me veulent pas mener à la mort, je ne puis pas bien cheminer sans aide, faite moy un peu aider .

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Immediately, two of Poolet's servants, who were waiting at the door (as it is thought), ready to forcibly take her if she resisted, entered. Her servants walked with her, some in front, others behind, all crying, without her showing any emotion. Instead, she reproached and criticized them for their inconsistency and weakness until they reached the door of the room, where they were stopped and prevented from going any further or accompanying her further. Then her servants insisted and argued firmly to accompany her, some on one side, some on the other. If it had been possible, both men and women would have used force. They argued that it was not permissible to take her away without someone with her; it was not the way for princesses to go alone. They asked what they intended to do now, as for 19 years, she had never left a place without someone to assist her. There was no apparent reason to make her die without her servants being present and witnesses to their actions; otherwise, it would be judged that they intended to exercise some heinous cruelty, which they wanted to conceal and did not want anyone to know. Bourgoin spared no effort, thinking he had more influence than the others. Seeing that he was flatly refused and unable to advance anything by friendship, prayers, or speaking aloud, he asked to speak to the Earls to obtain permission, which he was sure they would not refuse. Finally, whatever they could do, they could not obtain anything, were forcibly prevented, and pushed back into the room with threats and bad words. The good Princess said nothing more, except that they were wrong to prevent her servants from assisting in her death, and this as gently as possible. Certainly, she and her servants were very afraid at that time that the intention of the English might be very bad, as she had previously suspected. They replied that four had been appointed to be there, and they would come for them afterward. After a very long debate, no one was allowed to leave; they were all sent back into the room. I think all this was done to prevent anyone from hearing what she would say to Mr. Melvin, her master of the household, whom they had brought down the stairs to speak with her, as both had desired.

Aussi tost entrerent deux des serviteurs de Poolet, qui estoient attendans à la porte ( à ce qu'on pense ) appoinctez pour l'emmener de force si elle cust fait resistance; ses serviteurs cheminerent avec elle, les uns devant, les autres apres, tous plorans, sans qu'elle s'emeut aucunement, ains les blasmoit & reprenoit de leur inconstance & imbecilité, jusques à ce qu'ils furent à la porte de la chambre, où ils furent arrestez, & empeschez de passer outre, ny l'accompagner d'avantage . Adonc iceux s instance, & debatent fermement pour l'accompagner, qui d'un costé, qui de l'autre, & s'il eust esté possible, tant hommes que filles eussent fait force, remonstrans qu'il n'estoit pas loisible qu'on l'emmenast sans qu'il y eust quelqu'un avec elle, ce n'estoit la façon des Princesses d'aller ainsi feules, demandant que c'ect qu'ils en vouloient faire maintenant, que depuis 19. ans elle n'estoit jamais partie de lieu que ce fust, qu'il n'y cust quelqu'un pour l'assister: qu'il ny avoit point d'aparence de la faire mourir sans que ses serviteurs suffent presens & tesmoins de leurs actions, autrement qu'il falloit juger qu'il avoit enuie d'exercer quelque infigne cruauté, laquelle ils vouloient celer, & ne vouloit qu'elle fuft congneue à perfonne; enquoy Bourgoin ne s'espargna pas, qui pensant avoir plus de credit que les autres, se voyant refusé tout à plat, & ne pouvant rien advancer ny par amitié ou prieres, ny par haut parler, demanda à parler aux Comtes, afin d'impetrer congé, qu'il estoit asseuré qu'ils ne le refuseroient pas: en fin quelque chose qu'ils peussent faire, ne peurent rien obtenir, surent empeschez de force, & repoussez dedans la chambres avec menaces & mauvaises parolles . La bonne Princesse ne dit autre chose, si non qu'on luy faisoit tort, d'empescher què fes serviteurs n'affiftaffent à sa mort, & ce auffi doucement qu'il estoit possible: & certainement elle & ses serviteurs craignoient beaucoup alors que l'intention des Anglois ne fust tresmauvaise, comme elle avoit auparauant soupçonné . Ils luy respondirent, qu'il y en avoit quatre d'appointez pour y estre, & qu'on les viendroit querir apres, & pour tout, apres avoir treslonguement debátu, ne fut permis à personne de fortir, furent tous renuoyez dedans la chambre, je pense que tout cecy se faisoit de peur qu'on n'entendift ce qu'elle diroit à Monsieur Meluin son maistre d'hostel, lequel ils avoient fait venir au bas du degré pour parler avec elle, comme tous deux l'avoient desiré .

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Observing this, her Majesty took the cross from Annibal's hands, held it in one hand, and in the other, she carried her prayer beads and handkerchief. Seeing that there was no remedy to save her, all the servants increased their tears and regrets, took their leave, kissed her hands, some touching her robe, asking for forgiveness. She, embracing them, was forced to let them go, and they had to re-enter the room, after which the door was closed. Then, with cries and lamentations, everyone knelt down, began to pray, with a horror accompanied by sighs and sobs. Their eyes shed abundant tears, awaiting nothing but the report that she was dead. She was taken away all alone, and descending the grand staircase, she met the Earls and others who had come out of the small room where the minister was waiting, and they escorted her to the bottom of the stairs. There, they had brought Mr. Melvin, the Scottish master of the household, who had been separated from her for about three weeks, along with her chaplain. He had not spoken with her since. Wanting to say goodbye and expressing his regrets and condolences, as a man of wit and understanding, he embraced her and bore witness to his loyalty. According to the English, he recommended her son, the King, to remain faithful and Catholic, commanding him to faithfully report everything he would see in his behaviors. When Mr. Melvin told her that it would be the most painful message he would ever have to deliver, to report that his Queen, sovereign, and mistress would be dead, she told him that he should rejoice, seeing that the end of the troubles of Mary Stuart had now come. She said, "You know, Melvin, that all this world is but vanity, full of troubles and miseries. Take these news, that I die a Catholic, firm in my religion, a Scottish woman, a true Frenchwoman. May God forgive those who desired my end. The one who is the true judge of the secrets, thoughts, and actions of men knows well my intention. My desire has always been that Scotland and England be united. Recommend me to Him and tell Him that I have done nothing that could harm the kingdom, the state of a king, or the quality of a sovereign prince, nor have I derogated from anything that could affect or draw consequences from our prerogative and superiority. I have been forced by the hand of enemies. It is worth noting that the Queen was not accustomed to using the term "Tu" when speaking to anyone.

Quoy voyant sa Majesté prent la croix d'entre les mains d'Annibal, l'emporta dans une main, & en l'autre ses heures & son mouchoir. Ainsi tous les serviteurs voyans qu'il n'y avoit point de remede de la pouvoir fujure, augmenterent leurs pleurs & regrets, prindrent congé d'elle, luy baiserent les mains, les autres touchoient sa robbe, demandans pardon, & elle les embrassant fut contrainte les quitter, eux de rentrer dedans la chambre, sur lesquels on ferma la porte: adonc tous avec cris & lamentations se jetterent à genoux, se meirent en prieres, qui fe faisoient avec un effroy, accompagné de souspirs & sanglots, leurs yeux distilans d'une abondance de larmes, qui n'attendoient autre chose sinon qu'on leur rapportast toute morte . Elle fut emmenée toute feulle, & descendant par la grande montée, rencontra les Comtes & autres qui estoient fortis de la petite chambre du ministre, où ils l'attendoient, d'où ils la conduirent jufques au bas des degrez, où ils avoient fait venir mondit Sieur Meluin Escossois, son maistre d'hoſtel, lequel depuis environ trois sepmaines qu'il avoit esté separé, ensemble avec son aumosnier, n'avoit parlé avec elle: & voulant prendre congé d'elle, & luy faisant ses regrets & dolcances, telles qu'un homme d'esprit & d'entendement, bien accort & bien auisé, pouvoit faire en cest endroit, l'embrassa, & luy porta tesmoignage de sa fidelité, & ( ainsi qu'ont dit les Anglois ) luy recommanda le Roy son fils, le defirant fidele & catholique, commanda de luy rapporter fidelement tout ce qu'il auroit veu en ses deportemens: & sur ce que ledit Sieur Meluin luy dist, que ce seroit le plus douloureux message qu'il auroit jamais fait de rapporter, que sa Royne, sa souveraine, & maistresse seroit morte: luy dist, Qu'il se deuroit resiouir, voyant que la fin des troubles de Marie Stuart estoit à present venue, Tu sçais, dit elle, Meluin, que tout ce monde n'est que vanité, plein de troubles & miseres, porte ces nouvelles, que je meurs catholique, ferme en ma religion, femme Escossoise, vraye Françoise, Dieu veulle pardonner à ceux qui ont desiré ma fin, celuy qui est vray juge des secrets pensees, & actions des hommes, sçait bien mon intention, & mon desir a esté tousiours, que l'Escosse & l'Angleterre suffent unis; recommande moy à luy, & luy dis que je n'ay rien fait qui puisse prejudicier au royaume, à l'estat de Roy, ou qualité de Prince souverain, ny desrogé à rien qui puisse importer ou tirer à consequence de nostre prerogative & superiorité, estant forcee par la main des ennemis: il est à noter que la Royne n'avoit jamais accoutumé d'ufer de ce terme Tu, à quelque personne qu'elle parlast .

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Her Majesty, having finished with Mr. Melvin, requested that her servants be allowed to come down to see her die. She asked for forgiveness for her secretary Curle and requested permission and release for her servants to go away safely. On the last requests, it is said that Poolet replied that he thought they would be granted. However, regarding the presence of her servants at her death, the Earls, entering into conference, asked her which ones she wanted, up to the number of four or five. She named Bourgoin, Gorion, Gervais, and Didier, along with two girls, Miss Jeanne Kennedy and Elspeth Curle. For the latter two, her Majesty had more difficulty obtaining permission, as the Earls argued that it was not customary for women to attend such a spectacle. They believed it could lead to crimes and troubles, suggesting that the women might be so ceremonious that they would want to dip their handkerchiefs in her blood, which would be scandalous. In response, her Majesty stated that they would not do anything of the sort, and she was confident that the Queen of England, who was a maiden (the word "maiden" used by her Majesty means "pucelle" or maiden in French), would not be so severe as to deny the girls the opportunity to see a Queen die or assist her in her death. Thus, defeated and after consulting together, the aforementioned individuals were sent for, and they were with the others in prayer. Upon their arrival, they thought she had already died, but when they descended into the hall, they found that they were only just beginning to read her sentence.

Sa Majesté ayant fin avec le Sieur Meluin, requist qu'il fust permis à ses serviteurs de descendre pour la voir mourir, demanda pardon pour son secretaire Curle, & congé & delivrance pour ses serviteurs d'eux en aller seurement . Sur les dernieres requestes on dit que Poolet respondit qu'il pensoit qu'elles seroient accordees; mais sur la presence de ses serviteurs à sa mort, les Comtes entrans en conference, luy demanderent quels elle vouloit, jusques au nombre de quatre ou cinq, & nomma Bourgoin, Gorion, Geruais, & Didier, avec deux filles, damoyselle Jeanne Kennedy, & Elspeth Curle, pour lesquelles sa Majeté cut plus de peine de les obtenir, d'autant que les Comtes disoient que ce n'eftoit la coustume que femmes asistassent à tel spectacle, que ce ne seroit que crimens & troubles, aussi qu'elles pourroient estre si ceremonieuses, que elles voudroient tremper leurs mouchoirs dedans son sang, ce ne seroit que scandale . Pour lesquelles sa Majesté respond, qu'elles ne seroient rien de tel, & qu'elle s'asseuroit, que la Royne d'Angleterre, qui estoit une fille ( le mot de maiden, dont usa sa Majesté, sonne pucelle en François ) ne seroit si fevere de desnier aux filles de voir mourir une Royne, ou l'assister à sa mort . Ainsi vaincus, apres avoir consulté ensemble, furent envoyez querir les dessus nommeez, qui estoient avec les autres en prieres, & à leur venue pensoient qu'elle fust sa morte, mais descenduz en la sale trouverent qu'on ne faisoit que commencer à lire sa sentence .

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In the lower hall of Fotheringhay Castle, located in the province of Northampton, about 25 French leagues from the city of London, where Her Majesty had been brought with few of her servants in the month of September before her death, a scaffold was erected, about two and a half feet high and twelve feet square, covered with English frieze, known as "cotton," the best of which costs ten or 12 pennies per yard, equivalent to as many French écus. One ascended it by a small ladder made of wood for that purpose. On top, a small seat was placed for Her Majesty in the middle of the scaffold. On one side, the two Earls, Beale and the Sheriff, were seated, with both executioners. Around it, there were some barriers, Poolet behind, and all the others, including gentlemen, judges, and officers of Elizabeth, along with Poolet's guards, totaling about two hundred and fifty or two hundred, who were below around the scaffold. Her servants were appointed to climb onto a platform against the wall about two steps away from the scaffold. The two girls remained on their knees below. The castle doors were closed, and no one could enter except those named above. From the staircase of the chamber, at the bottom of which Her Majesty had stayed for some time, as mentioned above, one entered into the said hall. There, Mr. Melvin, holding the train of her robe, led her to the scaffold. Upon ascending it, without any astonishment, she sat on the small seat prepared for this purpose, and immediately she was raised by Beale, the commissioner, as mentioned above.

Dedans la sale basse du chateau de Fotheringhay situé en la province de Northampton, distant environ de 25 lieves Françoises de la ville de Londres, auquel sa Majesté avoit esté amenée, avec peu de ses serviteurs au mois de Septembre auparavant sa mort, sut dressé un eschaffaut environ de deux pieds & demy hault de terre, & douze en quarré, couvert de frise d'Angleterre, qu'ils appellent coton, la meilleure de laquelle couste dix ou 12 pennis la verge, c'est à dire autant de Carolus Françoys: on y montoit par une petite eschelle faite de boys expres, dessus firent mettre une petite selle pour asseoir sa Majesté au milieu d'un échaffaut; à costé les deux Contes estoient affis, Beele & le Prevost debout, tous avec les deux executeurs dessus ledit échaffaut, à l'entour d'iceluy quelques barieres, Poolet derriere, & tous les autres, tant gentilshommes appelez, que juges & officiers d'Elizabeth, avec les gardes dudit Poolet, faisant nombre tous enfemble enuiron deux cens cinquante ou 200, qui estoient en bas ez environs dudit échaffaut . Ses serviteurs furent apointez de monter sur un siege contre le mur environ distant de l'eschaffaut de deux pas, les deux filles en bas s'y tinrent tousiours à genouil: les portes du chasteau fermées, sans que personne y eust peu entrer, d'autres que les nommez & appelez cy dessus . Du degré de la chambre, au bas duquel sa Majesté auoit demeuré quelque temps, ainsi qu'est dit cy dessus, on entroit dedans ladicte sale, où le Sieur Meluin portant la queue de sa robbe la conduit jufques à l'échaffaut, sur lequel estant montée, sans aucun estonnement, s'affiſt sur la petite selle preparee à cet effect, & aussi toft fut leve par Beele la commission comme deffus .

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                    After her sentence or commission had been read, Her Majesty made the sign of the cross, as she had done the day before, and with a joyful countenance, her face in its lively and natural color, her gaze and look unwavering, without any change. Her beauty more apparent than ever, with remarkable constancy and accustomed majesty, she began to speak with firm words and beautiful gravity:
                
                    Sa sentence ou commission achevé de lire, sa Majesté fait le signe de la croix, comme elle avoit faict le jour auparauant, & avec une joyeuse contenance, le visage en sa vive & naisue couleur, la veue & le regard affeuré, sans changement aucun, sa beauté plus apparente que jamais, d'une constance esmerueillable, & Majesté accoustumée, avec une parolle ferme, & belle gravité, commença à dire, Milords, je fuis Royne née, Princesse souveraine, & non subiette aux loix, proche parente de la Royne, & legitime heritiere d'Angleterre, qui apres avoir esté longuement detenue prisonniere à tort en ce pais, où j'ay beaucoup enduré de peine & de mal, sans avoir aucun droit sur moy, maintenant par la force des hommes, & soubs la puissance d'iceux, preste de finir ma vie, je remercie mon Dieu, qu'il a permis qu'à ceste heure je meure pour ma religion, & m'a faict ceste grace qu'avant mourir j'aye esté devant une compagnie, qui feront tesmoins que je meurs Catholique, & que bien preste de ma mort, j'ay protesté comme tousiours j'ay fait, & en particulier, & en public, & quant à ce que l'on m'impose de la mort de la Royne, je  ne l'ay jamais inventé, ny consenti, ny rien qui fust contre sa personne: je l'ay tousiours aymee, & le pais aussi: je me suis offerte par beaucoup de bonnes conditions, & plusque raisonnables, de faire cesser les troubles de ce royaume, & me delivrer de ceste captiuité . Vous Milords & vous Beele, vous le sçauez bien, sans que i'aye esté ny ouye, ny reccue; en fin mes ennemis font parvenus à la fin de leurs desseins, pour me faire mourir, ausquels toutefois ie pardonne de bon cœur, à tous ceux qui ont fait ou attenté aucune chose à lencontre de moy, & à un chacun, quel qu'il foit, qui me pouroit avoir offencé ou mesfait: comme ie prie à tous me vouloir pardonner . On verra & cognoistra apres ma mort, à quelle fin ceux qui sont auteurs & poursuivans de me faire partir de ce monde, ont poursuivi & procuré ma mort: je n'accuse aucun, non plus que j'ay fait par cy devant, ma langue ne sera mal à personne . 
                
                    "My Lords, I am a born Queen, a sovereign Princess, and not subject to the laws, a close relative of the Queen and the legitimate heir to England. After being unjustly held prisoner in this country for a long time, where I have endured much pain and suffering without any right over me, now, by the force of men and under their power, ready to end my life, I thank my God that He has allowed me to die for my religion. He has granted me this grace that before dying, I have been before a company who will witness that I die Catholic, and that, well prepared for my death, I have protested, as I have always done, both privately and publicly."
                
                    "As for the charge of the Queen's death, I never invented, consented, or did anything against her person. I have always loved her, and the country too. I have offered, on many good and more than reasonable conditions, to end the troubles of this kingdom and free myself from this captivity. You, my Lords, and you, Beale, know this well without my hearing, knowing, or receiving. In the end, my enemies have achieved their aims to make me die. Nevertheless, I forgive them with all my heart, and I forgive anyone who has done or attempted anything against me, and to everyone, whoever they may be, who might have offended or wronged me. As I pray that all may forgive me."
                
                    "After my death, it will be seen and understood for what purpose those who are authors and pursuers of causing me to leave this world have sought and procured my death. I accuse no one, as I have not done before; my tongue will harm no one."

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And while she was still speaking, whether they had a desire to silence her for fear that she might say something unpleasant or disadvantageous to them if she spoke the truth, or whether they wanted to hasten her death, fearing that some impediment might arise and hinder their eager desire, Master Fletcher, Dean of Peterborough, appeared at the lower end of the scaffold. Speaking as loudly as he could, he began to say the following words: "Madam, the Queen, my sovereign lady and mistress, has commanded me to come here before you." With great difficulty, he uttered so many words until Her Majesty turned towards him, saying loudly, "Mr. Dean, I have no need of you. I do not want to hear you. You can be silent if you wish. Withdraw from here." Having been thus interrupted, and wanting to repeat for the second time the same words he intended to continue in his speech, Her Majesty said to him, "You gain nothing; I will not silence you. Be silent if you wish," and saying this, she turned her back on him.

Et elle parlant encore, soit qu'on cust envie de la faire taire, de peur qu'elle dist quelque chofe qui leur fust mal agreable, ou à leur desavantage, si elle disoit la verité, ou foit qu'ils la voulussent haster de mourir, craignans qu'il ne suruint quelque empeschement, & de 100 faillir à leur enragé desir, Maistre Flefcher Doyen de Peterbrough, se presenta au bout d'embas de l'eschasaut, & tant haut qu'il pouvoit parler commença à dire en ces propos: Madame, la Royne ma souveraine dame & maistresse, m'a commandé de venir icy pardeuers vous . Et à grande peine cut il prononcé tant de paroles, que sa Majesté tourne devers luy le costé, luy disant à haute voix, Monsieur le Doyen, jei n'ay que faire de vous, je ne vous veux point ouyr, vous vous pouvez bien taire si vous voulez, retirez vous d'icy . Et ayant esté ainsi interrompu, voulant pour la seconde fois repeter les mesme propos qu'il avoit envie de continuer en sa harengue, sa Majesté luy dist, vous ne gaignez rien, je ne vous auray point taisez, vous si vous voulez, & ce disant luy tourne le dos: le Doyen voyant qu'elle s'estoit tournee, change de place, pour estre de l'autre costé de l'eschafaut, où estoient les Contes devant sa face, je pense que c'estoit pour recommencer à parler, mais ainsi que sa Majesté le vit, elle tourne derechef le dos, & là dessus le Conte de Sherosbery dist, Madame, je fuis marry que vous estes si adonnee à ceste folie de Papauté, permettez que nous prions pour vous . Respond qu'elle estoit Catholique, & telle vouloit mourir, que leurs prieres ne luy seruoient pas beaucoup . Et le Conte de Kent, qui avoit fait du ministre auparauant, comme voulant continuer luy dist, Madame, de bien peu vous fert ceste image de Christ, si vous ne l'avez engravee dedans le cœur .

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The Dean, seeing that she had turned away, changed his position to be on the other side of the scaffold, where the Earls were in front of her. I think he intended to resume speaking, but as soon as Her Majesty saw this, she turned her back again. Upon this, the Earl of Shrewsbury said, "Madam, I am sorry that you are so devoted to this folly of Popery. Allow us to pray for you." She replied that she was Catholic and wanted to die as such, and that their prayers did not serve her much. The Earl of Kent, who had acted as the minister before, as if intending to continue, said, "Madam, this image of Christ will be of little use to you if you do not have it engraved in your heart."

Immediately, the Dean began prayers in his language, following the form of those found at the end of the seven Penitential Psalms recited in the Catholic Church. Each of the Lords and attendants responded together, verse by verse. Among them, the Earl of Shrewsbury was noted for moving his head with great emotion and making gestures with his whole body, responding almost as if in spite. Their prayers were for God to grant Her Majesty true repentance for the acknowledgment of her sins, so that she might die in His fear, and to bless their Queen, allowing her to reign long above all, confound her enemies, preserve their religion, etc. Observing that they had begun to pray, Her Majesty, still with her back turned towards the minister and the Earls, her face towards the lower door leading towards the officers, knelt down and said her prayers aloud as much as she could in Latin. They all prayed together, but the Queen recited her prayers in Latin according to the Catholic Church, while the others, in English, followed the Lutheran tradition. Most of Her Majesty's prayers were from the Penitential Psalms of David, such as Miserere mei Deus, In te, Domine, speravi, Qui habitat in adiutorio, all of which she recited from memory. As soon as the English had finished their prayers, Her Majesty, without moving and continuing, offered additional prayers in English that everyone could easily hear. A profound silence filled the room, with everyone attentively listening. Many were moved to pity and regret, seeing her strike her chest with such deep emotion and kiss her cross with such devotion. Some could not hold back tears, while others restrained themselves for fear of suspicion. At this moment, her servants knelt down to pray to God with her, something they had refrained from doing before when the English were praying.

Aussi tost le Doyen commence des prieres en son langage, en la forme de celles qui sont à la fin des sept Pseaumes que lon dit à l'Eglise Catholique, chacun des Seigneurs & assistans respondans ensemble, verset pour verset, & le Conte de Sherosbery entre les autres fut remarqué avec une grande affection remuer la teste, & faire des gestes de tout son corps, en respondant quasi comme despité: leurs prieres estoient, que Dieu donnast à sa Majesté vraye repentance pour la recognoissance de ses pechez, afin qu'elle peut mourir en sa crainte, & pour benir leur Royne, qu'elle peut longuement regner par dessus tous, confondre ses ennemis, conserver leur religion, & c . Sa Majesté voyant qu'ils commençoient de prier, elle aussi ayant le dos tourné vers le ministre & les Comtes, sa face vers la porte basse, tirant vers les officiers, se meit à genouil, & disoit ses prieres à haute voix, tant qu'elle pouvoit, en latin, de forte qu'ils prioient tous ensemble, mais la Royne d'un costé & en latin, les autres de l'autre costé & en Anglois; la Royne felon l'Eglise Catholique, les Anglois comme Lutheriens . La plupart des prieres de sa Majesté estoient des Pseaulmes de David, penitentiaux, comme Miserere mei Deus, In te, Domine, speraui, Qui habitat in adiutorio, qu'elle disoit tout par cœur . Incontinent que les Anglois eurent acheué leurs prieres, sa Majesté sans se bouger, & continuant, fit d'autres prieres en Anglois, qu'un chacun pouvoit facilement entendre, avec un silence dans la sale, un chacun prestant l'oreille fort attentivement, la plus part estant esmeuz à pitié & regret, luy voyant frapper sa poitrine d'une si grande affection, & baisant sa croix d'une telle devotion: aucuns ne se pouvans tenir de plorer, la plus part se contenans de peur d'estre soupçonnez: Alors ses serviteurs se mirent à genouil pour prier Dieu avec elle, ce qu'ils n'avoient voulu faire auparauant, estans advertis à ce, quand les Anglois faisoient leurs prieres .

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Her Majesty prayed to God, asking that He send His Holy Spirit to help her understand, at the hour of her death, the mysteries of His passion. She prayed for illumination, perseverance, and steadfastness in the faith, as well as the grace to endure patiently the punishment prepared for the Catholic Church. Her prayers extended to the unity and peace of all Christendom, harmony among Christian princes, the restoration of the true religion in the Isle of England for the comfort of afflicted Catholics, their perseverance in loyalty, and constancy in martyrdom. She implored God to withdraw His anger from the island. She prayed for the Pope, pastors, and ministers of the Church, for all Catholic monarchs and princes, for her enemies, for the Queen of England, and for her son. She humbly excused herself before God, acknowledging her unworthiness to pray for others or to be heard, expressing profound humility and recognizing herself as a great sinner. She invoked God's mercy and grace for the remission of her sins, hoping to be saved through the death and passion of Jesus Christ, by the blood of the immaculate lamb shed for sinners. She expressed her willingness to pour out her own blood at the feet of the crucified Christ if He deemed her worthy to receive it. Throughout, she spoke with great vehemence and affection, moving all those present, and, despite the emotional intensity, she did not faint. Occasionally, a small sob emerged as she passionately repeated the phrase "O Lord God" whenever she began a new aspect of her prayer, emphasizing her zeal for the matter at hand.

Sa Majesté pria Dieu qu'il luy envoyast son sainct esprit pour comprendre à l'heure de sa mort les ministeres de sa passion, l'illuminer & donner perseverance, & constance en la foy, & la grace de souffrir patiemment ce supplice preparé pour l'Eglise Catholique, I'union & le repos de toute la Chrestienté, la paix entre les Princes Chrestiens, la reduction de la vraye religion, en l'ifle d'Angleterre, pour la consolation des Catholiques affligez & tourmentez en icelle, perfeverance en leur loy, & constance en leurs martyres, que Dieu voulut retirer son ire de dessus l'ifle; pria pour le Pape, pasteurs, mini-Arcs de l'Eglise, pour tous les Monarques & Princes Catholiques, pour tous ses ennemis, pour la Royne d'Angleterre, pour le Roy son sils, s'excusant en ses prieres envers Dieu de ce qu'elle n'estoit digne de le prier pour autruy, ny estre exaucee, se confessant, en tresgrande humilité, tregrande pecheresse, inuoquant la misericorde de Dieu, & la grace pour remission de ses pechez, esperant estre fauvee par la mort & passion de Jesu Christ, au sang de l'agneau immaculé, qu'il avoit respandu pour les pecheurs, aux pieds duquel crucifié aussi elle vouloit respandre le sien s'il luy plaisoit l'en recevoir digne . Le tout disoit avec une grande vehemence & affection, qui esmouuoit tous les assistans, sans s'efinouvoir elle mesme, si non qu'en telle action, & contention d'esprit, comme elle faisoit ses prieres quasi par distinction où periodes, recommençant souvent ce mot, ô Lord God, qui signifie, ô Seigneur Dieu, autant de fois que sa priere commençoit pour quelque particularité, & d'autant qu'elle affectionoit le zele à la chose venoit quelque petit sanglot, qui aussi tost se passoit, sans qu'il l'empeschast de continuer ses prieres, les deux mains jointes esseuées au ciel, la croix en ses mains .

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Finally, she prayed to the Virgin Mary and all the saints, mentioning some specifically like St. Peter and St. Andrew, asking for their intercession before God. She kissed her cross, occasionally crossing her hands, and spoke these words: "Just as, my God, Your arms were extended on the living cross, receive me between Your arms of mercy, extend Your mercy, and forgive me all my sins." She performed these actions with such intensity that all who saw her were in awe, as they themselves attest. Once she was helped up, she sat on her small stool, and the Earls wanted to talk or discuss matters with her. They suggested that if she knew any secrets about current affairs, she should reveal them. She replied that she had said enough on that matter and was not disposed to speak further. Shortly thereafter, she stood up, and the Master of the Works approached to undress her. She told him, "Let me do it; I understand this better than you. I have never had such valets." As she began removing the pins from her attire, known as the two girls, Jeanne Kennedy and Elspeth Curle, who were below kneeling and crying, climbed onto the scaffold. She said to them, "Do not cry anymore; I am happy to leave this world. You should rejoice to see me die for such a good cause. Aren't you ashamed to cry? If you cry more, I will send you away because I promised for you." Elspeth Curle then pleaded for her brother, for whom she had knelt before her Majesty many times, seeking his pardon. Knowing and having heard her brother's testimony against the Queen in public assembly, with gratitude for her persistent efforts on behalf of her brother, she affirmed that she had spoken for him, and the Earl of Kent assured that he would be fine.

Prioit en fin la Vierge Marie, tous les saints, en nommant quelques-uns particulierement, comme S. Pierre & S. André, d'interceder pour elle, envers Dieu, baisant sa croix, quelque fois croisant les mains, dist ces paroles, Tout ainsi, mon Dieu, que tes bras furent estenduz sur vie croix, ainsi reçoy moy entre tes bras de mercy, estens ta misericorde, & me pardonne tous mes pechez . Et ce faisoit avec une telle action, que tous ceux qui la voyoient estoient tous en admiration, comme eux-mesmes tesmoignent . Relevée qu'elle fuft, s'affift dessus sa petite selle, où les Comtes luy vouloient dire, ou remonstrer, que si elle sçauoit quelque chose de secret sur les occurrences des affaires, qu'elle le decelast, dist qu'elle avoit affez respondu de cela, qu'elle n'estoit disposée d'en parler d'avantage . Et bien tost se leva, où le Maistre des œuvres s'aprocha pour la despouiller, auquel sa Majesté dist, Laissez moy faire, j'entends mieux cecy que vous, je n'eu iamais de tels valets de chambre . Et elle commençant à ofter les espingles de sa coisure, appellées les deux filles, Jeanne Kennedey & Elspeth Curle, qui estoient en bas plorans à genoux, & elles montees sur le chafaut leur dit, Ne plorez plus, je suis bien - heureuse de fortir de ce monde, vous deuriez vous reflouir de me voir mourir pour si bonne querelle, n'avez vous point de honte de plorer? si vous plorez davantage, je vous renvoiray, car l'ay promis pour vous: là dessus Elspeth Curle recommanda son frere, pour lequel elle s'estoit mise tànt de fois à genoux devant sa Majesté, pour impetrer son pardon, estant dedans sa chambre & le soir & le matin, sçachant & ayant ouy la deposition d'iceluy contre la Royne, qui avoit esté lee en publique assemblee, avec celle, dequoy il est grandement tenu à l'importunité dont elle avoit si souvent usé envers sa Majesté, dist qu'elle avoit parlé pour son frere, & le Comte de Kent asseura qu'il seroit bien .

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Thus, Her Majesty helped herself to undress, which she had rarely been accustomed to do when going to bed or removing her clothing. She removed from around her neck a gold cross that she intended to give to one of her daughters. Addressing the Executioner, she said, "My friend, this doesn't suit your taste; leave it for this young lady. She will pay you more for it than it's worth." He forcibly snatched it from her hands, saying, "It is my right." It would have been a marvel if she had found courtesy in an English executioner, something she had never been able to find among the more honest people of the country, except inasmuch as they could profit from it. The Earl of Shrewsbury and his wife are too confident witnesses to this, being two principal instruments in her death. Her garments were among the finest she owned, yet modest, representing a queen dressed according to her station. She had sought advice on them from her confessor and all her servants the evening before, being so fearful of doing anything that could be reproached as dishonorable. In the first place, she wore a veil of white crepe, covering her from the head and trailing on the ground, with a coif of the same fabric that she was accustomed to wear when dressing in her finest attire, for more solemn festivities or when receiving foreign guests. She had on a large black embossed satin mantle with borders of high-quality marten fur, lined with black taffeta. The sleeves hung down with a long train, and the collar was in the Italian fashion. She also wore a black satin doublet, a crimson-brown velvet skirt, a velvet bodice with a velvety taffeta trim, white fustian drawers, blue silk stockings, silk garters, and Morocco leather shoes.

Ainsi sa Majesté s'aidoit elle mesme à se despouiller, ce que bien rarement elle avoit accoustumé de faire, quand elle se couchoit ou ostoit ses habillements, osta hors de son col une croix d'or, qu'elle vouloit bailler à une de ses filles, disant au maitre d'oevures, Mon amy cecy n'est pas à votre visage, laissez la à ceste damoiselle, elle vous baissera en argent plus qu'elle ne vaut, il luy arracha d'entre les mains fort rudement, disant, c'est mon droit . C'eust esté merveille qu'elle cust trouvé courtoisic en un bourreau Anglois, qui ne l'avoit jamais sceu trouver entre les plus honestes du païs, sinon tant qu'ils en pouvoient tirer de profit, dequoy le Conte de Sherosbery & sa femme font trop cuidents tesmoings, deux principaux instruments de sa mort . Ses habillements estoient des plus beaux qu'elle cust, toutesfois modestes, & qui representoient une Royne veusue, en son estat, pour lesquels elle avoit demandé le conseil, & de son confesseur, & de tous ses serviteurs, le soir auparavant, tant elle estoit craintiue de faire rien qui luy peust estre reproché à deshonneur . Avoit en premier lieu un voile de crespe blanc, l'en couurant depuis la teste, & trainant par terre, a coifure de mesme eftofe, qu'elle avoit accoustumé porter quand elle se mettoit en meilleur point, les festes plus solennelles, ou venant devant des estrangers, un grand manteau de satin noir gofré, parements de martre sublime, doublé de tafetas noir, les manches pendantes, à longue queue, & le colet à l'Italienne, un pourpoint de satin noir, une juppe de velours cramoisy brun, une vasquine de tafetas velouté, caleçons de futaine blanche, des bas de foye bleue, jarretiers de foye, & des escarpins de marroquin .

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She was stripped of all these garments down to her petticoat, and as they removed her doublet, the undersleeves of the said petticoat were also drawn off. Left with only her chemise on her arms, she pulled up her sleeves herself. Then she sat on her stool, and Jeanne Kennedy, her damsel, approached. From her pocket, she took out a specially prepared handkerchief adorned with gold and blindfolded her (the Earls and other onlookers not knowing why she did this, as if it were not the custom of the country). But before accepting it, she had given her blessing to her servants, who, seeing her in tears, bid them farewell and asked them to pray to God for her.

De tous lesquels habillements fut despouillée jusques au cotillon, & comme en luy ostant son pourpoint, les contremanches dudit cotillon surent aussi tirées, n'ayant aux bras que sa chemise, reprint ses manches & elle mesme les remist en ses bras, & lors s'affift dessus son siege, ou Jeanne Kennedey sa damoiselle s'aprochant, tira de sa pochette un mouchoir accoustré d'or, preparé tout expres, & luy banda les yeux ( les Comtes & autres assistans ne sçachans pourquoy elle faisoit cela, comme si ce n'etoit la coustume du pays ) mais devant que le recevoir, avoit donné la benediction à ses serviteurs qu'elle voioit devant elle fondre en larmes, leur disant à Dieu, & que ils priassent Dieu pour elle .

Execution of Mary Queen of Scots

8th February 1587. Her Majesty (age 44), as well as her attendants, thought that they intended to sever her head in the French manner, with a sword. Thus, while she was sitting, assuming that this was how they would proceed, she held herself rigidly, extending her neck with joined hands, without being bound in any way. Clutching her crucifix, which she never let go of, she recited aloud, "In te, Domine speravi," and so on, with great fervor. Then, the two executioners took her, one on each side, by the shoulders, and made her kneel. Wanting to lay her down, and she, expecting the blow, extended her neck as if singing, continuously praying to God. They continued to lay her down on her stomach the length of her body, making her place her neck on a block prepared for this purpose, towards the end of the scaffold. Having placed their hand under her chin, perhaps to allow her to speak freely, it was removed for fear that it might be cut off with her head. The master executioner, wielding a wide axe with a blade like those used to split wood, delivered a blow as she loudly said, "In manus tuas." This poorly aimed blow only touched the back of her head and did not penetrate deeply. He struck again for the second time, cutting a significant portion of the neck, which he finished severing on the third attempt.

Sa Majesté, comme aussi ses serviteurs pensoient qu'on luy voulut trancher la teste à la façon de France, avec un espée, & partant assise qu'elle estoit, cuidant que là on la luy trancheroit, se tenoit roide, & estendoit le col, les mains jointes, sans estre liée en aucune forte, & tenant son crucifix qu'elle ne laissa jamais, disoit à haute voix, In te, Domine speraui, & c . In manus tuas, & c . d'une grande affection . Lors les deux maistres la prirent, un d'vn costé, l'autre de l'autre, par les espaules, & la mirent à genoux: iceux la voulant coucher, & elle qui attendoit le coup, estendoit le col comme decant, toufiours priant Dieu, jusques à ce qué eux continuant de la coucher sur le ventre tout de son long, luy firent mettre le col sur vn billot apresté pour cest effet, vers le bout de l'échaffaut, où ayant mis sa main dessous son menton, pour avoir, comme je croy, sa parole libre, fut oftee de peur que elle ne fust coupee avec la teste: là le maistre levant une haché large par le taillant de la façon de celles qui feruent à fendre le boys, luy donna un coup comme elle disoit à haute voix, In manus tuas, lequel coup mal adresse toucha seulement le derriere de la teste, & n'entra pas beaucoup avant, dont redouble pour le second qui coupa une grande partie du col, qu'il acheva de couper à la troisiesme fois .

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It was not enough; even at the moment of death, they did not refrain from cruelty. For, suppose the case that she did not lack the will, was it not a great fault and an extreme contempt to allow her to use such an instrument totally unsuitable for this purpose, and that they would not have wanted to use for the lowest servant in their country? If it's the fault of the executioner, should he not be punished? Did the person's status not merit it? But they were not much moved by it. It seemed to them to be a small torment in comparison to what they inflict and martyr on other Catholics. The severed head, he took it by the coif, which slipped off, revealing her white and hairless head, which she often had removed due to the headaches she suffered. After putting back the said coif, he lifted the head, showed it to the audience, saying, 'God save the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth.' The Earl of Kent said, 'May all her enemies have the same fate.'

Ce n'estoit pas affez, si à l'heure de la mort mesme ils n'usoient de cruauté: car posez le cas, que n'aye pas failly de volonté, n'estoit ce pas une grande faute & un extreme mespris de permettre qu'il s'aidast d'un tel instrument nullement propre à cest effet, & qu'ils: n'eussent pas voulu employer pour le moindre valet de leur pais? Que si c'est la faute du maistre, ne devoit il pas estre puny? la qualité de la personne ne le meritoit elle pas? mais ils ne s'en esmeurent pas beaucoup, c'estoit peu de tourment, ce leur semble, au respect de ceux des quels ils perfecutent & martyrisent les autres Catholiques, La teste separee, il la print par la coifure, qui luy eschappa, où apparut sa teste blanche & sans cheveux, qu'elle faisoit ofter fouvent pour le mal de teste qu'elle avoit, & ayant remis ladicte coifure leva la teste, la monstra à l'assitance, disant, Dieu favue la Royne d'Angleterre, la Royne Elizabeth le Comte de Kent dit, Que tous ses ennemis en eussent autant .

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Immediately, everyone was ordered to leave the room. Then Mr. Bourgoin and the surgeon asked Poole to let them remove the heart to take it to France, as her Majesty had requested and ordered. They were rudely rebuffed with disdainful and threatening words. The servants, led back to her Majesty's chamber, in sorrow, crying, lamenting, and all together praying, and there was not one to whom words did not fail several times, wanting to compose or recite some prayer for her. The sobs, sighs, and tears that came prevented them from uttering a word rightly. Meanwhile, everyone was made to leave the room, and the place where the blood had fallen was carefully washed and cleaned, fearing that someone might dip some fabric into it, as is the custom of many in the country who keep it as evidence, inciting those who have an interest in the death to seek vengeance. A small dog was found in her clothing, which had followed her down, and a great Princess of France wanted to have it for the sake of the deceased. Her body and her belongings were taken to the upper room where her Majesty had appeared before the commissioners.

Aussi tost surent commandez de sortir tous dehors de la sale, & lors Monsieur Bourgoin & le Chyrurgien demanderent à Poolet, qu'il leur fist baisser le cœur, pour le porter en France, comme sa Majesté l'avoit requis, & ordonné, s quoy furent rudement repoussez, avec paroles desdaigneuses & pleines de menaces . Les serviteurs reconduits en la chambre de fa Majesté, en defolation, plorans, lamentans, & crians tous ensemble, se mirent en prieres, & n'y en auoit aucun à qui la parole ne faillist plusieurs fois, voulant faire ou lire quelque oraison pour elle, les sanglots, les souspirs, les larmes suruenans, qui les retenoit de pouvoir prononcer un mot à droit . Cependant on fait mettre dehors la sale un chacun, le lieu où estoit tombé le sang, songneusement lavé & nettoyé, de peur que quelqu'un ne trempast quelque linge dedans, à la façon de plusieurs du pais, qui le gardent pour à la monstre d'iceluy, inciter à vengeance ceux qui ont interest à la mort du sué . Fut trouvee une petite chienne dedans sa robbe, qu'il l'avoit fuivie en bas, laquelle une grande Princesse de France a voulut avoir pour l'amour de la dessunte . Son corps & sa sefte furent portez en la sale haute, où sa Majesté avoit comparu devant les commissionnaires .

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After the execution was carried out, the castle gates were kept closed, and no one was allowed to leave until dispatches were prepared to be sent to the Court. So, around one hour after midday, Henry Talbot, son of the Earl of Shrewsbury, was sent with a certificate of her Majesty's death, in the following form and the same terms.

Apres que l'execution fut faite, les portes du Chasteau furent tenues fermees, que personne ne fortist, jusques à ce qu'on cust fait la depesche pour envoyer en Cour: dont environ une heure apres midy, fut envoié Henry Talbot, fils du Conte de Sherosbery, avec certificat de la mort de sa Majesté en la forme qui s'enfuit & en mesmes termes .

First, after she was brought downstairs by the Provost to the place prepared in the hall for this purpose, by the command of us, the Earl of Shrewsbury, and Kent, her Majesty's commission was publicly read. Then, according to its contents, our doctor Fletcher, making a representation aiming at the admonition of the end of her days, the only means of elevation to Jesus Christ, as soon as he began to speak, she interrupted him, saying that she was Catholic, and that it was mere folly. She was so resolved and determined not to convert in any way, and although our prayers might not do her much good, nevertheless, there was a prayer that was pronounced by the whole assembly, asking God, if it was His will, to send His Holy Spirit and true repentance, and to bless her Majesty (understood as the Queen of England) and confound her enemies. During this time, she made superstitious crosses with a pair of rosaries and also prayed aloud. When the Dean had finished, she publicly pronounced a prayer to this effect, namely, she begged God to send His Holy Spirit and hoped for her salvation in His blood, and by His grace, to be received into His kingdom, praying God to forgive her enemies as she forgave them, and to turn His wrath away from this island, and to bless the Majesty of the Queen so that she might serve Him similarly. She asked for mercy for her son and compassion for His afflicted Church, and even though she was not worthy of being heard, she still had confidence in His mercy, asking all the saints to pray to her Savior to receive her. After turning towards her servants, she asked them to pray to God, her Savior, for her, that He would receive her. Then, after a request was made by the executioners, she forgave them, telling them she was happy that the end of all her troubles was so near. Then she did not appreciate the moans and tears of her women, telling them that they should rather thank God for her great resolution. Kissing them, she told them to leave the scaffold, and again with a cross in her hands, she turned towards her servants, bid them farewell, and thus resolved, knelt down. With a handkerchief tied around her eyes, she laid her neck down, upon which the executioner proceeded, she repeating these words, 'In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum,' and some other verse from the Psalms. And as a testimony that this is the truth, we have subscribed with our own hands these present, at the castle of Fotheringhay, on the 8th day of February, in the 29th year of the reign of our sovereign Lady and Queen Elizabeth, by the grace of God, of England, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith. Signed, George de Shrewsbury, Henry Renil, Robert Beale, A. Poolet, Droue Drouorie, Thomas Andromes, Robert Rynest, Eduoard Montagu Tho. Wingked, Rob. Breuolly, Tho. Braduoel, B. Ligot, Rob. Winkfield, James Cnolle, Rob. Forest."

Premierement apres qu'elle fut amenee en bas par le Prevost, au lieu preparé en la sale pour cest effet, par le commandement de nous le Comte de Sherosbery & de Kent, la commission de sa Majesté fut publiquement leüe: puis suivant le contenu d'icelle nostre docteur Flescher, luy faisant remonstrance tendant à l'admonition de la fin de ses jours, seul moyen de l'elevation à Jefus Christ, si toft que il cust commencé de parler, elle l'interrompit, disant, qu'elle estoit Catholique, & que ce n'estoit que folie . Elle estant tellement resolue & determince qu'elle estoit de ne se convertir aucunement, & pour ce que nos prieres ne luy seroient pas grand bien, ce neantmoins il leut vne priere qui fut prononcee de toute l'assemblee, qu'il pleut à Dieu si c'estoit son plaisir de luy enuoyer s fainct Esprit, & vraye repentance, & de benir sa Majesté, ( il entend de la Royne d'Angleterre, ) & confondre ses ennemis . Durant lequel temps, elle faisoit des superstitieuses croix, avec une paire de patenostres, aussi pria tout haut . Quand le Doyen cut fait, elle prononça publiquement une priere à cest effect, à sçauoir, supplia Dieu, luy envoyer son faint esprit, & qu'elle esperoit son salut en son sang, & de sa grace estre receve en son royaume, priant Dieu de pardonner à ses ennemis, comme elle leur pardonnoit, & de detourner son ire de dessus ceste isle, & de benir la Majesté de la Royne, afin qu'elle le peut fervir semblablement, qu'il eust misericorde de son fils & compassion de son affligée Eglise, & que encores qu'elle ne fust pas digne d'estre ouye, encore avoit elle confiance en sa misericorde, priant tous les saints de prier son sauveur la recevoir . Apres se retournant vers ses serviteurs, elle les pria de prier Dieu son sauveur pour elle, qu'il la voulust recevoir, puis requeste en estant faite par les executeurs, elle leur pardonna, leur disant qu'elle estoit bien heureuse que la fin de tous ses maux fust si proche: puis elle ne trouva pas bon les gemissemens & pleurs de ses semmes, leur disant, qu'elles devroient plustoft remercier Dieu de sa grande resolution, & les baisant leur dist, qu'elles departissent de l'echaffaut, & derechef avec une croix qu'elle avoit en ses mains se retourna vers ses serviteurs, leur dit à Dieu, & ainsi resolus s'agenouissa bas, & ayant un cucurechef lié à l'entour de ses yeux, se coucha le col, surquoy l'executeur proceda, elle repetant ces paroles, In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum, & quelque autre verset du Pseaume . Et en tesmoignage que cecy est la verité, nous avons souscript de nos mains ces presentes, au chasteau de Fotheringhay, ce viii. jour de Fevrier au XXIX. du regne de nostre souveraine Dame & Royne Elisabeth, par la grace de Dieu, d'Angleterre, France, & Irelande, deffenderesse de la foy, signez George de Sherosbery, Henry Renil, Robert Beele, A. Poolet, Droue Drouorie, Thomas Andromes, Robert Rynest, Eduoard Montagu Tho . Wingked, Rob . Breuolly, Tho . Braduoel, B. Ligot, Rob . Winkfield, James Cnolle, Rob . Forest .

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