The story begins with three soldiers; a Scotsman, an Englishman and an Irishman. They resolve to leave the army, and sneak away as soon as possible. They wander the woods for days, sleeping in trees at night to avoid the wild beasts that stalk the woods. One morning, the Scotsman awakens in a tree and spies a castle in the distance. Tired and hungry, he sets off for the castle without telling the others where he is going. He arrives at the castle, but it is locked and no fire is coming from the chimney. He is about to leave when a beautiful woman calls out to him from a window, and promises him the food and rest he seeks. He enters the castle, eats his fill and falls asleep in a large room filled with other sleeping men.