human
It is quite safe, he said with something like the spit of a cat,
gpt
Tut, tut, cried the king with impatience,
human
Sir, as it appears you are acquainted with our language, why did you not reply to the question I put to you?
gpt
Because I would have you know it was not the proper kind of question to ask the like of me. I am a descendant of kings.
human
Well, as far as that goes, I am a descendant of kings myself, though sorry I should be to defend all their actions.
gpt
Your family only began with Robert the Bruce; mine was old ere he came to the throne.
human
That may well be, still you must admit that what Robert lacked in ancestry, he furnished forth in ability.
gpt
But the Clan MacNab defeated him at the battle of Del Rhi.
human
True, with some assistance, which you ignore, from Alexander of Argyll. However, if this discussion is to become a competition in history, for the benefit of our ignorant courtiers, I may be allowed to add that my good ancestor, Robert, did not forget the actions of the MacNabs at Del Rhi, and later overran their country, dismantled their fortresses, leaving the clan in a more sane and chastened condition than that in which he found it. But what has all this to do with your coming storming into a peaceable town like Stirling?
gpt
In truth, your majesty, whispered Sir David Lyndsay,
human
I think they must have come to replenish their wardrobe, and in that they are not a moment too soon.
gpt
I came, said the chief, who had not heard this last remark,
human
By my good sword! cried James,
gpt
I expected King James the Fifth to rectify the wrong done by King Robert the First.
human
Your expectation does honour to my reputation as a just man, but I have already disclaimed responsibility for the deeds of ancestors less remote than good King Robert.
gpt
You have made proclamation in the Highlands that the chieftains must bring you proof of their right to occupy their lands.
human
I have, and some have preferred to me their deeds of tenure, others prepared to fight; the cases have been settled in both instances. To which of these two classes do you belong, Chief of the Clan MacNab?
gpt
To neither. I cannot submit to you our parchments because Robert, your ancestor, destroyed them. I cannot fight the army of the Lowlands because my clan is small, therefore I, Finlay MacNab, fifth of my name, as you are fifth of yours, come to you in peace, asking you to repair the wrong done by your ancestor.
human
Indeed! cried the king.
gpt
If the present advent typifies your idea of a peaceful visit, then God forfend that I should ever meet you in anger.
human
I came in peace and have been shamefully used.
gpt
You must not hold that against us, said James.
human
Look you now, if I had come storming at your castle door, sword in hand, how would you have treated me, Finlay the Fifth?
gpt
If you had come with only twenty men behind you, I should treat you with all the hospitality of Glendochart, which far exceeds that of Stirling or any other part of your money-making Lowlands, where gold coin is valued more than a steel blade.
human
It has all been a mistake, said the king with great cordiality.
gpt
The parchment you seek shall be given you, and I trust that your generosity, Lord of Glendochart, will allow me to amend your opinion of Stirling hospitality. I shall take it kindly if you will be my guests in the castle until my officers of law repair the harshness of my ancestor, Robert.
human
Unbind these gentlemen, and return to them their arms.