But I would not on any account war against one of them now.

Half the great families are united by ties of blood or marriage.

The Kerrs, we know, are related to the Comyns and other powerful families; and did I lift a hand against them, adieu to my chance of being joined by the great nobles.

No; openly hostile as many of them are, I must let them go their way, and confine my efforts to attacking their friends the English.

Then they will have no excuse of personal feud for taking side against the cause of Scotland.