6. We know, from various sources, something of the pomp and circumstance which accompanied a meeting of Parliament. The dress of the members was strictly prescribed,[72] and formed often the most expensive item[73] in a member's account-book. The Stewart sovereigns, with scarcely an exception, loved display, and the meeting of the three Estates afforded an unusually good opportunity. Queen Mary's personal beauty gave an additional splendour to the meeting of Parliament in 1563, and as she rode in procession the populace of the capital could not restrain their enthusiasm, and hailed her with shouts of applause, "God save that sweet face!"[74] Her son took strong measures to prevent what he termed the decay of the majesty of his parliament. In 1600 he enjoined that all members "rydand on horseback, clad with fut mantellis, and utheris abuilzementis and clething requisit for the honour of the present actioun, repair, attend, and accompany his Majesty" to and from Holyrood and the Tolbooth, "and that nane schaw themselves unhorsit or vantand fut mantellis under the pane of tinsell of thair vot and place."[75] The procession was marshalled in reverse order of precedence. First came the commissioners of burghs in their black gowns. They were followed by the commissioners of barons, members of the privy council, and officers of state not being lords. The clergy came next, priors, bishops, and abbots, being alike attired in silk gowns, and immediately after them, lords and earls with their mantles of velvet. Trumpeters preceded pursuivants and heralds, and the Lord-Lyon-King-at-Arms in his gorgeous apparel, walking "him alane," immediately in front of the honours of Scotland. Behind his sword, sceptre, and crown, rode the king himself, between the captain of his guard and the constable of the kingdom. The chancellor and the great chamberlain were in immediate attendance upon their master. Last of all came the marquesses and the royal household. After the Reformation the work of Parliament was invariably preceded by a sermon. When the full Parliament met again to ratify the proceedings of the Lords of the Articles, the "Lyon Herauld" solemnly presented the sceptre to the king, who touched the articles. Prayers followed, and the House was dissolved. It was small wonder that the citizens of Edinburgh felt some regret when the glory of the Parliament House departed.[76] II.--THE INFLUENCE OF PARLIAMENT