The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

This was a part of the punishment which God took upon the Realm for the infidelity of the Governor,¹ and for the violation of his solemn Oath. But this was not the end; for the Realm was divided into two factions; the one favoured France, the other the League lately contracted with England: The one did in no things credit thoroughly the other, so that the Country was in extreme calamity: for to the English-men were delivered divers Strengths, such as Carelaverock, Lochmaben, and Langham: the most part of the Borderers were confederate with England: And albeit at Ancrome moor in February, in the year of God 1544. was Sir Rafe Ewers, ²with many other English-men slain, and the year after were some of the said strengths recovered, yet was it not without great loss and detriment of the Common-wealth: For in the month of January, in the year of God 1545. Monsieur de Lorge, ³with Bands of men of War, came from France, for a destruction to Scotland: For upon their brag was an Army raised; forwards they go towards Work, ⁴even in the midst of harvest. The Cardinals Banner was that day displayed, and all his Files were charged: to be under it many had before promised, but at the point it was left so bare, that with shame it was shut up into the pock again, and they after a show returned with more shame to the Realm, then hurt ⟨p. 47⟩to their enemies. The black book of Hamilton maketh mention of great vassalage done at that time by the Governor and the French: but such as with their eyes saw the whole progress,⁵ knew that to be a lye, and do repute it amongst the venial sins of that race, ⁶which is to speak the best of themselves they can. That winter following so nurtured the French-men, that they learned to eat (yea to beg) cakes (which at their entry they scorned) without jesting; they were so miserably used, that few returned into France again with their lives. The Cardinal then had almost fortified the Castle of S. Andrews, which he made so strong in his opinion, that he regarded neither England nor France. The Earle of Lenox, as is said, disappointed of all things in Scotland, passed into England, where he was received of King Henry into protection, who gave him to wife Lady Margaret Douglas, of whom was borne Henry, sometime husband to our Queen and Mistress.