All things misliking the preachers, they spake boldly against the targetting of their tails,[210] and against the rest of the vanity of those foolish women. This they affirmed should provoke God's vengeance, not only against them, but against the whole realm; and especially against those that maintained them in that odious abusing of things that might have been better bestowed. Articles were presented, proposing to Parliament that order be taken in regard to apparel, and for reformation of other enormities; but all was scripped at. The Earldom of Moray needed confirmation, and many things that concerned the help of friends and servants were to be ratified, and therefore they might not urge the Queen. If they did so, she would hold no Parliament; and what then should become of them that had melled[211] with the slaughter of the Earl of Huntly? Let that Parliament pass over, and when the Queen asked anything of the Nobility, as she must do before her marriage, then should the religion be the first thing that should be established. It was answered that the poets and painters had not altogether erred when they feigned and painted Occasion with a head bald behind: for when the first chance is offered and lost, it is hard to recover it again. [210] Bordering of gowns with tassels. [211] Meddled. [Sidenote: John Knox breaks with the Earl of Moray.] The matter became so hot betwixt the Earl of Moray and some others of the Court, and John Knox, that after that time they spake not together familiarly for more than a year and a half. The said John, by letter, gave a discharge to the said Earl of all further intromission or care with his affairs. He made discourse of their first acquaintance; in what estate he was when first they spake together in London; how God had promoted him, even beyond man's judgment; and in the end he made this conclusion: "But seeing that I perceive myself frustrated of my expectation that ye should have ever preferred God to your own affection, and the advancement of His truth to your singular commodity, I commit you to your own wit, and to the guidance of those who better can please you. I praise my God, I this day leave you victor of your enemies, promoted to great honours, and in credit and authority with your Sovereign. If ye long continue so, none within the realm shall be more glad than I shall be; but if after this day ye shall decay, as I fear that ye shall, then call to mind by what means God exalted you; that was neither by bearing with impiety, nor by maintaining pestilent Papists."