e appeals by Knox can only have made their way in Scotland gradually
and privately. But as the year 1558 went on, the prospect of union
became more hopeful. The Queen Regent acted as if 'the duty of the
Magistrate' were to prevent majorities and minorities from laying hands
on each other. And, then at least, this was not an easy work. The
Bishops tyrannised in details in localities where the barons were still
on their side; but Myln was the last Protestant martyr in Scotland. On
the other hand, the adherents of the congregation became so bold,
especially in the towns, that (as Knox tells us) 'the images were stolen
away in all parts of the country, and in Edinburgh was that great idol
called St Gile first _drowned_ in the North Loch, and after burned.'[71]
This was too much, and the Regent allowed the Bishops to summon the
iconoclast preachers for the 19th of July. But a party of Western lairds
heard of it on their way from the army of the Border, and insisted on
interviewing the Queen. Knox's vivid account of what followed must be
quoted. It includes a delicious phonograph of the Scots speech of Mary
of Lorraine, who, to the desire to please all men which was common to
her with her more famous daughter, seems to have added real good nature
and kindliness of heart. James Chalmers of Gadgirth, a rough
Ayrshireman, burst out against the Bishops--

'"Madam, we vow to God we shall make one day of it. They oppress
us and our tenants for feeding of their idle bellies; they
trouble our preachers, and would murder them and us: shall we
suffer this any longer? No, madam, it shall not be." And
therewith every man put on his steel bonnet. There was heard
nothing of the Queen's part but "My joys, my hearts, what ails
you? Me means no evil to you nor to your preachers. The Bishops
shall do you no wrong. Ye are all my loving subjects. Me knew
nothing of this proclamation. The day of your preachers shall be
discharged, and me will hear the controversy that is betwixt the
Bishops and you. They shall do you no wrong. My Lords," said she
to the Bishops, "I forbid you either to trouble them or their
preachers." And unto the gentlemen, who were wondrously
commoved, she turned again and said, "O, my hearts, should ye
not love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your
mind? and should ye not love your neighbours as yourselves?"
With these and the like fair words s