Page:History of the Black Douglas.pdf/4

Rh Sir, commonly called the Good Lord James, was born about the year 1278, and was the son of William the Hardy, or Long Leg, one of the associates of Sir William Wallace in the struggle made by that hero against the encroachments of Edward the First. After many changes of fortune, he was at last made prisoner, and carried into England, accompanied by his son. He died in prison, and when his son James Douglas returned to Scotland, he found the castle of Douglas, and all his father's lands, in the possession of the English Lord Clifford, on whom they had been bestowed by Edward as the reward of his services against the Scots.

Destitute of money and friends, and filled with grief at the misfortunes of his country, he sought refuge with the Archbishop of St. Andrew's, his mother's brother. The old Prelate received him kindly, and promised to apply to Edward in his behalf.

King Edward had by this time made himself master of the greater part of the strong places in Scotland, and was then at Stirling. Thither went the good Archbishop, carrying the young Douglas along with him, whom he introduced to Edward as a youth of great promise, humbly entreating the king to take him under his protection, and reinstate him in his father's lands.

But no sooner did Edward learn who he was, than he reproached him with his father's rebellion; and, in great wrath, turning to the Archbishop, ex claimedexclaimed [sic], "I have no service for such a traitor's son, and have given his lands to a better man than him."