and the warring factions conciliated by general condemnations in
principle which hurt nobody so long as they were not accompanied by
confiscations or deprivations. Such clemency in so young a king was a
marvel to all, the chroniclers say, though indeed there could be little
question of clemency on James's part in a mutual hushing-up, which was
evidently dictated by every circumstance of the time and the only source
of mutual safety.

When, however, he had arrived at man's estate, and makes a recognisable
and individual appearance upon the stage of history, the picture of him
is one of the most attractive ever made, the happiest and brightest
chapter in the tragic story of the Stewarts. Youth with that touch of
extravagance which becomes it, that genial wildness which all are so
ready to pardon, and an adventurous disposition, careless of personal
safety, gave a charm the more to the magnificent young King, handsome,
noble, brave, and full of universal friendliness and sympathy, who comes
forth smiling in the face of fate, ready to turn back every gloomy
augury and bring in another golden age. Pitscottie's description is full
of warmth and vivid reality:--

"In this mean time was good peace and rest in Scotland and great
love betwixt the King and all his subjects, and was well loved by
them all: for he was verrie noble, and though the vice of
covetousness rang over meikle in his father it rang not in himself:
nor yet pykthankis nor cowards should be authorised in his companie,
nor yet advanced; neither used he the council but of his lords,
whereby he won the hearts of the whole nobilitie; so that he could
ride out through any part of the realme, him alone, unknowing that
he was King; and would lie in poor men's houses as he had been ane
travellour through the country, and would require of them where he
lodged, where the King was, and what ane man he was, and how he used
himself towards his subjects, and what they spoke of him through the
countrie. And they would answer him as they thought good, so by this
doing the King heard the common bruit of himself. This Prince was
wondrous hardie and diligent in execution of justice, and loved
nothing so well as able men and horses; therefore at sundry times he
would cause make proclamations through the land to all and sundry
his lords and barons who were able for justing and tourney to come
to Edinburgh t