Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/197

t$ 72.] THE MASS A CRE OF ST BAR THOL OME W. 177 there ; l and Killigrew, who, besides his secret com- mission for the surrender and execution of Mary Stuart, was directed to use the moment to bring about a general reconciliation, found this part of his duty seemingly of easy accomplishment. The nobler mind of Scotland was startled out of its petty feuds. A heartfelt indig- nation worked in all parties to extinguish the latest remnants of French sympathies; and every one, what- ever his creed or politics, was eager to wash his hands of all connection with a Court which was presided over by assassins. ' Those that have any fear of God,' re- September. ported Killigrew, 'break out into open speeches of detesting the cruelty, and have exhibited a supplication to the Regent to take counsel in time, and prevent the danger apparent from drawing nearer. Every man crieth out to join with England in some straighter league.' 2 The nobles, long ' nuzzled ' in bloodshed, would not in themselves have been very deeply aifected : but the power of the nobles was fast declining ; a middle class, made strong by faith in God, was stepping forward into energy and self-reliance ; and in worldly strength as well as spiritual power, they were making good their place in the commonwealth. They had bought arms and had learnt to use them, and were no longer at the mercy of the steel-coated retainers of the earls and 1 James Kirkaldy to them of the Castle, August 24: MSS. QUEEN 2 Killigrew to Burghley, Sep- tember 29 : MSS. Scotland. OF SCOTS. TOL. X. 12