He will tire in time of dark and solitary confinement, and gladly accept any conditions I may offer." "Gives he any proof as yet of this yielding mood ?" "By mine honor, no, your highness; he is firm and steadfast as the ocean rock." "Then wherefore thinkest thou he will change in time ?" "Because as yet, my gracious liege, the foul, treacherous principles of his mother have not ceased to work.

An entire cessation of intercourse between them will show him his mistake at last, and this could never be, did she know he lived.

Imprisoned, guarded as she is, she would yet find some means of communication with him, and all my efforts would be of no avail.

Let a year roll by, and I will stake my right hand that Alan of Buchan becomes as firm a supporter and follower of King Edward as ever his father was.

Is the boy more than mortal, and does your grace think life, liberty, riches, honors, will not weigh against perpetual imprisonment and daily thoughts of death ?" So spoke the Earl of Buchan, judging, as most men, others by himself, utterly unable to comprehend the high, glorious, self-devoted, patriotic spirit of his noble son.