The absence of Edward, who is now abroad, increases the probability of success.

The knight's design is to infuse his own spirit into the bosoms of the chiefs in this part of the kingdom.

By their assistance, to seize the fortresses in the Lowlands, and so form a chain of repulsion against the admission of fresh troops from England.

Then, while other chiefs (to whom he means to apply) rise in the Highlands, the Southron garrisons there, being unsupported by supplies, must become an easy prey, and would yield men of consequence, to be exchanged for our countrymen, now prisoners in England.

For the present, he wishes to be furnished with troops merely enough to take some castle, of power sufficient to give confidence to his friends.