"Were I in your Grace's place, I would get me into that good boat which hovers on the Tay, and drop quietly down to Fife, where you have many friends, and make free to take possession of Falkland.

It is a royal castle; and though the King has bestowed it in gift on your uncle, yet surely, even if the grant were not subject to challenge, your Grace might make free with the residence of so near a relative." "He hath made free with mine," said the Duke, "as the stewartry of Renfrew can tell.

But stay, Ramorny--hold; did I not hear Errol say that the Lady Marjory Douglas, whom they call Duchess of Rothsay, is at Falkland?
I would neither dwell with that lady nor insult her by dislodging her." "The lady was there, my lord," replied Ramorny; "I have sure advice that she is gone to meet her father." "Ha! to animate the Douglas against me?
or perhaps to beg him to spare me, providing I come on my knees to her bed, as pilgrims say the emirs and amirals upon whom a Saracen soldan bestows a daughter in marriage are bound to do?
Ramorny, I will act by the Douglas's own saying, 'It is better to hear the lark sing than the mouse squeak.' I will keep both foot and hand from fetters." "No place fitter than Falkland," replied Ramorny.

"I have enough of good yeomen to keep the place; and should your Highness wish to leave it, a brief ride reaches the sea in three directions." "You speak well.

But we shall die of gloom yonder.