the street: he
was apprized of his danger by an old friend of his own, but not before
he was almost involved in it, being instantly surrounded by a rabble,
calling out _Hugenot, hugenot_, and throwing stones; he made his way
through them on horseback. Soon after this he left Paris, and returned
home in May 1561, with a commission from the queen, appointing him
regent until her return, which was in August following, when, as Knox
expresses it, "Dolour and darkness came along with her," for tho'
justice and equity were yet administered, and crimes were punished,
because the administration of civil affairs was yet in the hands of lord
James, who for his management of public concerns was beloved by all, yet
upon the queen's arrival, French levity and dissipation soon corrupted
the court to a very high degree.

About this time a banditti called the moss-troopers broke in upon the
borders of Scotland, committing very alarming depredations, by robbing
and murdering all that came in their way. The queen sent lord James with
a small force to oppose them, not with the intention that he might have
the opportunity of acquiring military reputation, but to expose him to
danger, that, if possible, she might get rid of him, for his popularity
made her very uneasy, and his fidelity and boldness in reproving her
faults, and withstanding her tyrannical measures, made him still more
the object of her hatred and disgust. But, contrary to the expectations
of many, God so prospered him in this expedition, that in a short time
he brought twenty-eight ring-leaders of this band to public execution,
and obliged the rest to give hostages for their better behaviour in
time-coming. Thus he returned crowned with laurels, and was immediately
created earl of Marr, and in the February following he was made earl of
Moray, with the universal approbation of all good men. Some thought this
act of the queen was intended by her to conciliate his affections, and
make him of her party. About this time he married a daughter of the earl
of Marshal, according to Knox, (Buchanan says, the earl of March); the
marriage was made publicly in the church of Edinburgh; after the
ceremony was over, the preacher (probably Mr. Knox) said to him, "Sir,
the church of God hath received comfort by you, and by your labours unto
this day; if you prove more saint therein afterward, it will be said
that your wife hath changed your nature, &c."

It may be observed, that hitherto th