At one time, the Queen seems to have chosen Thomas of Ercildoune--better known as The Rhymer--with whom to share her royalty. Whether from infidelity to her royal spouse, or from his having fallen into temporary disgrace, tradition sayeth not, but her offer is celebrated in ballad lore-- "An' I will gie to thee, luve Thomas, My han', but an' my crown; An' thou shalt reign o'er Fairylan' In joy, an' gret renown. "An' I will gie to thee, luve Thomas, To live for evermair; Thine arm sall never feckless grow, Nor hoary wax thy hair. "Nae clamorous grief we ever thole, Nae wastin' pine we dree; An endless life's afore thee placed O' constant luve an' lee." But, after seven years' residence, he was suddenly dismissed by her majesty, his mistress, and for a very sufficient reason, as told also in ballad lore-- "'Busk thee, Thomas, for thou must be gane, For here no longer may'st thou be; Hie thee fast, with might and main; I shall thee bring to the Eildon tree.' "Thomas answered with heavy cheer, 'Lovely ladye, thou lat me be; For certainly I have been here Nought but the space of dayes three!' "'For sooth, Thomas, as I thee tell, Thou hast been here seven year and more; But longer here thou may not dwell, The skyl I will thee tell wherefore. "'To-morrow, of hell the foul fiend Among these folks shall choose his fee; Thou art a fair man and a hend, I trow full well he wil choose thee! "'For all the gold that ever might be, Frae heaven unto the worldes end, Thou be'st never betray'd by me; Therefore with me I rede thee wend.' "She brought him again to the Eildon tree, Underneath the greenwood spray; In Huntly banks was fayr to be, Where birds do sing both night and day."