machines, if poffible, nearer, to play upon the caftle . but the garrifon made fo good a defence, that they were forced to retreat ; and the king ordered the machines to be watched, to renew the attack the next day. Each retired to their quarters, except thofe who guarded the machines : fome bewailed the dead, others comforted the wounded. Thofe of the caille faw that they had too hard a talk, for they were much fatigued ; and, if king David were fteady to his purpofe, they ihould have difficulty to defend it. They therefore thought it advifable to fend fome one to king Edward, who was arrived at Berwick, which they knew for truth from fome of the Scots prifoners they had taken, and were looking out for a proper perfon for this buiinefs ; for not one would agree to quit the defence of the caille, or of the beautiful lady, in order to carry this meffage, and there was much ftrife among them : 'which, when their captain, fir William Montacute, faw, he faid, * I am very well pleafed, gentlemen, with your loyalty and heartinefs, as well as for your affe&ion to the lady of this houfe ; fo that, out of my love for her and for you, I will rifk my perfon in this adventure. I have great confidence and truft in you, and that you will defend the caille until I ihall return. On the other hand, I have the greateft hopes in our lord the king, and that 1 ihall bring back with me, fpeedily, fuch fuccour, to your great joy, that yqu will all be rewarded for the gallant defence you ihall have made.' VOL. I. U This