J. F. Campbell Collection > Minstrelsy of the Scottish border > Volume 1

XVm TNTRODUCTIOX.
faction and that of Angus, in the High-street of
the metropoUs.*
The return of the regent was followed by the
banishment of Angus, and by a desultory warfare
• The particulars of this encounter are interesting. The
Hamiltons were the most numerous party, drawn chiefly from
the western counties. Their leaders met in the palace of
Archbishop Beaton, and resolved to apprehend Angus, who
was come to the city to attend the convention of estates. Ga-
win Douglas, Bishop of Dunkeld, a near relation of Angus,
in vain endeavoured to meiliate betwixt the factions. He ap-
pealed to Beaton, and invoked his assistance to prevent blood-
shed. " On my conscience," answered the archbishop, " I
cannot help what is to happen." As he laid his hand upon
his breast, at this solemn declaration, the hauberk, concealed
by his rocket, was heard to clatter : " Ah ! my lord !" retort-
ed Douglas, " your conscience sounds hollow." He then ex-
postulated with the secular leader, and Sir Patrick Hamilton,
brother to Arran, was convinced by his remonstrances ; but
Sir James, the natural son of the earl, upbraided his uncle
with reluctance to fight. " False bastard !" answered Sir Pa-
trick, " I will fight to-day where thou darest not be seen."
With these words they rushed tumultuously towards the High-
street, where Angus, with the Prior of Coldinghame, and the
redoubted Wedderburn, waited their assault, at the head of
400 spearmen, the flower of the East Marches, who, having
broke down the gate of the Xetherbow, had arrived just in
time to the Earl's assistance. The advantage of the ground,
and the disorder of the Hamiltons, soon gave the day to An-
gus. Sir Patrick Hamilton, and the Master of jMontgomery,
were slain. Arran, and Sir James Hamilton, escaped with
difficulty ; and with no less difl^culty was the military prelate
of Glasgow rescued from the ferocious Borderers, by the ge-