Note 15 — XII. The Reward of God’s Messenger.

The following is the circumstance alluded to above. During Wishart’s stay at Montrose, the Cardinal, whom Knox may be excused for calling the “devill’s awin sone,” again attempted his life. “He caused to write unto him a letter, as it had been from his most familiar friend, the Laird of Kinneyre, ‘desiring him with all possible diligence to come unto him, for he was stricken with a sudden sickness.’ In the meantime had the traitor provided three score men, with jacks and spears, to lie in wait within a mile and a half of the town of Montrose, for his despatch. The letter coming to his hand, he made haste at the first (for the boy had brought a horse); and so, with some honest men, he passes forth of the town. But suddenly he stayed, and musing a space, returned back; whereat they wondering, he said, ‘I will not go; I am forbidden of God. I am assured there is treason. Let some of you go to yonder place, and tell me what ye find.’ Diligence made, they found the treason as it was; which being shown with expedition to Maister George, he answered, ‘I know that I shall end my life in the hands of that blood-thirsty man; but it will not be of this manner.’”—Knox.