"How is this, father prior?" said the King.

But the prior drew back from the lattice. "I have no will to see,
my lord, things which it would pain me to repeat."

"How is all this?" said the King, who coloured deeply, and seemed
about to rise from his chair; but changed his mind, as if unwilling,
perhaps, to look upon some unbecoming prank of the wild young
prince, which he might not have had heart to punish with necessary
severity. The Earl of March seemed to have a pleasure in informing
him of that of which doubtless he desired to remain ignorant.

"My liege," he cried, "this is better and better. The glee maiden
has not only engaged the ear of the Prince of Scotland, as well as
of every groom and trooper in the courtyard, but she has riveted
the attention of the Black Douglas, whom we have not known as a
passionate admirer of the gay science. But truly, I do not wonder
at his astonishment, for the Prince has honoured the fair professor
of song and viol with a kiss of approbation."

"How!" cried the King, "is David of Rothsay trifling with a glee
maiden, and his wife's father in presence? Go, my good father
abbot, call the Prince here instantly. Go, my dearest brother--"
And when they had both left the room, the King continued, "Go,
good cousin of March; there will be mischief, I am assured of it.
I pray you go, cousin, and second my lord prior's prayers with my
commands."

"You forget, my liege," said March, with the voice of a deeply