Page:Robert the Bruce and the struggle for Scottish independence - 1909.djvu/384

324 whatever; and that all writings which might have been executed at any time to the contrary should be held as void and of no effect."

In the Chronicle of Lanercost this concession is attributed, in the first place, to the evil counsel—pessimo consilio—of the Queen Dowager of England and of Mortimer, who undoubtedly directed the national policy during the boyhood of the King; and, in the second place, to the arrival, while Parliament was sitting, of the news that Charles, King of France and Navarre, was dead. Edward III. claimed to be nearest heir to his throne, and wished to have the Scottish quarrel off his hands, so that he might be free to vindicate his title.

The chief obstacle to amicable relations having been thus removed, the remaining articles of the peace were easily agreed to. The York Parliament was prorogued and met again at Northampton, where the final treaty was arranged. Of this, neither the original nor any transcript has been preserved, but Lord Hailes drew up the following summary of its provisions, collected "from a careful examination of public instruments and of the writings of ancient historians":

1. There shall be a perpetual peace between the two kingdoms of England and Scotland.

2. The stone on which the Kings of Scotland were wont to sit at the time of their coronation shall be restored to the Scots.

3. The King of England engages to employ his good offices at the Papal Court for obtaining the revocation of all spiritual processes depending before the Holy See against the King of Scots or against his kingdom or subjects.