e sentiments to prevail, called a parliament in an abbey near
Haddington; and it was there proposed that the young queen, for her
greater security, should be sent to France, and be committed to the
custody of that ancient ally. Some objected that this measure was
desperate, allowed no resource in case of miscarriage, exposed the
Scots to be subjected by foreigners, involved them in perpetual war with
England, and left them no expedient by which they could conciliate the
friendship of that powerful nation. It was answered, on the other hand,
that the queen's presence was the very cause of war with England; that
that nation would desist when they found that their views of forcing
a marriage had become altogether impracticable; and that Henry, being
engaged by so high a mark of confidence, would take their sovereign
under his protection, and use his utmost efforts to defend the kingdom.
These arguments were aided by French gold, which was plentifully
distributed among the nobles. The governor had a pension conferred on
him of twelve thousand livres a year, received the title of duke of
Chatelrault, and obtained for his son the command of a hundred men at
arms.[**] And as the clergy dreaded the consequences of the English
alliance, they seconded this measure with all the zeal and industry
which either principle or interest could inspire. It was accordingly
determined to send the queen to France; and, what was understood to be
the necessary consequence, to marry her to the dauphin. Villegaignon,
commander of four French galleys lying in the Frith of Forth, set sail
as if he intended to return home; but when he reached the open sea he
turned northwards, passed by the Orkneys, and came in on the west coast
at Dunbarton; an extraordinary voyage for ships of that fabric.[***] The
young queen was there committed to him; and, being attended by the lords
Ereskine and Livingstone, she put to sea, and, after meeting with some
tempestuous weather, arrived safely at Brest, whence she was conducted
to Paris, and soon after she was betrothed to the dauphin.

* Heylin, p. 46. Patten.

** Burnet, vol. ii. p. 83. Buchanan, lib. xv. Keith, p. 55.
Thuanus, lib. v. c. 15.

*** Thuanus, lib. v. c. 15.

Somerset, pressed by many difficulties at home and despairing of success
in his enterprise against Scotland, was desirous of composing the
differences with that kingdom, and he offered the Scots a ten years'
truce; but as