The Ballad of the Five Marys

by Donald Smith

  ‘You are most welcome to my Court, my Lord.’

  ‘Those who maligned me were false. I am your loyal servant, just as Earl Patrick, my father, defended your royal mother when she was Queen.’

  ‘The Hepburns are always ready with a sword, but also with their tongue. It is the talk of Europe that from both Elizabeth and my gracious self your lordship could not make one honest woman.’

  ‘Your Highness should not consider such foolish reports. Five hundred moss troopers are at my command and they shall speak for your cause when it matters.’

  Still quick and bold, the Bothwell of old. Yet the eyes are more lined, the dark curls a little grizzled at the side. His barely suppressed force is, if anything, more impatient and eager for action.

  ‘I do not doubt your loyal service and I am glad of it at this challenging time. We shall confer later today with all the lords in council to decide our necessities.’

  ‘Be guided by me in these matters, Majesty. I am the one who can aid you in your time of need.’

  He bends over my hand and presses his lips again, before turning and striding out. He is certainly the man I need now, but I had forgotten his vivid presence. Cold banishment seems to have stoked not dampened the fires of ambition. My Court must mould itself to this force of nature or divert it elsewhere.

  Darnley is petulant and tiresome at Council, and his father will not gainsay him on the smallest matter. So now Lennox must lead the vanguard, while Bothwell and Darnley share command of the main body. If glances could kill, Bothwell’s black eyes would skewer Henry on the spot. But he kept silent and smouldered. I would gladly put them all aside and lead myself.

  At night Darnley comes in a foul temper and demands I surrender myself instantly to his desires. He expends himself in my body after rough embrace, devoid of tenderness or remorse. I submit to this for my own purpose, but I cannot forget the contempt he displays or the coldness of his averted gaze. Are all men so callous?

  Nonetheless, I have seen further into Darnley’s mind. He is not so absent on his search for pleasure as might appear. He believes the whole nobility and people are looking to him as their commander, thinking it shameful that any woman should govern a man. The nation breathed relief when I submitted to him and restored nature’s proper order. He is like Knox – ‘God preserve us from that monster in nature, the rule of women.’

  On this, as so much else, my husband is deluded. Any honour and majesty Henry Darnley enjoys comes from me. I chose him out of my own affection, against the will of many of the nobility and of my cousin Elizabeth. Let Darnley remember his dependence on my authority, lest he become a danger to our cause and to himself.

  Finally I am quit of all these tiresome protocols and quarrelsome men. I am a man myself in horse and helmet, and shall ride with my troops. We drive Moray and his dwindling band west and east and south, but they will not stand to face my forces.

  I can lie out like any trooper, wrapped in my plaid, and mount again with the simplest toilette. I keep pace with any man, and when the enemy runs before us I exult at this defeat like a pagan. Suddenly I realise how much I have wearied of my duties and of these fractious lordlings.

  This is more like the hunt. I lose myself in swift pursuit. I urge on the pack as our quarry disappears over yet another hill. I do not care to catch them as long as I can keep up the chase, and forget I was ever born to rule. If only they would break formation, I would become as the wind for speed and perfect freedom.

  Day Book of the Marys

  Beaton

  The rebels are driven from the field. Thanks be to God, we can turn a new chapter in this book. The Queen has gambled and won. Now she can reign like an Elizabeth in her own realm. Scotland is secure and I delight in her triumph.

  Fleming

  The Queen is shut up in her chambers seeing no one. The triumph has drained her of all energy and good spirits. She is prostrate and our every moment is devoted to her recovery. The strain has been too great for a woman to bear on her own.

  Beaton

  Fleming is too traditional. She has carried all before her, always in the foremost, driving the rebels like chaff before a storm. She was born for this. Now her brother Moray must kneel before Elizabeth in London. He expects a sympathetic welcome from his patron, and instead must beg forgiveness for the sin of rebellion, which she herself fomented. She sends him to Newcastle like a beaten dog, tail between his legs, so that all Europe can be shown that he is punished and that the Queen of England has not meddled. No one can match the English theatricals.

  Even Livingston is giddy with victory because the gentle knight she desires has been bound and taken captive with chains of love. Mary is the undisputed victor.

  Fleming

  Extravagant talk will bring trouble. The Queen must reunite the country and end faction. There is no glory in a civil war.

  Beaton

  Fleming is mealy mouthed, like the Secretary whose tongue seems layered with texts. Unalloyed triumph – Mary has conquered by her strength alone, for all to see. It is a new dawn for our kingdom of Scotland. We should be celebrating with a Te Deum and High Mass in every Cathedral that is not ruined.

  Fleming

  Please, no more. We should be discreet, thankful that danger is past for us all.

  Beaton

  Our book is secret, unless one named Mary betrays us.

  Seton

  We shall never betray each other.

  Yet we shall not always remain together. Livingston will wed her true love, Sempill. She goes with joy and our blessings, the first to marry after Mary. That marriage changed everything, for us all. Livingston is first to leave the Queen’s service, yet she will not be the last.

  Fleming

  We cannot know what the future holds. For now we must get Mary well. We shall all dance together at the wedding feast.

  Beaton

  The Queen has not shown blood for two months. Her great tiredness was also a sign. No one is willing to openly acknowledge what everyone hopes. Mary is with child.

  This makes Her Majesty’s victory complete, for she will give two kingdoms an heir. Secure succession by true descent is her holy grail. She has proven herself fruitful unlike Elizabeth’s barren stock. Everyone is glad and barely able to repress their joy. Soon she will announce her condition, and the news will resound through Europe.

  Livingston

  I know someone who will not be glad. He is denied her bed. Even a month ago he could command his times. Now the door is shut against him. May she never again have to submit to such embraces.

  Fleming

  This is the law of marriage, that wives obey their husbands.

  Beaton

  And that husbands love their wives. He is a lecher, not a lover. Perhaps she can be quit of him when the child is born.

  Fleming

  The Queen cannot divorce her husband. That would renew faction and undo our hard won peace. It should not be even murmured.

  Beaton

  Darnley is the cause of faction. He wants Parliament to give him the Crown Matrimonial and forfeit the rebel lords. He would like to be king in his own right, and act without Mary’s authority. He makes enemies with little effort and even his friends provoke dislike.

  Livingston

  Suddenly Court is full of life and bustle. Mary blooms, and all the talk is births and weddings, including my own. The great lords are in attendance to congratulate the Queen and join in games and dancing. Old friendships are renewed and Mary is surrounded with a circle of warmth. Her natural kin, Lady Argyll and Lord John Stewart, are present, with her cousin Athol, and the dowager Lady Huntly, old enmities laid aside, and her Secretary Rizzio who guards her time. They protect Mary from the press of government like a family. And dear Fleming watches over all.

  Sometimes when it is winter outside no one notices because everything within is warm. Our ears are filled with poetry and music; our eyes with new paintings, the making of bridal gowns, and daily commissions to th
e goldsmiths. But the wind still blows and hail strikes the windows unheeded. Maitland says the Queen depends too much on too few. He has withdrawn from the Queen’s inner counsels to allow Rizzio his place.

  Fleming

  Does David Rizzio understand the Scottish lords? Can he advise Mary? William should remain close to counsel her. Mary is arranging Bothwell’s marriage. She has chosen an alliance with the Gordons – the hand of Lady Jean, Huntly’s sister. The bride brings a huge dowry to Hepburn’s estates, and the Queen’s blessing. It is his reward for loyalty, and, in his own manner, devotion.

  This will outshine Livingston’s, even Moray’s, wedding. The pride and lineage of two great houses will be on display and the wealth of one. Their union confirms the newfound strength of Mary’s reign.

  Livingston

  Does Bothwell love the Lady Jean?

  Beaton

  Does he know the Lady Jean? I thought she was pledged heart to heart with Ogilvie of Boyne?

  Livingston

  Lady Huntly has broken their engagement for this marriage. His other women will have to be discarded too. Did the mistress not return to Denmark with her whelps?

  Beaton

  The Danish one, while the French resides in Paris. But there is some slut in Haddington and new hints.

  Livingston

  What hints? Beaton must share, not tease.

  Beaton

  That some young beauty is imprisoned like a princess in the towers of Hermitage, at Earl Hepburn’s pleasure. Only here there is no breath of scandal.

  Livingston

  Does the Queen listen to such gossip?

  Beaton

  Who knows what Mary is told or if she hears about such things? She is not a Cecil, fed vile rumour by spies and informers – the spider at the centre of his web, sucking in every kind of poison.

  Livingston

  Rumour or knowledge. Does Rizzio not tell her? Perhaps the Queen intends this marriage to confine the Earl.

  Seton

  Why are we no longer nearest to her thoughts and conversation?

  Livingston

  We must all plan new dresses and look our best. Who will be next?

  Beaton

  What is to be done about Darnley? He wants the Crown Matrimonial and kingly power. He wants it now when Parliament convenes. Mary only asks for civility, but he drinks and rants. When he saw the new coins with his portrait moved to one side, he went to the Mint scattering moulds and dies. He had to be restrained by the Queen’s guard. He claims kingship yet lacks all dignity or self-control. What can Mary do with such a consort?

  When she tried to stop him drinking at the Provost’s dinner his abuse was in full public view. She is bitterly hurt. How could the father of her child behave so?

  Livingston

  He is madly jealous of everyone – Mary herself, Rizzio, Bothwell, even his unborn child. He will not desist till he is elevated by Parliament. He thinks the lords will be persuaded without the Queen’s consent. And what then?

  Seton

  I pray they may be reunited by their faith, and restore the freedom of the Mass. The King attended Mass at Christmas with great devotion and that may be a sign of his repentance.

  Fleming

  Disturbing religion is the worst choice of all, dear Seton, but I gladly kneel beside you to ask that harmony may be recovered between the husband and the wife. Why should this time of happiness for Mary be so marred? She deserves finally some simple gladness.

  Seton

  Like God’s own mother. She will intercede for Mary. Even John Knox cannot stop women seeking the comfort of Our Lady in their hearts.

  Beaton

  Melville was with the Queen all afternoon. He wants her to be guided by the Council and not to rely on Rizzio. He went around this several times in different words like a horse in exercise, while Mary grew more restive.

  ‘Your Majesty knows how often since returning from France you have tried to bring the kingdom together, yet have been frustrated by factions outwith your control. But now you have the opportunity to influence all parties by pardoning the Earl of Moray and his allies, and bringing them home. Or, at the least, prolonging this Parliament and delaying any forfeiture of estates until you decide whether it would be better to proffer the hope of obtaining your pardon on the basis of conditions you will set forth.’

  ‘When I sought their agreement, as subjects to their natural ruler, they withheld it, so why should I pay attention to their pleas now? That would be to show womanly weakness.’

  ‘It is no little matter, Majesty -you who can choose the best and leave the worst in all that happens – to win the hearts of all your subjects, and also that goodly number in England who follow their religion, and who would admire such princely virtues and, seeing Your Majesty master your own passions, would think you worthy to reign over kingdoms, finding you ready to forgive and loath to use vengeance, especially against subjects who have already been vanquished and are unworthy of your wrath, so that clemency at such a time would prove most convenient, and fairness more profitable than rigour, for extremity often provokes desperate remedies.’

  I think this was Melville’s longest utterance yet without drawing breath, but I may not have the whole.

  ‘Did Maitland suggest this to you? I defy them. What can they do? What would they dare to do? Are you now Mister Secretary’s mouthpiece?’

  Mary was angry, and it was a shame to see poor Melville so berated, but he is more supple than at first appears. With head demurely lowered in submission, he worked his way back round to his point.

  ‘Your Majesty must know, by your leave, it is only in obedience to your own command that I show you my opinion for the weal of your person and reign.’

  The Queen softened, granting it was good advice but saying she could not find it in her heart to deal with Moray any more. Yet she urged him to go on offering his counsel, as ‘she would perhaps do better another time.’ Melville saw an opening.

  ‘Many powerful noblemen are banished and lodged as close as Newcastle. At home are more noblemen who are their friends and relations. Regardless of their loyalty, or religion, they are malcontent at suggestions that the exiles may have their estates confiscated at this Parliament, and other grants of land revoked. I myself have heard threatening speeches that we shall see some alteration before Parliament ends.’

  ‘I too have heard these rumours, but our countrymen are talkative even in easier times.’

  Mary was resolute, so Melville withdrew scraping and mumbling.

  Seton

  Livingston normally writes about weddings, but Livingston is not here. But she did attend Earl Bothwell’s marriage to Lady Jean. The ceremony was Protestant with vows and an exchange of rings. The Earl was in gold and black with an ermine cape. He looks more like an Italian or Spanish nobleman, and bore himself with the formal manner of Europe rather than our native courtesy. Jean Gordon is a pure born Scots lady in her looks and manner, tall and graceful with slender, finely moulded features and fair skin, She wears her hair tightly drawn back showing some austere hardness in the bone, which is the northern character. She was dressed in blue and silver satin.

  I have written this passage after asking Mary how she would describe the bridal couple, for she notices these things. She says that Lady Jean is handsome while James Hepburn has an ugliness which sometimes appears like beauty. She was astonished to know that we still kept our books. So I left this volume free out of the chest in case she might like to glance at these pages. Then we can be intimate, as in former days.

  A French artist came to paint the bride and bridegroom as a double portrait. Rizzio was master of ceremonies for the feasts and masquings, which continued for five days. He was in his element. Darnley had been away but came back on the day of the marriage. The music was very fine. Livingston describes dancing better than I. She and Mary have to be careful of their condition. Everyone was exhausted before the end.

  Beaton

  Castlenau h
as arrived again from France to make Darnley a Knight of the Order of St Michael. Also an emissary comes with a letter from the Pope. So nothing does but that Henry, first of that name in Scotland, will be invested at a great ceremony with the nobility in attendance. All to show he should be King in his own right. He wants the royal insignia displayed on his shield but Mary dismisses the request – ‘Give him only his due.’

  Fleming

  Darnley’s campaign is dangerous, especially when he embroils the Queen. At Candlemas he and Mary bore tapers at the head of a procession into Mass. If the Court turn Catholic, why not the nation? Darnley has told the French he will restore religion in Scotland. A messenger has been sent to Spain. William fears he may revive Mary’s Catholic claim to England and prove Cecil right. It is a madness encouraged by Rizzio and Balfour, who cluster round him like flies to meat. Her Majesty is too withdrawn to direct events, too caught up by her condition. I cannot make her listen to my warnings; I wish that Maitland would stay closer to her affairs and disregard Rizzio. The Italian cannot help her deal with Scottish lords.

  Beaton

  This book must not be left out but locked away from prying eyes. Randolph will report it all. Yet I do not credit Darnley’s theatricals. It is hard to take him seriously, since he is like the cock on a weathervane, crowing in whatever direction the wind turns. This may be some charade, played to win some other prize. Henry Darnley is an unlikely crusader, more at home in a whorehouse than in the cloister.

  I have heard that Lord Lennox went into the west to meet with Argyll. Two days running, I saw Archibald Douglas, Darnley’s Uncle, coming from the King’s apartments. He is Morton’s tool and no Catholic.

  Fleming

  Beaton has sharp eyes and ears. Everyone jostles for position at this Parliament, and Darnley’s unstable nature makes him the lodestone of uncertainty. What will Mary decide?

  Randolph has been ordered to depart Scotland for aiding Moray’s past rebellion with subventions from Elizabeth. It seems old news, but he leaves before Parliament convenes. And Beaton’s marriage to Lord Ogilvie of Boyne has been announced. She is to quit Court immediately to prepare for her wedding. He is a fine Catholic gentleman, recently disappointed in his love for Lady Jean Gordon.