He was charged with witchcraft, and in the long-run was dragged down and reduced to poverty, being accused of dealings with witches--and hares! In July 1586 England and Scotland formed an alliance, and Elizabeth promised to make James an allowance of 4000 pounds a-year.

This, it may be feared, was the blood-price of James's mother: from her son, and any hope of aid from her son, Mary was now cut off.

Walsingham laid the snares into which she fell, deliberately providing for her means of communication with Babington and his company, and deciphering and copying the letters which passed through the channel which he had contrived.

A trifle of forgery was also done by his agent, Phelipps.

Mary, knowing herself deserted by her son, was determined, as James knew, to disinherit him.