In the mid 17th century, Scotland became convulsed by religious conflict between supporters of King Charles I, and Covenanters who believed the king was overstepping his authority and seeking to return Scotland to Catholicism.
George Gordon, 2nd Marquis of Huntly was a Royalist, and at a meeting with Covenanter rebels where he had been promised safe-conduct, was arrested and taken to Edinburgh. The quotation above was the last line of his reply when he was implored to join the rebel army.
George was to share the fate of his King, being beheaded at the Mercat Cross in Edinburgh 22 March 1649. His steadfast loyalty to his King was not forgotten however, with his grandson George being elevated by Charles II to the Dukedom of Gordon.
This portrait is courtesy of the National Galleries of Scotland.
