307.
The earls of Huntley and Argyle accuse Murray of this crime; but the reason which they assign is ridiculous.

He had given his consent to Mary's divorce from the king; therefore he was the king's murderer.

See Anderson, vol.iv.part 2, p.192.It is a sure argument, that these earls knew no better proof against Murray, otherwise they would have produced it, and not have insisted on so absurd a presumption.

Was not this also the time for Huntley to deny his writing Mary's contract with Bothwell, if that paper had been a forgery?
Murray could have no motive to commit that crime.

The king, indeed, bore him some ill will; but the king himself was become so despicable, both from his own ill conduct and the queen's aversion to him, that he could neither do good nor harm to any body.