[399] The chamberlain of Scotland was directed by Edward I., A. D. 1306, to fit up one of the turrets of the castle of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and therein to build a strong cage of lattice-work, constructed with stout posts and bars, and well strengthened with iron. The Countess was prohibited from speaking with any person, Scotch or English, except the keeper of the castle and a woman or two of the town of Berwick, appointed by him to deliver her food. The sister of Robert Bruce was prisoner at the same time, and treated in the same manner. Lord Hailes's observation on this passage is amusing. "To those who have no notion of any cage but one for a parrot or a squirrel, hung out at a window, I despair of rendering this mandate intelligible." [400] Matthew of Westminster, p. 457, &c. Trevet, p. 343. [401] This was the good Lord James of Douglas, of whom see p. 205 ante. [402] many. [403] displayed. [404] many. [405] battalions. [406] alarmed. [407] gleamed. [408] flame of fire. [409] flowing. [410] waving. [411] Sir Walter Scott has made King Edward the author of this unknightly conduct "'Knows't thou,' he said, 'De Argentine, Yon knight who marshals thus their line?'-- 'The tokens on his helmet tell The Bruce my liege: I know him well.'-- 'And shall the audacious traitor brave The presence where our banners wave?'-- 'So please my liege,' said Argentine, 'Were he but hors'd on steed like mine, To give him fair and knightly chance, I would adventure forth my lance.'-- 'In battle-day,' the King replied, 'Nice tourney rules are set aside. --Still must the rebel dare our wrath? Set on--sweep him from our path.' And at King Edward's signal, soon Dash'd from the ranks Sir Henry Boune." The Lord of the Isles, canto vi. st. 14. [412] companions. [413] haste. [414] without shrinking. [415] haste. [416] spurred. [417] line. [418] moan. [419] heavy clash. [420] broken. [421] flat. [422] "For the king had said him rudely, That a rose off his chaplet Has fallen; for quhar[L] he was set To kep the way these men were past." Barbour, vol. ii p. 545-548. [L] where. [423] Mon. Malms., p. 149, &c. Moor, p. 594. Fordun, vol. xii. p. 20. Scala Chronica, p. 547. Dalrymple, vol. ii. p. 45, &c. [424] Trokelowe in Hearne, p. 52. Moor in Camden, Angl. Norm. p. 595. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The History of Chivalry, Volume I (of 2), by Charles Mills