David, for counsel as to his course with Stephen. It ended in their entering into a league against Stephen, and Henry being knighted by David; and with such results, Henry most probably repaced this portal in pleasant spirits, the Earl of Chester and many a noble English youth by his side.
After David's death the castle again came into the hands of the English, and, twenty years after, we find that gallant governor, Robert de Vaux, pacing these old arches. A right heroic princely man, he rises upon us through the mists of time, his successful defence of the castle against William the Lion, of Scotland, during many months' siege, being the grand deed about which his name and fame revolve. And this was no common deed, for the city during that time was invested with 8,000 Scotch soldiers, and the resolute garrison were at fearful extremities, and on the very brink of yielding, when an accident–the Scotch king being taken prisoner at Alnwick–at last delivered them from their peril. Thirteen years after this Henry Plantagenet, now Henry II., again passed these portals. He was now no longer young, had reigned thirty-two years, and was within three of his death. Fierce struggles and fierce sorrows had passed over him, but great events and great things had also transpired and been done. Active, and hurrying hither and thither to the last, he came this time with a large army and met William the Lion (who had been in league with his own sons against him, but it seems forgiven,) and David his brother here. He was now lord of Scotland, William, on his defeat at Alnwick, having acknowledged himself his vassal; and the great
