wis; and hes ellis be his meanes alterat the auld law and
consuetude of our realme, ever observit in the graces and pardonis
granted be our Soveranes to all thair liegis being repentand of
thair offenses committed against thair Hienes or the liegis of the
realme; and hes introducit a new captiouse styill and forme of the
saidis pardonis and remissionis, attending to the practise of
France, tending thairby to draw the saidis liegis of this realme,
be process of tyme, in a deceavable snair; and farder, sall creipe
in the haill subversioun and alteratioun of the remanent lawis of
this realme, in contrair the contentis of the Appointment of
Marriage; and als peace being accordit amanges the Princes,
reteanes the great armye of strangearis after command send be the
King of France to reteyre the same, maiking excuise that thei war
reteaned for suppressing of the attemptatis of the liegis of this
realme, albeit the haill subjectis thairof, of all estaitis, is
and ever hes bene reddy to give all debtfull obedience to thair
Soveranis, and thair lawchfull ministeris, proceiding, be Godis
ordinance: And the said armye of strangearis not being payed of
waiges, was layed be her Grace upoun the neckis of the poore
communitie of our native countree, who was compelled be force to
defraude tham selfis, thair wyffis, and barnes, of that poore
substance quhilk thei mycht conqueiss with the sweit of thair
browis, to satisfie thair hungar and necessiteis, and quyte the
samyn to susteane the idill bellies of thir strangearis. Throw the
whiche in all partis raise sick havye lamentatioun, and complaint
of the communitie, accusing the Nobilitie and Counsall of thair
slewth, that as the same oppressioun we dowbt nott hes entered in
befoir the justice-seat of God, sa hes it movit our heartis to
rewth and compassioun. And for redressing of the samyn, with other
great offenses committed against the publict weall of this realme,
we have convened hear, as said is; and as oft tymes of befoir, hes
maist humblie, and with all reverence, desyred and required the
said Quene Regent, to redress the saidis enormities, and
especiallie to remove her strangearis from the neckis of the poore
communitie, and to desist fra interprysing or fortificatioun of
strenthis within this realme, against