HENRY STUART, KING of SCOTS

1545-1567

 

To the Queen

 

Be a governor both good and gratious;

Be trustworthy, of friendly disposition to all your lords;

Be generous in granting freedom and not desirous;

Be just to the poor folk for any person may fall;

Be firm of faith and constant as a wall;

Be ready ever to staunch evil discord;

Be charitable and surely you shall

Be amenable always to know your God and Lord.

 

Be not proud when heir to wordly goods;

Be mindful that you will not remain for long;

Be sure also that you must die without a doubt;

Be aware then that time waits for no man;

Be virtuous and set all vice aside;

Be patient, humble and merciful;

Be so disciplined wherever you go or stay;

Be amenable always to know your God and Lord.

 

Be well advised of whom you seek counsel;

Be sure of them, that they be trustworthy and true;

Reflect whether they be friend or seeming so;

Be true to your soul, its words or your perception;

Be never over hasty to act – wrongly causing regret;

Be not friends with those who make false testimony;

Be always ready to renew all good works;

Be amenable always to know your God and Lord.

 

 

Be assured of and take possession of your heritage

Be enemies of those old enemies who now occupy it;

Be strength and force to calm those you must assuage

Be law of God – such that no man may deny it;

Be not as a lantern unnoticed in the gloom;

Be aware of your right that your lands be restored,

Be worthy so your name be magnified;

Be amenable always to know your God and Lord.

 

Be strong as a lion towards rebels;

Be fierce in pursuing them wherever you find them;

Be both gentle and meek to your liegemen;

Be their aid and help them to health and safety;

 

Be aware of your charge and why you were crowned;

Be always concerned that justice be not smothered;

Be glad of heart; expound these words often;

Be amenable always to know your God and Lord.