means the more
widely diffused, and made the deeper impression on the people. Some
attempts made by Bothwell, and, as is pretended, with her consent, to
get the young prince into his power, excited the most serious attention;
and the principal nobility, even many of those who had formerly been
constrained to sign the application in favor of Bothwells marriage, met
at Stirling, and formed an association for protecting the prince, and
punishing the king's murderers.[*]

* Keith, p. 394.

The earl of Athole himself, a known Catholic, was the first author of
this confederacy, the earls of Argyle, Morton, Marre, Glencairne, the
lords Boyd, Lindesey, Hume, Semple, Kirkaldy of Grange, Tulibardine,
and Secretary Lidington, entered zealously into it. The earl of Murray,
foreseeing such turbulent times, and being desirous to keep free of
these dangerous factions, had some time before desired and obtained
Mary's permission to retire into France.

Lord Hume was first in arms; and leading a body of eight hundred horse,
suddenly environed the queen of Scots and Bothwell, in the Castle of
Borthwick. They found means of making their escape to Dunbar; while the
confederate lords were assembling their troops at Edinburgh, and taking
measures to effect their purpose. Had Bothwell been so prudent as to
keep within the fortress of Dunbar, his enemies must have dispersed for
want of pay and subsistence; but hearing that the associated lords were
fallen into distress, he was so rash as to take the field, and advance
towards them. The armies met at Carberry Hill, about six miles from
Edinburgh; and Mary soon became sensible that her own troops disapproved
of her cause, and were averse to spill their blood in the quarrel.[*]
After some bravadoes of Bothwell, where he discovered very little
courage, she saw no resource but that of holding a conference with
Kirkaldy of Grange, and of putting herself, upon some general promises,
into the hands of the confederates. She was conducted to Edinburgh,
amidst the insults of the populace; who reproached her with her crimes,
and even held before her eyes, which way soever she turned, a banner,
on which were painted the murder of her husband and the distress of her
infant son.[**] Mary, overwhelmed with her calamities, had recourse to
tears and lamentations. Meanwhile Bothwell, during her conference with
Grange, fled unattended to Dunbar; and fitting out a few small ships,
set sail for the Orkneys,