The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

But the wits of men being dashed, no counsel could prevail. We continued from Wednesday the last of October, till Monday the fifth of November, never two or three abiding firm in one opinion the space of four and twenty hours. The pestilent wits of the Queens practisers did then exercise themselves (God shall recompense their malicious craft in their own bosom, we doubt not) for they caused two godly and forward young men, the Lairds of Farnihaste and Cesfurd, who once had gladly joined themselves with us, to with-draw ⟨p. 204⟩themselves and their friends. The same they did to the Earle Morton, who promised to be ours, but did not plainly join. They enticed the Captain of the Castle to deny us support, in case we were pursued. And finally, the counsel of some was no less pestiferous against us, then was the counsel of Ahithophel against David, and his discomfited soldiers. (Render Lord to the wicked according to their malice.) Upon Monday the fifth of November did the French issue out of Leith betimes in the morning, for keeping of the Victuals which should have come to us, we being troubled among our selves, and as said is divided in opinions, were neither circumspect when they did issue, neither yet did we follow with such expedition as had been meet for them that would have sought our advantage. Our soldiers could scarcely be driven forth of the Town: The Earle of Arran, Lord James, and certain with them, made haste; many honest men then followed, and made such diligence, that they caused the French once to retire somewhat affrayedly. The rest that were in Leith perceiving the danger of their fellows, issued out for their succour. The Earle of Arran and Lord James aforesaid,¹ being more forward then prudent and circumspect, did compel the Captains, as is alleged, to bring their men so nigh, that either they must needs have hazarded battle with the whole French-men (and that under the mercy of their Cannons also) or else they must needs retire in a very narrow corner: For our men were approached near to Lestarrig: The one part of the French were upon the North toward the Sea, the other part marched from Leith to Edinburgh; and yet they marched so, that we could have foughten with neither Company before that they should have joined.

But the wits of men being dashed, no counsell could prevaile. We continued from Wednesday the last of October, till Munday the fifth of November, never two or three abiding firme in one opinion the space of four and twenty houres. The pestilent wits of the Queens practisers did then exercise themselves (God shall recompence their malicious craft in their owne bosome, we doubt not) for they caused two godly and forward young men, the Lairds of Farnihaste and Cesfurd, who once had gladly joyned themselves with us, to with-draw