The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

It was then concluded that they would make some new remembrance of Lawder brig, to see if that would for a season somewhat help the state of their Country. But because the Lords could not agree among themselves upon the persons that deserved punishment (for every man favoured his friend) the whole escaped,¹ and the purpose was opened to the King, and by him to the courtiers, who till they came to Edinburgh stood in no little fear: but that was suddenly forgot, as we shall after hear. While time is thus protracted, the English army, for want of victuals (as was bruited) retired over Tweed in the night, and so begin to scale & sunder; whereof the King advertised, desired the Lords and Barons to assist him to follow them into England; whose answer was with one consent,² That to defend his person and Realm, they would hazard life, and whatsoever they had: But to invade England, neither had they so just Title as they desired, neither yet could they be able to do any thing to the hurt of England, considering that they had long before been absent from their houses, their provision was spent, their horses wearied, and that which was greatest of all, the time of the year did utterly reclaim. This their answer seemed to satisfy the King: for he in words praised their prudent foresight and wise counsel. But the essay made to his Courtiers, and that bold ⟨p. 30⟩repulse of his desires given to him in his own face, so wounded his high stomach (for long had he run as himself listed) that he decreeth a notable revenge, which no doubt he had not failed to have executed, if God by his own hand had not cut the days of his life. He returns to Edinburgh, the Nobility, Barons, Gentlemen, and Commons, to their habitations. And this was the second and third days of November.

It was then concluded that they would make some new remembrance of Lawder brig, to see if that would for a season somewhat help the state of their Country. But because the Lords could not agree among themselves upon the persons that deserved punishment (for every man favoured his friend) the whole escaped,¹ and the purpose was opened to the King, and by him to the courtiers, who till they came to Edinburgh stood in no little fear: but that was suddenly forgot, as we shall after hear. While time is thus protracted, the English army, for want of victuals (as was bruted) retired over Tweid in the night, and so begin to skale & sunder; wherof the King advertised, desired the Lords and Barons to assist him to follow them into England; whose answer was with one consent,