Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 7.djvu/423

 1 566. ] THE DA RNLE Y MA RRIA GE. 403 Andrew's an evil omen to Darnley was followed by a thousand Hamiltons ; Erskine from the Castle sent word of his fidelity ; and the Earl Marshal, Athol, Caithness, and a hundred more hurried to Dunbar with every trooper that they could raise. In four days the thousandjnen. On the other hand the conspirators' plans were discon- certed hopelessly by the flight of the King. Perplexed, divided, uncertain what to do when the slightest hesi- tation was ruin they lost confidence in one another and in their cause. Had they held together they could still have collected force enough to fight. The Western High- lands were at the devotion of Argyle, and he at any time could command his own terms ; but Elizabeth's behaviour in the preceding autumn had for ever shaken Argyle' s policy. The Queen ' not venturing,' as she said herself, ' to have so many at once on her hands,' sent to say she would pardon the rebellion of the summer and would receive into favour all who had not been present at or been concerned in the murder of Bizzio. ' They seeing now their liberty and restitution offered them, were content to leave those who were the occasion of their return, and took several appointments as they could.' 1 G-lencairn joined Mary at Dunbar; Eothes followed; and then Argyle, the central pillar of the Protestant party. Three only of those who had beenjin Eng- land refused to desert their friends the stainless noble Randolph to Cecil, March 21.