Stuart dynasty

MART QUEEN OF SCOTS. 163
and disorderly, he was jealous of every one who
approached Mary's presence.
At this winter's gathering in Craigmillar Castle
five of the most influential noblemen in Scotland
were present — viz. Murray, Maitland of Lethington,
Argyll, Huntly, and Bothwell — the Queen being
unwise enough to grant them an audience, and to
listen patiently when they talked to her of her hus-
band's faults and the desirability of a separation
being effected. Maitland of Lethington acted as
spokesman on this occasion.
" Madam," said he, " fancy ye not we are here of
the principal of y r grace's nobility and Council that
shall find the means that y r Majesty shall be quit of
him without prejudice of y r son, albeit that my Lord
of Murray here present be little less scrupulous for
a Protestant than y r Grace is for a Papist. I am
assured he will look through his fingers thereto, and
will behold our doings, saying nothing to the same."
The Queen answered,
" I will that ye do nothing where through any
spot may be laid to my honor or conscience, and
therefore I pray you rather let the matter be in the
estate as it is."
" Madam," said Lethington, winding up the con-
ference, " let us guide the matter among us, and
your Grace shall see nothing but good and approved
by Parliament." *
From that moment, notwithstanding the qualifica-
cations which Mary insisted on, while forbearing to
* Caird's 'Mary Stuart,' pp. 189, 190.
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