70 MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH.
meanwhile, the deacons of the corporations were summoned to the rescue of the Provost
and Bailies, ‘‘ but they past to their four-hour’s penny, or afternoon’s pint,’’ returning for
answer, that since tiley wilt de magistrates alone, let them rule alone!
The Provost was compelled at last to seek the mediation of the Governor of the
Castle, but the rioters did not disperse, nor permit the magistrates to escape from durance,
until after nine o’clock at night, when a public proclamation was made at the Cross,
engaging that they should not pursue any one for that day’s work.’
On the 19th of August 1561, Queen Mary landed at Leith, where she was received
by the Lord James, her natural brother, and many of the chief nubility; and conveyed
in state to the Abbey of Holyrood House. On the news of her arrival, the nobility and
leaders, without distinction of party, crowded to Edinburgh, to congratulate her on her
return to her native land, and tender their homage and service, while the people
testified their pleasure by bonfires and music, and other popular demonstrations of
rejoicing.
Magnificent entertainments were provided by the town of Edinburgh, as well as by
the chief nobility, and everything waa done on her arrival to assure her of the perfect
loyalty and affection of her subjects ; yet, if we may believe Brantome, an eye-witness, the
Queen could not help contrasting, with a sigh, the inferiority of the national displays on
her arrival, when contrasted with the gorgeous pageants to which she had been accustomed
at the Court of France.’
Contrary to what had been anticipated, the Queen received the Lord James into special
favour, and admitted him to the chief control in all public affairs ; but notwithstanding
the countenance shown to him, and other leaders of the Congregation, the religious
differences speedily led to dissensions between the Queen and the people. All toleration
had been denied to those who still adhered to the old faith, and both priests and laymen
were strictly enjoined by the magistrates of Edinburgh to attend the services of the
Protestant Chrches. Some of them, instead of joining in the worship, had availed
themselves of this compulsory attendance to unsettle the faith of recent converts, on
which account they were ordered by proclamation to depart from the city within
forty-eight hours. The Queen remonstrated without effect, and the proclamation was
renewed with increased rigour; whereupon she addressed a letter to the Council and
community of Edinburgh, commanding them to assemble in the Tolbooth, and
choose other magistrates in their stead. The Council obeyed her commands, without
waiting to learn whom she would recommend for their successors,-a procedure
which excited her indignation little less than the contempt of the magistrates she
had deposed.’
Shortly after this, Knox visited the Queen at Holyrood, and had a long interview
with her, during which he moved her to tears by,the vehemence of his exhortations.
The Lord James and other two courtiers were present, but they withdrew sufficiently
to permit of perfect privacy in this first conference between the Reformer and Queen
Mary. The interview was long, and the Queen s&ciently patient under his very plain
spoken rebukes and exhortations, but they parted in the same mind as they had met;
Diurnal of Occurrents, p. 284,5. Knox’s History of the Reforniation, 4to, p. 253, where the culprit ia styled Balon.
* Brantome, vol. 5. p. 123. Tgtler, vol. vi. Council Register, Oct. 8, 1561. Maitland, p. 21.
