A collection of ancient and modern Scottish ballads, etc

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was sent to bring Murray into the south, of purpose to
work a reconcilement betwixt him and Huntly. But a
rumour being raised in the mean while, that the Earl of
Murray was seen in the palace with Bothwell on the
night of the enterprise, the same was entertained by
Huntly (who waited then at court) to make him suspect-
ed of the king, and prevailed so far, as he did purchase
a commission to apprehend and bring Murray to his
trial. The nobleman, not fearing that any such course
should be used, was come to Dunybirsile, a house situ-
ated on the north side of Forth, and belonging to his
mother, the Lady Downe ; Huntly being advertised of
his coming, and how he lay there secure, accompanied
onely with the Sheriffe of Murray, and a few of his own
retinue, went thither and beset the house, requiring him
to render. The Earl of Murray, refusing to put himself in
the hands of his enemy, after some defence made, where-
in the Sheriffe was killed, fire was set to the house, and
they within forced, by the violence of the smoak an^
flame, to come forth. The Earl stayed a great space
after the rest, and the night falling down, ventured
among his enemies, and breaking through the midst of
them, did so farre out-run them all, as they supposed he
was escaped; yet searching him among the rocks, he
>vas discovered by the tip of his head peece, which had
taken fire before he left the house, and unmercifully
slain. The report went, that Huntiie's friends fearing
he should disclaim the fact, (for he desired rather to have
taken him alive,) made him light from his horse, and give
jsome stroaks to the dead corps. This done, Gordon of
Buckie was dispatched to advertise the king what had
happened, and Huntly himself took journey northward,
in such haste, as he left Captain Gordon, his cousin, that