Family records of the Bruces and the Cumyns

86 INTERREGNUM.
seigniory of Scotland. He commanded the attendance of the barons of York-
shire, Lancaster, Westmoreland, and Cumberland (amongst them were John de
Baliol and Robert de Brus), with all their forces, on the 3d of June. The nobility
and clergy of Scotland were invited, " requlsivit," to meet him on an earlier day.
May 10. On that fatal day, Edward commanded Roger de Brabanson, Justiciary of
England, to inform the assembly in his name, " That he had considered the
difficulties in which the kingdom of Scotland was involved by the death of
Alexander and his offspring, and the dangers arising from a disputed succes-
sion. That his good-will and affection to the whole nation, and to every one in
it, were sincere ; for in their defence he himself was interested. That he had
called the Scots to meet him in that place, with the view that justice might be
done to all the competitors ; and that he had undertaken a long journey to do
justice in person to all, and see the internal tranquillity of the country estab-
lished, as ' superior and lord paramount of the kingdom of Scotland.' "
The whole assembly, struck with astonishment, stood motionless and silent.
At length some one had the courage to utter these words : —
" No answer can be given while the throne is vacant."
" By the holy Edward, whose crown I wear," cried the king, " I will vindi-
cate my just rights, or perish in the attempt ! "
The Scots requested delay, that they might inform those who were absent,
and have an opportunity of consulting together.
" You are all sufficiently informed," said Edward, " by the tenor of my
summons ; I will give you, however, a delay till to-morrow."
May 11. Next day, Edward allowed them the term of three weeks, at which period he
required them to return a definite answer. By that time he considered that the
barons he had summoned to meet him at Norham would be assembled in arms.
June 2. At this assembly there were eight persons present who, under various titles,
laid claim to the crown, all of whom allowed the claim that Edward set forth.
Baliol was not present. Sir Thomas Randolph, in the name of " John Baliol,
Lord of Galloway," said that he had mistaken the day of the adjourned meeting,
and requested that he might be allowed to answer in person on the morrow.
Tune 3. Baliol appeared in person. The Chancellor of England demanded whether
he was willing to answer as the others had done ?
Baliol, after an affected pause and seeming recollection, pronounced his assent.
The king then spoke, expressing his trust in the Divine aid, and his hope
that the whole business might be conducted to the glory of God. He again
protested that his claim to the property of Scotland should remain entire.
Baliol, with officious servility, approached the lord paramount, acknowledged
his right of superiority, and craved his judgment. John Cumyn, as one of the
regents, made like acknowledgments, and obtained permission to be heard as