to ensue on your refusal

As he thus held up the weapon, Catherine Seyton exclaimed, Methinks I see a token from my father, madam; and immediately crossing the apartment, she took Roland Graeme by the skirt of the cloak, and asked him earnestly whence he had that sword.
The page answered with surprise, Methinks this is no presence in which to jest — Surely, damsel, you yourself best know whence and how I obtained the weapon.
Is this a time for folly? said Catherine Seyton; unsheathe the sword instantly!
If the Queen commands me, said the youth, looking towards his royal mistress.
For shame, maiden! said the Queen; wouldst thou instigate the poor boy to enter into useless strife with the two most approved soldiers in Scotland?
In your Grace’s cause, replied the page, I will venture my life upon them! And as he spoke, he drew his weapon partly from the sheath, and a piece of parchment, rolled around the blade, fell out and dropped on the floor. Catherine Seyton caught it up with eager haste.
It is my father’s hand-writing, she said, and doubtless conveys his best duteous advice to your Majesty; I know that it was prepared to be sent in this weapon, but I expected another messenger.
By my faith, fair one, thought Roland, and if you knew not that I had such a secret missive about me, I was yet more ignorant.
The Queen cast her eye upon the scroll, and remained a few minutes wrapped in deep thought. Sir Robert Melville, she at length said, this scroll advises me to submit myself to necessity, and to subscribe the deeds these hard men have brought with them, as one who gives way to the natural fear inspired by the threats of rebels and murderers. You, Sir Robert, are a wise man, and Seyton is both sagacious and brave. Neither, I think, would mislead me in this matter.
Madam, said Melville, if I have not the strength of body of the Lord Herries or Seyton, I will yield to neither in zeal for your Majesty’s service. I cannot fight for you like these lords, but neither of them is more willing to die for your service.
I believe it, my old and faithful counsellor, said the Queen, and believe me, Melville, I did thee but a moment’s injustice. Read what my Lord Seyton hath written to us, and give us thy best counsel.
He glanced over the parchment, and instantly replied,—Oh! my dear and royal mistress, only treason itself could give you other advice than Lord Seyton has here expressed. He, Herries, Huntly, the English ambassador Throgmorton, and others, your friends, are all alike of opinion, that whatever deeds or instruments you execute within these walls, must lose all force and effect, as extorted from your Grace by duresse, by sufferance of present evil, and fear of men, and harm to ensue on your refusal. Yield, therefore, to the tide, and be assured, that in subscribing what parchments they present to you, you bind yourself to nothing, since your act of signature wants that which alone can make it valid, the free will of the granter.
Ay, so says my Lord Seyton, replied Mary; yet methinks, for the daughter of so long a line of sovereigns to resign her birthright, because rebels press upon her with threats, argues little of royalty, and will read ill for the fame of Mary in future chronicles. Tush! Sir Robert Melville, the traitors may use black threats and bold words, but they will not dare to put their hands forth on our person.