an to mourn:
for now shalt thou see the troubles of Mary Stuart receive their
long-expected period and completion. Know," continued she, "good
servant, that all the world at best is vanity, and subject still to more
sorrow than a whole ocean of tears is able to bewail. But I pray thee
carry this message from me, that I die a true woman to my religion, and
unalterable in my affections to Scotland and to France. Heaven forgive
them that have long desired my end, and have thirsted for my blood as
the hart panteth after the water brooks!" "O God," added she, "thou art
the author of truth, and truth itself; thou knowest the inmost recesses
of my heart: thou knowest that I was ever desirous to preserve an entire
union between Scotland and England, and to obviate the source of all
these fatal discords. But recommend me, Melvil, to my son; and tell him,
that notwithstanding all my distresses, I have done nothing prejudicial
to the state and kingdom of Scotland." After these words, reclining
herself, with weeping eyes, and face bedewed with tears, she kissed him.
"And so," said she, "good Melvil, farewell: once again, farewell,
good Melvil; and grant the assistance of thy prayers to thy queen and
mistress."[*]

* MS. p. 4. Jebb, vol. ii. p. 634. Strype, vol iii. p. 384.

She next turned to the noblemen, who attended her, and made a petition
in behalf of her servants, that they might be well treated, be allowed
to enjoy the presents which she had made them, and be sent safely into
their own country. Having received a favorable answer, she preferred
another request, that they might be permitted to attend her at her
death; "in order," said she, "that their eyes may behold, and their
hearts bear witness, how patiently their queen and mistress can submit
to her execution, and how constantly she perseveres in her attachment to
her religion." The earl of Kent opposed this desire, and told her that
they would be apt, by their speeches and cries, to disturb both herself
and the spectators: he was also apprehensive lest they should practise
some superstition, not meet for him to suffer; such as dipping their
handkerchiefs in her blood: for that was the instance which he made use
of. "My lord," said the queen of Scots, "I will give my word (although
it be but dead) that they shall not incur any blame in any of the
actions which you have named. But alas! poor souls! it would be a great
consolation to them to bid their mistress farewel