human
It is easy for those to speak well of the pike, who have not felt the prod of its point, cried Lord Maxwell angrily.
gpt
Few English invasions have reached Stirling, but every one of them have crossed the Border. What matters the lifting of some English cattle? The Southerners never scrupled to eat good Scottish beef whenever they set foot on Scottish soil. I would hang the English envoy for daring to come to a Scottish king with complaints of cattle lifting.
human
I give you fair warning, he cried,
gpt
And I say the same,
human
That is treason, he said quietly.
gpt
Adam Scott, I have heard that you are called King of the Border. Scotland is blessed with a number of men who are king of this, or king of that, and I am sure I make no objection, as long as they do not forget the difference that exists between a king in name and a king in reality. I asked for advice, but not for threats.
human
Gentlemen, I thank you for your counsel. I shall give a soothing reply to my uncle's ambassador, keeping in mind the peace that exists between the two countries, and then I shall take what has been said on each side into consideration and let you know the result.
gpt
Well, Davie, he said, when they were alone,
human
To tell truth, your majesty, answered the poet,
gpt
That is the disadvantage of an unbiased mind, Davie. Now, with good, strong prejudices, one side or the other, the way would be clear, and yet I despise a man who doesn't know his own mind.
human
Scott and Cockburn seemed to know their minds very well,
gpt
Yes, and if one or two more of them had spoken as decidedly, I would have been off to the Border to-night at the head of my troops. It is a weakness of mine, but I can't put up with a threat very well.
human
Kings are rarely called upon to thole a threat,
gpt
I'm not so sure of that, Davie. Kings have to thole many things if they are to rule justly. Now, Davie, if you'll but tell me just what to do, it will be a great help, for then I can take the opposite direction with confidence.
human
I cannot tell you, he said.
gpt
There seems much to be said for both sides.
human
Then, Davie, send down to the town for the cobbler; send for Flemming, he is a common-sense, canny body; he shall be the Solomon of the occasion. That broad-faced hammer of his seems to rap out wisdom as well as drive pegs. Bring him up with you, and we'll place the case before him.
gpt
Was it your majesty's pleasure, began Sir Donald,
human
No. Why do you ask?
gpt
Because they have mounted their horses and are off to the Border as fast as two good steeds can carry them.
human
And where are Bothwell, Home, and Maxwell, and the Lairds of Fairniherst, Johnston and Buccleuch?
gpt
They are all closeted in the Earl of Bothwell's room, your majesty. Shall I take any action regarding them?
human
Oh no; do not meddle with them. You heard the opinions given a while since, Donald? What conclusion did you arrive at?
gpt
I am scarcely an impartial judge, your majesty. A soldier is ever for fighting, and I fear he pays little attention to the right or wrong of it.
human
You would try a fall with the Border kings perhaps?
gpt
Yes, your majesty, I would.
human
Then I need have no fear but the troops will respond if I call on them?
gpt
None in the least, your majesty.
human
Well, I am glad to hear that, Sir Donald, and, meanwhile, I can think of the project without any doubt regarding my army.