300 Death of Comyn. 



" At this same time Robert de Bruis, earl of Carrik, who 

 bore himself boldly of his kinsmen and allies, trusting to prove 

 his right to challenge the succession to the realm of Scotland, 

 in the year of grace, 1306, 29th of January, sent his two brothers, 

 Thomas and Neil, from Loghmah»en to Dalscuentoun to John 

 Comyn, begging him to be willing to meet him at Dromfres, in 

 the Minor Friars, that they might be able to converse. He had 

 arranged with his two brothers aforesaid that on their journey 

 they should kill the said John Comyne. The which were 

 received in such a friendly manner by the said John Comyne 

 that they could not consent to do him any harm ; but they 

 agreed that their brother should himself do his best. The said 

 John Comyn, who was thinking no evil, betook himself with the 

 two brothers of the said Robert de Bruys to Dromfres to speak 

 with him. They came to the Friars, where he found the said 

 Robert, who came to meet him. So he led him to the high 

 altar. The two brothers of the said Robert spoke to him 

 privately. ' Sir,' said they, 'he gave us such a handsome recep- 

 tion, and with such large gifts, and trusted us so much by so 

 open a countenance, that in no manner were we able to do him 

 harm.' 'See,' said he, 'you have well discharged your duty; 

 leave me to manage.' He took the said John Comyn, and 

 they approached the altar. 'Sir,' then said the said Robert de 

 Bruis to the said John Comyn, ' this land of Scotland is entirely 

 subdued into servitude by the English through the default of the 

 leader, w"ho allows his own right and the freedom of the realm 

 to be lost. Choose one of two ways; either take my inheritance, 

 and help me to become king, or give me yours. So I will help 

 you to become king; for you are of his blood who lost the crown. 

 Or I will take it, who claim it by succession from my ancestors, 

 who claimed the right to have it, but who were debarred by the 

 votes. For now' is the time, in the old-age of this English King.' 

 Then said the said John Comyne, ' I w^ill certainly never act 

 falsely to my English lord in what has been entrusted to me on 

 oath and homage in anything which can be imputed to me as 

 treason.' 'No,' said Robert de Bruys to him, 'I had another 

 hope in you, by promise of you and yours ; but you will reveal 

 it to the King by your letters. Wherefore, if you live, I cannot 

 achieve my wish. You shall have your reward.' So he 

 struck him with his dagger; others cut him down in the midst of 



