Randolph, SIR THOMAS

Randolph, SIR THOMAS, a trusted agent of Queen Elizabeth, was born in 1523, lived abroad for safety's sake during Mary's reign, and after Elizabeth's accession was frequently employed in diplomatic missions to France, to Russia, and especially to Scotland. He was first sent thither in 1559, and at many a critical juncture for more than twenty years thereafter he played his mistress' cards in the perplexed and corrupt game of Scottish politics. He was twice shot at, in 1566 was ordered by Mary to leave the court, and in 1581 had to flee from Scotland for his life. He died in 1590.