But now, being informed of all proceedings by their pensioners, Oliver Sinclair, Ross, Laird of Craigie, and others who were faithful to them in all things, they concluded to hazard once again their former suit. This was no sooner proposed than it was accepted, with no small regret made by the King's own mouth that he had so long despised their counsel; "For," said he, "now I plainly see your words to be true. The nobility desire neither my honour nor continuance; they would not ride a mile for my pleasure to follow my enemies. Will ye therefore find me the means whereby I may have a raid made into England, without their knowledge and consent--a raid that may be known as my own raid--and I shall bind me to your counsel for ever." There concurred together Ahab and his false prophets; there were congratulations and clapping of hands; there were promises of diligence, closeness, and felicity. Finally, conclusion was taken that the west border of England, which was most empty of men and garrisons, should be invaded; the King's own banner should be there; Oliver, the great minion, should be general lieutenant; but no man should be privy of the enterprise, except the council that was then present, until the very day and execution thereof. The Bishops gladly took the charge of that raid. Letters were sent to such as they would charge to meet the King, on a day and at a place appointed. The Cardinal was directed to go with the Earl of Arran to Haddington, to make a show against the east border, when the others were in readiness to invade the west. And thus neither counsel, practice, closeness, nor diligence lacked to set forward that enterprise. And, among these consulters, there was no doubt of a good success. So was the scroll thankfully received by the King himself, and put into his own pocket, where it remained to the day of his death, and then was found. In it were contained the names of more than a hundred landed men, besides others of meaner degree. Amongst these, the Lord Hamilton himself, then second person of the realm, was delated. It was bruited that this raid was devised by the Lord Maxwell; but we have no certainty thereof. The night before the day appointed for the enterprise, the King was found at Lochmaben. To him came companies from all quarters, as they were appointed, no man knowing of another. No general proclamation had been made; all had been summoned by privy letters. Nor did the multitude know anything of the purpose until after midnight, when the trumpet blew, and all men were commanded to march forward, and to follow the King, who was supposed to be with the host. Guides were appointed to conduct them towards England, and these did so both faithfully and closely.