XXIII. Now, clear the ring! for, hand to hand, casion of the king's hunting in the park of Stirling, he casts himself to be in his way, as he was coming home to the castle. So soon as the king saw him afar off, ere he came near, he guessed it was he, and said to one of his courtiers, yonder is my Grey-Steill, Archibald of Kilspindie, if he be alive. The other answered, that it could not be he, and that he durst not come into the king's presence. The king approaching, he fell upon his knees and craved nardon, and promised from thenceforward to abstain from meddling in public affairs, and to lead a quiet and private life. The king went by without giving him any answer, and trotted a good round pace up the hill. Kilspindie followed, and, though he wore on him a secret, or shirt of mail, for his particular enemies, was as soon at the castle gate as the king. There he sat him down upon a stone without, and entreated some of the king's servants for a cup of drink, being weary and thirsty; but they, fearing the king's displeasure, durst give him none. When the king was set at his dinner, he asked what he had done, what he had said, and whither he had gone? It was told him that he had desired a cup of drink, and had gotten none. The king reproved them very sharply for their discourtesy, and told them, that if he had not taken an oath that no Douglas should ever serve him, he would have received him into his service, for he had seen him sometime a man of great ability. Then he sent him word to go to Leith, and expect his farther pleasure. Then some kinsmen of David Falconer, the cannonier, that was slain at Tantallon, began to quarrel with Archibald about the matter, wherewith the king showed himself not well pleased when he heard of it. Then he commanded him to go to France for a certain space, till he heard farther from him. And so he did, and died shortly after. This gave occasion to the King of England, (Henry VIII.) to blame his nephew, alleging the old saying, That a king's face should give grace. For Two o'er the rest superior rose, Whom senseless home his comrades bear. this Archibald (whatsoever were Angus's or Sir George's fault) had not been principal actor of anything, nor no counsellor nor stirrer up, but only a follower of his friends, and that noways cruelly disposed."-HUME of Godscroft, ii. 107. 1 The usual prize of a wrestling was a ram and a ring, but the animal would have embarrassed my story. Thus, in the Cokes Tale of Gamelyn, ascribed to Chaucer : "There happed to be there beside Tryed a wrestling; And therefore there was y-setten A ram and als a ring." Again the Litil Geste of Robin Hood: -"By a bridge was a wrestling, And there taryed was he, And there was all the best yemen Of all the west countrey. A full fayre game there was set up, A white bull up y-pight, A great courser with saddle and brydle, A payre of gloves, a red golde ringe, A pipe of wyne good fay; What man bereth him best, I wis. The prize shall bear away." RITSON'S Robin Hood, vol. L Douglas would speak, but in his breast When each his utmost strength had shown, Of Scottish strength in modern day.1 XXIV. The vale with loud applauses rang, ! [MS. Of mortal strength in modern day."] ' [MS.-" A purse weigh'd down with pieces broad."] [MS. -"Scattered the gold among the crowd."] Till whispers rose among the throng, [MS. "Ere James of Douglas' stalwart hand.” 2 [MS. "Though worn by many a winter storm."] 3 [MS.-" Or called his stately form to mind."] XXV. The monarch saw the gambols flag, Two favourite greyhounds should pull down, But Lufra,-whom from Douglas' side -The Douglas had endured, that morn, |