1547.]
THE PROTECTORATE.
273
from Leslie at the time of the King's decease. Henry had directed that the leaders should be pensioned, and a sum be set apart to maintain a garrison in the castle. The privy council accepted the obligation and discharged it.[1] It would have been well, both for England and for Scotland also, if in this direction they had continued their watchfulness, and left the natural tendencies of interest, right, and good sense, to do their work.
February.But time was too slow an agent for the eager ambition of Somerset, and the fate of a single castle and a handful of men was insignificant in the schemes which he was contemplating. Henry VIII. in the height of his power had refused to call in question the feudal independence of Scotland. He had rights, he had said, which he might have advanced, had he desired;- ↑ 'The late King having resolved, for various considerations, not only to give certain pensions to divers noblemen and others which keep and defend the Castle of St Andrews for his Majesty's service and for the advancement of the marriage, but also at his own cost and charge to entertain a hundred and twenty men for the more sure defence of the said castle against the King's Majesty's enemies in Scotland;' in consequence the privy council resolved 'that 1189l. 17s. 3d. should be paid to Sir Henry Balnavis for the affairs of Scotland, that is to say, for the wages of eighty men within the Castle of St Andrews at 6d. by the day for six months, the sum of 336l. sterling. For the wages of forty horse at 8d. the day, appointed to keep abroad for the more surety of the said castle, for six months, 224l. For the amity of the Master of Rothes, for one half year ending at Michaelmas last past, 125l. For the like to the Laird of Grange, 100l. For the like to David Moneypenny, 50l. For the like to Mr Henry Balnavis, of Halhill, 62l. 10s. For the like to John Leslie, of Parkhill, 62l. 10s. James Leslie, of Abdour, 50l. W. Kircaldy, son to the Laird of Grange, 50l., which sums make, on the whole, 1060l.; and on the exchange 1189l. 17s. 3d.—Privy Council Records, Feb. 6, MS. Edward VI.
