I tell thee, I will give thee not freedom alone, but honor, station, wealth; I will acknowledge thee as my well-beloved son and heir; I will forget all that is past; nay, not e'en thy will or actions will I restrain; I will bind thee by no vow; thou shalt take no part with Edward; I will interfere not with thy peculiar politics; e'en what thou wilt thou shalt do, aye, and have--and all this but on one condition, so slight and simple that thou art worse than fool an thou refusest." "Speak on," muttered Alan, without raising his head.

"I hear." "Give me but information of the movements of him thou callest king," replied Buchan, in a low yet emphatically distinct voice; "give me but a hint as to where we may meet him in combat--in all honorable and knightly combat, thou knowest that I mean--give me but information such as this, and thou art free, unshackled, in condition as in limb." "In other words, _betray him,_" replied Alan, starting up.

"Purchase my freedom with the price of his! mine, of nothing worth, aye, less than nothing, redeemed by his! Oh, shame, shame on thee, my lord! Well mayest thou offer me freedom of action as in will on such condition.

Of little heed to Edward were the resistance of all Scotland, were Robert in his power.

Honor, station, wealth!--oh, knowest thou the human heart so little as to believe these can exist with black treachery and fell remorse?
Once and forever, I tell thee thine offers are in vain.