Page:Witty and entertaining exploits of George Buchanan (3).pdf/24

 which he did in all haste, and said as follows—

Then they all cried out that he was fairly beaten and what George had said was really true; but he would never lay any more wagers concerning poetry.

George being now far advanced in years, and being weary of the great fatigue and folly of the court fashions, a short time before his death he had a great desire to go and visit his native country and the place of his nativity: therefore he petitioned the king for leave to do so, which was granted. So he set out for Scotland and went to the parish of Buchanan, in the west, where he visited relations and friends. But George staying longer from court than the time allowed, the king saw him sent him several messages to return, to which he returned no answer. At last the king sent him a letter, threatening, that if he did not appear before him in the space of twenty days, he would send his Lyon heralds for him: to which George returned the following answer—

And he also gave him many good admonitions and directions concerning the government of his kingdom, and the well being of his soul, which drew tears from the king's eyes when he read it.