And if it was just the hanging! For my part, I think I would be best pleased with James upon the gallows, which would be at least an end to him.

Catrine's a good lass enough, and a good-hearted, and lets herself be deaved all day with a runt of an auld wife like me.

But, ye see, there's the weak bit.

She's daft about that long, false, fleeching beggar of a father of hers, and red-mad about the Gregara, and proscribed names, and King James, and a wheen blethers.

And you might think ye could guide her, ye would find yourself sore mista'en.