As for the
Queen's aid, there is no harm in that: QUIA (these are his
own words) QUIA OMNIA MUNDA MUNDIS: because to the pure all
things are pure. One thing, in conclusion, he "may not
pretermit" to give the lie in the throat to his accuser,
where he charges him with seeking support against his native
country. "What I have been to my country," said the old
Reformer, "What I have been to my country, albeit this
unthankful age will not know, yet the ages to come will be
compelled to bear witness to the truth. And thus I cease,
requiring of all men that have anything to oppone against me,
that he may (they may) do it so plainly, as that I may make
myself and all my doings manifest to the world. For to me it
seemeth a thing unreasonable, that, in this my decrepit age,
I shall be compelled to fight against shadows, and howlets
that dare not abide the light." (1)
(1) Calderwood's HISTORY OF THE KIRK OF Scotland, edition of
the Wodrow Society, iii. 51-54.
Now, in this, which may be called his LAST BLAST, there is as
sharp speaking as any in the "First Blast" itself. He is of
the same opinion to the end, you see, although he has been
obliged to cloak and garble that opinion for political ends.
He has been tacking indeed, and he has indeed been seeking
the favour of a queen; but what man ever sought a queen's
favour with a more virtuous purpose, or with as little
courtly policy? The question of consistency is delicate, and
must be made plain.
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