Stuart dynasty

138 THE STUART DYNASTY.
enigmas most difficult 'to solve in Stuart history.
The stern sense of morality inherent in the man was
never known to be infringed in practice, and in this
particular he eclipses .the ecclesiastical rivals who so
long had held sway in Scotland, setting examples of
profligate living in high places. Nor is it possible
to deny that Mary Stuart's brother acted with an
honest preference for Protestantism over the older
faith, the spiritual efficacy of which he had
been probably led to question when he found
it allied in France with the political wiles of the
Gruises.
And yet, when these facts are recorded, it is
impossible to say that in Murray's relations with his
royal sister he sustained the same high level of
rectitude which characterised his dealings in private
life, and which, combined with remarkable sagacity
in the conduct of government, was destined to earn
for him the title of " the good Regent."
Details concerning Mary Stuart's infancy are few,
although we know that within the lofty walls of
Stirling did the Lords Erskine and Livingston
for the most part elect to keep their precious
charge.
When the thunder of Hertford's artillery re-
sounded even to the gates of Linlithgow, it was to
the Stirlingshire stronghold that the guardians hied
with their youthful sovereign ; while, until the Priory
of Inchmahone on Loch Menteith was chosen as an
island retreat, the Scots never felt certain as to the
safety of the royal person, unless she dwelt in the