As to confusion caused by the claim of Oliver Sinclair to be commander, it is not corroborated by contemporary despatches, though Sir George Douglas reports James's lament for the conduct of his favourite, "Fled Oliver! fled Oliver!" The misfortune broke the heart of James.

He went to Edinburgh, did some business, retired for a week to Linlithgow, {89} where his queen was awaiting her delivery, and thence went to Falkland, and died of nothing more specific than shame, grief, and despair.

He lived to hear of the birth of his daughter, Mary (December 8, 1542).

"It came with a lass and it will go with a lass," he is said to have muttered.
On December 14th James passed away, broken by his impossible task, lost in the bewildering paths from which there was no outgait.
James was personally popular for his gaiety and his adventures while he wandered in disguise.

Humorous poems are attributed to him.