THE BRAES OF BALMAGHIE By ten of the clock the braes of Balmaghie were a sight most glorious to look upon.

Well nigh twelve thousand men were gathered there, of whom five thousand were well-mounted knights and fully equipped men-at-arms, every man of them ready and willing to couch a lance or ride a charge.
The line of the tents which had been set up extended from opposite the Castle island of Thrieve to the kirk hill of Balmaghie.

Every knight's following was strictly kept within its own pale, or fence of green wands set basket-wise, pointed and thrust into the earth like the spring traps of those who catch mowdiewarts.

Many also were the quarrels and bickerings of the squires who had been sent forward to choose and arrange the several encampments.

Nor were rough and tumble fights such as we have seen the MacKims indulging in, thought derogatory to the dignity of any, save belted knights only.
Each camp displayed the device of its own lord, but higher than all, from the top of every mound and broomy hillock floated the banner of the overlord.