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1328 A.D.] have gone by default against the nation more than thirty years before, was about to be solved suddenly and laid to perpetual rest.

Denoun's overtures being most favourably received by the King of Scots, he and Henry de Percy were appointed King Edward's plenipotentiaries for reviving the thirteen years' truce, or, if possible, arranging a permanent peace between the nations. Warlike operations were suspended at once, and, other plenipotentiaries having been appointed, preliminary articles were drawn up at Newcastle on November 23d, Douglas and Mortimer acting as the principal commissioners on either side.

On December 10, 1327, Edward III. issued summons to his Parliament to meet at York on February 8th following, to deliberate on the terms to be submitted to the commissioners. A temporary truce was concluded on January 25, 1328, and one hundred Scots received safe-conducts to pass to York to attend the deliberations, King Edward instructing his officials to treat them with proper respect.

The Scots, being undoubtedly in the stronger position of the two nations, were able to insist, as a preliminary to all other conditions, that the English claim to superiority should be absolutely renounced. This was enacted at York on March 1st, King Edward "willed and consented, that the said kingdom, according to its ancient boundaries observed in the days of Alexander III., should remain unto Robert King of Scots, his heirs and successors, free and divided from the Kingdom of England, without any subjection, right of service, claim or demand