“ By eloquence, readiness of wit, and adroit flattery of the jury he contrived to secure his acquittal in the face of the open hostility of the judge—a unique achievement at a time when the condemnation of prisoners whom the authorities wished to convict was a mere matter of course. ”

“ He had to conduct the delicate negotiations which accompanied her return to Scotland, and though he was a supporter of the reformers on political grounds, he became her personal friend and was always willing to do her service. As ambassador in France he exerted himself to induce Elizabeth to aid the Huguenots, and took a part in the war of religion. He was taken prisoner by the Catholic leader, the duke of Guise. After his return to England he was sent as ambassador to Scotland in May 1565. ”