Mary’s fortunes spiralled into chaos after the murder of her husband Darnley in 1567, and her marriage to the chief suspect, the Earl of Bothwell, a mere three months later. She lost all credibility as a monarch, and after an abortive attempt to pitch her troops against her outraged Scottish nobles, she was obliged to concede defeat. She was captured, and imprisoned on Lochleven, where she was forced to abdicate in favour of her son, James. On the eve of her shortlived escape, Mary contacted her cousin in a letter written in a hasty scrawl.
I May 1568
Madame my good sister, the slow passing of time in my weary prison, and the wrongs received from those to whom I have done so many benefits, is less weariful to me than to be unable to tell you the truth of my evil fortune, and of the hurts which have been done to me from many airts [quarters]; wherefore, having found the means, by a good servant here, to send you this word, I have delivered all my thought to the bearer, praying you to believe him as myself.
You remember that it has pleased you, divers times, to assure me that if you should see the ring which you sent me, you would help me in all my afflictions. You know how my brother Moray has all I own. Those who have anything agree to send me nothing: Robert Melvin at least says he dare not send it me, though I entrusted him with it secretly as my dearest jewel. For which cause I beg you, seeing these presents, to have pity on your good sister and cousin, and to be assured that you will never have a more near and loving kinswoman in this world. You can also consider the significance of the example practised against me, not only as a king or a queen, but as one of the meanest subjects.
I beg you to have a care lest anyone should know that I have written to you, for that would cause me to be worse treated: and they boast that they are warned by their friends of all you say and do. Believe the bearer like myself. God keep you from misfortune and give me patience and grace that I may one day mourn to you my fortune, and say to you more than I dare write, which may serve you no little.
From my prison this 1st May,
Your most obliged and affectionate good sister and cousin,
MARIE R.