THE YOUNG LORDS RIDE AWAY This was the letter which, along with the Chancellor's invitations, came to the hand of the Earl William as he rode forth to the deer-hunting one morning from his Castle of Thrieve: "My lord, if it be not that you have wholly forgotten me and your promise, this comes to inform you that my uncle and I purpose to abide at the Castle of Crichton for ten days before finally departing forth of this land.

It is known to me that the Chancellor, moved thereto by One who desires much to see you, hath invited the Earl of Douglas to come thither with what retinue is best beseeming so great a lord.
"But 'tis beyond hope that we should meet in this manner.

My lord hath, doubtless, ere this forgot all that was between us, and hath already seen others fairer and more worthy of his courteous regard than the Lady Sybilla.

This is as well beseems a mighty lord, who taketh up a cup full and setteth it down empty.

But a woman hath naught to do, save only to remember the things that have been, and to think upon them.