respect to the sanctified ground, they lowered their weapons when
they entered, and confined their strife to a war of words and mutual
abuse.

The tumult had this good effect, that it forced asunder, by the
weight and press of numbers, the Prince and Douglas, at a moment
when the levity of the former and the pride of the latter were
urging both to the utmost extremity. But now peacemakers interfered
on all sides. The prior and the monks threw themselves among the
multitude, and commanded peace in the name of Heaven, and reverence
to their sacred walls, under penalty of excommunication; and their
expostulations began to be listened to. Albany, who was despatched
by his royal brother at the beginning of the fray, had not arrived
till now on the scene of action. He instantly applied himself to
Douglas, and in his ear conjured him to temper his passion.

"By St. Bride of Douglas, I will be avenged!" said the Earl. "No
man shall brook life after he has passed an affront on Douglas."

"Why, so you may be avenged in fitting time," said Albany; "but
let it not be said that, like a peevish woman, the Great Douglas
could choose neither time nor place for his vengeance. Bethink you,
all that we have laboured at is like to be upset by an accident.
George of Dunbar hath had the advantage of an audience with the old
man; and though it lasted but five minutes, I fear it may endanger
the dissolution of your family match, which we brought about with so
much difficulty. The authority from Rome has not yet been obtained."

"A toy!" answered Douglas, haughtily; "they dare not dissolve it."