--The intervening skirmish of the Reidswire
(see the ballad under that title) was but a sudden explosion of the
rivalry and suppressed hatred of the borderers of both kingdoms. In
truth, the stern rule of Morton, and of his delegates, men unconnected
with the borders by birth, maintained in that country more strict
discipline than had ever been there exercised. Perhaps this hastened
his fall.
The unpopularity of Morton, acquired partly by the strict
administration of justice, and partly by avarice and severity, forced
him from the regency. In 1578, he retired, apparently, from state
affairs, to his castle of Dalkeith; which the populace, emphatically
expressing their awe and dread of his person, termed the _Lion's Den_.
But Morton could not live in retirement; and, early in the same year,
the aged lion again rushed from his cavern. By a mixture of policy and
violence, he possessed himself of the fortress of Stirling, and of
the person of James. His nephew, Angus, hastened to his assistance.
Against him appeared his follower Cessford, with many of the Homes,
and the citizens of Edinburgh. Alluding to the restraint of the king's
person, they bore his effigy on their banners, with a rude rhyme,
demanding liberty or death.--_Birrel's Diary, ad annum_, 1578. The
Earl of Morton marched against his foes as far as Falkirk, and a
desperate action must have ensued, but for the persuasions of Bowes,
the English ambassador.
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