Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 9.djvu/181

1569.3 THE RISING OF THE NORTH. 1*7 supreme and commanding integrity, which alone made a tenure of power under such conditions possible, alone also could have tempted him to assume it. Aware of the intended assembly of Maitland's party, he had quietly, with the Earl of Morton's assist- ance, collected a force large enough for his own protec- tion if they tried to kill him. This done he showed ' no misliking of the Convocation.' He received every one who presented himself with his usual courtesy, but be- fore opening the court he requested them all to meet him in the Council Room. There he reminded them briefly that when he was in France they had elected him to the Regency without his knowledge and against his will. He had sworn to administer justice faithfully during his government, and they on their part had pro- mised to assist him in the execution of his office. They had now assembled in arms to prevent justice from being done, and he desired them to consider whether this was to observe their engagements. He had not interfered with their meeting ; he had wished to show them that they could not frighten him ; he had now merely to say that their further presence was unneces- sary, as the trial would be postponed till it could be fairly conducted. 1 The lords listened with such patience as they could command. They dispersed quietly, but Murray knew what their attitude boded. If the rebellion of ihe Earls gained head in England, they would immedi- Murray to Cecil, November 22 : MSS. Scotland.