"Fawside, the day is totally lost, and I am living: and without a single wound!"
"And I too, though seeking death everywhere."
"So much the better; I have for you a task of honour and peril to perform."
"Name it—quick, my lord; we have not a moment to lose," cried Florence breathlessly.
"Ride for Edinburgh—get forth the queen and queen-mother, and, with whatever men you can collect, take the road for the north—there await my orders—away!"
"Farewell; but I must have one other dash at these English demi-lances," he exclaimed, wheeling round his horse.
Cold in the cause of Scotland, and heedless whether the field was lost or won, too many of the peers showed but an indifferent example to their soldiers; others, with an eye to the promised pensions, gold, titles, and rewards, wished well to Somerset, and openly fled, like traitors, as Arran called them. Hence the rhyme, with which the poor Scots consoled themselves,—
'Twas English gold and Scots traitors wan
The field of Pinkey, but no Englishman.
According to Buchanan, the Highlanders escaped without loss, as they formed themselves into a dense circle, and in this strange order retreated over the most difficult and rocky ground, where no men-at-arms could follow them. Their retreat was covered by the MacNabs, among whom the twelve tall sons of Aileen were conspicuous by their vigour and bravery.
Arran retired with a body of fugitives to Stirling, and on the day after the battle fresh scenes of disaster and devastation occurred in Edinburgh. In every street rapine and outrage were triumphant. Holyrood was sacked, the churches were despoiled, and Leith was set in flames.