_Percy_.--And you, in pledge of due performance, sir,
Do give up this your son into our hands,
In surety for your honour------

_Sir Alex_.--What! my son!
Give him up too--yield him into your power?
Have ye not one already?--No! no! no!
I cannot, my Lord Percy; no, I cannot
Part with him too, and leave their mother childless!

_Provost Ramsay_.--Wad ye no tak me as a substitute, Lord
Percy? I'm a man o' property, and chief magistrate beside; now,
I should think, I'm the maist likely person.

_Percy_.--Good master magistrate and man of property,
I like thy heart, but cannot take thy person.
Give up the youth, or here must end my truce!

_Richard_.--Fear not, my father. I will be their hostage,
For Scotland's sake, and for my father's honour--

_Sir Alex_.--My boy, my boy, and shall I lose you thus?
What surety does cruel Edward give,
That, keeping faith, he will restore my sons
Back to my arms in safety? Tell me, Percy;
Gives he his honour as a man or king?

_Percy_.--As both, I hold it.

_Sir Alex_.--And wilt thou pledge thine?