Mr. Henderson, in his account of William, Earl of Gowrie, in the
_Dictionary of National Biography_, mentions 'The Vindication of the
Ruthvens' in his list of authorities. He does not cite the source, as in
MS. or in print; and I know not whether he refers to 'The Verie Manner
&c.,' State Papers, Scotland (Elizabeth), vol. lxvi. No. 52. The theory
of Mr. Scott (1818) is much akin to that of 'The Verie Manner,' which he
had never seen.

{94} Barbe, p. 124.

{96} State Papers, Scotland (Elizabeth), vol. lxvi. No. 64.

{97} State Papers, Scotland (Elizabeth), vol. lxvi. No. 64.

_Sir William Bowes to Sir John Stanhope_, _Sept._ 2, 1600.

Sr I attending hir Mties embassadr toward Newcastle happened to meet wyth
Mr Preston then on his waie from his king to hir Mtie. In renewing a
former acquaintance I found hym verie willing to possesse me wyth his
report of the death of Gowrie and his brother, in the circumstances
wherof sundrie thingis occurring hardlie probable I was not curious to
lett him see that wyse men wyth vs stumbled therat. And therfor I
thought yt wysdom in the king to deliuer his honor to the warld and
especiallie to her Mtie. And in this as in other albeit I am not
ignorant that the actions of princes must chalenge the Fairest
interpretation Yet because in deed truthe symplie canne doe no wrong And
that we owe or dearest and nearest truthes to or soueraygnes in this
matter so precisely masked lett me deliuer to youe what For myne own part
I doe belieue.

The King being readie to take horse was wythdrawen in discourse with the
Mr of Gowrie, a learned sweet and hurtles yong gentleman, and one other
attending. Now were it by occasion of a picture (as is sayde) or
otherwise, speech happening of Earle Gowrie his father executed, the king
angrelie sayde he was a traitour, whereat the youth showing a greeved and
expostulatorie countenance and happelie Scot-like Woordis, the King,
seeing hymself alone and wythout weapon, cryed, Treason, Treason. The Mr
abashed much to see the king so apprehend yt, whilest the king wold call
to the Lords, the Duke, Marre, and others that were attending in the
court on the king comming to horse, putt his hand with earnest
deprecations to staie the king, showing his countenance to them wythout
in that moode, immediatlie falling on his knees to entreat the King. At
the K. sound of Treason, from out of the Lower Chamber hastelie running
Harris the physician Ramse