Mary Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk, “the 20th”, 1570

f74r_signs.tsv

line	tokens	decode	reading
1	{faint ω} Ɉ(null) 9o ρ(?null) o(have) m(null) + 7 s(null) □ ρ a , A ɓ(null) □ m s □ ε(?null) s □ ∠(blotted) , 4 ǂ(null) □ ⊏ ∠ s {3̲2} ∂ ǂб(friend) 4 Π m(null) {ꝗ 9-with-long-tail} {ʃ with superscript hook} a □ m(null) 4 8 a ŋ(null?) X 4 8 m(null) H ω s(null) X ɓ(null) Π H б ε(?) ω Ш X Π □ a ǂ ⊞ 8 ῶ(null)	I have my oun goo(o)d lord {3̲2} your friend li {ꝗ} {ʃ} no lentle satisfaction and for e	I have, my oun good lord, {3̲2} your friendli {ꝗ} {ʃ} no [?lentle] satisfaction, and fore
2	9o 4̶(will) a 8 ρ 8 ⊏ m(null) X ω ǂ ω a Π m(null) X 3 Π a A ④(in) 3 ω a ∠ {⊕ looped cross} H □ + 8 ρ 8 ⊏ A □ □ ∠ + 8 7 Ш □ + 8 □ б Π X Z(to) εʃ(me) ω a Π X 3 Π a A 8 Φ	I will never tak anithing in hand {⊕} some ver good mey come of it to me anithing ex	I will never tak anithing in hand {⊕} some ver good mey come of it to me, anithing ex-
3	Ш 8 2 X 9o ρ ω ⊏ H ρ ⊏ Π X ρ ω ⊏ Z(to) ∂(your) ρ 8 Π 4 ω H ⊞(for) ħ(my) a ǂ(and) Π б 9o + □ Ш 3 X φ 8 H □ Z(to) ρ H φ □ X 3 9o ƀ(would) φ 8 H ρ ⊏	cept I var sur it var to your veil as for myn and if I mocht be so to us both I would be sur	-cept I var sur it var to your veil as for myn; and if I mocht be so to us both, I would be sur
4	ω 4 H Ш 3 □ ρ 4 ∠ ∥(not) φ 8 ④(in) ∠ 8 a A 8 ⊏ ⊞(for) 9o o(have) 8 Φ 2 8 ⊏ Π ω a Ш 8 {⊔ heavy u with base bar} ᵹ(that) {stain: б ω?} ρ' {ɒ=□} ρ ⊏ X 3 ω X ε ʃ □ ρ a 8 б {stain, 5-6 signs} H λ(but) a □ {X?}	al schould not be in denger for I have experiance {⊔} that [fa]vour that me oune f[…]s but no[t]	al schould not be in denger. For I have experiance {⊔} that [?favour] that me oune f[…]s but no[t],
5	ħ(my) □ ρ a ǂ(null) 4 □ m(null) ǂ(null) □ ⊏ ∠ {ᵹ?}(that) ∂(your) {a—} ǂ(and) ħ(my) a б̶(friend) {s?} ƀ(would) ∥(not) φ 8 4 m(null) Π ρ 8 H □ Z(to; partly stained) ρ 8 H ω ρ 8 7 ǂ ω a ④(in) a □ X 3 Π a A Ш □ a	my oun lord that your {a—} and myn friend[s] would not belive so to ues a vey kan in nothing con	my oun lord, that your {a—} and myn [?friends] would not belive so to [?ues] a vey kan in nothing con-
6	X 8 a X ▽?(null) V(Q. of England) 9o б Π a ∠ φ 8 ᵹ8(that) X̸(the) Ш ω ⊏ ∠ Π a ω 4 ꝭ(is) δ(with) ᵹ(that) ꝭ(is) ρ' 8 Π 4 ħ? + 7 a ∠ 8 X Z(to) 3 8 4 2 εʃ(me) {∨ under ink blot} ⊞(for) {O large} б Π a ∠ + 8 ω a 8 H ᵹ(that)	tent the Queen of England I find be that the cardinal is with that is veil mynded to help me {∨} for find meanes that	-tent the Queen of England. I find be that the cardinal is with that is veil mynded to help me; {∨} for find meanes that
7	□ ρ ⊏ Ш ω ρ H ∠ 8 + 8 a ∥(not) ⊞(for) б ω 4 X □ б H □ 4 Π H Π X ω X Π □ a ρ ⊏ 8 Π X Z(to) X̸(the) φ □ б ∂(your) 2 8 ⊏ X ǂ(and) 9o H Ш 3 ω 4	our caus demen not for falt of solisitation vreit to the b of your pert and I schal	our caus demen not for falt of solisitation: vreit to the [?b.] of your pert, and I schal
8	φ 8 X̸(the) a Π Φ X Z(to) X̸?(blotted, the) {a ... under stain, 2-3 signs} б̶(friend) 8 H ƀ(would) ω 4 H □ ω H 9o ǂ ω a Z(to) 2 8 ⊏ H ρ ω ∠ {⊘ with inner b} Z(to) 3 8 H X {o°} б Π a ∠ + 8 ω a 8 H	be the nixt to the […] friendes would also as I kan to persuad {⊘} to hest {o°} find meanes	be the nixt to the […] friendes; would also, as I kan, to persuad {⊘} to hest {o°} find meanes
9	φ 8 ∂(your) H Π H X 8 ⊏ H Ш ⊏ ρ 2 □ ⊏ ρ X 3 8 ⊏ Z(to) Ш ω ρ H {rʒ: r-stem joined to a 3-loop} ǂ a □ ρ ∂(your) + 7 a ∠ ⊞(for) 9o o(have) a □ + 8 ω a 8 H {ᵹ-like with B}(that) 3 8 + 8 7 φ 8	be your sister scrup or uther to caus {rʒ} knou your mynd for I have no meanes that he mey be	be your sister Scrup or uther to caus {rʒ} knou your mynd, for I have no meanes that he mey be
10	H ρ ⊏ □ б б □ ⊏ Ш 8 H ǂ(and) 3 ω ∠ ω 4 б̶(friend) H ④(in) 3 ω a ∠ {blotted sign} 9o X ⊏ ρ H X A □ ∠ 3 8 {ǂ double-barred} 3 8 4 2 ρ H ω H 3 8 φ 8 A 8 a {8 X 3, under blot} ω 4 +(null)	sur of forces and had al friends in hand {blot} I trust God he {ǂ} help us as he begen {…} al	sur of forces, and had al friends in hand. {blot} I trust God he [?will] help us, as he begen […] al-
11	⊏ 8 ∠ 7 Π a m(null) s(null) ∠ 8 4 7 ρ ⊏ Π a A ρ H □ б ε(our) {o—: o with long tail-dash} {blotted L-like sign} X̸(the) V(Q. of England) 3 8 H H 2 □ ǂ m(null) s(null) a 8 ρ a Ш □ ρ ⊏ X ρ H 4 Π Z(to) X̸(the) {IV with dash}(B. of Ross) □ б m(null)	redy in delyvring us of our {o—} [Murray] the Queen of England hes spokn evn courtusli to the B. of Ross of	-redy in delyvring us of our {o—} [?Murray]. The Queen of England hes spokn evn courtusli to the B. of Ross of
12	9(null) ʃ(you) {Π m, partly under ink blot} {blot} H Ш 3 ρ 8 ∠ ǂ(and) Π б 9o(I) ƀ(would) Ш ω ρ H ǂ? m(null) ῶ(null) H Ш 3 ρ X 3 8 ⊏ б̶(friend) ω m(null) ῶ(null) 3 ω ⊏ ǂ 8 φ ρ H H Ш 3 ρ X ƀ(would) ∥(not) +(null) 3 ρ ⊏ X εʃ(me) A □ ∠ φ 8 Π ρ ∠ A 8	you {…} schued and if I would caus schut her friend a harkebus schut would not hurt me God be iudge	you […] schued; and if I would caus schut her friend a harkebus-schut, would not hurt me, God be iudge,
13	φ 8 X ρ Π Φ ρ H 9o ω + ω H ρ ⊏ 8 ∠ ᵹ(that) ɓ(null) H Ш 3 8 {sign under crossing line, A?} ρ 8 ρ 8 H εʃ(me) ᵹ(that) ρ 8 7 X □ б L(Murray) ∠ 8 ω m(null) X 3 {ø filled oval with stroke} λ(but) A □ ∠ ǂ a □ ρ 8 X 3 Π б a? □(null?)	betvix us I am asured that sche {…}eves me that veyt of Murray death {ø} but God knoueth if	betvix us. I am asured that sche [?geves] me that veyt of Murray death {ø}; but God knoueth if
14	{sign under ink blot} 3 8 ⊏ + 7 a ∠ ƀ(would) {ǂ-like, faint} ω X 4 {blot} Π? H X ʃ(you) ǂ a □ ρ X̸(the; blotted) X ⊏ 8 ρ X 3 □ б ▽(this) A □ ∠ 4̶(will) 9o X ⊏ ρ H X 2 ⊏ □ H 2 8 ⊏ ρ H φ □ X 3 X̸(the)	{…} her mynd would {…} at lest you knou the treuth of this God will I trust prosper us both the	[…] her mynd would […], at le[?a]st you knou the treuth of this. God will, I trust, prosper us both, the
15	φ 8 X X 8 ⊏ ᵹ(that) б? ρ 8 8 a Π? б 2 X б ρ ω a {Ш— : Ш with long tail-dash} H + ω ρ ∂? 4 8 H ᵹ(that) φ ⊏ ρ X ꝭ(is) ᵹ(that) + ρ ⊏ X □ a ꝭ(is) A □ a Z(to) {ε/λ-like} λ(but) ∥(not) ⊞(for) X ⊏ 8 ρ X 3 Π X	better that ve {…} {Ш—} sma{…}les that brut is that murton is gon to {…} but not for treuth it	better that ve […] {Ш—} […]les. That brut is that Murton is gon to […]; but not for treuth it
16	Π ρ ⊏ 8 Π X a 8 ▽(this) a Π {blot} Ш 3 X Z(to) +(null) εʃ(me) 4 m(null) □ ⊏ ∠ X ω 4 φ □ m(null) ῶ(null) X {∂-like} ∥(not) ⊞(for) X ⊏ 8 ρ X 3 Π X Ш □ + 8 X 3 б ⊏ □ + 7 □ ⊏ ǂ	I vreit ne this nicht to me lord Talbot {∂} not for treuth it cometh from York	I vreit [?ane] this: nicht to me Lord Talbot {∂}, not for treuth, it cometh from York.
17	{a φ ρ, 3 signs} 9o(I) 4̶(will) 8 a ∠ ǂ(and) 2 ⊏ 8 7 ʃ(you) ∥(not) Z(to) Ш □ a H X ⊏ 8 a ʃ(you) □ ⊏ 3 ω H ω ⊏ ∠ ʃ(you) Z(to) ρ ⊏ 8 7 X ∂(your) H 8 4 б λ(but) Ш ω ρ H {⊗ X with loop} λ(but) ρ ⊏ 8 7 X	{…} I will end and prey you not to constren you or hasard you to vreyt your self but caus {⊗} but vreyt	[…] I will end, and prey you not to constren you or hasard you to vreyt your self, but caus {⊗} but vreyt
18	X(t) □ ω a Π ρ X 3 8 ⊏ ④(in) ∂(your) a 8 + λ(but) ʃ(you) ω ⊏ ρ 8 4 ǂ(and) + ⊏ 8 + 8 + φ 8 ⊏ H ∂(your) □ ρ a 8 9o(I) ∠ 8 H 7 ⊏ a □ + □ ⊏ ⊞(for) ǂ(and) 9o(I) 3 8 ω ⊏	to ani uther in your nem but you ar vel and remembers your oune I desyr no mor for and I hear	-o ani uther in your nem, but you ar vel; and remembers your oune. I desyr no mor, for and I hear
19	a □ X 3 Π a A 9o(I) б 8 ω ⊏ 8 ρ 8 ⊏ ᵹ(that) H □ + X 8 ω 4 8 H + ω ǂ ʃ(you) □ б 8 a ∠ 8 X ω X εʃ(me) 9o(I) H Ш 3 ω 4 A □ ∠ ρ 8 4 Π a A	nothing I fear ever that som teales mak you ofendet at me I schal God veling	nothing, I fear ever that som teales mak you ofendet at me. I schal, God veling,
20	a 8 ρ 8 ⊏ + ω ǂ Ш ω ρ H λ(but) H 8 a H X̸(the) 4 ω H {ǂ-like} Π 8 8 m(null) s(null) 9o(I) m(null) 8 ρ 8 ⊏ ω + ④(in) ∠ □ ρ φ X □ б X̸(the) 4 7 ǂ 9o(I)	never mak caus but sens the las{…}ie I ever am in doubt of the lyk I	never mak caus, but sens the last […] I ever am in doubt of the lyk. I
21	2 ⊏ 8 7 3 Π + Z(to) 2 ⊏ 8 H 8 ⊏ ρ 8 ʃ(you) б ⊏ □ + б 8 7 a Π X б̶(friend) H ǂ(and) H 8 a ∠ ρ H + □ ⊏ Ш □ a б □ ⊏ X ω a	prey him to preserve you from feynit friends and send us mor confort an	prey him to preserve you from feynit friends, and send us mor confort; an-
22	{ſ with crossbar, f/y?} 8 X ρ Π o(have) 3 ω ∠ ④(in) ▽(this) + 8 ω a X 7 + ④(in) ρ 8 4 □ ⊏ ρ □ 9o(I) H Ш 3 ω 4 8 ρ 8 ⊏ ⊏ 8 + 8 a ∂(your) H б 8 Π X 3 б ρ 4	{ſ̶}et vi have had in this meantym in vel or vo I schal ever remen yours feithful	-[d] [?yet] vi have had in this meantym in vel or vo, I schal ever remen yours feithful
23	X Π 4 m(null) ∠ 8 ω X 3 X(?) 8 3 ⩓(Mary) m(null) 9(null) X ρ 8 a X Π □ б ▽(this) Π a H X ω a m(null) s(null) X	til death {Mary} the tventi of this instant	til death. {Mary}. The tventi of this instant.

f74r_decryption.md

# Copied verbatim from NOTES.md (22 Oct 2026), section 'Reading' and 'Open points': the reading of f. 74r line by line, made on the image strips with Tomokiyo's key.
### Reading (Mary's spelling kept; [..] = supplied/uncertain; {sign} = nomenclator sign not in the key)

1  I have, my oun good lord, [..] your friendl[y] [..] no [g]entle satisfaction, and fore
2  I will never take anithing in hand {⊕: unless?} some ver good mey come of it to me, anithing ex-
3  -ept I var sur it var to your veil as for myn; and if I mocht be so to us both, I would be sur
4  al schould not be in denger. For I have experiance [..] that [f]avour that me oune f[riend]s [...stain...] but no[t],
5  my oun lord, that your {a—} and myn friend[s] would not believe so to use a way can nothing content
6  the Queen of England. I find be that the cardinal is with that is veil mynded to help me; [..] for find meanes that
7  our caus[e] be not [lost] for falt of solisitation: vreit to the B[ishop of Ross] of your part, and I schal
8  be the nixt to [..] friendes, would al[so], as I kan, to persuad {⊘: a person} to hest [to] find meanes.
9  Be your sister Scrup or uther to caus [..] knou your mynd, for I have no meanes that he mey be
10 sur of forces, and had al friends in hand. [..] I trust God he will help us, as he be[gan] al-
11 -redy in delyvring us of our {o—} Murray. The Queen of England hes spok[en] courtusli to the B. of Ross of
12 you [..] schued, as if I would caus schut her friend a harkebus-schut. [It] would not hurt me, God be juge,
13 betvix us. I am asured that sche [..] sueves me the veyt [= Scots "wyte", blame] of Murray death {ø}; but God knoueth if
14 [..] her mynd would [..] at le[a]st you knou the treuth of this. God will, I trust, prosper us both, the
15 better that ve have som[e] [..] [..]les. That brut is that Murton is gon to[..]; but not for treuth it
16 I vreit [ane?] this: nicht to me Lord Talbot [..], not for treuth, it cometh from York. [..]
17 [..] I will end, and prey you not to constren you or hasard you to vreyt your self, but caus {⊗} but vreyt t-
18 -o ani uther in your nem, but you ar vel; and remembers your oune. I desyr no mor, for and [= if] I hear
19 nothing, I fear ever that som teales mak you ofendet at me. I schal, God veling,
20 never mak caus, but sens the last [lie?] I ever am in doubt of the lyk. I
21 prey him to preserve you from feynit friends, and send us mor confort, [and]
22 yet vi have had in this meantym in vel or vo, I schal ever remen yours feithful
23 til death. {Mary}. The tventi of this instant.

Dating: after Moray's murder (Linlithgow, 23 Jan 1570, harquebus shot) — Elizabeth suspects Mary ("gives me
the wyte of Murray death"); Morton rumoured on the move; Lord Talbot at hand (in 1570 the courtesy title of Shrewsbury's eldest son Francis, not Gilbert, who took it in 1582). So 20 Feb or 20 Mar 1570.

### Open points
- Unkeyed signs: ⊕ (l.2), ⊘ with inner b (l.8, a person), ø (l.13), ⊗ (l.17), {a—}/{o—} dash signs (ll.5, 11).
- l.1 "[..] your friendl[y] [b][ʃ']" and the "∠ s 3 ɹ" group after "lord" unread; l.4 end under a stain.
- ǂ standing alone = "and" (also k inside words: kan, spok, lyk, York); εʃ = "me"; б-with-bar = friend.

f74r_signs.tsv

line	tokens	decode	reading
1	{faint ω} Ɉ(null) 9o ρ(?null) o(have) m(null) + 7 s(null) □ ρ a , A ɓ(null) □ m s □ ε(?null) s □ ∠(blotted) , 4 ǂ(null) □ ⊏ ∠ s {3̲2} ∂ ǂб(friend) 4 Π m(null) {ꝗ 9-with-long-tail} {ʃ with superscript hook} a □ m(null) 4 8 a ŋ(null?) X 4 8 m(null) H ω s(null) X ɓ(null) Π H б ε(?) ω Ш X Π □ a ǂ ⊞ 8 ῶ(null)	I have my oun goo(o)d lord {3̲2} your friend li {ꝗ} {ʃ} no lentle satisfaction and for e	I have, my oun good lord, {3̲2} your friendli {ꝗ} {ʃ} no [?lentle] satisfaction, and fore
2	9o 4̶(will) a 8 ρ 8 ⊏ m(null) X ω ǂ ω a Π m(null) X 3 Π a A ④(in) 3 ω a ∠ {⊕ looped cross} H □ + 8 ρ 8 ⊏ A □ □ ∠ + 8 7 Ш □ + 8 □ б Π X Z(to) εʃ(me) ω a Π X 3 Π a A 8 Φ	I will never tak anithing in hand {⊕} some ver good mey come of it to me anithing ex	I will never tak anithing in hand {⊕} some ver good mey come of it to me, anithing ex-
3	Ш 8 2 X 9o ρ ω ⊏ H ρ ⊏ Π X ρ ω ⊏ Z(to) ∂(your) ρ 8 Π 4 ω H ⊞(for) ħ(my) a ǂ(and) Π б 9o + □ Ш 3 X φ 8 H □ Z(to) ρ H φ □ X 3 9o ƀ(would) φ 8 H ρ ⊏	cept I var sur it var to your veil as for myn and if I mocht be so to us both I would be sur	-cept I var sur it var to your veil as for myn; and if I mocht be so to us both, I would be sur
4	ω 4 H Ш 3 □ ρ 4 ∠ ∥(not) φ 8 ④(in) ∠ 8 a A 8 ⊏ ⊞(for) 9o o(have) 8 Φ 2 8 ⊏ Π ω a Ш 8 {⊔ heavy u with base bar} ᵹ(that) {stain: б ω?} ρ' {ɒ=□} ρ ⊏ X 3 ω X ε ʃ □ ρ a 8 б {stain, 5-6 signs} H λ(but) a □ {X?}	al schould not be in denger for I have experiance {⊔} that [fa]vour that me oune f[…]s but no[t]	al schould not be in denger. For I have experiance {⊔} that [?favour] that me oune f[…]s but no[t],
5	ħ(my) □ ρ a ǂ(null) 4 □ m(null) ǂ(null) □ ⊏ ∠ {ᵹ?}(that) ∂(your) {a—} ǂ(and) ħ(my) a б̶(friend) {s?} ƀ(would) ∥(not) φ 8 4 m(null) Π ρ 8 H □ Z(to; partly stained) ρ 8 H ω ρ 8 7 ǂ ω a ④(in) a □ X 3 Π a A Ш □ a	my oun lord that your {a—} and myn friend[s] would not belive so to ues a vey kan in nothing con	my oun lord, that your {a—} and myn [?friends] would not belive so to [?ues] a vey kan in nothing con-
6	X 8 a X ▽?(null) V(Q. of England) 9o б Π a ∠ φ 8 ᵹ8(that) X̸(the) Ш ω ⊏ ∠ Π a ω 4 ꝭ(is) δ(with) ᵹ(that) ꝭ(is) ρ' 8 Π 4 ħ? + 7 a ∠ 8 X Z(to) 3 8 4 2 εʃ(me) {∨ under ink blot} ⊞(for) {O large} б Π a ∠ + 8 ω a 8 H ᵹ(that)	tent the Queen of England I find be that the cardinal is with that is veil mynded to help me {∨} for find meanes that	-tent the Queen of England. I find be that the cardinal is with that is veil mynded to help me; {∨} for find meanes that
7	□ ρ ⊏ Ш ω ρ H ∠ 8 + 8 a ∥(not) ⊞(for) б ω 4 X □ б H □ 4 Π H Π X ω X Π □ a ρ ⊏ 8 Π X Z(to) X̸(the) φ □ б ∂(your) 2 8 ⊏ X ǂ(and) 9o H Ш 3 ω 4	our caus demen not for falt of solisitation vreit to the b of your pert and I schal	our caus demen not for falt of solisitation: vreit to the [?b.] of your pert, and I schal
8	φ 8 X̸(the) a Π Φ X Z(to) X̸?(blotted, the) {a ... under stain, 2-3 signs} б̶(friend) 8 H ƀ(would) ω 4 H □ ω H 9o ǂ ω a Z(to) 2 8 ⊏ H ρ ω ∠ {⊘ with inner b} Z(to) 3 8 H X {o°} б Π a ∠ + 8 ω a 8 H	be the nixt to the […] friendes would also as I kan to persuad {⊘} to hest {o°} find meanes	be the nixt to the […] friendes; would also, as I kan, to persuad {⊘} to hest {o°} find meanes
9	φ 8 ∂(your) H Π H X 8 ⊏ H Ш ⊏ ρ 2 □ ⊏ ρ X 3 8 ⊏ Z(to) Ш ω ρ H {rʒ: r-stem joined to a 3-loop} ǂ a □ ρ ∂(your) + 7 a ∠ ⊞(for) 9o o(have) a □ + 8 ω a 8 H {ᵹ-like with B}(that) 3 8 + 8 7 φ 8	be your sister scrup or uther to caus {rʒ} knou your mynd for I have no meanes that he mey be	be your sister Scrup or uther to caus {rʒ} knou your mynd, for I have no meanes that he mey be
10	H ρ ⊏ □ б б □ ⊏ Ш 8 H ǂ(and) 3 ω ∠ ω 4 б̶(friend) H ④(in) 3 ω a ∠ {blotted sign} 9o X ⊏ ρ H X A □ ∠ 3 8 {ǂ double-barred} 3 8 4 2 ρ H ω H 3 8 φ 8 A 8 a {8 X 3, under blot} ω 4 +(null)	sur of forces and had al friends in hand {blot} I trust God he {ǂ} help us as he begen {…} al	sur of forces, and had al friends in hand. {blot} I trust God he [?will] help us, as he begen […] al-
11	⊏ 8 ∠ 7 Π a m(null) s(null) ∠ 8 4 7 ρ ⊏ Π a A ρ H □ б ε(our) {o—: o with long tail-dash} {blotted L-like sign} X̸(the) V(Q. of England) 3 8 H H 2 □ ǂ m(null) s(null) a 8 ρ a Ш □ ρ ⊏ X ρ H 4 Π Z(to) X̸(the) {IV with dash}(B. of Ross) □ б m(null)	redy in delyvring us of our {o—} [Murray] the Queen of England hes spokn evn courtusli to the B. of Ross of	-redy in delyvring us of our {o—} [?Murray]. The Queen of England hes spokn evn courtusli to the B. of Ross of
12	9(null) ʃ(you) {Π m, partly under ink blot} {blot} H Ш 3 ρ 8 ∠ ǂ(and) Π б 9o(I) ƀ(would) Ш ω ρ H ǂ? m(null) ῶ(null) H Ш 3 ρ X 3 8 ⊏ б̶(friend) ω m(null) ῶ(null) 3 ω ⊏ ǂ 8 φ ρ H H Ш 3 ρ X ƀ(would) ∥(not) +(null) 3 ρ ⊏ X εʃ(me) A □ ∠ φ 8 Π ρ ∠ A 8	you {…} schued and if I would caus schut her friend a harkebus schut would not hurt me God be iudge	you […] schued; and if I would caus schut her friend a harkebus-schut, would not hurt me, God be iudge,
13	φ 8 X ρ Π Φ ρ H 9o ω + ω H ρ ⊏ 8 ∠ ᵹ(that) ɓ(null) H Ш 3 8 {sign under crossing line, A?} ρ 8 ρ 8 H εʃ(me) ᵹ(that) ρ 8 7 X □ б L(Murray) ∠ 8 ω m(null) X 3 {ø filled oval with stroke} λ(but) A □ ∠ ǂ a □ ρ 8 X 3 Π б a? □(null?)	betvix us I am asured that sche {…}eves me that veyt of Murray death {ø} but God knoueth if	betvix us. I am asured that sche [?geves] me that veyt of Murray death {ø}; but God knoueth if
14	{sign under ink blot} 3 8 ⊏ + 7 a ∠ ƀ(would) {ǂ-like, faint} ω X 4 {blot} Π? H X ʃ(you) ǂ a □ ρ X̸(the; blotted) X ⊏ 8 ρ X 3 □ б ▽(this) A □ ∠ 4̶(will) 9o X ⊏ ρ H X 2 ⊏ □ H 2 8 ⊏ ρ H φ □ X 3 X̸(the)	{…} her mynd would {…} at lest you knou the treuth of this God will I trust prosper us both the	[…] her mynd would […], at le[?a]st you knou the treuth of this. God will, I trust, prosper us both, the
15	φ 8 X X 8 ⊏ ᵹ(that) б? ρ 8 8 a Π? б 2 X б ρ ω a {Ш— : Ш with long tail-dash} H + ω ρ ∂? 4 8 H ᵹ(that) φ ⊏ ρ X ꝭ(is) ᵹ(that) + ρ ⊏ X □ a ꝭ(is) A □ a Z(to) {ε/λ-like} λ(but) ∥(not) ⊞(for) X ⊏ 8 ρ X 3 Π X	better that ve {…} {Ш—} sma{…}les that brut is that murton is gon to {…} but not for treuth it	better that ve […] {Ш—} […]les. That brut is that Murton is gon to […]; but not for treuth it
16	Π ρ ⊏ 8 Π X a 8 ▽(this) a Π {blot} Ш 3 X Z(to) +(null) εʃ(me) 4 m(null) □ ⊏ ∠ X ω 4 φ □ m(null) ῶ(null) X {∂-like} ∥(not) ⊞(for) X ⊏ 8 ρ X 3 Π X Ш □ + 8 X 3 б ⊏ □ + 7 □ ⊏ ǂ	I vreit ne this nicht to me lord Talbot {∂} not for treuth it cometh from York	I vreit [?ane] this: nicht to me Lord Talbot {∂}, not for treuth, it cometh from York.
17	{a φ ρ, 3 signs} 9o(I) 4̶(will) 8 a ∠ ǂ(and) 2 ⊏ 8 7 ʃ(you) ∥(not) Z(to) Ш □ a H X ⊏ 8 a ʃ(you) □ ⊏ 3 ω H ω ⊏ ∠ ʃ(you) Z(to) ρ ⊏ 8 7 X ∂(your) H 8 4 б λ(but) Ш ω ρ H {⊗ X with loop} λ(but) ρ ⊏ 8 7 X	{…} I will end and prey you not to constren you or hasard you to vreyt your self but caus {⊗} but vreyt	[…] I will end, and prey you not to constren you or hasard you to vreyt your self, but caus {⊗} but vreyt
18	X(t) □ ω a Π ρ X 3 8 ⊏ ④(in) ∂(your) a 8 + λ(but) ʃ(you) ω ⊏ ρ 8 4 ǂ(and) + ⊏ 8 + 8 + φ 8 ⊏ H ∂(your) □ ρ a 8 9o(I) ∠ 8 H 7 ⊏ a □ + □ ⊏ ⊞(for) ǂ(and) 9o(I) 3 8 ω ⊏	to ani uther in your nem but you ar vel and remembers your oune I desyr no mor for and I hear	-o ani uther in your nem, but you ar vel; and remembers your oune. I desyr no mor, for and I hear
19	a □ X 3 Π a A 9o(I) б 8 ω ⊏ 8 ρ 8 ⊏ ᵹ(that) H □ + X 8 ω 4 8 H + ω ǂ ʃ(you) □ б 8 a ∠ 8 X ω X εʃ(me) 9o(I) H Ш 3 ω 4 A □ ∠ ρ 8 4 Π a A	nothing I fear ever that som teales mak you ofendet at me I schal God veling	nothing, I fear ever that som teales mak you ofendet at me. I schal, God veling,
20	a 8 ρ 8 ⊏ + ω ǂ Ш ω ρ H λ(but) H 8 a H X̸(the) 4 ω H {ǂ-like} Π 8 8 m(null) s(null) 9o(I) m(null) 8 ρ 8 ⊏ ω + ④(in) ∠ □ ρ φ X □ б X̸(the) 4 7 ǂ 9o(I)	never mak caus but sens the las{…}ie I ever am in doubt of the lyk I	never mak caus, but sens the last […] I ever am in doubt of the lyk. I
21	2 ⊏ 8 7 3 Π + Z(to) 2 ⊏ 8 H 8 ⊏ ρ 8 ʃ(you) б ⊏ □ + б 8 7 a Π X б̶(friend) H ǂ(and) H 8 a ∠ ρ H + □ ⊏ Ш □ a б □ ⊏ X ω a	prey him to preserve you from feynit friends and send us mor confort an	prey him to preserve you from feynit friends, and send us mor confort; an-
22	{ſ with crossbar, f/y?} 8 X ρ Π o(have) 3 ω ∠ ④(in) ▽(this) + 8 ω a X 7 + ④(in) ρ 8 4 □ ⊏ ρ □ 9o(I) H Ш 3 ω 4 8 ρ 8 ⊏ ⊏ 8 + 8 a ∂(your) H б 8 Π X 3 б ρ 4	{ſ̶}et vi have had in this meantym in vel or vo I schal ever remen yours feithful	-[d] [?yet] vi have had in this meantym in vel or vo, I schal ever remen yours feithful
23	X Π 4 m(null) ∠ 8 ω X 3 X(?) 8 3 ⩓(Mary) m(null) 9(null) X ρ 8 a X Π □ б ▽(this) Π a H X ω a m(null) s(null) X	til death {Mary} the tventi of this instant	til death. {Mary}. The tventi of this instant.

f74r_reading.md

# Mary Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk, "the tventi of this instant" [Feb or Mar 1570] — BL Cotton MS Caligula C II f. 74r

Rests on: Tomokiyo's key for the Mary–Norfolk cipher (`img/mary_Norfolk.png`, corrected 16 July 2023), applied sign by
sign to the BL IIIF images of f. 74r (`img/f74r_text.jpg`, slope-following line strips). Re-read 23 Oct 2026 by
Claude Opus 5.5, REREAD_BRIEF batch b31, against the line-by-line reading of 22 Oct (`f74r_decryption.md`).
Sign tokens per line: `f74r_signs.tsv`; changes: `f74r_corrections.tsv`.

Conventions: Mary's Scots-English spelling kept (var = were, veil = weal, mocht = might, vreit = write, schal, sche);
punctuation added. `[?word]` = partly carried by its signs; `[word]` = supplied, nothing carries it; `[…]` = unread;
`{sign}` = a nomenclator sign not in the key (or an unread sign group) transcribed by its shape.


**State: decoded, not read (partial reading).** Scores 0.229 plain, 0.829 explicit holes only, 0.714 when the unkeyed
signs {…} count as holes; the opening sentence, the 'For I have experiance' sentence, ll. 10-11 and l. 15 do not build,
and legible runs in ll. 11, 15, 17, 20 are not yet resolved (see `f74r_reread_log.md`).

## Reading

I have, my oun good lord, {3̲2} your friendli {ꝗ} {ʃ̊} no [?lentle] satisfaction, and fore I will never tak anithing in hand {⊕} some ver good mey come of it to me, anithing except I var sur it var to your veil as for myn; and if I mocht be so to us both, I would be sur al schould not be in denger.

For I have experiance {⊔} that [?favour] that me oune f[…]s […] but no[t], my oun lord, that your {a—} and myn [?friends] would not belive so to [?ues] a vey kan in nothing content the Queen of England.

I find be that the cardinal is with that is veil mynded to help me; {∨} for find meanes that our caus demen not for falt of solisitation: vreit to the [?b.] of your pert, and I schal be the nixt to the […] friendes; would also, as I kan, to persuad {⊘} to hest {o°} find meanes be your sister Scrup or uther to caus {rʒ} knou your mynd, for I have no meanes that he mey be sur of forces, and had al friends in hand.

{blot} I trust God he [?will] help us, as he begen […] alredy in delyvring us of our {o—} [?Murray].

The Queen of England hes spokn […] courtusli to the B. of Ross of you […] schued; and if I would caus schut her friend a harkebus-schut, would not hurt me, God be iudge, betvix us.

I am asured that sche [?geves] me that veyt of Murray death {ø}; but God knoueth if […] her mynd would […], at le[?a]st you knou the treuth of this.

God will, I trust, prosper us both, the better that ve […] {Ш—} […]les.

That brut is that Murton is gon to […]; but not for treuth it I vreit [?ane] this: nicht to me Lord Talbot {∂}, not for treuth, it cometh from York.

[…] I will end, and prey you not to constren you or hasard you to vreyt your self, but caus {⊗} but vreyt to ani uther in your nem, but you ar vel; and remembers your oune.

I desyr no mor, for and I hear nothing, I fear ever that som teales mak you ofendet at me.

I schal, God veling, never mak caus, but sens the last […] I ever am in doubt of the lyk.

I prey him to preserve you from feynit friends, and send us mor confort; an[d] [?yet] vi have had in this meantym in vel or vo, I schal ever remen yours feithful til death.

{Mary}. The tventi of this instant.

## Notes

Key values adopted: none. No unkeyed sign could be given a value that holds at every occurrence on this page; each
occurs once (⊕ l.2, ⊔ l.4, ∨ l.6, ⊘ l.8, o° l.8, rʒ l.9, ø l.13, ⊗ l.17) or twice-to-three times in a related family
({a—} l.5, {o—} l.11, {Ш—} l.15: a letter sign with a long horizontal tail-dash). The tail-dash family looks like a
nomenclator class (letter + dash = a word); "our {o—} Murray" would fit "enemy", "your {a—} and myn friends" would
fit "servants/friends" — sense-only, not adopted. ff. 66/69/75 were not searched for these signs in this pass.

Flagged (sense-only or shape-uncertain):
- l.1 "{3̲2}" (3 over 2 with underline) and "{ꝗ} {ʃ̊}" after "friendli": unkeyed; the 22 Oct reading left them open too.
  "lentle" (4 8 a X 4 8): the first sign is clearly 4 (l), not A (g); the old "[g]entle" was an emendation. Kept as
  [?lentle] (= gentle by sense only).
- l.4 "{⊔}": a heavy u-shape with base bar after "experiance", not in the key. "[?favour]": the first sign under the stain
  is not legible; the old "[f]avour" kept as partly carried.
- l.5 "[?ues]" for "use" (ρ 8 H, stained); "a vey kan" (ω, ρ 8 7, ǂ ω a) replaces the old "a way can".
- l.7 "demen" (∠ 8 + 8 a) replaces the old supplied "be not [lost]": the signs carry "demen" (= Scots "demean"?,
  sense not secure); "[?b.]" one sign φ after "the" (the old "B[ishop of Ross]" is not carried; the Ross sign IV is not
  there).
- l.8 "the […] friendes": a blotted X̸ and 2-3 signs under the stain.
- l.10 "{ǂ double-barred}" read [?will] (4̶ expected); "begen […]": 3 signs under a blot.
- l.11 "spokn […]": after "spok" two nulls and "a 8 ρ a" (n e v n) — not resolved; "[?Murray]": a blotted L-like sign.
- l.13 "[?geves]": first sign under a crossing line; "that veyt": the sign is ᵹ (that), not X̸ (the).
- l.15 the run after "ve" (8 a Π б 2 X б ρ ω a {Ш—} H + ω ρ ∂ 4 8 H) is not read.
- l.16 "{∂}" after "Talbot": a ∂-shaped word sign (your?) that makes no sense as "your".
- l.22 first sign: long ſ with crossbar, not the key's 7 (y); "yet" rests on sense.
- ll.21-23 tokens were checked against the strips but more summarily than ll.1-17.

Look-alike letters: 3 of 1493 letters (0.2 %): l.6 the first sign of "mynded" (ħ-like, read as m-letter group),
l.10 the double-barred ǂ read as the will sign, l.22 the crossed ſ read as y. Total letters counted with
`decode` column of `f74r_signs.tsv`, word signs expanded.