Page:Robert the Bruce and the struggle for Scottish independence - 1909.djvu/73

 bon pees, issi ke ele i puisse seurement venir et demorer.) A further clause provided that the Scots should bind themselves under security to the King of England not to bestow their Queen in marriage, except by his ordinance, will, and advice, and with the consent of King Eric, her father. Lastly, the Scots bound themselves to restore order in Scotland before the arrival of the Queen; to give security for her safety and freedom; to remove any of the Guardians or ministers of Scotland to whom the King of Norway should take exception, and to replace them by others chosen by the good men of Norway and Scotland. In the event of disagreement, King Edward was to appoint commissioners to decide between them.

Now it will be seen that this treaty placed the matter pretty completely in the power of King Edward, nor, perhaps, could it at that time have fallen into better hands. He was honestly anxious to bring about the best conclusion for the welfare of the two kingdoms. By the last-mentioned article it was put in his power to effect the removal of any of the Guardians likely to prove troublesome, for the King of Norway was so heavily in his debt that he would be ready to object to any who were objectionable to Edward. On this point Lord Hailes has remarked that, as three of the four Scottish signatories to this convention were Guardians of Scotland, this proviso was designed for the expulsion of the fourth Guardian, James the Steward. But Lord