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146 SCOTTISH ANNALS
to improve. He replied to this in presence of all who stood
by, that I had put no wrongs upon him, either in word or in
deed, and that I had never failed to do anything which I
ought to have done for him. Besides this, I myself and the
bishops and earls and the other good men of my land there
present, offered, with great friendliness, respectful obedience
in everything that was right ;
and reminded him with strong
exhortation that it was not necessary for him to leave his
office for lack of honourable display of respect ; and we
earnestly asked that he would remain until I had informed
the king of England and you, that I might have the benefit
of counsel from both. After listening to this he answered
me that he would on no account remain, unless I kept him
in captivity. For he knew that he was neither profitable
nor suitable in the control of the bishopric, and he saw that
if he remained loss threatened his soul and the souls of others.
At last by common counsel I refused to keep him by force,
and agreed, though reluctantly, to his request and he ;
gave
up the bishopric, and confirmed with a kiss the bond of friend-
ship between me and him. And this is the truth of the case,
which I have wished to declare to you in writing, so that, if
anything else might reach your ears, you
it.
should not believe
"Lastly may your Goodness know that I wish, as a faithful
friend, to be wholly submissive to you, and desire to be
subject to your counsel and your affection. And I earnestly
request you to show honour to master Edmer.
"Farewell."
Now whether in this the king reported to so great a father
things true, sophistical or false, will not escape the discernment
of Him who in his own time will reveal the counsels,
inventions and deceits of each one, to repay each according
to his deeds.
But father Ralph wrote in reply this letter :
" To Alexander, illustrious king of the Scots, brother Ralph,
unworthy minister of the holy church of Canterbury, so to
reign in his earthly kingdom as to be able to reign with Christ
in heaven.
"
The thanks which we can, venerable lord, we return
to your Highness for the gift of love and honour which we
discern, from the report brought by your envoys and letters,
you entertain towards our littleness. And in this you shall
always have, to the extent of our ability, our affection : and
know surely that if anything in our life (God bestowing) is