The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

whereat the Bishops servants offended, began to threaten and speak proudly: and as it was constantly affirmed, one of the Bishops sons thrust through with a Rapier one of Dundee, for because he was looking in at the Girnell door. This brute noised abroad, the Town of Dundee was more enraged then before; who putting themselves in Armour, sent word to the inhabitants of S. Johnston, That unless they would support them to avenge that injury, they should never after that day occur with them in any action. The multitude easily inflamed, gave the Alarm, and so was ⟨p. 156⟩that Abbey and Palace appointed to Saccage, in doing whereof they took no long deliberation, but committed the whole to the merciement of fire. Whereat no small number of us were so offended, that patiently we could not speak, to any that were of Dundee or Saint Johnston. A poor aged matron seeing the flame of fire to pass up so mightily, and perceiving that many were thereat offended,¹ in plain and sober manner of speaking, said, Now I see and understand that Gods judgements are just, and that no man is able to save where he will punish: since my remembrance this place hath been nothing else but a Den of Whore mongers: It is incredible to believe how many wives have been adulterate, and virgins deflowered by the filthy beasts which have been fostered in this den; but especially by that wicked man who is called the Bishop. If all men knew as much as I, they would praise God, and no man would be offended. This woman dwelt in the Town nigh to the Abbey. At whose words were many pacified, affirming with her, That it was Gods just Judgement. And assuredly if the labours or travel of any man could have saved that place, it had not been at that time destroyed: for men of greatest estimation laboured with all diligence for the safety of it. While these things were done at Saint Johnston, the Queen fearing what should follow, determined to send certain Bands of French Soldiers to Stirling, of purpose to stop the passage to us that then were upon the North side of Forth.

whereat the Bishops servants offended, began to threaten and speak proudly: and as it was constantly affirmed, one of the Bishops sons thrust thorow with a Rapier one of Dundie, for because he was looking in at the Girnell door. This brute noysed abroad, the Town of Dundie was more enraged then before; who putting themselves in Armour, sent word to the inhabitants of S. Iohnston, That unlesse they would support them to avenge that injury, they should never after that day occure with them in any action. The multitude easily enflamed, gave the Alarm, and so was