We shall sit but uncomfortably here at Perth, if we are at variance with the citizens." "Leave that to me," said Albany.

"With some little grant of lands and money, and plenty of fair words, the burghers may be satisfied for this time; but it were well that the barons and their followers, who are in attendance on the court, were warned to respect the peace within burgh." "Surely, we would have it so," said the King; "let strict orders be given accordingly." "It is doing the churls but too much grace," said the Douglas; "but be it at your Highness's pleasure.

I take leave to retire." "Not before you taste a flagon of Gascon wine, my lord ?" said the King.
"Pardon," replied the Earl, "I am not athirst, and I drink not for fashion, but either for need or for friendship." So saying, he departed.
The King, as if relieved by his absence, turned to Albany, and said: "And now, my lord, we should chide this truant Rothsay of ours; yet he hath served us so well at council, that we must receive his merits as some atonement for his follies." "I am happy to hear it," answered Albany, with a countenance of pity and incredulity, as if he knew nothing of the supposed services.
"Nay, brother, you are dull," said the King, "for I will not think you envious.

Did you not note that Rothsay was the first to suggest the mode of settling the Highlands, which your experience brought indeed into better shape, and which was generally approved of; and even now we had broken up, leaving a main matter unconsidered, but that he put us in mind of the affray with the citizens ?" "I nothing doubt, my liege," said the Duke of Albany, with the acquiescence which he saw was expected, "that my royal nephew will soon emulate his father's wisdom." "Or," said the Duke of Rothsay, "I may find it easier to borrow from another member of my family that happy and comfortable cloak of hypocrisy which covers all vices, and then it signifies little whether they exist or not." "My lord prior," said the Duke, addressing the Dominican, "we will for a moment pray your reverence's absence.

The King and I have that to say to the Prince which must have no further audience, not even yours." The Dominican bowed and withdrew.
When the two royal brothers and the Prince were left together, the King seemed in the highest degree embarrassed and distressed, Albany sullen and thoughtful, while Rothsay himself endeavoured to cover some anxiety under his usual appearance of levity.