Knox himself had no hand in the murder of Beatoun; but he afterwards joined the assassins, and assisted them in holding out the castle.

See Keith's Hist.
of the Rcf.

of Scotland, p.

43.
It was the peculiar misfortune of Scotland, that five short reigns had been followed successively by as many long minorities; and the execution of justice, which the prince was beginning to introduce, had been continually interrupted by the cabals, factions, and animosities of the great.

But besides these inveterate and ancient evils, a new source of disorder had arisen, the disputes and contentions of theology which were sufficient to disturb the most settled government; and the death of the cardinal, who was possessed of abilities and vigor, seemed much to weaken the hands of the administration.