The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

and therefore our Horse-men in their Troop, and a part of the Foot-men with the Ordnance marched somewhat always before them for safety of the Town. The Lords, with the Gentlemen of Fife, and so many of Angus and Mearns as were present, kept themselves close in a knot, near to the number of a thousand Spears. The Townes of Dundee and S. Andrews were arrayed in another battle, who came not to the sight of the enemy, till that after twelve of the clock the mist began to vanish, and then passed some of their Horse-men to a mountain, from the height whereof they might discern our number. Which perceived by them, their Horse-men and Foot-men stayed incontinent, Posts ran to the Duke and Monsieur Dosell, to declare our number, and what order we kept: And then were Mediators sent to make appointment, but they were not suffered to approach near to the Lords, neither yet to the view of our Camp; which put them in great fear. Answer was given unto them,¹ That as we had offended no man, so would we seek appointment of no man; but if any would seek our lives (as we were informed they did) they should find us, if they pleased to make diligence. This answer received, were sent again the Lord Lindsay, and Laird of W•nchton, who earnestly requested us to concord, and that we would not be the occasion that innocent blood should be shed. We answered,² That neither had we quarrel against any man, neither yet sought we any mans blood: only we were convened for defence of our own lives unjustly sought by others. We added further▪ ⟨p. 152⟩That if they could find the mean, that we and our brethren might be free from the tyranny devised against us, that they should reasonably desire nothing which should be denied for our part. This answer received, the Duke and Monsieur Dosell, having Commission of the Queen Regent, required, That Assurance might be taken for eight days; to the end that indifferent men in the mean time might commune upon some final agreement of those things which were then in controversy. Hereto did we fully consent, albeit that in number and force we were far superior, and for testification hereof, we sent unto them our hand writs; and we likewise received theirs with promise, That within two or three days some discreet men should be sent to us to S. Andrews, with further knowledge of the Queens mind. The tenor of the assurance was this.