"When I parted from his grace, there was no talk of it." "There was talk of it, but no certainty; for our royal brother kept his own counsel, and spoke not of this much-desired event till his way lay clear before him.

There have been some turbulent spirits in the camp--your humble servant, this black lord, and Randolph amongst them--who in truth conspired to let his grace know no peace by night or day till this object was attained; but our prudent monarch gave us little heed till his wiser brain arranged the matters we but burned to execute." "And what, think you, fixed this resolve ?" "Simply that for a time we are clear of English thieves and Norman rogues, and can march northward, and sit down before Perth without fear of being called southward again.

Edward will have enow on his hands to keep his own frontiers from invasion; 'twill be some time ere he see the extent of our vengeance, and meanwhile our drift is gained." "Aye, it were a sin and crying shame to let Perth remain longer in English hands," rejoined Douglas; "strongly garrisoned it may be; but what matter ?" "What matter! why, 'tis great matter," replied Sir Edward, joyously.
"What glory were it to sit down before a place and take it at first charge?
No, give me good fighting, tough assault, and brave defence.
Think you I would have so urged the king, did I not scent a glorious struggle before the walls?
Strongly garrisoned! I would not give one link of this gold chain for it, were it not.

But a truce to this idle parley; we must make some miles ere nightfall.

Sir Knight of the Branch, do your men need further rest?
if not, give the word, and let them fall in with their comrades, and on." "Whither ?" demanded Sir Amiot, as he gave the required orders.