ity of success. He wrote, therefore, another letter
to Arran; and offered to evacuate the kingdom, as well as to repair all
the damages which he had committed, provided the Scots would stipulate
not to contract the queen to any foreign prince, but to detain her at
home till she reached the age of choosing a husband for herself. So
moderate a demand was rejected by the Scots merely on account of its
moderation; and it made them imagine that the protector must either be
reduced to great distress, or be influenced by fear, that he was now
contented to abate so much of his former pretensions. Inflamed also by
their priests, who had come to the camp in great numbers, they believed
that the English were detestable heretics, abhorred of God, and exposed
to divine vengeance; and that no success could ever crown their arms.
They were confirmed in this fond conceit when they saw the protector
change his ground, and move towards the sea; nor did they any longer
doubt that he intended to embark his army, and make his escape on board
the ships which at that very time moved into the bay opposite to him.[*]
Determined therefore to cut off his retreat, they quitted their camp;
and passing the River Eske, advanced into the plain. They were divided
into three bodies: Angus commanded the vanguard; Arran the main body;
Huntley the rear: their cavalry consisted only of light horse, which
were placed on their left flank, strengthened by some Irish archers whom
Argyle had brought over for this service.

* Holingshed, p. 985.

Somerset was much pleased when he saw this movement of the Scottish
army; and as the English had usually been superior in pitched battles,
he conceived great hopes of success. He ranged his van on the left,
farthest from the sea; and ordered them to remain on the high grounds on
which he placed them, till the enemy should approach: he placed his main
battle and his rear towards the right; and beyond the van he posted
Lord Grey at the head of the men at arms, and ordered him to take the
Scottish van in flank, but not till they should be engaged in close
fight with the van of the English.

While the Scots were advancing on the plain, they were galled with the
artillery from the English ships: the eldest son of Lord Graham was
killed: the Irish archers were thrown into disorder; and even the other
troops began to stagger; when Lord Grey, perceiving their situation,
neglected his orders, left his ground, and at the he