They again became masters of Edinburgh; but found themselves unable to keep long possession of that city.

Their tumultuary armies, assembled in haste, and supported by no pay, soon separated upon the least disaster, or even any delay of success; and were incapable of resisting such veteran troops as the French, who were also seconded by some of the Scottish nobility, among whom the earl of Bothwell distinguished himself., Hearing that the marquis of Elbeuf, brother to the regent, was levying an army against them in Germany, they thought themselves excusable for applying, in this extremity, to the assistance of England; and as the sympathy of religion, as well as regard to national liberty, had now counterbalanced the ancient animosity against that kingdom, this measure was the result of inclination no less than of interest.[**] [5] Maitland of Lidington, therefore, and Robert Melvil, were secretly despatched by the congregation to solicit succors from Elizabeth.
* Forbes, vol.i.

p.139.Thuan.lib.xxiv.

c.

13.
** See note E, at the end of the volume.
The wise council of Elizabeth did not long deliberate in agreeing to this request, which concurred so well with the views and interests of their mistress.