As might be expected, when all the circumstances were taken into consideration, the execution of Armstrong and his followers produced a profound sensation, and a deep and bitter feeling of resentment. It was long believed by the peasantry of the district that, to mark the injustice of the deed, the trees on which they were hanged, withered away. On purely abstract grounds it may be argued that Armstrong and his men richly deserved the punishment meted out to them, but this fact does not exonerate the King from the charge of treachery and deceit which has justly been brought against him. The measures he adopted to capture the quarry were unworthy of a puissant monarch with eight thousand well armed men under his command. He might well have paid more respect to the principles of honour and fair play. It is interesting to find that the version of Armstrong's capture and execution given in the famous ballad agrees substantially with the accounts of Pitscottie and Anderson. There, we are told, that the King sent a "loving letter" to Armstrong, inviting him to a conference. The King he wrytes a luving letter, With his ain hand sae tenderly, And he hath sent it to Johnie Armstrang, To cum and speik with him speedily. This communication evidently excited no suspicion, and extensive preparations were at once made to extend to his Majesty a kind and hearty welcome. It was even hoped that he might be induced to dine at Gilnockie! The Eliots and Armstrangs did convene; They were a gallant cumpanie-- "We'll ride and meet our lawful King, And bring him safe to Gilnockie. "Make kinnen[86] and capon ready, then, And venison in great plentie; We'll welcum here our royal King; I hope he'll dine at Gilnockie!" They ran their horse on the Langholme howm, And brak their spears wi' mickle main; The ladies lukit frae their lofty windows-- "God bring our men weel hame again!" When Johnie cam before the King, Wi' a' his men sae brave to see, The King he movit his bonnet to him; He ween'd he was a King as well as he. According to the balladist, it would seem that Armstrong's ruin was brought about by the princely style in which he appeared before his sovereign. The King, highly displeased, turned away his head, and exclaimed-- "Away, away, thou traitor strang! Out o' my sight soon mayst thou be! I grantit never a traitor's life, And now I'll not begin wi' thee."