time to have very great influence in the affairs of Scotland. The Queen's illegitimate brother, the Earl of Murray, a man of great abilities and power, was also strongly opposed to the marriage, and used all influence to prevent it. Notwithstanding of all these obstacles, they were married at Edinburgh on the 29th, July, 1565.
But she soon found to her cost, that she was to experience any thing but happiness in the husband she had chosen. In a very short time after the marriage, he began to treat her with great disrespect, and by his headstrong temper, and the indulgence of low and disgraceful vices, her affections were soon completely alienated from him.
Amongst other subjects of disagreement, Darnley was jealous of the power and influence of David Rizzio, Mary's Italian secretary. This man had been formerly his chosen friend, but he now hated him as his deadliest foe, and, with the assistance of some discontented noblemen, determined to destroy him.
This horrid design was effected in the most barbarous manner. One evening, while Mary was sitting at supper in a small cabinet adjoining to her bed-chamber, in company with the Countess of Argyle, Rizzio, and some other attendants, Darnley suddenly entered by a private passage. He was immediately followed by Lord Ruthven, clad in complete armour, looking pale and ghastly,
