A history of the Highlands and of the Highland clans

DEATH AND CHARACTER OF THE MARQUIS OF HUNTLY. 313
assailed by another formidable class of opponents among the turbulent
nobility, who were grieved to see a man who had not imitated tiieir
venality and rapacity, not only retain his predominance in the north,
but also receive especial marks of his sovereign's regard. But skilful
and intriguing as they were in all the dark and sinister ways of an
age distinguished for its base and wicked practices, their machinations
were frustrated by the discernment and honesty of George Gordon, the
first marquis of Huntly.