Series 3 > Scottish correspondence of Mary of Lorraine

INTRODUCTION
XXV
ceptions were in the melting-pot, the general uncertainty
should be reflected in the conduct of the Scottish nobles.
On the whole, they were astute men who seem to have
enjoyed playing with edged tools for the excitement as
well as for the profits of the game. Yet, in the long run,
they were true to Scottish interests. The spirit of nation¬
ality was more powerful than the disintegrating forces of
selfishness. If patriotism had not been stronger than
self-interest, Hugh Campbell of Loudoun would not have
allowed a quarrel with Lennox to lead to an estrangement
with England in the days succeeding Pinkie. [No.
CLXIV.] Rats do not cling to a sinking ship ; but
Cassillis and Glencairn,1 Lutheran in sympathies and anglo-
phile in antecedents, and others with them, rallied, like
Loudoun, to the national cause in the hour of extremity.
Above the warring interests of faction, of religious and
social discontent, of petty ambitions and personal jealousies,
the Correspondence discovers a prevailing loyalty to the
‘ commoun wealth and libertie of the realm.’
1 William, fourth Earl of Glencairn, died in March 1548, but he was then
in receipt of a French pension. His successor had been identified with his
father’s English schemes in 1544. (Nos. LV, CCXXXVI.)