THE return of James the First to his dominions had been signalized, as we have seen *, by a memorable example of retributive justice, from the sternness of which the mind revolts with horror. We must be careful indeed to regard his conduct to the house of Albany, not through the more humane feelings of our own age, but in relation to the dark feudal times in which he lived. To forgive, or rather not to revenge an injury was a principle which in such days was invariably regarded as a symptom of pusillanimity. James had a long account to settle with the house of his uncle. The blood of his brother, the broken heart of his father, the usurpation of his hereditary throne for eighteen years, and the scenes of rapine and cruelty which had been permitted to take place during his captivity in England, all called upon him to whet the sword of justice with no ordinary edge; to make an impression upon a people accustomed to laxity and disorder, which should powerfully affect their minds, and convince them that the reign of misrule was at an end. In assuming the government, his object was to be feared and respected; but making *Vol. ii. pp. 314, 315.
