In reality, to whatever cause Rizzio owed his power (and to even the most
clear-sighted historians this point has always remained obscure), be it
that he ruled as lover, be it that he advised as minister, his counsels
as long as he lived were always given for the greater glory of the queen.
Sprung from so low, he at least wished to show himself worthy, of having
risen so high, and owing everything to Mary, he tried to repay her with
devotion. Thus Darnley was not mistaken, and it was indeed Rizzio who,
in despair at having helped to bring about a union which he foresaw must
become so unfortunate, gave Mary the advice not to give up any of her
power to one who already possessed much more than he deserved, in
possessing her person.

Darnley, like all persons of both weak and violent character, disbelieved
in the persistence of will in others, unless this will was sustained by
an outside influence. He thought that in ridding himself of Rizzio he
could not fail to gain the day, since, as he believed, he alone was
opposing the grant of this great desire of his, the crown matrimonial.
Consequently, as Rizzio was disliked by the nobles in proportion as his
merits had raised him above them, it was easy for Darnley to organise a
conspiracy, and James Douglas of Morton, chancellor of the kingdom,
consented to act as chief.

This is the second time since the beginning of our narrative that we
inscribe this name Douglas, so often pronounced, in Scottish history, and
which at this time, extinct in the elder branch, known as the Black
Douglases, was perpetuated in the younger branch, known as the Red
Douglases. It was an ancient, noble, and powerful family, which, when
the descent in the male line from Robert Bruce had lapsed, disputed the
royal title with the first Stuart, and which since then had constantly
kept alongside the throne, sometimes its support, sometimes its enemy,