and Ogilvy, Sir George Stirling of Keir, and some others of the king's side, to be witnesses to the conference; and, accordingly, they all met upon the banks of the river Forth, not far from Stirling.

Montrose professed himself very happy in the visit of a man of Mr Henderson's character, upon whose fidelity, honesty, and prudence, he could rely, even in the weightiest matters. He told him that he had lived at home for some time past, in order to remove those jealousies that had been conceived against him by his enemies, on account of some late differences; that, by this means, he was quite ignorant of what had been done in the convention, and was at a loss how to act in so ticklish a state of affairs; and therefore begged of him to inform him freely and ingenuously what they designed to do. Henderson thinking, by these expressions, that he actually inclined to the covenanters, and that he might thereby oblige Montrose, told him plainly, that they were resolved to raise a powerful army for the assistance of their brethren in England against the king's forces; and that the covenanters in both kingdoms had unanimously resolved either to die or to bring the king to their terms; that nothing was more earnestly wished for, or would be more acceptable to the nation in general, than that he should join with the rest of the nobility, and the other states of the kingdom, to promote so good an end; and that it would redound much both to his profit and honour; for

that the few, if there were any, who yet respected the empty shadow of royalty, would immediately follow his example, and come over to the covenanters; and that, for his own part, he would return his most hearty thanks to God for vouchsaving to make him the instrument and mediator of so great a work. He therefore earnestly entreated him to speak out his mind, and to entrust to his care and diligence what he would have the convention do either for his profit or honour; for he was sure he had nothing to do, but to ask and have.

Montrose having thus got information of their real designs, which was all he wanted, studied now how he might keep them yet a while in suspense as to his resolutions. He foresaw, that, should he immediately declare himself their enemy, it would be of no service to the king, and might prove destructive to himself. On the other hand, his generous mind disdained to encourage their hopes, or to promise what he was resolved not to perform. He fell, therefore, upon this method: Sir James Rollock, a gentleman of an opulent and ancient family, had come along with Mr Henderson to this conference. Sir James had formerly married Montrose's sister, and, after her death, he had married a sister of the Marquis of Argyle, who was in a manner the head of the covenanters; thus being equally allied to both of them, he seemed to be a very fit mediator of friendship betwixt them. Mon

trose asked him, whether the offers they now made him were authorized by the convention, or had proceeded merely from themselves? Sir James answered, That he imagined Mr Henderson had orders from the convention for what he said; but Henderson denied that he had any such authority; only, he said, that he made no question but the convention would make good what he promised. Montrose had thereupon said, he could come to no conclusion, without having the public faith to rely upon, especially as the messengers disagreed betwixt themselves. Whereupon they mutually blamed one another, as commonly happens in such cases, when really their own carelessness and neglect only was in fault. Thus the conference concluded, by which Montrose got the information he wanted, and they returned as wise as they came, to give an account of their success.

CHAP. III.

Montrose goes to the king, then at Gloucester; his advice approved by the king.-Measures concerted.-Assistance from Ireland promised by the Earl of Antrim.-The Marquis of Hamilton and his brother go up to court, and are disgra ced.-Montrose sets out for Scotland.

THE Marquis of Montrose, returning from this conference, related all that passed to some of his select friends, in whom he principally confided; and at the same time entreated them to go all together with him in a body to the king, whereby they would gain the greater credit, and, by informing him more fully of the state of affairs, might prevail on him to take more salutary measures, and thereby, if possible, ward off the storm which he now saw impending.

Most of them were very backward in the matter they were of opinion, that the king and his authority were already utterly ruined; and that it was impossible to reduce the kingdom to its proper obedience; for their own parts, they said they had sufficiently acquitted themselves before God, the world, and their own consciences, by persisting hitherto in their fidelity and allegiance, even with the loss of their reputations, and the hazard of their lives and fortunes; that for the future they

were resolved to have no further concern in these civil commotions, but to live quietly at home, and

offer up their prayers to God Almighty for better

times.

Montrose, who, notwithstanding all discouragements, and though thus disappointed by his friends, could not be diverted from his honourable purposes, communicated his design to Lord Ogilvy, with whom he had always lived in the strictest friendship, and set out straight for Oxford. When he came there, the king was gone down to the siege of Gloucester; however, he informed the queen what the covenanters were designing against his majesty, but his labour was lost, for such was her confidence in the Hamiltons, and prepossession in their favour, that she would believe no information but what came from them.

When Montrose found he could do no good with the queen, he went down to Gloucester, and informed the king himself of what he knew, that there was a very strong army to be raised in Scotland, and that the day was already appointed when they were to march into England. He told his majesty by what means he came to know their designs, and that the highest post in the army had been offered him, as a bait to bring him over to their side; but, as he detested their cause, he had rejected their offers, and came off immediately to inform his majesty, that if he could not provide a sufficient remedy for the evil, he might, at least,