Persecution was decreed by the Queen Regent and the prelates. But there remained a point which the Queen Regent and France had not at that time obtained from the Scots Parliament. It was desired that the crown-matrimonial should be granted to Francis, husband to our Sovereign, so that France and Scotland should be one kingdom, the subjects of both realms having equal liberty, Scotsmen in France, and Frenchmen in Scotland. The glister[124] of the profit that was supposed to have ensued to Scotsmen blinded many men's eyes at the first sight. But a small wind caused that most suddenly to vanish away; for the greatest offices and benefices within the realm were given to Frenchmen. Monsieur de Ruby kept the Great Seal. Villemore was Comptroller. Melrose and Kelso were to be a Commend[125] to the poor Cardinal of Lorraine. On the other hand, the freedoms of Scottish merchants were restrained in Rouen, and they were compelled to pay toll and taxations other than their ancient liberties did bear. [124] Lustre. [125] An ecclesiastical benefice committed to a temporary holder. To get the matrimonial crown, the Queen Regent left no point of the compass unsailed. With the bishops and priests she practised in this manner. "Ye may clearly see that I cannot do what I would within this realm; for these heretics and confederates of England are so bound together, that they stop all good order. But, if ye be favourable unto me in this suit of the matrimonial crown to be granted to my daughter's husband, ye shall see how I shall handle these heretics and traitors before long." And truly, in these promises she meant no deceit in this respect. To the Protestants she said, "I am not unmindful how often ye have suited me for reformation in religion, and gladly would I consent thereunto; but ye see that the power and craft of the Archbishop of St. Andrews, together with the power of the Duke, and of the Kirkmen, are ever bent against me in all my proceedings. So that I can do nothing, unless the full authority of this realm be devolved to the King of France, and this cannot be except by donation of the crown-matrimonial. If ye will bring this to pass, then devise ye what ye please in matters of religion, and they shall be granted." [Sidenote: The Parliament of October 1558: the Crown-matrimonial is granted.] Lord James Stewart, then Prior of St. Andrews, was directed to the Earl of Argyll, with this commission and credit, and more promises than we list to rehearse. By dissimulation to those that were simple and true of heart, she inflamed them to be more fervent in her petition than she herself appeared to be. And so, at the Parliament held at Edinburgh in the month of October, the year of God 1558, the crown-matrimonial was clearly voted. No man protested (except the Duke for his interest), and yet for this proceeding there was no better law produced than that in the Pontifical there was a solemn Mass appointed for such a purpose. BOOK SECOND.[126]