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You can read this book here in pdf - Electric Scotland

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FROM ENGLISH CHRONICLERS 361<br />

service due both to the k<strong>in</strong>g of Scots and to the k<strong>in</strong>g of the<br />

Norwegians.<br />

But when the k<strong>in</strong>g of Scots still enraged had replied that<br />

no one could serve two masters, and had received the answer<br />

that one could quite well serve two masters, provided the<br />

masters were not enemies, the k<strong>in</strong>g prepared an army to<br />

attack him hostilely.<br />

Owen t<strong>here</strong>fore be<strong>in</strong>g loth to offend his lord the k<strong>in</strong>g of<br />

<strong>Scotland</strong>, besought him that a truce might be granted him,<br />

so that he should resign to the k<strong>in</strong>g of Norway his homage<br />

along with the island spoken of.<br />

And when the k<strong>in</strong>g of Scots had refused him <strong>this</strong> the<br />

k<strong>in</strong>g's perversity was apparent, w<strong>here</strong>by he <strong>in</strong>curred the dis-<br />

pleasure of God and of St. Columba, who lies <strong>in</strong> those regions<br />

and is honoured t<strong>here</strong> ; and of many nobles.<br />

The k<strong>in</strong>g t<strong>here</strong>fore declared Owen unfaithful and pursued<br />

him hostilely by ship to near Argyle ; urged, as is said,<br />

by the vehement prompt<strong>in</strong>gs of a certa<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>discreet bishop<br />

of Strathearn, 1 a friar to wit of the order of the Preachers.<br />

The k<strong>in</strong>g t<strong>here</strong>fore leav<strong>in</strong>g his ship, before he could mount<br />

his horse, as if <strong>in</strong> retribution was struck by a sudden and<br />

mortal disease. And while wish<strong>in</strong>g to dis<strong>in</strong>herit an <strong>in</strong>nocent<br />

man, he unexpectedly breathed out with that ambition the<br />

breath of life, <strong>in</strong> the hands of his nobles. 2<br />

1 Clement, bishop of Dunblane ; cf. also supra, s.a. 1244.<br />

2 Cf. the Chr. Reg. Man., 233, s.a. 1249 :<br />

assembled many ships, to subdue to himself the Isles ;<br />

a fever, <strong>in</strong> the island of Kerrera."<br />

"<br />

At that time k<strong>in</strong>g Alexander<br />

and died, seized with

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