however, that the King of Scotland had no sovereignty in the Hebrides
at the time when King Magnus won them from King Godred,[2] and also
that King Magnus only asserted his Birthright. The commissioners then
said, that the King of Scotland was willing to purchase all the
Hebrides from King Haco, and entreated him to value them in fine
silver. The King replied, he knew no such urgent want of money as
would oblige him to sell his inheritance. With that answer the
messengers departed. From this cause some misunderstanding arose
between the Kings. The Scottish Monarch, however, frequently renewed
the negotiation, and sent many proposals; but the Scots received no
other explanation than what is here related.


MCCXLIX.

Alexander King of Scotland, wished much for possession of the
Hebrides. He had often sent to Norway to redeem them with money, and
he did so this summer. But when he could not purchase those
territories of King Haco, he took other measures in hand, which were
not princely. Collecting forces throughout all Scotland, he prepared
for a voyage to the Hebrides, and determined to subdue those islands
under his dominion. He made it manifest before his subjects, that he
would not desist till he had set his standard east on the cliffs of
Thurso,[3] and had reduced under himself all the provinces which the
Norwegian Monarch possessed to the westward of the German Ocean.[4]

King Alexander sent word to John King of the isles that he wished to
see him. But King John would not meet the Scottish King till four
Earls of Scotland had pledged their honour, that he should return in
safety, whether any agreement was made or not. When the Kings met, the