ABSTRACT
Ever an opportunist in the best sense of the word, Edward, when events played into his hands, seldom failed to make, the most of his opportunity. This is true of all his policy, but most of all of his dealings with Scotland. There his opportunity had come in 1286, when Alexander III. died from a fall from his horse, leaving no successor save an infant granddaughter, the offspring of his daughter Margaret and Eric of Norway. The succession of this child was a matter of considerable anxiety to the Scots, and in view of the good relations which had existed between Alexander and his brother-in-law, the nobles, who had assembled for the funeral at Dunfermline, sent two Dominican Friars to Edward, asking for his favour and advice. The King had sailed for France and advised the appointment of a regency, already doubtless conscious of the opportunity which offered of uniting the thrones of England and Scotland.
