[148] Intercepting. [149] Come forth; issue. [Sidenote: Maitland of Lethington joins the Lords of the Congregation.] William Maitland of Lethington, younger, Secretary to the Queen, perceiving himself not only to be suspected as one that favoured our part, but also to stand in danger of his life if he should remain amongst so ungodly a company, surrendered himself to Master Kirkaldy, Laird of Grange. He, coming to us, exhorted us to constancy, assuring us that there was nothing but craft and deceit in the Queen. He travailed exceedingly to keep the Lords together, and most prudently laid before their eyes the dangers that might ensue upon their departing from the town. But fear and dolour had seized the hearts of all, and they could admit no consolation. The Earl of Arran, and Lord James, offered to abide, if any reasonable company would abide with them. But men continued to steal away, and the wit of man could not stay them. Yea, some of the greatest determined plainly that they would not abide. The Captain of the Castle, then Lord Erskine, would promise us no favours, but said he must needs declare himself friend to those that were able to support and defend him. When this answer was given to the Lord James, it discouraged those that before had determined to have abided the uttermost, rather than abandon the town, had but the Castle stood their friend. But the contrary being declared, every man consulted his own safety. The complaint of the brethren within the town of Edinburgh was lamentable and sore. The wicked, too, began to spue forth the venom which lurked in their cankered heart.... [Sidenote: The Retreat from Edinburgh.] It was finally agreed to withdraw from Edinburgh; and, to avoid danger, it was decided that the forces should depart at midnight. The Duke made provision for his ordnance, and caused it to be sent before; but the rest was left to the care of the Captain of the Castle, who received it, both that of the Lord James, and that of Dundee. The despiteful tongues of the wicked railed upon us, calling us traitors and heretics: every one provoked the other to cast stones at us. One cried, "Alas, if I might see;" another, "Fie, give advertisement to the Frenchmen that they may come, and we shall help them now to cut the throats of these heretics." And thus, as the sword of dolour passed through our hearts, the cogitations and former determinations of many hearts were then revealed. We would never have believed that our natural countrymen and women would have wished our destruction so unmercifully, and have so rejoiced in our adversity.... We stayed not until we came to Stirling, which we did the day after that we departed from Edinburgh; for it was concluded, that consultation should be taken there as to the next remedy in so desperate a matter. [Sidenote: John Knox preaches at Stirling: a notable Sermon on the Discipline of Providence.]