His brave fathers would have rather subscribed a covenant with the devil than yielded in such a matter to the pretensions of Rome." "Alas, and what remedy ?" "None, old man, save in some sudden court change," said Sir Patrick.
"The King is but like a mirror, which, having no light itself, reflects back with equal readiness any which is placed near to it for the time.

Now, although the Douglas is banded with Albany, yet the Earl is unfavourable to the high claims of those domineering priests, having quarrelled with them about the exactions which his retinue hath raised on the Abbot of Arbroath.

He will come back again with a high hand, for report says the Earl of March hath fled before him.

When he returns we shall have a changed world, for his presence will control Albany; especially as many nobles, and I myself, as I tell you in confidence, are resolved to league with him to defend the general right.

Thy exile, therefore, will end with his return to our court.