had
most zealously promoted the reformation, they were disgusted to find
that the queen's favor was entirely engrossed by a new cabal, the earls
of Bothwell, Athole, Sutherland, and Huntley; men who were esteemed
either lukewarm in religious controversy, or inclined to the Catholic
party. The same ground of discontent which in other courts is the source
of intrigue, faction, and opposition, commonly produced in Scotland
either projects of assassination or of rebellion; and besides mutual
accusations of the former kind, which it is difficult to clear up,[*]
[7] the malecontent lords, as soon as they saw the queen's marriage
entirely resolved on, entered into a confederacy for taking arms against
their sovereign. They met at Stirling; pretended an anxious concern for
the security of religion; framed engagements for mutual defence; and
made applications to Elizabeth for assistance and protection.[**] That
princess, after publishing the expressions of her displeasure against
the marriage, had secretly ordered her ambassadors, Randolf and
Throgmorton, to give in her name some promises of support to the
malecontents; and had even sent them a supply of ten thousand pounds, to
enable them to begin an insurrection.[***]

Mary was no sooner informed of the meeting at Stirling, and the
movements of the lords, than she summoned them to appear at court, in
order to answer for their conduct; and having levied some forces to
execute the laws, she obliged the rebels to leave the low countries,
and take shelter in Argyleshire. That she might more effectually cut off
their resources, she proceeded with the king to Glasgow, and forced them
from their retreat. They appeared at Paisley, in the neighborhood,
with about a thousand horse, and passing the queen's army, proceeded to
Hamilton, thence to Edinburgh, which they entered without resistance.
They expected great reenforcements in this place, from the efforts of
Knox and the seditious preachers; and they beat their drums, desiring
all men to enlist, and receive wages for the defence of God's
glory.[****]

* See note G, at the end of the volume.

** Keith, p. 293, 294, 300, 301.

*** Knox, p. 380. Keith, Append, p. 164. Anderson, vol. iii.
p. 194.

**** Knox, p. 381.

But the nation was in no disposition for rebellion: Mary was esteemed
and beloved: her marriage was not generally disagreeable to the people:
and the interested views of the malecontent lord