You will not forget that the Dauphin of France is wedded to the Scottish princess nearest the throne, and that therefore he is not unconcerned in the welfare of this realm.
"Now, messieurs, it cannot be hid from you that there is one overriding and insistent peril which ought to put an end to all your misunderstandings.

There is a young man in this land, more powerful than you or the King, or, indeed, all the powers legalised and established within the bounds of Scotland.
"Who is above the law, gentlemen?
I name to you the Earl of Douglas.
Who hath a retinue ten times more magnificent than that with which the King rides forth?
The Earl of Douglas! Who possesses more than half Scotland, and that part the fairest and richest?
Who holds in his hands all the strong castles, is joined by bond of service and manrent with the most powerful nobles of the land?
Who but the Earl of Douglas, Duke of Touraine, Warden of the Marches, hereditary Lieutenant-General of the Kingdom ?" At this point the crafty eyes of Crichton the Chancellor were turned full upon the speaker.

His hand tugged nervously at his thin reddish beard as if it had been combing the long goat's tuft which grew beneath his smooth chin.
"But did not you yourself come all the way from France to endue him with the duchy of Touraine ?" he said.

"Doth that look like pulling him down from his high seat ?" The marshal moved a politic hand as if asking silence till he had finished his explanation.
"Pardon," he said; "permit me yet a moment, most High Chancellor--but have you heard so little of the skill and craft of Louis, our most notable Dauphin, that you know not how he ever embraces men with the left arm whilst he pierces them with the dagger in his right ?" The Chancellor nodded appreciation.

It was a detail of statecraft well known to him, and much practised by his house in all periods of their history.
"Now, my lords," the ambassador continued, "you are here all three--the men who need most to end this tyranny--you, my Lord of Avondale, will you deign to deliver your mind upon this matter ?" The fat Earl hemmed and hawed, clearing his throat to gain time, and knitting and unknitting his fingers over his stomach.
"Being a near kinsman," he said at last, "it is not seemly that I should say aught against the Earl of Douglas; but this I do know--there will be no peace in Scotland till that young man and his brother are both cut off." The Chancellor and de Retz exchanged glances.