promise, this comes to inform you that my uncle and I purpose to abide
at the Castle of Crichton for ten days before finally departing forth
of this land. It is known to me that the Chancellor, moved thereto by
One who desires much to see you, hath invited the Earl of Douglas to
come thither with what retinue is best beseeming so great a lord.

"But 'tis beyond hope that we should meet in this manner. My lord
hath, doubtless, ere this forgot all that was between us, and hath
already seen others fairer and more worthy of his courteous regard
than the Lady Sybilla. This is as well beseems a mighty lord, who
taketh up a cup full and setteth it down empty. But a woman hath
naught to do, save only to remember the things that have been, and to
think upon them. Grace be to you, my dear lord. And so for this time
and it may be for ever, fare you well!"

When the Earl had read this letter from the Lady Sybilla, he turned
himself in his saddle without delay and said to his hunt-master:

"Take back the hounds, we will not hunt the stag this day."

The messenger stood respectfully before him waiting to take back an
answer.

"Come you from the town of Edinburgh?" asked the Earl, quickly.

"Nay," said the youth, "let it please your greatness, I am a servant
of my Lord of Crichton, and come from his new castle in the Lothians."

"Doth the Chancellor abide there at this present?" asked the Earl.