of Spain should be umpire between the crowns.
Besides these stipulations, which regarded England, some concessions
were granted to the Scots; namely, that an amnesty should be published
for all past offences; that none but natives should enjoy any office in
Scotland; that the states should name twenty-four persons, of whom the
queen of Scots should choose seven, and the states five, and in the
hands of these twelve should the whole administration be placed during
their queen's absence; and that Mary should neither make peace nor war
without consent of the states.[***] In order to hasten the execution of
this important treaty, Elizabeth sent ships, by which the French forces
were transported into their own country.

* Haynes, vol i. p. 256, 259.

** Haynes. vol. i. p. 223.

*** Rymer, tom. xv. p. 593. Keith, p. 137. Spotswood, p.
147. Knox, p. 229.

Thus Europe saw, in the first transaction of this reign, the genius and
capacity of the queen and her ministers. She discerned at a distance
the danger which threatened her; and instantly took vigorous measures
to prevent it. Making all possible advantages of her situation, she
proceeded with celerity to a decision; and was not diverted by any
offers, negotiations, or remonstrances of the French court. She stopped
not till she had brought the matter to a final issue; and had converted
that very power, to which her enemies trusted for her destruction, into
her firmest support and security. By exacting no improper conditions
from the Scottish malecontents, even during their greatest distresses,
she established an entire confidence with them; and having cemented
the union by all the ties of gratitude, interest, and religion, she now
possessed an influence over them beyond what remained even with their
native sovereign. The regard which she acquired by this dexterous and
spirited conduct, gave her every where, abroad as well as at home, more
authority than had attended her sister, though supported by all the
power of the Spanish monarchy.[*]

The subsequent measures of the Scottish reformers tended still more
to cement their union with England. Being now entirely masters of the
kingdom, they made no further ceremony or scruple in fully effecting
their purpose. In the treaty of Edinburgh, it had been agreed, that a
parliament or convention should soon be assembled; and the leaders of
the congregation, not waiting till the queen of Scots should ratify
tha