Would you arm a madman with a drawn weapon?
But oh, Albany! my friend--my brother--my bosom counsellor--how--how camest thou by the heart to do this ?" Albany, seeing that the King's mood was softening, replied with more firmness than before: "My castle has no barrier against the power of death.

I have not deserved the foul suspicions which your Majesty's words imply.

I pardon them, from the distraction of a bereaved father.
But I am willing to swear by cross and altar, by my share in salvation, by the souls of our royal parents--" "Be silent, Robert!" said the King: "add not perjury to murder.

And was this all done to gain a step nearer to a crown and sceptre?
Take them to thee at once, man; and mayst thou feel as I have done, that they are both of red hot iron! Oh, Rothsay--Rothsay! thou hast at least escaped being a king!" "My liege," said MacLouis, "let me remind you that the crown and sceptre of Scotland are, when your Majesty ceases to bear them, the right of Prince James, who succeeds to his brother's rights." "True, MacLouis," said the King, eagerly, "and will succeed, poor child, to his brother's perils! Thanks, MacLouis--thanks.

You have reminded me that I have still work upon earth.