In the year 1539, there lived in Scotland one John Scot, no way
commended for his learning, for he had none, nor for his good qualities,
which were as few. This man, being overthrown in a suit of law, and
knowing himself unable to pay that wherein he was adjudged, took
sanctuary in the abbey of Holyrood-house; where, out of discontent, he
abstained from all meat and drink, by the space of thirty or forty days
together.
Fame having spread this abroad, the king would have it put to trial,
and to that effect shut him up in a private room within the castle of
Edinburgh, whereunto no man had access. He caused a little water and
bread to be set by him, which he was found not to have diminished in the
end of thirty days and two. Upon this he was dismissed, and, after a
short time, he went to Rome, where he gave the like proof of his fasting
to pope Clement VII.; from whence he went to Venice, carrying with him a
testimony of his long fasting under the pope’s seal: and there also he
gave the like proof thereof. After long time, returning into England, he
went up into the pulpit in St. Paul’s Church-yard, where he gave forth
many speeches against the divorce of king Henry VIII. from his queen
Katherine, inveighing bitterly against him for his defection from the
see of Rome; whereupon he was thrust into prison, where he continued
fasting for the space of fifty days: what his end was I read
not.--_Spotswood, &c._
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