382 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [c:u. 44. sent a safe- conduct, signed by Darnley, to bring Murray back to Scotland. m Lord Hume had been gained over, and had undertaken to escort his party through the marches, and before the Earl and his companions could reach Edinburgh all would be over. 1 The outline of the intended proceedings was sketched by Randolph- for Cecil's information on his arrival at Berwick. BEDFORD AND RANDOLPH TO CECIL. 2 Berwick^ March 6.
- The Lord Darnley, weary of bearing the name of a
king and not having the honour pertaining to such a dignity, is in league with certain of the lords for a great attempt, whereby the noblemen now out of their country may without great difficulty be restored, and in the end tranquillity ensue in that country. Somewhat we are sure you have heard of diverse discords and jars between the Queen and her husband ; partly for that she hath refused him the crown matrimonial, partly for that he hath assured knowledge of such usage of himself as altogether is intolerable to be borne, which, if it were not over- well known, we would both be very loth that it could be true. To take away this occasion of slander he is himself determined to be at the apprehension and execution of him whom he is able manifestly .to charge with the crime, and to have done him the most dishonour that can be to any man, much more being as he is. We 1 Bedford and Randolph to Cecil and Leicester, March 8 : Scotch MSS. Rolls House. 8 MS. Ibid.
