Page:Robert the Bruce and the struggle for Scottish independence - 1909.djvu/396

334 rebel Robert de Brus, lately Earl of Carrick," but Edward III. addresses himself to "the magnificent Prince Sir Robert, by the grace of God King of Scots, his dearest friend, greeting and embraces of sincere affection" (August 9, 1328).

The English records are full of pardons to King Edward's subjects for adhering to the Scots in the late war, and of instruments reinstating the Scottish churchmen and religious houses in their former possessions in England. It is true that in official documents not intended for Scottish inspection terms were still used, less complimentary to the royal house of Scotland than those employed in correspondence. Thus, on December 18, 1328, that clerk must have enjoyed a privy satisfaction who engrossed a deed confirming Hugh de Templeton in certain lands in Ireland, forfeited by William de Say for his rebellion "in company of Robert de Bruys, Edward de Bruys, and other Scottish felons in Ireland."

But outwardly all was concord, and there seemed every prospect of profound peace. There was, moreover, a gratifying change of tone in the papal letters of this year, when Pope John XXII., still holding his court at Avignon, resumed correspondence with the King of Scots. There is no more any difficulty in according Robert his royal dignity. Plenary absolution from excommunication was promised in October, 1328, in answer to the prayer of King Robert's envoys, the Bishops of St. Andrews, Moray, and Brechin, and Andrew de Moray,