In this lecture, we discuss James's political alliance with the Kirk, spearheaded by his indefatigable Chancellor, John Maitland. This period (1587-1594) was marked first by the rivalry between Maitland and the Earl of Huntly, and later on between the King and the Earl of Bothwell. This latter conflict, however, severely weakened James's relationship with the Kirk, and following Maitland's death in the end of 1594, it was clear that the political alliance had one foot in the grave as well...