"I spoke not of the Prince in such unbeseeming terms, for I call Heaven to witness that he is dearer to me as the son of a well beloved brother than had he been son of my own.

But I spoke in regard to separating him from the follies and vanities of life, which holy men say are like to mortified members, and ought, like them, to be cut off and thrown from us, as things which interrupt our progress in better things." "I understand--thou wouldst have this Ramorny, who hath been thought the instrument of my son's follies, exiled from court," said the relieved monarch, "until these unhappy scandals are forgotten, and our subjects are disposed to look upon our son with different and more confiding eyes." "That were good counsel, my liege; but mine went a little--a very little--farther.

I would have the Prince himself removed for some brief period from court." "How, Albany! part with my child, my firstborn, the light of my eyes, and--wilful as he is--the darling of my heart! Oh, Robin! I cannot, and I will not." "Nay, I did but suggest, my lord; I am sensible of the wound such a proceeding must inflict on a parent's heart, for am I not myself a father ?" And he hung his head, as if in hopeless despondency.
"I could not survive it, Albany.

When I think that even our own influence over him, which, sometimes forgotten in our absence, is ever effectual whilst he is with us, is by your plan to be entirely removed, what perils might he not rush upon?
I could not sleep in his absence--I should hear his death groan in every breeze; and you, Albany, though you conceal it better, would be nearly as anxious." Thus spoke the facile monarch, willing to conciliate his brother and cheat himself, by taking it for granted that an affection, of which there were no traces, subsisted betwixt the uncle and nephew.
"Your paternal apprehensions are too easily alarmed, my lord," said Albany.

"I do not propose to leave the disposal of the Prince's motions to his own wild pleasure.