I need not tell you that the Clan Chattan and the Clan Quhele are great confederacies, consisting each of various tribes, who are banded together, each to support their own separate league, and who of late have had dissensions which have drawn blood wherever they have met, whether individually or in bands.

The whole country is torn to pieces by their restless feuds." "I cannot see the evil of this," said the Douglas: "the ruffians will destroy each other, and the deer of the Highlands will increase as the men diminish.

We shall gain as hunters the exercise we lose as warriors." "Rather say that the wolves will increase as the men diminish," replied the King.
"I am content," said Douglas: "better wild wolves than wild caterans.
Let there be strong forces maintained along the Earish frontier, to separate the quiet from the disturbed country.

Confine the fire of civil war within the Highlands; let it spend its uncontrolled fury, and it will be soon burnt out for want of fuel.

The survivors will be humbled, and will be more obedient to a whisper of your Grace's pleasure than their fathers, or the knaves that now exist, have, been to your strictest commands." "This is wise but ungodly counsel," said the prior, shaking his head; "I cannot take it upon my conscience to recommend it.