Towards the close of the year 1599 he went to London to make his peace with the Queen. In a letter to Cecil, written by Sir Robert Cary, we have striking testimony given of the change which had taken place in Buccleuch's attitude towards the English government. "He will be desirous," Cary says, "to kiss the Queen's hand: which favour of late he hath very well deserved, for since my coming into these parts, I do assure your honour he is the only man that hath run a direct course with me for the maintenance of justice, and his performance hath been such as we have great quietness with those under his charge. Nor have I wanted present satisfaction for anything by his people: and he has had the like from me. There is not an unsatisfied bill on either side between us."[101] Considering the terms of this letter, we are not surprised to learn that the "Bold Buccleuch" was received at Court with considerable favour. If it be true that Elizabeth at one time was privy to a plot to assassinate him, she must surely have had some qualms of conscience when at last this "stark reiver" stood before her. The scene is a memorable one. The Queen demanded of him, with one of those lion-like glances which used to throw the proudest nobles on their knees, how he dared to storm her castle, to which the Border baron replied--"What, madam, is there that a brave man may not dare?" The rejoinder pleased her; and, turning to her courtiers, she exclaimed--"Give me a thousand such leaders, and I'll shake any throne in Europe!" XIII. MINIONS OF THE MOON. "Diana's Foresters, Gentlemen of the shade, Minions of the Moon."--FALSTAFF. "_Reparabit Cornua Phoebe._"--MOTTO: HARDEN FAMILY. "The siller moon now glimmers pale; But ere we've crossed fair Liddesdale, She'll shine as brightlie as the bale That warns the water hastilie. "O leeze me on her bonny light! There's nought sae dear to Harden's sight: Troth, gin she shone but ilka night, Our clan might live right royallie." FEAST OF SPURS.