Throughout this realm the question of government was universally moved. The Cardinal proclaimed the King's last will. Therein were nominated four Protectors or Regents, of whom he himself was the first and principal, with him being joined the Earls Huntly, Argyll, and Moray. This was done on the Monday at the Market Cross of Edinburgh. But on the Monday following the whole Regents had remission from their usurpation. By the stout and wise counsel of the Laird of Grange, the Earl of Arran, then second person to the Crown, caused assemble the nobility of the realm, and required the equity of their judgment in his just suit to be governor of this realm during the minority of her to whom he would succeed, in the event of her death without lawful succession. His friends convened, the nobility assembled, and the day of decision was appointed. The Cardinal and his faction opposed themselves to the government of one man, and especially to the regiment of any called Hamilton: "For who knows not," said the Cardinal, "that the Hamiltons are cruel murderers, oppressors of innocence, proud, avaricious, double, and false; and, finally, the pestilence in this commonwealth." Thereto the said Earl answered, "Defraud me not of my right, and call me what ye please. Whatsoever my friends have been, unto this day no man has had cause to complain upon me, nor am I minded to flatter any of my friends in their evil doing. By God's grace I shall be as forward to correct their enormities as any within the realm can reasonably require of me. And therefore, yet again, my Lords, in God's name I crave that ye do me no wrong, nor defraud me of my just title, before ye have experience of my government." At these words, all that feared God or loved honesty were so moved that with one voice they cried, "That petition is most just, and unless we would act against God, justice, and equity, it cannot be denied." [Sidenote: The Earl of Arran is proclaimed Regent.]