QUEEN MARY'S CHAMBER.

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which this sanguinary transaction took place is in the northwest tower of the palace, and about twelve feet square, and opens into Mary's chamber, who was supping with the Countess of Argyle and the ill-starred Italian when the assassins dragged him away, (although he clung to his royal patroness for protection,) and butchered him in the adjoining chamber of presence, upon the floor of which some brown spots are shown, as the blood of the murdered musician. It may be just possible that this is not an attempt to impose upon the credulous, as I am informed that the stain of blood on timber is indelible. The chairs in the chamber are of singular construction, with very high sloping backs and, however the taste of the present day might shudder to see them in a drawing-room, they are more truly comfortable than any I have ever sat in, though enriched with all the embellishments of modern upholstery. There are some pictures in this and the adjoining apartments, interesting only on account of their subjects.

CHAP. V.

CHARACTER OF QUEEN MARY-ANECDOTE OF A TRUE COURTIER -CONTEMPTIBLE JEALOUSY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH-A PARODY-ROYAL VERSES-MARY'S FIRST ENGLISH LETTER-THE CHAPEL-ARTHUR'S SEAT-A MUTINY-SUPERB PROSPECTHUME'S MONUMENT-THE BRIDEWELL-THE REGISTER-OFFICE -THE BANK-SINGULAR CIRCUMSTANCE-ROSLIN CASTLESERMONS IN STONES-ANGELS AND BAGPIPES.

THE character of Mary has furnished matter for controversy for now upwards of two hundred years to many able writers by those who have espoused her cause she has been depicted as a suffering saint; by her enemies as an angel of darkness. The truth may perhaps be found between that she was not so spotless as the former, nor so criminal as the latter, have represented her to have been, is the most reconcileable to the various accounts transmitted of her. Bred up in a Court distinguished for its splendour and its levity, formed by the prodigal hand of nature to captivate all who approached her, and of a warm constitution, the unhappy Mary was exposed to scenes that were hateful to her feelings, and to temptations too powerful for her judgment and resolution.

She was eminently accomplished. At an early age she obtained such proficiency in the Latin language, that she declaimed in that tongue, publicly, in the hall of the Louvre, before the whole court of France; and, in an oration composed by herself, maintained that learning and the liberal arts were compatible with the female character. Of the French, Italian, and Spanish languages, she was also a complete mistress. She played, danced, and rode, to admiration. She also excelled in painting and needlework.

The following anecdote, from the Memoirs of Sir James Melville, who appears to have been a most consummate courtier and sycophant, will illustrate a little of the paltry mind of the jealous and sanguinary Queen Elizabeth, as well as exhibit his royal mistress, Queen Mary, in no unfavourable colours. Sir James was sent to the court of Elizabeth by Mary, as ambassador, to conciliate the English Queen, who was much offended with the conduct of Mary. The negotiator, having brought Elizabeth into good humour by his address, relates the sequel of that interview to have been as follows: "The Queen desired to know of me what colour of hair was reputed best, and whether my Queen's hair or her's was best, and which of them two was fairest? I answered, the fairness of them both was not their worst faults. But she was earnest with

me to declare which of them I judged fairest. I said she was the fairest Queen in England; mine the fairest Queen in Scotland. Yet she appeared earnest. I answered, they were both the fairest ladies in their countries; that her Majesty was whiter, but my Queen was very lovely. She in-. quired which of them was of highest stature? I said, my Queen. Then, said she, she is too high; for I myself am neither too high nor too low. Then she asked what kind of exercise she used? I answered, that when I received my dispatch the Queen was lately come from the Highland hunting; that, when her more serious affairs permitted, she was taken up with reading of histories; that sometimes she recreated herself with playing upon the lute and virginals. She asked if she played well? I said, reasonably, for a Queen." This passed before dinner, and Sir James, who was asked to dine at court with one of the ladies, was taken after dinner by Lord Hunsdean, who undoubtedly was instructed so to do by the Queen, to a quiet gallery," that I might hear," continues Sir James, "some music; but he said he durst not avow it, where I might hear the Queen play upon the virginals. After I had hearkened awhile, I took by the tapestry that hung before the door of the chamber, and stood a pretty space, hearing her play excellently well; but she left off immediately as soon as she turned her about and saw me. She appeared surprised, and came forward, seeming to strike me with her hand, saying she

was not accustomed to play before men, but when she was solitary, to shun melancholy. She asked me how I came there? I answered, as I was walking with my Lord of Hunsdean, as we passed by the chamber door, I heard such melody as ravished me, whereby I was drawn in ere I knew how, excusing my homeliness, as being brought up in the court of France, where much freedom was allowed, declaring myself willing to endure what kind of punishment her Majesty should be pleased to inflict upon me for so great an offence. Then she sat down upon a cushion, and I upon my knees by her, but, with her own hand, she gave me a cushion to lay under my knee, which at first I refused, but she compelled me to take it. She inquired whether my Queen or she played best? In that I found myself obliged to give her the praise. On my pressing earnestly my dispatch, she said I was weary sooner of her company than she was of mine. I told her Majesty, that though I had no reason of being weary, I knew my mistress's affairs called me home. Yet I staid two days longer, that I might see her dance; which being over, she inquired of me whether she or my Queen danced best? I answered, my Queen danced not so high or disposedly as she did."

Mary was so beautiful, that it is said, when she was walking in the procession of the Host, a woman rushed through the crowd to touch her, to convince herself that she was not an angel.

K