BATDL PATRICK. 39

At the same time Patrick, Earl of March, the
most illustrious noble who sprang from the Anglo-
Saxon race, announced his intention of accompany-
ing King Louis to the East. Earl Patrick had seen
more than threescore years, and his hair was white,
and his limbs stiff; but his head was still as clear,
and his heart was still as courageous, as in the days
when he had dyed his lance in Celtic blood, van-
quished the great Somerled, and carried the Bastard
of Galloway in chains to Edinburgh; and, with
an earnest desire to couch against the enemies of
Christianity the lance which he had often couched
acainst the enemies of civilisation, he took the Cross,
sold his stud on the Leader Haughs to pay his
expenses, bade a last farewell to Euphemia Stewart,
his aged countess, received the pilgrim’s staff and
scrip from the Ab»ot of Melrose, and left his castle
to embark with his knights and kinsmen.

‘I was young, and now I am old,’ said Earl
Patrick, with enthusiasm. ‘In my youth I fought
with the foes of my race. In my old age I will
fare forth and combat the foes of my religion.’

It was under the banner of this aged hero that
Guy Muschamp and Walter Espec were about to
embark for the East; and, on the evening of the day
preceding that on which they were to set out, they
were conducted to the presence of the mother of the
lord of the castle, who was the daughter of a Scottish
king, that they might receive her blessing.

‘My children,’ said she, as they knelt before her,
and she laid her hands on their heads, ‘do not forget,
when among strangers and exposed to temptation,