Lady Magdalen by Robin Jenkins

Author:Robin Jenkins [Jenkins, Robin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780857863669
Publisher: Canongate Books

2

AFTER FIVE MONTHS of imprisonment James returned to Kincardine, unwell, depressed, and embittered. The King had at last come to Edinburgh, and what had he done? He had, it was true, saved James’s life and got him released from prison, but, as against that, he had made Argyll a marquis, thus showing he was going to depend on him and not on Montrose to champion his cause in Scotland. Everyone knew that squint-eyed Campbell was not to be trusted, everyone but the King. What was the use of risking one’s life and liberty for the sake of a King who preferred a self-seeking, devious traitor to a patriot? Magdalen, listening to these monologues, suggested meekly that perhaps the King did not know whom to trust. Had not his ancestors died violently at the hands of subjects? Also, could it not be that it was not in his nature to trust anyone, since he himself was untrustworthy?

Peevishly James rebuked her for criticising the King. She did not understand. Like most women she saw things too simply. Let her get on with her tapestry.

She came upon his latest poem on his desk in the library. She did not think he would mind her reading it; after all, in the early days of their marriage he had read all his poetry to her. One verse stood out. She could easily imagine James’s vaunting voice reading it aloud:

Like Alexander I will reign

And I will reign alone.

My thoughts shall evermore disdain

A rival on my throne.

He either fears his fate too much

Or his deserts are small

That puts it not unto the touch

To win or lose it all.

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