Page:Life and history of Mary, Queen of Scots.pdf/17

Rh fought against each other. The very children of the towns and villages are said to have formed themselves into bands for King James or Queen Mary, and fought inveterately with stones, sticks, and knives.

The Earl of Murray, being now Regent of the kingdom, had attained to the height of his ambition. But it happens frequently, that when men appear most secure of the object they have been long toiling for, their views are suddenly and strangely, disappointed. A blow was impending over Murray from a quarter, which, if named to the haughty Regent, he would probably have despised, since it originated in the resentment of a private man.

After the battle of Langside, six of the Hamiltons were condemned to die, but through the intercession of John Knox, received a pardon, although with the loss of their property. One of these peons was Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh, a man of a fierce and vindictive character. His lands of Woodhouselee, near Roslin, were given to one of Murray's favourites, who, in taking possession, rudely turned Hamilton’s wife out of her own house, undressed, and exposed to a stormy and tempestuous night. In consequence of this brutal treatment, she became insane and died. Her husband vowed revenge against the Regent Murray, whom he considered the author of all his misfortunes.