Hurriedly securing the door from all intruders, the earl at length approached his son.
"Wouldst thou be free ?" he said, abruptly.

"Methinks thou art young enough still to love liberty better than chains, and perchance death.
Speak, I tell thee; wouldst thou be free ?" "Free!" answered Alan, raising his head, with flashing eye and burning cheek; "would I be free?
Ask of the chained lion, the caged bird, and they will tell thee the greenwood and forest glade are better, dearer, even though the chain were gemmed, the prison gilded.

Would I be free?
Thou knowest that I would." "Swear, then, that thou wilt quit Scotland, and vow fealty to Edward; that never more will thy sword be raised save against the contemned and hated Bruce.

Be faithful but to me and to King Edward, and thou shalt be free." "Never!" answered Alan, proudly.

"Earl of Buchan, I accept no conditions with my freedom; I will not be free, if only on this base condition.
Turn recreant and traitor to my country and my king! resign the precious privilege of _dying_, if I may not _live_, for Scotland--I tell thee, never! Urge me no more." "Nay, thou art but a boy, a foolish boy," continued the earl, struggling to speak persuadingly, "incapable of judging that which is right and best.